AN: Quick reminder that this story has it's own tumblr "kiwibattlecats" now! All new art as well as interesting tidbits about things like clan lifestyles will be posted there from now on! I also welcome all questions :)

"You told him."

Sparrowcrest was berating her, almost word for word as she had imagined. Sigh.

"You told him… What, Starclan guide me, did I say about not doing or saying anything stupid?" The chocolate she-cat was padded restlessly back and forth in front of the tabby. The two had gone hunting together, and so they were far enough away from other cats that Sparrowcrest could now raise her voice. "What possessed you to do that?"

"I don't know, it just came out! Come on Sparrowcrest, it's not that big of a deal…" Keasong's attempt at a defense was weak and she knew it.

"While grooming him in front of the medicine cats no less! Sheepfur's a gossip! The whole clan will know by tomorrow!"

"I'm supposed to look after him; Flamestar told me to! And I said, "used to"! It was just a dumb apprentices' admiration; nobody will care even if they do hear about it!"

"Oh yes, because you totally meant that "used to", right? I'm sure everyone in that den saw right through it!" Sparrowcrest spat, looking like she was near hysterics. "I don't think you realize just how poorly this could go for you Keasong! What if they kick you out; make you go with him when he leaves or-"

"Sparrowcrest!" Keasong tapped the other she-cat in the side with a paw, breaking her off. "Relax. You're overreacting; they wouldn't kick me out…"

Sparrowcrest looked her in the eyes for a moment, then sighed, relaxing her tense body. The fur that had been bristling along her hackles softened. "I just don't want to see you get in trouble, or hurt, okay?" She bunted her head softly against Keasong's, leaving it resting there for a second before pulling back and watching her with a more humorous scolding gaze. She was making the effort to try and relax about it, and Keasong could appreciate that. "I get you've got a thing for broody handsome toms, but why does it have to be that one? We've got toms that fill that bill! What about Shadestorm?"

"Eeww he's like twice our age. Besides, he's dense as a rock." Keasong protested, crinkling her nose then purring a laugh.

"Blackpaw then! He and Frostpaw will be warriors soon; they were only a few moons behind us!" Sparrowcrest declared, her long tail waving back and forth.

"Please don't start playing matchmaker for me. Or like, anyone ever."

"What, you want she-cat's instead?" Sparrowcrest teased, prodding her friend's cheek. "Nothing wrong with that you know!" Keasong battered her back playfully, then took off running. It all turned into a good chasing game. It had been forgotten they were supposed to be hunting. After they were done, resting in the shade and then remembered, the two split up to frantically try and gather some prey.

In the end, they got enough that they at least wouldn't get an earful from Earthshatter.

Back at the camp by the afternoon, the pair settled down to share tongues and eat. Lionmane joined them, and so any talk of Rowanfall was off limits. Keasong's brother was fuming the red tom was in camp, and so it was a touchy subject.

Eventually, Keasong rose. "I better go take something to Rowanfall." Lionmane made a displeased gagging noise, but she ignored him. Sparrowcrest also made a face, so she narrowed her flecked eyes. "It's my job. I'll be right back, okay?" She padded away to the pair muttering. Geez these two would age her prematurely, she swore…

Poking her head in the medicine cat's den with a finch in tow, she spied Rowanfall curled up in his nest. At first, she thought he was asleep, but then she saw his deep green eyes shimmering in the sunset light streaking in from the entryway. "I brought you something to eat."

He blinked slowly as he lifted his head. "Thank you." Wow, a whole "thank you" instead of a clipped "thanks". That was an improvement. He still looked a little awkward after this morning as she placed the greenfinch down at his feet, not meeting her eye. His coat was much improved, but still needed more grooming.

"I'll bring you something else in the morning, and then I'll tidy up the rest of your pelt, okay? I think Flamestar might come see you again too." She turned to leave. He was probably going to be uncomfortable around her now… stupid.

"Wait, Keasong. Can I ask you something?" His question was a surprise; she turned back, ears angled forward in a way that told him to go ahead. The tip of Rowanfall's bushy tail was twitching. Was it nervousness or something else? He opened his mouth to speak…

A screeching yowl outside had him snap his jaw shut and whip his head around. Keasong turned back too, startled. "What the-?" She glanced back at Rowanfall. "I'll be right back." She needed to see what was going on. The red tom nodded, now sitting at attention. He likely was curious as well.

Outside the den, the Fernclan cats that had been lying about sharing tongues were all standing around in a cluster. Scent told her they were on edge. What were they all gathered around? Shoving her way into the pressed in bodies, she finally caught sight of what it was.

A cat was standing there, panting heavily with fur on end like they'd gotten one hell of a fright. She vaguely recognized the cat as one from Fieldclan. The long whiskers were quite distinctive on the tabby. "Where's Flamestar?" The cat asked, catching her breath. Keasong noticed Rowanfall had staggered up and out of the medicine cat den to see what was happening. He watched from the entrance with a dark expression.

"Here." Flamestar's commanding voice called. The ginger tom pushed through the crowd, his expression concerned. His pelt seemed to glow under the dusk light. Earthshatter stalked at his side, looking quite the threatening body guard. The bigger tom was cautious of a foreign cat's sudden appearance. "What brings you here Hedgewhisker?"

"Murkstar sent me to tell you…there were rouges… Gorseclan..." Hedgewhisker huffed between deep breaths. She must have run the whole way here from Fieldclan; no short distance.

Keasong's mouth fell open at her next words. "Gustclan is no more."