The sun rose steadily as the patrol made its way towards the Thunderpath. Its purple shining light stretching slowly across the barren landscape. There was a slight breeze coming from the moors but other than that the world around them was still. The cats on the patrol were quiet as they moved through the leafless undergrowth.

Fireheart and Bramblepaw had arrived at the Twoleg nest to join Gorsepaw and Onewhisker not long after the sun had begun to rise. Bramblepaw had been eager when Fireheart told the cats at the barn about the journey, while some of the other cats seemed concerned. It made sense to Fireheart that the others found it strange that Tallstar had requested him to participate in this, he thought it was a bit strange himself, but he had offered his help and WindClan did not have many warriors. He would do what he could to help them.

The stench of the Thunderpath hit Fireheart's nose before the sight of it, it was not far off now. They had gone a similar route when he had gone to Mothermouth as an apprentice, it would just be over a small hill and they would find the Thunderpath. He heard a disgusted hiss next to him. Bramblepaw asked, "What is that smell?"

Fireheart could picture the apprentice's nose wrinkling at the scent. He replied, "You'll see in a moment."

As they made their way over the small incline the dark stretch of land which made up the Thunderpath came into view, its stench becoming stronger. Fireheart wrinkled his nose as they drew closer. He had not been around it in such a long time; he had almost forgotten just how disgusting it smelled.

Bramblepaw came into Fireheart's vision as the apprentice moved ahead of him, towards the Thunderpath. His tail was lashing excitedly behind him. "What is it?"

"It's the Thunderpath," Gorsepaw replied padding forward, after the younger apprentice. "Have you never seen it before?"

Bramblepaw shook his head. Onewhisker came up on Fireheart's side. The ginger warrior glanced at him as the WindClan tom meowed, "Why hasn't he seen it before?"

"It was better to keep him away from where Clan cats would be." Fireheart murmured. Bramblepaw had seen Thunderpaths before, but none of them were this big. Had he been a ThunderClan apprentice, the Thunderpath would have been shown to him on the first day of training. Instead, he had to be kept away from the Clan territories and around the farm. This would be one of many things the Clans were used to that the young tom would not be.

Bramblepaw padded closer to the black surface, "Why's it here?"

"Monsters travel on it." Fireheart explained, "Twolegs put it down for them. We saw smaller ones in Twolegplace when you were a kit." Gorsepaw stopped in his steps a few rabbit-hops from the edge of the Thunderpath, waiting for the two warriors while Bramblepaw kept moving forward. A flash of apprehension overcame Fireheart as Bramblepaw padded on to the dark surface. Onewhisker tensed next to him. "Bramblepaw, get back here."

Bramblepaw looked back at Fireheart, he blinked. "Why?" He lowered his head to sniff at the surface as he mewed, "Monsters aren't dangerous, I'll see one before they get here."

He lifted his head back up, looking across the hard surface. The familiar tremble of an approaching monster began to shake the ground. Alarm filled the ginger warrior as Bramblepaw remained where he stood. Fireheart snarled, "Get back!"

The monster roared by as Bramblepaw jumped back off the Thunderpath, into the safety of the hardened ground next to it. The gust of wind that the creature created ruffled his fur with hot foul-smelling air. The apprentice trembled with shock as he stared wide-eyed after the monster.

Fireheart let out a furious hiss, quickly making his way to Bramblepaw, "You know to listen to me – to any warrior! You could have been killed! Do that again and I'll have your tail off." The apprentices' ears went back, he mewed an apology. The shock of what had occurred seemed to be fading. Fireheart gave the apprentice a quick lick on the top of his head, causing a grumble of protest as he explained, "These monsters are faster than the ones on the farm. They're not as loud either, but these ones stay on the Thunderpath. As long as we do not go on it without caution, we are safe, understand?"

Bramblepaw nodded as Gorsepaw turned towards the ginger warrior, his eyes were round. "There are monsters that go off the Thunderpath?"

"The farm has some."

"That's just unfair." Onewhisker meowed, his tail lashed. "How do you know when they're coming?"

"They're slower and louder. They're easier to avoid than the ones on the Thunderpath," Fireheart explained.

"Still, I wouldn't want to meet them," Onewhisker muttered as Fireheart turned back to the hard surface. It was still early enough where there would not be a lot of monsters out, they should be able to cross easily compared to later in the day. It was strange how quick the trip here was, if they had made this journey from ThunderClan camp, the patrol would not be close to being at the point where they would have to cross.

"Why don't you and Gorsepaw cross first, Bramblepaw and I will follow after," Fireheart suggested. It would be a good learning opportunity for Bramblepaw to see the WindClan cats deal with the Thunderpath. Gorsepaw was old enough where he most likely had already made his journey to Highstones, he would have a bit of experience. The brown warrior agreed, signaling Gorsepaw over to the dark surface. Fireheart mewed to Bramblepaw, "Watch how they do it."

The young apprentice nodded, watching after the WindClan cats. Onewhisker and Gorsepaw stopped at the edge, both preparing to run. A monster roared by them, their fur ruffling in the gust of wind it created. As it continued further down the Thunderpath, Onewhisker let out a yowl, "Now!"

Both cats bolted out onto the dark surface, streaking across it and on to the other side. Once they were over, Fireheart signaled for Bramblepaw to follow him. The apprentice shifted anxiously from paw to paw as they got into position. Fireheart meowed: "Wait for my signal."

He could feel the tremble of an approaching monster on his paws, they remained still as the giant creature roared past. There was no new tremble. Once it had disappeared, racing further down the Thunderpath, Fireheart yowled. Both cats bounded out on to the hard surface, Fireheart was careful to keep by Bramblepaw's side. The sound of more roaring filled the warriors' ears. Fear filled him as he hissed, "Faster!"

A gust of wind overcame them as they made it to the other side. Fireheart let out a breath he hadn't known he was holding, turning to Bramblepaw. The apprentice's eyes were round, he looked back to the Thunderpath and the spot they just were. Fireheart flicked his tail, signaling the tabby to follow him as he turned away from the Thunderpath and towards Onewhisker and Gorsepaw.

Both cats padded over to where the WindClan cats were waiting, as they did Onewhisker rose to his paws, Gorsepaw following quickly after, and they turned continuing on their way to Highstones.

As the jagged peaks which surrounded Mothermouth began to draw closer, Fireheart nudged Bramblepaw gently. He pointed an ear towards the opening, leading to endless darkness. "That's Mothermouth if you go into it and down the right tunnel, you'll end up at the Moonstone," he explained. Fireheart glanced at Gorsepaw, "I imagine you've already made the journey here before?"

The ginger and white tom nodded, "About a moon ago, with Tallstar and Onewhisker."

"What was it like?" Bramblepaw asked, his curious gaze kept on the opening as they moved along.

"You go down this tunnel until you get to an opening," Gorsepaw responded. "The Moonstone is in there and there's an opening in the cave roof. When the moon gets overhead and its light goes through the hole, it lights up the Moonstone!" The apprentices' eyes glowed at the memory, "Then you get to have your dream with StarClan, I remember mine. I –"

Gorsepaw was cut off by Onewhisker, "You're not allowed to talk about your dream." He reminded his apprentice, "That's private between you and StarClan. Bramblepaw will have to experience it for himself."

Bramblepaw looked at his mentor, "Did you ever go?"

"Of course." How removed the apprentice was from Clan life struck Fireheart, would Bramblepaw be able to experience a true trip to Highstones? Could he bring Bramblepaw? Stormpaw and Featherpaw would need to go, too. It was a right of passage for apprentices that Fireheart had not considered. Had not thought about. They should experience it; he remembered his trip well. Whether StarClan would allow for them to go was unknown to him.

"It was after WindClan had been driven out by Brokenstar, Bluestar went for guidance." Fireheart saw Onewhisker tense, whether it was at Brokenstar or Bluestar's name was unknown to him. Onewhisker had been stiff towards him to a point, he was not as cold as he was prior but there was still a tension he had towards Fireheart. "Graystripe and Ravenpaw went with us, too." And Tigerstar. Fireheart added silently. "They had to stand guard but I got to go in, it was…" Fireheart paused a moment, the memory coming to him. "Breathtaking."

"Can we go?" Bramblepaw's eyes glowed with excitement at the prospect. Fireheart shook his head.

"Not today, kit. Maybe some other time."

The apprentices' fur bristled, "I'm not a kit!" Bramblepaw's voice was low as if trying to hide what he had said from the WindClan cats, he spoke through clenched teeth. Fireheart suppressed a purr that was forming in his chest, feeling a rush of affection for the apprentice as he murmured an apology. He made a note to talk about going to Highstones with Mistyfoot and Graystripe.

The patrol continued on their way, up the steep incline around Highstones and to the land Tallstar had indicated. The sun continued to rise, warming up the earth around them as it did.

Through a small patch of gnarly trees was open land, it reminded Fireheart of WindClan territory to a point. It wasn't quite a moor but it was open and from where the patrol stood, they could see a large portion of it.

Off to the distance on one side was a fence, the start of a Twolegplace, it seemed to be different from the one that bordered ThunderClan. How many Twolegplaces were there, Fireheart wondered. Off to the other side was the Thunderpath that led to the carrionplace which bordered ShadowClan territory, past it the mountains could be seen, breaking the sky with their snow-covered peaks. Fireheart murmured, "I've never seen the mountains so clearly before."

"We can see them like this on good, clear days in WindClan territory." Onewhisker mewed, looking out towards them as well. Fireheart shifted his gaze back to the open land, there was a stream which looked as though it cut the territory into pieces. He couldn't spot any stepping stones from there, but they could figure out how to get across later. Bramblepaw and Fireheart could swim well enough, but the WindClan cats could not. They needed to find a way to cross without getting their paws wet.

The patrol continued further on to the land, there was a small herd of deer on the land. Fireheart watched as they moved around the open land, their heads lowered to the ground. Deer were a good thing, if there were deer there were plants. With plants, came prey. Prey would be scarce either way, but if there were plants there would be the chance of, at least, some. They still needed to figure out how much.

As they moved further away from Highstones, Fireheart sped up to match Onewhisker's speed. "Why don't Gorsepaw and Bramblepaw see what they can catch?" He suggested.

The WindClan warrior hesitated a moment before agreeing, the patrol stopped. Onewhisker turned to the apprentices, he ordered: "Go see what you can find. We will be waiting here for your return."

Both apprentices nodded. Fireheart meowed, "Bramblepaw, follow Gorsepaw's lead. He has more experience in this sort of terrain than you do." The younger apprentice nodded. With that, Fireheart twitched his ear. "Get going."

Gorsepaw and Bramblepaw took off, disappearing from view as they went on their task. A moment of silence fell between the two warriors before Onewhisker spoke, his meow was tense: "I still do not understand why Tallstar sent you."

"I offered." Fireheart twitched his tail.

"You're not a part of WindClan though." Onewhisker looked across the field, "I know we are low on warriors but it still seems odd. You seem to have won him over, though."

"Do you not trust his belief?" Fireheart turned to look at the other warrior, his face was unreadable. What did he think of this? Did he trust Fireheart or not? Onewhisker was alone with him now, what was going to happen?

The tabby warrior was silent for a long moment as if thinking over Fireheart's question. He replied, "You were my friend. I imagine that is why Tallstar sent me with you." Onewhisker paused, "When Tigerstar announced what happened at the Gathering, I was shocked. We all were. I couldn't believe you would murder Bluestar and yet it seemed to be the truth."

He murmured, "I didn't know what to think, you were my friend. I believed what Tigerstar was saying, we all did. What reason did we have to doubt him? Bluestar was dead." His ears went back, "and then you escaped and Tigerstar took over ShadowClan. We were scared, there was fear surrounding what happened to you and where you were. What you would do and what Tigerstar was doing. Then a few moons later you show up at our border asking for Tallstar."

Onewhisker turned to Fireheart, "That was incredibly stupid, you know."

"I was told."

"And yet you did it." The brown warrior sat on his haunches, "and Tallstar let you leave. There was outrage over that, cats were not happy. It was confirmed that you were alive and thriving, it seemed, and Tallstar let you leave." Onewhisker sighed, "When Tigerstar accused us of harboring you, we knew where you were and yet he forbid anyone from getting you." He shook his head, "I didn't understand his decision. No one did. And then you came and turned yourself over, it was too late but you did it. You were willing to sacrifice yourself for our Clan." His ear twitched, "You saved my apprentices' life, you got the dogs off of WindClan territory and saved Tallstar's life." That wasn't exactly true but Onewhisker had a point, the WindClan leader was alive now.

"You offered yourself up to Leopardstar yesterday. It astounds me that after everything, you want to help us." He sighed, "I do not know why Tallstar did not accept that offer." His voice grew softer, "I don't think this is going to be a temporary stay." Onewhisker fell silent as the fur along Fireheart's back rose. He was right, Fireheart realized, how could WindClan possibly be expected to get their territory back? The thought frightened him. Tallstar could not possibly believe that he could. Why hadn't the WindClan leader agreed to Leopardstar's deal? Why hadn't he convinced Tallstar to?

"I don't know why Tallstar did not turn you over to Tigerstar right away but he must have been able to see through what he said about you. I couldn't imagine you killing Bluestar and yet I believed it. I don't understand how I could have been unable to see through Tigerstar's words." Fireheart's ear pricked, Onewhisker believed him?

"I was ready to give you to TigerClan, I was relieved. We were friends and I couldn't imagine you being so heartless but I believed it. I'm sorry."

"I don't blame you. He's gotten everyone to believe the lies," Fireheart murmured.

"Well, you've won over WindClan." Onewhisker blinked at him, "A lot of them are beginning to trust you after everything. You've won me over and you've won over others. I think you'll eventually get everyone over."

Fireheart felt his shoulders relax, a long tension that had been there was gone. If Onewhisker was correct, then he had secured WindClan's trust. He had already had their leaders trust but this was more, it was a whole Clan. It was a lot more than he could have hoped for, a lot more than he could have expected.

The sound of movement distracted both warriors, turning to see what it was, Fireheart saw Gorsepaw carrying a skinny vole towards them. As the ginger and white tom set the dead creature down, he mewed: "Bramblepaw's on his way. He caught a fish!"

"A fish?" Onewhisker echoed. Gorsepaw nodded.

"He caught it in the stream over there." The young tabby twitched his ear in the direction. Bramblepaw appeared a few moments later, holding a small trout in his mouth. The WindClan warrior stared at the apprentice as he set his catch down, "How did you catch that?"

"Mistyfoot taught me," Bramblepaw responded. Fireheart padded up to the two apprentices, looking over their kills. There was certainly prey here, measly, but there was food. Both from water and land, this was a good sign.

"Last I knew you were ThunderClan, not RiverClan," Onewhisker remarked.

Fireheart shrugged, "Are we at this point?" The warrior still considered himself to be ThunderClan but it was a fair enough question. Were they truly? He sniffed at the fish, its scent making his mouth water. "Do you want to try it? It isn't bad."

"Can you fish?" Fireheart nodded. Onewhisker looked astounded, he muttered, "Next you're going to tell us that you've learned to swim."

Fireheart stared at the WindClan warrior as he stepped back from the prey. Onewhisker held his stare, "Have you?"

"Yes." Fireheart responded, "Why learn one and not the other?" Bramblepaw mewed his agreement. Gorsepaw and Onewhisker exchanged astonished looks as Fireheart pushed the trout towards the WindClan warrior with a forepaw, blinking innocently at them.

"Fine," Onewhisker muttered, lowering his head to sniff at it. His tail was moving back and forth behind him. His nose wrinkled, "Gorsepaw, do you want to try it?"

"Sure." The apprentice padded up next to his mentor, he took the first bite. His ears went back as he slowly chewed it, his lips curling back. Fireheart almost laughed at the face Gorsepaw made.

Onewhisker took his bite. He curled his lip back, spitting it out as he exclaimed, "That's horrid!"