Crowpaw licked his paw, tail twitching.

He would have thought, after so long of walking that he would get used to it but no. Sometimes his paws still hurt.

Tawnyclaw looked over his back, watching the Clan – it really was a Clan, much to Crowpaw's surprise – settle for the night. Three days after their arrival, they had left the gorge behind. Now it was a quarter moon out. Many cats had seemed hesitant about this.

Despite this, they had followed Rusty – they seemed to trust him! None of these cats were forced. If nothing was going on in their territory, why leave? Why had StarClan gone to them? What was Rusty hoping to achieve? He was truly uprooting this Clan for the sake of Brambleheart.

What did he get out of this?

Crowpaw turned at the sound of a cat approaching. A good amount of these Clan cats had gone off to hunt, the TigerClan warriors were being watched by a few guards not far off. Sandstorm was padding, a rabbit in her jaws. Behind her, he could see more warriors passing out prey. Dustpelt raised his head as she set it down.

"Here," Sandstorm seemed to ignore Dustpelt. "This should be enough for you all to share." Tawnyclaw dipped her head.

"Thank you." The pale warrior nodded, turning away when Dustpelt rose to his paws.

"Wait, Sandstorm – please can we talk." Ashfur shot the tabby a look. If Dustpelt noticed, he chose to ignore it. Sandstorm's tail twitched. She did not turn around.

"There's nothing to talk about."

"Yes, there is," He stepped toward the outsider. "You don't have to be with him – you can get away!" Crowpaw watched them, silent. They were around the same age and Sandstorm had been ThunderClan. They had to have grown up together. Tawnyclaw's eyes were slits.

"Please Sandstorm," Dustpelt pressed. A black and white tom rose to his feet, fur rising. The other guards were eying them. Sandstorm twitched her ear at the one that had risen. He stepped back. "We're here, we can make things right! ThunderClan is strong – stronger than it's ever been and certainly stronger than this! You can come back to ThunderClan – Tigerstar will understand." Sandstorm whipped back around, facing the TigerClan warrior. Her eyes were narrowed.

"ThunderClan?" She echoed. "ThunderClan is not strong. ThunderClan is gone." Dustpelt looked ready to protest. Sandstorm did not allow him to speak. "ThunderClan has been long gone for seasons. It's all TigerClan." She took a step toward him, "You need to stop clinging to it, Dustpelt because I did too! And I've had to come to accept the fact that it is gone."

"I mourn our Clan but I needed to move on and I did."

"No, it's not," Dustpelt protested. "Our Clanmates are still there. We still use the same techniques – it's the same life! He took that away from you. He –" Sandstorm hissed.

"My relationship with Firestar was initiated by me. I told him to meet with me. I told him I loved him first. This has all been my choice, he has been nothing but kind to me." Her eyes were light green fires. "Do you think so little of me to assume I cannot defend myself? To think I would fall for such a trick? He's mine and he always will be. That is my choice." She wrapped her tail around herself. "If you cannot see that, it is not my fault."

Dustpelt's ears had gone back. "Sandstorm, please –"

"No." She hissed, "ThunderClan is gone, Dustpelt. I was never loyal to TigerClan. I never wanted to be part of TigerClan. WindClan is my Clan now and Firestar is my mate. I am proud to call myself a WindClan warrior. I am satisfied with where I am." She glared at him, "I am happy with the life we have built. With our three kits! I do not need to be led along like a helpless kit. I am my own cat and I can make my own decisions. If you seriously want to help, listen to what we have been saying. I will gladly tell you about Oakheart and Redtail's deaths if you so choose." Crowpaw looked at her puzzled, what was she talking about?

"How is Oakheart relevant?" Dustpelt asked. "What does he or Redtail have to do with the fact that Rusty murdered Bluestar." Sandstorm's eyes rounded and the guards rose. Growls came at Dustpelt's words. Tawnyclaw hissed.

"Dustpelt!"

"It is relevant because once you know, everything Tigerstar has ever said unfurls." Sandstorm's voice came out low. She turned away, "I remember what you did to him." Crowpaw tensed. What did that mean?

"What you all did. Bluestar's ThunderClan is gone. It was gone the moment she died. Tigerstar made sure of it." She stalked away, heading over to Rusty. Dustpelt's tail lashed.

"You know," Tawnyclaw shot the warrior a look. "Maybe harassing the leader's mate isn't the way to go."

"She's a good cat," he said. "A valuable warrior. He just –" He cut himself off, hissing a curse.

"Drop it, Dustpelt," Tawnyclaw replied. "She's gone." His tail still twitched but he laid. Ashfur looked at Tawnyclaw questioningly. The tortoiseshell nodded at him and he began to pull apart the rabbit, passing pieces to his Clanmates.

"Does anyone know what she meant by three?" Tawnyclaw asked after taking a bite. A puzzled look had come across her face. "Squirrelpaw's only ever talked about a sister." Crowpaw tensed, he had a guess.

Tawnyclaw looked to him when Dustpelt spoke up.

"Maybe that ginger tom – the first one we met?" He looked at her from over his rabbit haunch, "Certainly got the right pelt color." He muttered, "there are too many cats here to be all Clan – they don't look WindClan either, some of them have got to be kittypets and rogues." Ashfur shook his head.

"She only ever talked about a sister with me," he said. "It's the medicine cat apprentice."

"Oh, the resident Squirrelpaw expert wants to speak?" Dustpelt shoved his shoulder against Ashfur's. His voice was strained as he continued, "Sandstorm doesn't look like she had kits recently."

"No, she doesn't," Tawnyclaw turned back to Crowpaw. "You look like you have an answer." Crowpaw's tail twitched as he finished his bite of prey. He knew Tawnyclaw did not like what he was going to say.

He hesitated. "Squirrelpaw and I were talking once and I know she, specifically, considers Brambleheart to be her brother." The warriors looked at him, surprised. Tawnyclaw's eyes had rounded. "I don't know how any of the others think of it but I suppose… Sandstorm could think the same way."

"That's ridiculous," Dustpelt scoffed. "Does she know how Brambleheart wound up here?"

"She didn't," Crowpaw replied. "Not until we mentioned it."

"Well, that's certainly a story then." Dustpelt shook his head. "Wonder what else these cats believe?"

"Do you know what Brambleheart thinks of that?" Tawnyclaw asked. Her voice was quiet. Crowpaw could not read the look on her face. He shook his head.

"He never said anything," he meowed.

"Well, it's ridiculous," Tawnyclaw muttered. "You don't get to steal a kit and call it your own."

Leafpaw's jaw was aching as she set the wrap down. She opened and closed it, her tail twitching. Another day had passed.

"Check in with Morningflower, will you?" She turned at the sound of her mentor's voice. "I'm going to go talk with the queens and Shrew." Leafpaw dipped her head.

"Of course." She rose, heading toward the elderly tortoiseshell.

Morningflower lifted her head as she approached, blinking at Leafpaw. "Hello, dear." Leafpaw dipped her head.

"How are you feeling?" She looked to the queen's paws. "I could get some dock if you would like?" Morningflower shook her head.

"Keep that for the queens," Morningflower assured her, "I'll be fine. I've walked this before." Leafpaw nodded.

She wasn't sure how she felt about going to TigerClan. Of course, it was nerve-wracking but they would be seeing what had once been Clan territory – the place she had heard stories of time and time again!

They had left quickly and it felt wrong. They had just reclaimed their territory and won gratefully! But now they had left. It had been strange talking to Echo about it.

Barkface had said they taught Echo what they could – and they had taught her a good amount considering their short time together. Everything else was up to StarClan and Echo herself to learn.

"I pray the moors are still intact," Leafpaw was pulled from her thoughts to Morningflower. She looked at the apprentice. "It would be nice for you young ones to know what our ancestral home looks like."

"I hope they are too," Leafpaw replied before offering, "Squirrelpaw didn't mention any destruction on the moors." There had only been stories of dying and dead prey – poisoned by the Twoleg activity. Knocked down trees. That alone was terrifying. Morningflower nodded.

"Well, I hope we're able to stop. So the apprentices can experience that," she said. "You've learned the methods but have not lived on the moors and it's a shame." Morningflower muttered, "I hope there are moors where we're going."

Leafpaw looked away as Sandstorm called out to her. She glanced at Morningflower and as the elder nodded, Leafpaw stepped away.

She was surprised to see Squirrelpaw with Sandstorm. Squirrelpaw looked upset. "Your father and I would like to speak with you," Sandstorm explained. Leafpaw nodded, glancing over to where she had seen Firestar last.

Tawnyclaw had been at his side for most of the walk and Leafpaw knew the two had been talking. As Firestar looked over to them, the tortoiseshell dipped her head before walking back to her Clanmates.

"It's not a big deal!" Squirrelpaw's tail lashed. "I have been with Tawnyclaw and Crowpaw for over a moon at this point – I spent a quarter moon with the others! Alone. They're not going to do anything."

"All I am saying is you be careful. You will do as your told," Sandstorm replied, her tail twitching. Leafpaw looked at them, puzzled. Her attention was brought away as Firestar approached, looking over to where Tawnyclaw had gone. His gaze was unreadable.

"She reminds me of him," He remarked. "She's clever – ambitious. She knows what she wants and how she's going to get it." Leafpaw was surprised that his tone was not negative.

"Aren't those bad?" Leafpaw asked. Firestar shook his head.

"Neither trait is bad to have," He replied. "Far from it. He might use it for evil but her…" He trailed off. Leafpaw tilted her head.

"What were you two talking about?" Leafpaw asked. Her father twitched his ear.

"You'll find out later," he said. "I need to talk it over with Tornear and Barkface first." She nodded as Firestar looked at his daughters. "Now, we are not far off from TigerClan and I want to make something clear. You are not to go near these cats. Is that understood?" Squirrelpaw let out an outraged hiss as Sandstorm rose to her paws.

"That was not what we agreed to when we talked," Sandstorm sounded surprised. Firestar glanced at his mate.

"It's what we're doing now."

"That's going to be nearly impossible, Firestar."

"Yeah! We're about to go on a journey with them!" Squirrelpaw exclaimed. "How are we going to stay away from them?"

"We'll manage," Firestar's eyes had narrowed.

"Firestar, she's correct. That is not –" Firestar turned sharply toward his mate as he hissed.

"I am the leader of this Clan and my word is law!" Leafpaw tensed as Firestar snapped, baring his teeth. "You will do as I say!" Squirrelpaw looked shocked. Sandstorm's eyes were ablaze. She stepped in front of her mate, hissing.

"You will not speak to me like that," Sandstorm's voice came out low. "You will not speak to our daughters like that." Firestar jerked his head away, looking at Squirrelpaw.

"You're already spending too much time with them, Squirrelpaw. There is no reason you need to be near them."

"Other than I know them the best out of everyone here?" Squirrelpaw sat back, "Cloudtail keeps talking to Ashfur, too and you're not upset about that! I was just telling Sandstorm – I was alone with them for over a quarter moon!"

"Cloudtail is a warrior and I know he's being wary. You shouldn't have been with them in the first place." He was growling, "I would be surprised if Tigerstar didn't know you were my kit at this point."

"Firestar!" Sandstorm still stood in front of him. "Settle yourself." Her voice was stern as she leered at him. She turned to Squirrelpaw and Leafpaw. To Leafpaw's surprise, he took a deep breath. "The moment we get to TigerClan, you two will be in danger. You do need to be careful."

"We all will be," Squirrelpaw protested. "It's just going to get in the way!" She pressed, looking to the tom. "They do know who I am!" Firestar's tail was beginning to lash.

"I am your leader and father; you will listen to me! This is for your protection," Firestar's eyes had narrowed. "I stole his kit." Leafpaw tensed, glancing at her sister. She had learned the situation but Squirrelpaw hadn't. What did she think? "I know he is angry about that. Didn't you say he wanted you to stay rather than Brambleheart? Why do you think that is?" Sandstorm shot her mate a look as Squirrelpaw's ears went back. He asked, "Did you tell them about Leafpaw?" Squirrelpaw tensed, looking to her sister.

"Not by name, I don't think." Her voice was slow, "But they could've figured it out by now." Leafpaw's tail twitched. A realization seemed to be dawning for Squirrelpaw as she looked at Leafpaw.

"Why were you talking about her?" Firestar demanded. Sandstorm's tail lashed.

"Watch your tone," Sandstorm turned back to the sisters, "What's done is done," she said. "Tigerstar might try for revenge after everything with Brambleheart." She gave them both pointed looks, "Especially because we are trying to get him back. Be careful." They both nodded.

"We are getting him back." An expression came across Firestar's face as he turned to Sandstorm. One Leafpaw had never seen before. It was almost scary. Squirrelpaw shot her a look, clearly alarmed. "You won't be alone," Firestar continued. The look disappeared as he turned back to his daughters. "I'm not letting Brambleheart near them either." He sighed, "If it was up to me none of you would see a TigerClan cat again but what's done is done. Is this understood?"

"Yes, Firestar." Both she-cats spoke. Squirrelpaw's tail was twitching.

"Good," Firestar turned away, heading over to Tornear. Sandstorm watched after him before looking at them both.

"What's with him?" Squirrelpaw asked, alarm still coloring her eyes. "Why is he acting like this – why are you letting him!" She looked at Sandstorm. "You already said you don't agree with him."

"He is leader," Leafpaw pointed out. "She's supposed to listen to him – we all are." Squirrelpaw scoffed.

"And Tigerstar's warriors are supposed to listen to him." Sandstorm's eyes narrowed.

"Don't you compare your father to him ever again. That is downright abhorrent." Squirrelpaw remained silent. They both knew better than to argue with that tone.

"This was supposed to go differently," Sandstorm sighed. "Look, we are about to hit a very troubling time," She began. "As a Clan and for your father on a personal level." Sandstorm was looking at Squirrelpaw, who tilted her head, clearly puzzled. "He might do things that seem irrational and I want you to remember that he loves you both very much. While I might not agree with him, he is saying what he thinks is right – but listen to me," She looked between them, "Do not be reckless. I'll knock some sense into him." Leafpaw nodded.

"Yes, Sandstorm," she said. Squirrelpaw muttered a begrudging agreement. As their mother started after Firestar, Squirrelpaw turned to Leafpaw.

"I'm sorry," Her tail twitched. "I don't know why I mentioned you – I wasn't thinking." She licked Leafpaw's ear.

"It's okay," Leafpaw assured. She pressed her muzzle against her sister's cheek. "Things happen – I don't blame you." Squirrelpaw hummed.

"Sometimes I wish they wouldn't."

Dustpelt eyed Tawnyclaw curiously as she padded over, a mouse in her jaws.

"What were you talking to him about?" He asked as the younger warrior settled. Crowpaw tensed as Ashfur looked up. What gave Dustpelt the right to ask this? Tawnyclaw's tail flicked as she began to split the mouse.

"Nothing that concerns you," She replied. Dustpelt did not look convinced.

"Your loyalty to the Clan should come first," he commented. Crowpaw tensed. Tawnyclaw looked at the older warrior.

"And it does," Her voice was low. "I am loyal to TigerClan – as is Crowpaw. Everything we've done is in service to our Clan." She looked between Ashfur and Dustpelt. "I know why he sent you two and I assure you, we are nothing but loyal. A little pre-negotiation isn't going to hurt anyone." Crowpaw looked at her, surprised. That was what they were doing this whole time?

"You know what to negotiate for?" Ashfur asked. Tawnyclaw split the mouse into four. She passed the pieces out.

"I know what Tigerstar will want," She responded simply. Tawnyclaw looked at Dustpelt. "Do not doubt me."