"No!" Whitestorm roared with grief and fury as Tigerclaw tossed Bluestar's body down Highrock. "I can't believe this!" Cinderpelt whispered in shock. The she-cat watched the terrifying prophecy unfold before her eyes. Blood pooled beneath the corpses of Fireheart, Bluestar, Dustpelt, and Sandstorm. Their eyes were dull and lifeless. Scars were scattered all over their bodies. Her friends and leader were piled like bones and treated worse than foxes by the evil cats standing in the clearing. Brokenstar and Blackfoot kept the rest of ThunderClan in a prison made of barbed twigs and thorny brambles. Those who weren't captured stood tense and ready for battle. Longtail, Brightheart, Brackenfur, Cloudtail, Whitestorm, and Greystripe glared at the arrogant rogues bathed in sunlight. Though it was the middle of Greenleaf an eerie cold pierced through their pelts.

.

"I thought the Clan I was born into was strong…" Tigerclaw observed the faces of shock in the furious crowd below. Many glared at him. "But Thistleclaw was right. Weakness has no place here."

"Fox hearted cat! I won't let you get away with this!" Whitestorm shouted. Jumping up the tom aimed to slice the exiled warrior's throat. Grinning, Tigerclaw unsheathed his long claws and swiped at the courageous cat. Pulling him onto Highrock Tigerclaw bit Whitestorm's neck before dropping the warrior into the clearing. The tom collapsed on the ground and twitched. Whitestorm was alive but unable to move.

"Surrender now," Tigerclaw chuckled. "Or meet StarClan."

'No! Refuse!' Cinderpelt wanted to scream. 'He'll kill us!'

Longtail, who saw the medicine cat in the corner of his eye sat between the den and the clearing trying to keep Cinderpelt hidden, slightly nodded to the she-cat. Tail twitching he pointed to the den.

'Oh! The hole! None of our Clanmates patched it up? We are outnumbered. Are you planning an escape?'

.

Stepping forward Greystripe and Brackenfur hissed in protest. "We won't join you Tigerclaw."

"We'll fight to the death!"

Tigerclaw's tail twitched in irritation. "Fine," he stated dismissively as if bored. "Blackfoot. Darkstripe. Kill them." The pair collided with Greystripe and Brackenfur, a storm of fangs and claws. The two warriors kicked Darkstripe towards Blackfoot who landed on Brokenstar. The two ThunderClan toms picked up Whitestorm and began to run. Longtail howled and everyone sprang into action. He helped Cinderpelt leave by guarding the she-cat out the hole in the medicine den. Crawling out of the small exit they ran out of ThunderClan territory. Cloudtail and Brightheart assisted Greystripe and Brackenfur, clawing any enemy that got too close. Running at full speed the exiled Clanmates dashed into the distance hoping to get tail-lengths away from Tigerclaw and his gang.

.

Out of breath Longtail and Cinderpelt rested in a cluster of bushes. The she-cat's leg ached and burned. Examining her twisted leg the grey cat hissed in pain. Her throat was dry and scratchy too but they had no time to get water or herbs. The warrior stared out the branches of the bush warily searching for danger.

"I'm…surprised…you didn't…stay and fight." The medicine cat wheezed.

Longtail clawed the earth in frustration. "I wanted to," he mewed. "But even a kittypet knows that avoiding a fight is necessary sometimes. Mouse dung! I should've known Tigerclaw would've-"

Cinderpelt put a tail on his shoulder. "Focus on the now. Our Clan still needs us."

Longtail sighed. "You're right. Sorry."

"Where are we going?"

Standing up the warrior sniffed the air for a specific scent. "We need to go to the farm. Where Ravenpaw is. Before Tigerclaw attacked, Fireheart and Greystripe decided to find a safe place for ThunderClan if our camp got ambushed. Fireheart…was a brave warrior. I wish I could've gotten to know him better."

Cinderpelt felt sympathy ripple through her. Longtail looked so crestfallen. 'Does he feel like he failed to protect the Clan?'

.

"Anyway, Greystripe knew it would be dangerous to ask the other Clans for help. Nobody was sure who supported Tigerclaw. The farm was the only option."

"Let's hurry. Whitestorm is injured and needs my help."

"Of course! This way." Carefully they listened for Tigerclaw's warriors afraid of being attacked. None of the ThunderClan cats could afford another battle right now. In desperation they searched for a place to recover. Hopefully the Clan cats could plan a strategy to stop Tigerclaw's evil from spreading. Launching into the distance Cinderpelt and Longtail raced to the old barn.

.

Stretching, Ravenpaw started eating a plump mouse he had hunted. Sitting next to him was Barley, eating a bird. Small puffy clouds drifted by in the blue sky peacefully.

"It's a beautiful day."

"Yes. Absolutely stunning!" Ravenpaw agreed.

"Do you think our friends Fireheart and Greystripe will visit us soon?"

"Maybe," the tom mewed. "But Clan life can get busy. I'm still worried."

"About Tigerclaw?"

"Yes…I'm certain he's still trying to take over ThunderClan." Suddenly Ravenpaw stood up, ears rotating to listen to the wind. The rogue thought he heard pawsteps storming in the horizon towards the barn. "Cats! Many of them!" Nose twitching he sniffed the air. "ThunderClan cats!"

"Are they in trouble?! Hurry let's meet them!" Together they rushed to assist their friends.

.

Cinderpelt and Longtail collided with them first. "Injured…Tigerclaw…captured others…" the she-cat wheezed.

"Gather herbs. Quickly!" The tom ordered.

"Right!" Barley mewed. "Go to the barn for shelter. Ravenpaw and I will find herbs."

Longtail carried the medicine cat to the old building and stared at the cloudy sky. Thunder rumbled noisily and suddenly a faint rain began to fall. "I hope the others will be able to find this place." The warrior sighed. "I'll hunt for us. We should get some rest before the Clan arrives."

.

"Are these enough? I hope they're correct." Ravenpaw dropped the plants and the medicine cat smiled. The grey she-cat counted all of them and nodded. "Perfect! Thank you, you two. You managed to even get some cobwebs."

"Barley did a great job. I would've never remembered the specific herbs if he hadn't been an awesome listener."

The spotted tom touched noses with Ravenpaw. "Your tales of the Clans were vivid and amazing."

"Hungry? I hunted some rats." Longtail pointed his tail at a fresh-kill pile.

"Thank you Longtail," the shy tom mewed. "I never thought you'd-"

Longtail lashed his tail. "Hey, I'm still a good warrior! Look…I was wrong about Tigerclaw. He's evil. When Bluestar exiled him I finally saw how selfish he was. He never cared about the code or other Clanmates."

Ravenpaw put a tail on the warrior. "It's okay Longtail. You protected your Clanmates and risked your life for them. C'mon," the rogue walked to the entrance of the barn. "I'll stand guard with you."

.

Rain poured heavily leaving everything dark and gloomy. Every few minutes lightning lit up the whole area but then faded. Another bolt struck the earth and in the distance Ravenpaw saw a flicker of pelts running across the hills. The two toms jumped in shock as the crowd rolled into the barn yowling in terror. Without wasting time Cinderpelt inspected Whitestorm while the others gathered by the fresh-kill pile. Their fur was glued to their thin frames, eyes wide with frantic horror. Out of breath most of them collapsed on the floor. Barley nudged food towards the warriors. "Eat friends. You mustn't loose strength."

"Anyone else injured?" Ravenpaw asked. His yellow eyes searched for another familiar cat but when he didn't see Fireheart he feared the worst. 'No. Worry about the Clan cats in front of you. They need your help.'

"Just a few scratches," Brightheart responded. "Nothing serious."

Ravenpaw walked to a corner of the barn and observed Cinderpelt speedily repairing the injured tom. The she-cat's blue eyes flickered with precision as the medicine cat did her best to heal the wounds. Barley stood by in case Cinderpelt needed more supplies.

"I think he'll be okay. It's a deep scar but thank StarClan it wasn't fatal."

Ravenpaw froze in horror not just at the look of the gruesome injury but at the scent tied to it.

Tigerclaw.

.

"I'll stay with Whitestorm until he is fully recovered. Barley could you get me some food? Thanks. Oh." The medicine cat gazed at the tom with curiosity. "Ravenpaw! Greystripe and Fireheart told me stories about you. I'm sorry you had to leave ThunderClan."

Ravenpaw smiled sadly. "I miss my home but I'm happy here too."

.

Suddenly the warriors yowled and hissed. A snake had slithered into the building and stood ready to strike. Cloudtail shielded Brightheart, slowly backing away from the creature. As the snake launched at the cats Ravenpaw jumped up and caught the snake by its neck. Tossing it around in his jaws the snake finally lay limp.

"Whoa! Y-You killed a snake?! I've never seen a cat do that!" Longtail mewed in awe.

"Oh, it's nothing. I used to hunt snakes in ThunderClan. When Tigerclaw…was my mentor." A cold wind shredded the rogue's fur as fear of Tigerclaw burned cold in his bones. Shaking, the tom tried to steady himself by piercing the earth with his claws.

"Ravenpaw…" Brightheart quietly mewed. "You saved me. Thank you."

"Yeah! That was a cool move! Can you teach me how to do that?!" Cloudtail asked.

"Sure. Maybe someday."

.

After everyone was introduced and exchanged stories Ravenpaw stared at them for a moment before asking, "What happened to ThunderClan?"

"Tigerclaw ambushed us at night." Brakenfur stated. "As everyone slept he set up his warriors and surrounded our camp. When the dawn patrol left, which was us, he attacked."

"He convinced Blackfoot, Brokenstar, and Leopardstar to join him." Cloudtail hissed.

"They captured everyone else." Longtail mewed. "All the 'paws, kits, elders, and other warriors."

"Tigerclaw was ruthless," Greystripe lashed his tail. "When he attacked Bluestar, Fireheart tried to defend her but…" the grey tom shook his head sadly. "None of them survived. Dustpelt and Sandstorm tried to fight back too. Tigerclaw and his rogues…"

"We were outnumbered," Brightheart mewed, voice cracking with grief. "And not strong enough to rescue our Clanmates."

Ravenpaw's jaw dropped in disbelief. All those strong warriors, gone. Just so Tigerclaw could be leader? The tom shook his head. "A leader's power is for their Clan, not their selfish desires. They're supposed to keep the Clan healthy, strong, and prosperous. Not make it weak and full of bloodshed! All leaders must protect the warrior code."

"What do we do now?" Brackenfur asked. "Will Tigerclaw and his rogues follow us?"

"I'll shred him apart if he does!" Longtail spat, swiping a claw in the air angrily.

"I'll patch up anyone else's injuries. Then, we should rest." Cinderpelt advised. "The storm is too bad to travel in now."

"We should move to the upper platform," Barley suggested. "In case it floods." With the warriors help they all made it to the wooden platform to rest. A few cats stood guard every few hours before sleeping in the large stacks of hay.

.

During midnight it still rained heavily. Ravenpaw stirred in his sleep worried about ThunderClan. A nose nudged the tom and he batted it away with a paw. "Barley, it's not even dawn yet." He mumbled. Wait. Barley had decided to stay by the medicine cat to help and the scent by him wasn't familiar. Sitting up, Ravenpaw stretched and yawned. When he saw a starry glittering cat made of light he almost yowled in surprise. A tail slapped his mouth and a paw pointed to the sleeping cats in the barn. Recognizing the StarClan cat Ravenpaw's eyes widened. "Bluestar?"

"Follow me."

.

Bright light exploded from a corner of the barn which was usually hidden by darkness. Stacks of hay created a make-shift den. Bluestar crawled through and Ravenpaw did too. The rogue observed the den in awe. Cinderpelt stood in the middle of various StarClan cats. Bluestar, Sandstorm, Dustpelt, Lionheart, Redtail, and Fireheart sat patiently around the crowded room. The grey medicine cat's eyes glowed like StarClan pelts. "They wanted to speak to you Ravenpaw."

"M-Me?! B-But what about a ThunderClan warrior?!"

"Silly Ravenpaw," Sandstorm purred in amusement. "Though a rogue you still have a warrior heart."

Tears stung the tom's eyes. "I missed you all so much! Thank you for believing me Fireheart. I owe you."

Smiling, the red tom waved a paw dismissively. "It shall be repaid later."

"Thank you Ravenpaw," Redtail stated warmly. "For trying to tell the Clan about dangerous Tigerclaw. It was a great risk and you bravely tried to warn us about his evil plans."

"I'm sorry I didn't believe you," Bluestar apologized. "I put my Clan in danger by not taking you or Fireheart seriously and ignoring my Clan in my selfishness."

"We ask you for your help." Lionheart mewed.

"B-But I'm not as strong as any of you."

"Please," Dustpelt asked. "If Tigerclaw isn't stopped he'll destroy all the Clans!"

"You won't be alone," Bluestar stated. "You'll have StarClan and your friends' help."

Ravenpaw closed his eyes weighing his options. He met their gaze, his own burning with warmth and passion. "I will save the Clans!"

"Step forward Ravenpaw. StarClan shall give you your warrior name." Cinderpelt mewed.

.

In the middle of the circle Ravenpaw sat patiently in anticipation. Bluestar's tail waved over his head. The ThunderClan leader then touched her nose to his forehead. Leaning away she gazed up at the sky. "From now on you shall be called Ravenwing. May StarClan light your path. Always follow the warrior code and defend your Clan with your life."

"Thank you Bluestar." Worry overwhelmed the tom. 'What if I can't do this? What if Tigerclaw destroys the Clans?'

As they began to fade Ravenwing glanced at Fireheart. "Please, before you go, visit Greystripe and Longtail. They miss you."

Fireheart nodded. "I will my friend."

In a blink the StarClan cats were gone.

.

"Don't be afraid to fail Ravenwing," Cinderpelt mewed. "Tigerclaw and his warriors will be a tough opponent but I know you'll fight the hardest for ThunderClan."

"I'll do what I can." Ravenwing clawed the wooden platform in anticipation. Passion flared within the tom to protect his friends and the warrior code. "I will defeat Tigerclaw and save the Clans!"

.

Pacing back and forth impatiently Cloudtail mewed, "ThunderClan is in danger! Warriors should defend their territory not be running away like mice!"

"I agree!" Longtail nodded. "If we don't do something Tigerstar will-"

"And risk sending the injured into battle?" Graystripe interrupted.

"The wounded can stay here and heal," Cloudtail explained. "The others can go and fight."

"Only a few of us could march all the way back to the forest. Our small army would be outnumbered by Tigerstar's cats." Brightheart sat elegantly in a patch of sunlight warming her fur.

"Then what do we do now?" Brackenfur asked. "Bluestar and Fireheart are gone."

"Can't you ask StarClan for help?"

"No. StarClan can't solve all our problems. We have to find a solution ourselves."

"Cinderpelt I've brought back some herbs." Barley mewed as he stepped into the barn. Observing everyone's crestfallen faces the tom sat down, sensing their fear and uncertainty. "What's wrong?"

"We're unsure of what to do next." The medicine-cat replied.

"You should wait until all of your wounds heal before returning." Barley gathered the herbs into a pile. "Otherwise it'll be easier for Tigerstar to win."

.

Ravenwing glanced at the eldest warrior of ThunderClan with a mixture of concern and admiration. 'I hope Whitestorm will recover quickly.' Without the senior warrior's guidance it would be difficult to create a strategy. "I think Whitestorm should lead us." Ravenwing mewed. "He's the wisest warrior I know besides Lionheart and Fireheart."

"But Whitestorm has a serious wound. How will he be able to lead us?" Graystripe asked.

Ravenwing's eyes glowed with bright confidence. "Whitestorm's knowledge is as complex as silverpelt. Even if he can't fight the warrior can provide us with a plan."

.

As the sun began to fall behind the hills Whitestorm woke up. ThunderClan's eyes were downcast in defeat and the tom realized how serious the situation was. "At least you made it," he sighed. "I'm sorry I was so reckless."

"It wasn't your fault!" Longtail mewed. "Tigerstar is the one who put every Clan in danger!"

"Ravenwing and I have an announcement to make."

Whitestorm nodded. "Go ahead Cinderpelt."

.

"I've decided to appoint Barley as my apprentice. He shows great potential to be a medicine-cat. Also, I've inspected your wound Whitestorm. You should be fully healed in a moon."

"That's good. I'm getting tired of doing nothing."

"Another medicine-cat is one of the best things for ThunderClan right now. Congratulations Barleypaw." Graystripe smiled.

"What's your announcement Ravenwing?" Brackenfur asked.

.

"Whitestorm I think you should lead ThunderClan. The warriors feel lost without Bluestar and Fireheart."

"I understand. But, I'm not sure how much I can do."

"Well," Ravenwing examined the empty floor. "The fresh-kill pile is low. Perhaps you could organize a hunting patrol? Later I suggest that all the warriors train for battle? We can't let our combat skills fade."

"Excellent idea Ravenwing. Yes, let's focus on sharpening our skills and techniques until we return to meet Tigerstar." The tom started coughing and Cinderpelt dashed over to him. While the medicine-cat prepared herbs for the warrior Graystripe began organizing a patrol. Just as Ravenwing followed the cats outside Whitestorm called him back.

.

Studying the young tom sitting before him the old warrior smiled. It was a mixture of grief and pride. "Little Ravenpaw. You've changed. You're no longer the nervous apprentice you were in ThunderClan."

"No. The peaceful atmosphere really helped me."

"I'm sorry Tigerstar was such a terrible mentor. One of us should've noticed how aggressive and power-hungry he was. Tigerstar is turning out like Thistleclaw." Shifting, the injured tom tried to stand. Cinderpelt watched warily, afraid that the warrior would collapse from pain. "Tigerstar fooled us all. Now I plan to fix this."

The grey she-cat put a tail on Whitestorm's shoulder to keep him steady. "You should rest."

.

Catching the two injured cats a mouse Whitestorm and Cinderpelt slowly ate. "Ravenwing huh? StarClan must have known you would join ThunderClan again. I see…" Whitestorm closed his eyes and was in deep thought. "I will be your mentor. I know that you'll be able to complete your apprenticeship and pass an assessment. Usually StarClan is strict about the warrior code but I suppose there is sometimes a need to break traditions."

"If ThunderClan needs me I will be there for them."

The warrior smiled. "Then I shall do my best to be a good mentor for you." Stretching, Whitestorm stood up. "I want you to practice the basics again. When the others get back we will begin training more complex moves."

.

When all the exiled warriors returned they sat facing Whitestorm.

"What's going on?" Graystripe asked.

"I – if you accept – shall lead ThunderClan temporarily."

"Of course," Graystripe nodded. "None of us have as much experience as you."

"I agree." Brackenfur mewed.

"I doubt any of us have any objections to it." Longtail said.

"Do your best to train and prepare. It'll be a long journey."

Cinderpelt saw bright orange sunset flood the abandoned twoleg nest. It cast a powerful glow around the warriors. "May StarClan light our path to victory!" The medicine-cat cheered.

.

A day of training had ended. Now most of the cats had decided to rest for the next sunrise. Besides a small patrol Ravenwing was the only one up. A half-moon blazed silver across tiny hills. However, dark clouds quickly swept over the beautiful moon.

.

Though enjoying a gentle breeze Ravenwing felt restless. Could a little force of ThunderClan really win against Tigerstar? Banding together with RiverClan and some rogues, his army seemed unstoppable. An idea bloomed into Ravenwing's mind like fresh flowers. Running back to the barn the warrior looked for Barleypaw.

.

"You what?!" The tom whispered in disbelief.

"I want to rescue the cats caught in the forest!"

"By yourself? The others will instantly recognize your scent!"

"No," Ravenwing shook his head. "Tigerstar thinks I'm dead. I can sneak into camp easily!" The warrior smiled. "Besides, no one will think I'm a rogue because I'll disguise my scent."

"This plan is dangerous Ravenwing! What if they capture you? I don't know what I'd do without you." The two cats touched noses. "Please. I must do something. ThunderClan isn't the only one in danger. WindClan, paws', the elderly, and kits are too. If nothing is done-"

Barleypaw sighed desolately. "I know. Warriors must make sure all Clans exist for peace to survive."

Their eyes locked for a moment; a mixture of pride and sorrow swirling in the cats' orbs.

.

"Please return safely."

"Trust me," Ravenwing mewed. "I'll do my best to be stealthy. My plan is to rescue cats, not start a battle." Exiting the barn the warrior ran outside into the distance.

.

Sniffing blades of grass Ravenwing found some herbs. Rolling around the tom hoped that the bitter plants would assist him to camouflage in the forest. If he smelled more like the earth and not a cat, a patrol wouldn't detect the warrior.

"What are you doing Ravenwing?" Cloudtail asked in amusement.

"He's removing his scent." Brightheart mewed.

"Why? The mice and rats here aren't that difficult to catch."

Standing, Ravenwing paced around in anticipation. "I'm going to rescue some cats."

"What?! That's crazy!"

"For a loudmouth like you it is." Brightheart glared at her mate who returned a sheepish smile.

The white fluffy tom unsheathed his claws. "Count me in Ravenwing!"

"Really?"

"You guys aren't leaving without me!" Brightheart grinned. "I know the paths well. I can guide us through shortcuts in ThunderClan territory."

.

"Wait," Ravenwing blinked in confusion. "Wouldn't Tigerstar be waiting for us in ThunderClan? Isn't he the leader?"

"No. Tigerstar took Nightstar's place as leader, from ShadowClan." Brightheart explained.

"For now he and Leopardstar are in RiverClan." Cloudtail added.

"We have to hurry. Under the cover of night and clouds we'll be able to explore the area." Ravenwing mewed. After the two cats rolled on some herbs the three warriors darted towards ThunderClan. None of them slowed their pace until they entered the old forest.

Soundless pawsteps enter TigerClan territory. Brightheart stopped. "I hear them –a large group of cats!"

"I'll investigate. You two sneak around and find the apprentices." Ravenwing took a deep breath. Act like them. Blend in.

.

Nonchalantly he walked into the clowder. All eyes are glued to the noisy event in front. He watched horrified as Stonefur defended two 'paws from Tigerstar's wrath. Leopardstar did nothing to intervene. Bitter, all his respect for the RiverClan leader dissolved.

.

Ravenwing is disgusted. 'She has nine lives! Stonefur who only has one is doing more for good cats than she is.'

He realized that neither ShadowClan nor RiverClan cats were stepping in to stop this madness.

.

Disheveled, starving, and sick. Were they too weak to fight back? Too frightened? Some eyes shine delightfully at the bloodshed. 'Unbelievable…'

"Wait!" Darkstripe shouted.

Blackfoot bared his fangs, ready to spill kits blood at Tigerstar's word.

"We can always use more numbers."

"For once," Tigerstar sneered. "You have a point. Throw them in with the other prisoners."

Blackfoot bowed. "As you wish."

Slithering by foliage like a snake Ravenwing followed him.

.

Among trees he sees Brightheart and Cloudtail.

'Wait for my signal!' His eyes say. He studies the area. Brambles, thorns, and stone create a barrier upon twisted tree roots. Blackfoot tossed Stormpaw and Featherpaw inside. He marches back to the clearing.

.

Guards are in position, of course. Ravenwing strolled up, chin high. The guards bristled. "Who're you?" One cat sniffed him.

"I don't recognize you."

.

Ravenwing scoffed. "You think Tigerstar doesn't have more eyes inside his Clan? Watch your tongue or I might claw yours out!" He spat, unsheathing his claws. "I'm Night! I see all." Ravenwing eyed the pair sinisterly. "My job is to report any slackers to Tigerstar."

.

The tom smiled ominously. "None of you have been slacking off have you? If you have well," Ravenwing chuckled. "I might have to throw you guys into the rat nest past WindClan territory."

.

Fearfully they quivered. "R-Rat nest?"

"W-We'd never slack off! All our effort, day and night, is for Tigerstar!"

"Is it? I will let the warning slide if you two go check up on some rowdy bunch I saw earlier."

"Yes of course!"

"So merciful of you Night! We won't fail Tigerstar, promise!"

The cats ran away.

.

Ravenwing, Cloudtail, and Brightheart rescued their friends. One kept watch. The elderly, sick, and young are free.

"R-Ravenpaw? Can it be?" Bramblepaw stared at him in shock. "Greystripe told me about you a while ago."

"Are you-"

"Was Firestar's apprentice, yes sir."

"Nice to meet you."

.

"What should we do?" Brightheart asked.

Ravenwing faced them. "Split into two groups. Take the sick, kits, and the elderly with you and escape. If you must, take a longer route. I'll let the apprentices go with me."

"Count on us!" Cloudtail mewed.

.

Shrouded by shadows, Ravenwing lead his group through the middle outskirts of TigerClan. Many still are distracted by Stonefur. It'll buy time but not much. One person struggled. "Ashpaw, are you alright?"

.

The grey tom seethed. His claws dug deep into soil. "Now's my time to get revenge."

Ravenwing grabbed his scruff and dragged him away. "Later, we have to focus on escaping!"

"But what about what Tigerstar did to ThunderClan?!"

"We won't stand a chance! Think about your other Clanmates first!"

Bramblepaw confronted Ashpaw and together they reconnected with the group.

.

Anxiety prods Ravenwing's fur. Tigerstar is very intelligent and things are going too well. Hopefully Cloudtail and Brightheart made it a safe distance. Ravenwing and the apprentices were almost at the river. They'd have to cross rapids and sparse small stones. He nudged a cat. "Go on. I'll guard you."

.

Heart pounding, Ravenwing waited for an ambush. Surely someone from TigerClan followed them? Ravenwing frantically looked around but found no one. He jumped like a frog upon slick stones. River water crashed cold and sharp against the surface. Thunder cracked far away. A storm will approach soon. If Ravenwing didn't tread carefully he'd fall in and be swept away in a powerful current.

.

Halfway there he hears a bone-chilling roar. Emerald eyes whip around to see Tigerstar on the bank. Darkstripe, Blackfoot, and rogues flank him. Leopardstar is nowhere to be found. Tigerstar's teeth flash in waning moonlight. "So, you were alive this whole time?"

.

A smug grin unfolds on his face. "How does it feel to be a coward? Abandoning your Clanmates when they needed you?"

Glaring, Ravenwing spat, "You threatened me! I had nowhere else to go! I felt terrible leaving all my friends behind!"

.

"You're outnumbered, my old apprentice. Meet Fireheart and Bluestar in silverpelt!"

He eyed the TigerClan army warily. Memories flood back –all the times Tigerstar has bullied him. How manipulative he was. Fear blazed in Ravenwing's eyes but he stood tall. "I won't let you hurt anyone anymore!"

.

Two factions collide. Blackfoot charges in first. Ravenwing scratches him but dunks into the waves, losing his foothold. He desperately claws at the stones to get back up.

.

Others enter battle. Yowls, shouts, and roars are a vociferous mixture. Too many cats crowded the narrow pathway. Some dive into the water and swim straight for Ravenwing. TigerClan cats.

.

"Hold your breath!"

Bewildered, he did as instructed. A silver blue she-cat grabbed his scruff and pulled him into the depths. Graceful and as swift as an otter she resurfaced away from the battle.

"Mistyfoot!"

"I will help you! Some of us remain loyal to the warrior code!"

.

Mistyfoot tossed him onto the bank. "Don't worry about the water. My friends and I will handle TigerClan there." Like a fish she dunks back under and swims away unseen. Ravenwing is grateful but has no time to thank her. He leaps back into battle again.

.

Above the chaos is a gathering clowder. Both ThunderClan and WindClan joined forces. Exiled, unkempt, and hurt, all these emotions grant uplifting courage and strength. Like a giant wave the cats descend the hill and crash into war.

.

Greystripe bites Drakstripe's haunches and Longtail crushes his neck. Brakenfur, Barleypaw, and Cinderpelt usher injured fighters away to heal them. Cloudtail distracts Blackfoot while Mistyfoot leaps onto the tom. "This is for killing my brother!" Her claws sink into Blackfoot's chest as they drag downward.

.

Beneath a pathway of flat stones the river turns bright red. Pink froth rushes along rippling billows. Rain is icy cold and heavy.

Whitestorm lands by Ravenwing and together they sprint towards Tigerstar.

.

No words are exchanged. Sharp teeth bury deep into Ravenwing's leg. Tigerstar kicks, but the tom latches onto his side. Be agile and strike where your opponent is weakest! At least some of Tigerstar's training had been valuable. Whitestorm bites Tigerstar and claws his shoulders, trying to weigh him down.

.

Ravenwing scratches his former mentor's face. Hot sticky blood pours down Tigerstar's eye and muzzle. Fangs crack and plop into the river, useless. Though trembling, Ravenwing endures agonizing pain. Everybody is counting on him!

He falls onto serrated stones. Stunned, Ravenwing tries to breathe.

.

"Pathetic! Is this all you got? Can't even fight me one-on-one?" Claws latch onto Ravenwing's head. A grinning, buoyant, and scary enemy glares at him. "You couldn't save Redtail, Lionheart, or Fireheart. How will you defeat me, hm?"

.

Ravenwing shut his eyes.

"You're still that little scared apprentice. If this is all StarClan sent then I have nothing to be concerned about."

.

Rage surges through Ravenwing. Screaming, he hooked his claws into Tigerstar's gut and he swings up, everything weightless. Jaws sink into Tigerstar's neck and twist. Their bodies roll midair. A sickening crack echoes among cries of despair and howls of bloodlust.

.

Shocked, Ravenwing turns to find a crumpled pelt. A pale film peels off of Tigerstar, a mirror image wavering into the sky. Breathing hard, Ravenwing watches another eight leave. Tigerstar weakly tries to recover, the bones popping as they reset, but there's too much damage.

.

Tears squeeze out from Ravenwing's eyes. He hardly hears Whitestorm call TigerClan's defeat. Hundreds of cats flee. Mistyfoot and Barleypaw stand beside him.

"You did the right thing." Mistyfoot mewed softly.

"You saved the Clans from his ruthless bloodshed."

.

"What happened to Leopardstar?" Whitestorm asked.

Cats have gathered around, weary and awed.

"She abandoned us. I was appointed deputy by RiverClan after Stonefur's death…"

"And ShadowClan?"

"We'll recover and find a leader." Littlecloud mewed.

The Clans departed the battleground. Only the injured remain, with medicine cats and a few warriors.

.

Night revives into dawn. Though peace triumphs, so does a somber atmosphere. Whitestorm sits as the rock and speaks before ThunderClan. "I'm honored to be chosen as leader but I must decline. Until Ravenwing becomes leader that is."

"M-Me?!"

"StarClan has decided ThunderClan's champion. I heed their choice. Once you receive your nine lives I will go back to warrior tasks. For now, I appoint Bramblepaw as your apprentice."

.

Ravenwing bowed. "I understand. Now that I've returned to ThunderClan I'll try and do my best to not let any of you down."

"You've proven you belong here among us, Ravenwing. In our desolate days you made us see a silver lining to strive for."

"Only because my friends helped me get this far."

The Clan thunderously laughed, murmuring words of praise and thanks.

.

The battle is over. Ravenwing sees faint outlines of old friends. They're staring at him reassuringly with warm smiles. Every day brings new unforeseen challenges but it's worth fighting for. Brighter days are ahead, Ravenwing is certain.