Another wonderful chapter for my one-shot that isn't a one-shot! I know, I should get back to my main series but the spinoff comes easier!!! Besides, I'm only going until Fireheart's first Gathering as a ShadowClan cat!!!

review please!!

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Tigerclaw felt a blare alarm go throughout his mind as he stared in absolute horror as he spotted Cloudpaw, white fur covered in black flaky soot, dragging along Halftail's unconscious body with the aid of an equally soot-covered Thornpaw.

Both apprentices were struggling to move the heavier tom. Though neither seemed to be giving up on trying to save the elder. It left Tigerclaw with only a moment to ponder why two apprentices were still back at their camp trying to move an unconscious elder.

Where were ThunderClans warriors?

Dustpelt and Longtail brushed past Tigerclaw as they quickly scrambled down the crumbling rocky ravine to take up the burden of carrying the elder. Both apprentices momentarily leaped back at the sudden arrivals, their pelts bristled but eyes filled with astonishment.

"D-Dustpelt, L-Longtail--what are you doing here?!" Cloudpaw questioned, his voice sounding hoarse, mostly due to the smoke.

Though the apprentice meant it as a challenge, as any Clan cat would if an intruder were entering ThunderClan territory uninvited, there was no hostility. Cloudpaw just seemed tired and stressed but trying to put on a brave front.

"We're here to save you." Longtail growled as he sunk his teeth into Halftail's scruff. "We saw the fire and we came to help."

"You're really here to help?" Thornpaw asked, only to squeak in fear as Tigerclaw leaped down to stand before them.

"We don't have time for this." Tigerclaw growled, turning to look at his nephew and softening for a moment. His nephew looked underfeed, and looking at Thornpaw, so did he. But despite that, Cloudpaw had gotten bigger, he was now standing level at Tigerclaw's chest. Far from that small fluff ball that was first brought into the Clan, and gone were his mischievous, rebellious days as a kit.

Cloudpaw looked like a true warrior in Tigerclaw's eyes already. Though perhaps still a bit rebellious.

"Why are you still here at camp?" Tigerclaw demanded, looking straight into Cloudpaw's blue eyes, and the conflict they held for Tigerclaw within them.

"Bluestar made us leave the elders behind." Cloudpaw croaked after a moment of internal debate whether to say something or not, his ears and tail dropping. "I-i couldn't though."

"Are all the elders back in camp?" Longtail asked in alarm.

Tigerclaw felt physically sick as Cloudpaw miserably nodded, "Sandstorm and Brackenfur have already gotten Dappletail and Smallear out. They are heading towards Fourtrees, Bluestar thinks we'll be safe there."

"No they won't," Tigerclaw growled, almost gagging as he sucked in more smoke. "The fire will quickly spread to even Fourtrees. They need to head to Sunningrocks and get across the river. The flames will never cross the river."

The ThunderClan warriors shared an uncertain look, before a steely resolve glowed within each of their gazes.

"We'll have to go and take them there, before it's too late." Dustpelt declared, taking charge, "Cloudpaw and Thornpaw, you both go on ahead and tell Bluestar in the change of plans. It's not safe in Fourtrees and to instead head to RiverClan's border. Tell them they have to cross the river."

As both apprentices jumped to their paws and were preparing to quickly depart, Tigerclaw gestured for Cloudpaw to come closer, once his nephew was in earshot, Tigerclaw gave him slightly different instructions, "Tell Whitestorm you need to head to the RiverClan's border and cross at Sunningrocks. I don't trust Bluestar to be making any reasonable decisions for ThunderClan right now."

Tigerclaw didn't trust Bluestar to be making any decisions, her mind seemed too far gone at this point, but he didn't want to distract Cloudpaw at the moment. "Tell Whitestorm, quickly."

Cloudpaw and Thornpaw both shot off through the burning forest. The other warriors could only hope that they would be swift and safe as they went back to aiding the elders.

Longtail began dragging Halftail off in the direction of Sunningrocks where hopefully the rest of ThunderClan would be arriving shortly. While Dustpelt and Tigerclaw descended into the smoking camp where the remaining elders were holed up.

They found a dazed, feeble One-eye crouched over the still body of Patchpelt. It was clear that the small black-and-white elder had died from breathing in too much smoke, they would have to leave it otherwise it would be a hindrance to bring along a dead body, but the elderly pale gray she-cat was still alive and lucid enough to understand what was going on.

"Dustpelt," One-eye gasped in surprise, or perhaps the she-cat was just gasping for breath? It was hard to tell. "Why are you here? You've been banished by Bluestar. She won't be happy if your caught."

"That may be true, but I'm not going to just leave the cats and home I've always loved to just die." Dustpelt retorted, helping the she-cat to stand on her shaky paws. "Bluestar can do whatever she wants to me, but not until I know that all of you are safe and taken care of."

One-eye blinked her remaining eye in astonishment at the young brown tabby tom's declaration. When Dustpelt probed her onwards, Tigerclaw stepped aside to let them through. One-eye almost did a double take as they passed one another, but Dustpelt quickly led the elder to the ruined gorse tunnel and disappeared outside.

Tigerclaw took only a second to glance around. In that second he saw his former home burning before his very eyes. His memories, as a kit in the nursery, as a newly made apprentice, being made a warrior, his schemes, crimes, hardship and finding love. This used to be his home, a home he took great pride in. But now it was deserted and in ruins. This wasn't his home anymore. In fact, his home and family were waiting for his return.

Tigerclaw turned his back on the place he once called home and padded quickly out through the gorse tunnel as it exploded into an array of dancing flames and embers.

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Please like, subscribe and review my story!!! I hope you enjoyed this chapter!!! (Please review because I can't see what my story states are and don't know if anyone is honestly reading it!!! Even a simple "this was good!" Would suffice!!!)

Fun Facts:

Sandstorm, Brackenfur, Cloudpaw and Thornpaw (excluding Tigerclaw, Dustpelt and Longtail) are the only ThunderClan cats to go back for the elders. (Not that others didn't, they just weren't able or had others that need looking after)

Tigerclaw love's his nephew!

Who lives, who does, who tells your story? Yep, I'm leaving who lives or not during the fire ambiguous for now!!! You'll find out by the end of the series!!! (Though Halftail and Patchpelts death's are still canon!)

Yep, Bluestar is off her rocker and not only is paranoid of possible enemy attacks so she strikes first (this resulting in Whitethroat's death) she is also sacrificing her own Clanmates like pawns on a chessboard!!! (Gives you a bit of a Brokenstar vibe now doesn't it?)

What had become of Longtail and Dustpelt? You'll have to wait and see!!!