Hello children. So, a few disclaimers before we begin. Some of these paragraphs are confusing time-skips, I realized. I also know that Gingerleaf was supposed to tell Swiftpaw she wasn't allowed to take a mate, but I decided to switch it up a little. Enjoy!

Swiftkit woke in the nursery. Her mother Redflower was sleeping peacefully next to her. The six-moon-old kit stood up and stretched. Today was the day of her apprentice ceremony! The gray-and-white-with-darker-gray-flecks kit was still not sure if she wanted to be a warrior.

"I guess we'll see what happens," she whispered to herself.

Swiftkit left the nursery and padded into the clearing, nodding to a few cats she knew. Gingerleaf, the medicine cat, Amberstar, the leader, and Brackenpaw, the quiet golden brown apprentice. She admired Brackenpaw's broad shoulders and his warm amber eyes.

She suddenly felt a tail on her back. Swiftkit whipped around to see who it was.

"Relax, it's just me," Amberstar purred. "I want to talk to you."

Swiftkit blinked with shock before shrugging and following the handsome golden leader.

The two sat in Amberstar's den, and Swiftkit fixed the leader with a curious stare. Amberstar was shuffling his paws nervously.

"So?" Swiftkit pressed, her gaze burning like blue fire. "What did I drag myself all the way here for?"

Amberstar's fur bristled at the kit's ill-tempered question, but forced himself to stay calm.

"I've been planning for a moon now how to say this," Amberstar admitted, looking embarrassed. "But, um… some cats, um… like other cats. More than a friend or Clanmate. And one of the cats that I like is you, Swiftkit."

Swiftkit's gaze hardened. "I'm not ready for a mate yet," she spat. "And if I were to have one, it sure wouldn't be you." With that, the small kit left the den with a snort.

Amberstar's head was lowered and his tail thumped onto the ground. With a muffled sob, Amberstar curled up in his nest. The leader just got rejected by a kit? Amberstar felt embarrassed and distressed.

Swiftkit's eyes were burning with hatred. How dare Amberstar make a move on her like that? She was stomping across the clearing, anger flaring from her in waves.

"Swiftkit?"

Swiftkit turned around, sighing softly. She gazed at Brackenpaw. "Hi, Brackenpaw," she mewed.

Brackenpaw swept his tail down Swiftkit's flank, smoothing the ruffled fur. "No need to be so angry. Calm down."

Swiftkit took a few deep breaths, the anger fading from her eyes. "You're right. Thanks, Brackenpaw."

Brackenpaw nodded quickly before padding lightly off to the apprentices' den.

Swiftkit flicked her ears and twisted to groom her pelt for the apprentice ceremony.

Meanwhile, Amberstar was preparing for Swiftkit's ceremony. I will be her mentor, he decided. It'll teach her. He stood up and arched his back in a long, satisfying stretch before padding out of his den and onto the huge rock.

"All cats of SunClan, gather to hear my words!" he yowled.

All the cats gathered in a semicircle with Swiftkit standing proudly in the middle. Her head was held high and her shoulders were squared.

"Swiftkit, from this moment until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Swiftpaw. I will be your mentor. May StarClan lead you to be a great warrior."

Swiftpaw's fur bristled, and the anger returned to her eyes. She clenched her teeth and forced herself to touch noses with her new mentor.

"Meeting dismissed," Amberstar meowed with a flick of his tail.

Swiftpaw sighed before padding away to the apprentices' den. She pushed her way in and settled comfortably among the moss. Brackenpaw must be on patrol.

"Swiftpaw!" Amberstar called gruffly. "Time to see the territories."

Swiftpaw let out a long, low growl. With that, she stood up and stomped after Amberstar. Her hatred for Amberstar had grown to the breaking point.

As soon as they were out in the forest, Swiftpaw's fur began to fluff up with anger. A growl was rumbling in her throat. Amberstar turned around and looked at her with soft amber eyes. "What's wrong?"

Swiftpaw forced her fur to lay flat. "Amberstar. You have to understand that I am not interested in being mates with you."

Amberstar sat down and dipped his head. "I know. I'm so sorry, Swiftpaw. I should have known."

"You should have," Swiftpaw snarled before leaping at the leader. She flew around him, slashing him with merciless blows.

Amberstar was taken aback by Swiftpaw's sudden outburst. "Stop!" he yowled, but the apprentice kept attacking with so much hatred.

Swiftpaw was raking her claws down his flank and watching with satisfaction the blood that seeped out of the scratches. She got off Amberstar's back and stood on the blood-stained grass.

"This is what you get," she hissed. "And I'm switching to be Gingerleaf's apprentice."

Amberstar was trembling with fear and helplessness. "Please, Swiftpaw. I'm so sorry!"

The small apprentice shook her head. "It's too late," she murmured quietly. "I accept your apology, but I never wanted to be a warrior." She padded closer to Amberstar and helped him up, licking gently at his scratches.

Amberstar caught his breath and rested his muzzle on top of the apprentice's head. "You will be a great medicine cat," he purred softly. "I will talk to Gingerleaf tonight." In this small moment of warmth between the two cats, Amberstar's heart was finally filled for the first time.

Swiftpaw was sorting herbs for Gingerleaf. She came across a strange herb that she didn't know. "Gingerleaf, what is this herb?" she asked, genuinely confused.

The ginger tabby she-cat looked over at Swiftpaw. "Oh, that's a borage leaf. It's good for curing fever and helping queens' milk come."

Swiftpaw nodded and stored the leaf with the other borage leaves.

"You know," Gingerleaf purred, "you're becoming a great medicine cat."

Swiftpaw shrugged. "Yeah, I guess. Could I go look at Brackenpaw's shoulder again?"

Gingerleaf sighed exasperatedly. "It's the third time today, Swiftpaw. Is it really that bad?"

Swiftpaw's fur grew hot with embarrassment. "No, but I want to make sure he's comfortable."

Gingerleaf swished her tail. "Very well, then."

Swiftpaw bounded out of the den and flew into the apprentices' den.

Brackenpaw looked up from his washing. "Oh hi, Swiftpaw. Back again?"

Swiftpaw ducked her head. "Yes. I want to make sure you're okay," she mewed in a small voice, twitching her ears.

Brackenpaw stretched out in his nest. "Okay. I'm fine, Swiftpaw. But you can look if you want."

Swiftpaw nodded and ran her paws over the apprentice's shoulder. She felt no heat coming from it. "It's probably just a sprain," she decided. "Just stay off it for a few days."

Brackenpaw gazed right into her eyes. "You told me that two times already. I will stay off it, Swiftpaw. Do you not trust me?"

Swiftpaw sat back and curled her tail around her paws, looking away. "Oh, yes, yes, of course I trust you. I just want you to be back on apprentice duties as soon as possible."

Brackenpaw caught her gaze again. "Thank you, Swiftpaw."

Swiftpaw swallowed hard and mewed back, "You're welcome," before turning and dashing back out of the den. She was trembling. Brackenpaw was so nice! She liked him a lot. But she was a medicine cat, and he was a warrior apprentice…

She padded into the medicine den, her tail flicking nonchalantly. "Gingerleaf, shall I check the elders for ticks?" she asked politely.

Gingerleaf shook her head. "I just did that. You're done for the day."

Swiftpaw nodded before backing out of the den. She emerged into the clearing and dragged a thrush out of the fresh-kill pile.

Brackenpaw was limping out into the clearing, relishing the cool air on his face after being stuck in the den for so long. He spotted Swiftpaw by herself at the side of the clearing, nibbling on a thrush wing.

"Swiftpaw?" Brackenpaw mewed. "Can I sit here?"

Swiftpaw jumped with surprise before realizing who it was. "Oh. Yes, of course. Want to share?"

Brackenpaw nodded before carefully settling on the grass, careful not to injure his already hurt shoulder. He gazed right into Swiftpaw's beautiful dark blue eyes. "Swiftpaw, I know you were acting weird today. What's wrong?"

Swiftpaw cast her eyes down, studying her forepaws. "Nothing," she mumbled.

Brackenpaw sighed. "What's wrong?" he repeated.

Swiftpaw swallowed hard. "Brackenpaw… I, um, like you. A lot. More than a friend." She scuffled her paws in the sandy earth embarrassedly.

Brackenpaw stretched out a paw to gently tilt the pretty apprentice's head up. "Swiftpaw," he murmured, "I knew you were acting weird. I like you too. Please, Swiftpaw, meet me here at moonhigh tonight."

Swiftpaw sighed happily, pressing against the other apprentice. "Of course I'll come. I'm already excited."

Brackenpaw nodded and felt Swiftpaw busily rasping her tongue over his injured shoulder.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Swiftpaw asked, her blue eyes soft and caring.

Brackenpaw purred. "Yes, I'm sure." He leaned forward to smooth Swiftpaw's neck fur, which was thick and fluffy.

There was a long silence as the two apprentices shared tongues, the warmth between them hanging in the air like a cloud.

Amberstar approached the two apprentices, the jealousy raging in him like fire.

"Swiftpaw, Gingerleaf wants your help," Amberstar growled.

Swiftpaw nodded and gave Brackenpaw a long look of love and passion before turning to Amberstar. "First, I need to talk to you."

Swiftpaw led the golden leader into the ferns. "Look, I know you still like me," she hissed. "But I like Brackenpaw. You have to understand that."

Amberstar looked away. "I know, I didn't mean to interrupt. But I'll always love you, Swiftpaw."

Swiftpaw lashed her tail irritably before padding off to the medicine den.

Gingerleaf turned around to see her apprentice seething with anger. "What's wrong, Swiftpaw?"

Swiftpaw let out a long sigh. "Nothing. What did you need me to do?"

Gingerleaf turned to the herb stores and pulled out a matted, dusty pile of assorted dried herbs. "Sort these for me, then throw out the tiny scraps."

Swiftpaw sat down, pawing the herbs over to her. "For sure, Gingerleaf."

Gingerleaf stood up and sweeped the herb dust to the side with her tail. "I'm going out to collect herbs," she announced. "You're in charge while I'm gone."

Swiftpaw nodded and proceeded to sort the herbs, watching Gingerleaf leave the den out of the corner of her eye.

A few moments later, Swiftpaw was finished sorting the herbs. She collected the scraps in a leaf wrap and headed out of the den to throw them away.

"Swiftpaw! Is Gingerleaf available? Redflower's hurt!" Hailstep yowled, racing into the camp.

Swiftpaw disposed of the herb scraps. "What's wrong with her?"

Hailstep's eyes were horrified. "Will she be okay? Her foreleg looks like it came off!"

Swiftpaw nodded slowly. "Sounds like she's got a dislocated shoulder," she mewed. "She'll be fine. Let me get a few herbs."

Swiftpaw trotted after Hailstep with a leaf wrap in her jaws. She emerged into a clearing with Redflower lying on her side. The she-cat's eyes were glazed with pain, and her breath came fast.

Swiftpaw unraveled the leaf wrap. "Redflower, I need you to take slow, deep breaths for me."

Redflower closed her eyes and slowed her breathing.

"This is going to hurt," Swiftpaw meowed slowly. She pressed her forepaws onto Redflower's shoulder and dug her hind paws into the grass below. She moved her paws quickly until she heard a pop.

"That should be good," Swiftpaw confirmed. She placed some comfrey leaves onto Redflower's shoulder while giving some thyme to Redflower.

Once the warrior had eaten the thyme, she looked up at her daughter. "Thank you," she mewed shakily.

"It's nothing," she responded briskly. "We should get you back to camp."

Swiftpaw helped Redflower back to camp, supporting one side of her while Hailstep handled the other.

They came into camp and Swiftpaw took Redflower to the medicine den. The she-cat was limping heavily. She didn't want to use her injured foreleg until Gingerleaf said it was okay.

Redflower flopped down in the nest and closed her eyes, panting.

Swiftpaw returned the unused herbs to the herb stores. "Gingerleaf will be back soon. She'll make sure you're okay."

Redflower twitched her ears in response.

"I get it, you're tired. I'll leave you alone now," Swiftpaw murmured, padding softly out of the den.

Gingerleaf was holding a wad of yarrow in her jaws. She dropped it on the ground in front of her. "Swiftpaw! Did anything happen while I was gone?"

"Um…" Swiftpaw shuffled her paws. "Redflower dislocated her shoulder. I put it back into place. She's in your den."

Gingerleaf nodded quickly, picked up the yarrow, and headed into the medicine den.

Swiftpaw continued into the clearing to see her father Pinefang returning from patrol. Swiftpaw bounded over to him. "Great catch!" she praised, her eyes shining. "Redflower was injured today."

Pinefang's eyes clouded with worry. "Is she okay?"

Swiftpaw nodded. "Yes, of course. Gingerleaf's with her now."

Pinefang leaned over to touch his muzzle to his daughter's head for a moment before padding off to the medicine den.

Swiftpaw spotted Brackenpaw at the side of the clearing by himself, gazing out at the Clan. She raced over to him, her eyes sparkling. "Hi, Brackenpaw!" she mewed brightly. "How was your day?"

Brackenpaw looked up with a purr. "It was great. I heard Redflower was injured. Did you help her?"

Swiftpaw settled on the grass beside the golden-brown apprentice. "Yes. Gingerleaf was out gathering herbs at the time."

Brackenpaw nodded approvingly. "Hailstep said it was pretty scary. Anyway, Hailstep also said my warrior assessment is tomorrow!"

Swiftpaw's eyes widened. "Really? Great StarClan, you'll be an amazing warrior." Suddenly Swiftpaw's eyes clouded with pain. "You're going to be so busy with duties! How am I ever going to hang out with you?"

Brackenpaw gasped. "Swiftpaw, don't say that! Of course we can hang out."

Swiftpaw turned her head away. "I don't want to interrupt your responsibilities," she murmured. "We can't do this."

Brackenpaw was staring at Swiftpaw helplessly. "No, please! Swiftpaw!" but Swiftpaw was already headed away, her tail trailing on the ground.

Brackenpaw looked down with a long sigh. That conversation escalated quickly. The sun over the camp began to set, and smother the camp with an orange glow. Brackenpaw stood up and padded toward the medicine den, where he knew Swiftpaw was.

Swiftpaw was curled in her nest, her ears flattened. Of course Brackenpaw and her couldn't be mates. He had way too much responsibility! She heard a cat enter the den, and she looked up.

Brackenpaw stood at the entrance to the den. "Swiftpaw, I need to talk to you," he whispered. "Please."

Swiftpaw heaved herself to her paws and followed Brackenpaw out and behind the apprentices' den.

"Swiftpaw," Brackenpaw began, "please, before I become a warrior, meet me in the clearing at moonhigh. You already said you'd come."

Swiftpaw gazed right into his warm amber eyes. To be honest, it melted her heart to see the warmth in his eyes. "Oh, Brackenpaw, I'm sorry. I overreacted. Of course we can hang out. Please forgive me," she begged.

Brackenpaw shifted to press against the medicine cat apprentice. "I already did, before you even said anything. I'll always be here for you, whatever happens."

Swiftpaw twined her tail with the tom's, breathing in his foresty scent.

Brackenpaw let out a long breath. He could definitely spend the rest of his life at Swiftpaw's side, always.

"Well," Swiftpaw mewed, "I'd better get into my nest. I'll be here at moonhigh."

Brackenpaw reluctantly pulled away. "Yes. I'll see you at moonhigh."

The golden brown apprentice came out from behind the den to see Amberstar blocking his path. "What are you doing here?" Amberstar asked.

"Just making dirt," Brackenpaw replied confidently, squaring his shoulders.

"Well, in that case," Amberstar meowed, "you can use the dirtplace."

Brackenpaw nodded. "Yes, Amberstar."

Amberstar padded off to his den.

Brackenpaw sighed and went into the apprentices' den to curl up in his nest.

Meanwhile, Swiftpaw was entering the medicine den. Gingerleaf stepped in front of her, blocking her path.

"So, tell me," Gingerleaf almost purred, "what were you and Brackenpaw doing behind the apprentices' den?"

Swiftpaw met her mentor's gaze strongly. "I love him."

Gingerleaf gave a short nod. "Very well," she meowed. "I went through that once."

Swiftpaw rumbled with amusement as she settled in her nest. "Are medicine apprentices allowed to have mates as long as their mentor is alive?" she asked.

Gingerleaf looked over at her with warm blue eyes. "I'm not sure, but what I am sure of is that we'll make an exception for you."

Swiftpaw rested her head on her paws. "Can you tell me when it's moonhigh?"

"I'm not sure, I'll probably be asleep. Why?"

"Because I promised to meet Brackenpaw," she responded, her fur heating up.

Gingerleaf purred. "Wake yourself up, mouse-brain," she teased gently, flicking her tail over the tips of Swiftpaw's ears.

She watched her mentor fall asleep before she gazed out of the den. After many, many long moments of waiting, she heard Brackenpaw step out into the clearing, his ears twitching.

She carefully edged out of the den, making sure not to disturb Gingerleaf. She padded toward the handsome apprentice, her eyes glowing. "Hi, Brackenpaw," she breathed.

Brackenpaw's amber gaze reflected the love and warmth of her own gaze. "Hi, Swiftpaw. Want to go for a walk?"

Swiftpaw nodded. Brackenpaw purred with laughter and curled his tail over the she-cat's back. "Come on, then!"

Swiftpaw darted off after Brackenpaw. She sped up, haring away into the trees. They slowed to a halt when they came to the lake. The two apprentices gazed out onto the gently rolling waves of the lake.

"I've always thought the lake was beautiful," Brackenpaw murmured. He curled his tail over his paws.

"Well, it's a good thing SunClan is so close to it," Swiftpaw responded, coming to sit by the other cat.

Brackenpaw let out a short purr. "Yes." His eyes suddenly grew serious. "I would gladly spend the rest of my life at your side, Swiftpaw, and protect you from harm."

Swiftpaw leaned into the tom. "I would do the same for you in a heartbeat, Brackenpaw."

Brackenpaw rested his muzzle on her head. The love between the two was crackling violently. "Oh, Swiftpaw. I have always loved you, ever since we were both kits. I would love it if… if we could be mates."

Swiftpaw stiffened. "Really?" Shock pulsed through her. "Are you sure?"

Brackenpaw remained calm, he even closed his eyes in happiness. "Of course I'm sure. You're the one and only cat I'd want by my side. Unless, of course, this is too much for you?"

Swiftpaw twined her tail with Brackenpaw's. "Oh no, I'd be honored." She took a deep breath. "Yes, I'll be your mate."

Brackenpaw's eyes glowed with excitement. "I wonder what my warrior name will be!" He began to name a few. "Brackenstep, Brackenclaw, Brackentail, Brackenheart." He stopped a moment. "Are you going to be okay with me going out on a lot of patrols?"

Swiftpaw gazed out at the lake. The sun had begun to rise. "Of course. Every cat must help out around here. Besides, I have duties too."

"You're right," Brackenpaw sighed. "Well, I guess I should go through some last-moment reviewing for my assessment. Have a good day, Swiftpaw."

Swiftpaw's eyes locked onto Brackenpaw's. "Promise me you'll try hard. For both of us, please. Remember your training."

Brackenpaw nodded. "Yes. By the end of today, I will be a warrior."

Swiftpaw let out a purr. "You will, and I'll be so proud of you. Try hard," she murmured before Brackenpaw padded off into the trees. She followed after a few heartbeats.

Swiftpaw pushed her way into the medicine den. Gingerleaf was there, rising from her nest. "Hello, Swiftpaw. I see you had a nice night." The medicine cat's eyes gleamed with amusement.

Swiftpaw fidgeted uncomfortably. "Yes. Brackenpaw's becoming a warrior today."

Gingerleaf stretched each leg in turn. "Good for him. Can you go out and collect some coltsfoot, please?"

"Sure, Gingerleaf." She padded out of the den and out into the forest. The small medicine apprentice soon came to the clearing where Brackenpaw was doing his battle assessment. She saw Brackenpaw doing complicated flips, grunting with effort. But the thing that impressed her the most was that the two strong warriors assessing him could never win against Brackenpaw.

"Wow," she breathed before turning and trotting off toward the spot where coltsfoot grew. She quickly nipped off a few stems and took them into her jaws.

On her way back to camp, the assessing team was also heading back. Brackenpaw looked exhausted, his fur ruffled and his eyes dull.

"Hello, Swiftpaw," one of the warriors, Blazestorm, meowed politely.

Brackenpaw looked up. "Oh, hi."

Knowing that she had to keep this relationship a secret, she gave a curt nod to the three toms. Underneath her intelligent, brisk gaze, she hid unconditional love.

She sped up to a quick trot and reached the camp before the toms. The gray-furred she-cat entered the medicine den and dropped the coltsfoot stems at Gingerleaf's paws.

"Wow, Swiftpaw. I didn't expect this much. Thanks," Gingerleaf meowed briskly, storing the coltsfoot in the herb stores.

Swiftpaw gave a quick nod and curled up in her nest. Being up all night really was tiring. She heard Gingerleaf settle beside her and begin to groom her fur.

Swiftpaw shuffled a bit, letting out a soft mew. She looked like a kit again, cuddled up against her mother. She let her eyes close and she slipped into sleep.

She woke to the sound of Amberstar's yowl. "All cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the rock for a Clan meeting!"

Swiftpaw groomed herself quickly before trotting out to sit with her Clanmates. Her eyes shone with pride for Brackenpaw. The golden brown tom was sitting at the foot of the rock, eyes bright and pelt smooth.

"This apprentice has successfully trained enough to become a warrior." Amberstar touched his nose to Brackenpaw's head. "He will be known as Brackenflight. StarClan already approves of you, young one."

Brackenflight respectfully dipped his head.

"He will keep vigil tonight," Amberstar finished. "Meeting dismissed."

The cats slipped back into their dens or out into the forest, but Swiftpaw padded toward Brackenflight, her eyes shining with love. "Look at you! A brand new warrior!" The purrs rumbling from her throat were loud ones as she entwined her tail with her mate's.

Brackenflight was purring as well. "It'll be you soon," he reminded the small apprentice.

Swiftpaw leaned into the warmth of the tom. "I've still got a while yet," she purred. "But yes. I'm learning more every day."

Brackenflight gently pulled his tail away from Swiftpaw's and curled it around his mate instead.

Amberstar cleared his throat pointedly. "Brackenflight, please could you join Blazestorm's hunting patrol?"

Brackenflight pulled away from Swiftpaw and gave her a loving lick on the top of her head. "Yes, Amberstar." He padded off to join Blazestorm, Rabbitpaw, and Reedwing.

Swiftpaw gazed at the golden leader. "Is there something you'd like to tell me?"

"Actually, yes," he replied, twitching his ears. "I've talked with Gingerleaf, and we decided that even if you're a little young, you've learned almost all the herbs, and you're going to become a full medicine cat tonight."

Swiftpaw let out a gasp. "What?" she squeaked. "I'm not ready yet!"

Amberstar let out a sympathetic purr. "It's a little much, I know. But we know that you're ready."

Swiftpaw calmed down and nodded. "Okay. It is the half-moon tonight, so we'll travel to the Moonlit Clearing tonight."

Amberstar dipped his golden head before quickly trotting away.

Swiftpaw jumped to her paws and bolted out of the camp. She had to tell Brackenflight! She scented the patrol he was in, and was bounding through the forest so fast that everything was a blur.

She skidded to a halt at the patrol's side, and sat gasping for air for a few moments.

Brackenflight twitched his ears curiously. "Swiftpaw? Are you okay?"

Swiftpaw used the last of her strength to jump to her paws again. "Yes, I just need to talk to you."

Brackenflight flicked his tail for the patrol to go on. "So? Is it exciting?"

Swiftpaw struggled to catch her breath from her run. "Absolutely," she gasped. "I'm becoming a full medicine cat tonight!"

Brackenflight let out a loud purr. "You are? Oh, how exciting!"

Swiftpaw's breaths came in quick gasps now. Her eyes were wide and she suddenly fell to the ground. "I know, right?" she rasped before she passed out.

Brackenflight let out a yowl to signal to the patrol. "Help! Swiftpaw's hurt or something!"

Blazestorm came thundering through the forest ahead of Rabbitpaw and Reedwing. "Okay," he meowed with authority. "You and Reedwing, take one of her sides. Me and Rabbitpaw will take her other side."

They were almost at the camp when Swiftpaw let out a gasp. Her eyes blinked open and they filled with surprise. "Where am I?" she rasped weakly.

"You're almost at the camp, Swiftpaw," Blazestorm mewed soothingly. "You had a little accident."

Swiftpaw tried to walk on her own, but she gratefully let the other four cats carry her.

They got to the camp and let Swiftpaw stumble the last few pawsteps into her den.

Swiftpaw collapsed into her nest, and Gingerleaf turned, her eyes widening with curiosity. "Swiftpaw? What happened to you?"

Swiftpaw's blue eyes were closed with exhaustion. "It's best you ask Brackenflight," she croaked.

Gingerleaf let out a huff of exasperation before padding out to talk to Brackenflight.

"So, what happened to Swiftpaw?" Gingerleaf queried, her eyes narrowed.

Brackenflight's eyes looked horrified. "She ran through the forest to catch up with my patrol. When she stopped, she was gasping and wheezing for air. I didn't know what was happening, or what to do," Brackenflight replied, his voice shaking. "Is she okay?"

Gingerleaf sighed, glancing back at the den entrance. "I think so. She probably has some mild breathing issues. She's asleep now though, don't bother her."

Brackenflight leaned forward slightly. "Can't you give her some herbs or something to fix it?"

Gingerleaf nodded. "Don't worry about it. She'll be fine. Now, get on with your patrol. Swiftpaw needs her rest before traveling to the Moonlit Clearing tonight."

Brackenflight dipped his golden brown head before trotting quickly away.

Gingerleaf flicked her ears before padding quietly back into the medicine den to check Swiftpaw's breathing.

Swiftpaw blinked open her eyes to see Gingerleaf gazing down at her. "What happened?" she asked.

Gingerleaf blinked patiently. "You had some breathing issues, dear. You'll be fine before tonight."

Swiftpaw rose quickly from her nest, her eyes wide. "Right! I'm getting my full-." She was cut off by a coughing fit. After containing herself she began again. "I'm getting my full name tonight. My throat feels as dry as sand," she complained.

Gingerleaf stood aside to let the medicine apprentice lap at the pool running into the medicine den. "What do you think would help your breathing, Swiftpaw?" Gingerleaf asked, grinning.

Swiftpaw stood up and twitched her whiskers to rid them of the water drops. "Coltsfoot, of course!" Her mew was a rasping purr. "Maybe tansy too."

"Precisely," Gingerleaf mewed, pulling out a few coltsfoot leaves. "Eat up."

Swiftpaw obediently ate the herbs and lay back in her nest. "Can… can I see Brackenflight? I want to thank him."

"He's out on patrol, little one." Gingerleaf's voice sounded so motherly.

"I won't be little for much longer," Swiftpaw retorted lightly, faking an offended expression.

Gingerleaf stood up and nudged Swiftpaw's flank. "Here, I'll teach you a few exercises to help you breathe better."

Swiftpaw was trying to catch the moss ball that Gingerleaf threw to her many times over. She was panting hard. Swiftpaw was so concentrated that she didn't see Brackenflight gazing into the den anxiously. He let out a soft mew to announce his arrival.

Swiftpaw stopped and sat down to catch her breath. Gingerleaf waved her tail at the tom. "Hello, Brackenflight. Come on in."

Swiftpaw lapped at the water-filled moss in front of her. Her normal voice was finally back. "Thank you, Brackenflight. I heard you helped me back to camp."

The golden brown tom touched his nose to her head. "You know I'd give my last breath to save your life," he purred.

Swiftpaw felt her fur become hot. She quickly changed the subject. "I… I never got to finish earlier," she mumbled. "I'm so excited to get my full name."

Brackenflight began to groom Swiftpaw's ruffled fur with long, smooth strokes. "Of course you are," he meowed between licks. Swiftpaw let out a rumbly purr, watching Gingerleaf leave the den.

"You probably need some rest, Swiftpaw. Just go to sleep…" Brackenflight murmured, lying down beside Swiftpaw and pressing his fur to hers.

Swiftpaw closed her eyes, nuzzling into Brackenflight's fluffy neck fur. "Oh, Brackenflight, I love you," she purred before drifting off to sleep.

"I love you too, Swiftpaw," Brackenflight whispered, licking the top of her head before quietly leaving the den.

Swiftpaw was roused from her nest by Gingerleaf. "Come on, sleepyhead," the medicine cat teased. "Groom yourself before we go."

Swiftpaw sat up drowsily, her eyes bleary with sleep. She started to groom her fur, making it sleek and glossy.

Gingerleaf watched her apprentice with amusement glowing in her eyes. She leaned over and groomed the top of Swiftpaw's head and ears.

Swiftpaw blinked with satisfaction. "Okay. Let's go!" she mewed joyfully.

The two medicine cats made their way to the Moonlit Clearing. The medicine cats from LeafClan, PoolClan and DarkClan were there as well.

Gingerleaf cleared her throat importantly. "Before we start, I wish to make Swiftpaw a full medicine cat," Gingerleaf meowed smoothly.

Swiftpaw ducked her head, embarrassed.

"She has learned all the skills needed to be a medicine cat. From now on, Swiftpaw, you will be known as Swiftblaze. May StarClan help you to be a great medicine cat."

All the medicine cats curled up on the soft grass, their fur washed with moonlight.

Swiftblaze blinked once, and she was back in the SunClan camp. It was empty. She padded into all the dens, but no. Everyone was gone, except for her. The young medicine cat narrowed her eyes with confusion. She blinked again, and she was back in the Moonlit Clearing.

The other medicine cats were rising around her, yawning. Swiftblaze looked away, already heading back to the SunClan camp. Gingerleaf hurried after her, murmuring a quick farewell to the other medicine cats.

Swiftblaze kept a steady pace, a few pawsteps ahead of her mentor. Gingerleaf tried to keep up, but Swiftblaze quickened her step as well.

"Swiftblaze, is something wrong?" Gingerleaf asked quietly.

Swiftblaze looked down, stopping in her tracks. "Yes," she sighed. "I had this… weird dream, tonight at the Clearing."

Gingerleaf nudged her apprentice onward, walking beside the small cat. "Go on."

"Well, I was in the SunClan camp, and it was empty. No cat was there, except for me. Do you think it's a prophecy of some sort?"

Gingerleaf shuffled her paws. "We'll worry about that when it starts to happen," she meowed briskly.

Swiftblaze nodded, feeling comforted.

The two medicine cats went into the camp and immediately curled up in their nests to escape the leaf-bare cold.

Swiftblaze gazed out into the frosty clearing, and Brackenflight was sitting there, shivering. Oh, no. What's wrong?

Swiftblaze quietly left the den and padded toward her mate. "Are you okay?" she whispered.

Brackenflight leaned into the warmth of her fur, his eyes glazed with pain. "It's so cold that my teeth hurt," he rasped.

"Why are you not in the warriors' den?" she queried.

"My nest isn't quite built yet," Brackenflight coughed.

"Oh, you silly furball. Come into my nest for the night."

Brackenflight followed gratefully, tiptoeing into the medicine den and curling around Swiftblaze's body, snuggling down into the nest.

"Goodnight," Swiftblaze breathed as quiet as she could.

Brackenflight was already asleep, filling the den with quiet snores.

The nest morning, Swiftblaze woke normally, still tucked against her mate. Brackenflight was lying very still, careful not to disturb her. "Good morning, my love," he whispered, licking Swiftblaze's ear lovingly. "You never told me your new name."

"It's Swiftblaze," the small medicine cat purred.

"Well," Brackenflight murmured, "good morning, Swiftblaze."

The two cats scrambled out of the nest, their fur ruffled with sleep. Gingerleaf looked at them quizzically. "Why is Brackenflight here?"

Swiftblaze purred, turning to face her mentor. "His nest isn't built yet, and he was out in the clearing last night freezing to death."

Gingerleaf nodded briskly before padding out of the den. "I'm going to go check on Redflower real quick."

Swiftblaze reached up to touch her nose to Brackenflight's head. "Have a nice day, Brackenflight," she whispered. "I'm going to get a little more sleep."

Brackenflight purred. "Sweet dreams, my Swiftblaze." He leaned down and rested his muzzle on top of her head for a moment before leaving.

Swiftblaze curled back up in her nest and closed her luminous blue eyes. Sleep quickly enfolded her.

She woke in a beautiful clearing beside a crystal-clear pool. She stood up and gazed around. Was this another of her crazy dreams? She saw a few starry shapes floating down to meet her.

"Hello, Swiftblaze," one of the spirits meowed. "My name is Bluestar. I've come a long way, all the way from ThunderClan.

Bluestar's outline was incredibly faint, her blue-gray pelt almost invisible.

"U-um… are you a StarClan cat?"

Bluestar nodded, her beautiful blue eyes glowing with amusement. "And we've come here to tell you something important. This is Firestar," she waved to the bright orange tom with warm green eyes. "And this is Bramblestar." She flicked her tail at a dark brown tabby tom with amber eyes.

Swiftblaze felt so small compared to the noble leaders of ThunderClan. "You're my ancestors…" she breathed. "All the Clans around the lake changed their names. All kits hear that story. And ThunderClan became SunClan."

"That is correct, young one. But this is not what we're here to tell you. It will change your life forever," Firestar purred.

Swiftblaze swallowed nervously, the scent of fear rising from her.

Bluestar stepped in front of the two toms, flicking her tail dismissively. They padded away with no sound.

Bluestar took a deep breath, her eyes shining into Swiftblaze's. "You're going to have kits," she announced.

Swiftblaze gasped. "What?"

"It's going to be hard for you. But you have to accept it."

Swiftblaze leaned down to lick her chest fur. "Okay," she mewed anxiously.

Bluestar leaned forward. "I'm not the right cat to tell you what will happen next. But I will tell you that you're having kits, and yes, they are Brackenflight's."

Swiftblaze nodded briskly before appearing back in the medicine den. She felt a tiny movement deep inside her, and she winced, covering her belly with her tail. Perhaps I should tell Gingerleaf, she thought.

She leaned over to look into Gingerleaf's eyes. "I'm going to have kits," she sighed.

Gingerleaf blinked with surprise. "Really? Oh, Swiftblaze…"

Swiftblaze lowered her head miserably. "Will you punish me?"

"Great StarClan, no!" Gingerleaf yelped. "I'll help you as much as I can, Swiftblaze."

Swiftblaze sighed. "Should I tell Amberstar?"

Gingerleaf sighed as well. "I suppose you should, and tell Brackenflight too."

Swiftblaze nodded before padding out of the den and arriving at Amberstar's den. "Amberstar?" she called softly.

The golden leader was lying in his nest, his eyes bright. "Swiftpaw! Are you okay?"

Swiftblaze ducked her head. "Not really. And I'm Swiftblaze now."

Amberstar nodded. "So, what's wrong?"

"I'm going to have kits, Amberstar," she announced, shuffling her paws.

Amberstar's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, that was sudden. Well, that's great news! I hope your kits will be strong warriors." His amber eyes were wistful. "I wish they would be mine."

Swiftblaze touched her nose to his head comfortingly. "Thank you, Amberstar. I know it's against the warrior code for me to have kits, but…"

Amberstar nodded sympathetically. "Make sure to tell Brackenflight!" he called after her when she left the den.

Swiftblaze spotted Brackenflight sitting at the edge of the clearing, talking to Rabbitpaw. "Brackenflight!" she yowled, leaping over to him.

Brackenflight looked up in surprise. "Swiftblaze? What's wrong?" Rabbitpaw looked up as well, his green eyes curious.

"Um…" She shifted uncomfortably, glancing at Rabbitpaw. "Sorry, but it's only for Brackenflight," she meowed.

Rabbitpaw was uncomfortable as well, the awkwardness sparking between them like lightning. "Oh, er, sorry." The dusky brown apprentice quickly hurried away.

Brackenflight turned to her, love shining in his amber eyes. "Yes?"

"I'm going to have kits," she breathed, her neck fur spiking up.

Brackenflight gasped, his eyes wide. "Oh, Swiftblaze, you'll be such a great mother," he purred, twining his tail with his mate's.

Swiftblaze leaned closer until she could feel his breath on her cheek. "You'll be such a good father," she murmured quietly.

Brackenflight purred loudly. The warmth and love between the two cats was almost unimaginable. "Was Amberstar okay with it?"

"Of course. He still loves me," Swiftblaze pointed out quietly.

Brackenflight's eyes widened, all of his mate's behavior falling into place. "Amberstar asked you to be his mate on the day you were apprenticed," he whispered.

Swiftblaze nodded. "I said no, of course. I was way too young for him."

Brackenflight gently pulled away. "That's great news about the kits, Swiftblaze. Now, let me and Rabbitpaw finish." His eyes sparkled with laughter. "I'll see you later."

Swiftblaze nodded and went over to murmur into Rabbitpaw's ear. "We're done," she purred.

She padded past the brown apprentice and back into the medicine den. The small medicine apprentice felt another tiny movement within her belly. She shifted uncomfortably, glancing at Gingerleaf. "Is… is it normal for kits to move around?"

Gingerleaf nodded. "Of course. They're growing. If you have any pain, tell me right away, okay?"

Swiftblaze stretched out on her nest, watching her mentor move about the herb stores.

Gingerleaf looked back at her with a horrified expression. "You're drenched in blood," she whispered. "StarClan has something bad planned for you."

Swiftblaze's eyes widened. "What?" She swallowed anxiously.

Gingerleaf shook her head quickly. "The blood is gone, young one. You'll be fine."

Swiftblaze was still wary as she eyed her mentor suspiciously. "Well, good night, Gingerleaf," she sighed at last. She curled her tail protectively over her belly as she closed her eyes.

The young medicine cat's dreams were taken from her that night. She was in a world of blackness for the whole night. When she finally woke, the dawn light was pouring into the den.

Swiftblaze sat up slowly, wincing as the kits writhed inside of her. She glanced over at her mentor, who was motionless, not even the rise and fall of her flank that showed her breathing.

She leaped from her nest and nudged her mentor. "Gingerleaf? Gingerleaf, wake up! You need to help me deliver my kits!"

The orange tabby medicine cat didn't stir. Her fur was cold as ice.

Swiftblaze let out a wail of grief. "How did you die?!" She pressed her nose into her mentor's fur for a few moments before sinking her teeth into her mentor's scruff and hauling her out of the den.

As she dragged Gingerleaf's body into the clearing, more cats emerged from their dens with grief shining in their eyes.

Swiftblaze let out a long sigh as Brackenflight came over, making no sound, and pressed against her comfortingly. She twined her tail with his and rested her head on his shoulder.

Amberstar emerged from his den, his face grim. "I suppose Gingerleaf died of natural causes," he sighed. "So, Swiftblaze is our full medicine cat, but…" He turned his head away, flattening his ears. "Would you like to tell them, Swiftblaze?"

Brackenflight let out a soft sigh. "I guess you have to," he whispered.

"I'm expecting kits," Swiftblaze mewed softly.

Murmurs erupted from everywhere, and Swiftblaze lowered her head.

"Silence!" Amberstar roared. "We will help Swiftblaze as much as we can, before and after her kits are born. Does any cat wish to become Swiftblaze's assistant for a few moons?"

A young brown tabby she-cat, Mousepool, raised her tail. Half of her hind leg was mauled by a dog, and she had to retire to the elders' den.

"Very well, Mousepool. Swiftblaze will teach you everything she knows before her kits are born."

Swiftblaze gazed over at Mousepool, whose eyes were shining with pride.

"Meeting dismissed. Let's get Swiftblaze, Mousepool, Brackenflight, Rabbitpaw, and Hailstep to prepare Gingerleaf's body for the vigil," Amberstar mewed softly before going back into his den.

Swiftblaze glanced at the cats that were chosen before disappearing into her den to collect some herbs.

Brackenflight blinked, stepping closer to Gingerleaf's body and positioning the dead medicine cat to look like she was sleeping.

Swiftblaze came out of her den, her eyes big pools of grief as she dropped the herbs onto the ground. "Mint and rosemary," she announced, picking up a pinecone from the ground and gently brushing it through Gingerleaf's fur.

The cats had finished by sunhigh. The Clan returned back to their normal days, most of the warriors going out on patrol.

Swiftblaze stepped closer to Brackenflight, pressing against him, wishing for silent comfort. Brackenflight touched his nose to her ear. "Come with me," he whispered.

Swiftblaze stood up and followed, her tail drooping. They came to the lakeshore, and Brackenflight settled on the grass. "Come," he invited. "Take a break from this chaos. Warm your fur in the sun."

Swiftblaze felt a purr rumbling in her throat as she lay down on the grass beside Brackenflight, leaning into the warmth of his fur. The sun's rays settled on her pelt and made her drowsy.

"Go to sleep, my love," Brackenflight murmured, touching his muzzle to her head for a moment.

The sun evaporated all of Swiftblaze's worries, and she lay on the grass contently, pressed against her mate. She let sleep take her into its soft black paws.

Swiftblaze woke on the grass just a little after sunhigh. Brackenflight was still beside her, gazing out at the lake. "We can do this for as long as you want," he purred, almost reading her mind.

Swiftblaze slowly shook her head, feeling her burdens fall onto her shoulders again. "I have to train Mousepool, and I still have to have our kits, and- oh, Brackenflight! Why does StarClan have to make my life miserable?"

Brackenflight was silent for a moment. "Our kits will be great warriors. I know this time will be hard for you, Swiftblaze, but you have to try. For both of us."

Swiftblaze let out a long sigh. "You're right," she meowed softly. "I will try my hardest."

Brackenflight let out a loving purr, licking gently at Swiftblaze's neck fur. "I know you will. Now go on, and if you're feeling down, come right to me."

Swiftblaze nodded, closing her eyes once more for a few heartbeats before standing up. She felt the kits move inside her, and she squared her shoulders.

She trotted back to camp, her worries lifted off her shoulders. "Mousepool!" she called, her pretty dappled pelt shining in the sun.

The brown tabby she-cat came hopping over. "Great! Are you going to start training me?" Her voice was excited, her green eyes glowing.

"Yes," Swiftblaze meowed. "Come in here, and let me show you…"

The sun was setting over the camp, and Mousepool emerged from the medicine den, looking tired. Swiftblaze followed closely, her eyes scanning the camp for her mate. She located him selecting a piece of prey from the fresh-kill pile. "Brackenflight!" she called happily, bounding over.

Brackenflight looked up, delight shining in his eyes. "Swiftblaze! Oh, you look so happy!"

Swiftblaze let out a content purr. "Yes, it's been a good day," she mewed. "It'll be even better once our kits are born," she whispered, her eyes glowing.

Redflower passed her daughter with an irritated look at her. Swiftblaze turned, confused. "Redflower?"

Redflower turned back around and let out a soft hiss. "You broke the medicine cat code," she snarled.

Swiftblaze looked at her mother helplessly before turning back to Brackenflight and pressing her nose into his shoulder fur.

Brackenflight gently guided her to the side of the clearing and dropped a rabbit on the grass. "Eat," he urged. "Redflower will forgive you eventually."

Swiftblaze nodded and sank her teeth into the fresh prey. Her hunger was finally filled, she hadn't eaten all day. Their fur touched, golden brown against gray. Rabbitpaw padded over and nodded to his friends. "May I share with you?" he asked politely.

Brackenflight flicked his ears, grinning. "Sure," he replied nonchalantly.

The three cats shared the monstrous rabbit, chatting quietly about their days.

Rabbitpaw was content as well. "Reedwing says my assessment is tomorrow," he announced proudly, his eyes shining. He didn't mind that the other two cats were awfully close, not really paying attention.

Swiftblaze purred, letting her flanks bulge. "That's great, Rabbitpaw," she drawled lazily, rolling onto her side.

Rabbitpaw shifted his paws, flicking his tail. "Sorry about my asking, but when are your kits due?" he asked.

Swiftblaze gazed up at him, an amused rumble escaping from her. "In a half-moon," she purred.

Rabbitpaw nodded. All three cats were feeling plump and happy because of the prey-rich greenleaf. Especially Swiftblaze.

"Well," Brackenflight sighed happily, "I should be getting to my nest. Long day tomorrow!" he joked, trotting off to the warriors' den.

"Same," Rabbitpaw purred, following the golden brown warrior but turning at the last moment to disappear into the apprentices' den.

Swiftblaze hauled herself to her paws with some effort and lumbered off to the medicine den. Mousepool was already in there, scanning the herb stores with intelligent green eyes. "Swiftblaze, if you need anything, I'll be right here," Mousepool meowed, her tail-tip flicking to and fro.

Swiftblaze flopped down into her nest with a satisfied sigh. "Of course, Mousepool. I'll be fine."

Mousepool nodded, sinking down into Gingerleaf's old nest. It was better suited for her than Swiftblaze's small nest, made to fit the small medicine cat's body.

Swiftblaze let her eyes close as she snuggled down into the moss of her nest. She heard soft scuffling noises made by Mousepool, then she heard the brown she-cat's voice. "Swiftblaze, you have a visitor."

Swiftblaze opened her eyes to see Amberstar standing at the entrance to her den. "Do you have a moment?" he asked, shifting his weight from side to side.

"Just give me a second," she grunted, shuffling around in her nest. "Okay, go for it."

"I had this dream," he meowed, "about the SunClan camp. It was all empty, except for me. Do you know what it could mean?"

Swiftblaze stared at him in shock. "I… I had the same dream!" she exclaimed. "I don't know what it means."

Amberstar shook his great golden head. "Huh," he grunted, flicking his ears. "Well, thanks anyway." He padded off.

Swiftblaze sat up slowly, now unable to sleep, and stifled a gasp of pain. She felt a kick deep in her belly.

Mousepool started, hearing the movement. "Are you okay?" she asked.

"I think so," Swiftblaze sighed. "It's all so hard! I'd never imagine kits being so difficult." A wave of deep sadness washed over her, and she flattened her ears.

Mousepool curled back up. "You'll be okay once your kits are born," she murmured.

Swiftblaze stretched out on her nest with a sigh, letting her belly bulge. She shuffled around until about moonhigh and looked over at Mousepool. The she-cat was sleeping soundly. The small medicine cat decided to go sit by the lake for a while, to feel cool air on her face.

She lumbered down to the lakeshore and settled on the same spot she had basked in with Brackenflight. She closed her eyes, relishing the coolness, before she slipped into sleep.

Swiftblaze was woken from her sleep by some sharp pains within her belly. She shrugged it off. Must've eaten a bad rabbit, she thought. But the pain kept coming, worse and worse. She flattened her ears, kneading the grass with her front paws. The pain kept coming.

Swiftblaze tilted her head back and let out a yowl of pain. My kits are coming early, she decided grimly, feeling the agony of birth wash over her. She tried her best to push, her wails of pain being heard at the camp now. She gasped in between yowls, the kits weren't coming out. Blood started to trickle out. Darkness pushed at the edge of her vision. This is the end! The medicine cat thought sadly, pushing as hard as she could. Finally, a kit slid out. She used the last of her remaining strength to pull the kit close to her, nip the sac, and start licking it fiercely. She let her head fall back with a moan of pain as she felt the kit begin to feed. There was a dull throbbing inside her, she knew that there was another kit. The small she-cat didn't have any strength left to push, and instead closed her eyes. Blood was still trickling out, covering her fur in crimson. The darkness finally overcame her, and she let out her last long breath.

Paws pounded through the forest. "The wails stopped!" Blazestorm announced. "We should go check in case."

The three warriors emerged onto the lakeshore and saw the lifeless body of a medicine cat. One of her kits was feeding strongly, one was completely still. Blood pooled along the grass.

Brackenflight let out a grief-stricken yowl, bounding toward his deceased mate. "Swiftblaze!" he screeched. He quickly began to lick the other kit's fur until the little tom gave a thin wail.

Brackenflight's breaths came in quick gasps. "Oh, Swiftblaze," he moaned despondently.

Brackenflight and Hailstep gently picked up one kit and started to head back to camp, while Blazestorm took the dead medicine cat onto his back. With grief-filled gazes, the three toms made their way back to camp.

Blazestorm carefully laid the dead she-cat onto the ground, choking with emotion. Amberstar slowly came out of his den, his eyes closed. "Who is it this time?" he asked softly.

Brackenflight lowered his head with a sob. "It's Swiftblaze," he choked out, slumping to the ground.

Amberstar's eyes shot open and he leaped to the ground and bounded over to the dead medicine cat. "Where are her kits?" he sighed.

Brackenflight gently moved the kits into view. "May I name them?"

Amberstar dipped his head. "Go ahead."

"This one," Brackenflight purred, running a paw along a black she-cat's back, "is Sootkit."

Murmurs of approval rumbled through the Clan.

"And this one," he went on, touching a golden brown tom, "is Adderkit."

Amberstar nodded with approval. "You can give the kits to Reedwing." Reedwing had just given birth to Blazestorm's kit a few days ago.

Brackenflight gently took the two kits in his mouth and padded off to the nursery. "Reedwing," he mumbled around the tiny cats, "can you take care of me and Swiftblaze's kits? She… she died giving birth."

Reedwing gasped. "Poor Swiftblaze! Of course I'll take care of them. What are their names?"

Brackenflight placed the two kits at Reedwing's belly, beside her kit. "The black one is Sootkit and the golden brown one is Adderkit. Please tell them who their real mother is." There was desperation in the young tom's eyes.

Reedwing let out a drowsy purr. "Of course. Could you go check if Mousepool knows what she's doing?"

Brackenflight nodded, hesitating before padding quietly out of the den. He gazed longingly at Swiftblaze's lifeless body, walking over to her and pressing his nose into her ice-cold fur. He was so lost in grief that he didn't notice Amberstar approach and do the same thing.

"Brackenflight?" Amberstar meowed softly, lifting his head.

Brackenflight started. "Yes?"

"Did Swiftblaze tell you that I liked her?"

Brackenflight lifted his head as well, gazing into Amberstar's eyes. "Yes, she did. Why did you tell her when she was so young?"

Amberstar shivered. "I… I couldn't wait."

Brackenflight inhaled loudly and stood up. "I have to talk to Mousepool real quick."

Amberstar nodded and sat down in the shade of the Highledge.

Brackenflight padded into Mousepool's den. "Mousepool, can I have a word?"

The brown tabby she-cat sat up. "Of course. What can I do for you?"

"I just wanted to check if you were okay. Swiftblaze taught me a few herbs too."

Mousepool let out an amused purr. "Of course I'm okay. It's sad being without Swiftblaze, but I think I'll manage."

Brackenflight purred, swishing his tail. "That's good," he meowed. "Besides, I have my kits to raise."

Mousepool twitched her ears. "Yes. They'll be fine warriors. Little Adderkit looks powerful already."

Brackenflight nodded, puffing out his chest proudly. "Well, I'd best be going. Good luck, Mousepool."

The brown she-cat flicked her tail briskly. "Same for you."

The golden brown warrior exited the den and settled on the grass of the clearing, the sun shining on his pelt. He gazed over at the nursery. Reedwing's kit was poking her head out of the nursery, the sun shining on the cream fur for the first time.

Brackenflight stood up and started to make his way to the nursery. Since I have nothing better to do… He pushed his way in, quietly.

"Reedwing?" he whispered. "I've come to check on them."

"Come in," Reedwing invited. "Their eyes are open, but Sootkit refuses to go out until Adderkit is ready."

Sootkit had beautiful blue eyes, just like her mother. Adderkit had amber eyes, like Brackenflight. He let out a purr. "Hello, kits."

Sootkit stood up, her tail flicking from side to side. "Hi! Reedwing told me that Brackenflight is our father! Are you Brackenflight?"

Brackenflight settled on the moss of the nursery, letting his kits climb over him. "Yes, I'm Brackenflight. Did Reedwing tell you about your mother, Swiftblaze?"

"Yes!" Adderkit piped up, pouncing on his father's tail. "She died! Isn't that sad?"

Brackenflight dipped his head. "Yes. She will be a great loss to her Clan."

Reedwing's kit tottered into the nursery, her green eyes shining. "Oh, Sootkit, the camp's so big! You should really come!"

Sootkit stared at the other kit. "Not until Adderkit is ready," she decided firmly.

"My name's Brightkit!" Reedwing's kit squeaked, spotting Brackenflight.

Adderkit stood up and trotted over to the den entrance. "I'm ready," he purred to his sister. Sootkit leaped up and shot out of the nursery, followed by the other two kits.

Brackenflight watched them go and turned to Reedwing. "They're such a blessing," he sighed. "It's too bad that Swiftblaze was out of camp when she started giving birth, and she didn't have the right herbs."

Reedwing dipped her head with sadness. "At least the kits were born, and didn't die with her."

Brackenflight nodded and stood up. "I should probably go. I have patrols to do."

Reedwing nodded. "Of course. Thanks for popping by."

Brackenflight trotted out of the nursery, purring as he saw the kits, and over to the deputy, Pinefang. "Hey, do I need to do any patrols?" he asked.

The brown tom shook his head. "No. You're excused from duties today. I thought you might be a little sad."

Brackenflight let out a long sigh, gazing over at Swiftblaze's lifeless body. "I suppose so. I guess it'd be fun to play with my kits too."

Pinefang nodded, deep sadness in his gaze as well. Brackenflight recalled that Pinefang was Swiftblaze's father. "Well, thanks," he murmured.

Brackenflight turned, padded to the side of the clearing, and picked up a small ball of moss. He threw it at the three kits. "Catch the moss ball, kits!" he called affectionately.

Sootkit jumped up, catching the moss ball between two black forepaws, and tossed it to Brightkit. She blinked her blue eyes and stretched up to catch it again.

Adderkit tackled Sootkit and stole the moss ball from her paws with a squeak of triumph.

Brackenflight rumbled with amusement, sitting down to watch. Swiftblaze would have loved to play with them, he thought.

Adderkit flung the moss ball at his father, hitting him in the shoulder. Brackenflight turned, laughter glowing in his amber eyes, and tossed it back.

Sootkit jumped in front of him and caught the moss in the air, bounding away with the two kits scrambling after her.

Brackenflight nodded with approval and trotted out of the camp and into the forest, desperate to be alone with his thoughts.

Well, I really had trouble ending this one. So, please make sure to review. For sure, I'll make a sequel.