As Emberface woke, he heard a commotion outside. He stood, poking his head out the den door, to find Mountainpaw and Amberfang, carrying Elkfoot's limp body into camp. Elkfoot's littermate, Aspencall, cried out, running towards him, closely followed by their parents, Mistypool and Shrewtail.
"Amberfang! What happened?" a voice called out.
"A badger! It attacked Mountainpaw, but Elkfoot saved her," Lilacstem trotted forwards, and felt Elkfoot's chest.
"He's still alive. Bring him to my den." She walked back and started to prepare herbs. Meanwhile, Emberface walked over to Mountainpaw, and brushed against her.
"Are you alright, my friend?" he said.
"I'm not. It's all my fault that Elkfoot may die. And right before my assessment, as well!" Emberface turned on her sympathetically.
"It's not your fault. It was never your fault. C'mon, lets share a sparrow."
"I would rather not, I'm tired." As Emberface watched Mountainpaw walk away, a stab of affection shook him. He turned and headed to the medicine den, to check on Elkfoot and Lilacstem.
"How is he?"
"He's stable, I don't think we're going to lose him." Emberface relaxed his muscles. Mountainpaw wouldn't have to think it was her fault! "Don't get too excited. I don't think he'll ever be able to be a warrior again. He will have to retire early."
"Surely that's better than him dying?"
"I suppose. Now go." Great StarClan! Emberface thought. What will Sheepstar do?
"From now on, you shall be known as Mountain'peak." Sheepstar finished
"Littlelake! Mountainpeak!" The clan cheered for the new warriors, as they respectfully licked the leader's shoulder.
"Finally, Elkfoot is now moving to the elders' den. He has served us well, and may he rest in peace."
The clan cheered his name, before moving off to their dens. Littlelake and Mountainpeak went to the camp entrance to do their vigil, pelts glossy and sleek. Emberface was still thinking about the dream he had, a moon ago. What did Petalclaw mean? How could there be another cat for him to love? Did she mean Lilacstem? No, she was a medicine cat. Sighing, he padded to his nest and settled down.
The next morning, Emberface was greeted by Mountainpeak.
"Hi, Emberface! How you doing?" the new warrior didn't seem at all tired, unlike Littlelake, who was holding back a yawn.
"Fine, thanks." with a flick of his tail he padded over to Thornyrose, who once again was arranging patrols.