NOTE: I make no claim to anything Warriors. My friend owns most of the characters. AlexaMarrinDaughterofPoseidon owns Aspen. Guest Cat owns Cherry. BoneMeal owns Dust, Tiger, Blossom, and Flicker. Snowshadow owns Snow. I just own Tawny and the writing style.

AlexaMarrinDaughterofPoseidon: I'm glad that Aspen is correct. It's this chapter that I'm really worried about. Let me know if I go too OC with her.

TO ALL WHO GAVE ME CHARACTERS: look in the bottom Author Note for my official question. I'm sure you will guess my question before the end. Still, I need it answered ASAP!

Review and Enjoy!

Cracking Hearts

Chapter 10: When There's Nothing Left…

The makeshift camp was filled with cats. Many were coughing and gagging. Some even appeared to have minor burns on their tails and back paws. Those who were healthy were running around with water and herbs. Lightning spotted several queens curled around their kits. Tawny, the tortoiseshell she-cat, evidently spotted them too. The calico quickly raced towards the kits. Snow and Cherry also passed him by, looking for a place to lie down. Only Aspen remained at his side with the kits.

Aspen suddenly spoke up, "These cats seem to know you."

She nodded towards several cats that had been staring at Lightning. The white tom started to bristle uncomfortably. He really hated being the center of attention. Especially when it was obvious that he had kits. Slowly his claws unsheathed. Heads down with fear, the kits kept under his paws as he walked forward. Aspen padded slightly behind him. Several cats stepped out of Lightning's way as he passed. He could hear them whispering to one another. None of them knew his name. He had been sure to keep it a secret from the families. Aspen was the only one who knew. Sensing her friend's discomfort, her jaw tightened with determination. These cats would have to fight her if they wished to hurt Lightning or his kits. Until she was sure they were safe, she would not leave their side.

Lightning found a quiet corner near the back. His claws scratched at the dirt. The loosened ground made a comfortable bed for the kits. Before they curled up, he made certain that all rocks and sticks were removed. Then he sat beside them as they snuggled together. Aspen sat on the other side. Those ice blue eyes glared at the cats around her. Personally she had avoided the families of cats. Based on the scents around her, two of those families were here. One was Falcon's group of course. The other was Berry's family. She knew enough to know that Berry's family was territorial and defensive. They were, after all, the smallest of the three families.

Murmuring caught their ears, making them look out at the group. The cats were stepping away from someone. As the cat drew near, Lightning let out a low hiss. Aspen glanced at him before bristling. Falcon's massive body separated itself from the throng of cats. The sand colored tom was on his left. On his right was Night, her black pelt sleek and smooth. Together they advanced towards the group. Soon Lightning felt they had come close enough. He rose to his paws and stepped between them and the kits. Aspen also rose to her paws, claws glinting in the light. Falcon took the hint and stopped.

The massive tom dipped his head to Lightning, "Greetings, friend. There's no need to be aggressive. Cobra told me you were among the cats that needed help so I wanted to check on you."

"We are fine, thanks to your family," Lightning replied as he dipped his own head.

"You don't talk much, do you?" Night said with a warm purr.

"Forgive me but my trust is limited. I'm sure you can understand that concept," Lightning said, his blue eyes staring at her.

Falcon signaled for his sister to be quiet as he nodded. "Indeed. However, you have nothing to fear from us. You helped stop a war that would have cost my family a lot of lives. For that, you have our gratitude and thanks. None of my cats will harm you or your friends."

Aspen growled, "You better not."

"Peace, Aspen. No need to pick a fight," Lightning said soothingly.

Falcon's green eyes had flickered over to the silver she-cat. Then they went to the kits curled up behind Lightning. Those eyes narrowed in thought. These two cats were close but he doubted they were mates. Cobra had told him how protective the white tom was of the kits. Evidently he was their father. Suddenly the tom's blue eyes came into his sight, blocking the kits from view. It was then Falcon realized he had been staring. He smiled apologetically.

"What is your name, friend?" Cobra asked to break the tension.

"Lightning," the white tom replied.

Falcon's smile grew, "A fitting name. You sure can run fast."

"I was named for my pelt," Lightning said bluntly.

The massive brown tom nodded his understanding, "Wouldn't be surprised. What about your kits?"

"Er…they're not my kits," Lightning replied, his blue gaze sliding away as he remembered Coral.

"What happened to their family?" Night asked, her amber eyes going wide with sympathy for the kits.

"Their father I never met. Their mother was attacked and killed by foxes. Jay, the dark gray kit, was found abandoned in the snow a few weeks later. I took them in," he explained.

Falcon sighed, "Life can be tough. Night and I lost our parents to predators as well. We were lucky we were a part of this family. These kits were lucky you were there."

"They deserve better than what I can provide," Lightning said with a defeated sigh.

"You push yourself too hard," Night whispered, stepping closer.

Before Lightning could do anything, her soft nose touched his cheek. His ears went back as a jolt of surprise rippled through him. He heard Aspen chuckling quietly. Falcon simply rolled his eyes. Cobra smiled before turning and trotting off. Night backed away and met Lightning's gaze. He remained in his shocked position, siting on his haunches, tail bushed, and front left paw raised. He was completely frozen, transfix by that amber gaze. Lightning could not think of a time when a cat made him freeze like that. The image of his old master flashed before his eyes. The Twoleg would have been laughing so hard.

"FALCON!" a yowl rang out.

All the cats looked up towards the entrance. There, straggling through the rock barrier, was River's family. Many of them were coughing hard. Smoke and ash had turned their pelts black. Tawny and Blossom were racing towards the group. Falcon was also weaving in that direction. Evidently the raging fire had driven out all the cats. Lightning and Aspen exchanged a look of worry. If everyone had been affected then that meant there was no territory left. No territory meant that many cats would starve to death. Lightning's blue eyes darted to his kits. They would starve to death.

"Your family didn't have to drag us all the way here!" River's voice made his attention snap back to the newcomers.

The blue gray she-cat's fur was fluffed out with rage. Falcon was facing her, calm as ever. Between River's feet was a small kit. Lightning had heard that Rive had a kit named Stone. Evidently the dark, ash-covered ball of fur was him. Despite being exhausted, many of River's cats were bristling. Claws and teeth flashed. The cats around them were catching on to the aggression. It did not matter if River's family was being aggressive to Falcon's. Several of the loners, rogues, and Berry's family were hissing back. It was a bad situation. One wrong word could send everyone into a fighting frenzy.

Falcon spoke up, his tone soft and voice calm, "Relax, River. These hills will keep the fire well away from us. My family has been stockpiling herbs here for generations. There's enough to make sure everyone gets better."

"And why should we trust you? Your family is probably plotting to steal our territory!" River hissed.

Several howls rang out as cats denied the accusation or backed up their leader. Berry, a long legged brown tom with red-ginger patches, stepped forward. His amber eyes were flashing. "You alone would say that, River, because your family is plotting to do just that," he spat.

"Stay out of this, Berry! Your family can't back up anything you say," River snarled.

Falcon stepped between the two as they started hissing at one another, "Calm down, River, before this tense situation explodes. None of us can withstand a fight after surviving that fire."

"You need to mind your own business, Falcon," Berry spat, claws sliding out.

"ENOUGH!"

Lightning jumped as Aspen's voice cut through the air. He turned to look at the silver tabby. Her fur was fluffed out. Claws and teeth glinted dangerously. Ice blue eyes bore into the three arguing leaders. Slowly she stalked forward. Not one cat stood in her way. Not one cat dared to make her any angrier than she already was. With a hiss, she stepped up to the three leaders. Even River, known for never backing down, cowered before Aspen.

Aspen's tail lashed angrily, "What is the matter with the lot of you? We all nearly died as the fire raged through our home. Go out there and take a good look. There is nothing left! Each of your territories has been burned to ash. Every loner and rogue has lost their home. Unless we think of some solution, all of us will starve to death!"

Gasps rippled from the gathered cats. Everyone was exchanging horrified looks. What Aspen had said was true. The fire had destroyed everything they had called home. Now they had nothing left. Nothing to argue over. Nothing to fight for. All they had left were each other. Lightning smiled inwardly. Aspen knew how to get attention. She could certainly snap some sense into others, whether with words or claws. Those ice blue eyes turned towards him. He nodded quietly. If she needed back up, he would be there. With a growl, Aspen turned her attention back to the leaders.

Quietly she hissed, "None of us want to die. None of us want those we love to die. However, arguing and fighting amongst ourselves is only going to end up with everyone dead. Only by working together do we have a chance."

"None of us get along. How do you suppose we work together?" Berry growled.

"Better question," River spat. "What happens when the forest recovers?"

Aspen froze at that moment. She had just wanted everyone to stop fighting. She was not prepared to give that answer. Lightning, however, knew the answer. Quickly he came to her side, letting Aspen know that he had her back. Those deep blue eyes met the three different gazes: one hazel, one green, one amber. His long tail swept over the ground, sending dust flying. To mention his idea meant he had to admit his past before everyone. Many would probably hate him for it. However, it was the only chance they had.

"The answer is simple: we unite permanently," he said, his voice echoing over the quiet clearing. Several murmurs rang out but were quickly silenced by Aspen's glare. Lightning saw the three leaders were listening so, with a deep breath, he continued.

"I hate to admit it but I lived among Twolegs for many years. They trained me to fight for their enjoyment. However, one thing I always admired was their ability to work together. Each one was different from the others but had a place, a job. Together they managed to survive through harsh winters, moons when prey was scarce, floods, fires, and so much more. When the moons of bounty came, they all benefitted. In the days of hardship, they all managed to survive because they worked and lived together.

We can do the same. Unite. No more territory disputes between families. We all live and share the same territory. As one we will work together, both in the moons of plenty and the moons of hardship. When threats arise, we will know that we have an army at our back. All of us agree that our elders are to be respected and taken care of. Imagine having many more paws doing that. Imagine all of us working to take care of the kits. Each individual skill will benefit all, no matter if it is speed or strength or the ability to hunt at night or fish. We would be a Clan."

Every cat remained silent. Lightning could see them imagining working together. Even the rogues and loners were seeing it in their minds. Then a cat stepped forward through the throng. It was Tawny. Her tortoiseshell fur was sticking in all directions. Exhaustion shined in her eyes. Yet there was also hope. She smiled warmly at Lightning and Aspen before nodding.

Her quiet, soft purr spread over everyone like a warm breeze, "I agree. My talents do not lie with hunting and fighting. My talents and skills are for healing. However, in this Clan that you mention, I'll be able to help all with my skill, not just the few I happen across. I think your idea is worth a try."

As she finished, many other murmurs of agreement started up. Falcon nodded, his eyes showing his approval. Berry seemed interested. His head was cocked to the right as he thought about it. River was still bristling. However, Lightning could see that she was thinking about. His words about the whole group helping to raise the kits had struck home. It was hard being a leader and a mother. In a Clan, she would have help handling her responsibilities. Lightning's eyes narrowed. He could sense that she would not give up her leadership role without a fight. That could cause problems. Three leaders would be two too many. Then his eyes darted to the rogues and loners. He wondered just how many of them would consider joining the Clan. A soft sigh escaped his nose.

Even when there was nothing left, hope still grew.

To all who gave me characters: Would your cat(s) join the Clan? Please let me know ASAP! I can't write the next chapter until I have all the answers. If you don't answer then your cat WILL NOT be joining. After the next chapter, you won't see them again.

Remember to tell me if I misrepresent any of your characters!

Allegiances (NOTE: these are grouped by families for no clans exist):

Falcon's family

Falcon: massive dark brown tom with black stripes and green eyes, left paw is white. Night's brother.

Cobra: sand colored tom with amber eyes and white paws.

Autumn: red-ginger she-cat with blue eyes and brown patches here and there. Mint and Dust's sister.

Mint: gray tuxedo she-cat with sky blue eyes. Autumn and Dust's sister.

Dust: sand colored tom with dark brown stripes and green eye (right eye is blind/missing). Autumn and Mint's brother.

Night: pure black she-cat with amber eyes. Falcon's younger sister.

Rose and Flower: twin sisters – red she-cats with white spots and amber eyes.

Timber: black and brown patched tom with brown eyes and broken jaw. Willow's mate.

Willow: cream she-cat with black and brown spots and green eyes. Timber's mate. Mother of Rattle, Sun, and Bird.

Rattle: dusty brown tom with blue eyes and four black paws and black tail tip. Son of Willow. Sun and Bird's brother.

Sun: yellow tom with amber eyes, hints of ginger in his pelt. Son of Willow. Rattle and Bird's brother.

Bird: gray, brown, and black patched tom with brown eyes. Son of Willow. Rattle and Sun's brother.

Other cats not mentioned.

River's Family

River: blue-gray she-cat with a white muzzle, white/gray ringed tail, and hazel eyes. Eagle's mate. Mother of Stone.

Eagle: brown tabby tom with black stripes and green eyes. River's mate. Father of Stone.

Howler: white tom with brown spots and amber eyes.

Sky: pale gray she-cat with amber eyes and white tipped ears. Mother of Whisper and Wolf.

Ash: dark gray she-cat with green eyes and silver flecks and black ears.

Tiger: black tabby tom with ginger-brown stripes and blue eyes. No right ear.

Flight: brown and white patched she-cat with yellow eyes. Mother of Cloud and Storm.

Stone: blue-gray tom with green eyes. Son of River and Eagle.

Whisper: pale gray she-cat with amber eyes, black tipped ears, and black tipped tail. Daughter of Sky (and Breeze). Wolf's sister.

Wolf: dark gray tabby tom with black stripes and green eyes, resembles father closely. Son of Sky (and Breeze). Whisper's brother.

Cloud: white tom with patches of pale gray and amber eyes. Son of Flight (and Talon). Storm's brother.

Storm: brown she-cat with gray spots and sky blue eyes. Daughter of Flight (and Talon). Cloud's sister.

Other cats not mentioned.

Berry's family

Berry: long-legged brown tom with red-ginger patches and amber eyes.

Crow: older black tom with amber eyes, white muzzle, white tipped ears and tail.

Wildfire: orange she-cat with green eyes and white back left paw. Bark's sister.

Bark: light brown tom with white stripes and hazel eyes. Wildfire's brother.

Reed: light brown tom with black stripes, black ears, black ringed tail, and amber eyes. Wildfire and Bark's half-brother.

Fish: silver she-cat with amber eyes. Ice and Stream's older sister.

Ice: silver tabby she-cat with ice blue eyes, dark gray stripes, white ears and paws, and white tipped tail. Fish and Stream's sister.

Stream: pale gray she-cat with amber eyes and white ears and muzzle. Fish and Ice's sister.

(NOTE: Ice and Stream are the same litter. Fish from previous litter)

Otter: black, gray, and brown she-cat with green eyes.

AlexaMarrinDaughterofPoseidon:

Name: Aspen

Gender: Female

Appearance: Short-Haired silver tabby with ice blue eyes. She has long legs that lead to her appearing tall. She's got muscle, but most of it doesn't show.

Personality: Loyalty is her fatal flaw. She would give up her life for her friends. She can easily joke around but becomes serious when needed. Bullies or cats bad mouthing her family annoys her to no end.

Guest Cat:

Name: Cherry

Description: brown she-cat with patches of red and white, red left paw (front), white tail tip, two colored eyes (left: green, right: amber)

BoneMeal:

Name: Dust

Description: Jet black tom with amber eyes, small body, short, shorthair, tail tabby style.

Name: Tiger

Description: tom, Unruly off-white fur, with striking brown eyes, black strikes down back and face.

Name: Blossom

Description: Grey female with dark grey spots

Name: Flicker

Description: Tom, short curly red pelt, white on the muzzle and underbelly

Snowshadow:

Name: Snow

Description: pure white she-cat with short-hair, normal-sized tail, yellow eyes, and black ear tips.