Shoutout to thesaltybobcat, previously known as GoDownWithYourShip on deviantart for accepting my commission and making me the new cover art for this story. RIP tobykitten's old art, but that's what he gets for jacking up the prices on my immediately after I give him one hundred dollars. He never did complete either of the new cover arts for this story nor for my Bone story, even though he said he would before I gave him so much cash. That's not what friends are supposed to do.

Barfbomb I'm glad you liked the ending to the last chapter. I actually had a few ideas of how to go about it but didn't like the others as much. I'm saving some of that drama for upcoming chapters instead.

Kitty-Guardian Dorothy Yup, Boulder had to go. I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter, I worked really hard on it trying to make sure all the cats interacted properly and nobody was out of character. And it feels like a huge weight has been lifted from my chest because now I can write Jay and Briar together again for more fluffy cheese.

Seaman109 Of course I will continue this! I will continue until the final chapter is out, which by the way, I estimate to be around chapter 60-70. I have a goal in mind, I just don't know how many chapters it will take to get there.

WarriorsAce55 Jayjay and Cash are pretty awesome characters. Not quite as awesome as some I have planned coming up, but still very good. And I'm not really worried about the rating of the story. Warriors are always bloody but it's not obscenely gory so it should be fine.

Th3DoomSlay3er good stories never die. They only fade away.

Cinderfire16 I know it might be a long time until you see this since you reviewed on chapter 2, but this story absolutely is a Jay x Briar ship. I just prefer building up to the point where they are lovers instead of what a lot of other people do which is skip all the exposition and suddenly have them fall madly in love spontaneously and without explanation.

Sunhigh had already passed but the stone beneath Jayfeather's chest still felt warm and comfortable. Lying beside him, Briarlight was curled up fast asleep, her fuzzy pelt gently fluttering up and down as she dreamed.

More than half a moon had passed since Stoneteller and Flora had made peace and the Pack cats were learning quickly. All around Jayfeather, Tribe cats of all ages were sharing their traditions and techniques with their new allies. At first, many of the Pack cats had been hesitant to accept help from the Tribe. They had refused to give up their own way of life. But even the most adamant of the Pack were now beginning to embrace the ways of the Tribe. In fact just a few days ago, Flora's daughter, Nettle, became the first Pack cat to encounter a cat from the Tribe of Endless Hunting. Stoneteller had seen it as a sign that the Pack were ready to begin the next big stage of their ascension.

Stoneteller and Flora had agreed to divert some of their cats' time into meeting every day at the border. Most of the Tribe and the Pack were here right now, talking and enjoying each other's company. It was nearly impossible to believe that the two groups had been at war less than a moon ago. Perhaps the differences- the things that kept cats separated because of traditions and belief- weren't that important after all.

"-but if the Tribe of Endless Hunting are dead, what happens if their spirit gets killed again? Is there a Tribe of Endless Hunting for the Tribe of Endless Hunting?"

Jayfeather listened to the cats around him talking. He was learning a lot too about the Tribe as well as the Pack. So many conversations were within earshot and he was trying to keep track of them all at once.

"-raise yourself up on your paws and then slam down to break the ice. If the rabbit it trapped-"

"-that was a fine attempt. Try again but this time don't turn so much before you hit the ground-"

Everything was good. It felt like nothing bad could happen when the sun was out, cats were happy, and his mate was safely by his side once again. Peace had finally graced the mountains and soon it would be time for him to move on to the next step of his journey.

Sol had given him enough information to find the gorge where the mysterious fifth Clan was supposedly living. Jayfeather's goal was to find SkyClan by traveling through the old Clan territories where Firestar had been raised and then follow the river upstream. He wished he could have asked the rogue more questions but Sol had vanished the night Stoneteller and Flora had made peace at the border. According do Briarlight, Sol was trying to leave his treacherous past behind. What that meant exactly, Jayfeather wasn't sure, but it sounded hopeful.

Pattering paws drew close and Jayfeather recognized the scents of Jayjay and Cash. Even though at the end of each day, Jayjay and Cash continued to go their separate ways, they had plenty of time to hang out now that their two groups were allied. They always sounded so happy whenever Jayfeather heard them talking to each other.

"Jayfeather! Jayfeather!"

"What?" he replied coolly as the two young toms skidded to a stop in front of him.

"I'm getting a Tribe name today!" Cash meowed loudly, unable to contain his enthusiasm. "Stoneteller said so!"

"Flora is getting a new name, too!" Jayjay added, his paws smacking the ground as he leapt into the air. "And then she is going to give names to the rest of the Pack! I'm so excited to see what she picks!"

Jayfeather didn't try to suppress the purr in his throat. Every cat seemed to be content with the changes that were rapidly spreading across the mountain. Though he couldn't help but worry that many of the Pack cats wouldn't want to give up their Pack names. It was one of the last things they had left that the Tribe's culture hadn't assimilated yet.

"I hope Stoneteller gives you a cool name!" Jayjay continued, his twitching tail sending dust into the air as it lashed back and forth.

"Lark told me that kits in the Tribe are named after the first thing their mother sees or hears after bringing them into the world," Cash meowed, suddenly slowing down as he contemplated his new possible name. "But I don't think that is possible because then every cat would be named Rock or Pebble. I wonder what my name will turn into since cash is a housefolk term and doesn't mean anything to the Tribe."

"I'm sure Stoneteller will think of something," Jayjay reassure him. "And if you don't like it, you could always change it to like Cash of Sparkling Metal Circles."

"I don't think that's how that works," Cash laughed. "And I wouldn't want to offend Stoneteller because he has been teaching me so much about herbs. I want to keep learning from him for many more moons."

Jayjay was still too excited to slow down. "If I ever get a name, it would probably be like Jay of Something that Does Something Else. That's how all the Tribe names are made. Oh look, Asphalt is waving at us," he suddenly meowed, his words tumbling out so fast that they were beginning to conjoin into a nonsensical mass. "Let's go see what she has to say!"

Jayfeather's whiskers twitched in quiet amusement as the two toms sped off. As quickly as they had come, they were gone again- bounding across the rocks. He envied them. He couldn't remember a time in his own life when he had felt such excitement and energy. Ever since StarClan decided he would be a medicine cat, his life had become slow and dull. He never had a chance to push himself- to go faster and fight harder- like he knew Lionblaze and Hollyleaf had. Even when he was training under Brightheart as a warrior's apprentice the most memorable thing he had done was clean up the elders' old bedding.

But I am free to to whatever I want now, he told himself, flexing his claws against the stone beneath him and reveling in how sharp they were. No longer would he sit safely behind the warriors as they fought his battles for him and brought him fresh-kill. He would fight his own battles now to protect himself and those he loved.

"Why is everyone yelling?" grumbled Briarlight beside him, stirring from her nap. "Is it time to go back to the cave already?"

Jayfeather crouched down and nudged his muzzle into his mate's fur. "Nope, that's just Jayjay and Cash being themselves. You can go back to sleep."

But Briarlight only purred and grabbed him by the scruff, pulling him down until he was sitting beside her. "Or we can talk about something. Like what you plan on doing now that the problem between the Tribe and the Pack is resolved. Do you want to search for SkyClan next?"

Jayfeather scooched closer to his mate to enjoy the feeling of their fur touching. Sol had told her about SkyClan. "I think it's a fine start. We'll go down the mountain's side opposite the way we came and find the river Sol mentioned. Then we'll follow it to the gorge and see if this SkyClan actually exists. I wouldn't be entirely surprised if it was something Sol made up and he's setting a trap for us when we go there."

"He was telling the truth," Briarlight reassured him. "I've never seen a look like that on a cat's face before. It was like he was being true to himself for the first time in his life. There is no way he could have faked that."

Jayfeather was tempted to say that Sol's specialty was faking information, but he decided otherwise. He wanted to believe even cats as messed up as that rogue could still change their ways if given a chance. "I want to find out if SkyClan is real. The Tribe and the Pack don't need us helping them anymore and there is still plenty of adventure to be had on the other side of the mountain. I'll tell Stoneteller that we plan on leaving soon."

Briarlight's tail flicked with excitement. "When Ivypool and I found you, I didn't know what to expect. I knew you ran away from ThunderClan for a reason, but I didn't know if it was StarClan sending you on a quest or something. Now I know it is because you want to better the lives of not only cats by the lake, but cats in all sorts of lands. That is the noblest reason to leave your family, friends, and home behind!"

Jayfeather purred in amusement. Briarlight was overthinking his actions. Yes, he wanted to help cats wherever he went, but his initial reason for leaving ThunderClan was because he had been bored out of his mind in the Clans and he was sick of StarClan dictating his destiny. "We can leave the morning after tomorrow. There are a few things I want to do here before I go. After all, I may never come back here again."

"Do you think Jayjay and Cash will come with us?" Briarlight asked. "I'd miss their shenanigans."

Jayfeather shook his head. He had grown very fond of the two young toms and the excitement they carried with them wherever they went, but if Cash was receiving a Tribe name, that meant he was staying. And if Cash was staying, Jayjay was too. "Whatever they choose, I will be happy for them."

Briarlight grunted in agreement and pressed herself even closer to him. Her purr rumbled in his ear and the sound filled his heart with joy. How had he managed to leave ThunderClan without her? At the time it seemed like the right thing to do because he never wanted to hurt her, but now he couldn't imagine being separated from her ever again.

Only once the fierce jay becomes trapped by the gentle briar may a true love be restored...

"Can I get everyone's attention, please! I have something I wish to say to both the Tribe and the Pack!"

Jayfeather lifted his head and faced the direction of Stoneteller's yowl. The Tribe leader must have been standing on a high rock because his voice was elevated and easily reached every cat's ears. Flora was standing beside him, her pelt radiating confidence.

"I wonder what they have to say," Briarlight murmured, standing up.

"I have an idea," Jayfeather purred, thinking about what Jayjay and Cash had told him. He lead the way over to where the Tribe and Pack were beginning to huddle together. He was eager to find out what the old cat had planned. They found a place to sit between a large Pack tom and a smaller Tribe she-cat. Jayfeather could feel the excitement in the air as every cat listened.

Stoneteller cleared his throat. "I'll be the first to admit that I never believed there could be lasting peace in the mountains. I thought my cats would have been warring against Flora's Pack for as long as they lived so close to our lands." He paused for a moment and Jayfeather pictured him shaking his head. "If it weren't for Jayfeather offering a solution, I would have lead my cats to destroy the Pack once and for all."

"And I helped, too," Briarlight whispered pointedly into Jayfeather's ear. "Why do you get all the credit?"

Jayfeather just purred in amusement and kept his blind gaze focused on Stoneteller.

"I am grateful I wasn't forced to destroy my enemies. Instead, the Tribe has acquired a powerful ally who I hope will live harmoniously with us for many moons to come."

"We will do our best, Stoneteller," Flora meowed respectfully. "It hasn't been easy for my cats to adapt to your customs but I believe without a shadow of a doubt that this is the way my cats thrive. I have also worked with some of my senior hunters in coming up with a new name for the Pack."

Jayfeather's eyes widened in surprise and he wasn't alone. Many of the cats surrounding him also had not been expecting the news.

"From this day forward, the Pack shall be known as the Pack of Wild Spirits!"

Most of the Pack cats were hesitant at first but soon cheers rose up into the air as cats embraced their new title. Jayfeather thought the new Pack name was fitting. It still differentiated Flora's cats from the Tribe while also giving it a more traditional ring to it. Even though the Pack was reforming, they would never forget their savage history.

"That is an appropriate name," Stoneteller meowed once the cheering had died down. "And to compliment the change, I'd like to bestow a new name upon the leader of the Pack."

Composure emanated from Flora's pelt as she dipped her head respectfully to the Tribe leader. She had clearly been prepared. They must have spoken in advance. "I would be honored, Stoneteller."

"Then under the watchful eyes of the Tribe of Endless Hunting, I declare you to be Flora, Grown in Harsh Season!"

More cheers rose up from the cats around Jayfeather, and this time the Pack accepted it without hesitation. "Flora! Flora! Flora!" The name was clearly very popular.

Jayfeather nodded, thinking about the change. The name was perfect at portraying the horribleness of the Pack's early days while also describing their perseverance and willingness to change for the better.

"I have one more name change I would like to make," Stoneteller called, silencing the clamoring cats. "The young cat known as Cash has chosen to join the Tribe of Rushing Water and I believe a Tribe name is in order."

Jayfeather detected the young tom standing eagerly near the front of the crowd, his pelt glowing with pride.

"From this day forth, his new Tribe name shall be Crash of Thundering Skies!"

Cheers filled the air again as both Tribe and Pack cats alike carried Crash's new name into the air. Crash's pride quickly changed to elation as the cats called out his name. Jayfeather could only imagine the joy Crash had to be experiencing in that wonderful moment.

The life of a Tribe cat would have always been better than the life of a rogue for him, Jayfeather thought, adding his own voice to the cheering. He knew Crash would have a solid purpose and cats to watch over and teach him. Perhaps he could even find love.

Once the chanting had abated, Flora raised her voice again. "As my first task with my new name, I'd also like to welcome in our newest Pack member! The young hunter, Jayjay, has spoken with me about joining the Pack and I have agreed to let him in. Jayjay, step forward, please."

Jayjay padded towards the front of the crowd until he stood next to his half-brother- who was staring at him with shocked disbelief.

"Even at such a young age, he aided my cats in their darkest moment and earned his place among their ranks!" Flora yowled, her voice echoing across the rocks. "From this day forth, he shall be known as Jay, Striking with Sharp Talons!"

"Jay! Jay! Jay!"

Jayfeather cheered until his throat began to ache. He knew Jay deserved the praise just as much, if not even more than Crash. The young tom had chosen to stay with the Pack and hunt for them even when he knew he wouldn't receive anything to eat himself. He had seen a battered group of cats struggling for survival and chose to help them instead of retreat to the safety and comfort of the Tribe.

The cheering died down one final time as Flora and Stoneteller stepped down from their rocky ledge and joined their own cats. The sun would be setting soon and every cat was exhausted from all the learning, training, and cheering. It was almost time for the Tribe and the Pack to return to their caves for the night.

Briarlight gave Jayfeather a lick on the shoulder before padding forward to greet Jay and Crash who were racing over.

"We got new names, Briarlight!" Jay meowed happily, greeting the she-cat affectionately. "Both of us!"

"I heard!" she meowed loudly, matching their excitement. "I am so proud of you!"

"You should have told me you joined the Pack!" Crash growled at Jay. "Why would you hide something like that from me?"

"I wanted it to be a surprise!"

Jayfeather padded forward to join them when suddenly he was sprawled on his back with Jay and Crash jumping all over him in a play-fight. Joy overflowed from their pelts and even though they had been training and hunting all day, they clearly still had plenty of energy to spare.

"You should spend the night with me and the Pack!" Jay mewed, swatting at Jayfeather's tail. "I'm pretty sure Flora is going to give out a bunch of new names to her cats and I want you to be there to see it!"

"Don't you dare!" Crash growled cheerfully, pummeling Jayfeather's chest with soft paws. "You're coming back with the Tribe!"

But Jayfeather only laughed and surged upwards with all his might, knocking the two toms off their paws. He let out a spirited growl and dropped into an exaggerated battle stance with his head lowered and his paws stretched out in front of him.

The two young cats accepted the challenge and let out identical growls as they stalked towards him. "Whoever beats Jayfeather gets to take him back to their cave!" Crash meowed to Jay. "Those are the rules!"

"Agreed!" Jay meowed.

Jayfeather bared his teeth into a grin, concentrating his focus on the paws creeping towards him. If his time left in the mountains was short, he wanted to have some fun in his last few days. He expected Jay to attack first and he was correct. The young cat's claws suddenly scraped against the rocks as he shot forward.

Jayfeather ducked once Jay was close, pressing himself against the stone beneath him. The young cat hadn't been expecting the move and tripped over him, sprawling onto the ground behind Jayfeather with a loud Oof! Jayfeather stood up and let out a loud chirp of laughter as Jay picked himself off the ground.

"You used my own trick against me!" Jay whined. "That's not fair!"

"Of course it's fair," Jayfeather stated simply, trying to keep the amusement out of his mew. "Anything is fair when-" He was suddenly knocked off his paws as Crash slammed into him from the side. He had completely forgotten to keep track of the other half-brother.

Jayfeather rolled with the blow, feeling Crash's paws pummeling him in the back. He tried to spin around to face his opponent, but Crash was clinging to his back and wouldn't budge. Resorting to a new plan, Jayfeather lifted himself onto his hind paws and carried Crash with him. He then fell backwards, slamming the younger cat into the hard earth.

Crash had the air knocked out of him and his grip loosened. Jayfeather stole the opportunity and wriggled free, making sure his claws were sheathed so he didn't accidentally scratch him. But he didn't have time to catch his breath because Jay was immediately attacking again. Teeth grabbed Jayfeather's scruff from behind and pulled him off balance once more. Jayfeather spat in frustration, trying to free himself but Jay's extra weight dragged him to the ground. These cats are seriously trying to win. If it was just one of them, I could beat them easily, but not both at once.

He was about to yield and give up when suddenly Jay released his grip with a yelp and was flung away. Briarlight had joined the fray!

"Interference!" Jay cried in dismay as Briarlight placed herself between him and Jayfeather. "You aren't supposed to help him!"

"He's my mate," the she-cat growled mischievously, daring the young cat to attack. "It is my duty to help him!"

Jayfeather pushed himself to his paws. "Thanks Briarlight," he panted, turning to face Crash who's hope seemed to drain away as he realized he would have to take on the older cat by himself now. Jayfeather returned to his battle stance. "Now these are much more favorable odds."

With similar battle cries, Jayfeather and Briarlight each fell upon their disheartened opponents. Jayfeather didn't want to give Crash a chance to recover so he dashed forward and smacked him hard with his paw. The blow sent Crash reeling and Jayfeather followed up his attack with a careful pounce.

Crash could only squirm and wail defiance as Jayfeather pinned him down with both paws on his chest.

"Do you give up?" Jayfeather huffed, tasting victory on his lips. It hadn't been a long fight but it had been intense and he was worn out. A memory welled up in his mind of his last few days in ThunderClan when he had been in a similar friendly tussle with his brother, Lionblaze. The roles had been reversed then.

Crash thrashed desperately, but Jayfeather held him firm. He wasn't about to give up the advantage he had earned.

"Fine, I give up!"

"That's all I wanted to hear," Jayfeather purred, and released him. Nearby, it sounded like Briarlight had similar success with her own opponent because she let out a victorious caterwaul.

Claws scraped against stone as Jay picked himself up. "That was a good spar," he gasped. "Give me a few more moons and I'll be able to beat you!"

Briarlight laughed. "I don't doubt that. You are tough for someone so young. You actually made me try really hard!"

Jayfeather could feel the cold creeping into his fur. The sun had almost completely set. Everyone would be returning home soon so he took the opportunity to explain his plan while his friends were catching their breath. "Briarlight and I are leaving the mountains in two days," he began. "This isn't where we belong so-"

"No!" Crash cried, interrupting him. "You can't go! You and Briarlight are like the best friends I ever had- apart from Jay, or course."

Jayfeather met Crash's eyes with his own blank stare. "You and Jay will make plenty more friends here in the mountains. You have cats here who will care for and depend upon you now. But Briarlight and I are rogues and we still have a lot of traveling to do."

"But you weren't always rogues," Jay countered. "You used to be Clan cats. Why can't you just become Tribe cats now?"

Briarlight stepped forward and answered for Jayfeather. She clearly felt just as bad that they would soon be saying goodbye and Jayfeather could feel the pain in her words. "It was never our plan to stay here. We were just passing through and helping the cats we met along the way. But we know you two will have a fantastic new life living in the mountains. It is your turn to help those you meet. You are a permanent reminder of how cats so different from one another can still be close friends."

"I suppose that makes a little sense," Jay muttered.

"Then I want to travel with you!" Crash stated firmly.

"Absolutely not," Briarlight growled. "You have a good destiny ahead of you here. This is something Jayfeather and I need to do alone."

Jayfeather laughed. "We're not saying goodbye right now, don't worry. We still have a little while until-" He froze, his jaws still open mid sentence. He thought he could hear a rumble of thunder somewhere in the stones under his paws. But before he had a chance to mention it, he was suddenly tossed into the air as the ground heaved beneath him. The earth roared so loudly he couldn't even hear his own cry of fright as he was slammed into the ground. He could picture in his mind the mountain thrashing like a giant beast as every single rock and boulder rattled and crashed together. All he could do was brace himself flat against the earth and hope his friends were doing the same.

What in StarClan is going on? The whole mountain is moving and it sounds furious!

(sorry I left on a cliffhanger again, I'm bad with that)