Votes for Firepaw's warrior names are currently like this;

Fireheart: 2
Fireflower: 1
Firesong: 5
Firefang: 0
Firestorm: 1

Remember to vote if you haven't~

~watermellonfuzz

Firepaw felt as though she was scratched and bitten all over. Her wounds burned where the rats had attacked her, but she was determined to get back to camp. Bluestar seemed desperate to get back, and if Firepaw was right about ShadowClan… her Clanmates would need her.

However, Bluestar worried her. The older she-cat's face was contorted with pain, yet she kept on. The ThunderClan leader wouldn't let anything stop her from getting back to her Clan, and however much Firepaw admired that, she couldn't help but wonder if Bluestar's wounds would reopen.

They were closing in on camp when Ravenpaw halted suddenly. "Can you hear that?" he whispered.

Firepaw pricked her ears. She only heard the familiar sounds of the forest out first, but as she strained her hearing, she heard battle-hungry yowls and the shrill wails of terrified kits.

"Quick!" Bluestar hissed. "It is as StarClan warned me- our camp is being attacked!" She tried to leap forward, but her injuries made her stumble. She quickly pushed herself up and limped onward.

Firepaw found herself running by Tigerclaw's side in her desperation to get to camp. Graypaw and Ravenpaw followed close behind them. As they grew closer and closer to camp, she could smell the blood and the horrible stench of ShadowClan cats.

As they entered camp, every corner seemed to be occupied by fighting cats. Frostfur and Goldenflower were attacking a large gray tom, and Mossheart and Mistyfoot were driving away a tortoiseshell and a brown tabby. Darkstripe was locked in a fierce tussle with a black warrior, and three of the elders were nipping at a she-cat who fought with twice their speed and ferocity.

Among all of the turmoil, Firepaw found herself seeking out a certain gray tom, whom she just couldn't seem to find. She did, however, see Sandpaw cornered by a white tom and a gray tabby tom. Baring her teeth, she leapt at the gray tabby. The tom yowled in surprise before swiping at her face. The ginger apprentice hissed as her opponent's claws scored her cheek, but she launched herself once more at the tom, landing on his back. She raked her hind paws down his back while clinging on with her front paws.

"Let me go!" the tom wailed, trying to shake her off.

She almost didn't, but she remembered what Lionheart had taught her: A good warrior doesn't need to kill to win her battles. She jumped off of him and snarled. The tom didn't need another chance- he fled immediately. She turned back to Sandpaw to see that she had her situation handled. She whipped around as a shrill squeal filled the air.

The nursery!

A massive white tom with black paws, who Firepaw was sure went by the name Blackfoot, was reaching into the nursery to grab the kits from their nests. An elder was lying on the ground near him, unmoving. Blood pooled around the dead cat's body.

As she was about to leap for the ShadowClan deputy, claws sliced painfully down her side. She hissed and turned to face the cat who attacked her. A scrawny tortoiseshell leapt onto her back, clawing at her sides. She had to help those kits! Or if anything, she needed to get someone to realize what was happening.

Spotting a familiar gray pelt, she cried, "Stonefu-"

She didn't get to finish her sentence because the tortoiseshell raked her claws down her sides once more, making her shriek in pain. She glanced towards the nest again. Blackfoot had taken two kits, and was reaching for a third. With a pang, she recognized the kit as one of Frostfur's two younger kits, Brightkit.

Thinking quickly, she went limp, as if defeated. The ShadowClan warrior on her back yowled in triumph and began to sink her teeth around her neck. Firepaw pushed up hard, sending the she-cat flying off of her. Spinning around, she quickly bit down on the she-cat's leg. The she-cat wrenched her leg away and bolted out of camp, howling.

Firepaw ran to the nursery, searching for Blackfoot. The tom was nowhere to be seen. Yellowfang, however, was there. She gray she-cat was crouched protectively over Frostfur's kits, who were terrified. Yellowfang's fur was splattered with blood, and her left eye was swollen.

"Go," she growled. "I'll protect them."

Firepaw dipped her head and staggered back into the clearing, only to find very few ShadowClan warriors left. Ravenpaw and Graypaw were fighting off a black tom, clawing at him until he fled into the bushes. Willowpelt and Runningwind chased the last two invaders out of camp.

Firepaw collapsed where she was standing, exhausted. She stared around the clearing, hardly recognizing it. Blood stained the earth, and tufts of fur drifted in the gentle breeze. The surrounding wall of undergrowth had been ripped open where the intruders had crashed through.

Slowly, the ThunderClan cats gathered around the Highrock. Sandpaw crept over and crouched next to her, a silent thank you for helping her earlier. Ravenpaw and Graypaw were sitting by Dustpaw, who didn't seem to have more than a few scratches. Ravenpaw and Graypaw, like Tigerclaw and Firepaw, who'd gone to the Moonstone with Bluestar, had more wounds than the rest of the cats. Firepaw saw the queens rush to the nursery to check on their kits.

Did Blackfoot succeed in taking any of the kits? She waited tensely for the queens' return. Upon hearing the squeals and purrs of joy, she relaxed. Thank StarClan they're all safe…

Frostfur wove her way back through the crowd, followed by Yellowfang. The white queen stopped at the base of the Highrock to address them. "Our kits are safe!" she announced. "And it's all thanks to Yellowfang! A ShadowClan warrior killed Rosetail, however, when she was trying to protect the kits, but Yellowfang fought him off."

"It wasn't just any ShadowClan warrior, either," Firepaw, though exhausted, raised her voice. "I saw him. It was Blackfoot." She had to let the Clan know how much they owed the former ShadowClan medicine cat.

"The ShadowClan deputy!" Brindleface meowed, who'd fought so bitterly to protect the unborn kits in her swollen belly.

There was a stir at the edge of the group. Bluestar limped forward and murmured something to Graypaw, who in turn let out a high-pitched wail and ran to Spottedleaf at the side of the Highrock. Firepaw struggled to sit up, pricking her ears.

Bluestar made her way over to Firepaw. "Spottedleaf is with Lionheart," she murmured. "He was injured during the battle. I'm not sure if he'll pull through."

Firepaw's heart sank. The brave golden tabby who'd helped mentor her… may not pull through? As she watched Graypaw share tongues with his mentor, she knew he wouldn't live. The look Spottedleaf's had on her face was enough to tell her that.

Spottedleaf raised her voice. "I can't help him now. He is on his way to join StarClan."

Firepaw limped over to the body of the deputy and licked the tom between his ears. "Thank you for your wisdom, Lionheart," she whispered. "You taught me so much."

She settled down at Graypaw's side, grooming him. He could use all of the comfort he could get…

The ginger apprentice sat with Ravenpaw, Graypaw, Mossheart (who had been Lionheart's mate), and Lionheart and Mossheart's kits, Stormkit and Sunkit, until the moon was high above their heads. Tigerclaw had stopped briefly next to the tom's body. Firepaw had waited curiously for what he would say, but he didn't say anything. The tom's eyes seemed to be on Ravenpaw.

Spottedleaf padded around camp, tending to everyone's wounds and battered nerves. Firepaw watched her approach Bluestar twice, only to be turned away both times. When Spottedleaf approached Firepaw, she shook her head.

"I'll be fine," she mumbled. "I need to stay with Graypaw."

Stonefur, who'd stopped by Lionheart's body to share tongues with him, nudged her. "Don't be ridiculous, Firepaw," he meowed, narrowing his eyes in concern. "You've got scratches and bites all over you, and you look like you're about to fall over."

Firepaw hesitated, but ended up sighing and nodding her consent. When Spottedleaf finished applying herbs to her pelt, she had to admit that they did feel better. She watched in silence as Graypaw didn't even acknowledge Spottedleaf as his wounds were treated to. Ravenpaw at least murmured a thank you when she finished.

All of the cats turned their heads to look at the top of the Highrock as Bluestar called a meeting.

"It is nearly moonhigh," she meowed. "And it is once again my duty to name ThunderClan's new deputy." Her voice was tired and cracked with sadness.

Firepaw looked around at each of the warriors. All of them were looking at Tigerclaw. Even Whitestorm had turned to watch the dark tabby. From the bold expression on his face and the way his whiskers twitched in anticipation, Tigerclaw seemed to expect the same as they did.

Bluestar took a deep breath. "I say these words before the body of Lionheart, so that his spirit may hear and approve of my choice." She hesitated. "I have not forgotten how one cat avenged the death of Redtail and brought his body back to us. ThunderClan needs this fearless loyalty now more than ever." Another pause. "Tigerclaw will be the new deputy of ThunderClan."

There were yowls of approval at this. The loudest belonged to Darkstripe and Longtail. Whitestorm sat calmly, his eyes closed and his tail wrapped neatly around him. He was nodding slowly and approvingly.

Tigerclaw lifted his chin proudly, his eyes half-closed as he listened to the Clan. He then stalked through the crowd, accepting tributes with the smallest of nods, and then leapt onto the Highrock next to Bluestar.

"Cats of ThunderClan," he yowled, "I am honored to accept the position of Clan deputy. I never expected to be given such a high rank in the Clan, but by the spirit of Lionheart, I vow to serve you the best as I can." He dipped his head and fixed the crowd in his yellow stare before jumping down from the Highrock.

"Oh StarClan, why did she have to pick him?" Ravenpaw breathed from Firepaw's side.

Firepaw frowned and turned her head to look at the tom. "What?"

"He's wanted to be deputy ever since he took care of Redtail!" he hissed. However, a moment later, he realized what he said and kept his mouth shut.

"What do you mean?" Firepaw whispered. What did Ravenpaw know? At the Gathering, had his account of the battle with RiverClan been true? Was Tigerclaw responsible for Redtail's death?

"Are you telling Firepaw how I protected Redtail?"

Ravenpaw whipped around, his eyes wide with fear. Tigerclaw loomed over them, his lips drawn back into a menacing snarl.

Firepaw staggered to her feet, lifting her chin. "He was just saying how he wished you'd been there to take care of Lionheart as well!"

Tigerclaw looked at the two of them through narrowed eyes before stalking away. Ravenpaw's eyes clouded in terror and he began to tremble violently.

"Ravenpaw?" Firepaw meowed in alarm.

The black tom didn't respond. He crept back into the apprentices' den without another word.

That's when Firepaw decided she may as well go to sleep, too. She limped to the apprentices' den and curled up in her nest, hoping for a dreamless sleep.

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"Wake up!"

Firepaw opened her eyes sleepily, lifting her head and looking around. Ravenpaw was sitting upright with his ears pricked, and Graypaw was stirring in the nest beside hers. Dustpaw was glaring at them.

"Come on!" he hissed. "Bluestar's called another meeting!" The tabby turned and ducked out of the den.

Firepaw got up and arched her back. Her wounds didn't hurt as much, which was good. She smoothed her fur down quickly before padding out of the den and settling down by Sandpaw, who mewed a quiet greeting.

When she looked up, she found that Bluestar wasn't the one speaking. Tigerclaw was.

"During the battle, our leader lost another life," the dark warrior growled. "Now that she only has four of her nine lives left, I am going to appoint a bodyguard to stay at her side constantly."

Firepaw stared at the tom incredulously. I don't think warriors, even if they're deputies, are supposed to tell cats how many lives their leader has left! And Bluestar doesn't need a bodyguard… She shook her head to clear her thoughts before tuning in again.

"…No cat will be allowed to approach her unless the guards are present-"

Great StarClan, does he have no trust for his own Clanmates? That's when she saw his eyes flicker to Ravenpaw.

"Darkstripe and Longtail," he continued, pulling his gaze away from his black-pelted apprentice. "You will take turns being Bluestar's bodyguards."

Bluestar looked rather annoyed when she spoke up, though her voice didn't indicate it. "Thank you, Tigerclaw, for your loyalty. However, the Clan must understand that I am still here for them. No cat should hesitate to approach me, and I am happy to speak to any cat… with or without my bodyguards." She shot a glance at her deputy before continuing. "As the warrior code says, the safety of the Clan is more important than the safety of a single member." She paused again, resting her blue gaze on Firepaw. "And now, I wish to invite Yellowfang to join ThunderClan."

Meows of surprised from some of the warriors greeted her words. Bluestar looked at her daughters and Frostfur, who all nodded their agreement. The other queens looked on silently.

"Her actions last night proved that she is brave and loyal. If she wishes it, we would welcome her as a full member of ThunderClan."

From her place at the edge of the crowd, Yellowfang rose to her paws. "I am honored, Bluestar," she murmured. "I accept your offer."

"Good," Bluestar meowed. Her voice was firm, which clearly indicated that discussion of the matter was now closed.

Firepaw purred in delight. "I'm glad more cats trust her now."

Sandpaw looked over at her. "She did protect Frostfur's kits," the pale ginger cat mewed thoughtfully. "I'm surprised more cats don't trust her. She's given us no reason to not trust her."

Bluestar spoke once more. "Last night, we successfully defender ourselves against ShadowClan. However, they are still a great threat. The repair work we began this morning will continue, and our boundaries will be patrolled constantly. We must not assume this war is over."

Tigerclaw stood, his tail held high, as he glared down at the assembled cats. "ShadowClan attacked while we were away from camp," he growled. "They chose their moment well. How did they know our camp was so poorly defender? Do they have eyes inside of our camp?"

Firepaw stiffened when, once again, she saw the deputy's eyes fixed on Ravenpaw. Some of the cats followed his gaze to Ravenpaw in confusion. The ginger apprentice could see the question on all of their faces. Why would Ravenpaw, of all cats, have anything to do with this?

"We still have a while before sunset," Tigerclaw continued. "If you suspect anything, or anyone, tell me. Be assured, everything said will stay in confidence." He nodded to dismiss the Clan, which annoyed Firepaw.

He's not the leader. He's only the deputy! He shouldn't be the one dismissing the meetings.

She murmured to Sandpaw that she was going to go talk to Yellowfang, and her friend nodded. She padded over to Yellowfang's nest to find her stretched out in the shadows.

"Firepaw," the old she-cat purred. "I'm glad you've come."

"I just wanted to see if you were alright," Firepaw meowed.

"Old habits stay longer than old scents, eh?"

"I suppose so," Firepaw agreed. "How are you feeling?"

"The old leg injury is playing up again, but I should be fine. Now, what is it that you really came for?" A knowing look came over the she-cat's face.

"I wanted to know how you fought Blackfoot off," she confessed.

Yellowfang nodded. "That's understandable. Blackfoot's strong, but he's not a clever fighter. To be honest, that fight with you was more of a challenge. I've known that tom since he was a kit. He hasn't changed at all- he's a bully and has no brains."

Firepaw sat down by her, curling her fluffy ginger tail around her paws. "I'm not surprised Bluestar invited you to join the Clan. You showed your loyalty last night."

Yellowfang's tail twitched. "Perhaps a truly loyal cat would have fought at the side of the Clan that raised her."

Firepaw narrowed her eyes. "If this was true, I'd be fighting for my Twolegs."

A purr of amusement escaped the old she-cat. "Well said, youngster. You always have been a thinker."

"Do you miss ShadowClan?" Firepaw wasn't sure why she asked.

It took her a moment to respond. "I miss the old ShadowClan," Yellowfang admitted.

"Before Brokenstar became leader?"

"Yes," she murmured softly. "He changed the Clan." She allowed a wheezy laugh to escape her. "He always knew how to give a good speech. If he set his mind to it, he'd make you believe a mouse was a rabbit. Perhaps… perhaps that's why I was always so blind to his faults." Sorrow clouded her orange gaze.

In the attempt to cheer her up, she meowed, "Can you guess who the new ShadowClan medicine cat is?"

"Not Runningnose?"

"Nope! It's him!"

Yellowfang groaned and shook her head. "That tom can't even cure his own cold!"

Firepaw purred. "I'll leave you alone for now. I'll check back later."

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Firepaw paused from patching up the hole in the camp entrance to look at Graypaw. His eyes were dull and his muscles seemed stiff with pain.

"Graypaw, do you want me to get some poppy seeds from Spottedleaf?" she meowed softly.

"No, don't worry," the dark gray tom muttered. "I'll be fine."

As if I'd listen to that kind of response, she thought.

"I'll be right back," she meowed over her shoulder as she padded off to Spottedleaf's den before her friend could argue. When she ducked into the den, the tortoiseshell was pacing, her eyes clouded with unhappiness.

"Are you okay?"

"The spirits of StarClan are restless," she replied, flicking her tail uneasily. "I think they're trying to tell me something…" The young medicine cat shook her head and turned to Firepaw. "What can I do for you?"

"I think Graypaw could use some poppy seeds for his leg," she explained. "I think his rat bites are still hurting, too."

"The pain of losing Lionheart will make his injures feel worse than they are," Spottedleaf sighed. "He'll mend with time, though, don't worry. Anyway, you're right- poppy seeds will help." She rummaged through her store and pulled out a dried poppy head. She then placed it in front of Firepaw. "Just shake one or two out and give them to him."

"Thanks," she purred. She paused before walking out. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes," she answered, avoiding her gaze.

A little confused, Firepaw turned and started out of the den.

"Wait!"

I guess she changed her mind.

"Firepaw," the she-cat hissed. "StarClan spoke to me moons ago, before you joined us. I sense that they want me to tell you this now. The prophecy I received was fire will save the Clan. Bluestar and I believe that you are the fire."

Firepaw's eyes widened. "M-me?" she squeaked.

Spottedleaf nodded before turning back to the herbs, which told Firepaw that she should leave.

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Firepaw trained with Bluestar all of the following day. The she-cat was an amazing mentor, though Firepaw had expected no less from her leader.

When she returned, Ravenpaw had been getting an angry lecture from Tigerclaw. The poor tom had been cowering under his mentor's frightening stare.

Now, Firepaw was sitting in front of the black tom with her tail wrapped neatly around her paws. "Ravenpaw… when Tigerclaw was made deputy, you said that he took care of Redtail. I need to know what you meant by that."

Ravenpaw stiffened. "Firepaw, I can't-"

"You can."

He didn't respond for several heartbeats. Her friend took a deep breath before whispering, "Oakheart… you remember who he was, right? RiverClan's old deputy? Well… he didn't kill Redtail. Redtail had driven Oakheart underneath a part of the Sunningrocks where the rocks weren't stable. Redtail and Oakheart didn't know that, though. Redtail managed to get away in time, but… Oakheart was crushed."

Firepaw waited for him to continue. When he didn't, she nudged him gently. "Go on," she murmured.

"Redtail had told me to go back to camp, but… I couldn't. I wanted to help. When Tigerclaw ordered our cats to retreat a little while later because Redtail had been weakened, Tigerclaw remained with Redtail. He… he said that he was the rightful deputy. And he…. He… Tigerclaw lunged at Redtail and sank his teeth into Redtail's neck like he was killing a piece of prey."

Firepaw licked her friend between the ears. "Why didn't you tell Bluestar?"

Ravenpaw pulled away and stared at her incredulously. "Firepaw, she wouldn't have believed me! I don't even think you believe me!"

The ginger she-cat narrowed her eyes. "Whereas it's true that Bluestar probably wouldn't have believed you… I believe you Ravenpaw. I've seen how Tigerclaw glares at you. Does he know that you saw?"

Slowly, Ravenpaw nodded. "I… I think so."

"You'll have to be careful, then."

"I know," Ravenpaw muttered.

Firepaw had no idea how to make him feel better now. She didn't know how to change the subject, either. Wait…

"Let's go and see Brindleface's kits," she mewed, nudging her friend in the direction of the nursery. Ravenpaw has always been good with kits, anyway. This should make him feel better.

Whitestorm was guarding the entrance. "Only one in at a time," he meowed.

"Do you want to go first?" Firepaw offered.

"No, you can go," her friend answered.

She nodded and padded in. Four tiny kits were huddled closely together against Brindleface's belly. Their fur was pale gray with darker flecks except for one dark gray tom.

Will I have kits one day? she wondered. Somehow, she just couldn't picture it. No, probably not. What tom would like me, anyway?

"How are you feeling?" she murmured.

"A little tired," the queen answered, looking proudly at her kits. "But all of them are strong and healthy."

Firepaw purred. "That's good. I'll leave now. I'm going to send Ravenpaw in." She padded out and nodded to Ravenpaw, who in turn ducked into the nursery.

A mate… it would be nice to be loved in that way. And kits… Her thoughts trailed off. She liked kits well enough, but she still couldn't see herself with ones of her own.

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"My kits! My kits are gone!"

Firepaw whipped her head around to stare in horror at Frostfur. The white she-cat's fur was bushed up and her eyes were full of terror.

How?

Tigerclaw was the first to act. "Quick, search the camp! Whitestorm, stay where you are. Warriors, patrol the camp boundary! Apprentices, search every den!"

Firepaw bolted into the nearest den, which happened to be the warriors' den. No cat was visible. She quickly walked by each nest, but no kits were in here.

Graypaw and Ravenpaw were in the apprentices' den while Dustpaw and Sandpaw searched the elders' den. Firepaw looked around the perimeter again, but still found none of them.

Tigerclaw's yowl sounded from behind the nursery. All the cats raced over, lead by Frostfur. Firepaw nosed her way to the front to see Tigerclaw standing over a motionless bundle of tortoiseshell fur.

Spottedleaf.

Bluestar weaved through the cats and leaned over the medicine cat. "She was killed by a warrior's blow," she meowed softly.

Sure enough, a single wound was on the back of the dead medicine cat's neck.

Why? Why would any cat want to kill Spottedleaf?

Through all of the confusion, Firepaw heard a cat- Mousefur, maybe – yowl, "Yellowfang is gone!"

Frostfur's eyes were ablaze with rage. "Yellowfang has killed Spottedleaf and taken my kits!"

No! No, no, no! Yellowfang would never… she wouldn't! Impossible…

Tigerclaw let out a snarl. "Yellowfang! I always knew she was a traitor. Now we know how she fought off the ShadowClan deputy- it was a setup!"

No…

"Bluestar!" Stonefur spoke up. "What do you say about this?"

Bluestar blinked slowly. Grief clouded her features, and for a moment Firepaw thought that the new death might overwhelm her. When she opened her eyes, though, they glittered with a fierceness that showed her determination to seek revenge for the cruel attack. "If Yellowfang has killed Spottedleaf and taken Frostfur's kits, she will be hunted down without mercy." She paused briefly. "There is a storm coming, and I am not prepared to risk more lives. If ShadowClan has our kits, they will come to no immediate harm. I suspect Brokenstar wants them as recruits for his own Clan, or as hostages so that we will allow them to hunt on our territory. As soon as the storm has passed, a patrol will be sent after Yellowfang to bring back our kits."

There was more talk, Firepaw knew, but her head was spinning. She couldn't pay attention. Yellowfang didn't do this. She wouldn't. She wasn't aware of Bluestar coming up to her until she started talking.

"Firepaw," she hissed urgently. "Where is Yellowfang? I need to know."

Firepaw raised her chin. "I don't know. I can tell you that she didn't do this, though. I know it in my heart."

"Sometimes that isn't enough," the leader sighed. "I need to know the truth, though. I need you to go and bring her back."

The ginger apprentice couldn't help but stare. "You're not sending Tigerclaw?"

"Tigerclaw is a great warrior," Bluestar murmured. "In this case, however, his loyalty to the Clan may cloud his judgment."

Is he loyal to you, to ThunderClan, Bluestar? Truly?

"He will kill Yellowfang on sight, I know. Yellowfang will come back if you ask her."

"You put a lot of faith in me," Firepaw whispered.

"You are my apprentice, Firepaw. You don't jump to conclusions, nor do you act before you consider your options. I know you can do this. I need you to leave at once."

Firepaw closed her eyes. Can I really do this? When she opened them, she saw Bluestar staring at her intently.

"I will bring her back, Bluestar. When I return, the Clan will know that she is not a traitor."