Fireheart moved away from the tree he was at the base of and over to Sandstorm. He blinked at her, "I don't know why you don't want to." The tom shrugged, "if you want, we could go on the Great Rock." He paused, "or just stay on the ground – in the snow."
The TigerClan cats' ears went back and she raised her paw, swiping at him with sheathed claws. Fireheart jumped back from the swat, raising his own paw, ready to swipe back if necessary. "It is practically newleaf, there is barely any snow," Sandstorm replied. "And climbing the Great Rock is definitely sacrilegious."
"Sacrilegious?" Fireheart echoed. He didn't understand what she was talking about, it was a rock. They were trees. "Sandstorm, StarClan didn't strike us down last time we climbed one of the oaks. Or the time before that. What's different this time?" He lowered his paw, closing the small space between them. He circled her once, brushing their pelts against one another before stopping at her side, his muzzle on her shoulder as he drew in Sandstorm's scent. He pressed his head against her neck, a warmth came to his chest as he purred. The pale ginger warrior pulled quickly away from him, her tail curling.
"I'm not going near you until you get that scent off of you," she warned. Fireheart's ears went back and he let out a small gasp, mocking offense. It wasn't his fault that he had to cover his scent, he didn't like the scent either. Garlic was just what he could find. Sandstorm rolled her eyes at his dramatics. "StarClan does not strike cats down, you know."
"Should be what they do," he muttered, moving away from the other warrior. It would make a lot of things easier. If they could just get rid of Tigerstar by the power of StarClan, the Clans wouldn't be in the mess they were in now. His mind went back to his encounter with Leopardstar, they could have at least helped with that. If so, Fireheart wouldn't be in the situation he was in now and they wouldn't be sneaking around at night to see each other. Sandstorm let out a hiss.
"You can't say that about our ancestors!"
Fireheart turned back to the tree, padding up to it. He let his tail droop and heaved a sigh before jumping on to the trunk of the Great Oak. Once his claws were secure in the old tree's thick bark, he turned his head towards Sandstorm, "I'll go up first." His green eye sparkled in what light there was, "to make sure they strike me down instead of you."
"Fireheart?" Her tone was suddenly more serious. She padded over to the tree.
"Yes?"
"Shut up." Sandstorm jumped up on to the tree, securing herself onto the truck as she responded. A moment later she began her ascent as he let out a laugh, climbing up the tree after her. Fireheart surpassed Sandstorm, quickly climbing up to a bough high in the tree. He pulled himself onto the branch, his head and tail held high. Sandstorm pulled herself on a few moments later.
"And you call me WindClan." Fireheart teased, "What's slowed you down?"
Sandstorm tensed suddenly, there was an unreadable look in her eyes as she hissed, "what did I just tell you?" She leaned over him, beginning to groom his fur, her lip curling at the taste of the plant. Fireheart started to purr loudly, settling against the branch.
"I don't understand why you want to change trees each time." Sandstorm mewed as she finished, settling against him. He blinked at her, wasn't it obvious?
"We have a new view each time," Fireheart explained. He raised his muzzle to the sky above them. Silverpelt showed brightly in the black sky, sparkling specks against the intense darkness. "Not only do we see new stars, but we see different territory. Last time was ThunderClan's, now it's ShadowClan's." He pointed his muzzle towards the dark pine trees which made up what was once ShadowClan territory. The jarring glow of a monster's eyes could be seen on the Thunderpath, it's faint roar sounded as it moved quickly along the darkened path.
Sandstorm didn't respond right away, considering the other cats' words. After a few heartbeats, she murmured: "you're right, I hadn't thought of that."
The two warriors had met like this numerous times at this point. Over time they became more frequent, from a quarter moon apart to a few days. They became longer as well; Fireheart might return past dawn some days. Never did they risk back to back days. Fireheart was too far away from Fourtrees to attempt that, although he wished he could, and Sandstorm had TigerClan discovering to worry about. Sandstorm was remaining safe in TigerClan so far and Fireheart was able to return to his duties in WindClan without incident. With no deputy named, he continued to be in charge of making patrols and sorting out Clan duties. Tallstar was aware of his visits, and Graystripe insisted on being kept up to date on when they were together but it was running smoothly. There was no issue thus far.
She pressed against him; Fireheart felt a warmth coming to his chest as Sandstorm started to purr. He began to groom the other warriors' pelt rhythmically, admiring how her pale coat glowed under the moon's light. These meetings were good, he looked forward to each one and if he had to guess, so did Sandstorm. They were the happiest he had been in moons – seasons truly. The meetings made him feel better than he had since before Bluestar's death. It was easy to forget. Forget their troubles and fears and just be together. Fireheart could have tricked himself into believing they were ThunderClan warriors again, that they would go back to camp together at the end of the night and be able to live as normal warriors. It would have been great if that were reality.
A paw was prodding at his side. Why was some cat trying to wake him? Fireheart was tired, his body felt heavy. He didn't want to wake up yet. He curled up deeper into himself, letting out a sigh. What reason was there to wake him up? Organizing patrols, probably. Another prod came, this time there was a voice, "Fireheart."
Sandstorm? Why was she there? They must have fallen asleep by mistake, Fireheart figured. He didn't remember falling asleep at Fourtrees, but he didn't remember going back to camp either. He would have to answer for this, but once he had returned everything would be fine. Some other cat had probably dealt with patrols.
The orange tom slowly opened his eyes, he could see Sandstorm next to him and the dark bark of the oak behind her. They had come down from the oak and made a nest in its roots during the night with what dry moss and leaves they could find. That was where they were now. Fireheart felt a rush of affection as he looked at the ThunderClan she-cat. The warrior purred, giving her cheek a quick lick as he mewed, "good morning."
Sandstorm let out a warning hiss. For the first time, Fireheart realized that she looked tense. She was looking at something past him. Alarmed, he turned quickly around so he could see what the other cat was glaring at. He felt as though his heart had stopped at the sight which greeted him.
They were surrounded, TigerClan warriors on all sides of them. Warriors from all four Clans were there, Fireheart spotted Dustpelt off to one side. There was a look of horror and betrayal on the brown tom's face as he was looking at Sandstorm. They had been friends since they were kits and to find the she-cat like this? He couldn't imagine how the TigerClan tom must have felt.
Fireheart's gaze shifted slowly around the circle of cats, there were cats he knew. All of which had shocked and angry looks on their faces. Sandstorm was a good warrior; she was a skilled hunter. A valuable part of the Clan and now she was caught with the cat who they thought murdered the former ThunderClan leader.
He froze as his gaze met Tigerstar's. The TigerClan leader was the closest to them, a few tail lengths in front of the others. Fury burned in his amber eyes. Fireheart's vision began to blur as he stared, horrified, at Tigerstar. His breathing was getting difficult, feeling like having a stone was pressed on his chest, he was certain he was panting. He couldn't hear it; he couldn't hear anything except the beating of his heart. Memories flashed through his mind, the humiliation, the pain, the fear of those moons coming back to him. He could smell fear scent, Fireheart figured it must be his own. He was paralyzed, he couldn't do anything but stared at the tabby shape in front of him.
Tigerstar spoke, Fireheart couldn't hear what the leader was saying. It was as if his ears were filled with water, everything was muffled. The cat was blurring in front of him, the orange warrior blinked, trying to get his vision to clear. Why couldn't he hear? Why couldn't he calm down?
Fireheart felt movement next to him. His heart pounded faster, what was that? It was on his blind side; he couldn't see what it was. The TigerClan leader spoke again, through the muffled rumble of his voice Fireheart picked out a word. Sandstorm. Realization jolted through him, where was she? Was she the one moving next to him? It must have been. How could he have forgotten she was there so easily?
He slowly forced his breathing to slow down and he blinked. Forcing his gaze away from the TigerClan leader, he turned his head so he could see his other side. His vision was getting better. He needed to see Sandstorm.
The ginger she-cat was standing next to him, relief washed over Fireheart. She said something back to the TigerClan leader that Fireheart could not make out. He needed to be calm. If he was calm, he could protect Sandstorm.
As he forced himself to calm down, he began to hear Tigerstar's words, "how dare you betray me! You would rather be with this treacherous kittypet than loyal to your Clan? I expected better of you." The dark tabby spat, "what did you expect to come from this? Did you think I'd allow mongrel abominations in my Clan?" A hiss came from Sandstorm at his words. What was Tigerstar going on about? Fireheart had no idea.
"Your leader died by his claws and you do this?" It was Fireheart who hissed this time, amber eyes quickly moved to him. The ginger warrior felt a chill run down his spine as he looked into those eyes again. The pressure on his chest increased. His ears went back and he lowered his head. "How dare you turn her away from me! You pathetic furball!"
The TigerClan leader lashed his tail, snarling: "how dare you defile my Clan with your filth, you wretched excuse of a cat! You aren't even worthy of your warrior name!" A strange glow came to his eyes, as if he had realized something, "you have never been a warrior. You are barely even a cat. What was your kittypet name? Rusty?" Fireheart glowered at the other tom, what did that matter? Why did Tigerstar care?
The tabby raised his tail, signaling his warriors to come closer. As they did, Fireheart forced himself shakily to his paws. Sandstorm let out a warning hiss next to him. They needed to get out of here. They needed to get past the cats on the WindClan side, then they would be able to get to safety. Tigerstar growled.
"I believe it was. That's what we'll call you. Fireheart is no more. From now on, your name is Rusty." The claws on one of the brown tabby's paws unsheathed, "I should have clawed that eye long ago. It would have saved us this mess you have caused. It's what has kept your spirit going, made you foolishly believe you can defy me." He spat, "Ungrateful pest. No more running like a frightened rabbit."
Tigerstar's eyes glowed, "I expect you to thank me, I could have killed you after you murdered Bluestar and I could right now. After the destruction you have caused you should be on your back, begging me for forgiveness. For mercy. Be grateful for everything I've done for you, kittypet. You owe me everything."
Fireheart's heart beat faster, his vision was beginning to blur again but he blinked it away. Tigerstar wanted to strip him of his warrior name? Could he do that? Brokentail had been stripped of his leader name, but that was different. Fireheart was not a leader. Tigerstar was also planning to blind him completely. What about Sandstorm? He couldn't let Tigerstar do anything to her, she needed to get away. He was being kept alive; he could deal with the consequences. Sandstorm needed to get away.
"Come here, kittypet." Fireheart felt himself take a step towards Tigerstar before forcing himself still, against the command he had just been given. Don't listen to him! Don't listen to him! Don't listen to him! His mind was screaming at his body. He could feel his legs shaking as his tail curled beneath him, pressed against his belly. The tabby snarled, "You stupid lump of fur! Have you forgotten what happens when you defy me?" Fireheart was trembling at Tigerstar's words, his mind fogging over.
"Clearly you need another lesson. Darkstripe, bring Sandstorm over here." The warrior in question let out a hiss, Tigerstar ignored her. His eyes narrowed, "her death will be the last thing you ever see. None of this was necessary. Remember her blood is on your paws, Rusty." There was a moment of frozen silence.
Tigerstar glanced off to the side, towards WindClan territory. "Darkstripe."
"What about the kittypet?" Fireheart heard the deputy's voice coming from that side. He turned his head towards the dark tabby, forcing his thoughts to be clearer. He was what was between them and WindClan territory. If Fireheart could fend off Darkstripe, Sandstorm could get away.
The TigerClan leader let out a furious hiss, "He's not going to do anything, you fool! He's too scared." The amber gaze shifted back to Fireheart, "Certainly you haven't forgotten everything, have you, Rusty?" Fireheart's vision was beginning to blur at Tigerstar's words. His mind was foggy again and whirled with memories. "Stay where you are, kittypet."
Fireheart's paws felt as though they were frozen to the ground, he stared at the TigerClan leader almost in a trance. He felt sick. Tigerstar ordered, "Darkstripe get her."
"Fireheart, we need to go." Sandstorm's voice suddenly changed to a snarl, "I swear if you get closer!" The tom felt the other warrior move against him. This jogged him out of his daze. It was as if the ice holding his paws down had suddenly melted. He needed to get Sandstorm out of here.
Fireheart turned quickly to face Darkstripe, letting out a growl as his claws unsheathed. The dark warrior was not far from them, behind him was WindClan territory and past that safety.
"Rusty, how dare you disobey me!" Fireheart willed away the fog that had begun to form in his mind again. He couldn't continue to do this here, not in front of Tigerstar.
Fireheart forced himself toward Darkstripe, letting out a yowl, "Run!"
He pushed Darkstripe onto his hide paws with his tackle, the warrior let out a snarl. Fireheart dodged a swipe directed at him. He slashed at the enemy warrior's belly as the dark tabby fell backward, hitting the ground behind him. Fireheart's eyes widened with horror as Darkstripe's eyes rolled back. There was blood coming out of the warrior's head onto the rock below him. No, no. No! A furious screech sounded, "Get him!"
Fireheart spun around at Tigerstar's voice. Fear gripped him as he realized Sandstorm was still here. Why hadn't she run as he had told her? The pale warrior was grappling with a RiverClan warrior, she pushed the other warrior back before jumping to her paws and turning quickly. "Let's go!"
Sandstorm took off in the direction of the moors, Fireheart glanced at Darkstripe one more time before taking off after her. There were yowls coming from behind them as they bolted. They needed to lose the TigerClan warriors. Fireheart hissed, "This way!"
The other warrior followed his lead across WindClan territory and towards the Thunderpath. If they could cross the Thunderpath, hopefully, TigerClan would not follow them. It would be off of Clan territory and they would have to deal with the danger of monsters. As Fireheart ran, his mind kept going back to Darkstripe.
Fireheart hated Darkstripe, there was nothing he could like about him. He was a loyal follower of Tigerstar's from the beginning and had done nothing but taunt and insult Fireheart during Bluestar's leadership. During Tigerstar's, he had assisted in whatever scheme the leader had planned for Fireheart that day. Even so, Fireheart hadn't wanted to kill him. He hoped he was wrong and he had just knocked the deputy out. He felt numb.
The Thunderpath came into view, Fireheart moved his head from side to side quickly, trying to figure out if there was any approaching monster. He spotted one coming towards them. He hissed, "stop!"
Fireheart looked over his shoulder, they had gotten a good amount ahead of the TigerClan patrol. They would be able to make it across before the patrol reached them. Fireheart and Sandstorm slowed down as they approached the Thunderpath, stopping at its edge as the monster roared by.
They needed to cross now. Sandstorm snarled, "Run!" Both cats bolted across the hard surface. Fireheart's heart pounded at the sound of another monster approaching. They made it to the other side as the foul-smelling thing rushed by.
"Come on!" Fireheart exclaimed, heading towards Highstones as he took the lead. They were going to make it. The Thunderpath seemed to have stopped the TigerClan warriors.
Suddenly a body crashed into Fireheart, he felt as though the air had been knocked out of him as he was slammed to the ground.