A/N - Fireheart goes out and adds more scars to his collection oh nooo DDD:

Of course, there's the usual reminder: I don't actually hate Fireheart at all; he's my favorite character; I like a good man in the hole story arc; please no bully or I get depress-y; remember the more crap he deals with makes him more badass in the end okay cool ayadayadayay.

That being said, I hope you all enjoy! :3

Disclaimer: Warriors is owned by Erin Hunter/HarperCollins Publishers LLC

…

The Will of a Warrior

…

As he hit the ground, Fireheart grunted in pain. The ginger tom struggled to look up, clutching the side of his face where he'd been struck.

Tigerstar could be seen licking his blood-stained claws, all the while glaring down at him.

"To think I was worried you'd get in my way," he grumbled.

Fireheart merely gave him a weak hiss. The tabby's eyes twinkled with delight before he pressed down into Fireheart's side, causing him to growl again in pain.

"Did you notice how I didn't even have to say a word?" Tigerstar quipped. "The clan is uninterested in your pleas. Your incessant prattling only adds to your already pathetic image."

"Do you think I care about some image?" Firehheart spat back, full of venom. Tigerstar just scoffed, eyeing the scars on the ginger tom's face.

"It sure seems like it, kittypet."

He suddenly bent over, roughly grabbing the smaller tom by his scruff before dragging him deeper into the leader's den. Fireheart hissed in defiance before Tigerstar's massive paw suddenly pushed his face into the ground.

"Smell familiar?"

Fireheart gritted his teeth, almost missing what he said. But one deep whiff of the ground beneath his muzzle made his breath catch in his throat.

"That was the same spot where her blood was spilled," Tigerstar finished, letting every word sink in.

Fireheart widened his eyes, taking another whiff - ignoring the tabby as he pressed down on him. The scent was faint and old, but it was there. Fireheart could never forget it; it was the stench that made him hesitant to bite into a bloody piece of fresh-kill. Tigerstar holding him down, in this particular spot, brought back the awful memories of that night.

"Believe it or not, I never hated her."

Fireheart looked up, blinking slowly as saw Tigerstar's blank expression.

"Had things gone a little different, there may never have been the need to get rid of her… but then she brought in kittypets, began following her heart instead of her mind, and well-"

Tigerstar pressed further into his skull.

"I believe we've discussed this before, have we not?"

Fireheart fidgeted, giving him a small hiss to hide his pain.

"She was a better leader… than you could ever dream of being!"

Tigerstar said nothing at first, only frowning. He leaned closer to his ear, pressing down further as a result - making Fireheart wince with pain.

"You have no idea what kind of leader she even was," he said with a low growl. "You've been here for two seasons, which coincidentally, have been nothing but a struggle. All I have done has helped ThunderClan for the better, meanwhile, you've been nothing but a thorn in my side."

"Good," Fireheart spat in retort. "You're full of lies. You're nothing but a cold-blooded killer who only cares about power and control."

The ginger tom was glaring at him, but Tigerstar only seemed to be fighting back laughter.

"Adorable," he simply stated before turning serious. He shoved his muzzle into his ear, whispering quietly.

"Just face it. No matter how much you get in my way. No matter how much you know. You have no hope, and you never will."

He pulled away from Fireheart's face, growling.

"But... I digress; I'm just playing with my food at this point."

He stepped away from Fireheart, looking thoughtful as he watched the ginger tom slowly stand up.

"Hmm, however, I can't just let your little outburst go unpunished, can I?"

Fireheart raised his head slightly as he leaned on one paw. He curled his lip, looking at Tigerstar with a mixture of unease and curiosity while his entire body radiated with pain.

"Tomorrow you will attend apprentice training with Darkstripe. Afterward, he will have ensured that you do not make the mistake of crossing me again."

Fireheart widened his eyes, feeling his fur prickle with anger at the mention of Darkstripe. Tigerstar only seemed amused, though, as the ginger tom slouched over without a rebuttal.

"So then, traitor… that will be all."

The large tabby's voice was rough and demoralizing. He stood tall above Fireheart, lashing his tail.

"Now get out."

Fireheart stumbled out of the leader's den on wobbly legs, oblivious to where he was going. The meeting was not what he had expected; Tigerstar was much kinder to him than usual. But his 'punishment,' training with apprentices, sounded ominous. Tigerstar wasn't one to hold back, so what was the big deal about apprentice training?

Fireheart kept his head down as he limped away, biting back the pain in his sides with a growl. He needed to get out of the clearing, the staring would surely do nothing but demoralize him at this point.

Hearing a familiar grunt made him lift his head, however. He spotted Whitestorm and Yellowfang a few paces away, looking at him worriedly. Yellowfang narrowed her eyes before stalking over to him.

Fireheart's breath caught in his throat when she came to his side, still torn from her actions earlier. He winced in pain as she nosed a few claw marks on his flank, causing the old she-cat to grumble.

"Hmph. Figures," she snorted, bumping her head against his side. "Well, then. Into the den, you go."

Fireheart couldn't muster the strength to argue, much less think why he'd even contest her in the first place. He wanted nothing more than to be alone at the moment. As he stood up, Whitestorm's distressed mewls reached his ears.

"I knew he would take things too far again. First RiverClan, now this?" Fireheart watched as the senior warrior sighed, shaking his head. "If any other cat spoke out against such a divisive idea..."

"I doubt that would've changed much, Whitestorm," Yellowfang interjected. "Besides, Fireheart here brought it upon himself."

Whitestorm looked at her with surprise. "But, Yellowfang-"

"No, she's right."

Fireheart lowered his head as they both turned to look at him, refusing to return their stares. His gaze was fixed on the ground, seemingly on nothing.

"I lashed out… just as he hoped I would." His voice was harsh as if scolding himself, and a moment passed with nothing but silence. Whitestorm, after a while, simply shook his head.

"I'm sorry- I must speak with him now. This… so-called alliance still has me skeptical."

Fireheart lifted his head as the older tom made for the leader's den. The white warrior stopped, turning around quickly.

"Good day, you two."

With that, he soon vanished into the den - where Tigerstar still was. Fireheart looked towards its entrance with interest after he'd left.

If Whitestorm doesn't like the idea of an alliance, then surely most others don't as well. He bit back a growl. So, he should've spoken up! Why was I all alone telling Tigerstar off?

Fireheart suddenly heard someone's throat being cleared. Yellowfang had been staring at him expectantly, he realized. She raised her tail, pointing towards the medicine den with a frown. The ginger tom was stumped for a moment before the pain in his sides flushed away his ignorance.

Ah… right. Back to the medicine den.

Limping a bit faster than before, Fireheart made for the den. He could hear Yellowfang behind him, nudging at him whenever he slowed down even slightly.

He grew anxious quite quickly at her presence. Fireheart knew the old she-cat was angry - he just could tell. But she didn't act like it, and that worried him more than if she was yelling directly into his face.

"Yellowfang?" Fireheart spoke as they walked. There was no response, only elevating his fear. "Please say something."

Another moment passed, and he thought she would ignore him yet again until suddenly, he heard a long sigh.

"What's there to say?" she grunted.

Fireheart flashed her a look, desperate for her to explain herself. Yellowfang released another tired sigh.

"Hold on…" she mumbled.

Fireheart blinked, but he understood. Whatever they were going to talk about, they should probably keep it for the medicine den.

Fireheart sagged as they approached the lichen walls. He was exhausted from today, and the warm, familiar floor of the den enticed him to rest as soon as he entered. He dropped to the floor with a sigh as Yellowfang came up beside him.

He looked over, noticing a few dock leaves at the she-cat's paws. Yellowfang was staring at them as if she was deep in thought.

"You know, I've been trying to help you the best I can, Fireheart," she began. "I've healed your wounds, and defended your name - all while Tigerstar looks over my shoulder, making my normal work needlessly more stressful."

A glare was suddenly sent his way, making the tom recoil slightly.

"And if all that wasn't enough, you just up and leave me one night."

Fireheart lowered his head, sensing the hurt in her voice. He shook his head, suddenly feeling overwhelming guilt.

"I-I shouldn't have done that." He quickly stammered. "I just– I was worried about hurting you. I mean… I've just been a thorn in your side all this time, haven't I?"

He looked at her, pleading for her to understand, but she said nothing, giving him an expressionless look as if his explanation didn't even deserve to be acknowledged.

Fireheart struggled to speak under her stare.

"E-everyone doesn't trust you because of me, isn't that it? Tigerstar's been hiding things from you, and I know everyone here still relates you to ShadowClan… so I thought it best to put some distance between us."

An uncomfortable moment of silence passed. Fireheart couldn't look at Yellowfang - it was awkward enough just speaking to her about this.

Before long though, he heard something that surprised him: A rough chuckle came from the older she-cat.

"Absolute beetlebrain."

Fireheart widened his eyes as he whipped his head around, meeting her now slightly warmer gaze.

"You're still as delusional as ever—thinking I can't take a few dirty looks if I'm seen near you," she mumbled. "I thought you merely wanted space these past few days because you were embarrassed by your scars, but I guess that idea's just been splattered all over the Thunderpath."

Fireheart tilted his head as she continued.

"My life's calling is to help my clanmates, whether they want it or not. I'm loyal to ThunderClan, so I'm loyal to you as much as I am Tigerstar's lot." Her gaze slowly turned more serious. "You don't need to feel sorry for being a bother. I want to help you, so don't go wandering off in the middle of the night from now on, ya hear?"

Fireheart looked at her for a moment, befuddled. However, he felt a little better when he realized she was no longer angry. He smirked, averting his gaze.

"Yes, Yellowfang," he replied, sounding relieved. The moment was short-lived, however, as Fireheart eventually grew concerned again. "But then… How come you stopped me? We could've spoken out against Tigerstar together."

Yellowfang rolled her eyes.

"Trust me, the last thing anyone wants to do is listen to some loud, blubbering fool–especially when they already have a bad reputation. There was nothing I could've done aside from ensuring you didn't dig yourself into a deeper hole."

Fireheart said nothing, slowly nodding.

…I see. Now it makes sense. He thought. I wasn't thinking too clearly about the situation at the time, I suppose.

Yellowfang spoke again, "And besides, I still have no proof that Tigerstar's done anything you say he has." She wore a frown. "Not like I doubt your claims, though… He hides many things from me, and after learning he's been conspiring with my old clanmates this past moon, I can see why."

Fireheart nodded again, noting the slight edge to her voice. Neither of them expected to see Brokentail's rogues ever again, least of all alongside Tigerstar, but they should've known to expect the worst at this point.

"Yeah, it makes sense," Fireheart agreed. "Sorry. I guess I expect too much from the few cats I call my friends."

Yellowfang sniffed before leaning down to finally start chewing the dock leaves at her paws. She raised her chin at him - the leaves now in her mouth.

"Yes, well-" She spoke whilst chewing. "Just be more careful from now on-... Control that temper of yours-"

She spat the poultice onto her paws, preparing to dress his wounds. Sniffing, she looked at him again.

"Because believe me, your actions can do more harm than you may realize, Fireheart."

The day had come and gone rather quickly.

After Yellowfang had treated the minor wounds caused by Tigerstar, Fireheart found contentment in simply resting. For the rest of that day, he had been plagued by the fear that something worse was in store for him.

'Tomorrow, you will attend apprentice training with Darkstripe.'

Was that all his punishment was? While being anywhere near Darkstripe was a punishment he'd wish upon nobody, there had to be something more to it. What could Tigerstar's plan possibly be?

Even now, as he followed behind a patrol of apprentices and their mentors, such thoughts still pervaded Fireheart's mind.

It was midday. The sun beat down on them as they navigated their way through the forest; the wind swept through the trees as the birds sang; the grass swayed gently as frightened prey skipped away through it. The usual.

Judging by the area, Fireheart knew they were traveling towards the Sandy Hollow, though that much was evident given he'd been assigned to 'train with the apprentices'.

Darkstripe was leading them, suspiciously whispering to Fernpaw and the other mentors just out of his earshot. Fireheart believed he just didn't want him to listen in out of spite, but there was also Sandstorm, who had come along yet again despite not having an apprentice of her own.

She was close behind Darkstripe, with one or two apprentices pestering her with questions about fighting and the like. He assumed she was only here because the apprentices wanted her to come, or because she forced Darkstripe to take her along because she didn't like his training methods. Either option sounded plausible, but he lacked the confidence to ask.

"The apprentices are sparing against each other today, you know–with their claws sheathed this time, thankfully."

Fireheart jolted as Whitestorm came to his side. He did not even notice the older tom slowing down to fall behind the main group. Whitestorm gazed at him kindly, without a hint of aggression, unlike Longtail or some other if they'd fallen back to talk.

Fireheart gave him his attention as he went on.

"I haven't the faintest as to why Tigerstar wanted you to come. Perhaps he just wanted to mock you with your… unfortunate history with mentoring. That sounds like a punishment he'd create."

Fireheart only grunted his agreement, turning to look ahead. "It's likely. He would do anything to put me down."

"Indeed," Whitestorm said, before hushing his voice. "Hey… Tell me something."

Fireheart looked back, seeing the tom grow considerably more concerned.

"You seemed so angry and upset yesterday about how none of us took you seriously-" He paused, looking ahead at the patrol, before returning his gaze. "And Tigerstar seemed irritated when I spoke with him afterward. It was as if he was concerned about how much attention you'd gotten."

Fireheart raised his brow at that. He figured that much after his meeting–Tigerstar was a great pretender, but Fireheart knew how to push his buttons. The ThunderClan leader was concerned about how much he knew, despite his efforts to make it seem otherwise.

"I know what Tigerstar has said about you regarding… her death." Fireheart strained his ears as Whitestorm's voice became increasingly faint, obviously not wanting anyone else to hear. "And, it's not that I don't trust him, but-… you were the only other cat in that den."

Fireheart frowned, seeing how Whitestorm's brilliant yellow eyes seemed to grow dark. His voice quivered just a little, like a small kit.

"Just tell me, please- Who really murdered my aunt?"

Fireheart's breath suddenly hitched. His mouth dropped slightly, clearly not expecting that.

So, not all of Tigerstar's 'loyal' warriors believe him, after all?

Before he could answer, however, Whitestorm suddenly shook his head. He looked away, discomfort clear on his face.

"Actually- I'm sorry. Nevermind…" He murmured. "I don't think I will like your answer."

Fireheart said nothing, merely staring at him. He was still processing it. Someone finally asked about that night!

He could tell Whitestorm everything: how Bluestar had been slashed across the throat; how Tigerstar's legacy is stained with bloodshed, starting with Redtail; how Fireheart himself tried to stop him but ended up taking his place in the prisoner's den.

But now, as he thought about it… Whitestorm may have been afraid to hear just that.

Fireheart could tell him the truth, but Whitestorm did not want to hear his side, for he must've already been so confused as it was. And after all, if Fireheart did tell him the truth…

Yes, perhaps he's correct in wanting to stay ignorant. Fireheart thought. I shouldn't tell him yet; he's too important. I can't risk putting him in the type of danger I'm in.

After that, the two warriors strode together in silence. It was not long before the patrol came across the Sandy Hollow.

Fireheart heard Darkstripe as he called the apprentices together, pairing them up for their sparring. Whitestorm beckoned Fireheart to follow, leading him over to where the rest of the mentors had been seated to watch the young warriors in training.

Fireheart lagged behind all of them, staying away and trying not to draw any attention to himself. It was then Whitestorm went ahead, going to share in a hushed conversation with Sandstorm, and leaving the ginger tom more or less by himself.

Fireheart flicked his tail as the apprentices held their sparing, looking around for something to do. He had no interest in watching the apprentices. Tigerstar's brutality was no doubt an influence on them, and he refused to give any interest in it, claw-fighting or not.

Eyes flicking about, he spotted a great number of shrubs and herbs near the edge of the sandy pit.

He smiled at them. Ah, broom… I didn't even know it grew here before.

It was thanks to Yellowfang that he could recognize anything like these herbs. It was just one of the many things he had to thank her for, and why he didn't want anything bad to happen to her.

He didn't like lying to her about his dreams, but the entity seemed unpredictable while she and Whitestorm both were too important to endanger.

He sighed. This is just how things have to be… for now.

"Swiftpaw, that was great!"

Fireheart twisted his ears around at a certain voice.

Looking over, he could see Longtail cheering on his star-studded apprentice Swiftpaw, who was standing triumphantly above Fernpaw.

He turned to Sandstorm. "And not a single thorn in sight."

Sandstorm gave him a look before shrugging.

"As it should be. We're training in the right place this time, after all."

A single grunt cut them off before they could continue. Fireheart looked over, seeing Darkstripe was frowning. Hastily, the deputy turned back to the apprentices with a faux grin.

"That was rather… impressive, Swiftpaw. You may just become the best fighter among us," he told the apprentice, who in turn raised his head proudly.

Empty words. Fireheart grumbled with disgust. Yet Swiftpaw still cherished the deputy's praise all the same.

Darkstripe's face then grew serious, and his attention suddenly shifted to the entire group.

"Anyway, now I believe it's time to introduce a new method of training."

Everyone noticed his shift in tone. Fireheart watched the apprentices scramble off each other, rushing to sit at attention. Darkstripe scanned them briefly before turning his gaze to Fireheart.

"You."

Fireheart reeled back, hearing his name and seeing the tabby glaring at him.

"Me?" he blurted aloud. Darkstripe only scowled, flicking his tail.

"Get over here, kittypet."

Taken aback by such a commanding tone unbefitting of the tom, Fireheart reluctantly obeyed. He slowly stood up, navigating through the patrol of cats awkwardly before coming to sit near Darkstripe.

The dark tabby only frowned at him, before facing the equally-confused apprentices.

"Now, I'm sure you've all been introduced to this piece of work at some point." The deputy lashed his tail towards Fireheart once again. "And if not, well… I suppose yesterday was a perfect introduction as to what kind of cat they are."

Fireheart narrowed his eyes, seeing how the apprentices looked on with interest toward him. Darkstripe stood up, beginning to pace in front of them.

"Crazed, belligerent, and a threat to our well-being," he continued. "Not so different from a rabid dog that Twolegs have caged up for good, lest one of their kind becomes their next meal."

Darkstripe stopped in front of them, ensuring he was the center of attention. His yellow eyes shone with pleasure as he continued to berate ThunderClan's prisoner.

"That's what we have here." He stated. "And just like with a rabid dog, when they get a little too-… rowdy for their own good, they need a little sense knocked into them. Put them in their place, so to speak."

"Darkstripe." Whitestorm's stern voice could be heard.

"To punish them for misbehaving-" Darkstripe ignored his companion. "It is our responsibility!"

Fireheart growled. He thinks he's the next Tigerstar, doesn't he?

The ginger tom that sat before them all had to be the least of their concerns - he didn't want to hurt any of them, despite any actions that may have proved otherwise.

Nonetheless, Darkstripe's babbling had to have worked, because nearly all of them were looking at Fireheart with malicious frowns right now. A grin snuck across the dark tabby's face, seeing all of their expressions.

"With that being said, who will be first?"

Fireheart lowered his head, feeling a mix of confusion and worry. First?

"What are you saying, Darkstripe?" came the voice of Swiftpaw.

Fireheart turned to see the eldest apprentice scowling at him, shuffling his paws into the dirt as if eager to pounce.

Fireheart pinned his ears back. Wait, don't tell me-

"Before you stands the cat who murdered your clan leader," Darkstripe exclaimed abruptly, stalking toward Swiftpaw, passing the other apprentices. His eyes shone brightly as he gazed at him.

"Now, let's just say his eyes have turned to your kin-" He tilted his head towards Fireheart slightly.

Fireheart felt his breath get caught in his throat as he saw Swiftpaw twitch.

No- that's not-... they wouldn't!

Fireheart could see the apprentice's eyes darken before crouching into an aggressive stance. The confused, half-starved ginger tom took a step back, gazing at him in a stupor.

Darkstripe took a small step back as well but still leaned toward the apprentice.

"All of your training has been for this - to protect your clan and your kin. This cat has threatened both of those things, and he won't stop unless you convince him to."

Fireheart swore he saw a bit of glee just then in Darkstripe's eyes. A moment of tense silence passed before the deputy continued.

"So, then… What are you going to do about it, Swiftpaw?"

…Handle it alone…

Fireheart grunted in pain as his body was thrown into the sand. No time could be spent to recover, as sharp fangs quickly bit into his scruff. Fireheart hissed briefly, before being tossed around yet again.

Whenever he tried to regain his bearings, Swiftpaw would come at him again, seeming quicker each time. Their name was not given carelessly; Fireheart couldn't even react to their jabs and swipes as the apprentice beat him down.

Swiftpaw had finally gone to stand atop him, panting after shoving the frail tom into the sand for the umpteenth time. His teeth were bared, and there were small streaks of Fireheart's blood all over his face.

He turned around to see the rest of the apprentices huddled close together, staring in awe and intrigue - Darkstripe off to the side, proudly smiling.

"What are you all standing around for?" he snarled. "Do you expect your clanmate to take on such a threat on his own?"

"I'm… no threat."

Fireheart could barely speak after getting the wind knocked out of him. It may have sounded a bit more pathetic than he'd intended, but nevertheless, his small plea seemed to have no effect.

"You all! Do I have to do everything myself?!"

Fireheart winced in pain as Swiftpaw stomped into his tail, lashing his own in frustration.

"Where's your courage? Your honor to your clan? This cat is a threat to our friends and kin!" He yowled, scolding his peers profusely. "He hates us. He would kill us in a heartbeat if he could, just like he did to Bluestar!"

"N-No!" Fireheart quickly stammered. "You're wrong!"

But the apprentices only listened to their clanmate. New, invigorated looks appeared on their faces at the mention of their past leader.

Swiftpaw snickered, letting Fireheart up roughly.

In a daze, the ginger tom stood up growling before hearing pawsteps rush toward him. When he looked up, he only saw a flash of Thornpaw's outstretched limp before careening back with a hiss, feeling claws against his muzzle.

"That's right!" Fireheart heard him yowl angrily. "You fought with me - trying to protect Bluestar from Brokentail's rogues. But, it was all a fake, wasn't it?!"

Fireheart shook his head. No- they're just… confused.

"Thornpaw-" Fireheart was cut off, hissing when he suddenly felt a pain in his side. He stumbled over, feeling the blood dripping from his stained fur. Lifting his head, he saw Fernpaw snarling at him with his blood on her claws.

"Bluestar was our family!" She exclaimed. "And you-... you took her too soon! I hardly got to know her!"

Fireheart hissed as she swiped at him again, only to back into Thornpaw as the apprentice was rearing up to pounce. The young molly turned her head, seeing her brother off to the side with Brightpaw, looking on with wonder.

"Come on, Ashpaw!"

Her brother was startled, sharing a glance with the molly beside him before excitedly padding over to her.

Fireheart growled as he felt more slashes at the tail-end of his body, courtesy of Thornpaw. He couldn't get away - he was trapped by all of the apprentices surrounding him, and he was too weakened to even move.

He felt his heart drop as Swiftpaw suddenly rushed forward, biting his scruff and shoving him into the sand again. It seemed to be his favorite move, as the young tom looked exhilarated, placing a paw over him again.

"Hah, this is so… oddly fulfilling," he said, eyeing a beaten Fireheart underneath him.

He flicked his ears, noticing someone was not present with them. With a small huff, he threw his head back behind him.

"Brightpaw, get over here!"

Fireheart's eyes flickered open, looking over to the last apprentice, realizing she hadn't been participating at all. His heart fluttered the tiniest bit, seeing she had a reluctant look on her face.

She looked away as their attention was suddenly drawn to her.

"I'm tired…" Was all she replied with.

"Do it."

Brightpaw perked up, quickly turning to see Darkstripe, staring right back at her. The tabby suddenly lifted himself from his place, slowly padding over to her.

"Are you going to be the only one who abandons their clanmates?"

Fireheart could see her wince. He strained his neck trying to lift his head.

Don't listen… Brightpaw. He tried to speak, but his voice had failed him. Although, he doubted a single mewl could escape him in his current state.

Darkstripe was mere mouselengths from her now. Brightpaw looked frightened, taking a few steps back.

"Will you be an outcast, just like him?"

Fireheart's breath caught in his throat as Darkstripe pushed her towards him.

When the time comes… you will see.

The entity's voice echoed through his mind. Fireheart clenched his muscles, feeling his breathing quiver. No. I'm not-…

He flashed another glance towards the mottled apprentice, feeling his consciousness fading, as it always would when he lost this much blood.

He could hear the murmurings between the other apprentices - they were wondering why Brightpaw seemed hesitant. If Fireheart was stronger, he could probably hear the mentors sitting off to the side as well. They all seemed so distant… Whitestorm, Sandstorm, even Longtail, and the other mentors.

Were they going to be just like Yellowfang? Would they help him at all, or was there simply nothing they could do?

Fireheart grit his teeth, realizing Darkstripe had the young molly practically backing into him.

Brightpaw! He shouted in his mind.

As soon as Brightpaw's leg made contact, she jumped. Whipping around, she was met with his bloodied form laying on the ground, looking up at her weakly.

"He deserves it." Darkstripe's voice made her ears perk. "Don't feel sorry for such a miserable sack of fur. He held nothing back against Bluestar, remember?"

Brightpaw didn't look at him, pinning her ears as she clenched her eyes shut. She released a distressed growl - as if she'd been making a decision that tore her apart. Fireheart watched as her eyes opened, glancing toward him. However, she could not stand his gaze for more than a heartbeat.

You want this to be done the hard way, remember?

Looking away with a sigh, she suddenly raised her paw. Fireheart narrowed his eyes, seeing a sharpened claw streak toward him.

…

A/N: Aww, kitty's first torture session yayayarayy!~

Who woulda thought using a live sandbag could help cats practice their attacks so well? The yelps of pain are great for stress relief!

…

Okay but really… this maaay be the lowest I portray Fireheart in the arc? Gettin' sacked by apprentices half his age while all the bad guys are havin' a laugh? Sounds about right.

Yeah, I think we may do only a few more of these "getting abused" bits before this arc ends, but iirc Fireheart will take the remaining ones like a champ! (And no, not by going full Joker or anything)

Also, I'm trying to speed up the pacing a bit, so everything might feel more rushed than before. The chapters recently have all been around 5k while during the prelude (ch. 1-8) they were averaging like 8k. Who knows, maybe that's better!... I'm honestly not sure.

Oh, and yes, to reiterate from the last chapter, I am going on vacation for a few weeks. I'll still be writing, but do not expect any more updates for October. November may have at least two, though!