Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters.


It had been a day like any other. Flowers bloomed and a soft, warm wind blew through the clearing, signaling that leafgreen wasn't far off. The season with the most plentiful prey was always cause for celebration... but it had been sullied by a tragedy. Lionhearts's fur stood on edge as the breeze brought the scent of fear and blood, but he had barely gotten to his paws before Ravenpaw raced into the clearing, panting heavily.

"REDTAIL IS DEAD!" He yowled, his words sucking away the warmth and replacing it with a cold dread.

Immediately, the clan was on edge, muttering and whispering in concern. Bluestar emerged from her den upon hearing the commotion, while Spottedleaf appeared with a bundle of herbs already in her jaws, approaching Ravenpaw to tend his wounds. He shook her off, however, words tumbling so quickly from his mouth that it was hard to understand him.

"RiverClan... Sunningrocks... We were ambushed! Oakheart was there... He fought with Redtail! Both were fierce but then... one of the rocks! It collapsed!" He hollered, his eyes darting back and forth, as if he could see his enemies in front of him.

"Tigerclaw told me to run! And then-" He let out a choked gasp and suddenly went rigid, his eyes rolling into the back of his head as he finally collapsed.

Spottedlef tended to him quickly, moving him carefully to her den. Confusion and fear quickly spread through the clan, but Bluestar silenced them with a commanding yowl. All eyes turned to her as she stood resolutely atop the Highrock.

"Everyone, be calm!" She called, her voice firm.

The din of the clan softened, sinking to a low murmur and eventually stopping altogether. Lionheart gazed up at her, concern in his gaze. Her own piercing stare swept over the clan for a moment before she continued.

"The patrol from Sunningrocks will return shortly. If what Ravenpaw said was true, then RiverClan has intruded on our territory. Rest assured, we will deal with this transgression in due time, but for now we will wait for the report." She said, her voice commanding, but laced with understanding.

Lionheart could practically see the anxiety prickling in her fur. It wasn't hard to tell the rest of the clan felt a similar way. However, her words seemed to calm the confusion. Worry surged once more as the patrol returned, many cats bearing bruises and marks from their most recent battle. A mournful cry echoed across the camp as a large dark tabby trudged through the gorse tunnel, dragging a smeller cat with him... a cat with a bushy, red tail. Lionheart felt as though his paws were rooted to the ground, a sense of grief falling over him, followed quickly by anger. Tigerclaw laid the body in the middle of the clearing, his amber eyes gazing around at his watching clanmates.

"Redtail is dead." He uttered, much more calmly than his apprentice.

If any cat in the clan hadn't heard the news, or doubted its truth, they couldn't deny it now. Tigerclaw continued, his voice deep and eyes narrow slits.

"I saw it with my own eyes. He fought bravely with the RiverClan deputy, Oakheart. But, unfortunately... he just wasn't fast enough." His claws unsheathed, digging into the soft earth beneath him. "Oakheart killed Redtail, but I killed Oakheart in return." He growled.

Lionheart felt a pang pass through him. He had known Redtail for many moons and deeply respected him. To see him dead was truly a tragedy, but... For Tigerclaw to kill another cat- the deputy, even- to avenge his fellow clanmate... For some reason, it didn't sit right in his gut. Though, if he had been there... Would he have done the same thing? Another yowl rose from the Highrock, and the Clan turned to face Bluestar once more.

"We have lost a great warrior this day..." She started mournfully, sadness filling her eyes as she gazed at the still body of her former deputy. "We will share tongues with our fallen friend tonight, so that he might find peace and pass to StarClan. I will sit vigil with him, and when the time comes... I will name a new deputy." She announced.

Another pang passed through Lionheart. Redtail had been a true and loyal friend, always helping those who needed him. He wasn't the strongest fighter, but his wits were unrivaled. And now... he was gone. Bluestar would name a new deputy at moonhigh. Who could possibly fill the pawsteps that Redtail left behind? Lionheart shook his golden head, padding forward and settling next to his friend, sharing tongues with him one last time.

The hours passed in near silence, many cats- if not all the Clan- came and went, sharing tongues with their fallen comrade. Lionheart was one of the last to leave, only Bluestar remained crouching by his body as the moon rose higher in the sky. When the time finally came, she pulled herself to her paws and returned atop the Highrock. She had no need for the normal summons, as the Clan was already gathered beneath her. She took a deep breath and spoke clearly.

"I say these words before the body of Redtail, so that his spirit may hear and approve my choice." She called; her voice strong. "Lionheart will be the new deputy of ThunderClan." She finished, smiling softly down at him.

His eyes widened in shock, and he hardly heard the murmured congratulations of his clanates around him, his eyes focused on Bluestar as she descended the Highrock and disappeared into her den. He was snapped out of his stupor by a familiar, excited voice.

"Wow, Bluestar made you deputy! I knew it would be you." Graypaw mewed, brushing up against his mentor affectionately.

Lionheart rumbled a sigh.

"That makes one of us... Get some rest, Graypaw. We have much to do tomorrow."

Graypaw nodded, scurrying back to the apprentice's den. Lionheart turned, lost in thought once more as he padded towards the warrior's den. He paused, however, noticing Tigerclaw blocking the entrance. His eyes gleamed with... No, he must be imagining things. He was tired.

"Congratulations." The dark tabby rumbled.

Lionheart nodded slowly.

"Thank you... would you like to accompany Graypaw and I tomorrow?" He asked.

He flicked his tail, appearing uninterested in the request as he turned and entered the den. Lionheart followed, surprised when he suddenly responded.

"I would be honored... new deputy."

Lionheart sighed softly as he settled into his nest. He had best get used to the new title, the Clan would be using it from now on. He tucked his nose under his tail, his body suddenly feeling very heavy as he drifted off to sleep.


His dreams were troubled, filled with flashing claws and yowls of pain, a dense fog obscuring his vision.

"Where are you?!" He called to the emptiness.

No reply.

He charged forward, but he seemed to be getting nowhere. He whirled around, panic and confusion gripping his heart.

"How can I help you?!" He yowled in frustration.

Suddenly, everything was silent. A soft wind ruffled his fur, and he caught an achingly familiar scent on the breeze. Slowly, he turned, gazing in awe at the star-dappled pelt of his fallen friend.

"Redtail! Is it really you?" He asked hopefully, padding quickly towards him.

The smaller cat nodded and smiled warmly at him.

"It is good to see you again, Lionheart... but I'm afraid I am the bearer of bad news." He spoke in a whisper, yet his voice seemed to echo.

The golden warrior stopped, concern filling his gaze. Redtail was silent for a moment before he continued.

"StarClan has sent me to give you a gift... and also a warning." He said.

"What? Why?" He asked immediately, shaking his large head. "I don't understand... why not Bluestar? Or Spottedleaf?"

"They both have their own part to play." Redtail replied, almost dismissively. "But you, my friend... your resolve is what ThunderClan needs to survive."

A cold dread passed through Lionheart's fur and he shivered.

"Survive what? What's coming?!"

But Redtail simply shook his head.

"I cannot say. But I can say this: there will be three others. Each of you will be given the strength of our ancestors. You must find the others... You must fight together... You must save our clan..."

Gradually, Redtail's words faded, nothing more than a whisper as he disappeared into the mist. Lionheart jolted forward.

"Redtail, wait! Don't leave me! I don't understand... Please, answer me!" He called.

But his cries went unheeded, drowned out by the sudden fierce wind the whipped against his fur. He closed his eyes and grit his teeth, his claws digging into the nothingness beneath him. The world seemed to shake and a thunderous roar echoed in his ears.


He jolted awake, eyes wide and panicked, claws extended and every bit of fur standing on end.

"Um... Lionheart? Are you okay?" A soft, concerned voice called from the entrance.

Lionheart turned, the gray pelt of his apprentice coming into focus, along with the worry in his eyes. He forced his fur flat and tried to relax, taking a deep breath.

"Yes... yes, I'm fine, Graypaw. Has the dawn patrol returned yet?" he asked.

Graypaw seemed like he wanted to ask what happened, but apparently thought better of it, simply nodding.

"They just returned... I saw Tigerclaw heading to Spottedleaf's den. I think he wants Ravenpaw to come with us." He replied.

"Is that right? Surely, he hasn't recovered..." Lionheart mumbled to himself, shaking off the remaining nerves as he joined Graypaw outside.

He glanced around the clearing, the sight of his clan soothing him slightly. His tail flicked at Graypaw, a simple command to follow, as he padded over to a familiar white tom.

"Whitestorm. Any trouble on the dawn patrol?" He asked, dipping his head politely.

Whitestorm grinned and dipped his head in return.

"Thankfully, no. The scent of RiverClan is strong at Sunningrocks, but they haven't come any further into our territory." He answered.

"Good." Lionheart nodded. "If you don't mind, could you go hunting with Sandpaw and Longtail? With Sunningrocks taken, we're short on fresh-kill."

"Of course." Whitestorm nodded affirmatively. "And the sunhigh patrol?"

"Darkstripe, Dustpaw and Runningwind will check our border with RiverClan again. They should also check the ShadowClan border while they're at it. I would tell them myself, but I told Graypaw we would train today." He said.

"I'll let them know." Whitestorm offered. "I'm glad you're doing well, old friend. Bluestar made a wise decision."

"I think you would have made a fine choice as well." Lionheart returned, nudging Whitestorm affectionately.

Whitestorm nodded, going about his business as Lionheart and Graypaw made their way towards the Medicine Cat's den. As they got closer, it wasn't hard to hear the argument going on inside.

"For the last time, Tigerclaw, Ravenpaw isn't ready!" Spottedleaf's voice was loud and clear. "He hasn't recovered from his wounds yet."

"I'll be the judge of that! He's my apprentice!" Tigerclaw fired back.

"And he's MY patient!" She argued. "You were at the battle! You know what he's been through! Please... let him rest." Her voice softened as she said this.

There was no reply, and Tigerclaw quickly came storming out of her den. He took one look at Lionheart and scowled, bounding off and disappearing through the gorse tunnel. Lionheart sighed and shook his head, signaling for Graypaw to wait outside as he stepped into the shade of Spottedleaf's den. Her back was turned to him and he could see her shoulders were rigid.

"Tigerclaw, if I have to tell you again-" Her voice had a tinge of aggravation as she turned around, but she quickly relaxed when she saw who had entered. "Oh! Lionheart, it's you... I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap."

"That's alright." He supplied a reassuring grin. "I hope I'm not bothering you."

She settled on her haunches, shaking her head.

"I have been busy lately, but you're not bothering me. Did you come to check on Ravenpaw?" She asked.

Lionheart settled as well and nodded. She sighed, glancing back at the small, black cat.

"His wounds weren't severe, thank StarClan. Physically he should be fine, but mentally..." She paused, looking back at Lionheart. "I fear the battle may have scarred him."

"Is he recovering, at least?" He asked, concern clear in his eyes.

"I've given him something to calm him, but right now what he needs most is rest... which Tigerclaw doesn't seem to understand." Her tail flicked once in irritation.

"Yes, I heard a bit of arguing... Perhaps he worries in his own way. He wants Ravenpaw to be strong." Lionheart mused.

"That's all well and good, but even the strongest warriors need to rest sometimes." She sighed softly.

"Well, you are Thunderclan's Medicine Cat. You know better than anyone if a cat is ready... or not. If you say Ravenpaw needs rest, then he needs rest. Tigerclaw may not like it, but if he argues with you again, please talk to me or Bluestar. We'll handle it." He offered what he hoped was a comforting smile.

Spottedleaf returned the gesture, though her smile seemed a bit strained.

"Thank you, Lionheart. I appreciate your words." She said.

He dipped his head, partly in acknowledgement, partly in apology for Tigerclaw's actions.

"I'll be out of camp with Graypaw today... I may need to speed up his training. We need warriors, now more than ever." He sighed.

Spottedleaf noted his somber tone, padding forward and brushing her muzzle against his shoulder.

"Fear not... ThunderClan may already have the strength it needs." Her eyes glittered mysteriously as she spoke.

He was momentarily lost for words. What did she mean? Did she know about his dream? Had StarClan spoken to her, too? He didn't have a chance to voice his questions. She simply turned away, returning to her work. He shook his head, trying to clear the fog of worry that clouded it, pushing his way out of the den.

"Tigerclaw likely won't be joining us... so it will just be you and me today." Lionheart noted, glancing down at Graypaw.

His apprentice showed slight concern, but nodded, bounding after his mentor as they padded through the gorse tunnel and made their way towards the sandy hollow.


As expected, Tigerclaw was nowhere to be seen. Lionheart wasn't sure where he had gone... Likely off hunting somewhere. No doubt he was in a foul mood after his argument with Spottedleaf. As soon as they arrived, Lionheart turned and settled himself on his haunches.

"Let's start with your best hunting crouch." His authoritative voice echoed across the clearing. "How would you best stalk a mouse?"

Graypaw nodded, a glimmer of excitement in his eyes as he fell into the familiar position. He began creeping across the floor of the hollow, but Lionheart quickly pointed out a flaw.

"Slow down. A mouse will hear you coming long before you scent it." He called.

Graypaw didn't reply, but he did slow his pace considerably. However, his mentor noticed that he seemed to be leaning heavily on his left side.

"Balance your weight. If you lean too far to one side, you are vulnerable. Remember, you may not be the only thing hunting." He warned.

Graypaw, again, took the advice to heart, fixing his stance as best he could. After several more minor corrections, the sun had risen high in the sky and Lionheart lifted his tail.

"That's enough. Excellent work, Graypaw." He praised.

His apprentice stood a bit straighter, a soft purr rumbling in his chest.

"Now let's see if you can put that crouch to good use." Lionheart continued. "In fact, an assessment might be in order."

Graypaw's eyes widened.

"A-are you sure I'm ready?" He asked, clearly nervous.

"We will see. The goal of an assessment is to test the skills you've learned. Try hunting past Tallpines, near the Twolegplace. We haven't renewed our borders there recently. While we're out, we may as well leave fresh markings." He said.

Graypaw nodded, a mix of determination and excitement glittering in his eyes.

"Remember, I will be watching." Lionheart grinned. "Begin."

Graypaw darted off into the brush, though Lionheart noticed he was careful not to make too much noise. A good start. He sat in the sandy hollow, waiting a few minutes before slinking into the woods, tracking his apprentice. Hardly any time passed before he came across Graypaw's first kill. A surge of pride filled him as he saw a scattering of feathers, and a small mound of dirt where he buried his prey. He had managed to catch a small thrush. Impressed, Lionheart continued, tracking Graypaw's scent further into the trees.

He caught sight of the gray pelt several fox-lengths away and he paused, tasting the air to make sure he was downwind. He also caught a strong scent of squirrel. His apprentice must be stalking one... no sooner had he thought this than Graypaw sprang forward. A bushy tail shot up and darted away through the underbrush, attempting to escape up a tree. Graypaw wasn't deterred, quickly scrabbling up and hooking one of his claws into the squirrel's tail. With a yank, the squirrel was dislodged from the tree. It gave a loud squeak as it hit the ground. Though Graypaw quickly finished it off, both he and his hidden mentor knew any prey in the area had heard that squeal. They would be hiding now.

Graypaw looked a bit embarrassed as he buried his second kill, but he clearly wasn't going to give up. Lionheart was already satisfied with Graypaw's performance, but it seemed his apprentice was going to try for a third- and likely final- piece of prey before returning. The sun was getting low in the sky as Graypaw continued, eventually leaving Tallpines together and approaching Twolegplace. Lionheart paused and sniffed the air, realizing something. Graypaw had passed their border without even realizing it. He didn't blame his apprentice. The scent was stale after all... and overpowered by something else. Mouse.

Immediately, he saw Graypaw drop into the crouch he had been working on in the hollow. It was nearly perfect. He was just about to spring when another scent drifted on the wind. Lionheart stiffened, and It was clear both Graypaw and the mouse had sensed it too. Immediately, the prey disappeared into the underbrush and a hiss of frustration could be heard. A kittypet, with a bright orange pelt and adorned with a collar had apparently been hunting the same mouse. However, he didn't see Graypaw... who unsheathed his claws and immediately rushed at the intruder. As Lionheart expected, the kittypet turned and ran. He bounded forward, keeping his distance, but also keeping them in sight.

Then something happened that surprised him. And Graypaw, too. The kittypet stopped suddenly, fur and tail fluffed out to make him appear bigger, fangs bared. Graypaw didn't have time to slow down, bowling straight into the kittypet and sending them both sprawling out from under the cover of the trees. Lionheart watched with great interest as his apprentice fought this kittypet. The young orange tom, surprisingly, was holding his own, even giving Graypaw a few scratches. Eventually, they split apart, both panting heavily. Lionheart deemed this an appropriate time to step out of the shadows.

"Well, what do we have here?"