I Saw You Again Today (I had to turn my heart away)

by yeetledee

Crowswoop had been good friends with Frostfang for a long time. He had always been someone Crowswoop looked up to, ever since he was old enough to talk. Crowswoop had nothing but respect for the tom, and would listen to practically anything Frostfang told him. But where would that lead?

They were fighting again.

"You never really cared for me, did you!? You just want to run away with Stormflower!"

Crowswoop growled, "How many times do I have to tell you me and her are friends, Rainleaf! Nothing else! I only have eyes for you."

Crowswoop attempted to bring a paw up to Rainleaf's face, but she quickly batted it away, "Mousedirt! You love her more than me, just admit it! My own sister too, dear StarClan…"

Crowswoop frowned and shook his head. This was not the first time he and Rainleaf had gotten into a misunderstanding. A couple moons ago it was about some WindClan cat named Mothwhisker, and today it was her sister, Stormflower. Rainleaf always found some reason why Crowswoop was cheating on her, or didn't love her, or was only there because he "was stuck with her." At this point it was to be expected and not a single soul around camp watched the fight, knowing exactly how it would go. Rainleaf would storm off and Crowswoop would be left exhausted, planning on what flowers or what prey to get her to make her feel better.

"We've been over this, Rainleaf." Crowswoop mewed, pleading with Rainleaf to start thinking logically.

"And everytime you lie! You're a coward who isn't willing to admit to his crimes! You'd rather prefer my heart get torn open right in front of you! Anything to spare you the embarrassment, right?"

"If I wanted to not be embarrassed I would have asked you if we could take this out of camp." Crowswoop hissed.

Rainleaf's eyes lit up with pure fury at that and she began to sputter, "W-Well you know what!? We. Are. Done! Through! I never want to see you ever again!"

Crowswoop raised a brow, "Kind of hard when we live in the same Clan, don't you think?"

"Shut up!" Rainleaf yowled, already leaving. Her fur resembled that of a porcupine, all the way up and straight. Crowswoop was certain if she were to smack him in the face with her tail he'd get quills stuck in his lip.

Rainleaf stormed out of camp, grumbling curses at herself. In the distance, Crowswoop could hear a frustrated yowl echo through the woods.

Crowswoop sighed and looked around camp. Some cats turned away as he did, going back to their daily chores, pretending as if they didn't see the whole thing. There was a snicker here and there and one of his clanmates, Cardinalheart, let out a cry, "Hey, you guys made it three moons! That's a new record!"

Crowswoop promptly ignored him.

Instead, he made his way to the warriors' den. At the moment, it seemed that place would be the only place where he'd get any kind of piece.

And so, Crowswoop flopped down into a nest, letting out a huff of air that ruffled a few feathers sticking out of the moss nest.

Rainleaf would come back. She always did. It seemed to be an endless cycle between the two. And if she didn't it didn't bother Crowswoop the least. He had loved her very deeply once, but recently he had been having trouble trying to tap into that love again for reasons that he didn't feel needed to be explained. For now, he just wanted to rest. That would help clear his mind.

But as he closed his eyes, a voice sounded behind him, "Evening, Crowswoop."

The gray-and-white tom lifted his head and looked behind him, scrambling to his paws when he saw who it was, "Frostfang! Erm, good evening."

Crowswoop had been good friends with Frostfang for a long time. He had always been someone Crowswoop looked up to, ever since he was old enough to talk. Crowswoop had nothing but respect for the tom, and would listen to practically anything Frostfang told him. Some had teased him for this. Why devote so much time to one cat? Why not spend more time trying to mend his relationship with Rainleaf, or talk to his arrogant and loud brother, Badgerstone? Truth was Crowswoop just preferred Frostfang in every way. He was strong, confident, clever, and not afraid to speak his mind. Sure, maybe he was a bit ambitious and a few of his views on things like the code and StarClan were a bit controversial at best, but that didn't really mean anything at the end of the day, because Frostfang was still one of the best cats out there, and Crowswoop believed that with every fiber of his being.

"You're in my nest." Frostfang stated, glancing down at the moss bed.

Crowswoop looked down for a moment before realizing he was in Frostfang's nest. He hadn't even noticed at first but he should've! Frostfang always had so many feathers in his nest, and Crowswoop's nest was further out and closer to the corner.

Crowswoop quickly got out of Frostfang's nest, crouching down into his own, flustered, "I am beyond sorry, Frostfang. I hadn't realized."

Frostfang smiled and shook his head, a small laugh rumbling in his throat, "No worries, friend. I saw what happened and I can tell you're stressed. If my nest is what brings you comfort then I have no issue with you laying in it for a moment."

Crowswoop blinked, and something seemed to hop around in his chest like an excited bird, "Really? Are you certain?"

"Of course I am. I've never not been certain before. We are friends, after all. That means we're close and share many of the same things, do we not?" Frostfang asked, settling down into the nest that most certainly was his.

Crowswoop nodded and brought a paw up to his muzzle, clearing his throat, "O-of course. I hadn't known that."

"Well now you do." Frostfang mewed, stretching out in his nest. His claws dug into the edge of the moss, gently tearing into the fragile material. Frostfang flopped down onto his side, a small feather flying up a little behind him as he did so, "Speaking of sharing things, I'm curious, what are your views on Mousetail?"

Crowswoop tilted his head. Mousetail was the current deputy of SkyClan, though some would consider him the leader already. Ashstar was so old and any moment now she was going to kick the bucket, leaving Mousetail to take her place. Which wouldn't be awful. Mousetail was level-headed and kind. He'd be a good leader, but Crowswoop didn't feel it'd be right to say that. He knew how… he didn't want to say jealous. Frostfang didn't get jealous, no. Frostfang was… concerned. Yes, that's right. He knew how concerned Frostfang was about Mousetail's position, and what that would mean for the whole of SkyClan. He viewed the tabby as weak and a push-over. Frostfang was certain that with Mousetail's non-confrontational view on life was just giving ThunderClan, their neighboring clan, the opportunity to walk all over them and take what they want.

Frostfang never shared these views in front of Mousetail, or in front of anyone who would tell the deputy. He only ever talked about these concerns with his closest allies, which meant Crowswoop (and he supposed Chestnutfall and Twigtail were also included in "closest allies", but Crowswoop didn't think Frostfang was as close to them as he was to him. No, Crowswoop was… he was important to Frostfang. He knew he was.)

"I think he's hopeful at best." Crowswoop said, sitting down in his nest. He licked his paw and ran it across his whiskers.

"And at worst." Frostfang said with a sigh, "Unfortunately you just can't run a clan on hope. What a clan needs is a dedicated leader who is certain about what they're doing and never backs down from a challenge. Someone who will be a prime example of what everything SkyClan stands for."

"Like yourself." Crowswoop stated, smiling.

Frostfang paused and glanced at Crowswoop before a small grin spread across his muzzle, "Oh Crowswoop, please. You're going to make my head grow bigger than the trees in these woods! I am nothing but humble, you know this."

"Of course, Frostfang. I just thought… well I think you'd make a fantastic leader for SkyClan. You do, after all, always have it's best intentions at heart, right?" Crowswoop mewed quickly. He hadn't offended Frostfang had he? He thought if anything what he had said was flattering, but perhaps he overstepped his boundaries…

"I do, and you're not wrong. I think I'd lead this clan to good places. But Ashstar chose Mousetail, and I trust her judgment above all else." There was something in how Frostfang spoke near the end of his sentence that made Crowswoop believe that Frostfang didn't entirely believe what he was saying himself, but Crowswoop wouldn't dare question him on it, because he already knew the answer. Frostfang knew he'd make an incredible leader, and so did everyone else in the Clan. If someone disagreed then it was clear that their head wasn't screwed on right, because to think for a second that Frostfang wouldn't make an incredible leader would just be right out wrong. Crowswoop would even go as far to say that it was some form of treason.

Crowswoop nodded, but something glimmered in his eyes that said "but you'd be better" and he hoped that Frostfang caught it.

—

The next few days went off mostly uneventfully. Crowswoop stuck close to Frostfang's side. Every word the tom spoke Crowswoop made sure to remember and internalize, because he knew every sentence was important and worth listening to. It had always struck him as odd that Frostfang's other companions never seemed as interested in what Frostfang had to say. They were his friends, right? Frostfang trusted them, and clearly they weren't as grateful as they should be. Probably why Frostfang liked Crowswoop better than them.

Frostfang, at the moment, was currently talking about the prey pile and how in recent moons it hadn't been as full as it once was. Frostfang believed that Mousetail should be trying to send out more patrols rather than being lazy with them only because it was green-leaf. He argued that the pile should be bursting regardless of the season and Crowswoop couldn't agree more.

"At this point we'll have to stop saying 'all cats who are old enough to catch their own prey', since the apprentices aren't getting the proper hunting training they need." Crowswoop said with a snort.

Frostfang grinned, "Well said, Crowswoop."

Crowswoop smiled so hard that his cheeks hurt.

Chestnutfall murmured his agreement and nodded while Twigtail's face screwed up in the weird way it always did when he began to think too much. Poor thing was going to hurt himself one of these days doing that.

"Maybe…" Twigtail began slowly, flicking his rat-like tail, "...Shouldn't we go hunt then? You know… to provide?"

Crowswoop whipped his head to look at the patch-furred tom, looking shocked, "Are you calling Frostfang a hypocrite?"

Twigtail tilted his head at the accusation, looking more confused than offended, "What?"

"He didn't say that, Crowswoop. Stop being overdramatic." Chestnutfall mewed, rolling his eyes.

"I'm not being overdramatic! It's a conclusion anyone would come to if they heard what Twigtail said!" Crowswoop was quick to defend himself, hackles rising.

"You're being loud though…" Twigtail murmured, ducking his head a bit as Crowswoop shot him a glare. He never could quite understand why Frostfang valued their company. Chestnutfall was a little bit like Frostfang personality-wise, but he was overprotective of Twigtail, who was his brother. Crowswoop pitied him a little bit, having to watch Twigtail all the time. It sounded exhausting, as it already was just being near the brown tabby for more than a few heartbeats.

Frostfang raised his paw, quieting down his companions, "I don't think Twigtail meant that. And he's right, a good hunt would be nice, and it would be better to contribute to the Clan rather than laze around and gossip like queens," Frostfang stood up, muscles rippling, "Let's go."

As the other three cats rose to their paws a hot wave of shame washed over Crowswoop. Perhaps he had been overdramatic. He wasn't sure what came over him he just… he just felt the need to defend Frostfang's honor. They were good friends, after all. It's what any good friend would do for another. But still, Frostfang was his own tom and certainly could speak for himself. If he had been offended at all he would've spoke on it, and it wasn't Crowswoop's place to do that for him.

His ears drooped as he followed Frostfang and the others out of camp. Why was he such a fool?

Crowswoop didn't notice as Frostfang let himself fall back and allowed Chestnutfall to take the lead, falling in stride with Crowswoop. Crowswoop looked away, not wanting to offend Frostfang with anymore of his foolishness. He opened his mouth to speak and apologize, but Frostfang spoke first.

"I know you had good intentions, Crowswoop, and I thank you for your loyalty. You truly are my greatest friend, you know that?" Frostfang spoke lowly, just quiet enough that Chestnutfall and Twigtail wouldn't hear.

Crowswoop looked at Frostfang in surprise, shocked, "I am? But I-"

"You did nothing wrong. Don't think so poorly of yourself, Crowswoop. You have a lot more to offer me than you think." Frostfang interrupted him, speaking in a soft, comforting voice that Crowswoop didn't believe he had heard before. He had heard commanding Frostfang, friendly Frostfang, enraged Frostfang, and many more. But he had never heard of caring Frostfang. Never had he heard him speak in such a honey-smooth voice.

It made Crowswoop melt.

—

When they had gone back, they all had had good hunting. Frostfang caught two shrews and a squirrel, Chestnutfall had caught a thrush and a mouse, Twigtail had caught a vole, and Crowswoop confidently held a fat pigeon in his jaws.

They all set their prey down on the pile and Crowswoop licked the feathers that had got caught in his fur.

He lifted his head as he heard pawsteps and saw Mousetail approaching the four, looking pleasantly surprised, "I see you all had a good hunt; that is quite the haul."

"No thanks to you." Crowswoop muttered under his breath, spitting out a feather that got stuck in his mouth.

Mousetail looked like a good mixture of shocked and confused before speaking, "I beg your pardon?"

"Their prey-pile was dwindling near the end of green-leaf, Mousetail. We're the first hunting patrol of the day and it's past sun-high. Connect the dots." Crowswoop huffed, facing the purple-ish eyes of the deputy with his own yellow ones.

"And no-leaf is several moons away, Crowswoop. There's no need to overwork ourselves." Mousetail mewed coolly.

"And what are we saving our energy for? Certainly not to counter ThunderClan's attacks, right? Because they're such a peaceful bunch of brutes, right?" Crowswoop challenged, eyes narrowing.

Mousetail did not match his hostility in the slightest (typical Mousetail), "They will be if we are, Crowswoop. They'll back off soon. That's how bullies work."

"And you know how? How can you be so certain?"

"I'll show you." Mousetail replied with a smile. The gray dappled tabby stood up, turned around, and walked away, going to sit beside Ashstar.

Crowswoop's mouth hung open for a while, as if he was going to shout something at the deputy, but he held himself back, closing his mouth and looking away, embarrassment turing his ears pink. That arrogant, know-it-all rat-face! Crowswoop stifled a growl.

Chestnutfall was doing an awful job hiding his amusement and Twigtail looked confused (but he always looked confused, so that didn't really say much.)

Crowswoop looked at Frostfang, wanting to see if he was embarrassed or angry at Crowswoop despite the very little reason for Frostfang to be either of those things on Crowswoop's behalf. If Frostfang did believe that Crowswoop's behavior reflected on him however, would he be embarrassed? Or would he still be caring, voice-as-smooth-as-silk Frostfang?

But as Crowswoop looked at his friend he swore he could see Frostfang's lips twitch upward for a heartbeat before his face went back to being unreadable. And before Crowswoop could ask him any questions the white tom stood up and walked away, heading towards the Warriors' den.

Crowswoop thought about the smile for a moment before coming to a conclusion. Frostfang must've been impressed by him! Frostfang never really spoke of his opinions outside of his social circle, and Crowswoop bringing it up so casually in public clearly must've made him proud. Perhaps he saw it as a way for him to be more open about his own opinions if more cats caught on.

Crowswoop smiled. Frostfang had so much faith in him and it made his heart flip. He wouldn't let him down. Ever.

—

Crowswoop looked around camp, a bundle of daisies in his jaws. He decided today he was going to patch things up with Rainleaf. Deep down he knew it wouldn't last long, but Crowswoop felt as if he needed to be with her. He didn't think it was love, though. No, it was more of a mask he kept on to keep himself safe and secure, so no one would question him about anything (not that anything needed questioning, but still…)

The gray tom eventually spotted her, and as soon as they made eye contact Rainleaf stood up and walked away. Crowswoop would assume that she was still mad at him, if he had not seen the small smile she had quirked before she had risen to her paws. What are you doing?

Rainleaf made her way over to Mousetail who, at the moment, had been talking to his brother Cricketclaw, until he had been interrupted by Rainleaf pushing her head under Mousetail's chin, grinning. She said something to him, loud enough for Crowswoop to hear, but he hadn't heard a thing.

His eye twitched as he watched Rainleaf practically drape herself over Mousetail like a moss bed. She was all over him!

Mousetail chuckled awkwardly as Crickettuft watched with complete amusement. Mousetail tried his best to push away Rainleaf with a paw, "It's is, uh, good to see you too, Rainleaf. What is this all about?"

"Oh, nothing really," Rainleaf purred, dragging her tail under Mousetail's chin, causing him to flinch away, "I just love a man in charge, you know. I mean, of course you would know, wouldn't you." She added a wink at the end of her sentence, and Crowswoop was done.

Crowswoop's fur britisled a growl rumbled in his throat. What was this!? Crowswoop challenged the deputy one time, and suddenly he's an item with his former mate!? Crowswoop could handle a lot of things, but he wasn't going to let this slide.

Crowswoop rose to his paws and stormed over, and if he wasn't so hellbent on getting to Mousetail, maybe he would've noticed Rainleaf's wry grin as he approached.

"What the fuck do you think you're doing?" Crowswoop demanded, shoving his muzzle into Mousetail's face.

The tabby backed away a bit, "I'm not doing anything. Clearly there is some misunderstanding here because I never-"

"You don't have to lie, Mousey. You can tell him." Rainleaf cut the deputy off, shoving her face into his shoulder, making Mousetail jerk away.

"Mousey?" Mousetail said, confused.

"Mousey!?" Crowswoop roared at the same time, unsheathing his claws. Without another word Crowswoop launched himself at Mousetail, tackling him to the ground.

Before Crowswoop could pin him, Mousetail pushed the gray-and-white tom off of him with his back legs. Crowswoop flipped through the air and landed on his paws as Mousetail scrambled to his own, shaking his head.

As Crowswoop was about to launch himself again he felt someone pull back on his tail and he whipped around, ready to curse out whoever was trying to stop him, before he quickly stopped himself.

It was Frostfang.

Crowswoop opened his mouth to ask what he was doing, but he only sputtered. Frostfang narrowed his eyes, "Stop this. What's going on?"

Mousetail shook out his pelt, licking his shoulder, "It's not his fault, Frostfang. I believe this was set up." He added the last comment as he glanced at Rainleaf, frowning.

Unlike Crowswoop. Rainlead didn't look the least bit ashamed. In fact, she looked pretty damn happy. She smiled oh so wide and wrapped her paws around Crowswoop, who was still struggling to process so many emotions at once, "You do care! I knew you did, I just had to see it! You do love me, you do!," She pulled away, still smiling, "Thank you."

Mousetail huffed, padding over to face Rainleaf, "Next time, go after someone else. I'm not into romance."

Rainleaf didn't even bother to acknowledge him as he walked away. It wasn't a surprise that he didn't punish her. Rainleaf was known to be quite extreme with practically everything. It really couldn't be helped.

Rainleaf licked Crowswoop's cheek and walked away, glancing back at him, "I love you!" she called back, before disappearing into the Warriors' den.

…

What the fuck just happened?

Crowswoop looked back at Frostfang. He'd understand that this was just one of Rainleaf's antics, right? Surely he wouldn't look at him with that icy cold stare that tore him apart.

But he looked back and Frostfang was still giving him that same expression, "There was no need to attack him, Crowswoop."

"I-" Crowswoop began to defend himself before dipping his head in shame, "I'm sorry, you're right. I was out of line and let my emotions get the best of me."

Frostfang stared at him a little longer before sighing, "You need to get a handle on her before she does something worse next time."

Crowswoop nodded and began to open his mouth to ask more questions, but Frostfang was already leaving. He shut his maw and frowned. He had disappointed him. How could he have been so stupid? Frostfang was his best friend and had always given him advice on how to handle his temper, and he had ignored everything in that moment all for a she-cat he didn't even care about. He had let it all slip and now Frostfang was disappointed in him, ashamed of him. Why did he have to be so stupid?

Frostfang stopped for a moment and glanced back at Crowswoop, "Meet me outside of camp at moon-high."

—

The trees in SkyClan are by far the largest out of all the other Clans. Their branches reach high and kiss the sky as the wind shakes the many, many leaves that decorate them. Scattered here and there is a pine tree or two, that are just as ginormous. Crowswoop remembers trying to climb one when he was an apprentice. If it hadn't been leaf-bare at the time and there was no snow to break his fall, he surely would've hurt himself pretty badly.

The forest is quiet at night. Good for sleeping, not so good for walking through by yourself in the dark. There isn't much of a moon to illuminate Crowswoop's way either, so he's extremely on guard at the moment, moving slowly and carefully, looking out for any threats that could be hiding within the woods.

Crowswoop makes his way to the other side of the outside of camp. He knows where he's going. Frostfang brought him there once a few days after his warrior ceremony. He told Crowswoop that, while it doesn't have much prey to offer, it's perhaps one of the most beautiful spots in all of SkyClan, which had been correct. When he first got there it had been day but the way the sun shined through the branches and how it highlighted the jasmine and the dandelion and the marigold patch that Swampheart planted there moons before Crowswoop was born was breathtaking. He wondered if it would be like that again at night.

A leaf fell in front of Crowswoop's paws and he looked up. The leaves were slowly turning yellow and leaf-fall was on the way. Maybe Mousetail would start sending out those hunting patrols now,

Crowswoop makes it there rather quickly (it is just on the other side of camp, after all) and smiles as he sees the spot again. At night with very little moon to illuminate anything it wasn't as grand as it was during the day, but that didn't take away from the sheer beauty of it. The flowers are still there and the grass here is soft and the way that the roots come up from the ground, twisting around each other like angry snakes, is masterful and one could assume it looked this way on purpose.

And right in the middle of this grand piece was Frostfang. His white fur stuck out in the night and his blue eyes seemed to pierce Crowswoop's soul. It made his paws tingle with excitement.

Crowswoop padded in front of Frostfang and did not sit until Frostfang made the motion for him to. It would've been rude to assume, and Crowswoop could never be rude to Frostfang.

"I appreciate you coming." Frostfang mewed with a smile.

Crowswoop nodded, "Of course, Frostfang. Why did you bring me here tonight?"

Was it about his behavior this morning? Was it the fact that Crowswoop hadn't talked to Rainleaf yet (honestly he didn't even want to look at her. He had already seen too much of her today)? Crowswoop's tail flicked from left to right and he had to stop himself from going to lick some of his fur down. Eye contact was important, it showed you cared. Crowswoop couldn't break it until he figured out why Frostfang brought him here. Once he knew, then he could flatten the rising hairs on his shoulder.

Frostfang placed a paw on Crowswoop's chest, and he was certain that Frostfang could feel his heart quicken, "You can calm down, Crowswoop. You haven't upset me, if that's what you think."

His fur began to settle and he smiled lightly, "Then what is it?" Crowswoop asked, tilting his head.

Frostfang removed his paw and Crowswoop was half-inclined to grab it and put it back on his chest, but he didn't, because he could control himself. So he let the paw go back to Frostfang's side, missing the small moment of contact.

"I need to ask you something very important, Crowswoop. I understand perfectly if you wish not to follow through with it, as I understand what I'm asking is a very big thing. I won't be cross at you for saying no." Frostfang began, and Crowswoop wanted to tell him that he would never, could never say no to frostfang. He wouldn't even dream of it.

"You are a very dear friend to me, Crowswoop, and I admire your character," Frostfang admired him? Did he really? Crowswoop couldn't help his smile getting bigger and his heart beating faster, ready to jump out of his chest and embrace Frostfang. He admired him, "Which is why I want to ask you to promise me something."

Crowswoop leaned in, eager to hear what the promise was.

Frostfang paused for a moment, glancing back at camp, before looking at Crowswoop again, "I want you to promise me that no matter what, you'll stick by your side. I want you to promise that you will never betray me and will not question my judgment. I want you to know that I always have your best interests at heart, and that everything I do for you has been carefully calculated moons before. I want you, Crowswoop, to devote your mind and your soul to me, to pledge yourself to me, and to never turn your back on me under any circumstances. I want you, Crowswoop, in this life and until death."

Crowswoop had listened to it all and hadn't noticed he had stopped breathing until Frostfang finished his speech and he realized he could not hear his breath.

Frostfang wanted him? He trusted him that much? What Frostfang was asking was…

It was incredible.

Frostfang put so much faith into Crowswoop and now he wanted him to be his right hand man, to stick by his side no matter what. He had felt Crowswoop's heart, heard his yearning and he had welcomed the feeling, allowing Crowswoop to meld with his soul. He had felt it all and Crowswoop's cheeks were hurting from how much he was smiling right now.

"Frostfang," Crowswoop began, standing up and dipping his head, "I would be honored to be yours." It's all I've ever wanted, he wanted to add, but he didn't.

"Until death?" Frostfang asked, curling his tail on his back.

Crowswoop raised his head and nodded, purring, "Until death."

—

It had been a week since that night, and Crowswoop still couldn't get it out of his head. He was Frostfang's forever and he couldn't be happier.

Well, perhaps he could've been. Frostfang hadn't been talking to him since last night, or to anyone for that matter, and that worried him. Crowswoop didn't ask him anything though. Frostfang knew what he was doing, and Crowswoop was to never question him. Crowswoop would respect that wish, as he respected and cherished all of Frostfang's wishes.

Crowswoop rose to his paws and padded over to the fresh-kill pile, grabbing two mice. He set one down in front of Frostfang, nudging it towards the white tom with a soft smile, and then settled down to eat his own food.

The camp was relatively calm today. Stormflower and Rainleaf were sharing tongues, Ashstar was talking with Swampheart, Mousetail was on a hunting patrol (finally) with Twigtail, Brackenberry, and Feathertuft. Two apprentices were in the Elder's den, tending to their pelts, while the other, older one entertained Yellowcloud's kits while she napped. The rest of the warriors were either chatting or eating prey like Crowswoop. Crowswoop also spotted Cardinalheart and Badgerstone sharing a rabbit that the former had caught the other day.

Crowswoop looked at Frostfang again to see if he was focusing on camp like himself, but it didn't really seem that Frostfang was looking for anything. His ears twitched and that was about it. Crowswoop was sure he was doing something marvelous regardless, and he was sure that Frostfang would tell him later.

He took another bite of prey and just as he swallowed he heard a cry from somewhere, and suddenly cats burst into camp.

One cat came crashing down on Cardinalheart's head, sending the bone he was chewing on right through his cheek and causing an ear-splitting screech to fill the air. Another warrior launched herself at the apprentice that was outside the Nursery, the two tumbling in a ball of fur and claws, while Yellowcloud stuck her head out of the Nursery just before another intruder could break inside.

The smell of blood and something tangy and earthy hit Crowswoop's nostrils and he instantly knew what was going on. ThunderClan was attacking.

Crowswoop stood up quickly, looking over to see if Frostfang was alright, only to notice him gone. He looked around before spotting his white pelt throwing himself at a golden-furred warrior.

Crowswoop turned his head, trying to see where he could help. He could see that Cardinalheart no longer had a bone in his cheek, but he was still bleeding pretty bad. Chestnutfall was defending him against two warriors, but he was being overwhelmed. Crowswoop was about to run over to assist him, when a young, silver tabby jumped at him, tackling him to the ground.

Crowswoop spat at the she-cat in fury and went to rack his claws across her nose, missing only by a hair-length as she dodged and went for his ear, digging her claws into Crowswoop's fur.

He ducks his head and batted at her head hard, before pushing her over and kicking her stomach with his hindlegs over and over again, claws unsheathed.

She let out a deep growl and scored her claws over his temple, causing him to loosen his grip just enough for her to wiggle out.

Crowswoop quickly stood to him as she did and as she launched herself at him again, he rolled under, letting her collide into the ground.

Crowswoop ran away from the tabby and instead tackled one of the cats that was just about to get the upper hand on Chestnutfall, wildly clawing his face.

Crowswoop bit down on the tom's nose hard and he let out a scream, kicking Crowswoop in the stomach and knocking the wind out of him, making his tumble over and off of the black tom.

Crowswoop was ready to attack him again before he saw him race past him and out of camp, scrambling out of the bramble wall.

Just as he did Mousetail and the rest of his patrol returned, immediately launching themselves into battle, Mousetail working his way towards Ashstar who, at the moment, was hidden inside her den.

Crowswoop blinked as blood trickled into one his eyes and he looked around camp, half-blinded, for Frostfang, who he spotted shouting orders to his fellow warriors, "Twigtail! Stormflower! Help Mousetail get to Ashstar! Feathertuft, protect Swampheart! Daisyshade! Get your brother and the two of you help Snailpaw and Fernpaw! Go!"

Crowswoop didn't need to be told what to do, because he knew exactly what he was supposed to be doing. Protecting Frostfang.

Crowswoop ran towards Frostfang, stepping out of the way just in time before a ThunderClan warrior could tackle him. But as he moved out of the way he bumped into a cream-colored she-cat and found himself getting into a hissing match with her. She struck out and hit him on the muzzle, causing him to falter, and he launched himself at her. The two struggled for a bit on their back paws, trying to push their other away, before Crowswoop managed to duck and bite the side of her neck, sending her onto her back.

Crowswoop felt her bat at his shoulder, nicking him and as he let her go she scrambled to her paws, going to run out of camp before being intercepted by Brackenberry.

Crowswoop yelled a thanks to the fawn tabby as he looked back into the crowd, trying to find Frostfang and saw him disappear into the Leader's den, an old, hollowed out tree stump, and right behind him he saw a gray tail slink in their as well.

Crowswoop panicked and ran over, avoiding the fights going on and as he reached the Leader's den he saw Frostfang pinning the gray-and-white cat who had tried to get the best of him, sending the tom running out of the backway into the den.

Mousetail was in the den along with Ashstar, standing defensively over her. Crowswoop could see that blood caked her throat but she wasn't breathing. She must've lost a life. Crowswoop wondered how many more she had left.

Frostfang looked at Mousetail, huffing, "Are you two alright?"

"I think so. Ashstar will make it, you don't need to worry about me." Mousetail mewed, licking in between Ashstar's ears.

"Let me watch her. ThunderClan cats are nothing but brute strength and we need some of our faster warriors out there, like yourself." Frostfang offered, taking a step forward.

Mousetail hesitated, looking at his leader and biting his lip before nodding, "You're right. Keep her safe."

Frostfang nodded and as Mousetail passed him, ready to go out, Frostfang suddenly used the side of his body to shove Mousetail into the wall of the Leader's den, knocking the wind out of him and causing him to collapse. He looked confused, above all else as he looked up at Frostfang.

"Wha-" He tried to wheeze out, before Frostfang stopped him, biting down on the deputy's throat.

Frostfang tugged and Mousetail flailed around frantically, his screams gargled with his own blood, until Frostfang finally ripped out his throat, causing the tabby to go limp.

Frostfang spat out the piece of throat and licked the blood off his lips, looking back at Crowswoop and smiling, "Oh good, you're here. Mind watching him for me?" He asked, angling his ears towards Mousetail's corpse. The way he said it so casually would make you think that he didn't just kill him at all.

Crowswoop shivered a bit as he stared at Mousetail's body. He had just seen Frostfang kill Mousetail, and now he wanted him to guard his corpse? His mind felt fuzzy.

Crowswoop hesitantly walked over to Mousetail and Frostfang walked over to one of the water soaked moss balls Ashstar kept in her den. He wiped the remaining blood from his muzzle before tearing the now bloodied part of moss off and throwing it over the wall of the den. Crowswoop then realized that no one would've seen what Frostfang did, due to the hollowed out tree being too big to see over.

Frostfang wiped his now damp muzzle off on his paw before padding over to Ashstar's body, lifting the bloodsoaked fur that was around her throat, "It's healing. She'll be back soon."

Crowswoop looked at Frostfang and gulped a bit, "Why did you-?"

"You know I'm more fit for this position, Crowswoop. I'm the only reasonable choice, now that Mousetail is gone. You must remember that everything I do has a reason, and a good one at that. You promised me you'd remember that, did you not?" Frostfang explained, placing a paw on Ashstar's neck to check her pulse.

Crowswoop opened his mouth to say something, but he wasn't sure what he would say. He did pledge himself to Frostfang. He did promise he wouldn't question Frostfang's judgment or his actions. This… Frostfang had a plan. He knew what he was doing, and things would be better,no matter how unnerved the pool of blood coming from Mousetail's neck made him, or how his face was contorted in sheer terror. He felt something warm touch his paw and he lifted it up to inspect it, seeing the blood that now soaked his toes. He shivered, but said nothing. Frostfang had a plan.

Suddenly, Ashstar's eyes flew open and she gasped for air, shakily standing up.

"Ashstar! You're back, thank StarClan. I was beginning to worry." Frostfang exclaimed with a sigh of relief, a new burst of energy that contrasted with his chilling demeanor from seconds ago.

"I was… I-" She stopped talking as she looked over and saw Mousetail, Crowswoop standing over his body. He had forgotten some of the blood that was on his muzzle from when he had bitten that ThunderClan cat's neck.

She gasped for air, struggling to stand up as horror spilled into her face, "What did- Crowswoop what did you- Oh StarClan-"

Crowswoop was about to defend himself, but didn't. He couldn't tell her Frostfang killed Mousetail. That would be betraying him, and Crowswoop would never betray Frostfang.

But what was he going to do? Because he did look pretty damn guilty right now, standing over Mousetail's body.

Ashstar took in a breath and looked at Frostfang the same way a kit looks at their mother after the elders tell them a particularly frightening story, "What happened?"

Frostfang took a step defensively in front of Ashstar, his fur rising, "I'm afraid that Crowswoop let his temper get the best of him. You've seen how he's been behaving these past few days. This attack was the perfect opportunity for Crowswoop to take his revenge. He killed Mousetail."

Crowswoop stood there, frozen, looking at Frostfang and then to Mousetail and then to Frostfang again.

…What?

Ashstar let out a wail and she bared her teeth at Crowswoop, "How could you!?"

"I-" Crowswoop gulped and looked to Frostfang, as if to ask him what to do now. Frostfang always knew what to do, he had a plan, but Crowswoop didn't know the plan. What was he supposed to do now? He realized it would be pretty difficult for him to tell him anything at all.

Frostfang hardened his gaze, but kept his composure, "I suggest you run, Crowswoop. Unless you'd prefer to be chased out."

Crowswoop searched Frostfang's gaze, looking for something, and then it hit him.

He still trusted him. This was all part of the plan. Surely Frostfang would let him back into the Clan. Crowswoop looked at Ashstar and saw just how frail she was. If Frostfang's plan worked (which of course it would! This was Frostfang, after all) then he'd let Crowswoop back as soon as he assumed power, because Crowswoop was his best friend, his closest ally. They were bonded.

Crowswoop smiled and nodded, racing out of the Leader's den and past the fighting acts that littered camp, dodging left and right till he burst through the entrance, and out of the woods.

—

The gray-and-white tom found himself in the twolegplace. It was close to SkyClan territory, and Crowswoop wanted to stay as close as possible.

He had bunked in with a kittypet named Joe. He was a kind, ginger tom and let Crowswoop sleep in the backyard. He was nice enough, but he didn't talk to Joe much. They didn't relate on many things and Joe talked too slow for Crowswoop's liking.

He spent most of his days perched on the fence or peering through the cracks, looking for Frostfang, only leaving to go get food or to avoid Joe's twolegs or to sleep, but every morning he'd check over the fence and peer into SkyClan territory. Sometimes he spotted patrols, but he never interacted with them, because they all thought he killed Mousetail, so he figured they wouldn't exactly want to talk to him.

Crowswoop had been here… two, three moons he thought? He wasn't sure, the days blurred together. It didn't matter, though. All that mattered was the day when he'd look into the woods and see the familiar pelt of Frostfang (his friend? His beloved? He wasn't quite sure. Maybe that's why he never really liked Rainleaf. Maybe he had just been stuck with her.) The day he'd look into the woods and see his white fur coming to greet him with open paws.

Until then, Crowswoop would wait by the fence, with Joe, watching and waiting. Anything for Frostfang. Anything.