Jayfeather: Hey Bramblestar, did you hear that Erin Hunter is killing you off in the cannon?

Bramblestar: WHAT?!

Jayfeather: Yeah, I know it's crazy. You're body is getting taken over by the spirit of some dead cat and making you go evil. In fact, I think Typholius wrote a fanfiction about that years ago called Bramblestar's War... Maybe Erin Hunter is stealing his ideas...

Bramblestar: Ha ha, Jayfeather, very funny. Another one of your tricks. There is no way anything you said is true. Erin Hunter is way too sophisticated to pull off something as ridiculous as that. Typholius can keep it in his fanfic.

Jayfeather: *shrugs* Whatever you say, Bramblestar...

The MoonClanner Berrynose? More like Berry noisey, amirite? I actually have plans for your Streamwhisper character, but they won't work if she's completely blind. Also, my story doesn't follow the cannon books so there are no rogues that attacked SkyClan in my version.

Guest Ow, my ears, you don't have to yell. JK, I'm glad you enjoyed it.

The Apocryphal One I don't like Onestar either. If you check my profile you will see him on my least favorite cats list. I was initially planning on having this chapter be a part of the last, but it had already been two months since the story updated. This mini-arch will be over soon.

MistLion The stuff with Whitetail was something I had to really think about. I was actually considering having either Nightcloud or Gorsetail in the chapter instead of her but decided Whitetail made the most sense. I won't conform nor deny if there will be any reunions.

Muziccat91 I think Jayfeather makes the BEST adventure cat. And also don't worry about there being too few deaths. In real life, after a huge disaster like this that knocks out communication, transportation, and medication, prolonged suffering does start to accumulate more kills. (I am a little evil, too.) To answer only one of your many question, "earthquake" was supposed to be a place-holder but I forgot to come up with something else. Thank you for reminding me to go back and change it!

Kitty-Guardian Hootyryd Huh, about Dovewing's eye-color. According to my own allegiances I wrote her having blue eyes, but everywhere else I look like fanart and wikipdia description, they're green. I always pictured her with green eyes so I corrected my allegiances and made her eyes green.

Frostpelt06 Easily your favorite fanfic? Omg, thank you so much! It's great to find another Jayfeather enthusiast who also hates the new books because they made him boring and one-dimensional.

The ThunderClan cats stepped outside of the abandoned twoleg den and padded in the direction of the ShadowClan border. Lionblaze glanced down at Dovewing who was traveling beside him. She was one of the Three and her power let her see and hear things that were very far away. In the past, she would sometimes get overwhelmed by her own powers and he guessed that was happening again now.

"Are you alright? You look- preoccupied."

"What? No, it's nothing. I'm just taking in a lot right now."

"You can see all the damage and death all around the lake, cant you," Lionblaze gently continued, resting his tail on her shoulder and guiding her around a large fallen branch in her path in case she was too distracted to notice it. "Would talking about it help make it more manageable? We don't have a lot of time before we get to the Gathering but you can tell me more afterwards on the way back to camp."

Dovewing's eyes snapped towards him. The fear and pain that flickered in her face made his fur stand on end. Exactly how bad was the disaster and how far did it spread? He hadn't had much time to explore around the lake since he was usually busy hunting.

She took a deep breath and let her gaze fall back to the path in front of her. "I can't see where the catastrophe begins or ends. It's as if everything that isn't high up on a hill was completely smashed and washed into the lake. Twolegs, twoleg dens, monsters- everything- even things I've never seen before. The Gathering island is entirely underwater except for some of the trees and the horseplace isn't where it's supposed to be anymore. There are layers and layers of rubbish and dead things coating the land and I can't even find Daisy and Purdy's bodies through it all."

Lionblaze felt a pang in his heart when he heard the grief in his friend's voice. Sometimes her gift had to feel like a curse. "The damage is worse than I thought. You don't by any chance know where Jay-"

"I can't see Jayfeather, Briarlight, or Ivypool," she moaned, interrupting him. "I haven't been able to see them for many days."

He let out a sad breath. Jayfeather really was gone if not even Dovewing could find him. "I know you will tell us if something even more dreadful was coming. I'm proud of you, Dovewing."

She shook her head vigorously, a whimper escaping her lips. "But I can't even find my own Clanmates when they are lost in all of this. I feel blind and deaf. I'm useless. I hadn't even noticed the flood was coming before it was too late because I was so distracted by all the damage caused by the ground-shake."

"Don't you dare call yourself useless," he growled, nudging his shoulder against hers. "Your power doesn't make you who you are, it's only a perk."

She let out a shaky chirp of laughter and her puffed pelt seemed to deflate slightly. "Thanks, Lionblaze. I used to talk to Leafpool or Jayfeather whenever my power caused me issues but now..." she trailed off.

"Why not talk with Ivypool about it," he suggested, quickly skirting around the topic of his brother and mother. That wound hurt too much and was the last thing he wanted to discuss right then. "She cares a lot about you."

Dovewing stared at him with sad eyes and it took him a moment to remember that Ivypool was gone, too.

"Fox dung," he muttered, feeling guilt rise up in his throat. He had been so anxious not to talk about his own problems that he was probably only making things worse. My power is that I can't be hurt in battle. I am no good at being comforting.

Another purr of laughter escaped Dovewing's mouth and this time it sounded much heartier. "It's okay, that's an easy mistake to make. Sometimes I forget Ivypool's gone, too. I'm just glad I still have you to talk to and Whitewing. And once Birchfall gets better I'll have him as well. I'm lucky that both of my parents are still alive after all that's happened."

A wave of relief washed over his pelt knowing she wasn't upset with him. "Then I'm glad I could help- even if I'm not your first or favorite option when you need to talk with someone."

Dovewing's whiskers wiggled and she flashed him a teasing look. "I never said you weren't my first- you know what, never mind. We're here."

The trees opened up ahead as Bramblestar's patrol approached the ShadowClan border. The reek of the other Clan filled the air but it was noticeably stale as if ShadowClan hadn't renewed is since the flood. The newleaf sunlight shone down on the ThunderClan cats as they padded out from under the tree-cover. The green-leaf twoleg area was often crowded when the air was hot but now it was completely barren. Only the scattered twoleg dens and eating platforms remained.

Lionblaze kept his ears pricked and head low as he padded with Dovewing to the center of the grassy clearing. Even though the twolegs were gone, he could never be too careful. They were unpredictable and his power to not get hurt in battle probably wouldn't protect him from them.

"You're more on edge than I've seen you before. What could possibly be disturbing the great Lionblaze."

His fur grew hot with embarrassment. "Sorry, I'm just so used to having control over the situation and knowing that if something bad were to happen, I'd be able to protect my Clanmates. I feel like I'm just as helpless as everyone else right now."

"At least you don't have to worry about twolegs. They have all fled the area since the flood." Amusement hummed in Dovewing's words. "And you aren't responsible for keeping all the Clans safe anyway. Even though you have the power to fight a dozen cats all at once, It's still just a perk."

He stopped and stared at her. She used my own words against me.

"The other Clans are already here," Dovewing laughed, racing ahead to join the rest of the patrol. "Move your fur, slow-slug."

He sprinted across the grass after her, a tiny flame of happiness flickering in his chest. Even though the Clans are struggling now, I need to believe that things will get better. Things always get better as long as cats help each other and never give up hope.

The three other Clans leaders were standing upon one of the large flat wooden things twolegs would sometimes use to eat on. Bramblestar leapt up to join them with a surprising amount of grace for such a large cat. Mistystar greeted him with a courteous nod while Onestar glared at him with shameless contempt. Blackstar didn't respond at all as if he hadn't noticed the fourth leader's arrival. The four Clan deputies found places to sit on the slightly lower section of the wooden thing where twolegs usually sat while they ate.

It had to be the most grim Gathering Lionblaze had ever attended. Only a small pawfull of cats from each Clan were present and those cats consisted mostly of just the leader, deputy, and some senior warriors. Of course, none of the few available medicine cats had come. Every cat was deathly silent and the air was parched of the normal cheerful banter and greetings. Even in times of war, the Clans at least showed some emotion if only in the form of venomous glares and ruffled pelts. Now the cats just watched each other hollowly as they found places to sit. Lionblaze found a comfortable spot between Dovewing and Foxleap.

Mistystar cleared her throat. "Blackstar, since you proposed the idea for this Gathering, would you and ShadowClan like to make your announcements first? Blackstar?"

The huge white tom seemed to jump slightly and his amber eyes swiveled to look at the RiverClan leader. "No. ShadowClan will be going last."

"So be it." Mistystar turned to address the gathered cats below in the grass.

Lionblaze noticed that the RiverClan leader's tired eyes were a hue of red around the edges and her normally sleek fur was matted and smeared with blood. She was one of the oldest cats living in the Clans and it looked like the disaster was taking a heavy toll on her.

"The flood originated from somewhere outside of the territories and came to the lake by the direction of RiverClan's outer border," Mistystar announced, speaking with a steady tone. "The entire horseplace as well as the Gathering island are completely gone and we can't get close to our former camp since that area is still flooded and covered with debris from twoleg dens and monsters. We don't know if the flood and the... Tremble were related in any way."

Murmuring broke out among the warriors. The Tremble. It had an ominous sound to it.

"What is Tawnypelt doing sitting with the deputies?" Foxleap meowed in a hushed tone at Lionblaze's side. The younger warrior's gaze was fixed on the ShadowClan she-cat with confusion. "Shouldn't Rowanclaw be there instead?"

Blossomfall who was sitting close by nodded in agreement, her green eyes tracked on the ShadowClan warrior. "I noticed that, too. Do you think something happened to the deputy?"

Lionblaze kept his mouth shut. Even though Blackstar had told him about Rowanclaw and Littlecloud's death the day before, he had chosen not to tell the rest of his Clan. It felt like something a leader should announce at a Gathering- and it should not have been any of his business.

Foxleap wasn't the only one to have noticed the new ShadowClan deputy standing tall with the others. A couple other WindClan and ThunderClan cats were staring at her- including Onestar who seemed more intrigued than anything else about the change.

Tawnypelt nervously glanced up at Blackstar as if hoping he would explain everything and get the others to stop staring but Blackstar remained as blank and distant as he had since the beginning of the Gathering.

"I would like to thank ShadowClan for allowing us to shelter on their territory since most of ours is submerged," Mistystar continued, dipping her head generously to Blackstar who didn't seem to care. "As for the cats we lost to the flood; Dapplenose, Pouncetail, Hollowflight, Mintfur, and Whitepaw. It is tragic to lose so many of our own in a single day, and we will grieve long over our fallen."

There was a short moment of silence.

"We also discovered a substance in the water that smells like a mix between twoleg monsters and deathberries," Mistystar continued. "For every cat's safety, I suggest nobody go near the lake or eat any prey that isn't acting right. There is poison in the water and any animal that drinks it could also be contaminated. RiverClan has nothing else to report."

Lionblaze was reminded of Beryynose's rant from earlier that day. Maybe Molepaw ate some contaminated fresh-kill and that's why he's sick. What are we supposed to do if we can't trust our own food or water?

Mistystar turned to Onestar who nodded and stepped forward.

"WindClan only lost one cat to the flood; Weaselfur, who drowned when the flood swept him off one of the twoleg halfbridges on the lake. We are fortunate to have many hills on our territory so most of our cats were able to escape the rising waters. However, our camp is gone and ThunderClan was as welcoming as they are to all cats and allowed us to temporarily stay on their territory until we can build a new camp."

Lionblaze's fur rose slightly when Onestar said the word 'welcoming.' The leader was clearly making a jab at how ThunderClan let so many new cats into their ranks like rogues and kittypets. But we have only become stronger because of it. Anyone who still thinks where a cat is born dictates how strong they can be has never met Firestar, Cloudtail, Millie, or even Daisy. ThunderClan is the strongest Clan because they let cats in from all upbringings.

"WindClan has nothing more to report other than ThunderClan is using our medicine cat since they have none of their own."

Onestar's final comment caused more than a couple hisses to slither into the air. Foxleap and Icecloud both stood up and glared furiously at the WindClan leader. That was obviously information the ThunderClan leader should have announced, not WindClan.

Bramblestar stood up next and waved a paw for his ruffled Clanmates to sit. When they did, he held his head high and only the twitching tip of his tail gave away his agitation. "What Onestar says is true," he began, eyes flashing in the other leader's direction. "We are temporarily allowing WindClan refuge on our land and Kestrelflight has agreed to aid our injured as well as his own. However, since Leafpool was injured during the tremble, I have appointed Brightheart to be the new medicine cat- at least until Leafpool has recovered or Jayfeather returns."

Lionblaze looked over at Onestar, expecting him to make a fuss, but the thin brown tabby remained motionless and silent.

"ThunderClan has two dead," Bramblestar went on. "Daisy and Purdy were both killed when the camp flooded and they are dearly missed for their wisdom and compassion. Even though neither of them were born into our Clan, they were no less a part of ThunderClan. Leafpool and one of our senior warriors, Birchfall, were also injured when rocks fell into the camp after the ground shook and they are recovering with Kestrelflight at our temporary camp." Bramblestar turned to Blackstar. "Unless someone else wishes to speak, ThunderClan has nothing more to announce."

"Sorry, but I would like to say something." It was Brackenfur.

Bramblestar nodded to the older warrior.

Brackenfur stood up from among the ThunderClan warriors, a move that seemed to send a ripple of pain up his injured leg since he let out a low hiss. He held his head high as he addressed the gathered cats. "Our land has been ravaged to the point where it is unrecognizable. Most of the prey has fled or died and the lake is poisoned. Before things get desperate, I think the leaders should consider the possibility that we might have to leave the lake territory in search of a safer place to live."

Growls filled the air at his words and a couple cats stood up angrily. Lionblaze noticed that it was mostly senior cats who seemed upset at the idea.

"Now hear me out," Brackenfur meowed defensively, clearly surprised by the amount of disfavor. "It wouldn't have to be permanent. Once the lake returned to normal and the prey recovered, we could come back. I just don't want our pride and traditions to cause more lives to be needlessly lost."

"What about our injured who are too ill to travel?" asked Ashfoot, the WindClan deputy. "You can't expect us to just leave them behind."

Brackenfur shook his head. "Of course not. I'm not saying everyone should leave immediately, I just want the Clans to consider the possibility. We could work out the details later."

Mistystar nodded approvingly. "I think it is a fine idea and we were already considering the possibility. RiverClan especially has been devastated by the catastrophe and the lake was our main source of prey. We also can't rely on the rivers since they could dry up once we enter the hottest part of greenleaf. It would be wise of every Clan to send a scout or two to explore nearby lands. It could be many seasons before the lake water becomes clean enough to drink."

Most of the disgruntled cats sat back down and muttered in reluctant agreement. They had fought hard to earn their place by the lake and nobody wanted to leave after being settled there for so many moons, but the hard truth was that it wasn't safe anymore.

Brackenfur sat back down and left the other cats in thought. Lionblaze could see the looks dawn in the eyes of the warriors as they realized Brackenfur was right.

"There is one Clan that has remained quiet so far," meowed Mistystar, turning to Blackstar who was still staring blankly ahead. "It is your turn to speak, Blackstar."

The huge white-furred leader stood up and his golden eyes suddenly became sharp and focused. He was the oldest Clan leader, even older than Mistystar, and it showed. His pelt pelt was laced with ancient battle scars and gray fur spotted his muzzle, but he was still an immensely powerful cat and he towered over the other leaders. "ShadowClan lost three cats between the ground shaking and the camp flooding; Rowanclaw, Littlecloud, and Shrewfoot."

Many of the ThunderClan and WindClan cats gasped when they realized that both the deputy and medicine cat were among the dead. Onestar in particular was staring at Blackstar with sympathy in his eyes. To lose two prominent cats in the same day was harsh for any Clan.

Blackstar ignored the surprised murmurings and kept talking. "I have appointed Tawnypelt to be the new deputy. As for a medicine cat, RiverClan is allowing us to borrow theirs for now. I also wanted to announce that when I tried to visit the Moonpool, I discovered that it has completely collapsed and is no longer accessible. Most likely caused by the ground shake."

Shocked murmurs filled the air again. Without the Moonpool, the medicine cats would be cut off from their ancestors. Could the Clans survive without the guidance of StarClan?

Blackstar waited for the murmuring to die off before speaking again. To Lionblaze's surprise, the pain in the ShadowClan cat's eyes seemed to change to contempt as he stared down at the panicking cats. "I have one final announcement to make," he growled, his voice deep and rough like stones grinding against each other. "StarClan can't hurt me anymore when all I hold dear has gone away. I am resigning my position as Clan leader and leaving the Clans."

"No!" It was Tawnypelt, who stood up from her spot among the deputies. He clearly hadn't warned her ahead of time. "You can't!"

Many cats echoed the deputy's concern and even the three other Clan leader's seemed too shocked to say anything. For a leader to just abandon a Clan was unheard of, at least to Lionblaze's knowledge. He's leaving Tawnypelt with a tattered Clan, no medicine cat, no way of speaking to StarClan to receive her nine lives, and only a few day's experience being deputy. I feel so bad for her.

Bramblestar took a cautious step forward as if to try and convince Blackstar to stay, but the former ShadowClan leader had made up his mind. Before any cat could say anything else, Blackstar raised his tail high.

"My name is Blackfoot, I have one life left, and I have released myself from the bonds of the warrior code. From now on, if you challenge me, I might just kill you." The huge white tom leapt down from the twoleg platform and the warriors quickly made room for him to pass. Without hesitation, he raced away in the direction of the RiverClan border. No cat dared try to stop him and he disappeared among the trees at the far end of the clearing.

Once Blackfoot was gone, all shocked eyes turned to Tawnypelt who stood rigidly in place among the deputies. Reedwhisker, the RiverClan deputy leaned over and whispered something into Tawnypelt's ear. Tawnypelt nodded and nervously heaved herself up onto the space where the other Clan leaders sat. Mistystar, Bramblestar, and Onestar all dipped their heads respectfully to her, accepting her as the new ShadowClan leader. Everything had happened so fast and none of them had a formal greeting prepared to welcome the new leader.

"ShadowClan has nothing else to report," Tawnypelt announced, her voice shaking slightly. She tried to look confident but her ruffled neck fur and twitching tail gave away the turmoil roiling in her mind.

"The Gathering is over!" Onestar announced, flicking his tail for his Clan to leave. He leapt down from the platform and his cats followed him as he sprinted across the grass towards the ThunderClan border.

Mistystar gave Tawnypelt a regretful look before leading her own warriors away.

"Squirrelflight, take ThunderClan home," Bramblestar ordered. "I need to speak with my sister. I'll meet you back at camp later."

Squirrelflight nodded. "Come on, ThunderClan, we're leaving!"

Lionblaze turned to follow her. He looked over his shoulder to see Bramblestar laying his chin on Tawnypelt's shoulder in a compassionate gesture. Even though they were in different Clans, Bramblestar clearly still cared deeply for his kin. Tawnypelt was well known for her pride in being a ShadowClan cat, but she didn't challenge her brother's concern. She looked like she was about to break under the stress and buried her head in Bramblestar's dark tabby fur.

Lionblaze joined his Clanmates and trailed behind Foxleap and Icecloud who raced in front of him. As they made their way back towards the ThunderClan border, Dovewing returned to his side so they could walk together.

"What was all of that about?" the she-cat murmured as they entered the trees at the edge of the clearing. "How could Blackstar do that to Tawnypelt? Did you see the horror in her eyes when Blackstar made the announcement that he was leaving?"

Lionblaze needed to gather his thoughts for a moment. So much was happening around the lake. Are the Clans doomed to fall apart over the next few moons? Is this the catastrophe that ends the warrior code? Brackenfur was right that the Clans would have to leave the lake to find food, but if they all left and found a better home, would they ever return? And what would the Clans do about the Moonpool being destroyed? Not only did Tawnypelt need to receive her nine lives from StarClan, but ShadowClan and ThunderClan both needed a proper medicine cat and that ceremony also took place at the Moonpool.

"You there, Lionblaze, or are you daydreaming?"

He shook his head, chasing away the troubled thoughts. "Sorry. Everything is happening so fast- I don't know how to process it all. What was your question, again?"

"Never mind," she meowed, keeping her gaze focused on her own paws. "You need time to think. We can chat later."

The trip back to the abandoned twoleg den was quick and uneventful. He felt bad for turning down his friend but all of the problems of the Clans seemed to bare down on his shoulders. Just because you have powers doesn't mean you're responsible for keeping everyone safe. In his heart he knew it was true, but he still struggled to convince himself. He needed to fight for and protect those he loved, and no cat could match him in that regard. It was his duty to be his very best.

The cats around Lionblaze slowed to a canter as they approached the great stone archway to the temporary camp. The sun was still high in the sky so he figured there was still time for him to hunt before sundown.

"Something is happening," Dovewing suddenly whispered, her ears pricked and aimed at the twoleg den. Her eyes grew wide. "Ivypool is here!"

"Really?" Lionblaze meowed is surprise, but the she-cat had already bolted the rest of the way into camp. He followed and was met by a large clamor of cats gathered in the middle of the clearing. Bramblestar's patrol joined them.

"Somebody tell me what's going on." the Clan leader demanded, shouldering his way through. "Make some space!"

"Ivypool has returned!" someone announced.

The cats spread out revealing a disheveled-looking silver and white tabby she-cat standing in a puddle of mud. Ivypool's fur was drenched and her shoulders were hunched with exhaustion.

"You're back!" Dovewing cheered, pushing her way to the front to embrace her sister. "Where did you go and what happened?"

A flame seemed to ignite in Ivypool's chest when she heard Dovewing's voice. She She held herself higher and purred as she rested her chin on her sister's shoulder. "It's good to be home. Well, this isn't the home I remember but I guess the Clans had to move after the flood. I have so much to tell you."

"Please do," Bramblestar meowed, standing a few pawsteps away. His eyes were full of joy seeing his lost Clanmate's return but his voice was stern. All of the cats that had abandoned the lake with Jayfeather were considered to be rogues now. It was justified that the Clan leader would want a full explanation for why they had disappeared.

Ivypool took a step away from Dovewing and faced Bramblestar. "I have a lot to say but-" she flicked her tail pointedly at the WindClan warriors who were watching from the stone walls.

"It doesn't matter," Bramblestar reassured her. "We are sharing the camp with WindClan right now. Our news is theirs as well."

Ivypool grunted in understanding and took a deep breath. "Before anyone accuses me of anything, I didn't abandon the Clan. I was on guard one night and I caught Briarlight sneaking out of the camp. I challenged her and she told me she wanted to find Jayfeather and bring him back. So I went with her to keep her safe since she could still barely walk."

"Where are they now?"

"Are they safe?"

"Why didn't they come back with you?"

Bramblestar raised his tail for silence as the gathered cats began to worry. "I'm sure Ivypool will explain everything. Let her speak."

"Thank you, Bramblestar." Ivypool began describing everything that had happened to her after she left the camp. She told the Clan about the fox and how she thought Jayfeather had been killed, being trapped by kittypets in twolegplace, her encounter with Sol, finding Jayfeather, and how Briarlight had betrayed her.

The Clan listened quietly apart from the occasional question. Ivypool's story was long and it was almost sundown by the time she had finished. "I came back as quickly as I could after I left them at the base of the mountain. They had no intention of returning to the Clan since they couldn't be in love here. I was furious at Briarlight for tricking me into keeping her safe, but I've had a lot of time to think about it on my journey back. I can't blame them for running away from the warrior code when all they wanted was to be together."

Shocked silence fell upon the cats gathered in the clearing. Lionblaze had already known the reason why Jayfeather and Briarlight had fled the Clans. He could still remember the agonizing goodbye after Jayfeather had told him about his plan to leave. He was just happy that they were safe and together. Unless they got caught in the tremor or the flood.

"I'm glad you made it back in one piece," purred Whitewing, Ivypool's mother, stepping forward to touch noses. "We have a lot to catch you up on, too."

Dovewing stepped forward to embrace her sister again as the rest of the Clan broke out in discussion.

"Fine, Ivypool isn't a traitor," Berrynose grumbled. "But Jayfeather and Briarlight still are."

"Great StarClan, will you just stop," groaned Poppyfrost.

The WindClan cats hadn't said a word as they observed ThunderClan's affairs from afar. Lionblaze expected some reaction from Onestar after hearing the news about Jayfeather going rogue, but he was just staring at the sky. He seemed lost in thought.

Lionblaze flicked an ear and turned away. He was happy that Ivypool was back, and she deserved some personal time with her immediate family. He would talk to her later since the Clan still needed to be fed and he had plenty of strength to spare. He was about to bolt back out into the forest to hunt when someone called his name.

"Lionblaze, wait!"

He stopped and looked around.

Cherrypaw was racing over to him, her fur messy and studded with twigs and leaves. She skidded to a stop in front of him, panting. "Kestrelflight and Brightheart sent me to find you and Squirrelflight. You need to see them in the abandoned twoleg den. It's Leafpool!"

Lionblaze's eyes grew wide in terror. "What happened? Tell me!"

"I have to find Squirreflight," Cherrypaw gasped, already taking off again. "Go see Leafpool, I think it's urgent!"

Lionblaze didn't hesitate. He sprinted across the clearing, shoving past warriors in his haste. He made his way into the central twoleg structure and scraped his broad shoulder against the side of the entrance on his way in.

Not much had changed since that morning. The place still smelled of mold and the air was still unnaturally still. Most of the same ailed cats were there but he sought out only one. He spotted Kestrelflight and Brightheart staring down at a convulsing tabby she-cat. To his surprise, Breezepelt was also there lurking in the shadows.

"You're here," Brightheart noticed, looking up at him with a round somber eye.

"How bad is it?" he asked, approaching his mother's body with dread. The new ThunderClan medicine cat didn't need to speak. There was only one reason Leafpool's family would be summoned like this and Lionblaze knew it.

"Where is she!" Squirreflight burst into the den.

"Here in the back by the wall," Brightheart called, getting her attention with a waving tail.

The ThunderClan deputy hurried over, her fear scent billowing off her pelt. "Somebody tell me my sister is going to be alright. I need to hear it."

"There's nothing more we can do for her," Kestrelflight whispered, his head lowered in sincere grief. "Her life is in the paws of StarClan now."

Lionblaze wanted to be furious at the WindClan medicine cat for daring to say such a thing, but in his heart he knew it was the truth. Something had broken inside of Leafpool when the rocks had fallen on her. No amount of herbs could heal that.

"If only Jayfeather was here," Squirrelflight whimpered, crouching over her dying sister like drooped leaf. "He might have known of a way to save her. Sometimes I felt like he could perform miracles."

Lionblaze nodded slowly. Jayfeather had always taken his duties as medicine cat very seriously even if his dream had always been to become a warrior. He always knew exactly what to do for his patients, sometimes even before they realized themselves that they were sick. He had saved Poppyfrost when she was dying of greencough even though Leafpool had given up. Then there was the time that he had trained Cinderheart when she broke her leg by making her swim in the lake. And more recently he made Briarlight able to walk again by giving her one of Bramblestar's lives.

A pained moan escaped Leafpool's lips and violent spasms suddenly racked her chest. Lionblaze and Squirreflight lay down and curled their bodies around her shaking frame to try and keep her calm but it didn't stop her thrashing from destroying the fern nest she was lying in. Leafpool's eyes were wide open but she didn't see them. She was in too much pain to even hear the purrs meant to comfort her.

Lionblaze felt a tail land gently on his shoulder and looked up to see it was Breezepelt's. Ever since they had made amends at the previous daylight Gathering, they had become close friends. The WindClan warrior's gaze was solemn and he didn't interrupt the silence. Lionblaze closed his eyes and tried to imagine where his brother could be.

Jayfeather, if you can hear me, I really wish you would come home. We need you so badly...

While I was going back and revamping old chapters, I actually made sure that almost every single ThunderClan cat from the allegiances was mentioned by name at least once in one of the three Lionblaze chapters.