A moon later, Holly had given birth to three newborn kits. She and Jagged Peak had named them Dew Nose, Storm Pelt and Eagle Feather. Storm Pelt looked just like his father.

As Fire Heart went to sleep that night he didn't dream a thing, which he was grateful of for once. Ever since he joined the Clans, he'd had weird vision-like dreams as if he were a medicine cat. Ancient ancestors would come to him and warn him of something. Like of Brokenstar, of WindClan's trouble, of One Eye.

He'd never shared any of them in case his clanmates thought he was weird, but he did his best to be ready for the troubles to hit.

He awoke at dawn to a weird scent though. Beside him, Jackdaw's Cry looked panicked and yowled, "Fire Heart, there's a FIRE outside! C'mon, get up!"

He stumbled to his paws and his ghostly friend vanished. "FIRE!" He howled and shoved Jagged Peak and Raven Hope before doing the same to Thunder and Lightning Tail who all slept around him.

But Thorn was outside first. Jagged Peak shoved past and raced to the nursery closely followed by Gorse Fur. From the apprentices den, Sparrow Fur and Cloud Tail jumped out, pelts bushed while Owl Eyes nudged Birch and Alder, who looked around terrified.

Skystar was racing across to the accumulating crowd. "Help the queens and kits! Apprentices, stick with your mentors or any warrior! Follow me and don't lose sight of your denmates!"

Fire Heart felt relieved at how quickly and orderly Skystar was being. Everyone was a bit less frantic at his order and organized themselves before filing out.

Fire Heart stopped and looked around for all his clanmates. The apprentices were clustered around Yellowfang, Cinder Flower and Raven Hope were beside Thunder, Lightning Tail and their sisters, Gorse Fur held Dust Muzzle as he strode by Wind Runner who held Moth Flight. Thorn and Dew held Ember Claw and Morning Whisker.

Holly had Dew Nose while Jagged Peak carried Storm Pelt. Gray Wing was behind with Eagle Feather. Leaf and Petal hurried behind them, making sure a kit wasn't accidentally dropped.

Dappled Pelt and Cloud Spots walked together holding a bundle of herbs in case there were emergency injuries once they got to safety. Quick Water, Nettle and Air Leap brought up the rear with Mouse Ear and Mud Paws.

Fire Heart sighed in relief that all his clanmates were accounted for. At least Tall Shadow and Pebble Heart will be safe in ShadowClan.

Gray Wing was starting to cough roughly and dropped Eagle Feather, who squeaked in protest and mewled in hunger. Born only a few hours ago, and this was what he and his littermates had to endure.

Fire Heart slipped over and dipped his head to his former mentor before picking up the little brown tom-kit while Quick Water nudged Gray Wing to his paws, letting him lean on her.

"We're heading to the river, but we'll have to cross through ThunderClan territory first!" Skystar yowled over the roar of the fire.

Fire Heart heard his clanmates hiss or grumble and he felt the same, but it was either that or be burned alive.

Jagged Peak trotted up to his side with Storm Pelt, who was hanging limp and quiet. "He's asleep," Jagged Peak murmured to his friend around the kit's scruff.

Fire Heart's heart ached with sympathy. He could see Cloud Tail in front of him, stumbling alongside his denmates.

It seems the bad luck never stops…

"Yeah, but don't worry Fire Heart, you'll pull through!"

Fire Heart looked around, but couldn't see Jackdaw's Cry. Instead his gaze caught Lightning Tail's. He wondered if the young warrior ever heard his parents' voices talking to him.

Or maybe because I'm special? I do have medicine cat-like dreams, after all.

In ThunderClan's forest, the fire was just as bad. The SkyClan cats tensed as they spotted the other forest Clan, picking their way towards them.

"Oh, no," Raven Hope whispered, looking nervous.

Skystar shook his head. "I'm not afraid of them!"

Gray Wing looked at Cinder Flower and Raven Hope. "You two head to the river and ask RiverClan if we can stay with them, okay?"

The two cats nodded, although Cinder Flower looked towards the ThunderClan cats with forlorn before she sped after her uncle.

"I'm pretty sure they know Raven Hope is alive," Leaf muttered.

"Still. Best not to cause drama," Fire Heart meowed. "Now let's go." Leaf nodded and Fire Heart was surprised he had listened to a younger cat.

"What're you doing here?" Thistlestar had reached them as his Clan struggled after him. He looked behind them and mockingly meowed, "aw, is your side on fire too?"

"What does it look like, mouse-brain?" Air Leap grumbled. Thankfully Thistlestar didn't hear. They needed to avoid as much trouble as possible if they wanted to get out alive.

"Yes," Skystar meowed with indifference and Fire Heart inwardly smirked at Thistlestar's annoyed look.

The ThunderClan leader turned to his Clan and yowled, "is everyone here?!"

"No, Patchpelt and Halftail are missing!" Fernpaw nervously meowed.

"And Bramblekit!" Goldenflower wailed.

Thistlestar nodded at Tigerclaw, who quickly raced back towards the fire while Goldenflower watched her mate go, pulling her other kit closer. Willowpelt had three kits at her paws and Speckletail had an overgrown kit next to her.

They have just as many young cats as us.

"We should keep going," Fire Heart murmured around Eagle Feather's scruff to Skystar. "It isn't good for the young cats…" He lowered his voice. "And Gray Wing."

Skystar nodded and moved on. The ThunderClan cats kept their distance but headed in the same direction.

Fire Heart caught Graystripe's eye and the gray warrior hesitantly nodded at him as if in greeting. He returned the nod, stiffly.

Fire Heart wished he had been paying more attention to his own clanmates than old grudges.

Then maybe he would have noticed they were two cats shorter than before.

Thunder kept glancing back as they left towards the river. How would Tigerclaw get all three cats to safety? Halftail and Patchpelt had always been kind to him when he took care of them moons ago and he may have not known Bramblekit, but he was a kit and this whole thing must be terrifying for him!

He glanced around. No one was looking. He backed away casually and raced towards where he knew ThunderClan's camp was.

"Thunder!"

Whoops, maybe he hadn't been as subtle as he thought. He turned to see Yellowfang storming after him. "What're you doing? Back to the Clan!"

"I have to help!" He pleaded.

Yellowfang closed her eyes and heaved a deep sigh. "I don't understand how you still care after all this time…"

"Well," Thunder began, knowing they shouldn't just be sitting around talking in the middle of a FIRE but he had to say it. "How come cats listened to Brokenstar?"

Yellowfang stiffened before she sighed and meowed, "fear. And he convinced them all what they did was right and was good for ShadowClan to survive."

"Exactly. So I mean…isn't that like ThunderClan now…with Thistlestar?"

Yellowfang gave him a look. "Well, haven't you analyzed them well, but yeah, I kinda see it now. StarClan will honor your determination to help others, Thunder. May you keep doing it for the rest of your life."

Thunder felt a little unsettled by her words because it was how Hawk Swoop had talked to him before the battle. Like she knew she wouldn't be around for long and should pass her wisdom and encouragement on.

"So…you won't stop me?"

Yellowfang chuckled. "Like you'd listen. How many times have you, Lightning Tail, Ash Blaze, Owl Eyes, and his siblings rebelled against Skystar?"

Thunder smiled gratefully and the two cats turned swiftly, and raced side-by-side to their enemy's camp.

Just when Gray Wing believed the worst of it was over like his coughing problems, a big tree branch came down on Petal.

"No!" Alder raced over with Birch. Leaf and Owl Eyes were quick to roll the branch off, but it was obviously over for the yellow tabby.

Birch sobbed.

Gray Wing felt a heavy weight in his chest as Leaf dragged her along. Skystar though had stopped as if he noticed something. "Where are Thunder and Yellowfang?"

What did we do to deserve this, ancestors?

Yellowfang was gasping for breath as she struggled down the ravine after Thunder. The smoke had filled the air, making it almost impossible to breathe. Bright flames danced all around.

In the clearing, one den was barely visible through the smoke.

"That's the elders' den," Thunder meowed, "and…oh, no."

Yellowfang could see what had him down. Halftail slumped just outside. Patchpelt lay beside him as if he had been desperately trying to drag his friend across the clearing.

Yellowfang rushed past him and grabbed Halftail, heaving him toward the camp entrance.

"Thunder!" she growled. "Don't just stand there! Get the other one!"

Thunder raced to her side and gripped the black and white tom. "Where's Bramblekit?" He asked.

"Maybe Tigerclaw got to him already." Yellowfang grunted with effort. "Thunder, hurry to the top of the ravine. Set Patchpelt down somewhere safe and come help me with Halftail. He's too heavy."

Thunder hesitated as if he didn't want to leave her before he nodded and hurriedly dragged the elder he had away.

Just as Yellowfang thought she would make it (she already knew Halftail was dead but the respected elder deserved better than to just be abandoned…by his clanmates no less!) a tree fell in her path.

Her legs wobbled and she dragged Halftail towards Spottedleaf's den which had a rock cave. Maybe they'd be safe from the fire there.

As she lay in the Spottedleaf's clearing, smoke filling her lungs and making her eyes and nose stream, she held on… she held onto life until Fire Heart came looking for her like she knew he would.

I just need to talk to him…before it's too late.

Shattered Ice raced towards the river as the ThunderClan and SkyClan cats hesitated at the edge. Cinder Flower had come high-tailing it into their camp yowling about needing help and shelter.

Many warriors had been unhappy about the awakening but as soon as Shattered Ice raced out they followed. He grinned at the fact that their respect and admiration of him motivated them to do what they didn't want to.

"Help the SkyClan cats!" He yowled. Leopardfur looked slightly miffed at his leadership.

"What about ThunderClan?" Voleclaw asked.

"Yeaahh…if we have time," Shattered Ice meowed before charging forwards to help.

Skystar and Dappled Pelt immediately launched themselves in and swam across with confidence. The tortoiseshell had her head up to keep the herbs she had safe. Shattered Ice greeted her with a nose bump.

Gray Wing and Cloud Spots had managed to help each other to the other side, the former breathing hard and Shattered Ice became concerned.

Quick Water, of course, was hesitating at the edge next to Acorn Fur.

Shattered Ice noticed Leaf dragging a body. Petal's body. He swallowed hard and swam over to help.

"Help!"

Birch was struggling through the water.

Fire Heart had reached the other side along with Cloud Tail, Owl Eyes and Sparrow Fur. Alder had been helped over by Mouse Ear and the kits and queens were safe and sound.

Quick Water…was still hesitating while Acorn Fur prepared herself to jump in. Lightning Tail paced nervously nearby.

His best friend and former mentor were missing, after all.

Fire Heart tried not to think that anything bad had happened. After all, Tigerclaw had reappeared with his son but there was no sign of them. Where had they gone?

Why do I have a feeling Thunder tried to Help them? And Yellowfang wouldn't do anything for ThunderClan but she was protective of her adoptive clanmates.

Fire Heart poised to help Birch when a dark blur passed him. "Don't worry, little she-cat! I'll save you!" Loudbelly proclaimed.

"What?" Birch spluttered.

Acorn Fur finally jumped in and started paddling awkwardly toward the other side before being shoved over by Darkstripe.

"Move it, loser!"

Fire Heart panicked when the she-cat went under. I have to save her! I promised Jackdaw's Cry I'd keep them safe!

He jumped in and went under, grabbing Acorn Fur's scruff. It was too much weight and he couldn't even swim well. They sank down.

Suddenly, Fire Heart felt teeth grip his scruff and he and the medicine cat apprentice were yanked onto the shore.

"Are you okay?" Leopardfur muttered, looking down at him. As a response, he coughed water in her face. The deputy grimaced and moved away. "Right."

Graystripe jumped in and swam clumsily across before he dragged himself out.

"Wow, you swim like a RiverClan cat," a soft voice meowed.

He turned to see the warrior, Silverstream and ducked his head embarrassed. He'd always seen her at Gatherings but never thought much of it.

She was beautiful.

Before he could come up with a clever reply, Swiftclaw and Dustpelt jumped out of the water at the same time and crashed into him, making them all tumble into a pile on the ground.

Graystripe shoved them off, embarrassed, and ignoring Dustpelt's knowing smirk. Looking around, he could see most of the two forest Clans over on the safe side.

Well, Mousefur and Mossflower were still in the middle of the river, helping a complaining Smallear. Air Leap was trying to coax Quick Water to hurry up.

He watched Shattered Ice jump in, swim to the other side, grab Quick Water, and drag the screaming warrior to the other side.

Air Leap rolled his eyes and followed.

Good. We're all here.

"Patchpelt and Halftail are still back there!" One-eye wailed.

"We have to find Yellowfang and Thunder!" Fire Heart insisted to his leader, who looked like he agreed, but knew it was risky.

Okay, not everyone's here… he turned towards the burning woods. Please be alright, Thunder.

"Woah, what happened?" A brown and ginger apprentice inquired as the cats all grouped into RiverClan's camp.

"Go to sleep, Robinpaw," Shattered Ice meowed. "I'll tell you in the morning." The apprentice looked disappointed but obeyed.

Crookedstar padded over and to Graystripe's surprise, the rogue River Ripple was behind him.

"Ah, so is everyone sleeping over here now?" He heard Gorse Fur meow amusement in his voice as he gazed at his old friend.

Skystar padded over to meet him and they talked in hushed voices. Thistlestar reluctantly joined them.

Holly's kits were crying more than any of the other kits and Mudfur rushed over while the rest of the Clan glanced between the two forest Clans as if expecting drama.

"I hope Crookedstar lets them stay," he heard Mosspelt murmur to Softwing. "Those SkyClan kits there barely have their eyes open!"

A white kit and a gray tabby one skipped about as if nothing was wrong. Graystripe guessed they were Wind Runner's.

"Where are Raven Hope and Cinder Flower?" Graystripe pricked his ears at Fire Heart's voice. He was talking with Jagged Peak.

"At River Ripple's camp," the gray tabby answered. "They'll be safe there."

The ginger tom nodded.

So Dustpelt and I weren't just seeing things. At the battle with the rogues he'd seen Raven Hope. And so had Dustpelt and Brindleface but no one else had caught a glance of him.

And Graystripe had seen a glance of Cinderpaw too but he thought it had been his imagination.

And when Tigerclaw told Thistlestar at that one Gathering during the floods I only thought he wanted to cause more drama with SkyClan by saying they had the ShadowClan spy.

Of course, he and Dustpelt hadn't said a word and Brindleface hadn't either, but how long would they stay in hiding?

As he curled up by Dustpelt and Swiftclaw, Graystripe caught a glance of Lightning Tail and Fire Heart whispering and looking out into the woods waiting for their missing clanmates while Skystar and Gray Wing worriedly paced. Until hacking, caused Gray Wing to pause.

Please StarClan…spare them.

Sorry for Petal's abrupt death, but she was supposed to die in this book from sickness. Sure I could have kept her alive, but in DoTC, being an orphan is how most cats grow into themselves nowadays.

Plus, I just didn't have any roles for her and she would've just continued being one of the background characters.