The Omen: Leaves of Fire, Upon the Night (Part 2)

by CodyKit

"Fire Alone Will Save Our Clan" an omen which Spottedleaf recessives from Starclan. However, there is a new prophecy that is hidden, as Spottedleaf falls for the one to save Thunderclan but risks breaking the code to be able to love a warrior.

10. Chapter 10: Hope for the Hopeless

Chapter 10: Hope for the Hopeless/A False Leader

The darkest night ended, as signs of dawn begins to shine into the dead ground of the ThunderClan camp. Spottedleaf looks at Fireheart and he looks back at her as he slowly gets up to stretch his legs. Just as the dawn was breaking, Smallear and Cloudpaw came out to help Fireheart and Spottedleaf take Yellowfang's body to the burial sight.

As they travel down the old path which was like walking into a deserted land, to the burial sight of the dead. Spottedleaf looks at the blacked headstones to all the fallen warriors, elders, and leaders of past generations.

Brackenfur and Fernpaw already dug a hole for the Yellowfang's grave. Spottedleaf watches as Fireheart helps Smallear lower her body in the ground. Then Cloudpaw begins to cover dirt over the her body. Tears fell from Spottedleaf's eyes as she said goodbye to yet another cat she had grown to love over the moons.

Fireheart stood at the newly fresh dirt mound of her grave as he led her funeral service, "Yellowfang was a brave warrior. She fought her Clan with a courageous heart, and gave her life to be one of ThunderClan's truly greatful cats. Even though she has a medical background of being ShadowClan's medicine cat at the time, she was also a warrior. She has served ThunderClan well, through caring for the sick, injured…..as well as defending her Clanmates from harms way." Fireheart looks at Spottedleaf as he stated his next words, "She has sought out important relationships among us, and we will never forget how much you have love them through your twisted way of loving them." Then he bows his head respectfully to her grave. "May your spirit rest in StarClan, and be protected by them. We shall miss you, dearly."

Fireheart then moves so that those are present can give their final goodbyes. Spottedleaf knelt down to her grave and softly meows to her mound, "I have always loved you Yellowfang…..since the moment you saved my life, I knew that you have loved me too. Even in times you didn't show it. I am blessed to have you as my second mother when I need a mother the most. Goodbye my old friend, I will sorely miss you the most."

Spottedleaf then places her ash paw to her grave respectfully then turns away. Once everyone said their goodbyes to the elder, Fireheart led them back to camp. When they arrived Fireheart parted from the group to continue on his duties as the ThunderClan deputy. Spottedleaf decides it is time for her to give her title to Cinderpelt, as she relives herself from being the medicine cat.

Spottedleaf notices that Cinderpelt had ordered Mousefur to stand guard outside Bluestar's den. She hadn't seen her apprentice since she sat vigil to Yellowfang all night. Spottedleaf then guess she is in the den. She makes her way over to the den. It seems bare now, with no green levees or anything to hid the sick, injured. Everything is exposed. With a heavy heart she makes her way into the clearing as she sees Cinderpelt already cleaning up the den.

Cinderpelt looks up to her mentor, "Oh good your back. " Then with a sympatric look, she looks at her mentor, "I'm sorry you lost her. I can't imagine the pain you are suffering right now. You have my deepest sympathies." Cinderpelt looks at her mentor, "Do you want me to fix that cut on your face?"

Spottedleaf nods to her as Cinderpelt clears off the best she could the blacken stone. Cinderpelt disappears in the back for several moments. Then she reappears back with some ointment. "This isn't much since this is all I could find last night. But it will help keep infections away." Cinderpelt looks at Spottedleaf as she gazes at her once beautiful den, "Don't grieve too much for the forest, Spottedleaf. It will grow back quickly. Stronger in fact, because of the injuries it has suffered, like a broken bone that heals twice as well."

Spottedleaf looks at her apprentice as she raises her eyebrows, "When did you learn that?"

Cinderpelt let out a glee of laughter, "From you silly….don't you remember your own words of wisdom?" e

Spottedleaf shared a bittersweet smile to her apprentice. She knows she has taught her everything she could, and now Spottedleaf knows, that she must part and let Cinderpelt take on her role as a true medicine cat of ThunderClan. Once Cinderpelt finishes dressing Spottedleaf's wound that Bluestar left on her cheek Cinderpelt cleans her paws.

Spottedleaf took a deep breath and tells her apprentice that she is retired. "Cinderpelt…there is something I've been meaning to tell you…"

"Okay….but first I need you to help me clean out our den. I know I won't be able to do my job in a dirty ash filled den." Cinderpelt shakes the soot off her back lags. Then she goes on back to cleaning when she notices that Spottedleaf is joining her she stops and suspiciously eyes her, "What's wrong?"

Spottedleaf took a deep breath as she moves closer to her apprentice, "Cinderpelt, remember I told you when I am no longer going to be with you as you become a full medicine cat?"

"Yeah…but that was moons ago….there is so much that I still need to learn." Cinderpelt stated. Spottedleaf was silent for a moment then she eyes her apprentice. Cinderpelt then picked up on what Spottedleaf was hinting at, "No…you can't leave me! Not when I am not ready! I still need you to teach me!"

Spottedleaf looks at her and then embraces her apprentice, "You are ready Cinderpelt. You didn't need my help when you were treated our Clan when we were refugees at RiverClan. And you knew what to do when you saw when Bluestar was struggling last night over Yellowfang's death. StarClan gave you dreams the night before for a reason, and not me."

Cinderpelt tears up and looks around the blacken clearing, "But what am I suppose to do without you here?"

Spottedleaf licks the young gray she-cat, "I am still here, I will be in the elder's den. But it is time for you to learn StarClan's ways on your own. StarClan wouldn't have giving you those dreams if they feel you are not ready. It has happen to me, and It is happing to you now. StarClan believes in you, and so do I. And if you ever need any advice, you know where I will be. I believe in you kiddo, you have the same light in your eyes as I did when I was very young."

Cinderpelt looks at her as tears fell. Then she boldly looks up to her mentor, "I love you Spottedleaf….you have taught me so much, and I am greatful for your teachings."

Spottedleaf licks her as she dries those tears of her apprentice, "I love you too, Cinderpelt…..now dry those tears of yours, and make me proud. I didn't bring up the next ThunderClan medicine cat to be a pile of melted goo…you have a duty to your Clan."

Cinderpelt dries her tears as she stood up straight and salutes her mentor with her gray tail, "Yes ma'am. "

Spottedleaf looks at her old home and bittersweet memories crept into her mind. The first time she ever healed a sick cat with her gift. The time she had self doubt, but Redtail is who snapped her out of it. The time she had delivers Graystripe and held him in her paws. Feed him honey when he was sick. Treated Tigerclaw after his first real fight with a RiverClan warrior. Held Featherwhisker when his soul was on it's way to StarClan. Then where the sweet memories of Fireheart coming into her den for mousebile, and other herbs, when she first started falling for him as an apprentice. And the recent sharing his troubles and loving her so tenderly. A lot of old memories filled this place, which held many fond moments in Spottedleaf's heart. But old memories must be parted as new ones can be made. Now it is time for Cinderpelt to make her own memories in this den without her.

Spottedleaf exits the den and started making her way to help clean out the elder's den, as this place will be her new home from now on. Dappletail was the first to notice Spottedleaf making her way to the old tree which was not black. "Spottedleaf? What a surprise to see you here? Are you looking to see if One-Eye is alright?"

Spottedleaf shook her head, "No…..is she sick?"

Dappletail shook her head, "No….just…..with loosing Runningwind, and now her mate, she is not sleeping well."

"Send her to Cinderpelt, later on….she can give her something to help with the pain." Spottedleaf stated.

Dappletail looks at her curiosity, "Why not you?"

Spottedleaf exhales, as the elder's will be the first to know about her retirement, "From this moment I am retired, my residence will be with you guys until StarClan calls me home."

Smallear picks up on that and looks at Spottedleaf, "But you are too young to be an elder. Why must you retire?"

"Cinderpelt deserves to be ThunderClan's medicine cat. She earned the title when she was treating everyone back in RiverClan after the fire, then again last night with Bluestar's dilemma. I have served many moons as the ThunderClan medicine cat, and I feel that StarClan has called me to step down and let Cinderpelt take up my duties. You all knew this day will be coming when I announced her as my apprentice." Spottedleaf pointed out.

One-Eye looks up at her with grief stricken eyes, "You are right my kit…..we elder's know a thing or two about stepping down from our positions, and you have served your Clan well, young Spottedleaf. We welcome you with open paws."

Then Dappletail smiles to the new edition to the den, "Besides, we could use another denmate after the loss we all had to endure the past few days." Then she broke the sadden silence by adding in, "That is if you don't mind the earth shattering snore from Smallear here."

"What! I don't snore!" Smallear growls.

"Oh yes you do….the whole forest can hear you." One-eye chipped in which then lightens the mood.

"Well….." Smallear was about to let a come back comment out when Fireheart summands the Clan for a Clan meeting.

"Save by the yowl," Dappletail snickers, "Come on Speckles. Let's leave these two sissies alone as they calm down from their kit fight."

"Who are you calling kits!" Smallear snorts.

When everyone is gathered at the Highrock Fireheart led the meeting. Spottedleaf sat with Smallear and Dappletail as the two of them along with One-Eye accept her as their denmate. She looks up to Fireheart, as he notice what she is now accepted by the elders. Spottedleaf gave a small nod for him to begin. "We must rebuild the camp. I know it looks a mess now, but it is the height of greenleaf. The forest will grow back quickly."

"Why isn't Bluestar telling us this?" Darkstripe steps forward challenging Fireheart's leadership.

"Bluestar is exhausted," Fireheart told him. "Cinderpelt has given her poppy seeds so that she can rest and recover." Murmurs ripple through out the Clan, but Fireheart ignores them, "The more she rests the quicker she'll recover. Just like the forest."

There was a comment from Darkstripe that only a few cats heard him say, but it was silence by Brindleface's concern, "The forest is empty. The prey has run away or died in the fire. What will we eat?" Spottedleaf saw the look on her sister in-laws face as she eyes her kits, Ashpaw, Fernpaw and Sandstorm. Then Spottedleaf looks to her own sister Willowpelt as she and Goldenflower press closer to their young ones.

"The prey will come back," Fireheart reassures her as well as the rest of the Clan who share the same fear as Brindleface. "We must hunt as usual, and if we need to go a little farther to find fresh-kill, then we will." There was mumbles of agreement that came to some of the warriors, which then boosted up Fireheart's confidence. "Longtail, Mousefur, Thornpaw, and Dustpelt." Fireheart addresses the four of them directly, "You'll take the dawn patrol." The four cats nodded to Fireheart as they understood. " Swiftpaw, you can replace Mousefur on guard duty and make sure Bluestar is not disturbed. The rest of us will start work on the camp. Whitestorm will organize parties to gather materials. Darkstripe, you can supervise the rebuild of the camp wall."

Darkstripe peers up at Fireheart with a confused gaze, "And how am I supposed to do that?" demanded Darkstripe. "The ferns are all burned away."

"Use whatever you can," answers Fireheart. "But make sure it is strong. We mustn't forget Tigerclaw's threat. We need to stay alert. All kits shall remain in camp. Apprentices will travel only with warriors." Fireheart gazed down at the silent Clan. "Are we agreed?"

There was a still silence then Smallear led the yowl of agreement follow by the rest of the Clan, "We are!"

Fireheart raises him self high as his message got through to the Clan, "Right, let's get to work!" He jumps down from the Highrock dismissing the Clan meeting.

Spottedleaf heard Smallear sigh, "Come on….we have lots to do to clear out the den."

Spottedleaf nodded as she follows her new denmates to help rebuild after the fire. She spent most of the afternoon helping the elders, cleaning and scrapping out the burn wood. The big oak was still left standing after the fire, but just barely. Spottedleaf helps Smallear to get supports for their den, as both of them hold the log steady, as Dappletail, and One-Eye put the supports under the log.

By the time the elder's den was somewhat a decent place to sleep in, the sun was setting. Spottedleaf was laying beside Dappletail as an apprentice came and gave fresh-kill to the elders. Cloudpaw looks up and notices Spottedleaf among the elders now, "You're an elder now?"

Spottedleaf nods, "Yes."

"But…but you are not old enough to be one. You still look…" Cloudpaw pauses as he looks her up and down, "Young."

Spottedleaf smiles to that comment, "I am retired from being a medicine cat. Cinderpelt is now ThunderClan's medicine cat."

"Really?" Cloudpaw looks at where the medicine cat den used to be.

"Come on Cloudpaw, you can swap stories with the elders some other time, we got work to do." Meows Frostfur as she calls him over to the other end of the clearing.

"Well….see you around." Cloudpaw dashes off and runs up to Frostfur.

"That little scuff of fur loves us." Dappletail chuckles. Then she stares at the place where Patchpelt and Halftail used to be in the den. There was a sadness to her voice as she spoke, "He was really fond with your brother and Halftail."

Spottedleaf looks at the place. The old she-cat sighs as she nudges Spottedleaf's shoulder, "Well….I'm off to bed. Don't stay out too late."

Smallear follows in after Dappletail. Spottedleaf looks at One-Eye as she lays in her mate's spot. Spottedleaf sighs as she come into the den. She looks at One-Eye and softly spoke to her, "Where did my brother and Yellowfang slept."

One-Eye stares up at her with tears flowing out of her eyes. One-Eye turns from Spottedleaf and didn't answer her. Dappletail heard Spottedleaf's question, as she came to her, "Patchpelt slept next to One-Eye's mate, as Yellowfang slept in that far corner." Dappletail pointed with her tail to the far right corner of the den. "I can understand why you want your brother's sleeping spot, but why Yellowfang too."

Spottedleaf looks at the elderly she-cat, as sadness filled Spottedleaf's beautiful amber gaze, "Because…as much as the Clan thought she was grouchy, I have loved her, as if she was my own mother. I would like the honor her as she saved my life by sleeping where she slept, while I spend my days in here. Same goes for my brother. Please."

Dappletail looks at Spottedleaf and nods, "Okay…"

Smallear picks up part of Patchpelt's nest and place it to a new form nest made by one of the apprentices. "Here….I know this isn't much, but I found this in the claws of Patchpelt. It's from his nest that day." Smallear places part of Spottedleaf's dead brother's moss bed, by her paws.

Spottedleaf looks at Smallear as she shook her head, "No….you keep it…it means more to you, since he was your denmate."

Smallear with tears falling out refuses to take it back, "He was my denmate yes, but he was your brother before he was ever my denmate. You should have it. I want you to have it, Please Speckles."

Spottedleaf could refuse as he was insisting. She then places the moss in her nest where Yellowfang used to sleep.

….

Over the next few days the rain fell from the StarClan as StarClan themselves help to restore what has been lost to the ThunderClan territory. The morning sun broke into the den where Spottedleaf slept with the elders. It was hard to adjust to her new life of not being a medicine cat, and sharing the den will older cats. The first few nights was horrible as One-Eye kept on waking her up of short and mournful cries, of the loss she had endured, of losing both her son and her mate. Spottedleaf herself has cried some nights already with the grief in her heart over Yellowfang and Patchpelt's deaths.

Spottedleaf got up and quietly moves past Dappletail as she is curled up next to One-Eye giving her old friend some comfort and support. Spottedleaf admires the two elderly she-cats, as their bond of friendship is what is keeping One-Eye strong. Spottedleaf moves out of the elder's den, and looks around her home. Still is a damaged somewhat, but Spottedleaf cloud see that the ThunderClan camp was coming together. To her, it still feels like home, and there is still beauty in the land where she was born. Fireheart has done a nice job with some of the other warriors. Although she is shares the same worried that Fireheart has about their leader, and her state of mind.

Spottedleaf has often ask Whitestorm about her progress, but he sadly shakes his head and gave his report on the her status. He also comments that she is so far angry and upset, that she doesn't even want to see her anymore.

Spottedleaf shook her head from the hurt that Bluestar has caused her, and pretty much marked her as an outcast. Spottedleaf looks around the clearing and notices Fireheart talking with his apprentice. She smiles as she notice how hard Cloudpaw has been working just as hard as the other members her of Clan, to rebuild their home.

"I didn't expect you to be up so early." A voice sounded behind her.

Spottedleaf turns to see Smallear coming out of the den. "Can't sleep anymore…Did I wake you?"

Smallear lets out a joke, "Old habits die hard huh…" which made Spottedleaf crack a smile on her face. Then he answers Spottedleaf's question, "No….I normally like to enjoy the morning sun. It's not too hot in greenleaf."

Spottedleaf glances back in her new home, "How is One-Eye?"

Smallear gazes back in the den, "Her heart is broken. But what keeps her living, is her deep friendship with Dappletail, and her daughter. She will make it through this, Speckles….we all overcome this pain in hearts. Some cats recover quickly others take time to heal. I know because I am still grieving over the death of my son."

Spottedleaf saw the look of hurt in his eyes, "I know….I still grieve for Redtail….We never seem to forget the ones we love. But we learn to live with the pain. You still have the Clan, and great friendships."

Just then Fireheart came up to where Spottedleaf and Smallear is at. Spottedleaf smiles at him and he returns one back at her. "Good morning."

Smallear nods to Fireheart. "Good morning to you too, Fireheart."

Fireheart looks at Spottedleaf for a just a bit, then Smallear spoke up breaking what ever moment was shared between them, "The elders' den seems so empty…"

Fireheart looks at the elder tom, "Patchpelt, Halftail and Yellowfang are in StarClan. You still have Dappletail One-Eye with you." Fireheart pointed out. "They'll be watching you tonight from Silverpelt."

"I will not place them in the paws of StarClan," a voice in the den spoke out. One-Eye came out as her face was stone cold as she stated that. Her words will filled with bitterness, and anger, "Our warrior ancestors do not deserve the company of ThunderClan cats." She growls.

Smallear watches as One-Eye left the elder's den and made her way to the edge of the clearing. Fireheart closes his eyes as he walks away and made his way to Bluestar's den. Spottedleaf moves away from Smallear and went to him, "Don't listen to what she stated back there. She is still grieving."

Fireheart nods, "She isn't the only one Spottedleaf…..Bluestar doesn't even want any part of StarClan. She is very angry."

"She will come around." Spottedleaf stated.

"I'm not so sure she will…..you see how she reacted." Fireheart reminded her.

"Yes….I know….You just got to trust StarClan." Spottedleaf told him.

"How can I? When is seems that everyone in this Clan doesn't give a damn." Fireheart hisses.

Spottedleaf took a deep breath, then fixes her gaze to him, "Bluestar is at a lost state right now. It has happen before, and she came out of it."

This was news to him. He looks at his mate, "What do you mean it has happen before?"

"There was a time, Bluestar was struggling. She was deputy then. It happen shortly after the passing of her sister. She was in a rebellious state for awhile against StarClan, but she eventually got out of it. Sometimes we have to hit rock bottom to find ourselves. Bluestar is so angry and hurt, that she is in a dark place right now. This is her way of dealing with her pain. She has to go through this in order to see StarClan's light again, and be able to lead." Spottedleaf stated. "Everyone deals their pain in different ways, Fireheart. But what remains the same, is we all come through and find ourselves again. So have faith…."

Fireheart looks at her. There has been many moons of wisdom in her eyes when she told him that. "How are you that optimistic about this? And where did this wisdom come from?"

Spottedleaf smiles to him, "Part of being a medicine cat. And wisdom comes from experiences in your life. You'll have it one day."

He looks to her, and thanked her for the encouraging thought. Then he asks, "So how are you adjusting to 'elder' life?"

Spottedleaf shot him a look, "Okay…I am not an 'elder'."

"I know I was just teasing.." He smiles, "Okay all joking aside, I am being serious now…."

"It's coming on slowly…like all things in this life, it takes time to adjust, but I am managing." Spottedleaf stated.

"True….well I got to go to see Bluestar and talk with her on cats to take to the Gathering tonight." Fireheart stated.

"wow has it been a full moon already." Spottedleaf meows. "Well I will see you tonight…then." Spottedleaf moves past him lifting her beautiful silk tail under his chin to give him some encouragement, and love.

Spottedleaf padded to the fresh-kill pile as she took a sparrow and ate it. After she finishes she decided to go to find some water for the nursing queens. Clan life must go on even after the suffering they all had to endured.

Spottedleaf gathers some moss soaked in water as she carries it back to camp. She went into the nursery where she sees some of the apprentices rebuilding the walls. Spottedleaf went over to where her sister's nest is and drops the moss soaked water by her.

"Spottedleaf what are you doing in here?" Willowpelt asks.

"Here….this is for you." Spottedleaf places the moss beside her sister.

"Thanks…that was thoughtful of you." Willowpelt stated.

"Clan life has to go on….I thought you could use some water." Spottedleaf meows.

"Well I appreciate that, thanks." Willowpelt looks down on her kits. Then she looks back at her sister, "Speckletail told me that you are now staying in the elder's den, is it true?"

Spottedleaf nods, "Yes."

Willowpelt looks to her, "Why did you stop being the medicine cat?

Spottedleaf sighs, "Because it is my time, and StarClan knows it….Cinderpelt is ready to take my place."

"StarClan…." Willowpelt lets out a sigh, "Some cats in this Clan are doubting and angry at StarClan, for the destruction to ThunderClan."

"Please tell me you are not one of them." Spottedleaf looks her sister in the eye.

"No, of course not…..I believe in StarClan….Although there are times that I too have my doubts." Willowpelt stated. "But believing in StarClan, makes me closer to Patchpelt and Redtail, and our mother and father."

"everyone has their moment of weakness." Spottedleaf stated.

"Not you." Willowpelt eyes her.

"No….I have my moments…..remember, Leopardfoot…..I doubted StarClan for a while, and was angry at them for giving me a talent to kill off my family. But somehow, through that pain, I brought me to learn StarClan's ways a bit more." Spottedleaf told her. "StarClan gives us pain for a reason so that we can grow stronger."

Willowpelt looks her but not meeting her gaze, "Well thanks for the water….."

Spottedleaf knows she is still angry and disapproves of her relationship with Fireheart. "Well your welcome." Spottedleaf dismisses herself from her.

….

When evening came around, Fireheart gathers the Clan to the Highrock to discuss about the Gathering tonight. "Bluestar will not be coming to this Gathering," he announced.

Meows of alarm fluttered through the Clan. Spottedleaf watches as Whitestorm weaves himself in the Clan to calm them. Spottedleaf shows high respect to her brother in-law, for being the strong hold along with Fireheart in ThunderClan's moment of weakness.

"Does this mean ThunderClan won't attend?" Darkstripe raises the question that lurks on every cat's questioning gaze. "After all, what is a Clan without a leader?"

Spottedleaf saw the temper raise in Fireheart's emerald gaze. She know Darkstripe is pressing his buttons. Still she has to admit, Fireheart kept his emotions in check at Darkstripe's crud words. "ThunderClan will go to Fourtrees tonight. We must show the other Clans that we are strong, despite the fire." There was nods of approval from the rest of the Clan despite Darkstripe's comment moments ago. Fireheart continues, "We mustn't betray any weakness, for Bluestar's sake and for the sake of the whole Clan. Remember, we are ThunderClan!"

Yowls of chatter raise from the Clan. Supporting Fireheart's words that they are stil strong. Then Fireheart then announces who is coming to the Gathering, "I shall take Darkstripe, Mousefur, Sandstorm, Whitestorm, Ashpaw, Cloudpaw, Smallear and Spottedleaf."

"Will the others be enough to protect the camp?" Darkstripe asks.

"Tigerclaw will know there is a Gathering," added in Longtail, "What if he uses the opportunity to attack?"

"We can't afford to lave more cats behind than usual. If we appear weak at the Gathering, we risk inviting attack from all the Clans," Fireheart insisted.

"He's right," agreed Mousefur, "We can't let the others see our weakness!"

Spottedleaf sat beside Willowpelt as she spoke out, "RiverClan already knows the fire destroyed our camp. We must show them we are as strong as ever."

Fireheart nods to Willowpelt's comment. Then he ask the Clan, "Then we are agreed?" Everyone nods to Fireheart's question. "Good…..Longtail, Dustpelt, Frostfur, Brindleface, and Brackenfur will guard the camp. The remaining elders as well as queens, you will be safe with them and we shall return as soon as we can." Fireheart then jumps down from the Highrock to dismiss the Clan meeting.

The cats that he had chosen to go to the Gathering met him beside the camp entrance as they waited patently for Fireheart to led the way. Spottedleaf was happy he choose her to come. But she was also curious why, since she is no longer the medicine cat, Cinderpelt is. Spottedleaf caught a glance from Sandstorm. Her eyes were fixated on her, with raged, and anger. Why is she so angry at me?

Fireheart stop briefly to talk to Longtail, then Fireheart led the group of cats to the Gathering. Spottedleaf was walking with Mousefur and Whitestorm as Fireheart was just a few fox leaps from her. Spottedleaf then notices that Sandstorm pushes her way toward Fireheart and kicking some ash in front of Spottedleaf. Spottedleaf heard everything that Sandstorm was saying to Fireheart.

"You spoke well on the Highrock." She meowed, panting.

"Thanks." Fireheart replies as he tries to get away from her, but Sandstorm caught up to him.

"I….I'm sorry about what I said about Bluestar," Sandstorms sighs as she eyes him. "I was just worried. The camp is looking great considering…"

"Considering I'm deputy?" Fireheart meows sourly to her.

"Considering it was so badly damaged." Sandstorm finishes wavering Fireheart's rude comment. Her eyes were soft just then, which stung Spottedleaf a bit. "Bluestar must be proud of you."

Fireheart pauses to look at her and then a nice tone he meows, "Thanks." He gave a glance at Spottedleaf who was beside Mousefur. Sandstorm stayed beside him and was making moves, but thank StarClan it was interrupted when Darkstripe came up, "So what are you going to tell the Clans, then?"

Before Fireheart could answer, a fallen tree loomed ahead. Fireheart sprang into the air, but a branch caught his paw and he landed clumsily, as he stumbles to find his footing again. "Are you oaky?" Darkstripe ask, as the rest of the cats slowed to let Fireheart catch up.

"Yes….I'm fine." He looks tough but Spottedleaf notices right away that he was limping a bit. When they reached the top of the slope that led down to Fourtrees Fireheart stops beside Spottedleaf as they peered down.

She eyes him, "You're nervous?"

Fireheart glances at her then back at the gathering Clans. "Yes….I never done this….I don't know what to do…"

Spottedleaf glances at him, "Yes you do. I see how you led the meeting tonight Fireheart. You have great leadership skills, and Bluestar knows it when she appointed you as deputy. You just got to be confident in yourself, and have StarClan give you strength." She pauses and made him look at her when she stated the next phrase, "I believe in you Fireheart. We all do."

Fireheart smiles to her words. She always knows what to say to calm his nerves. Fireheart then took a deep breath and signaled the ThunderClan cats with the flick of his tail, as Bluestar had done so many times before, and with that the ThunderClan cats poured into the Fourtrees clearing.

Spottedleaf watches as Fireheart went to mingle in with Onewhisker and Tallstar. She wanted to be by his side, but he is now taking on the leader role filling in for Bluestar. Spottedleaf saw Mudfur waiting for her with the WindClan medicine cat. Spottedleaf embraces her old friend from RiverClan, "Nice to see you so soon." Mudfur stated.

"Mudfur told me what happened. It was greatful that RiverClan helped you when you needed it. Despite the differences, all Clans should help one another in difficult times….. I'm truly sorry to hear what happen about your brother's death, as well as your home. How are you coping?" Barkface stated.

"It is going to take sometime, but we are coming around. Fireheart has done a great job managing the rebuild. Pretty soon our camp should be back to it's finest again." Spottedleaf stated.

"That's excellent news. StarClan is with you in these times." Mudfur stated. "Say how is your apprentice, I don't see her here?" Mudfur scans the cats.

"She's back at camp, attending Bluestar." Spottedleaf responded.

Mudfur and Barkface cast her a worried glance, and Barkface spoke up, "The fire, did it harm your leader?"

"No….just breathed in a lot of smoke, but she will be alright..." Spottedleaf didn't want to share the news that Bluestar is not fine and she is loosing the grip on reality. "Besides….I am here as an elder now not as a medicine cat. I am officially retired."

That shocked Barkface but not so much with Mudfur, since he saw it coming. Barkface was the one that spoke out, "What? How? When? And Why?" was all he could muster out.

Spottedleaf cast a glance at Mudfur as he looks back at her, "I kind of already figure you were going to step down."

"You knew?" Barkface looks at the brown tabby.

"Yes…..I notice it when her apprentice was attending the sick and injured during the fire. She has good instincts and had full confidence in what she was doing despite the help from Spottedleaf." Mudfur stated.

"Wow…I am so out of the loop. I never even notice you had an apprentice…." Barkface admitted.

"I brought her last Gathering." Spottedleaf pointed out.

"Well see I was stuck back at camp, delivering kits." Barkface pointed out. "So how are you adjusting 'Elder' life?"

"You are way too young to be an elder in my opinion. Is there something you could do, like I don't know, become a warrior or something?" Mudfur asks.

"I'm too old for warrior training. I miss my opportunity for that when I was chosen to be an apprentice for a medicine cat. And there is no way I can be a queen, because I am not pregnant. So the only option for me is to be an elder." Spottedleaf answers Mudfur's question. "As for elderly life, I am not ready…..I still have the instinct of medicine cat duties." She lastly answers Barkface's question. "But like all things I will learn to adapt to that, just like all things in life."

Mudfur nods in return, as he cracks a joke, "Old habits die hard eh….." All three of them chuckled to his comment. Then in a serious tone he gently meows, "Well….I'm happy for you….we both are."

Barkface smiles then he looks into her eyes, "You might want to make an announcement to your leader before you step down, and address your Clan."

Spottedleaf looks to the elderly medicine cat, "I will once we all come out of shock. Some cats in the Clan are still recovering from the fire. And I just made the decision recently to step down."

Mudfur nods his approval to Spottedleaf, "Sounds like a great plan to me."

Just then Barkface swivels his ears as he peers to the side where ShadowClan comes from. "Ah…here comes ShadowClan. I was afraid that they weren't going to show. Because of the sickness they had been infested."

Spottedleaf notices Runningnose the medicine cat who she helped to cure his Clan, walk up to Fireheart and Tallstar. Runningnose had a look of despair on his face. Spottedleaf dismisses herself from the RiverClan and WindClan medicine cats to find out the shock news. She stands beside Whitstorm.

"Nightstar is dead," answers Runningnose.

Spottedleaf looks at her old friend as her magic herbs didn't save the ShadowClan leader. No wonder Littlecloud and Whitethroat didn't want Spottedleaf to enter their Clan. Their terrible sickness killed their leader, who just recently received his nine lives from StarClan.

"Is Cinderfur coming instead?" Ask Whitestorm. Spottedleaf knows from what Littlecloud and Whitethroat told her and Fireheart that he is dead.

Runningnose looks at the white warrior, "Cinderfur was one of the first to die of the sickness."

"Then who is you new leader?" demanded Crookedstar, who was emerging from the shadows of the Great Rock.

Runningnose casts a look at Spottedleaf and then he can't give the straight answer. All he stated was, "You'll see for yourselves soon enough. He'll be here shortly."

Runningnose walks with a heavy heart as he settles himself around anxious apprentices and warriors to find out who the new leader of ShadowClan is. Spottedleaf was the first to approach her old friend, "I'm sorry what happened Runningnose. You did all you could to help."

Runningnose looks to her, "Thank you. I should have sent for your help earlier. If I had, then maybe Nightstar will still be here. But I was an ignorant fool, thinking I could solve it on my own. But I was wrong." He sighs, "However…..your herbs helped many of the kits who have suffered, and I greatly thank you for helping. Truly thankful."

Spottedleaf nods his praise. "So who is your new leader." Runningnose didn't want to tell her, because she knew she will be most effected. Then Runningnose cast a glance at Fireheart who was signaling with his tail to call him over. "Will you excuses me."

"Of course." Spottedleaf meows. She watches as Runningnose made it over to Fireheart. She watches as Fireheart spoke to him. In this angle she sees the old medince cat sway on his paws. As grief fills her friend's face. Spottedleaf knows from her spot, that Fireheart is telling Runningnose about Yellowfang's death. Spottedleaf knows that Yellowfang was his teacher, and the two of them have a close bond, just like her and Featherwhisker had.

"We can't wait any longer! The moon will be setting soon." Spottedleaf heard a RiverClan warrior shouted.

Spottedleaf was sitting beside Mousefur in a circle of RiverClan and WindClan warriors, "If this new leader is going to be late, that's his problem." Mousefur comments. Ever since Mousefur's brother's death, she has developed a special companionship with Spottedleaf. Since both of their beloved brother's were murdered by the same blood thirsty warrior, they both have some common ground to support one another through their broken hearts.

Fireheart nods to Mousefur's comment as he sits next to Spottedleaf. Spottedleaf was greatful to have him here. She then looks at the Great Rock as she saw Tallstar leaping up to gather the cats for the meeting to start. "Well break a leg, deputy." Mousefur stated.

Spottedleaf watches as Fireheart took a deep breath, as he stands up and moves to the Great Rock. Then she whispers to him, "Good luck. I will be in view where you can see me." That gave him confidence as he smiles to her, and went to touch his muzzle to her cheek. That surprised Spottedleaf as he did that. It was inviting cats knowing about their secret love affair that has been going on for almost a full season. But she is no longer a medicine cat, so she guesses that since she is no officially retired; Fireheart is showing more affectation to her now more openly.

There was a yowl from a ShadowClan warrior that made Spottedleaf come out of her love gaze from what Fireheart had just done to her. "He's here!"

Spottedleaf then notice Mousefur as she glares at the leader. She notices her fur beginning to bristle, as she let out a loud hiss and growl. Spottedleaf notice several other ThunderClan warriors doing the same thing at the new ShadowClan leader. Then Spottedleaf's blood ran cold as she saw the powerful structure cat leaping up the Great Rock to stand beside Tallstar. Spottedleaf glares up at the dark cat on the great rock as his piercing amber gaze stared right back at her. Spottedleaf didn't have to ask, because she knows those amber gaze from anywhere. The new ShadowClan leader, is her murderess nephew, Tigerclaw.

Hisses of outrage came from the ThunderClan cats as they look at their former deputy. There was Tigerclaw standing in all of this glory looking down on his former Clanmates. There was a moment of silence and Spottedleaf took her spot next to Mousefur.

"He cant' be ShadowClan's leader! He is a trait." Mousefur was about to blurt out of rage and angry toward Tigerclaw for killing Redtail and her own brother Runningwind, but Spottedleaf places her paw over her friend's mouth.

"Shhhh. I know he is…but we can't tell what he had done." Spottedleaf stated.

"Why not!" Mousefur glares at her,

"You know why….the other Clan's don't know what he had did. And if we tell them, it will bring weakness to our Clan when we are trying to be strong after the fire." Spottedleaf reminded her.

Mousefur looks at Spottedleaf and then let out a heavy sigh, "You're right….Still….." Mousefur couldn't finish her sentience. Spottedleaf presses her fur closer to her friend to give her support, as they both cast a glance at the cat who murdered their brother's in cold blood.

Spottedleaf looks up and sees Fireheart scrambling to get to the top of the Great Rock. He stands slowly makes his way to stand beside Crookedstar. As promised Spottedleaf was in the view spot where Fireheart could see her, to give her support and comfort to him as he represent their Clan.

Then Crookedstar let out a yowl to summon the meeting. Once the cats were assembled and the mumbles died away, Crookedstar begin the meeting, "Cats of all Clans, welcome to the Gathering. Tonight we are joined by a new leader, Tigerstar." He mention the dark tabby warrior with the flick of his tail. "Tigerstar, are you ready to speak now?"

Tigerstar gave a courteous nod to the RiverClan leader as he took his place at the foot of the Great Rock, "I stand here before you by the will of StarClan." Spottedleaf growls at that when he mention StarClan. How dare he call upon the will of StarClan when he murdered two of his Clanmates. He doesn't deserve to mention StarClan by name. Mousefur's fur never settled down as she narrows her eyes upon the new ShadowClan leader. "Nightstar was a noble warrior, but he was old, and he did not have the strength to fight the sickness when it came. His deputy, Cinderfur, died too." He pauses for a brief moment then he continues on, "StarClan brought me to ShadowClan when its need was greatest. Not enough cats survived the sickness to hunt for the nursing queens and the elders, or to defend their clan. No warrior was ready to take on the leadership. Then StarClan sent an omen to Runningnose that another great leader would arise. I swear by all our warrior ancestors that I will become that leader."

Spottedleaf glares at her nephew with disapproval. He uses his own ambition to be leader, but this is not the will of StarClan. Spottedleaf saw through Tigerstar's false truth to what he mention. He is not the true leader that StarClan has in mind to ShadowClan, but a false leader. Spottedleaf looks over at Runningnose, no wonder he did not want to reveal the truth to her about his new ruler. And the looks from his eyes, there was no omen.

"Thanks to StarClan," Tigerstar went on which made Spottedleaf cast her gaze back at him, "I had other cats to bring with me who have proven themselves willing to hunt and fight for their new Clan."

Just then Tallstar steps forward, "Brokentail's allies were cruel and bloodthirsty, just as he was. Is it really wise to let them back into the Clan?"

Tigerstar spoke out, "Brokentail's warriors obeyed him. Which of you wouldn't do the same for your own leader? The warrior code says that a leader's word is law." He swiped his tongue around his muzzle before continuing, "These cats were loyal to Brokentail. They will be loyal to me now. Blackfoot, who was Brokentail's deputy, is my deputy now." Tallstar still looks unconvinced about Tigerstar's choice in bringing the warriors who follow Brokentail back into ShadowClan, and Tigerstar caught onto his look, "Tallstar, you are right to hate Brokentail. He did great harm to your Clan. But let me remind you that it was not my decision to take him into ThunderClan and care for him. I spoke against that from the first, but when Bluestar insisted on giving him sanctuary, loyalty to my leader meant that I had to support her."

Mousefur grumbles under her breath, "Support her my ass…"

Spottedleaf looks down at her briefly then back up at the Great Rock, as Tallstar was hesitated still, but he bowed his head, "That's true." He meows.

"Then all I ask is that you trust me, and give my warriors a chance to show that they can honor the warrior code, and prove their loyalty to ShadowClan once more. With the help of StarClan, my first task is to make ShadowClan strong again." Tigerstar vows with his words.

Spottedleaf heard Mousefur again, "If he could honor the code itself!" Then there was a hiss from a WindClan elder, to shh Mousefur. Spottedleaf looks to her new friend. She sees the true hatred in Mousefur's eyes as she eyes Tigerstar, for breaking the code and murder another cat, for revenge.

Spottedleaf then looks up to the Great Rock and sees Fireheart approaching to share the Clans about ThunderClan's news. Fireheart scans the crowd, until his eyes focus in on Spottedleaf's. She gave a slight nod of encouragement to speak.

Fireheart took a deep breath then release it as he cleared his mind before speaking, "A few dawns ago, fire started in the Treecut place and swept through our camp. Halftail and Patchpelt died, and the Clan honors them. And we especially honor Yellowfang. She went back into the burning camp to rescue Halftail." Fireheart pauses for a brief moment. Spottedleaf knows they memories of the old cat came into his mind just then, as it did to her own. Fireheart then he continues on with his report, "I found her in Spottedleaf's den, and I was with her when she died."

Wails of dismay broke out among the listening cats. Spottedleaf glances over at Runningnose who places his head in his paws. She empathizes with her old friend. Yellowfang was more than an elder and a former medicine cat who saved her life from her near death, she was more like her second mother that she needed to cope with the lost of her beloved brother.

Spottedleaf caught Fireheart's gaze and she gave the nod okay to tell the Clans she is retiring. "Due to the events, Spottedleaf has stepped down from being our medicine cat and is now with the elders. Her apprentice, Cinderpelt, is our new medicine cat of ThunderClan." He saw the smile in Spottedleaf's face when he announces that, "Bluestar suffered from breathing in smoke, but she is recovering. None of our kits were harmed. We are rebuilding our camp." Fireheart then looks to Crookedstar as he gave his thanks for their help, "We must thank RiverClan. They gave us shelter in their camp during the fire. Without their help, more of our cats might have died."

Crookedstar acknowledges his words with a nod. Then Fireheart turns to look at Tigerstar. He took a deep breath before speaking, "ThunderClan accepts that StarClan has approved your leadership. As rogues, your followers stole from all four Clans while they roamed the forest, so it is good that they have their own Clan again. We trust that they will be bound by the warrior code and will keep to their own territory." Then with a bold face he stares at Tigerstar, "But we will not tolerate any invasions into ThunderClan territory. In spite of the fire, we are strong enough to drive out any cat who sets a paw over our borders. We have no fear of ShadowClan."

There was a yowl from Mousefur and Sandstorm as they cheered to Fireheart's words. Fireheart then step back as Tallstar and Crookedstar gave their messages. However Spottedleaf watches her nephew as she sees something lurking in his evil eyes. Something he is planning to do, but what Spottedleaf is yet to find out.

The time has come when the Gathering was coming to a close. Fireheart sprang down from the Great Rock and down to the group of ThunderClan cats. Spottedleaf padded over to where Runningnose is before he leaves to go back to his own Clan.

"Why didn't you tell me that Tigerclaw….Tigerstar is your leader?" Spottedleaf asks him in a desperate tone.

Runningnose looks to her, "We needed strong warriors Spottedleaf."

"And you chose him!" Spottedleaf growls.

"Yes….I had no choice, Spottedleaf…..look I don't like it either, but we are desperate. The sickness wiped out most of my Clan. And he was willing to, and we need strong warriors like him. Why are you so angry about this, you should be proud consider he is your nephew." Runningnose spat.

"You don't know him, Runningnose…..he is dangerous." Spottedleaf tries to warn her friend.

"He seems willing to step up to be a leader, after your Clan banished him." Runningnose changed.

Spottedleaf took a deep breath and then reveals the truth to him. "We did for a reason…"

"and what reason is…" Runningnose started but Spottedleaf blurted it out.

"He was going to kill Bluestar, the way he had murdered my brother in cold blood, for his ambition to be leader!" Spottedleaf stated. "That's all he wants is the superior above his Clan. He didn't did this out of kindness Runningnose, he did it for his own gain, just like Brokentail."

Runningnose was taken aback at what she just said to him. He shook his head not wanting to believe it, "No….your wrong Spottedleaf!"

"I am not wrong…he even killed Mousefur's brother, Runningwind, a half-moon ago. And that is when you found him. Don't you see through his scam. He is manipulating you Runningwind, and you are buying into his lies." Spottedleaf advises her friend.

Runningnose glares at her, "Go to your Clan…..the Gathering is over." Runningnose then parted from her. When Runningnose parted Spottedleaf sighs as she turns and walks back to where her Clan is gathering. She then walks right into Tigerstar.

Tigerstar glares down at her, "Well, well…if it isn't my wonderful living aunt. So you are not a medicine at any more…..too many painful memories. And you can't handle it anymore." Tigerstar gloats.

Spottedleaf looks to him, "It is none of your business on why I retired."

"Tis…Tis….I thought you were strong….but I was wrong….you are just as weak and pathetic as your brother, and my father. If I was a medicine, I wouldn't give into kittypet softness. Which is what you have become." Tigerstar knew he hit a nerve.

Spottedleaf looks at him then and narrows her eyes, "At least I didn't murdered my own flesh and blood for power and be disloyal to my Clan as well as the warrior code.. You have shamed your mother, and me, Tigerstar. And you'll be damned to have StarClan's guidance as you lead." Then she walks past him to join her Clan.

Then a hunting phrase that made her stop dead in her tracks, "Watch what you say, Speckles. Your words may get you killed."

Spottedleaf looks back at the powerful warrior as he threatens her. Then Spottedleaf turns and made her way to the safety of Fireheart. Spottedleaf shook off Tigerstar's treat as she goes stands beside Fireheart.

"You spoke well," Meows Whitestorm as he comes up to give his praise to him.

Fireheart looks at the great warrior then down at Spottedleaf. Her eyes held love in them as well as proudness. But there was also a hint of fear, which Fireheart can guess what that is. Fireheart then looks at the cats, "Say your good-byes, and if any cat asks, tell them that ThunderClan is doing fine."

Fireheart then spotted a familiar gray tom. He then left Spottedleaf's side to go met up with Stonefur, Bluestar's lost kit in RiverClan. They talked for a several moments when Stonefur saw that Crookedstar was gathering up to leave. She watches as the two toms gave each other a respectful nod as they parted. Fireheart then turns back to his Clan and lead the way back to camp.