Chapter 13: Cats of Shadows

Firepaw was blearily awoken by the annoyed groaning of Dustpaw and Sandpaw. He yawned, stretching as best as he could around Ravenpaw who felt him moving. His eyes fell on Graypaw who was grinning widely at the hissing from Sandpaw.

"Trample a little louder, why don't you," she said burying her face in her nest. "I don't think WindClan heard you."

Graypaw smirked and stomped loudly in the entrance causing Dustpaw to snag a stray pebble and launch it at him with a dirty glare.

"What's going on?" Firepaw asked saving his friend from being mauled.

"Brindleface just had her kits," Graypaw purred.

A slight smile emerged on Sandpaw's face even as she made no move to get up.

"Good," Dustpaw said with a firm nod. "The clan is expanding again- may Sweetsoul allow us to cherish them."

"I want to see them," Firepaw said, quickly getting to his paws, exhaustion evaporating like the morning dew.

Ravenpaw rose with him, stretching and slipped between the two of them as they left the den. Graypaw gave him a confused but satisfied expression and walked close to him as they veered for the nursery. They watched Spottedleaf slip into the den carrying a bundle of herbs in her mouth with Whitestorm sitting at the entrance, looking every bit the proud sire he was.

"One at a time," Whitestorm told them. "Brindleface is tired and Bluestar is already visiting her."

"Okay," Firepaw agreed. He spied Brightflower out of the corner of his eye and turned to Ravenpaw, speaking softly.

"I'm gonna talk to Brightflower- do you want to come with me or stay with Graypaw?"

Ravenpaw leaned into Graypaw and Firepaw nodded darting off to Brightflower sitting just a tail length away from the nursery grooming her pelt.

"You're out of the nursery?" he meowed in greeting.

"Hello, to you too kitty," she snorted. "Monarchs get real defensive about their kits and I wanted to leave with a full pelt of fur."

"Whitestorm is pretty prickly too right now."

"He's been wearing a groove into the ground since she went into labor- was trodding over everyone's tails until Spottedleaf put him out."

"Will you go and see the kits?" Firepaw asked.

"After you all have," Brightflower said, nodding towards the nursery. "Hopefully Brindleface puts everyone out soon- it smells like it's going to rain and I've gotten used to not constantly being wet."

Firepaw sniffed the air and glanced at the sky. He frowned at the dark clouds slowly rolling over the camp. He hoped it wouldn't last too long- Soryn didn't like being too wet either. He shook his head and glanced up towards the nursery, in time to see Graypaw and Ravenpaw slipping out of the nursery and waving him over. He nudged Brightflower in thanks for the heads up and trotted back over. Bluestar slipped out and brushed her tail over his back in greeting when she walked by.

"Come see me when you're done," she requested and walked away.

Firepaw barely nodded before he was entering the nursery, clamping down on his excitement. The smell of milk filled his senses and squealing kits entered his ears. The nursery had soft baby grass and moss growing and his paws approved of the spongy softness closer to his den in the kingdoms than anything he'd grown used to in the ThunderClan. He noticed the other queens near the back of the den, kits playing on the right giving the new mother and Spottedleaf room to breathe.

Brindleface's soft gray fur was a ruffled mess and her face was full of exhaustion but she waved him over with her tail, purring so loudly Firepaw wouldn't be surprised if even the Stars could hear it. She shifted enough for him to see four tiny little bundles nestled into her stomach, kneading her as they nursed.

"This one," she said, nodding to a small spotted kit that appeared to be a reflection of her. "Is Fernkit."

She gestured to the kit laying next to Fernkit, a lighter gray kit and the singular squealing kit beside it, "These are Ashkit and Elderkit. Tulipkit wiggled under some of the bedding."

Firepaw searched the nest, grinning when he saw a tiny tail sticking out from a small bundle of moss. He gently used a paw to brush it from the kit's head as she slept peacefully.

"They're so small," he said in awe. "Especially Elderkit."

"He'll be the fiercest," Brindleface said. "He's going to be the greatest hunter- or medic."

"He'll be just fine," Firepaw agreed. He bid his goodbye to Brindleface and the kits, wiggling out from the den.

He moved to let Dustpaw fly in to meet the new kits and crossed the clearing to Bluestar's den. He caught sight of Tigerclaw with Longtail once more talking and sending him glances. He slipped into Bluestar's den just as Whitestorm was leaving.

"Bluestar?" he prompted hesitantly.

"Come in Firepaw."

He clambered into the leader's den. The cavern in the tree was massive and Firepaw was fairly certain that the entire apprentice's den could fit inside. It occurred to him that though Bluestar didn't seem to have any living kin, the leader's den was likely meant to be shared by the leader and their mate. It was also probably for meetings that needed to happen in private. Firepaw was pleasantly surprised by the spongy moss growing on the ground making it as soft as the nursery flooring.

He slowly crept to the back of the den where Bluestar laid, lounging on a single smooth stone. Her pelt was dappled with the remaining sunlight across her as she stretched and gathered her paws beneath herself. She climbed down from her rock, passing by a small divot in the ground that a small stream had filled and trotted over to an open space of dirt, a mouse and a rabbit sitting by what he assumed was her nest.

"Have you eaten?" she asked.

"No."

Bluestar pushed the rabbit towards him and settled with her mouse.

"Thank you Slysoul for this prey you granted us," Bluestar recited. "May you know our gratefulness that it gave its life for us."

And may Rayushu grant it life as a new Flame.

For a moment they just ate in silence. Firepaw had focused on plucking the pelt from the rabbit, not in the mood to be coughing on its course, prickly fur.

"You fought very well against ShadowClan," she began making Firepaw perk up. "Most apprentices find themselves frightened when they encounter Soulsparks in combat for the first time. You confronted the enemy bravely."

Bluestar took a moment to take a large bite of her mouse.

"Your skills in hunting and during forest sprints have greatly improved since you started. I believe- and Whitestorm agrees- that the remaining flaws in your skills are due to a lack of experience."

Firepaw straightened up proudly, practically trembling out of his fur as Bluestar sent him a fond smile.

"Now Firepaw, as you know, no mentor is perfect and it's important for apprentices to speak up if there was anything about their apprenticehood that their mentor should change- speak to me as if my position as your leader and my position as your mentor is separate from each other."

Firepaw stared at her in surprise, he didn't have many complaints about his apprenticeship. Sure she'd been a bit tough with him and he was still a bit bitter about being assigned to look after Brightflower but that was more of a personal disapproval on his part- plus, she said to think of her duties as a leader and a mentor as separate. And Bluestar the mentor had been wonderful.

"I can't think of anything," Firepaw said honestly. "The only issue I had was that well… you're really busy with leader duties but that's not your fault."

Bluestar winced, "Indeed, being a leader's apprentice often results in you learning more from other mentors than just your own."

Firepaw opened his mouth only to swivel his ears at the yowl from outside at the same time Bluestar leapt to her paws. Firepaw quickly scrambled after her, out from her den and stared into the central clearing. Spottedleaf was panting, her right ear was torn and blood drizzled down her face from claw marks on her brow. Beside her stood Brightflower as she dragged a large mess of matted bloody fur that she dropped before them.

"ShadowClan," panted Spottedleaf. "They were in the nursery! They broke in through the back!"

"Frostfur's kits are gone," Brightflower snarled. "We were ambushed!"

"Thrushpelt, Willowpelt, Mousefur, search the nursery for a trail," Whitestorm ordered on the spot.

Firepaw sprinted over to Spottedleaf and Brightflower with Bluestar on his heels. Before she could say anything, Firepaw asked a question that had been on his mind for moons.

"Brightflower, you said ShadowClan wasn't a safe place for kits anymore- why are they stealing our kits?"

The molly seemed to freeze, caught off guard. It looked like she would avoid the question for a bit but as Bluestar stared her down, she slumped.

"...Brokenstar isn't fit to be a leader," Brightflower said finally. "He set the apprentice age to three moons old. He trains them from sunrise to sunset and doesn't stop even when they're exhausted. He's killed so many kits from exhaustion that the clan can barely support itself."

"He's killing kits?" Frostfur whispered in horror.

"He killed our medic," Brightflower spat bitterly. "Yellowfang was murdered for speaking the truth."

"What?!" yelped Bluestar as ThunderClan went into uproar. "How do you-"

"Yellowfang came to me in a dream," she bowed her head in shame. "Brokenstar told us he'd come into the training clearing and saw her standing over three dead kits. My kits. We believed him and she was executed. Moonsoul allowed her to come to me in a dream and show me what really happened."

She looked up, eyes alit with fury, "He killed them. He killed my kits with no remorse then he killed our medic while she attempted to heal them and send them onto StarClan peacefully."

"My kits," whispered Frostfur. "He's going to kill my kits."

"Runningwind and Longtail, reinforce the nursery," Bluestar commanded. "Tigerclaw, Volewhisker, search the immediate area for other ShadowClan cats- they may have a second patrol waiting for us to go after Frostfur's kits so they can steal Brindleface's."

Tigerclaw snarled at the concept and stormed for the camp entrance, the tips of his claws lightly scoring the ground with his every step. Volewhisker wasn't far behind, a dark look on his face, his teeth bared. Runningwind led Longtail into the nursery- likely to assess the damage before they could start on the repair job.

"Firepaw."

He glanced up from where was trembling with rage and looked to his mentor.

"You've trained well," she told him. "You're intelligent and skilled at situational assessment. Take two others and take the lead to ShadowClan."

"Bluestar?"

"Whitestorm will need to assist with the reinforcement of the nursery but with the storm on the way, I cannot afford not to send at least one cat out. Whitestorm may be blinded by his desire to protect his kits and not come off as diplomatic as I'd hope. There must be some allies in ShadowClan's territory- cats like Brightflower who know of Brokenstar's full treachery. Consider this your final assignment as my apprentice: find allies in ShadowClan or have a plan to take them down when I send the second patrol."

Firepaw sniffed around, seeking out Graypaw and maybe Sandpaw for this mission. Both of them were good fighters and if they couldn't convince any stragglers to join them, he'd need their muscle and battle skills. He checked the apprentice's den only to see it was completely empty. He was going to exit and keep looking when he overheard soft voices

"ShadowClan couldn't have gotten in without help," Firepaw heard Frostfur growl. "The kits were taught to scream if they smelled ShadowClan- it must've been a traitor."

"Maybe Brightflower killed Clawface to hide her crimes," hissed back Speckletail.

"No, you can't fake that kind of grief," Frostfur denied. "And Spottedleaf was with her. Maybe Longtail was right- get away from me!"

Firepaw quickly pushed himself from the den, shaking his head as the first few raindrops landed on his nose in time to watch Frostfur bare her teeth at Ravenpaw and Speckletail aim for his tail. Ravenpaw jumped back looking frightened and upon seeing Firepaw, darted over to him. Firepaw licked his friend's ears and dismissed the idea of getting Sandpaw. Ravenpaw's time was up- Tigerclaw had successfully turned the clan against him.

Firepaw led Ravenpaw around the back of the nursery where the gap was, Longtail and Runningwind having left to gather branches and vines while Brightflower had moved to stand watch. Graypaw was sniffing around desperately as Firepaw stepped through the hole.

"Where are you going?" Brightflower asked.

"Mission from Bluestar. Come on Graypaw, you're with us."

Brightflower nodded her goodbye as the three apprentices took off into the woods.

"What's the mission?" Graypaw asked as the trees blurred by them.

"Find sympathetic ShadowClanners and if that's not possible, have a plan to defeat them. But first, we need to get Ravenpaw out of here."

"You found out what happened?" Graypaw demanded.

"Tigerclaw didn't save Ravenpaw, Redtail did and Tigerclaw killed him," Firepaw reported grimly. "He suspects Ravenpaw saw him."

"I did," Ravenpaw said. "So now he's trying to get rid of me."

"Tigerclaw's turned the rest of the clan against him," Firepaw finished. "So we have to send him somewhere safe- that Tigerclaw won't hear of him easily."

Graypaw skidd to a halt at the edge of the Neutral Stretch, voicing Firepaw's silent suggestion on the spot, "What about the Sun Kingdom? Tigerclaw would turn against the Souls themselves before he searched non-clan territory."

"That's the plan," agreed Firepaw. "If Ravenpaw's okay with it, Ahasra is usually on the edge here at night. She can bring you in."

"Where would I sleep?" he asked nervously. "And what if your sister won't let me stay?"

"You can stay with my sister or go to Bala," Firepaw encouraged. "He lives far away and Tigerclaw wouldn't stumble across you by accident but you wouldn't be able to visit. And if that's too far, Ahasra would never turn away a cat in need unless you tried to kill me."

"What if Bala doesn't welcome me?"

"Then you tell him that Prince Soryn would be forever grateful for him to house you."

Ravenpaw sent him a look of pure relief. He looked so small with the rain seeping into his pelt, sleeking it against his skin. "What will you tell the clan?"

"We were ambushed," Graypaw said firmly. "We fought them off but you didn't make it."

"There she is," Firepaw said, nodding towards the stretch as his sister trotted into view and flopped on her side near the border, staring up at the fireflies.

"Ahasra!"

She sat up as Firepaw approached.

"Soryn!" she said delightedly before looking at his friends curiously. "And Graypaw and… Ravenpaw? I think?"

"Hi isisi," he purred, nuzzling her. "I have a huge favor to ask."

She tilted her head as he told her a summarized story of Ravenpaw, Redtail and Tigerclaw. Firepaw watched his sister's face shift from alarm, to rage, to sympathy. She glanced over to a nervously trembling Ravenpaw as Firepaw finished with his request.

"Of course I'll take him," she said, licking Firepaw's cheek. She looked at Ravenpaw with soft eyes, "But you'll be the only clan cat most of us have ever met and so you'll have to be an ambassador."

"Really?" Firepaw blinked.

"The clans don't have a great reputation lately," Ahasra admitted. "Honestly it's only the fact we've seen him around a few times and Ravenpaw has been nothing but kind during trades that would allow him to stay."

"I don't mind," Ravenpaw said hesitantly. "What do ambassadors have to do?"

"Likely you'd be drafted to explaining non-secretive clan life to kits and brought in as a consultant regarding situations that involve the clans- like adding them to the Trade Black List or trying to get a count of how many clans there are."

She laughed a little when Ravenpaw's face lit up.

"I take it you don't mind?"

Ravenpaw shook his head, "I like talking about clan life with Firepaw," he confessed. "It's like seeing the clan in a whole new way."

"I'll take you to meet kina then, come on- the sooner this is done, the sooner you can settle in."

Ahasra nuzzled her brother and padded off towards the kingdom and Firepaw was struck by the sight. It was as if he was relieving her padding back home while he left her for the clans all over again.

"I'm going to miss you," Graypaw said in a choked voice.

They touched noses.

"It won't be forever," Ravenpaw whispered. "Keep working hard, guard captain. I'll come back and be the best diplomat ever and we'll kick Tigerclaw's tail."

Ravenpaw rubbed his cheeks against Firepaw's.

"Take care of yourself Ravenpaw," he told him warmly. "If you want to visit, hide your scent."

Ravenpaw purred and turned away, darting after Ahasra who had stopped to wait for them to say goodbye. When he caught up, they walked on disappearing into the trees. Firepaw and Graypaw returned to their mission, sprinting towards the ShadowClan border as the rain really began to come down on them, soaking them through. Firepaw pretended not to notice the way Graypaw's steps faltered and the way he kept glancing behind him, as if Ravenpaw would come bounding after them having changed his mind.

Firepaw was relieved for all the sprints they'd done. The rain created a wall in front of him and ruined his senses. He coughed, having snorted water that dripped into his nose. They'd had to return a bit away from the break in the nursery to find a new trail. They managed to find the faint and almost washed away smell of pine needles beneath the mud. Bluestar had been right to send him out- by the time the storm stopped, the scent would be completely gone.

They reached the Deer Trail and Firepaw strode over and slipped into the bushes looking around suspiciously. Graypaw crept over to him with the same look on his face.

"You know," started Graypaw, sliding under the brush next to him. "When I said I'd chase these flea bitten rats back to their dens, I'd always assumed I'd be a warrior and have a much bigger patrol with me. Preferably, Bluestar and Lionheart beside me."

Firepaw chuckled at him, "Scared?"

"Yes," said Graypaw. "ShadowClan is no joke. Do you know what my mom used to say about ShadowClan warriors?"

"Nope," Firepaw said, turning his gaze ahead.

Firepaw and Graypaw began sniffing around for other scents. The main scent would likely lead them directly to the camp and that was the last place they needed to be. He shook his head when water drizzled from the branches above and dropped onto his nose. Graypaw nudged him and started off. Firepaw quickly followed after him, eventually picking up the scent of fresh kill and pine needles.

Firepaw and Graypaw crouched low and crept closer, poking their heads from the bushes to look onward. It seemed to be just a random patch of territory- not very well defended from the elements and the nests were drenched from the rain. Firepaw couldn't see any dips to hide in and the bushes he and Graypaw were in would make a perfect ambush point. Thin, soaked cats were huddled together under the only dry spot on the ground shivering and looking miserable.

"Sweetsoul be merciful," whispered Graypaw in horror. "Those are elders. Out here. In the rain."

Firepaw shook his head in disgust and stood, stepping out of the bushes with Graypaw behind him. These cats looked far too weak to be a serious threat in a long term battle.

Instantly the cats began hissing, a thick coated black cat stalked out glaring at them. His eyes were fixated on Firepaw's collar. Firepaw recognized the cat instantly. The elder telling the story of Mouthfang.

"Nightpelt?" Firepaw asked with disbelief.

"ThunderClan?" Nightpelt hissed. "Why are you here?"

"Your warriors kitnapped our kits," Graypaw said testily.

Nightpelt recoiled, as the other cats who'd raised their hackles dropped in despair.

"I- we don't have them," Nightpelt said tiredly. "We're just elders and queens. Your kits would be in the camp."

"And queens?" Graypaw said his ears pulling back in rage. "May Moonsoul yank Brokenstar from this plane by the scruff!"

"What a stoat," Firepaw sneered in agreement. "Things are worse than Brightflower said."

"Brightflower?" said Nightpelt perking up. "She's alive?"

"She's been granted Sanctuary in ThunderClan," said Graypaw. "You didn't know?"

Nightpelt shook his head, "We don't get any information from the camp unless we go personally."

"As soon as this rain stops, the ThunderClan patrol will charge right over the border," Firepaw informed. "We were sent ahead to see if we can find cats like Brightflower willing to help us take back our kits and rid ShadowClan of Brokenstar's rule."

"I would love to shove that dung stained muzzle of his into the dirt," Nightpelt hissed. "But no one else in camp will support us. Normal warriors shall not rise against their leaders."

"You'd be protecting ShadowClan though," Graypaw pointed out. "And ShadowClan would be freed from the Soul's wrath once they longer use their name to cause trouble."

"He's doing what?" demanded a molly behind them.

"Brokenstar has declared his reign blessed by the Souls themselves," said Firepaw wryly. "He says everything he's doing is part of Wishsoul and Bravesoul's will."

There was a terse silence through the clearing before one molly stalked right up to them.

"I don't know what the others will say," she began. "But I am willing to fight against letting a Soul Silencer rule ShadowClan."

Firepaw grinned an unfriendly grin as the other cats stepped up in agreement, rage burning in their eyes. Nightpelt nodded and looked at Firepaw.

"Let's find your patrol shall we?"

Firepaw resisted the urge to lick his coat as he burst from the bushes in front of the ThunderClan patrol. His skin crawled from the cold mud touching it. He understood that he needed to be stealthy- that the scent of ThunderClan on him was so strong that they'd have been given away immediately when they tried to move in the camp. He just wished he could hide his scent in a way that didn't involve him rolling through a mud puddle.

He tried to look in control of himself and he resisted shivering, meeting Whitestorm's eyes. It wasn't hard to track them, they weren't making any motion to be sneaky. They trampled over branches and splashed loudly through the mud and their rage permeated the air. He watched their startled aggression morph into a combination of relief and confusion.

"Firepaw?" said Whitestorm. "What are you doing out here?"

"Bluestar sent me ahead to gather reinforcements," he said. "Is Tigerclaw nearby?"

"Tigerclaw stayed in camp," said Acornleap. "Just in case ShadowClan thought they'd try something."

"You said something about reinforcements?" said Whitestorm.

Firepaw nodded, "Brokenstar has kicked out all of the elders and queens with kits over 3 moons old. They're willing to help us remove him from power."

"He kicked them out?" Whitestorm said in disgust as the rest of the patrol adopted expressions of revulsion.

"Yeah," Firepaw said grimly. "Their nests are soaked and they have to hunt for themselves now. They can't enter the camp unless they're reporting intruders or one of the queens gets pregnant again."

"What a load of dung," spat Mousefur. "Brokenstar cannot remain ShadowClan's leader- it's like he doesn't even understand they're his clanmates."

"I'm glad we agree."

Nightpelt walked from the brushes led by Graypaw having picked up a couple of rogues who'd been secretly living in ShadowClan territory and providing for the elders when they were too sick or the queens too tired to hunt. One queen- Dawnpelt- lit up when she spotted Brightflower in the back of the patrol and darted over to touch noses with her.

"Two of my kits died in the battle of WindClan," asserted Dawnpelt. "Brokenstar must be removed."

"ShadowClan is barely a clan anymore," Acornleap said with disgust. "He's run you all into the ground."

"Open attack is our only option," Firepaw informed. "What should we do?"

"Brokenstar would have me executed on sight- Blackfoot had to have reported me being alive when he raided ThunderClan," Brightflower said. "If the elders escort me in, it could draw Brokenstar and his elites from their dens. You could strike as soon as they're in sight."

"Sounds like a plan to me," said Whitestorm. "Lead the way."

"What is that?" Mousefur whispered, her nose wrinkled with disgust.

They stood upon a ridge overlooking the Shadowclan camp. The camp itself was well hidden in the shadows and if they didn't know what they were looking for, they might've tread over it. There was a barrier of prickly and intimidating brambles surrounding it like the ThunderClan camp would've been a good defense but it was full of holes, and the scent of rotting meat filled the air. Firepaw could feel himself getting sick just from standing near it.

"Warriors don't hunt anymore," Nightpelt explained with a scowl. "We'll take any prey you can find. Even if it's mostly beetle dung."

Graypaw gagged as quietly as he could as he slipped into his hiding place in the brambles. Firepaw retched himself when he had to crouch near toadstools that he was certain some cat had made dirt near.

"Wait here until the fighting starts," said Nightpelt.

He joined the other elders and queens surrounding Brightflower to lead her into the camp while the rogues clambered into the bushes alongside the ThunderClan patrol.

Firepaw shuffled in place as quietly as he could, reaching into himself, he focused on his center and his Spark. He almost missed the surge of power that jumped to him, absently he let it cycle through his body as he shivered and glanced to his left. Lightning was jumping from Whitestorm's mouth as his claws scored the ground before him. Firepaw's ears pricked up when he heard screeching from the camp.

Even as Whitestorm was giving the command, Firepaw was charging into the camp.

Dawnpelt, Nightpelt, Brightflower and Ashfoot were already locked in an intense scuffle with powerful looking warriors. Despite frightened eyes locking on the ThunderClan cats breaking in, none of the other cats made any attempt to fight or get involved with them. Acornleap was right- ShadowClan wasn't a clan anymore but rather a collection of frightened cats being ruled over by a cruel leader.

Firepaw was reminded of the fact he was in battle by a brown tabby launching himself at him. He slipped to the right, dodging the attack and ducking a stray flailing paw from another battle. The brown tom snarled angrily and sank his teeth into his ear. Firepaw yelped and pulled away, channeling Spark to his teeth and sank them into the tom's front leg. He was careful to not bite too deep and the tom shrieked. Firepaw released him and watched him hobble off.

He whirled around and froze, his heart breaking when he recognized the white fluff ball charging him. Firepaw dodged his attacks and grabbed him by the scruff, he didn't hesitate to move over to the edge of the clearing where the rest of ShadowClan watched the battle. Firepaw dropped Littlepaw near a startled looking molly.

"I don't want to hurt you," he said sincerely. "Please stay out of this."

"Firepaw?" Littlepaw said hesitantly. Firepaw just nudged him further from the fighting until he could tell the tiny apprentice wouldn't rejoin immediately and ran back into battle.

He spotted another familiar face and promptly threw himself on the back of Scorchwind. The warrior yelped, buckling under his unexpected weight. Firepaw tore his ears as Scorchwind tried to buck him off. He released him skidding back with a devilish grin as the tom whirled around, snarling.

"Softbelly," he snarled. "I'm going to enjoy this!"

"Not nearly as much as I am."

Firepaw dodged to the right and the tom leapt at his tail. He turned around and slammed his claws into the side of his head. Scorchwind snarled and shook his head then lunged, snagging his collar. Firepaw smirked and yanked his head back, letting it snap open and send Scorchwind flying. He charged and leapt right on top of him, beginning to rake away at his stomach. Scorchwind flailed and attempted to knock him off but Firepaw sank his teeth into this throat and let his struggles grow weaker and weaker. He released him when he smelled actual fear radiate from him and sent a sharp swipe at his hind leg.

Firepaw grinned proudly as Scorchwind limped off and glanced around seeing that the other elites had been chased off already.

"For Wishsoul's sake will you just die already?!"

Firepaw whipped around to Brightflower locked in battle with Brokenstar. He lunged with shadows covering his teeth and Brightflower dodged, sinking her teeth into his hind leg. He yelped and slapped her into the ground.

"You're harder to kill than Raggedstar was," he sneered, licking blood from his cut lip.

"What?" said Brightflower scrambling upright in horror.

She wasn't the only one. Firepaw watched the previously anxious faces of the non-fighting ShadowClan cats morph into rage and fury.

"Yellowfang saw his body," he scoffed. "Foolish molly didn't even recognize my fur in his claws. My father was a weak and soft leader unfit to rule ShadowClan."

"And my kits? My Yellowfang? Did they also deserve to die?" she demanded.

"ShadowClan has no room for weakling and fools!" he snarled, launching himself at her.

Firepaw's paws had already begun moving while they were talking and he slammed into Brokenstar, bowling him over. Brokenstar threw him off easily but Firepaw landed, claws extended already sending his Spark to his claws.

"Asisayusora," Firepaw snarled unintentionally.

"What nonsense are you speaking softbelly," Brokenstar sneered.

"You murdered your father!"

"He was weak- he deserved to die!"

"You only kill kin when they give you no choice."

"You're wasting your time," he scoffed, smirking. "I am a leader with nine lives- you'll have to kill me nine times over and you can't win."

"Nine lives is nothing to an entire clan of cats," Firepaw retorted.

Brokenstar stared at him before turning his head at the sound of growling. That's when he realized for the first time, that the rest of ShadowClan was edging closer with bared fangs and fury on their faces.

"Soul Silencer," Brightflower snarled.

Brokenstar took a few steps back in alarm, "This isn't the end."

The disgraced leader charged for one of the holes torn in the ShadowClan barrier. Firpaw smirked when several cats threw themselves at him, dragging him down. One grabbed his tail while another leapt on his back. He smacked the tom latched onto his tail into the ground and slammed the other on his back to the ground. Firepaw felt a twinge of satisfaction when Brokenstar left a pool of blood as he scrambled from one of the many holes in the barrier around the camp.

"We've found the kits," Graypaw announced. He had a tear in his ear and claw marks on his chest as he ushered the frightened kits, trembling in front of him.

Firepaw rushed over with the rest of the patrol hot on his heels. Cinderkit let out a terrified cry and raced over to him, burying her face in his chest. He purred gently and as soothingly as he could.

"Are you hurt?" he asked.

She shook her head and hid her face. Firepaw licked the top of her head and glanced up.

"Cinderkit is alright, just scared," he reported.

"Thornkit has a hole in his ear," Acornleap announced. "Not a big one but it's bleeding."

Runningnose- the ShadowClan medic- trotted over and carefully inspected his ear. He nodded, "Just need some cobwebs to stop the bleeding."

"Firepaw."

He glanced up to see Whitestorm standing with Nightpelt and Brightflower. Whitestorm beckoned him over with his tail so Firepaw stood to move over to them. He stumbled when Cinderkit walked with him, whimpering. He sighed softly, his heart twisting for frightened usually boisterous kit. He bent down and carefully picked her up by the scruff and carried her over to the expectant cats.

Whitestorm sent him a warm smile as Nightpelt spoke up, "We can't thank you enough. You helped us rid ourselves of a terrible leader and allowed us to find out the truth of our previous leader's death. I'm sure the mother of these kits is very worried so you should hurry home."

"ThunderClan offers you a moon of peace," said Whitestorm. "Just so you can get back on your paws."

"ThunderClan is very generous," Nightpelt said, dipping his head. "We accept your offer gratefully."

Whitestorm turned to Brightflower, "Are you coming with us or staying here?"

Brightflower looked around, at the ShadowClan cats mingling with each other. At the ThunderClan cats nuzzling their kits and a sad smile emerged on her face.

"I will be eternally thankful for everything ThunderClan has done for me," Brightflower began. "But ShadowClan is my home. And I want to see them- us prosper again. Without kit killers."

Whitestorm nodded an understanding smile on his face even as Firepaw winced. He'd miss the snappy molly but maybe they can keep talking during the Gatherings. Whitestorm called the patrol together and nudged Firepaw who looked up at him in surprise.

"You started this so you should finish it," Whitestorm said.

Firepaw looked at the rest of the patrol who looked at him with approval and encouragement. Firepaw motioned for Graypaw to join him.

"Let's go home ThunderClan."

Firepaw struggled to hold onto Cinderkit who'd started wiggling madly upon spotting the gorse tunnel. He almost dropped her twice when Whitestorm laughed.

"Go ahead Firepaw- she's eager."

Firepaw needed no further encouragement and sprinted for the gorse tunnel, sliding into the clearing. He set Cinderkit down and watched her sprint directly to a depressed looking Frostfur being comforted by Goldenflower and Speckletail.

"Mama!" Cinderkit wailed charging over to her.

Frostfur leapt to her paws rushing over and pulled her close. She licked her furiously as the rest of the patrol strode in.

"My kits!" Frostfur cried overjoyed as Brackenkit, Thornkit and Brightkit ran over to join them.

"You found them."

Bluestar came trotting over rapidly with Thrushpelt by her side.

"We did," Whitestorm agreed. "Brokenstar has been removed as leader and is on the run with a few of his loyalists."

"ThunderClan honors you," Bluestar purred at him warmly.

"It was all thanks to Firepaw and Graypaw," Mousefur said. "Firepaw fought like Bravesoul and Wishsoul both were possessing him"

"Graypaw defended the kits," Acornleap added. "Everytime a ShadowClanner tried to take them back, he sent them running like squirrels coming face to fang with a bear."

"Where's Brightflower?" Speckletail asked.

Firepaw shrugged, "She said her place was in ShadowClan."

"Ah."

The queens all looked rather disappointed about that- even Frostfur as she groomed her kits.

"I promised ShadowClan a moon of peace," Whitestorm informed Bluestar. "If that's alright?"

"That's fine Whitestorm," she assured. "We will honor your offer. ThunderClan has no need to make enemies with this next era of ShadowClan."

Bluestar searched the camp entrance, frowning when she couldn't find something.

"I swore you left with another- where's Ravenpaw?"

"Ravenpaw was with you?" said Whitestorm blinking.

Graypaw's smile instantly vanished and he looked like he'd sink into the ground and next get up again. Firepaw quickly pressed against him and licked his ear soothingly, ignoring the growing alarmed look on the cats around them.

"...we were ambushed when we first crossed in," Firepaw said, channeling his exhaustion from the battle into his voice. "Brokenstar had some fanatics watching the borders. We fought them off as best as we could…"

He glanced up and his heart broke at the shattered and horror stricken look on Dustpaw's face. Sandpaw pressed fiercely against him and Firepaw silently resolved to tell him his brother was alive. He wouldn't be able to handle finding out one of his brothers or sisters was dead only to later discover they were alive out of the blue.

Bluestar seemed to pull herself together, shaking her head and straightening up.

"We will mourn tonight for his loss. It's cruel that we don't even have a body to bury," Bluestar said. "But we have one last ceremony to get through."

She motioned for Graypaw and Ravenpaw to follow her up to the highrock. Realization dawned on them, as Bluestar called the clan to attention.

"Firepaw, Graypaw, do you promise to protect and defend this clan? Even at the cost of your lives?"

"I do," Firepaw said eagerly with Graypaw.

"Then step forward and receive your warrior names."

Firepaw allowed Graypaw to go first- just in case there were things he was supposed to do.

"Graypaw from this moment on you shall be known as Graystripe. The Souls honor your bravery and loyalty and welcome you as warrior of ThunderClan."

Firepaw was glad he let his friend go first when Bluestar rested her chin on his head and he licked her shoulder. Grayp-stripe. Graystripe stepped back and sat beside. Firepaw carefully walked towards his mentor who looked at him with pride in her eyes

"Firepaw from this moment on you shall be known as Fireheart. The Souls honor your courage and passion in an unfamiliar place and I am honored to welcome you as a warrior of ThunderClan."

Firepaw felt her chin touch the top of his head and he quickly licked her shoulder. He shuddered when he felt a sensation like lightning rip through his body and touch his source. He blinked in surprise and new humming that filled his body.

"Well done Fireheart," she whispered to him.

Firepaw excitedly stepped back and sat beside Graypaw.

Bluestar took a deep breath.

"Though we do not have a body, we know he fought bravely and I beg Moonsoul to allow him to hear us," Bluestar said. "Though we feel he was taken too soon, today he was the bravest apprentice of all. StarClan if you hear us, from this day on, Ravenpaw will be known as Ravenwing. We honor your warmth and kindness- may StarClan take you as a full warrior of ThunderClan."

"Fireheart, Graystripe, Ravenwing- turn and face your clan not as apprentices but as warriors!"

"Fireheart! Graystripe! Ravenwing!" "Fireheart! Graystripe! Ravenwing!"

Firepa-heart was bursting with pride and exchanged a delighted look with Graystripe. He listened to them chanting their names and felt the support of his clan, smiling sadly as Dustpaw screamed Ravenwing's name the loudest as if to ensure he could hear him.

"You will sit a silent vigil guarding the camp," Bluestar informed.

Fireheart and Graystripe nodded and Fireheart allowed Graystripe to lead him from the highrock to the gorse tunnel. Fireheart yelped when he was knocked over.

"Watch your step boar belly," Tigerclaw sneered. "You can't fool me as easily as you've fooled everyone else. I'll be watching you."

The dark tabby stomped off tail lashing angrily. Fireheart stared after him with frustration and turned in time to see Bluestar glaring after him.

"Rest assured, I will speak to Tigerclaw about his behavior and language," Bluestar told him through gritted teeth.

Fireheart nodded, pleased with her rage on his behalf and trotted out of the tunnel after Graystripe. As he sat, pride flowed through him, warmer than any chill from his drying coat. Ahasra would be so proud of him. He resolved to also tell Ravenpaw of his promotion. He sighed- he'd really miss Ravenwing. The flash of black and gray on either side of him reminded him of his brother- he'd grown used to it.

And Tigerclaw would need to be dealt with.

His weird obsession with fire, threatening Ravenwing, murdering Redtail. Plus it was likely he was involved with Lionheart's death. He'd proven himself to be dangerous and willing to do whatever it took to get what he wanted.

But Fireheart had proven to be dangerous too. He wasn't naive and he was onto him now. He was able to stand on his own and the rest of the clan trusted him. The cat made of flames from his earlier vision came to mind- he'd keep an eye out for them. If Spottedleaf had had her Sight before, it's likely that Tigerclaw knows about it. Firepaw would probably have to protect the subject of the Sight from Tigerclaw's ambitions.

Fireheart felt his body lock up as warmth flooded his body. Embers fell around him as smoke filled his lungs and his mouth tasted of ash.

He stood guard over a burning world.