Hello once again! I hope you are all happy about another update, if not, well then…*mumbles something that does not look pretty in print*...anyway, I hope you like this chapter! Thank you for all your review so far, I really love them! Now, onto the chapter!
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"Do you think we'll go to the Gathering?" Tawnypaw asked excitedly to her mentor, Brackenfur.
"That's up to Bluestar," Brackenfur replied. His eyes turning to Fireheart as the ThunderClan deputy finished setting the border. "Did she say?" he asked.
"Not yet," Fireheart replied, coming to lead her patrol once more.
"I hope I get to go," Squirrelpaw squealed, running circles around her sister. "Do you think we'll have a good chance of going?"
"I don't see why not." Sandstorm answered, the patrol consisted of Fireheart, Brackenfur, Sandstorm and their two apprentices, Squirrelpaw and Tawnypaw. So far, her kits were showing good progress in becoming warriors, although Squirrelpaw could be a bit of a pawful, and Hawkpaw believed he was sometimes smarter than his mentor.
"You'll both have to wait and see," Fireheart reminded her two daughters, but her eyes shone with care. She would have to ask Bluestar about bringing some of the new apprentices tonight.
"Imagine, seeing all the other Clans and talking to them," Squirrelpaw said, it sounded like it was almost impossible seeing as all they do was fight and are hostile to each other. Fireheart could relate, wasn't it a bit strange that they would hold a peace-treaty for one night while the rest is full of fighting and hostility? 'Not all cats are hostile' Fireheart reminded herself quietly, remembering Mistyfoot, Onewhisker and Graystripe and possibly Stormkit and Featherkit.
"We should probably head back now," Fireheart meowed, turning towards ThunderClan camp. "That way I can see just who is going tonight." Fireheart flashed a playful look over her shoulder at her daughters, both looking excitedly at each other. Their eyes filled with hope that they would be the ones chosen.
They padded briskly back to camp. Fireheart's spirit was bright due to her daughter's excitement, but there was that nagging bit of fear as well. If they come to the Gathering, they would see Tigerstar. Tigerstar was Fireheart's kits father, who was banished from ThunderClan due to him conspiring with Brokentail and bringing rouges into camp, using them as a distraction to kill Bluestar. Fireheart had managed to save Bluestar just in time. In his exile, Tigerstar had managed somehow to become ShadowClan's leader. Fireheart feared of what her kits reaction would be to see him, her kits were unaware of these facts and she was afraid that they would get the wrong impression.
When they reached camp, they parted ways. Both apprentices headed to the apprentices den, meeting Leafpaw and Spottedpaw at the tree stump. Brackenfur and Sandstorm went towards the fresh-kill pile and Fireheart headed towards Bluestar's den. Calling out softly, Fireheart entered Bluestar's den after a moment's pause with no answer. Creeping inside, Fireheart saw Bluestar lying in her nest, her head tucked between her paws. And for a moment, Fireheart thought that the ThunderClan leader was merely sleeping. But Bluestar's eyes were open, and her head tilted a little when Fireheart entered.
"Tonight's the full moon," Fireheart began, walking towards her leader and stopping just a mouse-length away. Dipping her head in respect. "Have you decided who should go?" Bluestar stared at her blankly, and for an uncomfortable second, did not reply.
"It doesn't matter," Bluestar eventually mewed. And for a moment of confusion, Fireheart thought Bluestar was letting her decide who to take, again. "Because ThunderClan will not be going."
Fireheart stared at her leader in stunned silence. ThunderClan won't be going to the Gathering? But StarClan would be angry, for all four Clans should be there. It was tradition and ThunderClan couldn't afford to look weak, now more than ever. "B-but Bluestar," Fireheart stammered, her words coming out in a rush. "StarClan-"
"Don't speak to me about StarClan!" Bluestar hissed, her eyes flashing cold fire at Fireheart that made her sleek ginger fur stand on ends. "StarClan has done nothing for ThunderClan. And I will not honor them by appearing at the Gathering that supports those that wage war on us. We shall not assort ourselves with those that support those traitors, StarClan have turned away from us and so I refuse to respect them by going!" The venom in her voice made Fireheart shunder with fear, how did Bluestar come to a point where she even refused to go to a Gathering?
"Do I make myself clear?" Bluestar demanded, eyes boring into Fireheart's.
"Y-yes, Bluestar," Fireheart mewed quickly, scrambling out of the den as fast as she could. When she was outside she quickly turned towards the medicine cat's den, paws racing as fast as she could. When she found Spottedleaf in her den, it didn't take long to explain what happened to the shocked medicine cat.
"Not go to the Gathering?" Spottedleaf echoed, her eyes stretched wide in disbelief. "But that goes against StarClan, it will make them angry."
"What can we do? Bluestar is angest StarClan and refuses to go." Fireheart said helplessly, staring at her friend with worry dripping from her voice. Spottedleaf's face morphed into one that looked like she was in deep thought, coming to slowly pace her clearing.
Finally, Spottedleaf said in a soft whisper. "Fireheart, go a choose some cats to bring to the Gathering."
"But Bluestar said-" Fireheart was cut off from the look in Spottedleaf's eyes. Spottedleaf had a plan.
"I know what Bluestar said, but StarClan would never stand for it if we don't go. Go choose now, I'll take care of Bluestar. ThunderClan must go to the Gathering." Spottedleaf briskly walked back into her den, Mothpaw could be heard in a soft whispering. Fireheart hesitated for only a moment, before going to do as Spottedleaf requested.
She choose Sandstorm, Brackenfur, Darkstripe, Cloudtail, Thornclaw, Leafpaw, Cinderpelt and Hawkpaw. Both her daughter and son looked thrilled to go, the other apprentices not so much.
"Why do you get to go and not us?" Squirrelpaw mewed enviously as she probed Hawkpaw in the side.
"Don't worry," Leafpaw assured, her excitement overshadowed by her siblings upset faces. "I'll be sure to tell you about it."
"I wish I was going," Tawnypaw sighed, her pale green eyes blinking sadly.
"Maybe next time," Bramblepaw tried to assure his sister, nudging her side gently. Although there was also some hints of jealousy there as well, but Bramblepaw seemed determined not to let it show. Only Spottedpaw did not seem bothered about not going, if anything she looked relieved.
As night began to fall, the assembled cats began to form. Fireheart waited patiently for Spottedleaf, the medicine cat came out of Bluestar's den after going into it just moments before, her tail flickering at Whitestorm who nodded and came to stand guard outside her den. Apparently whatever she did, Whitestorm was in on it.
"I gave her poppyseeds," Spottedleaf mewed softly so that no one but Fireheart could hear. "She'll be sleeping until sun-high, Whitestorm is standing guard outside her den so their will be no one to disturb her. I know that doing this to our leader is wrong, but in a time like this. I think it's justified."
"I think you did the right thing," Fireheart mewed softly, although Spottedleaf didn't look assured, her face set in a grim frown.
"You better get going," Spottedleaf mewed, gesturing for them to go. "You won't get to the Gathering in time if you don't go now." Fireheart nodded as she led her assembled warriors out through the still charred gorse tunnel, and through the forest. Fireheart felt with a pang how no one questioned why Bluestar wasn't the one leading, it was almost like they saw Fireheart as their sole leader and confident. It set a chill down her spine, the stars of Silverpelt blazed from a clear sky, and the full moon rode high as Fireheart came to crouch at the top of the hollow leading down to Fourtrees.
Beneath the four great oaks, the ground was carpeted with fallen leaves, glittering in the first frost of leaf-fall. Black shapes of cats moved to a fro against the pale shimmer. "ShadowClan and WindClan are here," Thornclaw observed as he crouched beside Fireheart, his tail flickering behind him. "Wonder where RiverClan is?"
Fireheart wondered that herself, RiverClan was another matter on Fireheart's mind besides Bluestar's vengeance against StarClan and her inability to lead the Clan with a clear mind these days. Leopardfur, the deputy of RiverClan had seemed as though she would like nothing more than to sink her claws into ThunderClan. It unnerved her, and it made dark thoughts swirl in her mind. RiverClan knew how vulnerable ThunderClan was at this time, and they might uses that to their advantage. Fernpaw, Fireheart's apprentice, could even see their obvious interest in Sunningrocks.
"We'll find out soon enough," Fireheart replied to him, signaling with her tail and the ThunderClan cats sprang to their paws and raced down through the bushes into the hollow.
Down in the hollow WindClan and ShadowClan were mingling, Fireheart spied Tallstar and Tigerstar seated side by side at the base of the Great Rock. As she watched, Fireheart saw Tallstar lean over to Tigerstar and meow something; Tigerstar flicked his tail dismissively. Fireheart wondered if she should creep closer to listen to what they were saying, but before she could move she felt a friendly nudge at her shoulder and looked around to see Onewhisker, a warrior of WindClan.
"Hi, there," Onewhisker meowed. "Do you remember who this is?" He pushed a young cat forward, a tabby with bright eyes and ears pricked with excitement. "This is Morningflower's kit," Onewhisker explained. "He's my apprentice now-Gorsepaw. Isn't he big now?"
"Morningflower's kit, of course! I saw you at the last Gathering." Fireheart still found it hard to believe that this well-muscled apprentice was the same scrap of fur whom she had carried across the Thunderpath when she and Graystripe brought WindClan home.
"Well, I'm glad I don't have to carry you now," Fireheart replied. "If you grow much more, you'll be able to join LionClan!" Gorsepaw purred happily. Fireheart was sharply aware of the warm friendship that she felt for these cats, which had survived all the skirmishing and disagreements since that long ago journey. "My own kits are apprenticed now," Fireheart said warmly, gesturing to Leafpaw and Hawkpaw who stuck close to their mentors, Fireheart felt thankful, it seemed Thornclaw and Cinderpelt where keeping a close eye on them, and Tigerstar. "Those two are Leafpaw and Hawkpaw, two of mine."
"They look strong," Onewhisker mewed, his ears twitching in approval. "Why don't you go introduce yourself?" Onewhisker suggested to Gorsepaw, who nodded and scampered happily over to Leafpaw.
"They do seem like very good apprentices," Onewhisker mewed again. "You and Tigerstar must be proud." the mention of Tigerstar's name made Fireheart glance once again at Tigerstar, he didn't seem to let on that he saw his kits. But something in Fireheart told her that he had noticed, and he was just abiding his time.
"I know I sure am," Fireheart whispered, mostly to herself. But Onewhisker nodded along.
"Where's Bluestar?" Onewhisker mewed, suddenly looking up. "I don't see her anywhere, along with no sign of RiverClan." the words were hardly out of his mouth when there was a stir among the bushes at the other side of the clearing. A group of RiverClan cats appeared, padding close together into the open. Stalking proudly at their head was Leopardfur.
"Where's Crookedstar?" Onewhisker wondered out loud, seemingly to forget about Bluestar for the moment, in his confusion about Crookedstar.
"I heard he was ill," Fireheart meowed, realizing that she wasn't surprised to see Leopardfur taking her leader's place. Just like Fireheart was doing for Bluestar. From what Graystripe had told her by the river half a moon ago, and the way Leopardfur acted when she brought Graypool back , she hadn't expected the RiverClan leader to be well enough to attend a Gathering.
Leopardfur walked straight toward the base of the Great Rock, where Tallstar and Tigerstar were sitting. She dipped her head courteously and settled down beside them. Fireheart wondered for a moment if she should join them, but she was distracted a moment later as a familiar gray warrior bounded across the clearing to her side.
"Graystripe!" Fireheart gave a welcoming mew. "I thought you weren't allowed to come to Gatherings."
"I wasn't," replied Graystripe, touching noses with his friend. "But Stonefur said I should have a chance to prove my loyalty."
"Stonefur?" Fireheart echoed. She had noticed both Bluestar's kits, Stonefur and his sister, Mistyfoot, among the cats who followed Leopardfur. "What's it got to do with him?"
"Stonefur's our new deputy," meowed Graystripe. He frowned. "O, of course, you don't know. Crookedstar died two nights ago. Leopardfur is our leader now."
Fireheart was silent for a moment, remembering the dignified old cat who had helped ThunderClan during the fire. The news of Crookedstar's death didn't surprise her, but it still brought a pang of anxiety. Leopardstar would be a strong leader, good for RiverClan, but she had no love for ThunderClan.
"She's already started to reorganize the Clan, even though it's barely a day since she went to the Moonstone to speak with StarClan," Graystripe went on, pulling a face. "Supervising the apprentice training, ordering more patrols. And-" He broke off, paws working on the ground in front of him.
"Graystripe!" Fireheart was alarmed at her friend's clear agitation. "What's the matter?"
Graystripe lifted anguished yellow eyes to gaze at his friend. "There's something you ought to know, Fireheart." He took a quick glance around to make sure no RiverClan cats were within earshot. "Ever since the fire, Leopardfur has been planning how to get Sunningrocks back."
"I...I don't think you should be telling me that," Fireheart stammered, staring at her friend in dismay. Sunningrocks was a long-disputed territory on the border between ThunderClan and RiverClan. Oakheart and the former ThunderClan deputy, Redtail had both died in battle over them. For Graystripe to tell Fireheart of his new leader's intentions was an act of betrayal that went completely against the warrior code.
"I know, Fireheart." Graystripe couldn't met her gaze, and his voice shook with the weight of what he was doing. "I have tried to be a loyal warrior of RiverClan-no cat could have tried harder!" His voice was rising in desperation, but with a huge effort he managed to control himself and go on in a lower voice. "But I can't sit by and do nothing while Leopardstar plans to attack ThunderClan. If it come sto a battle, I don't know what I'll do."
Fireheart moved closer, trying to comfort the gray warrior. She had always known, ever since Graystripe had crossed the river, that sooner or later her friend would have to face the ordeal of fighting against his birth Clan. Now it seemed as if that day had suddenly drawn closer.
"When is this attack going to happen?" she asked.
Graystripe shook his head. "I've no idea. Even if Leopardstar had decided, she wouldn't tell me. I only know about the plan from what the other warriors had said. But I'll see what I can find out, if you like."
For a moment Fireheart was excited gy the thought of havin a spy in the RiverClan camp. Then she realized what a fearful risk Graystripe would be taking. She couldn't put her friend in danger like that, or add to the pain of his divided loyalties. Unless ThunderClan struck first, without waiting for Leopardstar to attack-which Fireheart didn't want to do-they would just have to deal with the threat when it arose.
"No, its to dangerous," Fireheart replied. "I'm grateful for the warning, but think what Leopardstar would do to you if she found out. She dosen't exactly like you as it is. I'll tell all the hunting patrols to keep checking Sunningrocks for RiverClan scent, and make sure our scent markings are strong there."
"Where is ThunderClan's leader?" The yowl came from Leopardstar, she turned to see that the other three leaders had leaped up on the Great Rock. Meowing a quick farewell, Fireheart quickly made it to the front and leaped atop the Great Rock in a single bound. This would mark the second time she would be taking Bluestar's place. Fireheart sat beside Tallstar on the fare right side, opposite of Tigerstar who sat on the left. And having Tallstar and Leopardstar in between them. She ignored the curious glances, all three leaders looking as if they wanted to know where Bluestar is but Fireheart pretended she didn't see their looks and kept quiet.
When the cats had fallen silent. Tigerstar nodded to Leopardstar, indicating that she should speak first. The golden tabby took a place at the front of the rock, and looked down.
"Our former leader, Crookedstar, has gone to join StarClan," she announced. "He was a noble leader and all his Clan mourns his passing. I am leader of RiverClan now, and Stonefur is my deputy. Last night I traveled to Highstones and received my nine lives from StarClan."
"Congratulations," meowed Tigerstar, while Tallstar mewed, "Crookedstar will be missed by all the Clans. But may StarClan grant that RiverClan thrives under your leadership."
Leopardstar thanked them and looked expectantly if not a little challenge to Fireheart, Fireheart dipped her head showing respect that a leader deserved. "Congratulations, I trust that you'll proceed to be a great leader." Leopardstar nodded her head, satisfaction in her eyes at the show of respect from ThunderClan. Fireheart glanced down at Stonefur, the gray tom would make a great deputy.
Fireheart flickered her eyes over to Tigerstar, who had his eyes trained on Stonefur as well. She struggled with the inner cold dread at the knowledge that the massive tabby knew of Stonefur and Mistyfoot's true heritage and that they were originally from ThunderClan, the knowledge of who the mother was still hidden from him. But it wouldn't be long till he figured it out, after all Mistyfoot and Bluestar looked almost identical.
"I have one more piece of Clan news," Leopardstar mew drew Fireheart out of her thoughts. "One of our elders, Graypool, is dead, she has died peacefully in her sleep." Fireheart's ears pricked in surprise. Not to long ago Fireheart helped escort Graypool back to RiverClan, who had crossed into ThunderClan territory. She remembered the feisty elder who had willingly given her information on Mistyfoot and Stonefur's true heritage, along with advice that Fireheart came to treasure. She was going to miss her, even if they were in different Clans. "She was a brave warrior and the mother of many kits." Leopardstar added on, pausing to cast a sympathetic glance at Mistyfoot and Stonefur. "Her Clan mourns her," she finished.
Fireheart relaxed, watching as Tallstar stood to speak. "We have found scraps of rabbit remains in our territory, we believe their to be some creature hunting there. We have found scents of dog, but it isn't a problem that we cannot handle." Tallstar sounded calm, but it was laced with a challenge. "Also we have new apprentice's and are turning out well." Tallstar finished his brief report, flickering his tail invitingly for Fireheart to speak next.
"ThunderClan is once again thriving well," Fireheart meowed, making her voice sound calm and clear. Not hinting at all the state of her leader, territory or camp. "We also have had scents of dog, but like Tallstar has said, ThunderClan has it handled. Along with that, we have three new warriors, Brightheart, Thornclaw and Cloudtail." Fireheart waited for a moment as the cats in the clearing cheered for the three new warriors. Mostly from WindClan and ShadowClan, RiverClan was being oddly silent. "We also have new apprentices," Fireheart added on, her voice warm as her gaze dropped to where Hawkpaw and Leafpaw sat together, their mentors on each side of them. "My kits have become apprentices, and Mothpaw has become Spottedleaf's apprentice." Fireheart finished, watching as this time all the Clans sent up cheers. Even RiverClan.
She stepped back, allowing Tigerstar to step forward, his face was an unreadable mask making Fireheart tense at what he will say. Would the ShadowClan leader announce what he knew about two of Graypool's kits? Fireheart had always known about Tigerstar's anger at how someone could give up their own kits, she knew it had to do with his father abandoning him to become a kittypet. So to find out that two of ThunderClan's kits were given away or abandoned must have hit too close for comfort.
To her relief, Tigerstar made no mention of the secret. Instead he gave news of ShadowClan kits that had been made into apprentices and the birth of a new litter-details that showed how ShadowClan was beginning to recover its strength, but nothing that suggested hostility to any other Clan.
Hope flared in Fireheart again. Perhaps there really was no need to keep worrying about a threat from Tigerstar and trust his word. It would be a relief to forget him and concentrate on the lurking threat of the dog in the forest. Then Fireheart's hopes were dashed and a feeling of shock and disbelief settled as Tigerstar continued.
"ShadowClan has grown strong over these last few moons," Tigerstar declared, his cats below mewing their agreement. "And I have a request to make," he began. "Many of you know that when I left ThunderClan, seven of my kits were in the nursery," Fireheart's eyes widened in surprise at where this was going. "They were too young then to travel, and I am grateful to ThunderClan for the care they have give then. But now it's time for them to join me in the Clan were they rightfully belong." Tigerstar turned his full attention to Fireheart, his expression unreadable. "I ask that ThunderClan give me my kits." Yowls of protest from ThunderClan warriors broke out before Tigerstar had finished speaking. Fireheart stood rock still, in too much shock to even begin to make a sentence. How could he do this to her? Why would he demand his kits back when they obviously belonged in ThunderClan and with her? He couldn't just do something like this!
"Over my dead body!" Fireheart hissed menacingly, yowls of disagreement coming from ShadowClan who had turned on the ThunderClan cats. ThunderClan and ShadowClan hissed fearsomely at each other, Cinderpelt and Thornclaw standing protectively in front of Hawkpaw and Leafpaw that were standing shocked still from their father's declaration.
"I know this must be hard," Tigerstar continued, his voice lowering to a calm soothing tone, which only spiked Fireheart's anger further. "But I care greatly for our kits, and I wish for them to join me in ShadowClan."
"I don't care what you want," Fireheart spat, fur spiking as she drew herself to look twice her size. "These are as much as my kits as they are yours, they are apprentices of ThunderClan and they will remain that way. They will be loyal ThunderClan cats."
"Yes, they're as much as yours as they are mine," Tigerstar said smoothly, his expression and tone of voice unwavering. "But is it not justified for me to want my kits? That I wish to allow their upbringing, I am their father. I have rights to those kits as much as ThunderClan, I am concerned for their safety. Due to the fire prey is scarce in ThunderClan, what will they have to eat? You have inexperienced warriors who are training these apprentices, and it wouldn't be the first time that ThunderClan has given up kits."
Fireheart's claws slide out, her stomach turning with the impulse to tear him to shreds right then and there. But this was a Gathering, and so she forced herself to take a couple of deep breaths and calm herself before speaking. "ThunderClan is their home, and always will be."
"Why don't you come to a an agreement," Leopardstar asked cooly, her eyes seemingly filled with interest on this private matter. "Why not divide them up?"
"Are you saying to give up half my kits?" Fireheart demanded, rounding on the RiverClan leader. "You have no idea how that would affect them, what if ShadowClan and ThunderClan were to fight? It would be sibling against sibling. I would never be heartless enough to just give half of them away! This is not something to decided lightly on, and you clearly don't know the first thing about being a mother." it was a clear insult and Leopardstar flattened her ears at it, her eyes narrowed.
"Fireheart is right," Tigerstar meowed before Leopardstar could retort. "This is between ShadowClan and ThunderClan, and it's not a matter to take lightly. How about we take some time to think on it, perhaps till the next Gathering? That way both me and your leader can discuss it further."
Fireheart narrowed her eyes, this was something she would not stand for. But Fireheart nodded her head regardless, no matter what Tigerstar was not getting her kits. And not even thinking it over till the next Gathering would change that. Without giving a verbal response, Fireheart thought it was time to leave, she leaped down from the High Rock, ignoring that the other leader's were taking their time to get down.
Fireheart sweeped her tail for Cloudtail to join her, her white nephew looked as angry as she felt. "Go and tell the other warriors to gather around Leafpaw and Hawkpaw, I am taking no chances." Fireheart said, watching Cloudtail nod his head and race off to do just that.
"Are you okay?" Graystripe asked, coming to Fireheart's side. His expression full of concern.
"I will be," Fireheart sighed. Her eyes raking across the clearing at where her warriors were gathering around Leafpaw and Hawkpaw.
"Are you going to give up your kits?" Graystripe asked, his expression haunted. Fireheart guessed that he was recalling his own decision when giving up Stormkit and Featherkit.
"Never," Fireheart retorted, drawing herself up with her head held high. Graystripe nodded, his expression understanding. Fireheart then saw Stonefur thrusting his way through the crowd toward Graystripe.
"Are you ready?" the RiverClan deputy meowed. "Leopardstar wants to leave quickly."
"On my way," Graystripe meowed, springing to his paws. His voice shook a she added, "Good-bye, Fireheart."
"Good-bye," Fireheart replied. There was so much more she wanted to say, but once again she had to face the fact that her best friend belonged to another Clan, and the next time they met could be in battle.
Before the two RiverClan cats turned away, she sought desperately for the right words to speak to Stonefur. "Congratulations," she stammered at last. "I was glad to hear Leopardstar chose you as deputy. And I am really sorry about Graypool, although I'm not sure how much it would be worth to you."
Stonefur met her eye. "Thank you," he meowed. "That means a lot actually."
Fireheart watched them as they headed for the edge of the clearing, turning to join her Clanmates, Fireheart caught sight of Tigerstar, the ShadowClan's leaders eyes were solely on where Leafpaw and Hawkpaw could be seen among the waiting ThunderClan cats. Her claws slide out as they dug into the dirt. Inner rage at how he had the audacity to make such a demand like this. She was so preoccupied with glaring at him that it took a few moments to notice that their was another cat with him, sitting in the shadows beside Tigerstar was Darkstripe. She tried to tell herself that it was only natural for Tigerstar's oldest friend to seek him out at a Gathering, but Fireheart didn't like it. She struggled with the fact that she didn't trust a hair on the dark stripped warriors pelt, she still called him Dirtstripe behind his back and couldn't shake the inner hostility whenever he got to close to her kits.
Leaping to her paws, she stalked through the cats toward them. As she approached, she heard Tigerstar meowed to his companion. "How are my other kits? I would talk to Leafpaw and Hawkpaw, but I believe right now isn't the best time."
"Very well," the ThunderClan warrior replied warmly. "Growing big and strong-especially young Bramblepaw. He learns quickly, a shame that I couldn't mentor one."
As if I would ever allow you to mentor them, Fireheart thought darkly. "Darkstripe!" Fireheart interrupted their conversation harshly. "The Gatherings over, or haven't you noticed? ThunderClan is leaving now."
"Keep your fur on, Fireheart," Darkstripe's voice was an insolent drawl. "I'm coming."
"Go on, Darkstripe; you mustn't keep your deputy waiting," meowed Tigerstar. He nodded to Fireheart; his gaze was carefully neutral.
Fireheart allowed Darkstripe, or Dirtstripe. To go ahead of her, not trusting him for a second to follow her from behind. She was stopped however when Tigerstar called out softly, only allowing her to hear. "I don't want to fight, I care about these kits as much as you. But their my kits as well, you have to understand that." Fireheart didn't turn around as she padded across the clearing to join up with the rest of the warriors, it was all Fireheart could do to keep her fur flat as she came to lead the ThunderClan warriors out of the hollow. She made sure that her kits were right behind her as she led them away from the Gathering. No matter what, no one was getting her kits.
When they arrived back at camp, it was to be met with the angry yowls of Bluestar. She was standing in front of both Spottedleaf and Whitestorm, betrayal clear as day in her heated eyes. When Fireheart and her returning warriors approached she turned that heated gaze on Fireheart.
"How dare you!" Bluestar spat as she stalked up to Fireheart, the cats in the clearing who had apparently been watching Bluestar's rant turned to Fireheart. Their eyes filled with fear while the cats that fire head taken to the Gathering were clearly surprised and confused. "I trusted you and this is how you repay me? By disobeying my orders and going-going to that-that," Bluestar began to wheeze her sides shaking with repressed rage. "You're just as bad as the rest, a traitor, a traitor against my word."
"Bluestar," Fireheart tried to reason, but Bluestar simply snapped at her. She turned from the assembled cats and stomped her way towards her den, when Spottedleaf and Whitestorm tried to intercept her she simply spat in their direction and went into her den. Leaving behind a shocked and slightly frightened Clan.
"What was that about?" Sandstorm asked in amazement, her forest green eyes wide in shock as she leaned against Brackenfur.
"Not a clue," Brackenfur mumbled back, his gaze turning to Fireheart with questions lighting his eyes. "What happened, Fireheart?" there wasn't any accusation in the young warriors tone, just confusion and worry.
"I don't that is as important as what to do about Tigerstar's demand," Thornclaw meowed, sitting closely to Leafpaw who was still in shock. Hawkpaw however seemed to have recovered, his eyes filled with questions and confusion.
"What demand?" Mousefur spoke up, coming to join their group.
"Tigerstar wants his kits back," Cinderpelt spat, her fur bristling in anger. "He just thinks he can waltz right in and take whatever cat he wants, well he has another thing coming."
"Fireheart's kits belong in ThunderClan," Sandstorm agreed with Cinderpelt, her eyes drifting to the apprentice's den where all the apprentices stared wide eyed at what was occurring.
"I think we all had a tough day today," Fireheart mewed sharply, gaining everyone's attention. "All will be explained later, in the morning. All us all to have a good night's rest, and deal with these issues in the morning." secretly all Fireheart wanted to do was get away from her troubles for awhile, as she slipped her way into the warriors den to curl up in her nest. She silently closed her eyes but sleep evaded her, until Cinderpelt curled alongside her, gently grooming her until she fell into a restless sleep.
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Okay, I know what you all are thinking. "What the heck Tigerstar?" I know, I know, I had the same reaction...and I wrote the thing! But in all honesty, I believe that things will turn out in the end...maybe, there's like...five percent chance...maybe? Anyway, I hope you like it despite all the feels, and also the shortness of it! But I will make up for it in the next chapter, I will make it long with more suspense! XD Also review, I really love your reviews cause it give me motivation! Now, until next time! Review!