(This au is on hold due to the issues of the anit-indigenous racism in the warrior series that I'm going to change)
Warning for a rape scene, if you don't want to read it, skip most of the flashback.
You've been warned, proceed with caution.
Bluestar had a simple task for Cloudpaw: "Fight her". To prove he wants to be a clan cat. It was insane, they thought knowing themself how ruthless Bluestar is in battle. It wasn't a surprise that Cloudpaw didn't win but Bluestar led Cloudpaw say because had actually taken the challenge.
While his hearing was basically shot now Cloudpaw got back into training real quick. Leopardstorm and him took turns training him but Bluestar did come out sometimes. The white apprentice was currently resting from vicious training with Bluestar. Maplepaw would've been with him if she was chosen for the gathering tonight. He saw how close Maplepaw and Cloudpaw were and since Cloudpaw came back it had been stronger.
He wished he could say he was better and yet...
The pain never really fades does it?
-Flashback-
It should've been had been a normal day. Maybe he should've listened to Thymeroot's warning of moving when injured.
He'd spent the night with Willowpelt and Brindleface since the two wanted comfort and Leopardstorm and Miststrike had been busy for different reasons. He wasn't really about to get into the reasons and honestly Icefire was tired from everything.
Normal
Miststrike had returned in the morning with an almost grown Yewkit. When she asked Bluestar for her to return, Bluestar allowed after she had first triefd to attack the poor molly but named her Yewshade.
Normal and manageable day
He had set patrols properly and without Goldenflower or Leopardstorm's help.
Normal
He took Maplepaw out for some battle training, wanting to horn her skills they brought Bearpaw with Smokyclaw's permission. He had told them both to attack him, he didn't care about the blood. They were getter better and better at striking the critical parts.
He told them to attack each other til one passed out. And did they fight.
Normal
Until it wasn't
Icefire had his back turned and his eyes and ears were on his daughter and apprentice. He didn't expect it, he should've. He should've known when he caught the scent of the tom he never wanted to see again, Brokentail.
"Maple, Bear, run!" He taught them to never question his orders. The apprentices ran for it with him close behind. He heard the pawsteps of more cats coming, he saw the shadows
He was slammed to the ground, the familiar rotten smell dug into his nose. The brush of that filthily pelt reminded him of those horrid days all those moons ago.
He saw Bearpaw dive into the bushes and when Maplepaw tried to followed she was smacked down by Jaggedtooth. He tried to stand but felt another weight on his back smash him down.
He felt a breath against his ear, he tried to get away but he was trapped against the ground "I missed you Icepaw, it's been too long"
Icefire felt his body freeze up, he wanted to move but his body wasn't obeying him. He felt claws brushing against his neck scar and a tongue starting to lap at his neither regions, he wanted to cry and screech.
'Fight you idiot' he yelled yet his body wouldn't respond and when it did it was weak kicking which made his limp leg scream in pain.
He didn't look at Maplepaw, he didn't want to look her in the eyes.
He started squirming as he felt it being shoved into him, he hated how his body responded to this, he hated how he let out sounds of pleasure when this felt like anything but. He tried to think of something else, thought of Raveneye's soft licking and Goldenflower and Frostbite's calm words of comfort. Boy did he need all of those now.
"Your days end now!" he felt the weight being shoved off of him. He could smell a cat's scent but he didn't move from his spot. The world was a hostile red, everything was a danger. His heart thumped in his chest. It wanted it away, now!
He felt a nudge and swiped at it in return, the danger hissed but he didn't care. The red figure tried to approach but Icefire swiped once more
"Get away!" he hissed
He was slammed, held down. He heard sounds but all he saw was the same smug face of that basturd. He clawed, kicked, and hissed his way through. He rushed away, trying to find the camp.
He felt himself being held while he rolled over the figure didn't let him go. He bit into the figure but it didn't move. He felt something go over his eyes and a soothing voice started whispering "It's okay, it's going to be okay"
The thumping was dying down and he finally recognized the figure as Sandstorm. He let go of her foreleg, licking it softly to stop the blood flow.
"Glad to have you back" he recognized Badgerfang's gruff voice
"Can I see now?"
It was silent for a moment then Badgerfang broke it. "He'll know anyway"
Sandstorm lowered her paw from Icefire's eyes and Icefire could see why she had been hesitant.
Sandstorm's right eye had been struck and Badgerfang had a mouth scar "I did that didn't I?"
"It's fine" Badgerfang said "I've been through much worse and I have plenty of scars already"
"Where's-"
"Yellowfang's dealing with it" Badgerfang replied, it was obvious he wasn't happy "He's being taken into Thunderclan"
/
"Are you sure you wanna go?" Sandstorm asked, her hold slightly tightend on him
"I feel like I need to" he said
"Come back to me when you're done"
Icefire slinked out of the warriors and made his way across the camp. It was quiet and cats kept to themselves and avoided him.
It was pity.
Leopardstar and Goldenflower refused to let him do patrols and said they would do it for the next few days. Icefire at that point didn't have the energy to argue with them.
He stood at the entrance, his paws frozen at the thought of the former Shadowclan leader.
"You lost a life Brokentail" she said
"Didn't think my son had it in him, went for the throat just like I taught him" he replied gruffly "Heal already" even blind and helpless, he was still a monster.
Icefire saw Yellowfang nudge something and it only took a moment before he realized it was deathberries.
"You've done alot of terrible things" she said "Hurt so many cats"
"I did what I had to for my clan"
"Was raping Icefire good for the clan?"
"I was right when she popped out a large litter"
Yellowfang sighed "You could've been a great leader, could've been something amazing. When cats speak of you name all they'll think is the kit killer, as they should." she paced around him "You never cared about anyone but yourself, not your sisters you raped, the kits you led to die, your mother you killed in cold blood" she looked down on him "I brought you into this world my little dream and now I'm doing what should've been done on the day of your birth"
"What are you talking about you old-" Brokenstar started wheezing, foam started forming around his mouth. He fell over and started struggling, he tried to mew but his throat seemed to lock up.
It was like this for a few moments before Brokentail stopped moving all together.
-Flashback ends-
"Hey dad?"
Icefire couldn't help but flinch as Bearpaw spoke. He looked away in shame at his action. It wasn't his daughter's fault and yet he couldn't stop his body from flinching when either her or Dustpelt were near.
"Y..yes?"
Bearpaw stepped back a bit "I..I'm sorry"
Icefire lowered his head "No..I.I'm sorry cub, it's not your fault"
Bearpaw backed up slightly, her little eyes worried and ashamed.
"Could you put these feathers behind my ears?" Shrikepaw asked, breaking the tension, her wounds from a recent fight with Riverclan were still healing but it was a blessing that she was walking. "Auntie Cherry said you knew how and I don't want to bother Auncle Raven"
"Yeah, I want to wear the roses that Cherrycloud does" Rosepaw added "I managed to snag the leftover roses from Ashpaw"
Icefire purred "Of course"
Darkstripe had given birth the other night, two kits named Frecklekit and Treekit. He managed to be a good parent so far though that didn't mean Icefire wouldn't keep an eye out for the kits. They looked like they had Riverclan blood, Thunderclan and Shadowclan was already there with Darkstripe being the kit of Willowpelt and Archeye. Some say he should mind his own business but he wasn't known for leaving things alone.
He hissed as he felt a pelt brush against him. He stopped when he realized who it was, Sandstorm.
"Hey"
"Hey" he replied
It was silent before Sandstorm broke the tension.
"I thought the deputy was supposed to go the gathering" Sandstorm called, her green eyes gleaming with amusement.
Icefire lowered his head "Could I even go to the gathering?"
"Bluestar can't force you right papa?" Shrikepaw asked
"It depends on what you need Icefire" Sandstorm stated, she carefully curled her tail over his back
"I'll go, just stay near me please"
"Of course"
The trail to the gathering was a louder affair than usual. Cats of the clan seemed to relax somewhat and the attack that killed Birchstep and Littlebreeze as well as his rape seemed forgotten.
"Morningflower's there" Sandstorm muttered
"Good" Icefire mewed "Been awhile since we saw her, could use some fun"
"Are you sure you should be thinking about that?" Sandstorm asked "When was the last time you mated anyway?"
Icefire stared at Sandstorm then deadpanned "I slept with Brindleface and Willowpelt the night before the incident and I fucked with Badgerfang"
"You what?" Sandstorm hissed in shock "When? Why?"
"Needed comfort, I slept with Birchstep and you had a more tamer reaction" he shrugged
"Take it easy"
"You sound like Goldenflower" he shook himself "I'll be safe, no one outside the clan will know what happened and everything is fine, Can I see Morningflower now?"
Sandstorm seemed to try to keep some of her composure, she looked around the clearing "Fine, glad Silverstream isn't here"
"I'm sure when Featherkit and Gillkit are apprenticed he'll find some way too" Icefire mewed "Whiteclaw told me he's dying to come to a gathering-"
He was cut off when Silvertide and Badgerfang tag teamed him. "Hey you~" Silvertide purred in his ear
"Hope you've been well" Badgerfang mewed "Haven't been able to see you in a while"
"Being deputy is tough, I'm sorry" he mewed licking Badgerfang's cheek, glad for no mention of the event.
"Oh Starclan, your not even trying to be subtle anymore" Sandstorm groaned "I'm going to find some more sensible cats, call me when you need to go to the deputy rock" she walked off shaking her head
Silvertide nuzzled his neck and Badgerfang licked his cheek. Icefire purred, heart fluttering. It felt good to be loved.
"Don't mate this time Silvertide" Dawnscale drawled as she pasted
"I promise to try" Silvertide replied
"Keyword 'try' " Icefire added with a purr, caressing Badgerfang's face with his tail
Dawnscale shook her head in amusement "Times are sure changing" she continued on
"She's chill"
"She got no room to talk" Silvertide muttered, nose nuzzling him on the cheek "Minkpaw and Garpaw's sire is a kittypet"
"My my aren't you busy" Morningflower's mew was birdsong to his ears. The breeze of Windclan carried in her beautiful golden and black pelt. Sandstorm looked a mixture of annoyed and amused.
"Never said you couldn't join" Icefire purred. Morningflower padded forward and nuzzled his neck, her tail curled in delight before she sat back next to Sandstorm who was currently trying to have a conversation with Dustpelt.
"How've you been?" Icefire asked "How's Gorsepaw, Quailpaw, and Brairpaw been?"
"As well as I can be, They're doing well so far"
He glanced at the necklace with an blue jewel at the center, he pulled it slightly to get a better look "What's with the-"
"Me and Mudclaw are mates Icefire, we're just making it more official since I'm expecting my second litter" Morningflower's ear twitched
Icefire knew what that meant [I'll explain later] he nodded
"Icefire!" Dustpelt called "Don't you need to sit on the deputy rock?"
Icefire hummed slightly distracted by Badgerfang's soft bite into the front part of his neck completely avoiding the scar and Silvertide's grooming of his back fur "I must be going, Sandstorm, will you sit with me?"
Sandstorm nodded and followed him over to the deputy rock. He spotted Marshstar though she looked more thin than she usually did, Darkflower was in place of Blazefang.
"Darkflower, it's been a while since I saw you last" he mewed "Hope the kits are well"
Darkflower nodded "It has, I've been busy with kits and I'll probably have another litter soon"
"What's it like?" Sandstorm asked "Being a mother and having kits I mean"
"It's not all sunshine but I love my daughters and I love being a queen" Darkflower smiled "I know it's not for everyone but I enjoy it"
"Do the cats of your clan not help care for your kits?" Willowheart asked
"On some level but it's mostly up to the dams themselves and sometimes the nursery helpers" Darkflower replied "Shadowclan have differing values to the other clans, we like to do it ourselves most of the time"
"Wicked" Leoaprdclaw muttered "Riverclan cares for all"
"So does Shadowclan" Darkflower snapped back "Just not in the way Riverclan does"
"At least we don't wear teeth and claws in our ears and have skulls around our necks" the spotted molly growled "Like some savage rouges"
"Slow it down cousin" Deadfoot mewed, his broken paw stopping Leopardclaw "Every clan is different"
"I'm surprised a Windclan cat would say that not going to lie" Willowheart commented
"This Windclan cat has faced more than the average so I guess I must say these things" Deadfoot sighed
"You helped train Cinderfreeze and helped their confidence so you are better than the average in my opinion" Icefire mewed, tail flicking to where Cinderfreeze was beside Shadepelt.
"They said you were a great influence as well" Deadfoot replied
A yowl made every conversation in the clearing stop. Marshstar seemed to be the one who yowled. She had bags under her eyes and she looked too thin.
"The gathering with begin with Windclan" she mewed, stepping back and letting Duskstar step forward. He shared a brief glance with the Windclan leader, Duskstar's eyes showing a mixture of amusement, annoyance, and shock. His little 'stunt' with Silvertide very much won't be forgotten about any time soon.
"Windclan is doing well these past moons, prey is running well." Duskstar began, his tail held high "Ashfoot is expecting Deadfoot's kits"
"Windclan has nothing else to report, Stormstar?" Duskstar stepped back
Stormstar was laying on his belly, it looked like it hurt to stand "Riverclan has four new warriors this evening: Eelfang, Poolspots, Tidestone, and Heronwhisker"
The new warriors looked pleased as their names were cheered. He spotted Flameshell nudging Tidestone playfully.
Bluestar didn't move from her place "Birchstep and Littlebreeze has been killed in an attack, Tulip-paw was injured but is recovering fast other than that Thunderclan has nothing to report"
Icefire was shocked she didn't mention Tiger-roar and Nightshade.
Marshstar stepped forward, her amber eyes grim "Shadowclan mourns the lost of: Darkpaw, Hollylockpaw, Garlicpaw, Scorchwind, Blazefang, Brownwhisker, and Cinderfur"
"So much death" Duskstar mewed "May Starclan welcome them"
"With death comes life" Silverstar continued "We welcome a kitten named Kink-kit into our ranks being raised by Darkflower. We have new warriors in Slatetail, Sootpelt, Beetleclaw. We have welcomed some rouges into our ranks in Nightwhisper, Wildfur, Swampfoot. We also have new apprentices in Hemlockpaw mentored by Turtleshell and Cloudypaw mentored by Darkflower. We also welcome a fox kit into our ranks"
Many cats gasped at her words.
"A fox!" Leopardclaw snarled "Are you out of your mind?"
"I'm quite sane thank you very much" Marshstar drawled "Nightwhisker and Whitethroat found the fox kit near its dead mother, we had two options and my warriors decided on a vote to let the fox stay in Shadowclan with Dawncloud's taking the kit in as her own"
"Shadowclan's gone mad" Suneyes growled
"Say what you like but this is my choice and Shadowclan won't be swayed" Marshstar stated
"Do what you want" Bluestar said rolling her eyes "Not the weirdest thing to happen to the clans and won't be the last"
"The kit would've died otherwise" Icefire commented "I think it's better this way"
"Have you consulted Starclan?" Duskstar asked "I'm sure they'll want to say something"
"No I haven't" Marshstar rasped "I don't need Starclan's permission to do something like you Windclan cats seem to"
"How dare you!" Tawnyfur snapped "Starclan wouldn't let a fox stay in a clan"
"Well they are" Blossomhaze retorted, her blood eyes locked on Tawnyfur "If Starclan had a problem they would've let that be known"
"Enough" Marshstar hissed, baring her fangs "This has gone long enough, the gathering is over-" Marshstar started coughing and hacking, stumbling slightly.
"Mother!" Foxtrot called, rushing over
"Marshstar?" Darkflower asked her voice filled with concern
Marshstar fell off the Great rock with a thud, many cats gasped in shock and horror.
"Marshstar!" Wolfstep and Foxtrot ran over to the Shadowclan leader.
Darkflower and Icefire rushed over. "Marshstar" Icefire mewed "Are you alright?"
"Mother!" Foxtrot and Buzzardwing were frantic
Marshstar's eyes opened and her eyes locked onto Icefire "The white fire!" she screeched "The fire" she swiped her paw at him, claws unsheathed
Icefire jumped back in shock. He looked at his clanmates who just looked at Marshstar in confusion.
"He'll destroy us all" Marshstar hissed, she shoved past her kits and headed up the clearing "Shadowclan to me"
/
It had been an 'interesting' few days after the gathering, cats were confused on Marshstar's outburst. Some put it to her age and some questioned him.
Icefire had tried to brush it off but it wasn't just his clanmates that looked at him odd, on patrol some Riverclan cats muttered about him and he didn't even want to know what was happening in Windclan.
Marshstar knew of the prophecy but it seemed to have changed.
Bluestar wasn't helping matters, she said she knew about the changed prophecy that day during Tiger-roar and Nightshade's exile and that's why she made him her heir and deputy, what better way to get back at Starclan than to destroy the all they have built. That information was not getting out, Icefire would make sure of that.
The entire moon was an 'interesting' affair. He may have stolen some of Thymeroot's poppy seeds just to get some sleep. He already had to prove himself but know he had to prove even harder he was here to serve and help his clan not destroy the clans way of life.
Icefire wished sleep could consume him that night, patrolling wasn't easy with the hushed comments and the heat and his temper was sharper than ever which caused him to lash out at Sandstorm and Raveneye as well as a Riverclan patrol being lead by Suneyes, causing a fight to break out. Swiftpaw, Brackenfur, Tulip-paw, and Lynxpaw were still healing in the medicine den. He'll admit he's a little too frightened to talk with Sandstorm or Raveneye at the moment, mostly because he's afraid he'll snap at them again and cause more damage.
He'd been sleeping at times when most cats aren't around but it was the middle of the night and most of the clan would be asleep. He was too scared to sleep in the nursery and at this point he couldn't sleep in the warriors den despite Sandstorm's warmth.
He padded out of the den, staring into the sky. The stars gleamed almost as if they were mocking him. He looked into the nursery: Willowpelt and Darkstripe were close to each other, Speckletail in the far corner, Frostbite was closest to the entrance, Nettlemist and Cypressflower were curled in a tight ball with Milk-kit, Snowkit, and Mistlekit in the center, and Brindleface was curled up close with Goldenflower, Tansykit, Waspkit, and Hornetkit were in the middle of them.
He didn't know why but he padded over to the leader's den. He looked in and saw Bluestar, her paws slightly flailed and her claws were unsheathed.
He wondered what the leader was dreaming about.
He moved the vine from his face and padded in. He curled up near Bluestar, feeling her fur brush his back. He tried to sleep but it seemed to deny him. He glanced around the den, he spotted Oakjaw, Redtail, and a pointed white molly staring at him. She looked similar to Leopardstorm. It seemed cats had the appearance of what killed them in life. Oakjaw had rocks pocking out of his belly and his throat wound had many stars around it, Redtail's as well but he was also dripping wet.
"Snowstrike?" he guessed
The pointed white molly nodded "My sister's dreams never have been the best, even as an apprentice"
"That makes two of us" Icefire chuckled
"The fire is not being contained!" a Starclan cat he didn't recognize burst out "He must be contained!" The cat was a white cat with black spots, they were dripping wet just like Redtail.
"You sent that wrecked sign that made my sister pass out and nearly die" Blazefang appeared as well, she looked more youthful. There was drool around her mouth but it was faint, and deathberries seem to grow from the back of her neck "Stop bothering this kit and leave Frostedpetal"
"The fire-" Blazefang and Oakjaw launched at Frostedpetal as they did their spirits seem to disappear.
"Snowstrike, Redtail, time to go" Goosefeather's scent was strong and Icefire only needed to turn his head to see him. He spotted the yellow and blue eyed tom in an instant.
"Oh yes" Goosefeather chuckled "Being a seer has its perks"
"It is a wonder how the prophecy changed" Redtail mewed "We'll talk soon Icefire, I have work to do"
Icefire thought about leaving the den but he was pulled by Bluestar "Stay, ignore the stary basturds" she muttered
She curled around him, like a mother protecting her kit. He closed his eyes and was glad when sleep finally took him away though he surprised when no Starclan cat came to him.
Of course that was wishful thinking.
He caught the scent of Spottedleaf, it felt so strong that it seemed like she never died. He opened one eye to see her. She looked like she did when she was alive, her pelt covered in stars, her scent was as sweet in death as in life, and her neck was bent in an angle just as it was when she died, it looked uncomfortable.
"I'm not in any pain, not anymore" She said sweetly, it turned somber "But you'll be in pain if you don't wake up"
Icefire had to hold in a groan "Why?"
"Smell" she said simply, she touched her nose to his and the stary molly disappeared.
He woke with a start. His eyes flashed open and he stared fearfully around the den, Something was wrong. The acrid scent filling the air and strange, choking mist seeped through the rocks. Icefire leaped to his paws and scrambled out of the den, An orange light shone dimly through the trees.
Icefire knew what this was, he knew what Spottedleaf's warning was.
Fire!