A/N

Disclaimer: This chapter was primarily written by SuperBailey. I only edited it and added a few things. I've not been very motivated as of late, sucked into Voltron and Star Trek and the stress of school.

SwiftstormWrites: Thank you! Also, I have sent you a private message so it'd be awesome if you could check your inbox as well!

BingoBongo (guest): She's a city sweetheart, so her accent is a bit of a given. I like her accent as well!

PheonixRune: Apologies, but that's not how they met :/

FlightofJay: Ahh it's so good to see old fans! I'm glad you're anticipating this new reboot!


Chapter 6: The Other Side Of The River

"Good, you're awake."

Hawkpaw blinked bearily, confusion swimming through her head. Why had she woken up when she touched Mist's side of the river? Her thoughts were shaken up when Mintpaw approached her.

"Did you hear me?" she asked almost impatiently.

"Yeah, sorry," Hawkpaw yawned, blinking sleep from her eyes. "Where are we going this early?"

"The river," Mintpaw said simply.

Hawkpaw sat up in alarm. "But that's RiverClan territory!"

Mintpaw scoffed. "You can't mark a border in a river. The river itself is neutral territory."

"But it'll be coooold!" Hawkpaw whined. Mintpaw shot her a frown. "Why are we going to the river anyways?"

"Because," Mintpaw sighed. "There is an old myth that swimming will strengthen the muscle in a broken leg and helps the bone mend faster."

Panic shot through Hawkpaw. Does she know I can swim?! Hawkpaw remained cool on the outside. "But I can't swim," she lied.

"I can teach you," Mintpaw said quietly.

"You? You can swim?" Hawkpaw asked incredulously.

"It's not something I like to draw attention to," Mintpaw huffed. "I find it relaxing to float while I think."

"How did you learn?" Hawkpaw asked innocently.

Mintpaw's eyes flashed. "I'm not at liberty to say. I think you will know in due time."

Hawkpaw glowered at Mintpaw's vague answer, but dropped the subject all the same. "Alright," Hawkpaw sighed.

Mintpaw lashed her tail. "Shall we go?"

Hawkpaw nodded. Mintpaw allowed her to lean on her as she hobbled out of the medicine cat den. Scarface was still sleeping as soundly as a dead mouse in his nest, so Hawkpaw attempted to make as little noise as possible as she left the den. She detected a faded scent of sunshine and moss clinging to him underneath the dull tang of dried blood and the notable addition of fresh herb poultice on his wounds.

The sunshine outside was oddly strong. Hawkpaw and Mintpaw squinted, both accustomed to the sheltering dim of the medicine cat den. Hawkpaw felt a lick of embarrassment when she realized that she had slept past dawn.

"I thought it would be nice to let you sleep in a little so the water wouldn't be as cold on your first day," Mintpaw explained. Hawkpaw felt a surge of fondness for the she-cat.

"But don't think you'll be spared tomorrow morning," Mintpaw added. Hawkpaw felt herself deflate in annoyance. "But you should have a quick breakfast before we leave. Nothing too big," Mintpaw warned. "Just something light to give you energy. Swimming on a full stomach is a sure-fire way to make things harder on yourself."

Hawkpaw hobbled over to the freshkill pile while Mintpaw sat and smoothed out her delicate grey and brown fur. She selected a cold shrew from the side of the pile. It tasted stringy and got caught between her teeth, but Mintpaw's words followed her thoughts of taking a dove.

The dawn patrol slipped into camp just as Hawkpaw finished her breakfast Lightfeather was at the lead with bright eyes and a magpie hanging from her jaws. She made her way over to Mintpaw with excited strides.

Lightfeather dropped the magpie at Mintpaw's feet, but Hawkpaw knew it wasn't for the medical trainee. "Is Rainpaw awake?" Lightfeather asked.

Mintpaw shook her head. "I gave him some poppy seeds after you left the medicine den," she said softly. "You really did help calm hin down from his night terror last night, but he needs his rest. You can leave that for him in the den."

Hawkpaw's ears perked up. Her brother had had a night terror? How had she slept through that? How had Lightfeather heard it all the way from the warriors' den? How early had she gotten up to lead the dawn patrol and catch Rainpaw his favorite prey? Tendrils of guilt and worry crept through Hawkpaw's chest and squeezed her heart.

As Lightfeather passed, she smiled sadly at Hawkpaw. A fragrant, fresh aroma of sunshine and moss followed her as she padded towards where Scarface was catching up on much needed rest.

Mintpaw flicked her tail towards the camp exit, signaling Hawkpaw that it was time to depart for the river. Hawkpaw rolled her eyes and struggled after Mintpaw

"You can lean on me until we get to the river, you know?" Mintpaw slowed her pace down to look back at Hawkpaw.

Hawkpaw huffed and shook her head. "I can walk on my own!" she protested.

Mintpaw rolled her eyes. They were a shade less blue and a shade more green than Thornsnag's. "Suit yourself. But if you strain your leg too much, you might end up prolonging your recovery time."

Hawkpaw yelped and leaned against Mintpaw. The older apprentice purred in amusement and helped her past the bramble barrier.

The forest passed by too slowly to be easy for Hawkpaw. Her injured leg was already aching. Mintpaw wasn't a powerful boulder to lean against either.

Hawkpaw was groaning by the time Mintpaw stopped at the sandy bank. Her friend guided her closer to the water slowly, which Hawkpaw found more annoying than the thought of being forced into the water.

A fleeting memory of Hawkpaw's dreams of Mist passed through her head, then the throbbing of her leg, and then Mintpaw's voice reached her ears.

"Now swimming may seem intimidating," Mintpaw began. "But once you get used to the water and current, it's not so bad."

Hawkpaw dipped her front paws into the water before Mintpaw even moved towards it. Mintpaw eyed her curiously.

"Just go up to your belly fur for now," Mintpaw suggested.. "I'll join you in a moment."

Hawkpaw groaned as her leg hit the water. The water was chilly, but it soothed the pain. She waded out to her belly fur without complaint, just as instructed.

When Hawkpaw looked back, she saw Mintpaw leaning into her arched back. Her claws flexed in and out. Hawkpaw caught a glimpse of something between Mintpaw's toes before the she-cat slipped into the water.

"We'll start with some light exercises," Mintpaw said. Her belly fur went sleek against her body as soon as the current lapped at it. "Just pretend you're walking quickly. The river will lull you into a rythme."

Hawkpaw complied, feigning a stumble and flopping against the water. It splashed into her face, and she spit it out.

"Careful!" Mintpaw warned. "Not too far out."

Hawkpaw bit back a frustrated hiss. She could probably swim better than Mintpaw! Nevertheless, she paddled for a few fox-lengths before stopping. Looking over her shoulder granted her view of Mintpaw's surprised expression.

Hawkpaw felt a sudden playfulness hit her. "What? Aren't you going to follow me out? I thought you could swim!"

Mintpaw bristled for a moment before regaining her composure. "You're form could be better, but right now we're just trying to find the best way to help you heal," she said, ignoring Hawkpaw's jibe.

Hawkpaw frowned and waded out further. Her paws barely touched solid ground. She could hear Mintpaw splashing closer to her. The green-eyed she-cat was a lot less quiet in the water than her sleek form would suggest.

"Just paddle around in circles," Mintpaw instructed. "I'm right behind you."

Hawkpaw drew in a large breath before pushing ahead. Her paws kicked above open water. She kept her body at an angle in order to follow a circle in the water, just as she had been instructed.

"You're a natural, Hawkpaw," Mintpaw said with a gentle purr. Somehow, Hawkpaw forgot to allow that statement to hurt.

Hawkpaw felt completely relaxed in the river. Her broken leg caused her no problem this way aside from a dulled ache, and when laughter bubbled up in her throat, she let it escape. "I guess I am!"

Mintpaw seemed complacent just watching Hawkpaw swim. She could intervene if need be, after all. From where Hawkpaw saw her sitting, the water only reached her shoulders.

Hawkpaw slowly began to swim in greater circles. She could barely register the disgust she had for her ability when she was having this much fun! The further she went out, the more at ease she felt.

"Wait, Hawkpaw- maybe not out that far!" Mintpaw stood up and paddled in the direction of Hawkpaw.

"I'm fine, Mintpaw!" Hawkpaw insisted. She kept swimming further out. The earth beneath her was barely visible in the deep water. "This is the most fun I've had since I broke my leg!"

Mintpaw yowled something that went straight passed Hawkpaw. Water muffled her hearing. "Still…." Hawkpaw panted. "Fine…."

Hawkpaw found herself aware of the current pushing against her. Already exhaustion approached. Her resisting movements gradually became more lethargic as she struggled. Mintpaw was too far away….

Hawkpaw groaned as the current overwhelmed her. Her body dunked and spun in the water. The harder she fought against it, the more difficult it became. Releasing the tension in her body only pushed her under further.

Hawkpaw experienced her escape in bursts. Ever few moments, she could force her head above water and her ears filled with Mintpaw's shrill screeches growing closer and closer.

Déjà vu hit Hawkpaw when someone lifted her by the scruff and yanked her onto the sandy shore. Coughing and sputtering, she fell limp against the bank.

"Hawkpaw, are you alright?!" Mint green eyes flashed into Hawkpaw's flickering vision. Mintpaw's herbal scent penetrated the burning in Hawkpaw's nose, and pressure appeared on her chest. Another bought of coughs afflicted Hawkpaw, and suddenly, she could breathe.

Mintpaw pulled her paw away and helped Hawkpaw onto her feet. The black she-cat swayed with exhaustion, leaning against Mintpaw without question.

"I told you not to swim out that far!" Mintpaw hissed. The fire in her eyes was one of concern, Hawkpaw knew that, but she still flinched.

"We- you got me out!" Hawkpaw's voice was raspy. "How-"

"Thornsnag and I swim together on occasion," Mintpaw said simply, licking her light chest smooth. "And now the matter at paw. Getting back across the river?"

"Wha-" Thornsnag can swim? "What do you mean?" Hawkpaw's gaze drifted across the river. A familiar forest stared back at her. "Oh."

"You were closer to the Riverclan side of the river when I got to you, so I acted quickly," Mintpaw explained. Panic seeped through the calm layer in her voice. "Now we have to hurry-!"

"So you're the ones hunting on our banks!"

Mintpaw went rigid against Hawkpaw's body. Hawkpaw whirled around- somehow- to see the lovely looking silver tabby she-cat she had caught glimpses of on a past patrol Hawkpaw gulped and shrunk against her older clanmate. Creeksplash…. She doesn't like my clanmates very much!

Mudclaw appeared at the she-cat's rear, frowning and narrowing his eyes in a surveying stare as he noticed Hawkpaw. Pebblepaw was at his heels, and beside Pebblepaw was another apprentice with dark brown fur and grey paws.

"I-" Hawkpaw's words were cut off by Creeksplash sticking her muzzle in Hawkpaw's face and snarled.

"I can even smell the stale hints of moorhen under…." Creeksplash sniffed. "Shrew? No matter! Thunderclan scent was caught by the dusk patrol and traces of moorhen!"

"A-actually, m-my f-friend brought m-me-" Hawkpaw clamped her mouth shut. She wouldn't incriminate Vinepaw, not even if her life depended on it.

Mintpaw curled around Hawkpaw, placing her chin on Hawkpaw's head. Hawkpaw felt herself choke at the soothing gesture. Not even Cardinalpaw embraced her like this when she was scared.

"We were doing exercises in the water," Mintpaw responded calmly and clearly. Hawkpaw could feel the way her vocal chords moved as she spoke. "Hawkpaw overstrained herself and I had to pull her onto the closer bank."

The unfamiliar apprentice appeared at Creeksplash's side. The two Riverclan she-cats both had elegantly sculpted ears and angular heads, but the apprentice appeared more rough and ragged, almost carrying herself with the masculine swagger of a tom.

"What kind of Thunderclanners swim?" the apprentice jeered. She was as hostile as her clanmate. Hawkpaw only then recognized her as the cat she saved at the gathering.

"Hawkpaw broke her leg, and water therapy is the best way to strengthen her muscles," Mintpaw replied. The hammering over her heart against the back of Hawkpaw's neck gave her masked terror away."We would have crossed at a different point if we were here to steal prey. And see? We're sopping wet."

"We still have to take you to our leader," Mudclaw said. "But at ease, Creeksplash. You too, Briarpaw"

Creeksplash snorted and turned away from the two Thunderclanners. The brown apprentice, Briarpaw, bristled before submitting to her senior clanmate.

Hawkpaw whimpered as Mintpaw uncoiled herself off of Hawkpaw and padded after the Riverclan patrol.

"Come on!" Briarpaw snapped. Hawkpaw prepared to scamper after them, but hot pain shot through her broken leg when she moved.

Pebblepaw smiled at Hawkpaw and slowed his pace. "You can lean against me if your leg is troubling you," he offered politely. Hawkpaw had to admit his friendly disposition was cute.

"I'd rather walk," Hawkpaw hissed, butting past Pebblepaw with a swing of her hips. She gritted her teeth and powered through the pain.

Pebblepaw ducked away and moved to bring up the rear. Briarpaw flanked the right, and Creeksplash flanked the left. Mudclaw lead them with a pace that was confident, but not condescending.

Riverclan territory was a marshy, strongly scented place that left a sharp tang on her senses and mud between her toes. The aroma distracted her from her troubles, if only for the moment. Despite the day's events, Hawkpaw felt bliss wash over her and she began to walk with her lips parted to inhale the fragrance surrounding her.

Mintpaw, on the other paw, seemed strained as she padded in front of Hawkpaw. Every paw step looked painful, and her tail was as stiff as a branch.

Hawkpaw cocked her head curiously. Thornsnag and his sister are so weird when it comes to Riverclan stuff. I wonder what their problem is? Maybe their parents were killed in a battle with Riverclan? Silverfoot did tell me once that there was a battle with Riverclan before I opened my eyes.

"Halt!" Mudclaw ordered. He stopped and looked back at the four apprentices following behind him. "Enter the camp behind us, and don't even try to make a bolt backwards," he warned cooly.

Hawkpaw shivered and slipped passed the reed barrier. The long, soft-tipped stalks tickled her glossy black fur.

The patrol was greeted not only by a fishy flavor in the air, but by a mottled brown tom with short legs.

"You steal my apprentice only to bring back two mouse-hearted Thunderclan ones back with you?" the tom growled at Creeksplash.

Creeksplash held her head high against her clanmate. "If you actually took Briarpaw out fishing as much as you visited your daughter in the nursery, her older sister wouldn't have to help train her," she quipped, coldly enough to freeze Hawpaw's senses.

Pretty and tough…. Hawkpaw thought dreamily. Hmm. But I guess that tom just likes spending time with his kit! I wish Smokestar had visited me in the nursery more often….

"We found them soaked to the bone on our side of the river when we brought Pebblepaw and Briarpaw along to go fishing," Mudclaw cut in. Creeksplash's fur smoothed down with his support. "Mothleg, please go tell Oakstar we're bringing Mintpaw and Smokestar's… daughter to his den."

Mothleg bristled at the command.. "Just because Oakstar is your brother, it doesn't make you the boss of me." He glared hotly back at Mudclaw, and then he shifted to stare at Hawkpaw and Mintpaw.

Mothleg gasped and flinched upon seeing Hawkpaw. The apprentice only fluffed up her fur and glared back at him with insincere intensity. Mothleg hesitated for a heartbeat before snorting and stalking off to the hollow where the leader's den was. Moss and vines hung down like a curtain.

Hawkpaw looked around the rest of camp curiously. A thickly woven gorse tunnel seemed to be the nursery, where she saw a little blue-grey she-kit stumble out of. The apprentice den was made around a low hanging willow tree, with a bracken cover built around it. The warriors den was undergoing repair, which Hawkpaw could only assume was because of the heavy rain. A black tom with a stubby tail was fastening thicker branches into the the top of it to protect it from rain with the help of two she-cats.

The elders den was made around a soft and comfortable marsh. Not wet, but the grass looked plush, like a fluffy cloud. She saw a ancient, frail white tom dozing in the sun while two younger elders shared tongues quietly near him. The she-cat elder's tail was gently on the tom's throat and Hawkpaw cocked her head curiously. Lastly, the medicine den was centered around two large rocks that appeared to have fallen on each other, making a triangle like entrance. The cave was too far away for Hawkpaw to see inside, but even from where she was she could smell the faint tang of herbs.

"Mudclaw," Mintpaw began frictionlessly. "If it's alright with you, I want to check on Hawkpaw's leg. May I please go to Alderleaf's den?"

Mudclaw shrugged. "I don't see why not." He turned to look back to the other cats he had entered camp with. "We can go fishing later. For now, I want you two to bring fresh bedding to the nursery while Creeksplash goes back to the river to make sure no other Thunderclanners trespass."

Briarpaw and Pebblepaw groaned before dipping their heads and scampering off. Creeksplash did the same, minus the groan, before turning around and exiting camp.

"Thank you, Mudclaw," Mintpaw said before motioning for Hawkpaw to follow her.

Hawkpaw gulped and struggled after Mintpaw. The medicine cat was moving across camp at a hurried pace, but clearly not for Hawkpaw's sake. A few Riverclan cats stared at them as they made their way to the medicine den.

A frail brown tom with pale spots and a greying muzzle was sorting through stacks of herbs when Mintpaw entered the den. He looked up, eyes widening when he saw her.

Mintpaw hesitated before bowing her head. "My clanmate has a broken leg. Would it be alright for me to use your herb store?"

The elderly medicine cat regarded Mintpaw softly. "Of course, Mintpaw. Anything for Berrystorm's daughter."

Mintpaw's eyes flashed with a dozen fleeting emotions Hawkpaw barely caught. Anger, annoyance, sadness, longing, pain, hate. Nevertheless, Mintpaw offered a curt thanks and led Hawkpaw over to a nest of reeds.

Hawkpaw almost asked who Berrystorm was, but the memory of Thornsnag's reaction to her inquirers about Ivypaw and the insults the clan targeted him with stopped her. Mintpaw was Thornsnag's sister. Acute bitterness could exist in her heart as well.

But Mintpaw's nice! Hawkpaw thought. Surely she- oh Starclan above, this nest is comfortable!

Hawkpaw practically melted into the bed of reeds Mintpaw laid her into. Surely not even a fluffy newleaf cloud could be softer!

"I'm going to check your leg now, Hawkpaw," Mintpaw said. "You may experience some discomfort."

Hawkpaw was too absorbed in her bliss to do more than flick her ear in acknowledgement. Mintpaw's delicate paws ran along her broken leg, pressing into tender areas with light pressure.

"Sorry," Mintpaw whispered when Hawkpaw hissed. "Almost done."

Mintpaw released Hawkpaw's leg slowly, guiding it back towards her. "You'll have to stay off of it for a few days before we can go swimming," Mintpaw said apologetically.

Hawkpaw wilted like an old heather flower at the diagnosis. At least her brother could keep her company.

The elderly medicine cat, who Hawkpaw inferred was Alderleaf, set soft dark leaves with jagged edges at her paws. "Raspberry leaves to help the pain until you get… back to Thunderclan," the tom rasped. His softness had to yielded to Hawkpaw's red eyes.

Hawkpaw looked to Mintpaw, who nodded slowly. "We'll give you a new splint back home," she said.

Hawkpaw lapped up the leaves and settled back down. Her pain gradually numbed. "Sorry you had to waste your herbs on me," she muttered.

Alderleaf shook his head. "Nonsense! I just sent Honeysnow out to refill our stocks anyways!"

Mudclaw's broad head poked into the den. "Hawkpaw, Oakstar will see you now. Mintpaw, you can stay here with Alderleaf."

Mintpaw said nothing except a polite 'very well' and turned away.

Panic seized Hawkpaw. Why did Oakstar only want to see her? Did he know it was her fault they were trespassing? Would he punish her? No, he isn't my leader! Hawkpaw stiffened further..But he could tell Smokestar! And Smokestar….

"You're not in much trouble, don't let Creeksplash scare you," Mudclaw said

Hawkpaw nodded stiffly as she hobbled after Mudclaw. He guided her passed the curtain of green tangles hiding the interior of Oakstar's den. A muscular black tom sat with his powerful back to the entrance. Beside him was a pale ginger she-cat with black stripes. Their heads were pressed closely together, and their tails were tightly twined.

Mudclaw cleared his throat. "I brought her, Oakkstar."

Hawkpaw had the feeling she walked in at the middle of a conversation.

"-be gentle. She doesn't-"

The she-cat who was speaking cut herself off and looked at Hawkpaw with wide eyes. She had a ginger coat, with darker stripes and green eyes that made her think of her brothers.

The muscular black tom turned as fast as a leaf in a storm, amber eyes wide. A dark ginger blaze was splashed over his chest and down his underbelly, and his paws were white. Oakstar.

The she-cat- presumably Oakstar's mate, turned with him. Her mouth fell open. Hawkpaw suddenly felt self-conscious.

"I didn't mean to trespass!" Hawkpaw blurted out, stepping forward without thinking. "Please don't punish Mintpaw! She had to save me when I swam too far out during my water therapy!"

Oakstar rose to his feet. His expression was unreadable, but his mate looked close to tears. "You are Smokestar's daughter, right?" he asked slowly, surveying her up and down with his gaze. His shoulders appeared broad enough to carry a warrior on.

Hawkpaw nodded meekly. "Erm, yes. Gingerroot is my mother, and I have three littermates…"

Something Hawkpaw didn't recognize flashed across the she-cat's expression. It was gone before Hawkpaw could determine what it meant, but the she-cat exchanged a look with her mate.

"Is he a good father?" Oakstar pressed. He and his mate curled their tails back together.

Hawkpaw hesitated. Smokestar was the clan leader. His clan respected him greatly. After all, his word was law. Cardinalpaw doted on him, and Pinepaw was always talking with him about his training. Smokestar must be a good father! Surely! He loves Gingerroot, and he loves….. Then Hawkpaw remembered Smokestar ignoring his daughter's state of being when she warned them that Shadowclan was attacking, Rainpaw's defiled warrior ceremony, the distaste in her father's voice when he said her name…

"Yes!" Hawkpaw finally said. "He's a great leader and father!" That made an apprentice a warrior before he was even seven moons old. Hawkpaw bit back the thought before she could vocalize it.

Oakstar sighed and hung his head. "Hawkpaw, you don't have to lie to us."

Hawkpaw's breath caught in her throat. "He is! He's a normal father that loves all of his kits… equally…. And…. and he loves me… he does…" Why was everything suddenly wavering? Her paws were all she saw through a glassy sheen.

Hawkpaw was awkward with physical contact outside of her littermates. Her brothers shoved her playfully constantly. Cardinalpaw brushed against her gently when they walked together. Jaypaw and Vinepaw were the only other two cats she didn't shrink away from. Mintpaw was a rare exception. Yet when the pale ginger she-cat embraced her, Hawkpaw leaned into the contact and buried her face in her pale ginger fur.

The she-cat was warm. So, so warm and comforting. Had Gingerroot ever embraced her this way? Hawkpaw had no memory of such, but it felt oddly familiar.

"It's not normal for a kit to have to question if her parents love her," the kind she-cat whispered in Hawkpaw's ear. Hawkpaw sobbed grossly into her side, too messed up in the moment to apologize for soiling her fur.

Oakstar wrapped himself around his mate and Hawkpaw, purring soothingly. Hawkpaw couldn't scent the leader's brother in the den anymore, but that might have been because of the snot bubbling out of Hawkpaw's nose.

"Shh, there there," the pale ginger she-cat whispered, licking Hawkpaw's head in a tender, maternal gesture. Hawkpaw decided her pelt color was easier on the eyes than Gingeroot's own bright ginger fur. As a kit, Hawkpaw longed to have her mother- Gingerroot's- brown eyes and traces of her ginger fur in hopes it would actually make her pretty. Instead, she was stuck with red eyes and a black pelt. Most cats disliked her for the combination.

"Hawkpaw's a strong, beautiful name," the she-cat said softly. "Mine's Sandfern. Did Gingerroot pick yours out?"

Hawkpaw sniffed, inhaling a glob of snot. "Jaypaw did. "Cause my eyes are sharp, like a hawk's, he said….."

Sandfern crooned. Oakstar was still wrapped tightly around the both of them. "I would have named you Heatherkit," Sandfern whispered. Hawkpaw didn't believe she had meant for her to hear it, not consciously at least.

"I wish you were my mother," Hawkpaw whispered. Thunderclan felt impossibly far away, like a stone at the bottom of the river. Warped and distorted by the distance two worlds had between them. Somewhere, Scarface was waking up to his favorite prey. It was cold in the jaws of Lightfeather but she would be smiling. Pinepaw would be bringing his newest catch to Gingerroot only for her to ask for something different to eat. Cardinalpaw would be asking her father to watch the new battle move Cloudclaw had taught her. Jaypaw and Thornsnag would be pointedly ignoring one another and their kithood closeness while Vinepaw planned her next rebellious plot.

Sandfern released Hawkpaw, and the apprentice felt her stomach drop out of her body, down, down, and farther down. She had crossed a line by saying that-

But Sandfern only smiled ruefully. Her green eyes were not unlike Rainpaw's when Pinepaw swore to Starclan they'd received their true warrior names together, and by extension, Pinepaw's when he was so relieved he was crying and doing a horrible job concealing it- which Hawkpaw had only seen when they were kits and Cardinalpaw had recovered from greencough.

"Oh sweetheart," Sandfern said in a voice gentle enough to only stir a single, selected leaf on the surface of a puddle. "I am."

A/N

Once again, the most (basically all) of this chapter was written by SuperBailey. I've had some bad migraines and trouble concentrating/finding motivation and she's offered to help me.

Two people have correctly guessed how Vinepaw and Hawkpaw met, which leaves three spots available for submitting OCs, which will remain open until chapter 8. Here are the choices:

1. Grew up together in the nursery and it just happened

2. Vinekit bit the ear of an older kit who was bullying Hawkkit and pushed them into a snowmelt

3. Hawkkit rolled into her whilst playing with Jaykit

4. Vinekit had a bad cold and got Hawkkit sick, and they ended up confined to the medicine den together.