Chapter 49


BushClan/Tumbleheart

The moon that followed the full moon meeting had left her in deep thought. They have healed well thanks to Icepath's skills, however she did not turn a blind eye to her father and his yearning heart. Ever since the battle Crowleaf had been rather close to Jaggedcloud, the reddish-brown and white tabby seemed fond of him as well. They had spent a lot of time together, possibly even during the battle they had looked out for one another. Tumbleheart wouldn't know for certain, but it warmed her heart to see it. In fact, with the second full moon meeting slowly approaching, the she-cat's usual grassy scent had changed to something less identifiable for her. Almost familiar, but not exactly. Just on the tip of the claw of familiarity. She was curious and yet, she did not want to pry. After all, should anything be a bit off, the older she-cat would see herself to Icepath's den.

Her tail curled around her as she enjoyed the weak leaf-fall sun. It was a cooler day than the one before, which she liked to an extent. Soft scuffs of paw-steps had slowly approached her. Flicking her green eyes, she spotted the russet-colored tom that she had been hanging around with herself. A surge of affection at his thoughtfulness warmed her and grew into a purr as he carried two mice towards her. His yellow-green eyes bright as he picked up his pace to join her in the sunlight while it was still there. The sun had slowly began to set earlier every day, making hunting prey a bit harder. The prey liked the warm sun as much as they did, so they often sunbathed in the colder moons, which made them perfect to hunt before the sun went down and it got too cold for the prey to dare stick even a whisker out of their holes.

Regardless, she sat up more as Rubyflower placed the mice down with a swift shake of his fur to fluff it up. "Brrr, it's cold, isn't it?" He asked, knowing what the answer would be most likely. That was one of the things she grew to like about him, always checking to make sure it was cold despite how well his fur kept him warm.

"It is, but it's always perfect for warming up together." She pointed out warmly as he curled up beside her, allowing her a chance to snuggle into his side with her body.

He snorted in amusement before taking a mouse for himself. "Just hurry up and eat, you silly chickadee."

Tumbleheart purred softly, sitting back up to eat with him. It was a quiet meal as the camp worked hard around them. Tumbleheart gazed around, her green eyes trained on the movement of familiar pelts of her Clan-mates. Twilightsky making sure the patrols were going out at the proper moments; Jaggedcloud and Crowleaf working on reinforcing the dens for leafbare with leaves to keep the cold out; Pigeonstream's gray and white self padding into camp with more leaves to help. All the while, Foxgaze, Flametuft, and their apprentices; Amberpaw and Bubblepaw, were out on a hunting patrol. While Turtlesplash, Applemist, and Cinderpaw were on a boarder patrol. Luckily, Lightpaw and Birdpaw were helping their mentors with the dens so that they would be done much quicker.

With a soft sigh, she felt they were truly at peace. She could hardly remember a leaf-fall this peaceful, perhaps some kits would be on the way to liven up the Clan all over again. Her affections for Rubyflower were still growing, but she was certain there would be no kits in their future any time soon. After all, she wanted to enjoy her time with him and take her time through it now that kits weren't needed to become warriors so soon. With a glance to the russet-colored tom, she wondered if he thought of her as his mate and how they even would know that they are mates. Would they have to say so? Or does it just happen as easily as their hearts seem to connect without a word? Whatever it was, she felt calm and settled.

"Something the matter?" Rubyflower asked, noticing that she had looked to him.

"Just thinking." She murmured softly, almost embarrassed about the things that had crossed her mind. "It's nothing important."

Whether he believed her or not, she did not know. What she did know, was the knowing twinkle in his eyes as he cleaned up after his meal. He did not ask her a single thing about what was on her mind, which was proof enough that he was willing to wait until she was ready to really tell him anything. She felt tempted to, she knew he wouldn't judge her. She opened her jaws to speak, but a sound caught her attention. It sounded like a growl, instantly she was on her paws ready to defend her Clan. However, all she and anyone else could see was Poppyclaw standing still with his fur bushed out and his claws extended. He was growling lowly, his amber eyes glazed over as he seemed prepared to fight an enemy that none of them could see. Swiftly, his mate, Jasminepetal rushed to his side, keeping close, but not too close in case it turned out to be something much worse then it was looking.

Before any cat could say a word, Poppyclaw blinked, his body relaxing to the point of practically crumpling to the dusty ground. He was breathing heavily, his fur still ruffled as his tail lashed and thumped the ground in irritation. Jasminepetal began a duty to smooth down his mate's dark ginger fur, making it nice and neat with each rough lick. Morningstar had bolted out of his den and trotting over. Scraps of moss and ferns still clung to his pelt, making it clear that he was keeping warm in his nest until the growling and sudden silence summoned him. Rubyflower shuffled his paws beside her, seeming nervous.

"Think Poppyclaw is okay?" He asked.

Tumbleheart nodded. "I think he is."

The next to speak was Morningstar. "Did you have a vision?"

Amber eyes glared up past their leader, full of anger and pain. "What use is it to send me signs and visions if I am not a medicine cat no longer?"

"Perhaps, they know you will always help Icepath and wish for you to help her?" Jasminepetal suggested.

Poppyclaw snorted, getting to his paws. "Then they should have sent it to her first!"

Morningstar narrowed his eyes. "What did you see?"

The elder looked to his leader, his gaze softening. "I'm not sure. I saw a lot of things. Things I cannot name. I don't know when any of it would happen, but I have to tell Icepath and hope we can come to a conclusion."

"Please, let me know when you do." The BushClan leader meowed softly.

"I will, but there is nothing to be afraid of." He promised. "Although, you should know... There is a silk that connects two spirits, those strands of silk may change everything we ever will know. But if Icepath had the same vision, then there has to be a reason why I had it too."

"Go and speak with her then."

Silk that connects two spirits? Tumbleheart blinked, the words seeming to settle uneasily in her mind. Whatever it had meant, she was certain that it may be far more important than any of them could imagine. Although, she supposed that was just one of the pawfuls of things he has seen in the visions. The thought alone made her swallow dryly. The mouse she had eaten settling like a stone in her stomach. Looking to Rubyflower, she felt a bit envious about how he didn't look troubled. He was still a loner at heart, no matter how much he could be taught about StarClan. Taking a deep breath, she began to go to Twilightsky, aware that her mate was close behind. If that was what he was to her, she wasn't sure about that herself just yet. However, the thought of him being her mate didn't bother her.

"You want to see what patrol Twilightsky will put us on?" He asked, his mew a step behind her.

"Of course." She replied. "I don't want to get myself all worked up about whether or not Poppyclaw had a vision or not."

It wasn't a total lie, but the last thing she wanted was to admit to the truth of how much it worried her that a former medicine cat was given visions. As far as she knew, that never happened. Without the original Clans that lived where they all do now, they had no idea if this was normal or not. Their grasp of StarClan's gifts and powers and knowledge was still not enough. It was as though StarClan were truly in the stars, far from their reach and making her wish she could pluck a star and find out all the answers she desperately wanted to know. Nonetheless, she rose her tail in greeting to Twilightsky when the reached him, the pale patch-furred tom dipped his head in response.

"Do you have the other patrols finalized yet?" Tumbleheart asked.

Twilightsky blinked warmly. "Not yet, I was thinking of letting Crowleaf, Jaggedcloud, and Lightpaw to hunt so they can stretch their legs and warm up more."

"What about the sun-high patrol?" Rubyflower inquired with a tilt of his head.

"I am still deciding on that one. I was thinking Pigeonstream and Birdpaw can be on that one." He explained, before he seemed to catch on. "Did you two want to join them?"

"If it's okay." Tumbleheart meowed, feeling a little self-conscious.

He purred warmly. "It's perfectly fine. You and Rubyflower can join them. Although, I have a good idea that Jaggedcloud won't be taking on patrols, hunting, or training her apprentice duties soon."

"Why do you think so?" Rubyflower asked, surprised.

"Minteye and I have had plenty of kits. I know the scent of an expectant queen like a nest of mice." He boasted proudly. "Her scent is changing to that of an expectant queen. The moment I scent that milk-scent I will give her advice to see Icepath before asking to join any patrols. Just to be safe."

"So that's what that scent is." Tumbleheart murmured half to herself. "I thought it smelled familiar."

"Close to the memory of being at your mother's belly, isn't it?" He trilled softly.

The brown and tan tabby she-cat nodded. "Exactly. I was trying to figure out what it was. Thank you do much, I didn't think of asking anyone else for it."

"No problem, just help out in other places if you can, anything so that our leaf-fall duties get finished for the colder days and nights ahead of us." The deputy pointed out.

"We'll help Pigeonstream with sifting through the leaves then. No need for thorns or something prickly being added to the walls if we don't need it." Rubyflower meowed, looking to her.

"Agreed." She mewed, turning around to go help Pigeonstream and Birdpaw. "Besides, we are a couple of paws who need something to do."

Quickly, they padded over and began to help the best they could. Pigeonstream was not a young warrior like he once was many moons ago, but his senses were still sharp and he could sift through leaves with an expert paw. Tumbleheart began to do her best to learn, swiping her paw to pull off leaves from any twigs that they were stuck on still. Meanwhile, Rubyflower was making sure to put the twigs and sticks into a pile while Birdpaw gathered the leaves piled up to deliver to Crowleaf and Jaggedcloud to finish up the elder's den before moving on to the apprentice's den. Their paws working as one to bring comfort for all of their Clan-mates for the coming moons.

By sun-high they had finished the warriors den and were about to start the nursery's reinforcements. However, that was when the patrols came back with meager offerings of leaf-fall. A couple of mice and a shrew split apart the boarder patrol and the hunting patrol. Tumbleheart looked to the others, knowing that they had to go hunt and patrol as well. Twilightsky was giving his thanks to the boarder patrol for bringing back prey despite not needing to. Every cold snap they ever had, they always caught extra prey on other patrols since they always had such small numbers. Every piece of prey was precious, especially for elders and expectant queens. A purr rose in her throat as she saw the way the prey-pile had been growing. Despite the lunch breaks they had, there was still enough to give a mouthful to every cat if they did it right.

"Alright, Crowleaf, Jaggedcloud, and Lightpaw; it's time for you three to stretch your legs and try hunting for a bit." Twilightsky called over as Flametuft and Turtlesplash headed over to take their places.

"We'll make sure to get the nursery done before you get back." The russet tabby tom meowed, his stump of a tail twitching.

"With Bubblepaw and Cinderpaw getting started on cleaning out the bedding even the nests will be ready before moonrise." Turtlesplash pointed out.

Bubblepaw scowled, his blue-gray tail flicking. "That sounds boring though."

"It may sound boring, but if you do it fast enough there will be battle training in it for you both." The tortoiseshell she-cat meowed, although she turned her head away. "But if it's too boring, I suppose that battle training can wait until tomorrow."

"No, we'll do it!" Cinderpaw blurted out, looking to his littermate feverishly. "Come on, it won't take that long and it's better then collecting leaves when they run out like Birdpaw is doing."

Birdpaw sniffed in disdain, following Pigeonstream. "It's not even that bad, what are you kits still? I'd hope not!"

Her mentor paused, looking over the apprentice's with a sharp eye. "They have an assessment coming up to become warriors as well. All warriors have to do these jobs. In fact, when we didn't have many apprentices, we all chipped in while the other half went hunting. Now don't be spoiled and help out. It won't take long with all of you working together."

Chastened, Bubblepaw nodded. "Sorry, Pigeonstream."

Turtlesplash nodded. "Exactly, now let's hurry, we've wasted enough sunlight chattering like songbirds."

Twilightsky looked to Pigeonstream and Birdpaw. "Now that's settled, would you mind taking Tumbleheart and Rubyflower with you on boarder patrol?"

"We would appreciate the company." The older warrior chirped. "I already made sure there is plenty of leaves for Applemist and Amberpaw to sift through. Knowing Foxgaze, he will be making sure nobody misses a spot."

"Excellent." The deputy looked to the cats awaiting their orders. "If your tired you can rest in the sunlight, but if you have the energy get to work so we have all the dens covered."

"Will do." Amberpaw meowed first, jumping to his paws.

Maplepaw had padded over from the medicine den. "The moss is finished drying and I already gave some to Icepath for her storage."

"Thank you Maplepaw, will you get a head start on removing the old bedding?" Twilightsky asked.

"Of course!" He practically squeaked. "Minteye promised to help me in the elders den so I know she will be tons of help."

"That's a great idea. I hope you two do well together on your den cleaning endeavors." He praised his apprentice.

Tumbleheart purred warmly, feeling proud of the young tom who was doing his best to be an excellent warrior in his own right. Quickly, they followed Pigeonstream on out of the camp. She was looking forward to the warrior ceremonies of the older apprentices. They had worked hard and were doing excellently despite the hardships that plagued their training. Feeling at ease, she followed the older warrior and allowed him to enjoy his time to ensure he was helping the next generation of warriors to the fullest. After all, they needed the training even if it had been peaceful. With the remnants of FearClan having vanished, they had to tread carefully to ensure their way of life won't be under attack once more. With two Clans, however, Tumbleheart was positive the threat of the past was over. They outnumbered them now, so it wouldn't be too troublesome if they dared to strike again.

Feeling more and more at ease at the thought of the peace they were in, she parted her jaws to taste the air. She took in every scent possible, seeking out danger and prey all the same. The turbulent moons have long passed and now they were in a well deserved peace. Rubyflower flicked her side, causing her to close her jaws as she looked to him. He gestured to a nearby tree with late season nuts around it's base. A perfect spot to hunt prey that could be starving already from the cold snap. Neither had to say a word as Birdpaw approached one of the massive roots to cling her body onto. Pigeonstream headed into the brush, so Tumbleheart followed along with Rubyflower. They kept their senses stretched thin as they waited for prey to gather. It never would hurt to catch a mouse or even a squirrel for their Clan to enjoy.

Like an assessment, the young tortoiseshell was patient before striking on a squirrel that dared to nibble on a nut. This caused a mouse to explode out from the leaf-litter running to a particular spot. Pigeonstream launched himself after it, his pale gray and white paws pounding over the leaves, kicking them up as his front paws slammed onto the earth. Tumbleheart waited with beated breath, her green eyes wide to not miss a thing. The older warrior lifted his head, the dangling field mouse in his jaws was clearly dispatched cleanly. There was two pieces of prey they could take back to the Clan now. Tumbleheart left her hiding spot, feeling like an apprentice again herself.

"That was an excellent catch!" she praised them both.

Rubyflower followed her out, just as amazed as she felt. "How did you even manage to capture either of them?"

"Well, squirrels do put up a fight, but if you get them just right, they won't be a problem." Birdpaw meowed bashfully, seeming to be shy under all the praise.

Pigeonstream tilted his head coyly before putting his catch down. "Once you've caught a few mice, you realize they all think the same. Always aim where they are going and hope it isn't their hole. I was just lucky this time."

"All the same, I wasn't sure you would have gotten it." Tumbleheart meowed, pride filling her. "These will be perfect for when we get home."

"In fact, I think Birdpaw can share her catch with her brothers." The older warrior suggested, the younger she-cat purring loudly at the thought. "Just don't forget to show your father."

"Oh, maybe I should give it to Twilightsky and Minteye." Birdpaw suddenly thought aloud. "It's been a while since either of them had squirrel and I'm sure they would be proud enough to enjoy it together."

"That's a fantastic idea." Rubyflower encouraged her.

As the chatter between the toms and the apprentice grew, Tumbleheart looked back ahead. Despite the cold leafbare looming ever closer, she knew all would be fine. BushClan was thriving just as much as she was certain WillowClan had to be. She felt giddy at the thought of having another Clan. It was much younger than theirs, but it was still a Clan that had formed out of all the strife and war. Perhaps all warriors are born within cats and not the other way around. No cat is born to be a warrior, but some cats have a warrior that is waiting to be born from deep within their heart. Loyalty mattered, but so did the love and understanding, the compassion they had for one another. That was what kept their Clan from being destroyed by FearClan. Whatever that cruel group of cats called themselves now and wherever they were, Tumbleheart hoped that, they too, found their own version of peace. Every cat earned that much, she was certain of that much at least.


Author Note:

And with that, the story draws to a close on this birthday surprise. I know it's late in my time when I update this, but that's just because I had a busy day today. But next update should be much earlier!

A Lost Star has been born and formed into a new Clan, but this is never the end.

There is one last chapter that will prove that much to be true.

Thank you all for reading and giving this story a chance. And thank all who gave some critiques in the past and those who left reviews and comments.
May you all have a wonderful morning, day, evening, or night; and if not may it get better soon. - NightSky