Fireheart was awoken by bright white light shining through the den. He grumbled and made to curl up into a tighter ball in his dirt nest. It had snowed again through the night. He'd been sorely tempted to climb back into the moss nest with Graystripe, to enjoy his friend's thicker and warmer coat but although his anger had lessened to a mere prickle, he was still irritated that it had taken the risk of a war with Stormstar for him and Silverstream to take him seriously.

He did at least allow Graystripe to apply the herbs to his legs when his friend had stared at him pitifully from their nest. The juice had stung and he'd hissed and flinched the entire time leaving Graystripe looking like he'd been kicked each time but they'd done their job. Even when he extended his hindleg, stretching it as far as he could, he only felt the smallest of twinges in his muscles.

Fireheart sat, licking his pelt into a semblance of order and wondered how Sandtail and Dustpelt had fared during their vigil. With the snow coming down it must've been freezing but the pride of becoming a new warrior was so warm in your jest that not even the coldest chill could truly breach your coat. He glanced towards the edge of the den, the two nests occupied by the clan's newest warriors snoring away. The dawn patrol must've dismissed them when they went out.

Fireheart took one last moment to stretch, arching his back as a yawn forced its way from his mouth. He straightened up, shaking out his coat and padded out into the main clearing. Thankfully, the snow wasn't as heavy as it could have been and Fireheart could walk through it without having to pick around the edge of the clearing or follow pre-made paths. He only barely jumped aside in time to avoid Frostfur who was out stretching her legs.

She purred in amusement, "Good thing I wasn't sitting still!"

Fireheart laughed and nodded in agreement- Iliari would be just as hard to see in the snow he wagered. If his kin kept his tail and ears down, he'd look like a branch covered in snow, barely able to be seen.

He picked his way over to the two bare spots in the camp that smelled of Sandtail and Dustpelt and quickly took advantage of the dry ground. He blinked as a snowflake landed on his nose and glanced up at the sky. Heavy clouds were once more filling the air- it seemed that the Snowbringer had already begun pricking the clouds to deepen the snow. He flicked his tail at the idea of all the hunting patrols he'd surely be sent on- the prey would start disappearing again as the snow got deeper and their food was buried.

Bluestar called a meeting, raising her voice to compensate for the muffling presence of the snow.

"I just wanted to ensure that every cat knew of Brokentail's presence within the camp," Bluestar announced. "He is being held prisoner until he dies naturally."

A few cats snorted and Bluestar chuckled.

"Spottedleaf has asserted that he is on his last life," she clarified. "He is nothing more than a normal cat now. We cannot turn him to the forest lest we risk the Souls' wrath for our heartlessness"

Fireheart glanced around the clan, intrigued to see who was pacified by the mention of the Souls and who all still looked wary and skeptical. For the most part, the elders seemed the most receptive to Bluestar ot risking the Souls alongside the cats from the nursery.

Which makes sense, Fireheart realized. ThunderClan said they were suffering from still-borns and famine. Then we chased out Brokentail from ShadowClan and suddenly we're getting warm spells for food and many kits survived leaf-bare.

He jolted when a paw prodded him and looked up to a stern-faced Bluestar.

"Fireheart I've noticed you and Graystripe have started eating together again but from what I hear, there still seems to be bad blood between you two," Bluestar said. "I'm willing to let you both handle it yourselves but ThunderClan has no room for quarreling clanmates this leaf-bare."

Fireheart shrugged, "I don't know what you want me to do. It's a rough patch but so long as it doesn't affect our ability to help the clan…"

"I still want you to make one last attempt," said Bluestar. "Take Graystripe out alone and go hunting. See if you can talk things out. If not, I simply want no more unsheathed claws fighting understood?"

"Yes Bluestar," he agreed. He understood where she was coming from feeling another flash of embarrassment as he remembered the fight. Graystripe had been a steaming pile of skunk waste but Fireheart had been completely minnow-brained to play into it. He'd been fully capable of walking away and yet…

He sighed and padded over to Graystripe who was clearing snow from the nursery. He had things to apologize for to.

"Hey Graystripe," he said drawing the gray tom's attention. "We're going hunting together. Leave Brackenpaw here."

Graystripe blinked, slightly taken aback, "Is this us hunting or you keeping an eye on me?"

"Both," said Fireheart bluntly swishing his tail. "Bluestar said she noticed us still avoiding each other so we're hunting together."

Graystripe's face soured at the mention, "So you're just trying to please Bluestar. As usual."

"As your leader you should be trying to please her too," Fireheart said rolling his eyes. He growled internally- he thought he and Graystripe were in a better place than this. "The sooner you come hunt, the sooner you can get rid of me."

Graystripe huffed and clambered to his paws, stomping by him towards the gorse tunnel. Fireheart followed him in complete silence as they clambered from the ridge, sliding down into the main section of the forest. He let Graystripe stand, pointing his ears throughout the territory before sprinting off. Fireheart followed slower, walking instead of running. He batted some snow from the branches, grinning when some of it was flung back into the air.

He shook his head and followed the sound of crunching snow to Graystripe who dropped a rabbit at his paws.

"That should feed a kit or two," he said bitterly.

"You don't have to prove anything to me Graystripe," Fireheart said stepping over the rabbit.

"Then maybe should treat me like you trust me," Graystripe said with frustration. "Every time we talk you're either harping on me about Silverstream or only talking because you have to."

And just like that, the rage that Fireheart thought had faded came roaring back to life and he whirled around to glare at Graystripe.

"You don't get it do you?" he hissed. "I don't give a single flaming dung that you are Silverstream are in love. You've had your head so far up your own tail that you've never listened to me!"

He began stalking back and forth as Graystripe watched him wide-eyed, "I suggested you find a safer place to meet. I've been training Brackenpaw so he stays up to date with his training, I've hid evidence you were frolicking with a RiverClan cat and I didn't even tell Bluestar after you attacked me for trying to keep you from having to choose!"

He started stalking towards Graystripe who scrambled back, ears flat against his head, "And in exchange for all I've done, all you've done is act like I've ripped your heart from your chest! Where were you Graystripe? Where were you when Bluestar lost a life and I was panicking? When Cinderpaw was mauled and I blamed myself? When everything in the clan was too much and I just needed someone to talk to?"

By this point, Graystripe was trembling against a tree and Fireheart was so flushed with anger that the snow falling from the sky seemed to evaporate on contact with his fur. He took a deep breath, attacking Graystripe would do nothing to solve the situation and he already felt a bit better getting it off his chest.

He leveled Graystripe with one last hard look, "I might not be your friend anymore Graystripe, but you'll always be my friend. Regardless of whether or not you care."

Fireheart turned away and bounded off deeper into the woods. It felt like the snow was melting with his every step and he hoped it was.

It would hide the tears that were freezing to his face.

When they returned to the clan, they eat had a mouthful of prey. Graystripe had ended up with an even larger amount of prey that Fireheart had and the clan praised them for their haul. They dropped their catches on the empty space where the fresh-kill pile was.

Fireheart had ignored Graystripe the entire way back to camp. He'd said what he needed to say and needed time to cool off before he was willing to talk to the gray tom. A point he made very clear by settling down by the gorse tunnel and grooming his pelt despite it still being mostly neat from his earlier grooming. Graystripe eventually took the hint and slunk by him into camp, head drooped.

Fireheart still had to apologize for fighting with him when he could've walked away and then maybe apologize for giving him the silent treatment but he needed space. If he tried to speak now, he risked Graystripe saying something and him snapping again but this time, to a friend who already seemed sorry.

Seemed, Fireheart mused to himself bitterly. He ruffled his pelt as the snow came down heavier, a frigid wind biting through his pelt. He wondered if this was the same 'sorry' Graystripe had felt when Fireheart caught him with Silverstream the first time. Not sorry for what he'd done but sorry that he'd been caught.

Fireheart shook his head firmly- no, Graystripe had been a bad friend recently but he wasn't heartless. Now that Fireheart had finally spoken his mind- something he probably should've done from the start- Graystripe understood the problem now. He was so deep in thought that he almost missed Brindleface's worried meowing.

He watched her pace anxiously for a moment before getting up and bounding over.

"What's wrong?" he asked with concern.

"Have you seen Cloudkit?" she demanded.

Fireheart shook his head, heart sinking, "Is he missing?"

"And so are my other kits," Brindleface wailed. "I only closed my eyes for a second! It's too cold and they're so small- they're going to freeze to death!"

As Brindleface swayed on her paws like she was going to collapse, Fireheart's heart stopped. Cinderpaw's broken body and his previous panic seized him. He felt his breathing pick up and he started trembling.

"I'll find them," he told her instantly and sprinted over to the warrior's den.

The wind was rising, the snow growing deeper and it's be hard to see. If he went alone, it drastically increased the chances of him overlooking the tiny kits in the approaching snowstorm. It was almost upsetting how unsurprised he was to find Graystripe's nest empty and he darted over to Sandtail who was just sitting up in her nest.

"What's wrong?" she asked getting to her paws seeing his frazzled face.

"Brindleface's kits are gone" Fireheart said. "There's a snowstorm coming in and I can't afford to search alone!"

"Let's go," she said walking to the nest of a sleeping cat. "Dustpelt can tell Bluestar that we've gone."

Fireheart nodded, a wave of relief wash over him as she started prodding Dustplet awake and he darted over spotting Brindleface sniffing by the entrance of the nursery tail lashing anxiously.

"Any sign?" he asked.

"None," she whimpered. "Frostfur's gone to tell Bluestar."

"Sandtail and I are going out to look now," Fireheart soothed. "We'll find them."

He wasn't sure if he was trying to reassure her or himself more.

Fireheart darted over to the gorse tunnel, sliding in just as Sandtail came sprinting form the warrior's den. They scampered through and hurried into the woods. Without the sheltered walls of the camp, the wind was even worse- whipping the snow falling from the sky and the snow already resting on the ground into their faces.

"Mouse-dung," Sandtail hissed, screwing up her face in the wind. "Finding these scents is going to be like tracking mice with skunk spray on your nose!"

"Let's check and see if they've climbed into the forest," Fireheart suggest and received a determined nod.

They split, Sandtail rushing for the right side of the ravine and Fireheart to the left. He leapt over a fallen tree and took the most used trail- it was easier to traverse than the smaller trails and the kits would likely be drawn to it. The sides of the ravine were coated in even more snow than it had been when he'd gone out with Graystripe- climbing them was difficult even for Fireheart and several spots that had been slippery with melted snow had frozen into solid ice.

He kept his mouth open, tasting the air for any scents at all but he could hardly smell even himself. He checked the ground desperately for paw prints- in this snow it was likely their trail was already gone but he had to try.

He skittered along the bottom of the slope, his paws sliding on snow and ice. He found no sign of anything- prey or otherwise- let alone a collection of lost kits. He shook his head, dislodging some of the snow building up on his fur. No kit could survive this weather and with the sun beginning to set, their chances grew slimmer and slimmer.

He pushed down his fear as best as he could, racing back to the camp entrance where Sandtail was waiting with a layer of snow across her pelt. She shook it off when she saw him and stood up, "Any sign?"

"Nothing," Fireheart said with frustration. "They can't have gone far- let's try this way."

He led the way towards the training hollow, Sandtail trudging through the steadily increasing levels of snow beside him. The snow was up to their bellies, beginning to seep through their pelts and though Fireheart hadn't started shivering yet, his skin was starting to get damp. The training hollow was empty when they arrived and Fireheart felt himself begin to choke up, imaging having to tell Brindleface that they couldn't find them

Having to tell his sister that he'd let her son die.

He was relieved when Sandtail asked, raising her voice against the wind, "Do you think Bluestar realizes how bad it is out here?"

"She'll know," Fireheart called back.

"We have to go back," Sandtail told him. "I don't know how you're not shivering but if we freeze out here, then the clan will waste time saving us instead of finding the kits."

Fireheart was about to agree with her, that he didn't want to be responsible for Sandtail falling over dead in the snow when he heard faint, tiny squeal. His ears pricked instantly and he stood alert, noting absently that Sandtail had heard the sound too.

He was suddenly thankful he'd taken Sandtail instead of Graystripe because Sandtail was the clan's best hunter. And even though Fireheart couldn't smell anything through his frozen nose, Sandtail pointed towards a fallen tree, "Over there! Kit scent!"

Hope flooded Fireheart and the mild chill he'd felt creeping in vanished. He sprinted towards the tree with Sandtail right behind him, the sound of several squealing voices getting louder and louder. He clambered onto the log and glanced down to a trio of kits, curled up together and huddled in the snow.

"Where's Cloudkit?" he yelled over the wind upon realizing his nephew wasn't with them.

"Hunting," squeaked Fernkit with defiant eyes as she trembled. She'd be a fierce warrior if she survived Brindleface's inevitable fury.

"Iliari!" Fireheart called frantically into the snow. "Ari!"

"Fireheart, look!"

Fireheart whirled around following Sandtail's pointed nose. A tiny shape struggled through the snow, practically leaping with his every step as the snow was as high as he was tall. Still the stubborn kit padded onward, carrying in his a mouth tiny frost bitten vole.

Fireheart didn't hesitate and leapt from the log and rushed over to his nephew, grabbing him by the scruff of the neck. His fury was dwarfed by his relief that he was alive. Iliari refused to drop the vole in his mouth, only wiggling a little in Fireheart's mouth.

He glanced up seeing Sandtail ushering the other three kits through the snow as best as they could. Sandtail carrying Elderkit in her mouth while Fernkit and Ashkit stumbled through the snow. When Ari squirmed in his mouth once more Fireheart set him in the snow and bent down, grabbing Fernkit who seemed the worst off of the bunch.

They nodded at each other and began ushering the trembling kits back towards the kits. Still, despite his anger and worry, a tendril of pride rushed through him at the tiny tom proudly carrying his frozen vole.

That was his first prey, Fireheart thought to himself with pride.

Brindleface was standing outside of the gorse tunnel with Bluestar when they made it back to the camp. As son as they spotted them, the two mollies rushed forward Bluestar collecting Ari and Brindleface grabbed Ashkit. Then they raced through the runnel and into the camp where they were more sheltered from the blizzard.

The four shivering kits were placed on a recently cleared patch of land and Fireheart shook the snow from his pelt, surprised when only a few flakes fell from his back.

"What were you doing out there?" Bluestar snapped instantly. "What were you thinking? You could have frozen!"

Though Ashkit, Fernkit and Elderkit crouched from Bluestar's fury, much to Fireheart's exasperation his nephew raised his head stubbornly. He dropped his vole and stated, "The Clan needed fresh-kill so we went to catch some."

Bluestar's eyes flashed and it was all Fireheart could do to not ruin the scolding by laughing.

That's my nephew all right, he mused remembering events surrounding Brightflower being brought to camp.

"Whose idea was it?" Bluestar demanded of them.

"Mine," Ari claimed boldly.

"You could have frozen to death! Worse, you would've killed Ashkit, Elderkit and Fernkit too!" she snarled at him.

Ari flinched, startled by her anger and volume, dropping into a frightened crouch, "But clan comes first!" he argued defensively.

"I should hold you all back from becoming apprentices," Bluestar seethed.

The kits all gasped in horror.

"You can't do that!" Ari protested. "Apprentices are six moons old!"

"Actually," Fireheart broke in. "The warrior code says she can make you wait until ten moons."

"But-but we did it for the clan!" Ari cried.

Bluestar's face finally cleared a more gently and motherly tone entering her voice now that the kit seemed truly apologetic.

"Your intentions were good but it was still a foolish thing to do," Bluestar said. "You say you did it for the clan but time we spent searching for you could've been spent collecting prey."

The kits watched her with bowed heads, refusing to look their leader in the eye.

"Ashkit, Fernkit, Elderkit- I'll leave it to your mother to decide your punishment," Bluestar then looked to Fireheart. "Fireheart, you're responsible for your kin."

Fireheart nodded having already decided, "I say half a moon inside of camp. No apprentice shadowings even if he has a warrior with him."

"What?" Ari yelped aghast.

"That sounds like a great idea," Brindleface purred.

"That's not fair!" protested Elderkit.

"Would you rather be held back for a moon?" Bluestar inquired and all four kits shut their mouths with sour but defeated expressions. "Cloudkit, you may add your prey to the fresh-kill pile then all of you head straight to the nursery and warm up."

Fireheart shook his head fondly at Ari's proudly raised head watching his nephew set his frozen vole on top of the fresh-kill pile then bound over to the nursery where Brindleface grabbed him by the scruff and vanished inside.

"Well done you two," Bluestar praised them. "I'll send out Volewhisker to retrieve the other search party- you two should head to your dens to get warm though. Fireheart's stopped shivering and that could be a bad sign."

Fireheart elected not to say that despite the chill, he'd never started shivering either. It was like his worry and then relief had provided him with an inferno of warmth that he could've used earlier in the season. He merely dipped his head in acknowledgement to Bluestar and darted off to the warrior's den. Even though he wasn't cold, he'd been awake all day and he was certainly tired.

He could use a nap.

Fireheart napped for the rest of the afternoon, Graystripe hadn't been in the den and he took advantage of that, slipping into their cozy nest and curling up with a yawn. He'd heard someone say something to him but he was already on the verge of drifting off and couldn't make sense of it. His dreams were- thankfully devoid of strange meanings or confusing messages. He spent he entire time chasing squirrels and wrestling with his siblings.

Biting into a squirrel was what woke him, his stomach rumbling loudly enough to disturb the also napping Sandtail nearby. He yawned and slunk from the den with the intent of eating and returning for another nap.

He grabbed a thrush from the fresh-kill pile and darted back over to the nettle pile tearing into it quickly. It was dark and the last thing he wanted was for some cat to assume he was willing to go on a moonhigh patrol just because he was out. As he rapidly finished his meal, he spotted Graystripe re-entering the camp with a mouthful of prey and trotted through the camp and dropped it on the pile.

He licked the blood from his muzzle as Graystripe kept a large mouse for himself and sat by a sheltered spot near the camp wall where the snow couldn't reach. Fireheart flicked his tail in surprise when he didn't eat it, instead just staring at it. He watched Graystripe nibble at the mouse half-heartedly and glance up at him. He seemed surprised that Fireheart was watching him and quickly looked back down, flattening his ears.

Huh.

Fireheart got up and padded back into the warrior's den. After a moment of hesitation, he climbed back into the cozy mossy nest. One of them had to be willing to take the first step and since it was Fireheart's fault things were awkward again, he decided he would.

Fireheart shook out his pelt as the cold snow blanketed the entire clearing. He was back on the moor standing on the crest of a hill. It was like when he'd first entered the camp searching for WindClan warriors.

The snow was stained red with fresh fur caught in the thorny gorse defense. He looked around, hearing the screeching and snarling of battling cats but saw no one. He tried to run, to seek out the fighting cats but it was like the gorse had a mind of its own, reaching up from their place guarding the camps and tangled around his hindlegs and began dragging him back.

He clawed at the ground desperately attempting to free himself, his mouth opening in a silent scream when pain struck his stomach, the thorns dredging blood from his body and staining the white snow beneath him as his paws and nose were cut on the gorse dragging him to an unknown fate.

He glanced up seeing the silhouette of a cat standing above him and reached out, a silent plea for help. To his horror, the cat turned away leaving him drowning in gorse. As the pain increased he heard a fierce whisper in his ear.

Beware a warrior you cannot trust.

He blinked and found his eyes opening to the roof of the warrior's den.

Graystripe had taken his peace-offering and clambered into the nest with him, Fireheart once more buried safely beneath his thick fluffy tail. Fireheart's pelt pricked with discomfort- beware a warrior he could not trust. Who could that be referring to? Surely the stars wouldn't alert him to Tigerclaw when he was already suspicious of him? Who else could they possibly be talking about?

Having napped earlier, Fireheart was unable to fall back asleep for the rest of the night but he didn't feel like roaming around either. So he sat beneath the warmth of Graystripe's tail for a while longer yet, watching the sky lighten with the rising run.

He murmured the prayer associated with dawn and pushed himself to his paws. He gave Graystripe a gentle lick on the forehead and followed Willowpelt from the warrior's den. She gave him a look he couldn't process, looking between him and Graystripe before shaking her head and looking out over the snow covered clearing.

"It stopped snowing," Fireheart meowed looking around.

"Thank the Souls," Willowpelt huffed. "If it snowed anymore we'd all be buried alive."

Runningwind and Tigerclaw emerged from the den behind them, the large tabby warrior yawning loudly in the dawn light. He flicked his ear, watching them settle by the gorse tunnel and begin grooming their pelts in an attempt to wake up- Runningwind, stretching while arching his back. Lynxpaw and Thornpaw joined them- the former full of energy while the latter lagged behind.

Fireheart was wondering if he was supposed to offer to join them when Tigerclaw raised his head, sniffing the air and bristling.

Fireheart tensed, catching the sound of snow crunching under frantic paws and the occasional stumble of a cat in a rush. Despite the frantically of the pawsteps, Fireheart was struck by the realization that it was only one set. The wind brought the scent of WindClan along with it and somehow, Fireheart already knew before he the warrior appeared.

Thundering through the gorse tunnel, Grasswhisker the WindClan diplomat burst into the clearing panting madly. His upper hindleg had a bleeding clawmark slashed across it and his eyes were filled with fear and dread panting, "ShadowClan and RiverClan are attacking our camp!"

The tom shook his head, dislodging the blood trickling from his brow, "We're outnumbered! Instead of being chased out, we're going to be wiped out!"

Bluestar bounded from her den, clearly having heard the panicked cry for help. She was yowling a meeting call as she was climbing over the edge of her den, not bothering to climb the Highrock instead making her way towards Grasswhisker even as his fear scent called cats from their dens.

"There's no time to waste," Bluestar said. "It's as we feared. RiverClan and ShadowClan have an alliance and are attacking the WindClan camp- we must help them."

Brushwhisker looked around, shrinking in despair at the looks of dismay on the faces of many cats.

Fireheart sank his claws into the earth below. It seemed that ShadowClan was having a civil war. He'd assumed that after Brokentail had been defeated and his rogues chased off, that would've been the end of the issue with ShadowClan. Now it seemed that some of those ShadowClan scents really were enemy patrols on WindClan territory rather than just Brokentail's,

Brokentail must've only stuck around for revenge, Fireheart realized fuming. And ShadowClan was busy colluding with RiverClan.

"But it's leaf-bare!" protested Patchpelt. "And we're leaf-bare weak! Let WindClan handle themselves like every other clan!"

Tigerclaw snorted, "If RiverClan and ShadowClan are united, once WindClan is wiped out they'll turn their claws on ThunderClan and we'll be alone."

"He's right," agreed Whitestorm. "Do you think they'll stop at the moor? When RiverClan had been attempting to take Sunningrocks all season?"

The reluctant expression became grimly determined ones as ThunderClan processed the true danger of the clans. Spottedleaf pushed her way through the cats and whispered something in Bluestar's ear and they exchange a knowing look. It took Fireheart a moment to process it- Bluestar was on her final life. The last thing the clan needed this leaf-bare was to lose their leader after losing two deputies in only two seasons.

"Whitestorm, organize two parties," Bluestar commanded. "One to head the assault and another to provide back up and relief. I will stay here in case RiverClan and ShadowClan have done the same and send a party to prevent us from assisting."

Whitestorm nodded firmly, "I'll lead the first. Mousefur, Sandtail, Dustpelt, Fireheart you're with me. Tigerclaw will lead the second one and take Darkstripe, Volewhisker, Graystripe and Runningwind."

Grasswhisker fell into Whitestorm's patrol. Now that he was bringing back-up his fear had melted into anger and rage. They charged from the gorse tunnel as soon as the warriors declared themselves ready and Whitestorm set them down the fasted trail to Fourtrees. Fireheart caught a glimpse of Graystripe near the back of the patrol, jaw set and eyes blank and glassy.

Pity twanged in his heart for his friend. If Silverstream was at this battle, his friend could never hurt her and now, Graystripe would be forced to confront his actions. Fireheart held no doubt that he could defend WindClan however- WindClan and Tallstar were the only solid links left of his father and he'd turn traitor before he let them be wiped out.

For the second time, Fireheart charged straight over the border into Fourtrees running straight through towards the moor. Though it had been moons, the second the wind tugged at his whiskers and howled in is ears, he felt like he was a new warrior all over again.

"Fireheart!" Whitestorm yelled over the wind. "Lead us there!"

Fireheart glanced at Graystripe whose head was still bowed and he dismissed him. He'd receive no help there.

Please let me remember the way.

Fireheart pulled to the front, surprised to find that despite the layer of snow covering everything and made it seem even more barren and difficult to live in, he still remembered where he was going. He sent of a prayer to both the Sky Kindlers and the Souls when he recognized the badger set they'd hid in and the rock Graystripe had used to get a better look. When they came upon the thorny gorse, Fireheart skidded to a halt- "down there!"

Whitestorm nodded hearing the sound of cats battling violently and stalked to the front, hissing to his cats, "Tigerclaw wait until you hear our signal, Grasswhisker you lead us to the entrance and we'll handle the rest."

Grasswhisker led the way down the snowy slope and through the frosted bushes, Whitestorm was almost invisible in the snow as he raced into the camp. Adrenaline pounded through his veins and the tugging and yanking of his by the gorse was almost unnoticeable. Fireheart charged into the clearing and threw himself onto the back of the first RiverClan warrior he saw.

He sank his teeth into the scruff of the silvery blue furred molly under his paws ad began raking her sides. She yowled and struggled, dropping and rolling with the intention of crushing him. Fireheart yelped when her weight hit him but he got lucky- she rolled right into the gorse and promptly got tangled. He felt a brief pang of sympathy when he recognized the molly as Ripplepelt but pushed past it, slashing at her thigh. Her struggling in the gorse was what decided the battle as she tore herself free and pelted for the tunnel entrance and Fireheart panted, glancing about his surroundings.

The camp had been abandoned the last time- only dried blood and clumps of fur scattered around the clearing had been the only signs of life there. Now it was teeming with screeching, yowling and battling cats painting the ground with more blood and more bunches of fur being ripped from pelts by the unforgiving gorse in the cool dawn morning.

Grasswhisker hadn't been embellishing in the slightest about WindClan being truly outnumbered.

While small groups of ShadowClan and RiverClan cats crouched off to the side, fresh replacements for when the tide of battle begun to turn against them, the entirety of WindClan was fighting.

Warriors and apprentices wrestled with their enemies but so were monarchs, ripping the pelts of warriors who came too close to the nursery and a few elders were even snapping at the tails and paws of cats foolish enough to believe their old age meant they were any less skilled.

Fireheart's eyes fell on a familiar molly. Morningflower was up against a truly massive ShadowClan warrior. She was giving as good as she got- his cheek was bleeding and he was sure that the cut in his ear was because of her as well. But the tom was much larger and she was visibly becoming exhausted. He knocked her over with a heavy blow and Fireheart saw red.

He didn't even offer a warning yowl and leapt directly onto the back of the tom, sinking his claws into his shoulders like he had the RiverClan warrior earlier. While the ShadowClan warrior attempted to throw him off, Morningflower took advantage of his shock and clawed him across the face. The sting alongside Fireheart's weight sent the warrior tumbling over and he refused to let him go.

Morningflower didn't hesitate- viciously sinking her teeth into his leg while clawing his flanks until the warrior squealed and shook himself loose. They let him run for the entrance, half limping.

Morningflower gave him a grateful nod that he returned as she flew back into battle.

Fireheart shook his head, drawing his paw across his nose and wipe the freshly draw blood and started to look around before a powerful gust of wind sent him flying. He impacted into the ground with a gasp and glanced over to see Tallstar surrounded by a small swirling circle of air.

Must've been his leader's spark, Fireheart realized panting. The battle was getting more severe if Tallstar was using his spark. Everywhere he looked, fresh RiverClan and ShadowClan cats had joined the battle, ThunderClan's initial arrival having lost its weight. He grinned viciously, it was time for the backup party.

Whitestorm's yowl rang out as he finished that thought and Fireheart was privileged to see Tigerclaw skip walking entirely, leaping from the ridge and landed directly only the back of a ShadowClan warrior gripping his tightly and rolling so he was on top of him. The tabby warrior began shredding the ShadowClan cat's belly while Darkstripe and Graystripe led the second patrol into the clearing screeching.

He tripped a passing WindClan warrior sending him face first into the ground. He held him down and mimicked Tigerclaw, shredding his stomach with his hind claws. He tried to retaliated so Fireheart leap off and let him scramble back and crash into Onewhisker who didn't hesitate to promptly begin finishing that fight.

He sook more blood from his nose and turned his head at a familiar hiss. Graystripe was locked together with Wetfoot, biting and clawing. They were both skilled warriors and the fighting was well matched but Graystripe got him, slamming both of his hind legs into Wetfoot's face sending him down. Graystripe searched for another enemy and Fireheart noted the RiverClan warrior right behind him, tensing.

Graystripe leaped and soared over the RiverClan cat and landed on the back of another ShadowClan warrior.

Fireheart shook his head- Graystripe had made his choice. He could only hope that Fireheart was the only one who saw.

He twitched his ear hearting Tigerclaw call his name. He spotted the dark warrior battling furiously, two cats pressing him at the same time. Fireheart grit his teeth and tried to charge through the throng of battling cats to assist him. Just as he'd cleared the edge, he yelped as pain lanced through his hindleg.

"You," hissed Leopardfur glaring as she continued dragging him back by his hindleg.

Fireheart flipped onto his back to throw her off. He instantly realized his mistake a moment later when she pounced on him and slammed her weight down on him, knocking the wind out of him. Too stunned to flip back over, he screeched in pain when she began clawing away at his belly. As he scrambled and attempted to dislodge her, he eyes locked on Tigerclaw who watched him coldly.

"Help!" Fireheart called. "Tigerclaw, help!"

But Tigerclaw didn't even twitch, just watched Leopardfur keep raking away at him. Even the RiverClan deputy seemed somewhat surprised by the lack of intervention, her clawing slowing for just long enough for Fireheart to draw back his hindlegs and slam them into her chest. He sent her over the heads of four separate cats, much to her surprise. She shrieked as she slammed to ground somewhere halfway across the clearing.

Fireheart forced himself to stand, shaking as pain blazed through the wounds on his stomach as he glared at Tigerclaw. The massive tom didn't even fake being sorry, just bared his teeth at Fireheart and leap back into the battle.

That bastard! Fireheart thought angrily. Was he just going to let her kill me?!

He almost went after him when a blow to the back of the head alerted him to a convenient target for misplaced aggression. He shook his head, regaining his balance spotting the powerful RiverClan warrior, Stonefur who was rearing up to attack again. Fireheart ducked from his swipe and easily slammed into him, knocking him right into Whitestorm who whirled around and grabbed him by the scruff of the neck.

Fireheart tried to dart forward, intending to shred the tom to bits when claws sank into his haunches making his snarl in pain. He twisted, instead to bite the cat in question and came face to face with Silverstream.

The molly was clearly as blinded by battle rage as Fireheart had been, her face was twisted in rage and she reared up. She drew back her paw, blood dripping into her eyes and extended her claws. He braced himself for the painful blow when a familiar yowl screeched, "Silverstream no!"

SIlverstream froze when she heard Graystripe's voice and observed him closer. She gasped when she recognized him and promptly dropped back on all fours in shock. Blood pounding in his ears, Fireheart reacted instinctively, leaping on her back and pinned her. He drew his head back to deliver a vicious bite when he but he felt Graystripe's eyes boring into him. His eyes flicked up to the gray tom's horrified and agonized eyes and he felt his heart clench.

For flames sake!

Fireheart lunged for her shoulder but at the last minute, covered his teeth with his lips. He felt Silverstream go slack with shock at the realization that he was letting her go. Then she released a delayed but convincing squeal and Fireheart allowed her to throw him off as if she was escaping a terrible wound. She slipped off into the gorse and Graystripe pursued her, a look of betrayal and confusion on his face when he turned away from Fireheart.

She'll tell him, Fireheart reassured himself and noticed Darkstripe standing on the ridge. How long had he been standing there? Silverstream had screamed and Fireheart felt like his crashing to the ground was convincing enough. Even if it wasn't to Darkstripe, other cats had heard her scream. He could easily use it as a cover.

Fireheart was forced to push worries about Silverstream and Graystripe from his head when he heard Runnngwind's yowl for help and raced to aid his clanmate who was grappling with Nightstar. Despite ShadowClan's claim to need more territory to ensure their strength, Nightstar fought as viciously as ever.

He grabbed Nightstar from behind, dragging him back from his clanmate and promptly sank his teeth into his shoulder. Pre-empting a shadow cloak, he send spark to his teeth, channeling the staticky feeling he'd felt when he was made a warrior but had tried yet. He felt exhilarated when Nightstar howled in pain as electricity ran through him like lightning as snarled and hissed while attempting to squirm free.

Fireheart was unable to hold up the current for long, it felt like he was draining his entire spark core in just a few seconds but the shock was long enough for Runningwind to recover. Fireheart released him in time for Runningwind to instantly bowl him over and rolled him across the clearing. The two warriors tussled with Fireheart keeping close but just out of reach waiting for his moment. He finally saw it, leaping and landed formerly on Nightstar's back once more and Runningwind began shredding his belly while Fireheart clawed his back and flanks.

When he squealed they released him but stayed close, backs arched and claws unsheathed.

Nightstar panted, most of his fur hanging off of him covered in blooded claw marks. He hissed at them but he looked around the clearing seeing his few remaining warriors suffering a similar treatment from ThunderClan the still fiercely and bitterly fighting WindClan warriors. Nightstar shook is head as if mentally declaring the battle a loss before he gave the yowl of retreat.

HIs remaining warriors seemed almost relieved, tearing away from their opponents without any hesitation and sprinting for he gorse, tails between their legs in defeat. Nightstar was a backstabber but he was still a leader, he watched all of his warriors escape before he too bid a hasty retreat leaving RiverClan all alone to defend against the combined fury of ThunderClan and WindClan.

Fireheart glanced about, panting as he caught his breath. He would sleep so hard tonight his denmates would assume he was dead. He spotted Whitestorm taking on Leopardfur now, his teeth locked in her upper shoulder while he raked her stomach ad Fireheart felt avenged by his deputy. Sandtail was kicking the tail of a warrior twice her size but only half her speed- Carpfin he identified watching her channel her spark and snap off the end of his tail. The tom howled and instantly retreated leaving the dusky warrior grinning a blood stained grin and dropping the chunk of tail in her mouth to the ground.

Dustpelt was locked in combat with a smoky tom that Fireheart identified as Blackfoot from the failed rabbit patrol in the uplands. While the RiverClan tom was landing blow after blow, Dustpelt refused to be cowed or scared of, pressing through him to land blows of his own. He wouldn't need any help and Fireheart was sure that any interference on his part would ruin the delicate peace they had between each other now.

Now that ShadowClan had cleared out, it was easy to find Stormstar locked i battle with Tigerclaw. Front he way both cats were crouched low, hissing and staring each other down as they circled, it would be a defining battle. Stormstar ran out of patience first, lunging towards Tigerclaw who easily jumped aside and turned, lunging for the RiverClan leader's back. Tigerclaw's massive paws held the struggling leader down firmly and he lunged forward, sinking his teeth into the dark tom's neck.

Stormstar screamed in pain, reassuring Fireheart that he hadn't watched Tigerclaw blatantly murder the RiverClan leader when he'd had him beaten.

RiverClan heard the yowl and instantly disengaged. Tigerclaw released Stormstar letting him pelt for gorse tunnel with all of his warriors.

And just like that barring the panting of exhausted cats and the howling storm winds were the only sounds in the camp. Fireheart looked around, grimacing. The warriors of ThunderClan were battered and bruised but many WindClan cats looked like they were barely hanging on. Every single WindClan cat he saw was bleeding badly, clawed and was missing massive patches of fur. Some of their warriors laid on the ground unmoving, only their stuttered breath being a sign that they were still alive.

Their medic, Barkface was racing about the clearing bouncing from cat to cat with herbs treating injuries.

Fireheart's attention was drawing to Tallstar limping over to where Tigerclaw and Whitestorm were talking. Tallstar's head was bowed- likely acknowledging ThunderClan's assistance and the new debt WindClan owed ThunderClan. Whitestorm dipped his head respectfully while Tigerclaw arrogant held his head high, enjoying the praise.

Bastard, Fireheart almost growled again. It made him sick to see Tallstar offering thanks- offering respect to Tigerclaw who would've let Leopardfur shred him for nesting.

"Here," Fireheart turned his attention to Mousefur who set a bundle of herbs from Barkface in front of him. Fireheart thanked her and let her drop the stinging juice into his wounds. He'd be begging Spottedleaf for as many poppy seeds as he was allowed when he returned to camp.

He flicked his tail, grimacing, Fireheart thought back to his dream. It was clear to him now that it had been about Tigerclaw but not in the way he'd thought. It was alerting him to be on his guard- that Tigerclaw was already looking to be rid of him. He shook hs head, he'd never doubted Ravenwing's confession but if he had, this would've solidified his opinion. It was all too easy to see Tigerclaw murdering Redtail and turning away as casually as he'd turned away from Fireheart being mauled.

He shivered.

"You fought amazingly today Fireheart," Runningwind praised interrupting his brooding. The tom nudged him adding, "Bluestar'll be pleased to hear how you fought like Bravesoul was possessing you."

"It was like watching one of the great cats from the myths in action," Mousefur agreed. "I'm glad you're on our side. You're a valuable clanmate."

Fireheart purred, it was nice to see that Spottedleaf was right. That the clan had gotten over him bringing Ari and his embarrassing display fighting Graystripe. His fur pricked defensively when he saw Darkstripe talking to Tigerclaw before both warriors came striding over.

"Are you okay?" Mousefur asked.

"Yeah, I'm alright," said Fireheart. "Just tired."

"I hear you- when we go home, I'm sleeping for a moon," said Mousefur collecting the remaining herbs to continue distributing them. Runningwind got up and walked with her, helping gather the leaves that had fallen.

Fireheart forced himself to feign calmness by grooming himself as Tigerclaw and Darkstripe approached.

"Darkstripe says that you let that RiverClan molly escape," Tigerclaw hissed getting straight to the point.

Fireheart observed the reddish brown tom who stared him down. His tail swished, betraying his anxiety. Something flashed in the angry tom's eyes and it clicked. Tigerclaw didn't care what he did or his loyalty. He was worried about what Ravenwing might have told him before he supposedly died. He was trying to intimidate him, to cow him as he surely did Ravenwing upon realizing that he'd been conscious and aware for the battle. Likely after hearing him tell the story at the Gathering

So Fireheart pointedly rolled his eyes, "Yes just as you allowed Stormstar to escape. Besides, you just let Leopardfur shred me! You walked away!"

"Tigerclaw would never do that," Darkstripe snapped.

"Yeah- to a clanborn warrior," Fireheart sneered back.

Come on take the bait, this is just me being agitated about your treatment of me.

He hid his smirk when Tigerclaw's outward fears seemed to fade- attributing Fireheart's suspicious and untrusting behavior over these moons to be solely related to his xenophobic behavior.

"Darkstripe says you didn't even scratch her," Tigerclaw said.

"Yeah, because I bit her. Didn't you hear her scream?"

"It was delayed."

"Do you make it a habit of timing a molly's screams Darkstripe? Do you have to do it often?" Fireheart snarked as the tom bristled with rage, baring his teeth.

"Your friend'll be able to tell if you did- he ran after her," Tigerclaw growled gesturing to Graystripe who'd come slinking back.

"Why are you harassing me over this?" Fireheart asked. "Do you interrogate every warrior you've ever clawed? Ask them to rate how well you bit them one through five? We defeated RiverClan and ShadowClan. If Darkstripe wanted me to kill something so badly he should've asked me to join him on a hunting patrol."

Fireheart turned his back to them, walking towards his utterly exhausted looking friend. He feels when their eyes leave him- either called away or unwilling to watch him when they could be plotting. Regardless, her put thoughts of them out of his mind, hesitantly approaching Graystripe. He nervously pressed his cheek to Graystripe's flank and though he didn't look up, a soft rumbling purr ran through him.

He glanced up and saw nothing but guilt, sadness and pain in Graystripe's eyes.

"Is she okay?" Fireheart asked sitting beside him.

"Yeah," said Graystripe. "She told me what you did- the fake bite. Thanks for letting her go."

Fireheart flicked his ear, "I'm glad she wasn't hurt."

Graystripe released a shuddering noise and met his gaze, "You were right. About everything- even Silverstream agreed. We should've met at Fourtrees from the start even if it was harder. I should've been a better mentor to Brackenpaw instead of leaving him to you. I should've been a better friend and been there while you were struggling."

He squeezed his eyes shut, preventing his tears from falling in the frigid leaf-bare air.

"We shouldn't have dragged you into the middle of this. We're sorry- both of us. I-I know I've probably fractured your trust but I swear Fireheart I'll spend the rest of the cycle earning it back."

Fireheart took in his friend's slumped and defeated form- this apology was sincere. The last lingering bits of resentment fell away with the cool breeze and he nuzzled his friend's cheek with his.

"I forgive you Graystripe. No matter what you do or who you love, I'll always be your friend. And I'm sorry too. I should've spoke up sooner about how I felt. I shouldn't have fed into the fights," Fireheart said licking his cheek. "Let's just try to move forward now."

Graystripe stared at him like he was made of starlight.

"...this whole season I've felt torn in two," he whispered. "I can't give up Silverstream. I love her."

Graystripe turned his head, ears reddening.

"But I won't choose her over you anymore. Is that okay? If I- if I choose you both?"

Fireheart stared a little surprised. Then Graystripe's behavior began to fall in line. Perking up when Fireheart spent time with him alone, growing agitated or annoyed when Fireheart spent time with Sandtail, his warmth and affection whenever Silverstream wasn't at the front of his friend. The nicknames, the ear licks and the guilt every time Silverstream came up…

"Graystripe?" Fireheart said slowly, realization dawning on him.

His friend stared at his paws. Fireheart sighed but it was a warm and fond one, not exasperated or annoyed as it had been for a while now.

"Right now we're trying to figure each other out," he started watching Graystripe's head shoot up. "But I wouldn't much mind being yours."

Graystripe released a strangled noise between a sob and a laugh of relief. It seemed like a bear's worth of weight fell from his shoulders and Fireheart realized how much this was weighing the tom down. The two warriors laid down in silence, Graystripe wrapping his tail around Fireheart who nestled into his thick fur enjoying the soothing feeling of Graystripe licking between his ears once more.

They weren't mates or even courting yet but flames.

It was nice to have Graystripe back.