Disclaimer: I own nothing.


"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey, join here beneath the Highrock for a Clan meeting!" Bluestar's caterwaul woke the slumbering camp.

Pale grey light had just begun ushering the darkness away, the soft pinks and reds of sunrise not yet painting the sky. Every cat, old and young, soon emerged from their respective dens. The Queens watched from the nursery entrance. The Elders muttered and complained about the early hour. However, they all fell silent as they saw Lionheart sitting atop the Highrock with Bluestar. Normally, the Deputy would sit at the base during a meeting. This small difference caught the Clan's attention as Bluestar continued.

"Recently, Redtail passed in a battle with RiverClan." She began, her gaze sweeping over the cats below her, eventually resting on Tigerclaw. "But new information has come to light... Redtail may not have been slain by Oakheart."

Troubled murmurs swept through the throng of cats and Tigerclaw stiffened ever so slightly as Bluestar held his gaze. After a moment, she looked away.

"You all know well Tigerclaw and Ravenpaw. Mentor and apprentice, both present at the battle, yet they tell different stories." She spoke, not a whisper to be heard now. "Many of you have heard the version Tigerclaw told, but Ravenpaw's side has not yet been heard. I will tell it to you now."

She paused, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly before she continued.

"He witnessed Redtail and Oakheart fighting each other. He hid in a crevice, as Redtail instructed, then heard a great rumbling. When he emerged, a stone from Sunningroks had collapsed, and Redtail said that Oakheart was dead. Tigerclaw told Ravenpaw to flee, but fearing Redtail may be overwhelmed by RiverClan warriors, he returned to the battle. He saw something that will shock you and has left me equally dismayed... He saw Tigerclaw kill Redtail in cold blood."

Immediately, cries and yowls echoed from every cat in the clearing. Anger, fear, confusion. But Bluestar's yowl rose above them all and silenced them.

"I heard these words from Lionheart!" The silence continued at this claim. "I do not doubt my Deputy, but I will be speaking with Tigerclaw and Ravenpaw. And I wish to speak with each of you, individually, as well, so that a fair decision can be made."

More murmurs spread through the clearing, the Clan not yet seeming appeased. But it was Bluestar's word, and her word was law.

"I will call another meeting when a decision has been reached." She declared, leaping down from the Highrock.

Seeing that the meeting was over, most cats returned to their dens, anxiety palpable in the air. Bluestar motioned for Tigerclaw to join her. Spottedleaf, whom had been watching from her den's entrance, fetched Ravenpaw and accompanied him to Bluestar's den as well. Once they disappeared inside, Lionheart leaped down from the Highrock and heaved a sigh, watching as several cats trotted towards him.

"What was that all about?" Graypaw started, worried.

"Do you honestly think Tigerclaw killed Redtail?" Sandpaw asked, fur ruffled.

"I... I can't believe Tigerclaw would do that." Dustpaw denied, shaking his head vehemently.

"Don't crowd him." Whitestorm chided, sitting next to the golden warrior. "I'm sure Lionheart is just as anxious as all of you."

Sandpaw and Dustpaw shared a look, while Graypaw dipped his head in apology. Lionheart gave Whitestorm a thankful look before turning to the apprentices.

"Your questions will be answered soon, I promise. But for now... Whitestorm, could you take Sandpaw and Dustpaw on the dawn patrol?" He asked.

The large, white tom nodded his head, leading the duo away.

"Graypaw, you'll be on the sunhigh patrol with Darkstripe and Mousefur." Lionheart turned to his own apprentice.

"Sure, but... what about them?" Graypaw's gaze flickered to Bluestar's den.

Lionheart shook his head.

"For now, I won't be sending either of them out of camp. As for me, I'll be meeting Rusty again... I hope." He admitted.

"I guess he made an impression." Graypaw nudged Lionheart playfully.

"He's interesting." Lionheart shrugged. "If he can't keep up, he's not cut out to be a Clan cat."

"I'm sure he'll do fine." Graypaw's whiskers twitched in amusement as he padded away.

Lionheart shook his head, trotting over to the Warrior's Den to inform Mousefur and Darkstripe of their assignment. While there, he asked Runningwind, Longtail, and Willowpelt to take the evening patrol. That done, he padded back through the clearing, halfway to the gorse tunnel when he heard his name being called.

"Lionheart, wait!" The gentle mew of Goldenflower met his ears.

He turned, surprised.

"Goldenflower, how are you?" He asked, though he felt he already knew the answer.

Her gaze was filled with worry, but also determination.

"Do you really believe that Tigerclaw killed Redtail?" She wasted no time getting to the point.

"I hope it isn't true." He replied honestly. "But Ravenpaw... he's not afraid for no reason."

"How is he doing?" She asked, her concern clear as day.

"Better, I think. Spottedleaf is taking good care of him." He answered.

"That's good." Goldenflower visibly relaxed, though he could tell something was still bothering her.

"I'm sorry... I know you're closer to Tigerclaw than any other cat in the Clan."

"Yes, we are close. We had intended to be mates, but if this turns out to be true..." She shook her head. "I don't know what I'll do."

"If it is true... Then Tigerclaw shouldn't be a father." Lionheart said hesitantly. "But you are young and beautiful. Any tom would be lucky to have you." His tail brushed her shoulder in what he hoped was a reassuring gesture.

She pondered for a long moment, eventually nodding.

"Though it pains me to say... you're right. I don't wish to raise kits with a violent father." She murmured.

In a surprising gesture, she stepped forward and rubbed her muzzle against his.

"Thank you, Lionheart."

He found himself speechless, only able to nod dumbly as she turned and made her way back to the nursery. He suddenly realized he was staring and shook his head, continuing on his path, out through the gorse tunnel. The sun was just rising, and he had plenty of time before he needed to meet Rusty, so he may as well hunt. The Clan always needed fresh-kill, after all.


"I know you both understand the difficulty of the situation. In all these moons as ThunderClan's leader, it fills me with pride that I've never had to make a decision like this... But it also pains me, now that I must do so." Bluestar stated.

Though she appeared calm, the look in her eyes revealed the storm of emotions swirling inside her. Ravenpaw looked frightened, though Spottedleaf murmured support, and Tigerclaw was on edge. She watched them carefully before she continued.

"Ravenpaw, I've only heard your story from Lionheart. Is there anything you wish to say?" She asked.

It was clear he was nervous. His eyes constantly darted from her, to Tigerclaw, and back to her again. Though she was truthful when she said she didn't doubt Lionheart, she'd like to hear from Ravenpaw himself.

"I... I know what I saw, B-Bluestar. Tigerclaw k-killed Redtail." Ravenpaw said meekly.

He didn't say anything else. He was shaking so badly, it looked like he fell in the river in the middle of leafbare. Her eyes moved to Tigerclaw, gauging his reaction.

"Tigerclaw, have you anything to say to this accusation?"

The dark tabby's tail lashed and he squared his shoulders.

"It's preposterous, of course." He started confidently. "Clearly, Ravenpaw is still suffering from his injuries. He's obviously misremembering, or inventing it altogether, though I've no idea why."

Bluestar's gaze was like that of a hawk, piercing into him. Though he would have denied it, it was clear Tigerclaw was anxious, his claws digging into the ground before sheathing again. A long, tense moment passed before she flicked her tail dismissively.

"Very well. You may leave."

Ravenpaw immediately scurried away, while Tigerclaw took his time in turning around, padding out of her den slowly. Spottedleaf, however, stayed behind.

"What is it, Spottedleaf?" Bluestar asked, already feeling tired.

"StarClan has spoken to me." She murmured softly. "And I feel they want me to reveal this to you now."

Bluestar nodded. She doubted anything else could shock her today. Spottedleaf's eyes took on a misty quality, as though she could see the spirits of their ancestors padding in front of her.

"Lion and Tiger will clash. Leopard rises and Cheetah returns. These four must save the forest." Spottedleaf's words were her own, but her voice echoed as though there were a multitude speaking at once.

"What does it mean?" She asked as Spottedleaf returned to her senses.

"I do not know... Those were the cats of ancient times; it's puzzling how they could save the forest." Spottedleaf murmured.

"Lion and Tiger... Could that be Lionheart and Tigerclaw?" Bluestar questioned.

"Nothing is certain." Spottedleaf responded cryptically.

Bluestar sighed. Sometimes, she wished StarClan would be more straightforward with their prophecies.

"Thank you, Spottedleaf."

The medicine cat dipped her head before backing out of Bluestar's den. She had barely settled herself in her nest when a dark grey and black tabby barged in.

"Darkstripe. I expected you, though not so quickly." She mewed.

"Tigerclaw didn't kill Redtail!" His immediate defense of his previous mentor didn't surprise her.

"I'm sure many feel the same, but some may feel differently." She replied calmly.

Darkstripe curled his lip.

"How can you think that he did it?! He said himself, it was Oakheart!"

Her eyes narrowed, immediately making Darkstripe regret his outburst.

"That may be true, but there is more than one side to this story that I must take into account." Her voice was soft, but no less intimidating.

Darkstripe hissed, whipping around and marching out of her den. It wasn't a mystery why he was upset. She expected much of ThunderClan to defend Tigerclaw. He was a strong warrior, and loyal... at least, that was the hope. It wasn't long before a familiar, gray apprentice padded in nervously. Her expression softened.

"Graypaw, come in." She welcomed him.

He seemed to relax slightly at her words.

"Is what Ravenpaw said true?" Graypaw asked, shuffling his paws nervously.

"Ravenpaw believes he saw Tigerclaw kill Redtail. Tigerclaw denied it." She answered.

"But... you don't know which one is telling the truth." He frowned.

Bluestar's first instinct was to deny it, but she couldn't. Though he was young, Graypaw could see his leader struggling with this revelation just as much as the rest of the Clan, if not more. After a moment, she simply nodded.

"Well, I trust Ravenpaw. And Lionheart, too. If they say it was Tigerclaw then... I agree with them." It was clear Graypaw wasn't comfortable, but he was being honest.

"Thank you, Graypaw. Please send in whoever wishes to speak with me next." She murmured.

Graypaw dipped his head and did as he was asked, quickly retreating from her den. Mousefur stepped in a moment later, looking puzzled and concerned.

"Bluestar, what's this all about? I'm still not sure I understand." She trailed off, clearly searching for answers.

Bluestar straightened herself. This wouldn't be the last time she would be asked to explain today.

"Tigerclaw claims Oakheart killed Redtail, and he killed Oakheart in return. Ravenpaw claims Oakheart died when one of the Sunningrocks fell on top of him, and Tigerclaw killed Redtail in hopes of being made Deputy." She explained.

Mousfur shook her head at the sudden rush of information.

"That's crazy! Tigerclaw would never- I mean sure, he has a temper, but he wouldn't do something like that!" She argued.

"I'm simply telling you what I have been told." Bluestar said. "But I see no reason why Ravenpaw would lie."

"Yeah, I guess... even for him, this is a stretch." Mousefur muttered, then sighed. "And you wanted to talk to all of us to see what we think?"

Bluestar simply nodded.

"Well, I was at the battle, too. The last time I saw Redtail, he... he told me to retreat. If I had been better, then maybe... maybe this wouldn't have happened." Regret tinged her words.

She leveled her gaze at Bluestar.

"Ravenpaw has an active imagination, but he's not a liar. And I respect Tigerclaw, but... I've seen him when he's angry. It's scary. I hate to say it... But I think Tigerclaw would kill any cat if they made him angry enough." She stopped, waiting for Bluestar's reply.

She looked saddened at Mousefur's conclusion, numbly nodding her head.

"Thank you, you may go."

Mousefur dipped her head and retreated quietly, leaving Bluestar in silence. It didn't last, however, as grumbling and complaining met her ears. Smallear pushed his way into her den, moving stiffly.

"I might be losing my hearing, but I'm not deaf yet. I know what I heard and I don't like it." He muttered.

"I know, Smallear. Neither do I." Bluestar admitted.

He eyed his leader for a moment, settling down on the sandy floor with a grunt.

"I remember when you were appointed Deputy. It wasn't long after you lost your kits." Smallear mewed candidly.

Bluestar stiffened suddenly, but the tension left her as she sighed.

"Yes, I remember very well."

Smallear either didn't notice or ignored Bluestar's tension at the mention of her kits, instead scratching an ear lazily with his paw.

"If I've learned anything in my many moons, it's that things aren't always what they seem to be." He commented cryptically.

"I remember what it was like being an apprentice..." He continued. "Young, full of energy, always out to prove myself. And in my first battle, I'll admit that I was afraid."

He paused, his gaze locking with Bluestar's.

"The battle at Sunningrocks was Ravenpaw's first real fight. I'm not calling him a liar, but it's not hard to think he invented this story; got it confused with what really happened. StarClan knows he's talked my ear off with more stories than I can count. Tigerclaw has always been strong and loyal, and you know better than anyone that ThunderClan needs more warriors like him." Smallear mewed.

Bluestar was silent for a long moment.

"Are you speaking on behalf of all the elders?" She asked.

"One-Eye didn't seem to care one way or the other, but the others agreed with me." Smallear grunted.

"Thank you, Smallear." She dismissed him with a flick of her tail.

The elderly tom shakily got to his paws, sand drifting from his ruffled fur as he wobbled out of her den. Bluestar had some time to think before the next cat entered, the sunlight slowly growing brighter as it drifted through the lichen hanging in front of the entrance. It was a welcome reprieve, though it didn't quite feel long enough as Runningwind pushed his way inside. He dipped his head respectfully, but from the way his paws were shifting, he looked to be in a hurry.

"Bluestar, I don't really know what's going on, but I don't want to trouble you too much, either." He said.

"It's alright, Runningwind. I admit I am troubled, but I will listen to what you have to say." She replied.

Runningwind nodded once.

"I like Ravenpaw. He used to be so open and lively, but ever since Tigerclaw became his mentor..." He paused and shook his head. "I don't know, he's been different."

Bluestar nodded in understanding.

"I don't think Ravenpaw is making this up. He always seems so scared around Tigerclaw. I guess it's easy to believe him."

Apparently, he felt he had said enough, as he didn't even wait for a dismissal. He bowed his head and trotted quickly out of her den. That might have been the quickest discussion she had so far, and it was rather one-sided. Willowpelt stepped into the den a moment later, looking worried.

"I saw Runningwind dart out of here... I guess he felt a lot of pressure?" She mused, Bluestar nodding in agreement.

"It's not an easy discussion to have, nor an easy decision to make." Bluestar mewed.

"True... but I think, maybe, Ravenpaw got confused. A lot happened, the battle was brutal... without Tigerclaw, we might have lost more than just Redtail. I guess that's my answer." She murmured.

She seemed apologetic, obviously concerned about Ravenpaw's injuries as she dipped her head and backed out of Bluestar's den. Another quick discussion. Another quick decision. Dawn had long passed, and sunhigh was approaching. Lionheart would be meeting with that kittypet soon. Bluestar's thoughts were brought back to the present, when a familiar white tom entered her den. She smiled warmly.

"Whitestorm, any news from the dawn patrol?" She asked.

"No, Bluestar. Our borders are safe." He returned the grin and shook his head in response.

"Good." She sighed, feeling a bit of relief. "This mess has the Clan doubting a seasoned warrior and an apprentice. We need to feel safe."

Whitestorm gazed at her sympathetically.

"You'll make the right choice. You always do." He encouraged her.

"I... I'm doubting myself." She admitted. "I need to make the best decision for the Clan. We need warriors, but if Tigerclaw really did kill Redtail..." She shook her head, not wanting to complete that thought.

"Then Lionheart and I will look after the Clan, and you as well." Whitestorm reassured her. "Ravenpaw may be prone to telling stories, but even he wouldn't make a claim like this without good reason."

Bluestar nodded slowly, considering his words.

"Are Sandpaw and Dustpaw with you?" She asked.

"They're waiting outside." Whitestorm replied with a nod.

"Send them both in, please. And thank you."

Whitestorm smiled and dipped his head low, padding out of her den. Only a moment passed before the two apprentices stepped inside.

"Have you two come to a decision?" Bluestar questioned.

"We have, Bluestar." Sandpaw answered confidently, but Bluestar felt the anxiety prickling from both her pelt and Dustpaw's.

"We talked it out and... Redtail was my father, and Dustpaw's mentor. Despite that, we don't think Tigerclaw killed him. He wouldn't do that to us. To the Clan." She mewed resolutely.

Bluestar looked to Dustpaw, but it seemed he was letting Sandpaw do the talking for them both.

"Very well. You may go." She dismissed them.

They both dipped their heads before ducking out of her den. Longtail entered, looking determined, and Bluestar nodded her head in greeting.

"I respect Tigerclaw." Longtail launched right into his argument. "He taught me what it means to be a true ThunderClan warrior. Strong, vigilant, and loyal. He would never betray us."

Bluestar only nodded again, dismissing him. He had made his decision very clear, padding away without another word. It seemed the Clan was supporting Tigerclaw, as she expected... She looked up when another cat entered and sighed softly.

"Goldenflower." She murmured.

She should have expected the ginger she-cat to be the last, and it looked as though she would be speaking on behalf of the Queens. Bluestar wondered whom Goldenflower would support, though the answer seemed obvious.

"Bluestar." Goldenflower bowed her head in greeting. "I've spoken with the other Queens, but I want to give my answer first."

Bluestar nodded in understanding, signaling for Goldenflower to continue.

"I've seen a side to Tigerclaw that others haven't... He can be gentle and kind. Sometimes his temper gets the better of him... But he wants what's best for ThunderClan. He wants us to be strong."

She paused, trembling slightly.

"I want to support him... but I can't. Ravenpaw just looked so scared. Every time he sees Tigerclaw, his whole body shakes. He used to be curious and happy, and I'm afraid Tigerclaw is... that he's the reason Ravenpaw is like this. Scared of his own shadow. And I don't- I can't have Tigerclaw's kits if he makes his own apprentice so afraid."

Her emotions got the better of her, several tears slipping down her cheeks. She looked at Bluestar pleadingly.

"I don't feel safe around him anymore... And the Queens want their kits to be safe. Tigerclaw is a great warrior, but they don't want him around if he killed Redtail." She concluded.

Bluestar was quiet for a long moment, gathering her thoughts. Eventually, she spoke.

"I'm sorry." She apologized. "As leader, I shouldn't ask the Clan to take sides."

Goldenflower shook her head, the tears quickly drying in her fur.

"You've done so much, Bluestar. And we're not choosing sides... we're telling you what we believe."

Bluestar gave her an appreciative look.

"Thank you, Goldenflower. I'll call the meeting as soon as Lionheart returns."

No sooner had she said this when a yowl echoed across the clearing.

"That must be them." Bluestar pulled herself to her paws, brushing against Goldenflower to show her gratitude as they both left her den.

The normal summons wouldn't be necessary, as nearly every cat was already out of their dens. The reason was easy to spot, as Lionheart had an unfamiliar ginger tom trailing behind him. Still, Bluestar leapt atop the Highrock and let out a yowl to silence the clamoring voices.

"Lionheart has returned with a possible apprentice for ThunderClan." She called loudly. "He is not Clanborn, however, I am willing to give him a chance to prove himself. I expect you all to respect my decision."

She gazed down, not a whisper to be heard, and the kittypet looking between her and Lionheart respectively.

"Lionheart." Bluestar addressed him. "What is the newcomer's name?"

"His kittypet name is Rusty." Lionheart replied, gasps and murmurs immediately breaking out in the crowd.

Bluestar silenced them with a flick of her tail.

"Rusty, step forward." She ordered, the kittypet jumping at the sudden use of his name.

Bluestar prowled down from the Highrock, sizing up the kittypet as she approached. All eyes were on them now, and every cat waited for Bluestar's assessment. After a moment, she turned back to Lionheart.

"Did he keep up on the journey here?" She asked.

"Yes, surprisingly well, given the thick undergrowth." Lionheart replied, almost looking impressed.

Bluestar nodded and leveled her gaze at Rusty. He met her eyes, though she could see fear dancing in his.

"As an apprentice of ThunderClan, you are rejecting the life of a kittypet. You are rejecting the Twolegs that were your owners and you are rejecting everything you have known. Once you join, you cannot go back. Are you ready?" She questioned.

This would be the first test of his resolve. She was giving him the option to turn away, to leave and never come back. But she saw a fire ignite in his eyes, the sunlight striking his pelt and making him appear as though his fur was aflame.

"Yes, Bluestar!" He replied loudly.

Perhaps he had potential after all. With that, she stepped forward, baring her fangs. Rusty froze, and some of the Clan looked stunned, but Bluestar only bit the collar, releasing it from his neck.

"The mark of the Twolegs no longer controls you. However, there is one more task I must attend to before I name you an apprentice."

Rusty looked curious, while the rest of the Clan was on edge. Bluestar didn't bother returning to her perch, instead looking at the cats around her.

"As you all know, a troubling decision must now be made. Tigerclaw." She called. "Step forward."

Silently, the Clan parted, and the dark tabby pushed his way through. Rusty took a pawstep back, eyes wide as the large warrior took up the space in front of Bluestar.

"You have been accused of killing the former Deputy, Redtail. How do you plead?" It was more of a statement than a question.

"Oakheart killed him, not me." Tigerclaw stated, his tail lashing once.

Bluestar nodded at that response.

"I have spoken with the Clan, and I have come to a decision."

The silence dragged on, only the rustling of leaves and branches could be heard. Finally, Bluestar took in a breath and laid down her judgment.

"I find you, Tigerclaw... GUILTY."