Hawktalon's tail lashed. "Can you believe that?" he demanded.

Mothwing shook her head as Tawnyclaw eyed him. "How did he react?" Tawnyclaw asked.

"I don't believe he heard," The tom replied. "Didn't seem like Bramblepaw was paying attention." Mothwing looked at her brother. He had been angry when he returned to camp. It was sunset now. He had just come back from spending the day with this other Clan.

Apparently, Rusty had referred to Brambleheart as his son. It was shocking. How could they think like this? So far, from what she had heard from Tawnyclaw and the others as well as the warriors in camp, the interactions with these cats were not that bad. But this was something else.

That was not her main focus, though. Hawktalon had mentioned seeing Sasha. It was like something in Mothwing had eased. Sasha was still around!

"I've heard similar," Tawnyclaw explained. "According to Crowpaw, Squirrelpaw's said the same." She shook her head.

"Really shows just how far Rusty's got them under his control."

"I thought that you said he was not that bad," Mothwing looked at her sister. The tortoiseshell shrugged.

"He's well-spoken," She glanced toward Highstones. "Has got to be to get his Clan to leave their perfectly good territory for next to nothing."

"Aren't they here because StarClan wants them to be?" Mothwing asked. Hawktalon scoffed.

"You think Rusty gives StarClan any regard?" The tom shook his head. "They're beyond the code, aren't they?" He looked at their older sister.

Tawnyclaw shifted, "Why don't we not mention this to Tigerstar?" The littermates looked at Tawnyclaw, surprised.

"Why not?" Hawktalon's tail twitched.

"His heart – it's already gotten damaged again due to his anger," Tawnyclaw explained. "Best not to endanger it again." Hawktalon looked ready to protest. "It's just for right now. Once he's completely out of the woods, we can tell him." Hawktalon sat back on his haunches as Mothwing nodded.

"Fine," He muttered. Mothwing looked at her brother.

"Wait, what did Sasha –" She was cut off as a voice called out to them.

Leopardstar padded up. she was leaving behind Goldenflower, Mothwing realized. The queen watched after the leader. "Come," Leopardstar said. "We need to speak with your father."

They rose to follow. Tawnyclaw moved to Leopardstar's side as Hawktalon peered at her. Mothwing knew he was still angry. "Why were you talking with Goldenflower?" Tawnyclaw asked. The dappled tabby waved her tail.

"I was just settling some things." She sped up in her pace, ducking into the stony den.

Inside, Mothwing was surprised to see Blackfoot, Mudclaw, and Dustpelt. Why were they here? Dustpelt in particular was surprising. Tigerstar turned, amber eyes narrowing as he regarded Leopardstar.

Warriors settled. Mothwing sat by her sister's side. Tigerstar continued, "As we move, I need you to watch your warriors – closer than ever." His gaze went to Mudclaw. "Especially you, your warriors have the most ties to these rogues. Make sure nothing happens – no one is to fraternize with the enemy. Is that understood?" Meows of agreement rose. Mothwing glanced at Blackfoot. If Tawnyclaw was back, why was he here, too? Why hadn't he called Hawktalon in earlier?

"What of my apprentice?" Mudclaw asked. Tawnyclaw's ears went back.

"Nothing of him," she said. "He has done nothing." Tigerstar leered at his daughter.

"You have no say over what happens to him," He growled. Mothwing was almost worried by it – how he had lost his last life flashed through her mind, but she knew that the medicine cats were beginning to be less worried about him. It seemed this time had healed better than last. "You have both betrayed our Clan." Tigerstar looked back to Mudclaw, "I will take care of Crowpaw when I get the chance." Mudclaw dipped his head.

"This…development regarding Tallstar is tragic." Tigerstar shook his head. "And it shows just how much control Rusty has!" He sighed, "I could only imagine how Tallstar must have felt when he realized I was right." Tawnyclaw gave him a puzzled look.

"Tallstar died in a fight with some rogues," She meowed. Tigerstar looked at her like it was obvious.

"As did Bluestar," He pointed out. "Who knows what he would have done next had I not stopped him? He managed to stop these rogues, did he not?" Tigerstar chuckled, "Secured himself leader and made himself into a hero – it's sickening." He bared his teeth. Mothwing shifted. She had heard how Rusty had been made leader before but that had not occurred to her. It was exactly how Bluestar had died.

"Is there anything else?" Blackfoot asked, dipping his head. Tigerstar looked at the white warrior.

"With you? Yes, everyone is to keep an eye out for Bramblepaw." Angry amber eyes looked at Leopardstar. The golden she-cat had her head held high.

"I want my son back as soon as possible."

"Tigerstar, frankly, we are weak." Mothwing tensed as Leopardstar spoke. "We do not have the means presently to get him back – we did not have the means to get Tawnyclaw back except by trading him." Hawktalon let out a low growl, which the leader ignored as she continued, "He did not want to be here."

"Yes, he did!" Tigerstar exclaimed. "He told you that he did. All this has done is delay his progress. He was getting better and now he is right back under Rusty." He bared his teeth.

"He won't let Bramblepaw out of his sight," Hawktalon pipped up. His tail was lashing. "Makes him ask permission for every little thing. It seems they're scared he'll run – when I was with them, Rusty almost attacked him." Mothwing jerked her head toward her brother.

"He did?" She asked. Tawnyclaw's fur was beginning to rise. Hawktalon had not mentioned that earlier. He nodded.

"The others were trying to prevent it," he explained. Tigerstar regarded his son. Mothwing almost thought she saw curiosity in his gaze but it vanished quickly. He turned to Leopardstar.

"Do you see," Tigerstar's voice was quiet. "What you have thrown him to?"

"I was doing what was best for our Clan," Leopardstar's voice was steady. "Once we have settled – once we are strong again, we can worry about Bramblepaw." Tigerstar hissed.

"Tigerstar," Tawnyclaw shifted, her eyes were narrowed at Leopardstar but Mothwing saw no resentment in them. "We'll get him back," she said quietly. "We'll all work toward that. No one wants to leave him with the kittypet." More voices of agreement rose.

"Of course," Tigerstar sat back on his haunches. "Now," He looked at his children, "Since Blackclaw has died, Dustpelt will be in charge of RiverClan." Meows arose. Mothwing was surprised, she had not heard any of this.

"When did he die?" Tawnyclaw asked. "I hadn't heard anything."

"He died earlier today," Tigerstar looked to his fellow leader. "Considering his involvement with this…insurrection, it is a fitting punishment. He's earned no vigil." Leopardstar's ears were flattened, but she said nothing. Tigerstar looked to the ThunderClan warrior.

"I thought there was a deal that Leopardstar got to make decisions regarding RiverClan." Tawnyclaw regarded her father. Leopardstar flicked her tail at the warrior.

"Tawnyclaw –" Tigerstar interrupted her.

"Seeing as Leopardstar is clearly unfit to choose these roles, I have chosen Dustpelt." The leader leaned back, "One disobedient warrior is one thing but two?" Tigerstar shook his head before looking at Dustpelt, "He may serve this Clan well." The tom dipped his head.

"Of course, Tigerstar."

"That is all for now. Continue to prepare the Clan for leaving." Tigerstar looked at Leopardstar again, tail twitching. "We will meet with the kittypet in the morning." The golden tabby rose to her paws. At that, Mothwing rose, too. Tigerstar spoke.

"Mothwing, Tawnyclaw, Hawktalon – I want a quick word with you."

Mothwing sat back down as the others left. She glanced at Tawnyclaw. Why did he want to speak with them? Tigerstar settled back in his nest, leaning back as he regarded his children.

"Tawnyclaw, come here." He beckoned her with a paw. "Lay with me."

The tortoiseshell rose. Her head was lowered as she settled next to her father. One forepaw went over her side, claws extended. She was tense. Tigerstar continued, "Now that Tawnyclaw is back, let us discuss deputyship." Hawktalon stiffened.

"What do you mean?" He asked. "I'm deputy." Tigerstar nodded.

"That you are." He looked at the cat next to him, "And Tawnyclaw was before…" Mothwing was confused, what was he getting at? "Things can certainly change." Hawktalon let out a furious hiss.

"She's a traitor!"

"She brought your brother home." Tigerstar bared his teeth, "We'll need to get him back again – but we will. And, because of her, we can finally finish the issue that is Rusty." He shook his head, muttering, "I was too kind to the kittypet back then and all it's done is do the same thing over again." Mothwing's belly twisted at his words. Tigerstar's eyes brightened. "Has she told you about SkyClan yet?"

"No?" Hawktalon answered as Mothwing asked.

"What's SkyClan?"

"There was a fifth Clan here," Tawnyclaw explained. "Different than BloodClan – like us instead. So many seasons ago that their story has been lost. Tallstar found where they ended up."

"Are they still around?" Mothwing thought they would have been mentioned if SkyClan was still around. Tawnyclaw shook her head.

"They are long gone," She replied.

"Why'd they leave?" Hawktalon's tail was twitching, eyes narrowed at the tortoiseshell.

"They were chased out," Tigerstar meowed. "Because they were weak. All I am saying is," Tigerstar looked at Tawnyclaw. "These are all integral things. Loyalties can be earned." Tawnyclaw dipped her head.

"Of course, Tigerstar. I have always been loyal to our Clan."

"So, you're giving it back to her?" Hawktalon's tail lashed. Tigerstar glanced at him.

"No. I am giving you all an opening – an opportunity!" He looked at Mothwing as he spoke. She shifted, her chest tightening. "You all have the potential to be the next leader – Bramblepaw would, too but I doubt he will ever be on your levels of…competence." Mothwing glanced between Hawktalon and Tawnyclaw. Tawnyclaw was looking up at her little brother. His tail twitched as stared back.

Mothwing had no interest in leadership beyond her duty but it was different for them. This was utterly different than he usually said. He had always told Mothwing they needed to work together. "We all have the same goal here," Tigerstar continued. "Do it well."

"Yes, Tigerstar." Hawktalon dipped his head. More meows of agreement rose.

"Now," Tigerstar licked his daughter's cheek. "Tawnyclaw, stay with me." He glanced at the littermates, "You two may go – goodnight."

"Goodnight," Mothwing echoed as she rose. She nodded at Tawnyclaw, who nodded back. Hawktalon dipped his head before turning to leave.

His tail flicked as they headed out of the den.

Crowpaw's tail was wrapped around his paws. As Tigerstar's gaze went to him, it felt like his heart had stopped.

He froze unsure what to do. Tawnyclaw stood at her father's side. The leader spoke into the warrior's ear and when she looked at him, Crowpaw rose cautiously, stepping out of view. He moved toward the gorse surrounding camp.

Crowpaw took a deep breath, trying to settle himself. He was in the section of camp where the ShadowClan cats were. He was not sure if moving was the right thing to do but Tawnyclaw had told him to stay with ShadowClan. That was what he was doing.

He turned as he heard some hushed voices.

"He's weak – as is Leopardstar. We can't trust these outsiders either." It was a tortoiseshell speaking. "Why should we go?"

"We're part of TigerClan – what chose do we have?" A gray tom spoke. Crowpaw looked away, pressing himself further into the gorse as he tried not to draw attention. He was fairly certain the rest of the warriors were listening too. "What else would we do? We don't have a leader – they've taken our medicine cats!" Crowpaw tensed. These cats were speaking treason.

"We have Tawnyclaw," Another voice arose. "Applefur, she cannot be discredited."

"You would think that, Rowanclaw."

"She can't be discredited," Another cat spoke. Crowpaw recognized this one. It was Russetfur. "We've certainly lied for her before. She is already our leadership." Crowpaw did not know what these cats were speaking of.

He should report this.

"And look what that got us – Longtail was already dead, what does it matter?" The tortoiseshell shook her head, "She is going to follow Tigerstar!"

"He might be weak but she is not. She is our best chance. We have nowhere to go." Another voice spoke, "She is not going to betray us. She has shown us as such already. We cannot betray her."

"Fine," That was Applefur again. "We will put our trust in Tawnyclaw." More meows rose.

"Anyone know where Crowpaw is?" Silence had fallen as Tawnyclaw spoke. The apprentice pushed himself up. Cats turned to look at him as he padded forward. Surprise was obvious on their faces.

Crowpaw looked away, turning to the warrior. He was surprised as he saw part of her ear was missing.

It was torn in half. The wound was fresh. When had she gotten that? "Hey," Tawnyclaw meowed.

"Yeah?" Crowpaw lowered his head.

"I just wanted to let you know you're not coming with us to meet Rusty." The apprentice shakily nodded. That was not a surprise.

"Okay."

The tortoiseshell flicked her tail as she stepped away, leaving him to join the patrol.

Crowpaw looked back to the ShadowClan warriors, ears folded. A few were looking at him now. He would not betray them, he decided. They were right. Tawnyclaw was his best bet.

Leafpaw watched silently as Firestar spoke.

"I do not expect that to be a problem?" He looked at Tigerstar questioningly. His tail was twitching and had been the entire meeting.

"No, it is not," Tigerstar's voice was deep and as Leafpaw looked at him again she understood why Firestar had responded to Brambleheart the way he had back in ThunderClan camp.

She had heard it before but it was shocking how much looking at Tigerstar was like seeing an older version of Brambleheart. Leopardstar sat beside him. Despite earlier interactions nearly always being with her, she had been nearly silent through the whole meeting, allowing Tigerstar to speak. The only others that had spoken were Tornear, Brambleheart, and Squirrelpaw.

The TigerClan cats outnumbered WindClan. The tension was thick in the air.

"Tomorrow morning, it is then." Tigerstar rose to his paws, his warriors quickly following his lead. "We will meet here and continue on together." Meows of agreement rose. Firestar rose, nodding to the other leader.

"We will see you then."

The TigerClan warriors left first. Firestar stared after them. He only looked away as they disappeared. He let out a yowl, raising his head. Squirrelpaw moved quickly to Leafpaw's side as they started back.

"Isn't he something?" She hissed. Leafpaw glanced at her.

"I'm just glad they're willing to work with us." TigerClan still outnumbered WindClan significantly. Squirrelpaw scoffed.

"They don't really have a choice," She pointed out. "They're weak. If Tigerstar's been leader this long, he should know better than to start battles he can't win."

"He didn't look happy," Leafpaw muttered. A shiver ran down her spine as he recalled what she had heard of the TigerClan leader before.

"None of us are happy," Squirrelpaw nodded ahead. "He certainly isn't." Leafpaw followed her gaze.

Firestar's head was low, his tail thrashing behind him. Tornear was at his side.

As they made it back to the Clan, it seemed to be moving faster. Cats rose to meet the patrol.

"What's happening?" Whitetail asked. "Are they still willing to move with us."

"I don't know how we're supposed to put up with them for so long," Rockfall bared his teeth at the thought.

Firestar did not respond. His gaze went to Sandstorm, standing with Whitepaw. He hurried toward her.

Tornear sprang forward, jumping onto a rock with his tail raised as he called for attention. Barkface followed after the leader.

"We are meeting with them tomorrow morning," The deputy looked across the Clan. "We spoke with Tigerstar today." Anxious meows rose from the Clan. "He and Leopardstar have agreed to work with us as we find this new territory." He held his head high, "WindClan is strong. No matter what, we will hold our own against TigerClan."

As the meeting ended, Leafpaw headed where Barkface had gone.

He turned as she approached, waving his tail. Firestar and Sandstorm had disappeared into the den. "He'll be alright," Barkface assured. "Sandstorm's taking care of him right now."

"Shouldn't we help her?" Leafpaw asked, surprised. She knew Sandstorm was capable but typically Barkface would be involved as well.

"He just wants her." Leafpaw nodded and Barkface turned, "Come, I want to see if we can find any more herbs around. We'll need as many as we can get going forward." The apprentice nodded, starting after her mentor. She glanced back at the den.

How were they going to make a journey like this?

Brambleheart's tail moved from side to side as he watched the gathered Clans.

Well, as much as they could be called gathered, considering the amount of space put between them. Both Clan's warriors were watching each other suspiciously. It was morning, they would be leaving soon. He turned as Squirrelpaw touched his shoulder.

Tawnyclaw was approaching, Crowpaw following behind. The leaders were talking not far off. "What happened to your ear?" Squirrelpaw asked. Brambleheart looked at it, surprised. What had happened?

Tawnyclaw twitched her other ear dismissively. "Why don't we go around the edges?" She suggested. "Try to keep the Clans together – we can all go on one side, make sure no one strays." That was a lot of ground for each of them to cover, he realized. But it would be done.

"What about the middle?" Brambleheart asked. Tawnyclaw glanced at the warriors.

"It is a shame that Feathertail and Stormfur aren't here," She commented. "I don't think any warriors wants to approach each other." She looked back to the others. "For now, we need to be like a web – scooping them together. I believe both sides can be honorable." The others spoke their agreements.

"Why don't I go up front?" Brambleheart suggested. "Squirrelpaw can be to the far side of WindClan, Crowpaw TigerClan, and Tawnyclaw can take the back." He knew that both Tigerstar and Firestar would be in the front. He needed to act as some sort of barrier.

Tawnyclaw nodded as Crowpaw hesitantly lowered his head to the warrior. The tortoiseshell looked back to the leaders, "We'll be leaving soon. Let's get into place."

Tawnyclaw and Crowpaw stepped away, Brambleheart watching after them. It was far from perfect but they had connected, he realized. This certainly went better than it would have two moons ago.

Squirrelpaw looked up at him. "You know Crowpaw's still scared of you, right?" Brambleheart gritted his teeth.

"I know." He could not blame the apprentice but Brambleheart did not know how to deal with that.

This was far from perfect but the journeying cats had something.

Squirrelpaw turned suddenly, her ears pricked. Brambleheart turned to follow her, his fur rising as he recognized hisses. They had not even started! What was already happening?

Mothwing trotted forward, her tail rising. Her breath caught in her throat as she recognized who she saw.

Sasha!

She was coming from the side the outsiders were on. Hisses came from these cats.

Rusty raised his tail, signaling his warriors to stop as Brambleheart came trotting up on his side. Hawktalon padded forward, his tail raised high as she stopped in front of the gathered Clans.

Mothwing could tell her mother was nervous but her head was held high as she regarded Tigerstar. His tail was straight up in the air.

"Sasha," there was a purr to his voice. One which made Leopardstar and Rusty turn to him, surprised. "It's good to see you! Have you considered my offer?"

"What offer –" Leopardstar began. Sasha cut her off.

"Hawk told me you were leaving," she said. "I want my children. Moth, Hawk – come here." Hawktalon started forward quickly. Mothwing glanced at Tigerstar as she started forward.

He was watching them but said nothing as they approached.

Mothwing turned back to her mother. Distress, as much as surprise, seemed to color her eyes as she caught sight of her daughter. "Oh, Moth," She whispered. Mothwing felt her stomach flip. She could not speak as she pressed against her mother, purring.

Relief washed over her in a way it had never before. Sasha rested her head on Mothwing's shoulders as Hawktalon pressed against her other side. The Clans watched on.

"Come with me," Sasha looked between the littermates as they pulled back. "Please." Excitement rushed over Mothwing at the thought. Sasha was here. They could go back to her! She opened her mouth.

"No," Hawktalon stepped back as he spoke. The she-cats looked at him. "This is my Clan – I've sworn loyalty to it." His eyes were bright with pride, "Mama, I'm deputy. I can't abandon that." he licked her shoulder. "I love you," he said before turning away.

"Moth." Sasha was looking at her now. Mothwing looked back to the Clan. To the place in it she had not wanted.

Tigerstar was watching her but she did not look at him. She looked to Hawktalon.

Mothwing could not lose him.

She turned back to Sasha, rubbing her temple against Sasha's shoulder. Something in her was tearing in two. "I love you," She whispered, turning away.

Mothwing did not look back as she padded back to her Clan.

Approval shown in Tigerstar's eyes.