Chapter Eighteen - Arguments and Info Gathering

Hazelpaw crept up to the nest entrance feeling nervous. She couldn't believe that all this time Spiderstreak had been working with the rogues and providing them with inside information! And that the reason he wanted Cardinal Nest was so he and his rogue friends could take it over and use it as a base.

I wonder what Haze meant though when he said that Spiderstreak had done this before?

The grey she cat followed Daisypaw cautiously inside the nest worried that they would bump into a warrior who would ask them what they had been up to - she wasn't sure how they would react if they told them they had been speaking to a rogue.

Thankfully, the warriors seemed to be otherwise occupied as the sound of shouting came from inside. Hazelpaw peered in to see Jupinerbush, Rosethorn and Falconflight all standing at the bottom of the staircase and yowling at each other.

The two she cats padded up to where Beanpaw and Lilypaw were sitting quietly and watching the arguing trio by the apprentices Nest Lay den.

Beanpaw turned and gave an excited squeal when she saw them, green eyes wide and opened her mouth to probably ask what happened, but Lilypaw nudged her to be quiet.

Meanwhile, Hazelpaw heard Falconflight yowl angrily at his sister. The yellow tom's ears were flushed and his fur was bristling. "I tell you Rosethorn, I have everything under control!"

The tabby tom lashed his tail in frustration. "The meal den is blocked. I have also managed to block Spiderstreak's room with a twoleg object. Mintpelt has observed the body and dressed it with the appropriate herbs ready for burial. Even if they could get here - which they can't, the floods are much too high - there is simply nothing else the Clan Guard could do."

"They could interview us!" Retorted Rosethorn sharply. Her blue eyes looked pleadingly to her brother. "They could believe me! I still don't think you do Falconflight!"

The cream she cat gave a low growl before sitting up tall on her haunches, a gleam of determination in her blue eyes. "Foxdung the floods! I know a trail down to the territory through the cardinal forest. It may be a bit muddy but it'll be worth it! And as for the Clan Guard being able to come, well, have you ever heard of StormClan cats, Falconflight? They would be able to swim across! Now if you'll excuse me."

Jupinerbush gave a weird choking noise, blue eyes bulging from his face as Rosethorn started towards the den entrance, but the cream she cat was blocked by Falconflight.

The four she cats glanced at each other. Hazelpaw saw Lilypaw's eyes gleaming gleefully and the grey apprentice could tell the white furred she cat was especially adoring the dramatic scene.

"Get out of my way." Growled Rosethorn, glaring up at her brother who was a good head taller than her.

"You can't go, it's too dangerous." Falconflight replied sternly. Hazelpaw could tell he was making an effort to stay calm, but his bristling fur showed he was still angry. "The trail is too narrow and steep, and the rain would have made it slippery. It's a mouse brained risk to take when there's nothing we can even do for him now!"

Rosethorn blue eyes flashed with rage and she opened her mouth for a retort but Jupinerbush bet her to it.

"You two," the brown tabby grunted, "arguing like kits."

"Look," he said, turning to Rosethorn. "You mustn't alert the Clan Guard. Please!" The brown tabby's tone was urgent and his blue eyes pleading.

"What I mean is - it's not nice. Cats like us don't get mixed up in that sort of business. Think of the family reputation! Aye, for the sake of our family name, please don't get the Clan Guard involved." Jupinerbush begged the cream warrior.

"Doesn't he look a fright?" Lilypaw murmured into Hazelpaw's ear.

"Great StarClan, this is infuriating!" Exclaimed Rosethorn, roughly brushing past Falconflight and Jupinerbush. She turned back to face them with a glare. "What is wrong with you all? Anyone would think you weren't sorry that Spiderstreak was dead! Well I'm alerting the Clan Guard this instance and there's nothing you can do to stop me!"

With a dramatic lash of her tail, Rosethorn stormed through the den entrance in the direction of the cardinal forest.

A few heartbeats of silence followed.

"Oh, dear. Is she going to be okay?" Whimpered Beanpaw. No one answered. Hazelpaw noticed Daisypaw's nose screw up in worry.

The grey she cat turned back to Falconflight who was growling under his breath and lashing his tail in frustration. He made no move to follow his sister.

"That's it." Huffed Jupinerbush. "I'm leaving. Ain't 'aving no part of this!"

"You know perfectly well we're all trapped here." Retorted Falconflight sharply.

"Oh! Will Lionmane still be able to come and get us tomorrow?" Hazelpaw heard Beanpaw whisper worriedly.

Jupinerbush glared at Falconflight in replied, before turning abruptly and heading to the warrior's den.

The yellow tabby tom watched him go with a twitch of his whiskers, before turning to the four apprentices.

"Now, what are you four up to? Listening in, were you?" Asked Falconflight, a knowing gleam in his blue eyes.

Hazelpaw got quite a shock. The grey she cat was realizing that the yellow tom was just as noticing Daisypaw.

"No," replied Daisypaw, coolly. "We were on our way up to our den after playing a game in our Nest Lay den when you stopped us. We couldn't very well creep past while you were all shouting at each other, could we?"

Falconflight let out a thoughtful hum, his cool blue eyes staying fixed on his niece. "As usual a likely story."

"You haven't really blocked access to the blue pelted den, have you?" Asked Daisypaw.

"Indeed I have," replied Falconflight. "We don't want to end up with a body which has been picked over by a pack of small she cats."

"I'm 12 moons!"

"Regardless. Sometimes Daisypaw you need to learn to leave well alone. This is for warriors who know what they're doing."

Hazelpaw could see how much that hurt Daisypaw. The cream she cat took a step back, mouth open in disbelief.

"The Clan Guard, you mean?" Retorted Daisypaw when she had got her breath back. "Why don't you want Gorsestep to come? You do think something odd is going on, I know you do! We heard you last night-"

"What did you hear last night?"

Falconflight's cool gaze bore down on the apprentices and his voice had gone all silky - just as it had last sun-up in the cardinals. Hazelpaw stepped back in alarm, and even Daisypaw shrank back a little.

"Nothing," she said, bluffing it out. "Nothing at all."

"Run along, Daisypaw." Said Falconflight. "If you were really going to your den, I believe it is upstairs."

"You know perfectly well that it is." Responded Daisypaw. "All right, we're running."

…..

"What happened?" Hissed Lilypaw excitedly. "Outside I mean."

"Well, you will never believe this." Began Daisypaw, swishing her tail dramatically. "We caught up to the intruder and saw that it was a rogue! But not just any rogue - the same rogue we saw attacking Spiderstreak some three sun-ups ago and the same rogue which was under the bush and talking with him too!"

Beanpaw squealed, brown eyes wide. Lilypaw nudged her to be quiet.

"He was also the same cat which surprised Mintpelt this morning." Continued Hazelpaw.

"Yes, but here's the best bit!" Said Daisypaw. "It turns out that this rogue-"

"Haze." Interrupted Hazelpaw. The grey she cat twitched her ear. "His name is Haze."

Daisypaw rolled her eyes at her friend while Lilypaw giggled. "Cute name." She said.

The cream she cat glared at her denmate before clearing her throat. "As I was saying," Daisypaw began again, "It turns out that Hazeis actually part of the same rogue group which has been terrorising PineClan for a while now. And that Spiderstreak happened to be spying for the rogue group and helping them with attacks against us by providing them with inside information. He's a traitor who has been working with the rogues!"

Beanpaw's jaw dropped in shock, while Lilypaw's blue eyes gleamed with excitement. "Unbelievable." She breathed.

"We were right after all!" Said Daisypaw. "Spiderstreak was bad news and here for villainous purposes. Apparently he had promised the rogue leader a new base for the group to live in, and he thought he could just waltz into Cardinal Nest and that it would be his for the taking. Well, we certainly showed him!"

Hazelpaw decided not to point out that his plan didn't work mostly because he was dead, as opposed to Daisypaw uncovering anything about his devious intentions.

Beanpaw then spoke up, her face frowning with confusion. "But why would Spiderstreak attack Haze if he was one of the rogues he was working with."

"Excellent question Beans." Said Daisypaw. "Haze told us that his job in the group was as a messenger and he was the one who brought information to and from Spiderstreak. That devious snake used to meet up with Haze and tell him all PineClan's plans; hence why the rogues were one step ahead. The reason we saw Spiderstreak and Haze fighting was because the patrol had caught them at one of their secret meetings. To cover his tracks, Spiderstreak attacked Haze and pretended he was a rogue he was driving away."

There was silence for a heartbeat and then Lilypaw spoke up.

"Are you going to tell any cat about this?" The white apprenticed asked. Daisypaw hesitated a moment before replying. "No. I think I'll wait until we have more evidence. Until we can announce the murderer as well."

Hazelpaw nodded in understanding.

Daisypaw would have so eagerly told Falconflight her suspicions a couple of sun-ups ago, but everything has changed since then. We can no longer be sure he was on our side. We can no longer be sure he isn't a guilty cat.

"So, what do we do now?" Asked Beanpaw, head tilted quizically.

"Now," said Daisypaw, "we must talk to Beeflight and gather all the info we can about our most suspicious suspect; Whitefur."

When the four apprentices got to the top floor, Hazelpaw was relieved to see that the white warrior was nowhere to be seen, considering they were going to ask Beeflight about her. But the more she thought about it, the odder it seemed.

She wasn't with the arguing warriors and if she's not upstairs or with us, then where is she? She's supposed to be looking after as, after all.

Beeflight, however, was up here on the second floor, sunning herself in front of the large hole at the end, half covered with clearstone. Mintpelt lay beside her grooming her foreleg. The two she cats looked up and greeted the apprentices with friendly purrs.

"Hello, you four dears. How are you doing?" Asked Mintpelt.

"Hello!" Said Daisypaw back, skipping up brightly to the two she cats. "We're doing okay, but we are awfully bored. It's almost stopped raining, but it's very muddy outside. We don't know what to do with ourselves."

"Oh dear, that's a bit of a pickle." Said Beeflight with a sympathetic purr. "We're not exactly doing much ourselves, but do you want to sit and chat?"

"Gossip?" Chirruped Lily excitedly as she settled down next the yellow she cat.

"Sure!"

"Well maybe not quite young one." Clarified Minty hastily with a sideways glance at Beeflight.

"Oh, come on, lighten up Minty." Said Beeflight with a grin as she nudged the black and white medicine cat playfully. "What she really means is just a bit of harmless chit-chat about...clan life…..ah maybe?"

Mintpelt rolled her eyes and gave an exasperated sigh but Hazelpaw saw that her green eyes glimmered with amusement and a fondness as she gazed at the yellow she cat.

"Could you play a game with us Beeflight?" Asked Beanpaw hopefully as she settled in between the yellow she cat and Lilypaw.

"We really are dreadfully bored." Put in Daisypaw again. Hazelpaw noticed the cream she cat glance at her quickly, the corner of her lips quirking slightly. "Whitefur hasn't mentioned a thing about training. Honestly, she's barely even been around."

Beeflight and Mintpelt exchanged a glance. "Yes, I don't recall seeing her since this sun-up's morning meal." Said the black and white medicine cat. "I haven't really had a chance to talk to her since I arrived."

"Though I must say, she certainly doesn't make it easy." Beeflight commented with a wry smile and a knowing glance at Mintpelt.

The medicine cat let out a thoughtful hum, tilting her head slightly. "She is a bit of an oddball I suppose." Mintpelt conceded at last with a twitch of her ear. "She does keep to herself a lot and doesn't really like talking to others very much. At least that's what I hear from the other warriors. I've only really talked to her once but she seemed polite enough."

"Well, I got into a conversation with her once," spoke up Beeflight, "and it seemed to be going quite well and she did seem quite nice, if a bit shy and quiet. But once I started asking a little about her past she got as touchy as anything and abruptly left." Said the yellow she cat as she layed her head on her paws forlornly. "She hasn't said a word to me since then."

"I know you didn't mean anything by it." Said Mintpelt, giving the yellow she cat a comforting nudge. "Her past may just be a bit hard to talk about, especially if she were a loner as some say. I suppose that may also be why she seems to like it better on her own. She might find it hard to be interacting with others so much after being on her own for so long."

Beeflight lifted her head and gave a small nod. "I suppose that does make sense. Her past, whatever it is, is certainly very intriguing."

The yellow she cat then sat up a bit more and perked up considerable, a smile know apparent on her face. "Actually," she began with a side glance at Mintpelt, her amber eyes shining, "me and Minty have a sort of game where we try and guess her past. Minty thinks Whitefur is some sort of runaway heir from another group but I think she could be some sort of retired informat. Maybe kinda like what the rumours say your uncle does Daisypaw, being part of that secret clan guard."

Hazelpaw heard Mintpelt give a purr of amusement. "Yes, well, whatever the case there certainly is an air of mystery around her. Even how she arrived and was able to join Pineclan was very strange."

Knowing this was the sort of opening her friend was waiting for, Hazelpaw saw Daisypaw nod slowly before commenting, "Yes it is rather strange how Dovestar so very quickly and easily accepted her into the clan."

"Isn't it just?" Agreed Beeflight. "And I should know because I was there."

Daisypaw's ears pricked up with excitement and Hazelpaw felt her own eyes widen in surprise. "Really?" Asked the grey she cat.

"Yes, of course!" Confirmed Beeflight with an excited swish of her tail, before dropping her voice to a dramatic whisper. "I was the one in charge of keeping an eye on the 1st seasoners as they were cleaning out the elder's den while Ravenwhisker and Oakbranch dosed outside. I heard Oakbranch greet a cat outside and ask about its companion. I was a little curious so peered through the woven gorse to see who it was, and what do you know, it's none other than Falconflight with this strange fluffy, white she cat - Whitefur of course - standing next to him looking a bit unsure."

For a heartbeat, Hazelpaw swore she saw a surprised look cross Mintpelt's features at the mention of Falconflight with Whitefur, but as quick as it appeared it was gone.

"A little curious you say?" Said the black and white medicine cat to Beeflight instead, flicking the yellow she cat's ear with her tail teasingly. "Not maybe poking your whiskers in? A bit nosy perhaps?"

"Nosey?! I was just curious." Retorted Beeflight with a mock huff of indignation as she swiped at Mintpelt's tail. "After all, you would have done the same, Minty. Admit it!"

The black and white she cat gave a hum in resignation. "I suppose so, yes. Possibly worse actually," admitted Mintpelt with a chuckle. "I would have gone right up and introduced myself, rather pointedly I must say."

Beeflight grinned, her amber eyes sparkling with amusement. "Told you!" She squeaked teasingly, "I did consider doing that, but Oakbranch bet me to it naturally."

"Of course," said Mintpelt with a knowing nod, "StarClan blessed protector of the clan." She muttered.

"Yep, I must say though Falconflight didn't seem all that keen to answer her questions. When Oakbranch asked he only told her that he had met Whitefur at the StormClan border." Said Beeflight with a small grin. "He didn't give much away and I could tell that Oakbranch wasn't particularly thrilled with Falconflight's rather curt answers. And then what do you know, Dovestar comes out! Falconflight asks to speak with her and I'm not sure if he asked for it but then Oakbranch and a grumbling Ravenwhisker then soon trundle off towards the warrior Grass Lay place."

Hazelpaw of course knew that she and Daisypaw had already had this information straight from Oakbranch herself, but all the same the grey she cat thought it was still rather useful to have it confirmed and told from Beeflight's point of view and to also get Lilypaw and Beanpaw up to speed who hadn't heard this story before as far she knew.

But now I am rather curious to see what Beeflight did next after Oakbranch and Ravenwhisker left the scene. Perhaps she heard something extra that could be crucial to us finding out more about Whitefur's past and true reasons for being here?

"What happened next?" Prompted Hazelpaw, needing her paws on the nest floor eagerly.

"You didn't just up and leave, did you?" Implored Lilypaw, blue eyes wide. "Did you hear anything else?"

"Of course not," said Beeflight with a flick of her tail. "I did what any normal, rational warrior would have done. After I had shooed off the 1st seasoners, I myself remained in the elder's den and listened to everything Falconflight had to say to Dovestar."

Hazelpaw gave a start as she heard a half stifled guffaw of laughter suddenly emit from Mintpelt. "You didn't!" She spluttered as she nudged Beeflight's shoulder. "You terrible, terrible kit!" The black and white medicine cat scolded, but Hazelpaw knew her sparkling green eyes and barely hidden laughter made a true reprimand impossible. "Really Beeflight? Spying on your clan leader and a respected older warrior? On something that wasn't even your business,"

"What, me?" Asked Beeflight innocently with a tilted head and big amber eyes, "I just happened to have stayed behind in the elder's den to make sure the 1st Seasoner's had done a proper job. It's not my fault if I heard anything from my leader who was right outside." Said Beeflight with a purr. "Besides, would you have done anything differently?"

"Well I would have invited myself into the conversation for a start before resorting to accidentally listening in." Said Mintpelt with a mock stern look at the young warrior. "Besides, I for one believe the rules are tad different for me. We generally get privy to a lot more sensitive information and there really isn't such a thing as spying or eavesdropping for us medicine cats if I do say so myself. Though, last time I checked you didn't happen to be my apprentice…..a little unfortunate, I admit, but I do think being a warrior suits you better." Finished Mintpelt with a pur, as she softly nudged the yellow she cats shoulder.

"Yeah. You would have been a great mentor but I do think you would have gotten sick of me before long." Said Beeflight ruefully."

Hazelpaw felt a small smile tug at the corner of her lips as Mintpelt scoffed at that remark, meanwhile Lilypaw piped up, her blue eyes all big and round with excitement, "Oh, I could be your apprentice Mintpelt! It's not too late to start is it? Just imagine all the stuff that I could overhear!"

"Oh no, your destiny definitely lies on the path of the warrior." Said Mintpelt hastily, her tone firm. Hazelpaw heard Beeflight stifle a chuckle and Beanpaw, whose green eyes who had gone all big and wide with surprise and worry at her friends off handed admission, gave a long, audible sigh of relief.

"Well, so what did you hear?" Asked Daisypaw, getting the conversation back on track. Hazelpaw noticed her tail tip flicking the tiniest bit in slight irritation.

"Yes, was it worth it in the end?" Put in Mintpelt.

Beeflight grinned seemingly enjoying holding the attention of her clanmates. "Well...to answer both your questions; not much and not really. Um, all that I heard listening to Dovestar and Falconflight outside, was Dovestar ask why in StarClan he had brought some random rogue right into the heart of our camp. She really didn't sound too happy about it. Falconflight seemed to take it in his stride though, and simply repeated what he had said to Oakbranch. Before adding that she told him she wanted to join the clan."

Beeflight flicked her tail, her amber eyes distant as she got into her story.

"There was a pause before Dovestar spoke. 'Well then,' she said curtly, 'is this true? What do you have to say for yourself White..fur.'

'It is most certainly true miss.' Whitefur then replied in her usual polite and quiet manner. 'I have been wandering and exploring the perimeter of your territory and heard about the clans, and I decided I wanted to join yours. I believe I have many skills which will prove helpful to your way of life and in return you can grant me much needed safety and protection I can't get on my own.'

'Her wanderings,' suddenly cut in Falconflight, 'among other things is what I thought could help us given our current situation with certain….others. Not to mention the clan needs to be strong now more than ever, and what better way to do that than to recruit strong potential warriors.'

This was then followed by a rather tense silence for a couple of heart beats before Dovestar exhaled sharply. 'I know you wouldn't dare bring in a complete stranger at a dangerous time like this without a good reason, Falconflight. Come into my den and we will discuss further.'"

"I heard their pawsteps as they walked away and I suppose that was that. Now," Beeflight abruptly stood up and arched back in a stretch, "I really better get back down to the prey store den to see what leftovers we have we can use for evening meal and begin planning other hunting trips to restock." The yellow tabby she cat gave a soft yawn. "But if you she cats want, I would be happy for you to keep joining. And seeing what other little stories and titbits I can gather up to keep you entertained," she added in a soft whisper with a conspiratorial wink.

"It was nice spending time together Minty, I'll meet up with you later." Promised Beeflight as she she quickly touched noses with the black and white she cat. The medicine cat seemed to blink her green eyes in surprise at the yellow she cat's sudden departure before giving a soft pur. "Thank you for keeping me company, happy hunting."

Hazelpaw blinked a quick goodbye to Mintpelt herself before hastily following Beeflight to the stairs along with the rest of her denmates.

But then at the top of the stairs and seemingly out of earshot of any warriors, Beeflight then suddenly paused, before continuing in a low voice. "Truthfully, there's actually a bit more to the tale of when Whitefur showed up than I sort of let on. I love Minty to pieces, but I don't think even she would have approved of what I did next." Admitted the yellow she cat, ducking her head sheepishly.

"Which is why I wanted to tell you here. You see, after Dovestar, Falconflight and Whitefur went into the leader's den, I still remained in the elder's den right next to it and I was curious, so I pressed my ear right up against the gorse wall. It was a bit muffled but I could hear almost everything they were saying….I don't mind telling you, but promise you didn't hear it from me?"

"No way!" Squeaked Lilypaw, her blue eyes almost as wide as pine cones from excitement and glee. Beanpaw's green eyes were almost the same, however, Hazelpaw figured it was more the shock at Beeflight's nerve to do such a thing as eavesdropping on her leader rather than the excitement of the gossip.

"Of course Beeflight! We would never rat you out." Promised Daisypaw with a swish of her tail. Hazelpaw nodded her head as earnestly as she could, excited for this possible new bit of information.

"Well then," began Beeflight, "when, I figured, that they had all settled down in the leader's den, Dovestar spoke again and I must say she didn't sound that happy.

'What is the meaning of this then? What do you have to say, Whitefur?'

'I wish to join your clan miss. I believe I have many assets which would be beneficial to your group.'

'Really? Such as…?'

'I am a good hunter. Reliable in most weather. I have honed my senses to be able to track almost any animal through any weather, amongst other things, and I have in-depth battle training.' Whitefur explained. I must say she sounded quite calm. I don't think it would have been easy standing there in front of Dovestar's penetrating golden gaze.

'I would be happy to prove my fighting abilities if you wish.' She continued. 'If duals against an opponent is part of your initiation custom. Or to show you any of my other skills.'

'Well, an impressive skill outline I must say. Where have you come from to learn all this?' Asked Dovestar.

'I was taught by many teachers.' Her tone seemed to strike me oddly as a little unsure now. A little bit vague or guarded maybe. 'They say experience, among most, is the best mentor.'

'Hmmm….true.' Murmured Dovestar next. I don't know why but for some reason I imagined her frowning. I'm not sure if she appreciated Whitefur's rather vague answer. 'Well, what do you think, Falconflight, considering you already seem to hold this stranger in such a high regard?' A pointed question coloured her tone when she said that.

Meanwhile, Falconflight seemed to take a deep breath. 'I agree. I want Whitefur to join the clan. I think she will be a great asset.' He stated.

A pause; then: 'Why? You barely even know her.'

'We don't like to admit it but we were are still slightly weekend from the whitecough even if it wasn't as bad as it could have been,' Falconflight began to explain, his tone all matter of fact and business like. He sort of seemed to be ignoring Dovestar's second comment. 'And coupled with the fact that we have some uninvited visitors, we need all the help and resources we can get. What we need is more strong warriors and from what I hear, I believe Whitefur has all the potential she needs.'

'It sounds impressive I admit, but how do we know? We cannot afford any more mouths to feed or any more apprentices to train.' Argued Dovestar.

'I am not at all adverse to a trial session or even an assessment like test to see her skills in action. I could run it myself and give you the results. But I have no doubt that judging by her age and experience alone that she would pass as well as any 4th seasoner apprentice at the very least.' Replied Falconflight.

'Not a bad idea I suppose,' conceded Dovestar but I still thought she sounded far from sold. 'But all the same, I don't believe it will be worth the risk in the end even if her so called 'skills' are fabulous. We just aren't that desperate. And besides, what would the clan think to me suddenly inviting a stranger in, given our current situation? Everyone is simply too on edge and any sudden changes that have potential to make the tension tip over the edge is exactly what we don't need.'

'But what we do need is more warriors.' Falconflight then stated firmly. 'We already have two out of commission, not to mention a warrior mentor specifically, because Talltree and Stonepelt are unwell. Having the rest of the mentors pick up the slack is simply expending more energy than we can afford.' Then there was a slight pause as Falconflight took a breath. 'Whitefur can fill in for Stonepelt and be the fifth mentor.'

'What-'

'Hear me out.' When Dovestar replied I thought I had never heard her sound so in disbelief and I thought it was rather risky for Falconflight to be almost cutting her off like that. 'Think about how great it would be to have her skills on our side if she were to join PineClan but imagine how much more invaluable that would become if she were to pass it on to the apprentices - even some warriors! Or at the very least, fill in for Stonepelt in order to lessen the warrior mentor's load during this time when everyone needs their full energy.' Finished Falconfligh smoothly.

'Ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous.' I heard Dovestar mutter under her breath. 'StarClan...do you even have experience with training young cats, Whitefur? Where are you from anyway.'

'Yes mam, I do.' She responded. There was another pause as Dovestar waited for her reply to the second question, but Whitefur didn't readily supply one which I thought was rather bold of her and wasn't going to help her cause much. After all, not knowing anything about her was one of Dovestar's problems in the first place.

Anyway, when it became clear that Whitefur wasn't going to answer, I heard Dovestar puff out a breath and clear her throat to speak.

'I'm sorry. But-'

'Dovestar..' Started Falconflight again, but she ignored him.

'But with all things considered I am not prepared to let you join PineClan at this moment.'

'Dovestar-'

'If it was any other time, then perhaps I would, but at this moment during this time of slight trouble the clan is in, I'm just not prepared to take the risk...'

'Dovestar please-'

'Falconflight. Enough.' Snapped Dovestar at last with a soft warning growl, 'how dare you interrupt your leader?' Honestly, what was Falconflight thinking? This certainly wasn't helping his situation and I thought it was a rather rude thing for him to do.

I expect Dovestar thought the same. I heard her give a loud huff of annoyance. 'In this current, tenuous situation,' she continued, 'I need to be able to fully trust all my warriors, and how can I possibly trust a non-clan cat stranger?'

'Getting rid of this situation in the first place is precisely what she can help us with.' Retorted Falconflight heatedly. 'She will tell you that she has been spending a great deal of time in the twoleg place around the perimeter of our territory, especially nearer the StormClan border and Crowded Pines, which we agreed is a possible place where the rogues are coming from. She has knowledge from the outside which could help us beat them once and for all. And therefore all your points for not wanting her in the clan would be redundant anyway.'

'But that's exactly the point Falconflight!' Exclaimed Dovestar. I remember jumping back from the wall at the sudden fright. 'That's exactly why! How can we trust an absolute stranger we know nothing about - who has apparently been skulking around the twoleg place, I might add - given our current situation with the rogues. How can we, I or anyone - especially you - trust her when she could for all we know be one of them!'

'I'm not asking you to trust her Dovestar!' Exclaimed Falconflight, oddly enough losing his careful cool, I remember thinking. 'At least not right away,' he continued, 'but what I am doing is asking you to trust me. Please Dovestar! I swear to StarClan it will be good for the clan in the long run if you let Whitefur join. I promise you.'

There was another lengthy pause for a few heartbeats. 'Please, Dovestar.' Spoke Falconflight again at last.

It gave me such a shock, I almost didn't recognise his voice. He sounded almost...pleading or even begging. I have never at all heard Falconflight sound like that before, have you Daisypaw? I mean he's supposed to be the cool, calm mysterious warrior, you know? And why would he even do that? I wondered, all for a strange cat he barely knew to be accepted into PineClan.

Anyway, I then heard paws shuffling awkwardly amongst the leader's den floor and figured it was Whitefur. I did feel quite sorry for her then to be put in such an uncomfortable situation. Though I did wonder if this weird scene was making her rethink about wanting to join the clan. If I was her, I would have thought everyone had bees in their brain.

But maybe she didn't, because after another pause I heard her voice speak up next in barely a whisper, 'Please give me a chance miss...I..I promise I won't let you down..'

Another silence followed for what felt like moons, but what I figured was only a few hearts, and then I heard another long sigh from Dovestar.

'Very well, Falconflight.' She spoke up at last. 'I suppose I do trust you. You have worked hard to protect PineClan for as long as I can remember and have always had the clan's best interests at heart. I don't believe that you will change that now.' Dovestar gave a slight hum. She seemed quite content with a final decision now and seemed happy enough.

'So then Whitefur, you shall be joining PineClan.'

I could almost feel the relief from the other two cats. 'Falconflight is in charge of your settling in so if you have any questions refer to him. I will announce this news to the clan at sunhigh break. Oh and one more thing.'

I always imagine Dovestar smiling her reassuring smile at Whitefur now. You know the one she often does for the younger or more unsure apprentices? 'I don't believe you will let me down, and given time I will learn to trust you and you will become a great warrior and asset to PineClan. You are both dismissed.'

"And that's how I remember it! How Whitefur joined PineClan!" Finished Beeflight excitedly with a wide grin and exuberant flourish of her yellow tabby tail.

All Hazelpaw could do was blink her brown eyes in wonder as her mind whirled to process all the information Beeflight had just told them. Glancing around at her friends she could tell they were all the same, with Beanpaw's jaw dropped open wide and almost down to her paws in ashtonament, and Lilypaw's blue eyes all big and round and sparkling with wonderment.

Even Daisypaw seemed a bit lost for words.

"Well..wow...that's just...spiffing Beeflight! Positively spiffing." The cream she cat gave her head a quick shake and cleared her throat. "Thank you for telling us, you really are an amazing story teller.

"Aw shucks. You're welcome you four, but it is only thanks to the tips I got from Oakbranch and Mintpelt in part. But I don't think a type of story like this is what they had in mind for me to be telling."

Hazelpaw heard a chorus of soft chuckles along with her own at Beeflights admission, at the same time she continued thinking of the story the yellow she cat had told. And how much it seemed to reveal, not only about the circumstances of Whitefur's joining of PineClan, but Falconflight's seemingly large part in it.

An oddly strange and interesting thing to note. As well as how odd it was that Whitefur didn't want to give away her past too much to Dovestar. Almost like she really did - and still does - have something to hide. What could it be? And could it reveal her true reasons for being in the clan and even at Cardinal Nest itself?

"Why haven't you told anyone this?" Asked Daisypaw curiously, breaking into Hazelpaw's whirling questions.

"I know right!" Butted in Lilypaw, "this could have been the gossip of the season!" The white furred apprentice exclaimed excitedly.

"I've only told Singeflame what I heard." Answered Beeflight, "and I must say he wasn't very impressed with my methods of info gathering either. It will get me into trouble one day he thinks. Anyway, after that I was a bit too nervous and worried about it coming back to me if I shared my gossip...and I didn't want to get into trouble…..so.."

"Never mind the Beeflight." Said Daisypaw. "Thank you for telling us anyway and we shall be careful to not tell any other cat." She said with a pointed look at Lilypaw who muttered something indignantly under her breath. "But if we are forced to, we will be sure to say it never came from you."

"Really? Thanks you guys!" Said Beeflight, blinking her amber eyes gratefully. She then abruptly jumped up and turned back into the direction of the prey-store den. "Oh boy, I better get down and actually start doing what I'm supposed to be doing before any cat asks." Said Beeflight as she began to pad down the stairs once more.

As all five she cats reached the bottom, another thought then suddenly occurred to Hazelpaw. "You don't by any chance know how Whitefur got invited to the celebrations, do you?"

"As a matter of fact, I actually do." Responded Beeflight with a grin. "She's actually kind of the reason why I got to come along as well."

The young warrior tipped her head to the side and flicked her tail tip contemplatively as she walked. "I woke up early that sun-up we actually went to Cardinal Nest and went to help Mintpelt by looking for herbs that morning. Afterwards, when going back through the entrance into camp, I saw Falconflight, Whitefur and Rosethorn sitting together in the warriors Grass Lay place discussing something. As I walked past I managed to catch some of the words from Rosethorn. '...rather nice to have some cat to see to and keep the apprentices occupied. Who knows what sorts of mischief they could get into otherwise? Oh but is that all…?

'Well I can always hunt as well.' I heard Whitefur say next.

'Wait, but if you hunted don't you think it would make you too busy…..? It sounded like Falconflight, another meaning seemingly hidden in his tone.

'Well someone certainly needs to! And I'm certainly not hunting for that many cats all on my own. How positively dreadful.'

I was just about to keep heading on my way. I didn't want them to think I was eavesdropping, because I really wasn't this time. When I heard Whitefur say, 'well if I can't, perhaps another cat can? A young warrior maybe. Someone like…...Beeflight.'

At the sound of my name I pricked my ears up in surprise and almost dropped the herbs I was carrying. I put them down at my paws.

'Me?' I asked, my voice sounding a bit squeakier with surprise than I was intending.

'Yes, you.' Said Whitefur simply, but her green eyes seemed to sparkle with amusement.

Falconflight slowly nodded his head. 'A good proposition.' He stated. 'There you go Rosethorn,' he said to his sister, 'Beeflight is a fine, capable hunter and the celebration meals would be in good paws. That is, provided she actually wants to come with us to Cardinal Nest for Daisypaw's celebrations.'

Falconflight raised a questioning brow at me.

'Do I ever! Yes, please of course!' I may have squealed...only a little bit though. I was just so excited at the thought of a few days off from regular duties while spending time with you for at a pretty twoleg nest. 'Thank you so much!'"

As her den mates gave a few soft chuckles, Hazelpaw wondered if Beeflight regretted her eager decision to come given everything that had now happened.

After the chuckles had died down, Beeflight continued. "'Oh, I suppose that's settled then.' Said Rosethorn with a sigh. 'I hope having two extra guests at cardinal Nest at the last heart beat won't cause any trouble.'

'I'll make sure it won't.' Replied Falconflight smoothly.

"And that's how Whitefur - and to some extent me - got invited to the celebrations." Finished Beeflight with an excited swish of her tail.

And look at that. Falconflight is involved again. Thought Hazelpaw, twitching her whiskers in thought. Why? Coincidence? Perhaps he offered her an invite because she was new and it would be a chance for her to get to know other cats better? Or is it something more…? Meanwhile, why was Whitefur so eager to go almost in the same way she was eager to join PineClan?

Hazelpaw shook off her thoughts for later contemplation as the five she cats arrived inside the prey store den; Beeflight heading straight to a small den attached to the side of the den itself and filled with a small pile of left over prey.

"And I have really enjoyed doing the hunting here in the pretty Cardinal forest." Said the yellow she cat as she began nosing through the prey. "And Mudpaw's been such a dear, helping me with all the hunting these celebrations. I've heard that you four have been hanging out with him a lot more recently as well. It's good for him to have some other friends as well in other seasons, besides Eaglepaw."

"He is quite nice even if he is dreadfully shy," said Lilypaw. The white furred she cat's blue eyes twinkled with mischief. "Though he is rather cute. Isn't he Hazelpaw?"

The grey she cat glared fiercely back at her den mate as she felt a hot blush spread under her pelt, and heard Beeflight give a soft chuckle.

"That's good." She said, amber eyes glittering. "He hasn't said a lot about his origins to anyone other than Eaglepaw but most know he was abandoned and found by a patrol as a small kit. It must be hard, not knowing who or where your parents are. Kinda like me and Singeflame I suppose." Said the yellow she cat with a sad smile. "We were both raised by the late queen Berryfrost - do you remember her? The mother of Sunpaw and Darkpaw? Anyway, I figured that's why I've always felt a bit of a kinship with him..and its so good you've become good friends with him too Hazelpaw. I think that's helped him alot." Said Beeflight with a pur and a glance at Hazelpaw.

The grey she cat blinked her brown eyes at the yellow she cat before quickly averting her gaze and gritting her teeth in frustration as she felt the hot blush spread further.

Meanwhile, Beeflight continued. "This time has been extra awful for him, reminding him of his origins. Sort of reminding everyone else as well."

There was a pause as the yellow tabby she cat hesitated, looking a little awkward and uncomfortable. After a few heart beats of deliberating she seemed to decide to continue.

"Well, truth is, unfortunately there was a…..a slight incident not long ago when I was patrolling with Thunderboom and Riverrush as well as Mudpaw." She said with a sad sigh before settling down to tell her story.

"We were patrolling near Crowded Pines and Thunderboom was leading. He seemed awfully tense that morning. I don't know why but all the rogue attacks seemed to be getting to him especially. Anyway, soon he decided for us to split up. Me and Riverrush went along the lake shore line while the Mudpaw and Thunderboom went along the border near the twoleg place. Riverrush and I went up and down the shoreline and remarked scent markers without any drama, and then we went back to meet the toms.

"When we were close, I suddenly heard a loud yell of surprise followed by a snarl of anger. I remember running as fast as I could, trying to follow the noise and soon I found myself deep nearer the end of Crowded Pines by the StormClan border. There was a clearing with a tall twoleg wall behind it and a small nest to the side and there in the middle was a very angry looking Thunderboom with his ginger pelt all puffed out making him look absolutely humongous and cornering a terrified mudpaw backed up against the wall."

Hazelpaw's eyes went wide as she imagined the horrible scene, before thinking more deeply about the setting. The clearing with the twoleg wall deep in Crowded Pines near the StormClan border sounded like an oddly familiar place…

I know! It's the same place me and Daisypaw were patrolling the other sun-up where we first saw Haze. Huh, interesting.

But the grey she cat pushed her musings to the side as she once again focused on Beeflight's story.

"From where I was standing," the yellow tabby continued, "I could hear Thunderboom yelling at Mudpaw and sounding absolutely livid and ferocious.

'…..What in StarClan?! Mudpaw? Just what - do you think - you were doing up there! And were you just in the twoleg place? How dare you, you little piece of mousedung!' I heard him snarl. 'What's that stink on you? You smell like a rogue rolled in crowfood. Explain now.'

'I..I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare you-' I heard Mudpaw stutter, head lowered submissively. He looked positively terrified. It was awful to see.

"How dare you." I heard Thunderboom snarl and saw him take a step forward. Unfortunately, I'm ashamed to say, even though I felt extremely scared for Mudpaw I also felt positively frozen in place. I couldn't move! I could only watch. But thankfully, Riverrush swiftly bounded over and intervened. I've never felt so grateful for the grey warrior before!

'Thunderboom,' spoke Riverrush calmly as she padded up and put a calming tail across his shoulders. He relaxed almost immediately at the touch, I must say, but that's a story for another time." Spoke Beeflight with giggle, a knowing sparkle in her eye.

"'Mudpaw, what is going on here?' Riverrush continued. I padded over to join them as Thunderboom backed off a few paces and cleared his throat at the same time Mudpaw moved away from the wall and the intimidating ginger tom.

'Well Riverrush, I'm disappointed to say that I caught Mudpaw skulking around the twoleg place over the wall here.' Thunderboom bit out harshly. 'After I told him not to go there. He blatantly disobeyed my orders!'

'He what?' Spoke Riverrush, blue eyes wide. Now she looked angry. 'Mudpaw, what do you have to say for yourself? And what in StarClan is that smell on you?' She asked as she sniffed in his direction.

'I..it is probably twoleg food but-'

'Twoleg FOOD?! What in StarClan were you doing?' Thunderboom's livid tone almost made me jump out of my whiskers!

'Twoleg food?' Asked Riverrush, her voice low and dangerous and blue eyes glaring scorchingly at Mudpaw. She curled her lip in disgust. 'You were scavenging for twoleg food in there? Feeding yourself before the queens, kits and elders? Disgusting!'

'No! I - this is a misunderstanding!' Mudpaw protested.

'Rogue!' Spat out Thunderboom. 'Scavenging around like an absolutely filthy rogue! Oh but wait, that's what you are and forever will be!'

A sudden silence met his words. Almost as if the whole forest, not just me, Mudpaw and even Riverrush, were shocked at his cruel words. For a heartbeat I thought I saw Mudpaw's eyes flash with a burning, blazing anger - almost hatred - but as quick as it appeared in his amber eyes, it was gone. I'm not sure what I saw now, but he certainly had every right to be angry.

'Hey! That's not fair at all, Thunderboom!' I spoke up next when the shock had worn off. 'Stand down and let Mudpaw explain himself already!'"

Hazelpaw thought the young warrior must have noticed their surprised but admiring glances because she added, "I know, I surprised myself as well, coming out with that - at a senior warrior too! But I couldn't stand how he was chewing out Mudpaw. Unfortunately it didn't do much. He just ignored me and continued on with his rant.'

"Riverrush meanwhile wasn't impressed, 'How dare you speak out of turn like that to a senior warrior!' She hissed at me.

'We need to do something!' I pleaded. 'Make Thunderboom stop. It's not fair to Mudpaw!'

'And what in Silverpelt were you doing sculking around right on the twoleg wall?' Thunderboom was now growling accusingly at Mudpaw, the poor tom was back to looking terrified. 'Were you going to jump me?'

'What? No! I-'

'Well I wouldn't be surprised. That's exactly what I would expect a dirty rogue to do.'

'I didn't-'

'Please!' I hissed to Riverrush again. She glanced at me but said nothing, her jaw clenched stubbornly.

'Quiet rogue! How can we trust you now when we know you have potential to turn on us at any moment!'

'I wouldn't! It was an accident-'

'Riverrush!' I hissed.

'Was it an accident that you were in the twoleg place?' Continued Thunderboom fiercely. 'You deliberately disobeyed my orders to stay out until we had more warriors!'

His eyes widened and he got right up in Mudpaw's face, his voice low and dangerous. 'How do we know you weren't meeting with one of them just now? How do we know you're not one of them?!' Mudpaw's eyes widened and he cowered down below the older warrior in fear.

'Riverrush! Do something, now!' I half yelled out desperately, now feeling scared myself.

'Okay, that's enough. Peace Thunderboom.' Riverrush called out at last. I breathed a sigh of relief. 'Mudpaw is going to have to explain all this to Dovestar and why he disobeyed orders, went wandering in the twoleg place and why he ended up stinking of twoleg food.

There was a pause then. 'Fine.' Grumbled Thunderboom, finally getting away from Mudpaw. I immediately rushed to his side. 'Come on let's go.' Called Riverrush and we all started heading back to camp. I stayed stuck to Mudpaw's side for most of the way and asked him what really happened.

He started with a sigh. 'That clearing we were in. With the twoleg wall? I don't know why but I feel strangely connected to it. It feels familiar somehow. I think it may have even been my home before I was brought to PineClan!' Explained Mudpaw his tone turning into one of awe and hopeful happiness, his amber gaze distant.

'Anyway, I just had to have a good look around. I finished my scent markers early and went back to the clearing to look and then I decided to explore further because something else of interest caught my attention. I promise though I was not chowing down on twoleg food! It was still a stupid decision to make though…...especially when Thunderboom did mention not going there.' Admitted Mudpaw, his ears dropping. I felt really bad for him.

'It may have not been the best decision, but Dovestar is fair. She will make sure you have time to explain what happened.' I said, trying to comfort him. I was rewarded with a slight smile, albeit a bit wobbly.

'I suppose, but there's more. To make matters worse, when I headed back from exploring, I jumped down from the wall and gave Thunderboom a decent fright. I think he really thought I was a rogue….and that's why he was so angry, being surprised like that by an apprentice.' A small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, but his amber eyes were still painfully down cast. He let out a sigh before continuing.

'The reason I went further to investigate was because I thought I could smell an unusually high concentration of cats. I smell like twoleg food is because I hid behind one of the shiny round twoleg objects, where discarded twoleg food is often found, when two stranger cats walked past, and they definitely weren't clan cats. But if I remember this place as my past home..…'

Mudpaw's downcast, distant eyes then suddenly lit up as if a sudden exciting thought had occurred to him. 'But if I do remember this place then…... it all makes sense! And they could be here now. Beeflight! Listen, when I was a kit, rogues-'

'Hey you two, enough chit-chat and move it!' Yelled Thunderboom out suddenly.

'Mudpaw, come and walk beside me please.' Added Riverrush sternly.

I saw annoyance and frustration light up his amber gaze like fire for a heart beat, but he padded up to her obediently after quickly whispering under his breath to me. 'Please don't tell Eaglepaw about this. I don't want him to be angry and get into trouble on my behalf.'

And I never got to hear the rest of his sudden epiphany. I do hope that whatever it was that he got a chance to explain it to Dovestar. But I'm not sure if he would have had the confidence to after all that with Thunderboom." Finished Beeflight with a sad sigh.

Hazelpaw blinked her brown eyes in shock feeling the same. She couldn't believe that something so awful had happened like that to Mudpaw and so recently as well. The she cat was absolutely appalled by the behaviour of the senior warriors, and felt her jaw clench in anger and her claws inadvertently unsheathe and scrape against the den floor.

"Oh! Poor Mudpaw, that's terrible." Said Beanpaw, her green eyes wide and sympathetic.

Lilypaw and even Daisypaw nodded their agreement. Hazelpaw noticed her best friend's face was now in a contemplative frown.

"Anyway," continued Beeflight, "that's why I'm so glad you're all making friends with him and trying to make him feel included. He really needs all the cats in his corner he can get, especially during this time."

The yellow tabby she cat then padded back over two the small hollow den in the wall of the prey store den, and started nosing through the small pile of prey once more.

"There seems to be a break in the weather now." Beeflight spoke after a pause. "I think I'll take the opportunity to do some hunting in case it starts raining again later. I'll wait a bit though in case Jupinerbush comes through. I heard something about him possibly helping me out this hunt. I think Rosethorn wants to keep him busy." She ended in a whisper with a cheeky grin.

"I'll say." Agreed Lilypaw with her own grin at the same time Daisypaw puffed out a knowing, exasperated breath while shaking her head.

"Well, at least perhaps he can make up for those pawfuls of mice he's eaten," commented Hazelpaw with a twitch of her whiskers.

Beeflight gave a slight chuckle before blowing out a sigh and sinking down into a loaf position. "These celebrations really have been something else haven't they?" She said with a tired shake of her head.

"Between Eaglepaw being all angsty and Mudpaw rather sorrowful and nervous, Falconflight all stern and forbidding, Whitefur all mysterious and Sparrowfeather and Rosethorn..er well those two certainly haven't been getting on the best," the yellow she cat said quickly with an awkward glance at Daisypaw, "Jupinerbush making all the fresh kill disappear and of course...the horrible death of Spiderstreak..."

"Did you ever ask Mintpelt about that? About the diagnoses?" Asked Daisypaw, ears perked curiously.

Beeflight let out a small hum before replying. "I thought about it," she began, "and I really wanted to, but I didn't think it would be fair. I know this is a very strange and sad time for all, but I have noticed that even Minty hasn't been acting all herself recently since she got here." Explained the yellow she cat, ending with a sad sigh before her face twisted into an uncharacteristic frown.

"Meanwhile, the death of Spiderstreak is positively strange. I don't usually like talk or gossip about things like this or conspiracies….but there's something definitely off about the whole situation. I mean, it was just so sudden! And so awful and I don't know if you've noticed, but weirdly, I haven't seen a sniff of that swan feather he had. I suppose it could still be in the meal den which Falconflight blocked off but even so…..and what is even with him by the way? Acting all serious about everything but saying there's nothing wrong anyway?" Asked Beeflight rhetorically with an unimpressed huff.

"Well, as much as I don't want to admit it, there's definitely something fishy going on surrounding this whole ordeal….and with Rosethorn and Sparrowfeather-"

"Aye, what's all this chit-chat about, eh?" Grumbled an irritated voice from the entrance way. Hazelpaw whipped around to see none other than the tabby form of Jupinerbush.

"Oh Jupinerbush!" Greeted Beeflight as she hastily got to her paws. " ...heard that you were going to help me with hunting this sun-up."

"That's right on, young'un," said the brown tabby tom with a grunt. "Or so I'm told, but eh must say there doesn't seem to be much happen'n 'ere. What were you talking nonsense about before then, eh? Not gossiping were ya?" Asked Jupinerbush, his tone accusatory.

"I..I'm just finishing sorting out the prey, and then we can get going then." Respond the yellow she cat, but her lowed gaze and sheepishly flattened ears gave her away.

"So I thought." Said Jupinerbsuh with an unimpressed grunt. "None 'o your business I say."

Suddenly, the tabby tom's piercing blue gaze rounded on the four apprentices as if just noticing them for the first time.

"Aye? And what are you all doing in 'ere, eh?!" Jupinerbush exclaimed with a lash of his tail, his fur beginning to bristle. "Get out and on with o stuff. You have no business being 'ere gossiping! A bunch of busy bodies, the lot of you!"

Hazelpaw couldn't help but take a step backward in alarm at the senior warrior's unexpected anger. But as she looked closer she realised that the brown tabby tom's bristling fur, lashing tail and darting, wide blue eyes weren't actually from anger - but seemingly from fear.

But what in StarClan does he have to fear from us being in the prey store den? Thought Hazelpaw in perplexion.

Was it something we said? What we were talking about. He seems to be angry about us gossiping and not doing any thing useful...but does Jupinerbush really have a reason to fear us talking about Spiderstreak's peculiar death?

"But Jupinerbush!" Implored Daisypaw with a confused frown and breaking Hazelpaw out of her musings. "We weren't doing anything wrong!"

The brown tabby ignored her. "Aye no matter. Go on out! Out, I say!"

"Come on. We have what we need." Murmured Daisypaw before making a move toward the entrance; shooting her great uncle with a parting glare.

The four apprentices then all reluctantly exited the meal den; Hazelpaw casting a suspicious glance over her shoulder at Jupinerbush as she did so.

Hello everyone! Great news! I have not fallen off the face of the earth, I'm still here! Yaaaay. Thank you very much for your patience. Basically I was stuck with a (non-covid) cold for a week or so and then life suddenly got real busy, real fast and this chapter wasn't finished…so, yeah. It is decently long though with a tonne of info to digest so hope you enjoyed it and that it makes up for a long break. Anyway, I've just decided to make my life easier and start posting only once a week and maybe I'll actually be on time ;.) Sooooo tune in next Fri/Thurs to see what the detectives do next with all this info and some more family drama. What fun :.)

EDIT: Check out profile to now see a pic of the one and only sus and kinda annoying/frustrating Falconflight!

EDIT 2/ QOTD – What do peeps think of the more background characters of this fic such as Beeflight and Mintpelt or even just the mentioned ones such as Dovestar, Thunderboom and Riverrush?

Reviews:

Hissing Mist – Thank you and I'm glad you liked Haze! He was really fun to write. And yes even if Daisypaw wasn't totally thrilled with the extra members, she would still be fair and share all the evidence and info they find with them. If she didn't Hazelpaw would make her anway ;.) A possibility but we'll see how lil Beans goes and don't forget Lilypaw also has a bit of too heavy taste in gossip. It is a Friday but probs not the one you were thinking but thank you for waiting :.)

Always-Snowy – He appears! And yes that pretty much sums up Haze in a sentence lol. As for Spiderstreaks loyalty, he is only loyal first and foremost to himself! Honestly, that guy…. And yeah Haze did give away a lot of info, Daisypaw certainly thinks he's rock headed, but maybe there's more to him than meets the eye? We'll see if he pops up again and more of his motives revealed. And Hazelpaw and Daisypaw as good cop, bad cop respectively. Lol that fits so well! Thank you so much :.) I'll try and update quicker next time…

Noobiekatz – Yes that will be a very important part of their case to prove Spiderstreak was a traitorous informant, let's see how they do it. And adorable, rock headed Haze :.) I'm glad he's popular.

thephantomreader - I'm glad you enjoyed Haze's interactions and thought they were funny :.)