Screams and yowls woke Vixonpelt from her sleep. She opened her eyes. River Clan cats were in the Thunder Clan camp, but they weren't attacking. Vixonpelt walked into the clearing. River Clan cats were nervous and scared, Brightstar was on High Rock trying to calm the two clans. Treestar was beside her on High Rock.

"Cats of Thunder Clan and River Clan, something terrible has happened! River Clan has been forced out of their territory because they have no food at all." Yowls of anger kept Brightstar from continuing.

"So! Why should they be allowed to stay here? Loss of prey is normal! They have never been allowed to live with another clan in desperate situations!" Cloudheart declared. Brightstar turned to Treestar. "He has a point. I'm sorry but River Clan can't stay here." River Clan cats whined and whimpered in hunger and fear. Brightstar looked at them thoughtfully.

"I will, though, allow two River Clan cats to join Thunder Clan if they like." she proposed. Treestar agreed, but only because it meant less mouths to feed.

Vixonpelt looked hopefully at Braveheart. He could join Thunder Clan and they could have kits together! He returned the look with one looking just as hopeful. He spoke out. "I want to join Thunder Clan!" he called. Brightstar looked at him and nodded. But Treestar looked hurt. "But Braveheart, you are one of our best hunters, how would we survive without you?" he asked nervously. All the cats were silent. "I don't care. I'm tired of living in River Clan. I'm hungry and here I can live with food and a clan that actually gets along!" He defied. River Clan cats yowled and snarled angrily at him. Treestar shook his head dismissively.

"I want to join too, River Clan stinks!" Lionfang called out. River Clan was disgusted. Treestar led the loyal cats away.

"Well, Lionfang, Braveheart, welcome to Thunder Clan." Brightstar said. The two knew warriors nodded their heads and walked towards the warrior's den.

Vixonpelt went back in and waited for Braveheart to come and lie down beside her. He entered and smiled warmly at her. He laid down beside her and purred. Vixonpelt slept great that night.

The next day Vixonpelt and Braveheart hunted together.

"Its so great to taste food again." Braveheart said as he carried a mouse back to Vixonpelt after catching it aggressively. Vixonpelt purred. Life seemed to be giving her good luck.

Vixonpelt and Braveheart brought back in total three mice, two voles, and a small bird. Shimmercloud was pleased when they dropped it onto the pile. Braveheart saved a vole for himself while Vixonpelt chose the bird. They padded over to warrior's den to eat in peace. Later that day Braveheart had to go on a patrol, leaving Vixonpelt behind.

"Hi Vixonpelt." Lionfang said as he sat down beside her. She nodded her head at his greeting. The moment of silence that followed was uncomfortable. What did Lionfang want?

"Have you already hunted today?" he asked. Vixonpelt nodded, "With Braveheart." "Oh, him. I don't like him at all, he such a show-off." Lionfang said. Vixonpelt didn't reply. "The leaf-fall itch will be around soon." He continued. Vixonpelt shifted. The itch! That was what he wanted, to be her mate. She nodded her head. She would have the itch real soon herself. Dawnflower had gotten the itch earlier than usual. Lucky, if only Vixonpelt had too, then Lionfang wouldn't be interested in her.

"I've got the itch." Lionfang said. "Oh?" Vixonpelt said. He nodded his head. "But since you're not interested I'll just go." He padded away. Vixonpelt was awed at his courage.

The next day Vixonpelt walked to get Braveheart for hunting. But he was already talking to Morningfur. He licked her and they walked out of camp. Vixonpelt felt crushed. Was Lionfang right that Braveheart was just a show-off? He couldn't be.

But Braveheart seemed to be ignoring her more and more everyday. He spent his time with Morningfur.

Vixonpelt caught him one morning.

"Braveheart, why haven't you spent any time with me?" she asked as he started out of camp. He turned to look at her. "Oh, hi Vixonpelt. Um…well…you know." He answered dumbly.

"No, I don't know." Vixonpelt retorted irritably. He sighed. "Look, I know I liked you and stuff, but we've grown apart. Morningfur is more my type anyways. Besides, she is already going to have my kits. I have to take care of her." He walked off. Vixonpelt felt like she had been stuck with daggers. How could he! Lionfang was right. She had been hoping for him to be the father of her kits, but now…

She had the itch and no one seemed interested in her. She laid down sadly. But then Lionfang walked over. "What's got you bummed?" he said warmly. "You were right." She replied. "About what?" "Braveheart." "You didn't believe me? Well I'm sorry if he hurt you." Lionfang sniffed the air. "You got the itch?" he asked. Vixonpelt nodded. "Well, I might not be Braveheart, but…I've got the itch too." Vixonpelt looked up at him. She had forgotten how much Lionfang liked her. Maybe she liked him back.

"I would never ditch you if…" Vixonpelt smiled. "I would be honored if you were the father of my kits." She finished for him. He sighed in relief. "Well lets go then." He waited for her to get up and then they padded out of camp. Vixonpelt smiled to herself when Braveheart saw them and as he sniffed the air recognized what Lionfang and Vixonpelt intended on doing.