He was running through a forest, dark and cold. It was like his other dreams, except there was no end this time. A familiar voice whispered in his ear,
"This is what the forest will become if you don't fulfill your destiny, Fireheart."
He was surrounded by whispers saying "fulfill…..fulfill your destiny". Fireheart cried out that he couldn't do anything without Spottedleaf. She was his partner, but she had betrayed him in the worst way possible. No answers came…he was alone. Alone to run into eternity. Fireheart tried desperately to stop and think, but he couldn't. His paws weren't his to control.
"Fireheart! Fireheart, wake up. Waaake upppp Fireheart!" The mysterious voice whined, slowly turning into the familiar meow of Runningwind.
"Grrrar!" Fireheart mumbled sleepily, jumping out of his nest. "What's wrong? Is Shadowclan back?"
"No, you were making enough noise to wake them up though! Try bringing the talking down alittle, some of us are trying to get some sleep." The senior warrior growled, turning over to face the other side. Fireheart glanced around, hoping no one had noticed. Next to him, Graystripe fidgeted slightly in his sleep. Spottedleaf was curled up closer to the center next to Longtail and Tigerclaw. Fireheart sighed and laid his head down again. It was dangerous to allow himself to sleep again, in case Starclan decided he had not gotten the message the first time. He lay awake for the rest of the night, pondering. He wondered if Smudge had found a new friend, if his old twolegs had gotten a replacement kittypet. It seemed weird thinking about his past, like a dream in the middle of a perfect life.
He soon fell under, soothed by the songs of night birds and crickets. Fireheart didn't have the same nightmare, just a peaceful darkness to gaze at. It wasn't until the bright rays of the sun shone radiantly through the warriors den walls that Fireheart lifted his drowsy head and sat up. The clumps of moss that still stuck to his fur fell off as he squeezed through the opening. Outside the den, the clearing was bathed in golden sunlight. Dustpelt and Longtail sat in the middle of camp, soaking up the precious sun while sharing a bony pigeon. It must have been the last in the forest since all of the birds had gone. Halftail, One-eye, Dappletail, Patchpelt, and Smallear were sharing stories by their den while Bluestar pushed her way out of the nursery. It was a regular day, except for the alien hole in his heart. Redtail strolled into the clearing, towing a big ball of moss in his powerful jaws. Graystripe followed along with Mousefur, who brought up the rear. They split up; Graystripe going into the warriors den, Redtail to the Elders den, and Mousefur into the nursery. Fireheart watched proudly before slipping out of camp and into the dead forest. Spring was near though, any cat could tell. The snow had thinned to a single layer of ice, the trees were beginning to grow leaves and flowers, and the streams running through the territory had begun to whisper about the places they had been. It was truly beautiful to witness, and Fireheart would have stopped, but he had hunting to do.
Fireheart searched for what seemed like hours. When at last he scented a squirrel, Fireheart dropped into the familiar crouch and stalked across the soft leafy floor. The squirrel was scrabbling under a tree, frantically rummaging for food. He purred quietly in amusement at the poor creatures horrible planning. He waited for his prey to move closer, and then dove to catch it. The squirrel was in a pitiable condition; tiny and gaunt, but it was prey nonetheless and the clan needed everything they could get. Fireheart kicked dirt over the dead animal and walked on, hoping to find something else before he returned to camp. The flame colored warrior made his way across the territory, ending up by Treecut place. Nothing. Discouraged, Fireheart retraced his steps back to his squirrel and trotted back to camp. The early patrols had returned, taking their share of the meager supply of prey. Fireheart deposited his squirrel and glanced around for Redtail. The deputy was sitting beside Brindleface, watching their kits play in the brown, beaten grass. He didn't want to disturb the happy family, so Fireheart turned away and sought out Graystripe. His old friend was about to leave with the evening patrol, looking worried and anxious.
Confused, Fireheart darted over to him. "Graystripe! Mind if I join your patrol? I didn't really want to bother Redtail…"
"Uh….what? Oh, yeah, sure Fireheart." At Graystripes acceptance, Fireheart took his place between Lionheart and Tigerclaw.
"Fireheart, don't you have something better to do than join patrols you don't belong in?" Tigerclaw snorted.
"Well Tigerclaw, I was out hunting all morning, I wanted to get a patrol in before the end of the day. Certainly you wouldn't object to me serving the clan?" Out of the corner of his eye, Fireheart could see Graystripes mouth twitch up. The massive tabby growled, spinning around and stalked off, leaving the other members of the patrol to follow.
A few weeks later, it was a Gathering. Fireheart watched as the chosen cats; Redtail, Lionheart, Tigerclaw, Spottedleaf, Graystripe, Dappletail, and Smallear, took off behind Bluestar. A pang of loneliness stabbed his heart when he settled down in his nest. He rarely missed a gathering since his apprenticeship, but now that seemed to have disappeared with the winter air. He wanted to know what Brokenstar would say to Bluestar, and if the badger spoken of by Tallstar in the last gathering had lumbered back into clan territory. But Fireheart felt content knowing that Longtail was home too, and Spottedleaf would spend her evening without him.
The buzz of astonished voices woke Fireheart. Pushing his way into the clearing, he could see the whole clan surrounded the highrock.
"Brokenstar has demanded a private meeting tonight at Moonhigh. Redtail, Ravenwing, I would like you to come with me to Fourtrees. Whitestorm, would you pull together a small patrol to follow in case this is a trap?" Bluestar announced gravely. Whispers erupted amongst the listeners, turning into full protests.
"But what if it is a trap?"
"What about the rest of us? What if he plans to invade camp?"
Bluestar jumped down from her perch and gazed at her clan with her ice blue eyes. "I will discuss this with the senior warriors and Ravenwing; everyone else will return to their dens and get some well earned sleep!" As Fireheart turned to find Graystripe, he heard Bluestar come up behind him. "Not you Fireheart, I am afraid this matter is about you and Spottedleaf." She led him to her den under Highrock, where Tigerclaw, Runningwind, Whitestorm, Mousefur, Ravenwing, Lionheart,Redtail, and Spottedleaf sat waiting. Fireheart stayed by the opening, feeling like he didn't belong. His leader began by telling the others about the prophecy, and Runningnose's story. There were no gasps or interruptions this time, just the same silence that followed when Fireheart told Bluestar and Redtail.
"We should certainly meet him. He may want to make a deal." Whitestorm's meow rang loudly after the stillness.
Bluestar dipped her head, "Have you chosen who the backup group will be?"
"Yes, I'm going to take Darkstripe, Willowpelt, Dustpelt, Mousefur-"
"Uh, Whitestorm…Mousefur might not be the best choice right now. She's still recovering from the last battle with Shadowclan." Ravenwing interrupted.
Mousefur shook her head. "I'm fine, Ravenwing! I will go with you Whitestorm."
Whitestorm nodded and continued; "I'll also take Graystripe and Longtail." Spottedleafs head drooped when her mates name was spoken in the list.
"Good, then Tigerclaw can take Lionheart, and Runningwind around Fourtrees and parallel to the Thunderpath to scout out any invading patrols. Brokenstar is very intelligent, don't underestimate him. Now, I would like to speak to my party before we go, so eat, rest, and be ready to go at sundown." It was a clear dismissal, so the senior warriors rose to leave. Fireheart backed out to make room for them, careful not to make eye contact. "Spottedleaf, Fireheart, stay."
The two sat down on opposite sides of her den, staring at Bluestar as if the other didn't exist. If there had been any doubt that the conversation between them had been forgotten, it was gone now. Noticing their actions, Bluestar couldn't help but chuckle.
"You two used to be closer than a mother and her kits! Just because Spottedleaf found Longtail, doesn't mean you can't stay that way. You're two very special cats with something very special in store for your futures. Put aside your differences for the good of the clan. We'll need you soon and if you're quarreling over who gets who, well, who's going to save us then? Act like a leader Fireheart, because you are one. And Spottedleaf, you must realize that you can't do this by yourself, Starclan thinks it's necessary for there to be two. Don't push Fireheart away."
Fireheart lowered his head at the force of her gaze. "Yes Bluestar, We understand."
"Good, then on to more current matters. I don't want you anywhere near the meeting tonight. If I know Brokenstar, he won't be there to just talk. I can't risk him getting his bloodthirsty paws on both of you!" She finished.
Spottedleaf was on her paws in a heartbeat, alarm in her eyes. "But Bluestar, what if it does come to a fight? You'll need all the warriors you can get!"
"When I-"
"Silence!" Bluestar hissed. "I know exactly what Brokenstar is capable of. I don't need you two to tell me! You will stay in camp until the three parties return, do you hear me?"
Fireheart had never seen her this way. The contradiction of her burning eyes and her cold voice was daunting. He dipped his head and walked out of her den, not waiting for Spottedleaf. He decided to go to the Warriors den and try to sleep again. By now the early sun was rising, proclaiming that the day was beginning.
Just as he was about to step into the den, a soft voice spoke behind him, "Fireheart? Can we…go talk?" There was Spottedleaf, her beautiful face, twisted into that of a sad angel. Fireheart was tongue tied; only able to jerk his head in what he hoped was a nod. She led the way out of camp and up the ravine, lying down under a leafless tree. Fireheart sat beside her, staring at the dead bush ahead of him. Spottedleaf seemed to be thinking of how to start. She opened her mouth then closed it twice before anything came out.
"I'm sorry Fireheart…I care about you, but not the way you care about me. It wouldn't have worked anyway." She whispered.
"I know Spottedleaf, it's ok. Longtail loves you, I get it. My feelings will never change, I hope you know that, and I'll always be there for you if you'll have me." He turned to go, but leaves rustling brought his paws to a halt.
"I'm having kits." Spottedleaf meowed shakily. Fireheart spun around astounded. Now he knew what was so different about her; her slightly round stomach. "I'm having kits and when they are born, I want you to mentor one. You're brave, and smart, and very good in battle and I would be so proud to see my son or daughter grow up to be just like you." He didn't know what to say; train the kit of Longtail, supporter of his enemy, and Spottedleaf, his love? Could he take it? But then, he could be closer to Spottedleaf this way.
He sat down again, watching her golden amber eyes for a few precious moments. "Sure. But you are going to tell Bluestar!"
"Thank you Fireheart!" She purred, flicking his ear with her tail. "Should we stay in camp tonight? Well, we should, but that doesn't mean we can't follow them…"
"Not a chance Spottedleaf, Bluestar will have a heavy guard waiting around Fourtrees, plus we'll have Smallear to answer to if he catches us sneaking out!"
"No mousebrain, I'm serious! I need to know what they're going to discuss!"
"But….weren't you at the gathering? And besides, you already know why Brokenstar called the meeting! He wants us, us, and it won't do Bluestar any good for you to be found out."
"Yes, but he didn't announce his intentions to the whole forest! He must have spoken to Bluestar after the Gathering ended because last night was the first I or any of the clan had heard of it." Spottedleaf replied. Fireheart raised his head to catch a glimpse of the blue sky behind all of the clouds. It was going to pour soon, and when it did, the lush greens of the forest would later follow.
"I guess I didn't miss much at the Gathering then." Fireheart murmured.
"No, but we'll both miss so much more if we don't find a way to get to Fourtrees tonight!" The pretty she cat hissed.
He thought for a minute, trying to clear his whizzing head. "Alright. We'll come up with a plan after the parties leave."
"Agreed."
Just as they reached the ravine, the dawn patrol was breaking through the thorn tunnel. It was led by Darkstripe, Dustpelt and Lionheart following closely behind. Fireheart wanted to join them, but he thought it might be better to ask Redtail what he should do first. "So…..when are you going to tell Longtail?" He asked when they entered the camp.
Spottedleaf looked at him then answered, "When he gets home. I don't want him distracted tonight."
When it was time to leave, Bluestar called her warriors together. She led Redtail and Ravenwing out of camp, telling Whitestorm and Tigerclaw to wait until it was dark to leave camp. Fireheart sat next to Graystripe, shooting ideas on what would happen. Whitestorm left with his back up group a few minutes later, taking Graystripe with him. Tigerclaw followed shortly after, leaving Fireheart and Spottedleaf to sit under the stars with the queens and elders. They stayed where they were until the rest had gone back to their dens. Two pairs of glowing eyes locked in the shadows, then a couple of cats slunk through the thorn entrance.
"Now what?" Spottedleaf hissed.
"I'm thinking I'm thinking!" Fireheart whispered. If they loudly traipsed around their territory, they were bound to be noticed. He couldn't think of any other way to get to Fourtrees that wouldn't involve running into Tigerclaws patrol. "Ok, we cross the Thunderpath and stay beside it until we hit Fourtrees. Then we cross again and wait until the coast is clear to get in."
"Good plan, except, how do we deal with Shadowclan? Brokenstar is going to have his warriors crawling all over the place!"
"Well, do you have any better ideas?" Fireheart retorted.
"No…fine, we'll take our chances with Shadowclan. At least then we won't have to deal with Bluestar if we get caught."
So they set off like ravens in the night, unseen unheard. When they were close to the Thunderpath, Spottedleaf showed Fireheart how to roll on the wet, leafy forest floor to hide their scent. Not a single monster was running on the solid black river, a blessing from Starclan. Their trek through Shadowclan territory didn't last long; soon the cats reached the underground tunnel linking Thunderclan to Shadowclan. From there they had to deal with the hardest part; getting into Fourtrees. Getting as close as possible without being detected was the first step. Fireheart made sure the breeze was downwind before taking it to the next part. Right when he was about to run out from under a bush, Fireheart caught Lionhearts scent. He quickly backed up, making so much noise he thought for sure the great warrior would hear him. But Lionheart just walked by, trailed by Runningwind and Tigerclaw. With them gone, Fireheart knew he was safe to cross. He signaled to Spottedleaf and together they sprang out of the bush and behind one of the four big oak trees. Now Fireheart could hear everything the two leaders were arguing about. Ducking into the narrow space between a bush and the tree, he pricked his ears to listen.
"Starclan has foretold my death by two of your warriors, naturally I would do something to stop it! You wouldn't deny me my right to survival would you Bluestar?" Brokenstar meowed.
"Yes, but my warriors are being threatened in the process! It is my duty to protect them as it is for them to protect me and their clan. Starclan must have seen an action you take that leads to destruction, and tried to prevent it." Bluestar replied. Fireheart felt a sense of warmth rise up inside him at his leader's defensive words.
The Shadowclan cat paused for a moment, clearly she had won that argument. "Runningnose! What do you think on this matter?"
"Er…well…I uh think that the problem can be resolved peacefully. Bluestar agrees to make another cat leader should Redtail die in his deputyship, Redtail promises to make another cat his successor when he becomes leader, and Brokenstar will call off all attempts to get rid of Fireheart and his…..friend." Fireheart snapped his gaze away from the cats to stare at the tortoiseshell who mirrored his alarmed expression. What did Runningnose know about Spottedleaf? Had he seen her at a Gathering? Had he told Brokenstar?
Thankfully, Bluestar had spied this slip as well. "What friend are you thinking of?"
"The tortoiseshell." Runningnose replied bluntly.
"Do you mean Redtail?"
"No, the tortoiseshell queen with amber eyes. She looks very much like Redtail though." In his confusion, Fireheart hadn't noticed Runningnose had found his hiding place and was now watching them with such intensity it seemed to burn right through his fur. Blackfoot, who was sitting next to the medicine cat, followed his gaze to where Fireheart lay, his eyes growing wider and wider, an evil smirk replacing the tight line in his lips. Spottedleaf crouched lower inside the bush, trembling uncontrollably. Fireheart had heard enough, and he knew she had too, so he carefully helped her to her feet.
Getting out was harder than getting in, precisely because the wind was now blowing with them. They would not be able to scent a coming patrol. He had to go on hearing and sight alone. Making a mad dash for it, the two landed ungracefully in a patch of grass on the side of the Thunderpath. They traveled in silence, too shocked at what they'd done to speak a word about it. When at last Fireheart helped her into camp, Spottedleaf uttered one word; Fireheart…..