Chapter 1

Dawn's light was just beginning to creep over the horizon and shed its rays across the lake. A light breeze picked up and ruffled Bramblestar's fur. Despite the cold air, the breeze whispered hints of new-leaf.

Four moons had passed since the Great Battle, and life in ThunderClan was oh so similar, yet drastically different. Throughout all the Clans and across borders brave warriors fought and died. The memories of their fallen clanmates still grieved the new leader like a thorn embedded in a pad. ThunderClan had lost Firestar, their leader, who was also a mentor and father figure to Bramblestar. Mousefur also joined the ranks of StarClan, as well as Ferncloud. Hollyleaf, Bramblestar's foster daughter, was slain by his half-brother, Hawkfrost. The pain of the memory was still sharp. And lastly, Sorreltail died of injuries before the sunrise after the battle.

On top of all the deaths, several cats in the clan had serious injuries. Thornclaw wrenched his shoulder so badly that it was beyond what Leafpool and Jayfeather could mend. Unable to keep up with patrols, Thornclaw took an early retirement into the Elder's den. Dustpelt and Sandstorm also trickled in to join Thornclaw. Both of them were getting up in their moons, but Bramblestar suspected it was the death of both of their mates that really set them on a different path. Mousewhisker also obtained an injury to his hind paw. He now had a permanent limp and could no longer keep up with border patrols; however, he could still manage hunting patrols.

"I thought I'd find you here." A voice interrupted his thoughts. Bramblestar jerked his head up. Upon recognizing the cat, his let his fur lie flat.

"I wanted some fresh air," Bramblestar murmured.

"I don't blame you," replied Squirrelflight. "The camp is so crowded!" Bramblestar let out a quiet purr while his deputy continued. "I feel like we're expanding the nursery once a moon! I cannot believe the number of kits we have!"

"We're blessed to have so many."

Squirrelflight let out a huff but Bramblestar knew her exaggerated exasperation was all in good fun. "It's like, as soon as the Dark Forest warriors left, every she-cat in ThunderClan decided to have kits!"

Bramblestar nodded his head once and blinked warmly at Squirrelflight. What she said was nearly true. Brightheart has her kits just before the Dark Forest warriors invaded, and they would be apprentices in less than two moons. When Sorreltail died, Brightheart and Daisy took care of Lilypaw and Seedpaw. Five kits was already a full nursery.

But then Blossomfall announced that she was expecting kits, and soon gave birth to Sparrowkit and Cloverkit. Thornclaw was the father but Bramblestar felt that there was awkwardness in his and Blossomfall's relationship. The kits were thriving, though, especially with the help of Daisy and Brightheart.

And a little more than a moon ago, Icecloud birthed four kits: Frostkit, Robinkit, Barleykit, and Ryekit. The litter was born too early, much to everyone's worry. Leafpool and Jayfeather were keeping a close eye on the bunch. The combination of that they were born in the middle of leaf-bare, there's four of them with other kits in the nursery, and the fact that they were born early cause plenty reason to worry. ThunderClan's two medicine cats are in the nursery multiple times a day. Jayfeather has been giving low doses of strengthen herbs to Ryekit and Robinkit, who are the smallest and weakest, respectively.

And most recently, just a few sunrises ago, Cinderheart moved into the nursery. More like forced into the nursery, Bramblestar thought to himself. She was carrying Lionblaze's kits, and Bramblestar was not surprised by how Lionblaze reacted. His foster son – no, son – was fearless on the battlefield, but when it came to kits and giving birth… well, not so much.

"I had an idea," prompted Squirrelflight. She licked her paw and brought it over her ear. Still gazing out over the lake, Bramblestar just flicked his tail. "Why don't we create another Warrior's den?" Bramblestar turned and looked at her. "It would take time, of course. But there are plenty of other dens in the hollow. None of them as big as the Warrior's den as it is now. But if we could create two, say, one for the senior warriors and one for the younger warriors, it would make the Warrior's den less crowded. And then the younger warriors won't have to sleep with the apprentices."

Before she had even finished speaking, Bramblestar was nodding in agreement. "You always come up with the best ideas," he meowed, and flicked his tail over her shoulder. "We can bring it up to the senior warriors and see what they think. Not that it should be a problem," he added on fast. "And that would be one problem solved."

"What are your other ones?" Squirrelflight asked. "We can expand the Nursery without too much difficulty—"

"It's not the nursery that's worrying me," Bramblestar cut her off. Squirrelflight paused to let him expand. Kneading the dead grass beneath him, he sought the words to explain his main concern.

"It's something that's been on my mind for a few seasons now, actually." Squirrelflight flicked her ears in encouragement. "Have you noticed how much ThunderClan has expanded since we've come to the lake?" Not waiting for an answer, he continued. "ThunderClan has been blessed with many warriors. And I feel that we've been growing and growing. Which is a good thing. And now that the threat of the Dark Forest has passed, I think now we are in an era of peace and tranquility. Jayfeather told me that ThunderClan will thrive and prosper for moons to come. And going by the number of kits in the nursery, how much longer do you think we have until we need a third warrior's den?" he teased.

Squirrelflight turned her head, slightly confused by where he was going with this. "Okay … I understand what you're saying. But what do you mean by it?"

Bramblestar took a deep breath, knowing that he wouldn't be able to take back what he said and prepared for his muzzle to get wacked, "I think we need to expand our borders."

Instead of his muzzle getting wacked, Squirrelflight stuck her muzzle right up in his face and growled, "What did you just say? You want to take territory? Are you completely mouse-brained?"

"No, not take territory—"

"I can't believe you'd even suggest something like that -!"

"Squirrelflight, just listen –"

"After all we've been through –"

"I never said I wanted to take someone else's territory—"

"Now you want to take someone else's territory – oh…"

"I never - I never said that."

"Well, how can you expand our borders without taking territory?" Squirrelflight shook her head.

"Not all of our borders have neighbors," Bramblestar meowed simply. Letting that sink in, Squirrelflight let her fur drop back down, and the fire in her eyes simmered down to a low simmer.

Before she could ask, he said, "For the sake of the Clan, we are going to need more territory. The kits aren't going to stay kits. Plus, I'll bet my tail that we'll have more in a few moons. Just in order to feed ourselves, we need more territory. And we don't have to go to WindClan or ShadowClan to get it. Behind our hollow there's more woodland and some hills. The only reason we didn't take that as our territory when we first came to the lake was that we didn't need it." And he added softly, "but now, I think we do."

After a moment, Squirrelflight said, "I have to think about it. And if we do expand, I think we have to be careful about how much…" she trailed off, not saying words that should be left unspoken.

"I know," Bramblestar replied.

The two of them sat there for a little while longer. It wasn't until half of the sun was visible over the hills when Bramblestar said, "Squirrelflight."

"Mm?"

"Don't you have a dawn patrol to organize?"

"Oh, foxdung!" Without another word Squirrelflight tore off back to camp, tossing up snow and dead leaves in her wake. Bramblestar let out a mrrrow of laughter to himself before following her back.

Nearing mid-day, Cinderheart, Lionblaze, and Squirrelflight all barged into the Medicine Cat's den all at once. All bumping into one another, the leaves Briarlight was sorting scattered. Before Jayfeather could let out a hiss of annoyance, the warrior, the queen, the deputy, Leafpool, and Briarlight all started talking at once.

"Jayfeather, tell Cinderheart she has to stay in the nursery—"

"Jayfeather, tell this mouse-brain idiot that I can still do patrols—"

"Leafpool, what do you think—"

"My herbs!"

"Slow down, Squirrelflight—"

Jayfeather lashed his tail once, ears twitching in every direction, before bellowing, "OUT!"

Lionblaze took a breath as if he were going to start again but Jayfeather snarled at him, every hair on his pelt completely erect. "Everyone OUT of my den. Now!"

Single filed everyone exited the den. They grouped out in the clearing, all except for Briarlight who shuffled over to the nursery.

Before Jayfeather could open his mouth, Leafpool quickly asked, "What is this all about?" Squirrelflight, Cinderheart, and Lionblaze all opened their mouths, but Leafpool raised her tail stopping them. She nodded to Squirrelflight, signaling that she should speak.

"Cinderheart wants to keep her warrior duties but Lionblaze thinks she should stay in the nursery until her kits come," explained Squirrelflight.

"She should stay in the nursery," meowed Jayfeather bluntly.

"Thank you! See—" started Lionblaze until Leafpool cut him off with a glare.

"Cinderheart should stay in the nursery, but she doesn't have to," said Leafpool. "It's really up to the queen to decide."

At that, Cinderheart shot Lionblaze a triumphant look, to which he scowled.

"However," Leafpool continued. "Warrior duties to take a toll on an expecting queen. Even if you don't feel anything right now, you will soon. Quite frankly, I'm surprised you haven't noticed anything yourself, Cinderheart, being only a moon left to kitting. Your movements will become sluggish and clumsy. You will tire easier and you will sleep more frequently. In addition, the more you press yourself, the more you press your kits that you are carrying. By continuing your warrior duties you risk your kits coming early, like Icecloud's. And that increases the chance of them being weak at birth. That is the risk you will take. But like I said, it's your choice."

By now, Cinderheart's eyes were wide as walnuts. "I know that, but … I just … I wish …" Cinderheart let out a sigh. "Alright. I'll move into the crowded Nursery." She looked at Lionblaze. "Happy?" she mewed with a slight edge to her voice. Lionblaze blinked happily.

"We're going to expand the Nursery, so you should have room," chimed in Squirrelflight.

"And while you can't do your normal warrior duties, I think it would be fine if you took a stroll now and then, maybe catch a mouse or two. As long as someone comes with you," said Leafpool.

Cinderheart nodded, accepting Leafpool's advice but dejectedly. Lionblaze wrapped his tail around his mate's shoulder and guided her over to the nursery, their pelts brushing with every step.

Why even bother asking me? Thought Jayfeather, and he turned to go back to his den. He was glad Leafpool came back to being a medicine cat, but at times like these, two medicine cats was one to many.

"Hey Squirrelflight!" called out Blossomfall, exiting the nursery. "Speaking of warrior duties, can I start going back to mine?"

Jayfeather paused, curious to the emotions coming from Blossomfall. He couldn't quite pin what it was … but Squirrelflight's emotions were a spark of confusion in the midst of surprise.

"Why?" was all she asked.

"Well," replied Blossomfall. "I miss it. And now that Cinderheart's moving it, it will be too crowded."

"Your kits aren't even weaned yet," reminded Leafpool.

Blossomfall shuffled awkwardly on her paws. Leafpool frowned, her confusing deepening. Without turning around, Jayfeather snorted, finally realizing what Blossomfall was feeling. Leafpool's ears twitched in Jayfeather's direction as he padded back to his den.

"No, you should stay in the nursery at least until Sparrowkit and Cloverkit are weaned," finalized Squirrelflight. Blossomfall nodded, but didn't meet her eyes. Squirrelflight bowed her head. She left Blossomfall and Leafpool and called out to Ivypool, Foxleap, Spiderleg, and Hazeltail to form a patrol.

"Since new-leaf is almost upon us, I'm going to check up on our herb growths and brush off the snow. That way, the sprouts can begin growing as soon as possible," meowed Leafpool. Jayfeather gave a noncommittal grunt. Leafpool flicked her tail with brief annoyance before setting out.

"Come back soon!" called out Briarlight from the clearing.

She crawled her way into the Medicine cat's den and sat near Jayfeather. He could feel a question bubbling up inside her, and before she got the chance to say anything, he asked, "What is it?"

"Oh nothing…" she mewed innocently. Jayfeather sighed inwardly. Briarlight had developed an annoying habit of gossip. It wasn't the gossip that bothered Jayfeather so much, it was more how all of it was lovey-dovey stuff. And Jayfeather felt like he was about to get another dose of it.

"Lionblaze is so sweet to Cinderheart. He was so kind getting her all snug into her new nest." She purred.

"I'm sure."

"He's going to be a great father," she complimented. She reached over to some moss and began pulling out thorns. "You must be proud of him."

"Yup."

"Do you think Brightheart will move out of the nursery when her kits are apprenticed?" she asked.

"Probably."

"Do you think Whitewing or Poppyfrost will have another litter?"

"Dunno."

"And when do you think Dovewing will have Bumblestripe's kits? They've been getting really close! Wouldn't it be nice if Dovewing and Cinderheart were in the nursery together? You're your brother's kits and my brother's kits would grow up together. And also, you know, since you are all a part of the Three, wouldn't that—"

"Shall I just move into the nursery as well then?"

Briarlight let out a mrrrrow of laughter. "I didn't mean it like that!" she giggled.

"Is Blossomfall alright?" he asked Briarlight suddenly. She stopped laughing at once, and Jayfeather could feel her lightness slip away.

"Yeah …"

Liar.

"Why do you ask?"

"I was just … wondering," he said vaguely. Just wondering why a queen feels so much regret when it comes to her kits, in a direction where she feels repulsed by the kits she gave birth to, to the point where she wants to go back to warrior duties so she can quit being a mother.

"Oh, yeah. Sparrowkit and Cloverkit are so cute, aren't they?" she mewed happily.

I didn't ask about the kits, just their mother…

As the patrol carried out their business on the ShadowClan border, Ivypool found herself falling behind. Spiderleg and Hazeltail plowed ahead, but Foxleap kept on looking back. She became so wrapped up in her own thoughts and memories and nightmares, she didn't realize that she had slowed to a measly walk. She heard paw steps. Close paw steps. She came to a halt and closed her eyes, trying to determine if the paw steps were real or in a dream or real in a dream. Miraculously, they stopped. She opened her eyes and looked around her. To her left was Foxleap, his head tilted slightly as if he was watching a beetle crawl up a log. She let out a screech and jump about a fox-length in the air, eyes wide and fur fully out.

"I – whoa." She took a gulp of air. "I am so sorry." She closed her eyes in embarrassment.

"You're fine," Foxleap mewed nonchalantly.

She opened her eyes and looked Foxleap awkwardly. Spiderleg and Hazeltail were nowhere in sight. Did I zone out again? She inwardly groaned.

"You fell behind," explained Foxleap. "So I doubled back."

To her relief, he didn't press her.

"Shall we continue?" he asked her casually, as if nothing was wrong. She nodded, and they set off at a brisk pace.

Foxleap and Ivypool didn't manage to catch up to Spiderleg and Hazeltail, which caused Ivypool to feel a surge of guilt. Foxleap opened his mouth right before they entered camp to drink in scents. "We almost caught up to them! They just went in." He flicked his tail happily and padded through the tunnel. Ivypool followed him, frowning. Why would one be happy about almost catching up to someone?

When she entered the hollow, she noticed that many of the cats were mingling about. No, she realized, they're waiting for something…

She padded up to the nearest cat and asked what was happening.

"I don't know," mewed Rosepetal. "Bramblestar called a meeting for senior warriors only."

"And Sandstorm and Dustpelt," added Cherryfur.

"I wonder what's going on?" she murmured to herself. She scanned the crowd for Dovewing, and found her outside the medicine cat's den with Bumblestripe and Briarlight. She was about to pad over to them but then she noticed Dovewing and Bumblestripe's tails intertwining, and she sat down. She looked away.

It wasn't that she was not happy for Dovewing, because she was happy for Dovewing and how she and Bumblestripe finally became mates. She just didn't want to intrude. Ivypool was aware that something wasn't right with her, but she was confident it would work itself out. No need to worry Dovewing.

Bramblestar entered the hollow from the forest, and he was followed by Squirrelflight, Sandstorm, Dustpelt, Graystripe and Millie, Brackenfur, Thornclaw, Cloudtail and Brightheart, and Leafpool and Jayfeather. Bramblestar climbed up to the High ledge and yowled for the clan to gather, which really wasn't necessary because everyone was already waiting.

"I have an announcement to make," Bramblestar began. "I and some of the other senior warriors have noticed a change in the clan since coming to the lake. ThunderClan is larger. We have more cats than ever before, and we have more kits than ever before. And Jayfeather has told me that after the Great Battle with the Dark Forest, ThunderClan will enter a period of peace and tranquility. We will thrive on for moons." He paused to let some of the cats yowl in support. "However, I am concern about how our territory will support our new growth. Now, I am not saying we are going to take territory from WindClan or ShadowClan, but we will expand our borders." He paused to let that sink in. Some of the younger warriors started whispering excitedly. Ivypool cocked her head at Bramblestar, curious. "We will expand our borders by exploring the area behind the hollow. There is more woodland and some hills." The energy level in the hollow had risen dramatically.

Bramblestar raised his tail for silence. "This project will not be done half-heartedly or rushed. We will take our time and explore the new territory before staking claim. We must make sure that there are no threats before permanently moving in." Cats had begun to whisper again, and Bramblestar had to raise his tail once more. Several of the senior warriors were nodding in agreement. "We will start once the last of the snow melts. That is all." He bowed his head and jumped down the rocks, and every cat started talking.

New territory, eh? Thought Ivypool. A little sliver of excitement seemed to tickle in her chest. Maybe this was something she needed…