Chapter 5: Life and Death

A half-moon had passed ever since the huge fire consumed RiverClan's camp. The full moon shone above while a cool breeze blew through the air. Lelouch stood in the camp clearing, watching as Bramblestar and the other cats he chose were heading off to the Gathering. Squirrelflight had finally recovered, the she-cat thankful for him taking over in her absence. Leafpool had also regained her strength as well, the she-cat attending the Gathering with Alderheart while Asuna stayed behind to watch over Jayfeather. Everyone's starting to get better now. I can't remember the last time a cat was diagnosed with the sickness. The tom thought. He looked over at the nursery, his gaze growing soft. Ivypool said she felt like the kits were about to come. I hope they'll be alright. He entered the nursery and saw the silver-and-white tabby she-cat resting, her blue eyes looking over at him as he approached.

"How are you feeling?"

"Okay for now. This definitely feels worse than when I had Nightheart. We're having more than one." She told him. "I hope you're ready for it." The tom let out a chuckle.

"I'm sure I am." He gave the she-cat a lick to the forehead. "I've waited so long for this moment. I just hope there isn't any repercussions for being impatient."

"I'm sure they'll be okay." She assured him. "Lelouch…I've been having dreams about Dovewing lately."

"Really? Any sort of signs?" She shook her head.

"All we do is talk and hunt together like we used to in the past. It hurts realizing that it's been so long since we've gone out together. I really hope it's a sign that we'll see each other again."

"I'm sure you will, Ivypool." He meowed. "Can I get you anything?" Lelouch noticed the she-cat's eyes widen suddenly. "Ivypool?"

"Get Asuna!" She demanded. Is it really happening right now?! In a frenzy, Lelouch ran out towards the medicine cat's den.

"Asuna! Asuna!" He called out as he ran. When he reached the entrance, he almost bumped into the she-cat as she exited.

"What's wrong?" She asked. "It's Ivypool, right?" The tom quickly nodded. "Jayfeather! Ivypool's having her kits!"

"Of course it's when I'm sick." The blind tom meowed from inside. When he walked outside, his blind gaze turned towards Lelouch. "Go get the stick inside. We'll be in the nursery."

"Stick? Got it." Lelouch walked into the medicine cat's den and quickly looked around. Stick…stick…how hard is it to find? He thought in annoyance as he looked around. He saw the stick near the herb storage and picked it up, making his way to the nursery as fast as he could. When he walked inside, he saw Asuna beside Ivypool, her paws on the she-cat's stomach.

"L-Lelouch!" The she-cat cried out. The tom dropped the stick and moved beside her, Ivypool's breathing heavy.

"I'm here, Ivypool, don't worry." He told her, the she-cat's deep blue eyes looking up at him before she winced in pain.

"Asuna, do you remember what to do?" The blind tom asked her.

"Yes, but I'd like for you to still be here in case I get lost."

"Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere." Jayfeather assured her. Ivypool let out a loud cry, Asuna looking over at Lelouch.

"Get the stick and give it to her, please." Asuna commanded quickly. Lelouch ran over to where he dropped the stick and picked it up. Ivypool immediately bit down on it when it was close to her mouth. "Perfect. You're doing great, Ivypool. Now just push." Eyes shut, the silver-and-white she-cat let out a groan as her body began to spasm, slowly coming to a stop. A small, wet sac slid into the nest she way lying in, Asuna opening the membrane with her teeth. She grabbed the bundle of fur and placed it next to Ivypool, the she-cat immediately grooming it.

"Nightheart has a little brother now." Asuna told Lelouch. He looked over his mate's shoulder and saw the new piece of their family. He was a silver and black tabby tom.

Lelouch gave Ivypool a lick on the cheek. "You did amazing."

"Thanks, but—." Ivypool let out another groan. "T-The stick!" Lelouch looked down and grabbed it for her to bite on. He stepped back, giving her space. Ivypool's body jerked again before another kit now laid on the nest. Like before, Asuna opened the sac and placed the kit next to Ivypool.

"Nightheart has a little sister now, too." Asuna told the tom. Lelouch looked over at the kit. She had a silver and white coat, just like her mother. Asuna softly moved her paws over Ivypool's belly. "Do you think there's one more in there?" She asked the she-cat with a small smile.

"I…I don't think so." She replied, catching her breath.

"Good, because that was the last one. Congratulations, you two." Lelouch let out a sigh of relief. "Did you not want another kit?"

"No, it's the stress of this all!" He meowed, causing the she-cat to let out a giggle. He looked over at Ivypool and then at his newborn kits, letting out a smile.

"Look, you have another princess to look after, and a prince to follow in your pawsteps." Ivypool groomed the kits once more before easing them towards her with her tail so they could nurse.

"I'm finally glad that I was able to be here for this moment." Lelouch told her, wiping his eyes with a paw. "I promise that I'll be here for you, them, and Nightheart, no matter what."

"I know you will." The she-cat gave the tom a kiss on the cheek. Lelouch looked over at Asuna.

"Thanks for your help, Asuna. You too, Jayfeather."

"I didn't really do anything. It's probably better that it stayed that way." He meowed.

"Right, but you did teach Asuna. She might not have been doing this if it wasn't for you." The violet-eyed tom stated. Jayfeather sighed.

"Leave it to Lelouch to make even thanking cats a bit more complicated." Asuna gave the blind tom a small push.

"Can't you just accept his thanks?" Lelouch let out a small laugh.

"Don't worry, I know that was his way of saying it, Asuna." He assured her. "Oh…should I let Ivypool rest for now?"

"It'd be good to, especially since she'll have plenty of visitors once the Gathering's over." Asuna told him.

"Don't worry, Lelouch. We'll take good care of her." Daisy told the tom with a smile.

Lelouch followed Asuna and Jayfeather as they left the den, waiting for the others to return from the Gathering. He walked into the warriors' den and saw Lionblaze, Whitewing, and Cherryfall.

"There he is!" Lionblaze got up from his nest and approached the tom. "How'd it go?"

"Smoothly, I think. Nothing went wrong, but you were right about it being stressful." He replied, causing the tom to chuckle.

"What are my new grand-kits?" Whitewing asked, eagerness in her meow.

"One tom and a she-cat."

"I bet they both look as adorable as Nightheart did." Cherryfall meowed. "Have you thought of any names yet?" Lelouch shook his head. "Well there's no rush. I'm sure you and Ivypool will figure something out."

"I can't wait to see how Nightheart reacts. Hopefully she wasn't waiting too long for siblings." Whitewing joked.

"I'm sure she'll love them, no doubt about that." Lionblaze stated.

"Yeah. You'll all get to meet them after the Gathering. I just hope everyone in the nursery doesn't mind it being packed for a while."

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Lucina walked alongside Nightheart as they returned from the Gathering. In the beginning of the meeting, the other Clans were hesitant about allowing RiverClan back in, but after some words from both Tree and Lucina, they decided otherwise. SkyClan even offered a new role for Tree, a mediator, which meant he would help solve disputes between the Clans.

"Maybe you should be ThunderClan's mediator, Lucina. Tree wasn't the only one who spoke up tonight." Nightheart told the blue-gray she-cat.

"I don't think I'd be here that long to fulfill the role. Besides, it's common sense to let RiverClan back in to join the other Clans, is it not? I don't know why some cats were against it if StarClan had told the medicine cats that five Clans needed to thrive."

"I feel like it was mostly due to timing, like some cats said. They did ask to rejoin right after their camp was destroyed." Nightheart stated. "But like you said, I can't understand why some want to prevent StarClan's prophecy from being solved."

The group reached the thorn tunnel leading into ThunderClan and when they entered camp, Lucina noticed Lelouch approaching her and Nightheart.

"Hello father. How's mother?" Lelouch's only reply was a small smile. Nightheart's violet eyes suddenly widened. "The kits?" Lelouch nodded, Nightheart immediately breaking into a run for the nursery.

"Wait…your kits arrived while we were all gone?" Alderheart asked, a bit of surprise in his meow. "We weren't expecting them for a few more days. Are they okay?"

"Asuna delivered them perfectly." Lelouch told them. He looked over and saw the others looking in anticipation. "You know you're all invited to see them too. I told Ivypool to expect plenty of company when the Gathering finished." Lucina and the others made their way into the nursery to see Ivypool, the she-cat surprised by the amount of guests she saw enter.

"Mother…they're amazing!" Nightheart meowed, her violet eyes glistening at the sight of her new siblings. "I get to have a brother…and a sister?"

"Yeah. I know you'll set a good example for them, Nightheart." Lelouch meowed, giving his daughter a lick to the ear. Lucina followed the tom through the crowd, her eyes gleaming when she saw the two kits.

"They're adorable."

"Hold on, coming through…" Noctis said as he got closer to the kits. At the sight of them, he let out a smile. "Wow, nice job you two."

Alderheart let out a small laugh as he joined the tom. "I didn't expect you to be so excited to see them, Noct."

"I think we all didn't." Lucina added, letting out a small laugh.

"Hey, I love all animals. Make that animal a baby and…well, here I am." He meowed. Both Suguha and Kirito found a spot beside the others, immediately smiling at the sight of the kits.

"They're so adorable! Did you say they were a tom and a she-cat?" Suguha asked, Ivypool replying with a nod.

"And you thought it wasn't going to happen, Nightheart." Kirito meowed. "Is the she-cat the silver and white one?" Ivypool nodded. "She looks almost like you, Ivypool."

"Right? Now my sister and I look like father and mother." Nightheart said with a giggle. "And my brother's coat is a mixture of both mother and father's."

Ivypool looked at the cats around her. "So, are any of you going to be here long enough to mentor them?"

"I'll say it right now: Kirito, I hope Bramblestar doesn't assign one of them to you." The violet-eyed tom joked.

"Hey! I think they could learn a thing or two from me!" The black tom insisted.

"Right, the last thing we need is more cocky cats around camp." Suguha retorted.

"Exactly. Actually, I'd be happy if you mentored one of them, Suguha." Lelouch meowed.

"I agree. Hopefully you stay long enough." Ivypool added, causing the black she-cat to blush.

"Thanks, you two. If I do, I promise that I'll take great care of them."

"That just leaves one left." Noctis meowed. "Lucina? You think you could out-mentor me?"

"Probably not. I've been in this world the least out of us all. I'd be honored to, but I think I'd have to hone my skills as a cat a bit more." She replied.

"Alright, we can talk about their hypothetical mentors outside. We should let Ivypool rest." Alderheart suggested.

"Thank you all for visiting…and for at least attempting to be a bit quiet." Ivypool meowed, letting out a small smile. Once the others left, Lelouch let out a sigh.

"Sorry about that, Ivypool. The kits are still okay, right?"

The silver-and-white she-cat let out a giggle. "Of course. You're a bit too worried about them, you know?"

"I had a feeling you'd say that. I'm still a bit new to all of this." He replied. "When I left earlier, Cherryfall asked me if I thought of any names for them…but nothing came to my mind. How'd you pick night for Nightheart?"

"Do you forget what color your daughter's fur is?" She meowed. "I thought it sounded pretty, too."

"So…how about these two?"

"Well, we don't need to go traditional. If you want, you can name them like you would back in your world." The violet-eyed tom shook his head. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah." Lelouch sat still in silence before speaking. "How about you name him and I'll name her?"

"Does that mean you have something in mind for her?"

"Not yet. I'm trying to think about names of other cats and the patterns I see. I know they can be named off of animals, plants, times of day…" The black tom pondered about it for a while. "How about Swiftkit? Hopefully she inherited your agility and not mine." Ivypool let out a small laugh.

"I think it's perfect." She meowed. "I was thinking we could call the tom Foxkit, then. He'll be as clever as his father when he grows up."

"I like it." He looked over at his kits and let out a smile. Swiftkit and Foxkit…I can't wait to see you both grow.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

"Alderheart, can you and Asuna check on Ivypool and her kits?" Jayfeather asked the two other medicine cats. It had been three days ever since Ivypool's kits arrived, and luckily in that time, the sickness finally left Jayfeather. Leafpool currently was in ShadowClan's old camp, helping the RiverClan cats who were injured by the fire. As Asuna and Alderheart left the medicine cat's den and headed towards the nursery, Asuna softly bumped into the tom to get her attention. He looked over at her and saw a small smile on her face.

"What?"

"Have you told Suguha?"

"About…"

"Velvet. I can tell that you like her." A small blush formed on the tom's face. "You know you're a medicine cat, Alderheart."

"I know, I haven't forgotten. I just…sometimes I envy you, Asuna. You get to be a medicine cat, and you don't need to follow the rules that I have to."

"Still, it's not like I see Kirito all day other than when we're not busy and I'm able to go out and hunt." She replied. "I can't imagine how you must feel, Alderheart."

"Yeah. It didn't become an issue until Velvet arrived. I could handle having a crush on Suguha since she's not from this world, but…Velvet's a different case." He replied.

"Okay, but if you had to choose to be with one of them, who would you pick?"

"A-Asuna, I don't think now's the time for that!"

The cream she-cat replied with a small laugh. "I'm just kidding, Alderheart." The two entered the nursery and walked over to where Ivypool was with her kits, Lelouch resting right beside her. "Hi you two. We're just here to check on Swiftkit and Foxkit." Asuna looked over Swiftkit, while Alderheart checked Foxkit, the two switching after. Once they finished, they stepped back.

"They seem to be doing really well." Alderheart meowed. "Are they feeding well?"

"I can't remember the last time they stopped!" Ivypool replied, causing the two medicine cats to share a laugh.

"And how's the father doing?" Asuna asked, looking over at Lelouch.

"Great. Nothing wrong's been happening as far as I know, so that's a huge relief."

"Especially since they came a bit early, too." Alderheart meowed. "Well, we'll let these two rest a bit. I'm going to check on Cinderheart's kits."

"Okay. Thanks you two." The silver-and-white tabby meowed as the two left. As Alderheart walked towards Cinderheart, Asuna decided to check on Briarlight to see how she was doing. As she approached, a sour scent touched her nose, dread immediately filling her body. Her hazel eyes glowed and she let out a gasp of horror, causing Briarlight to wake up. Asuna's heart began to race with fear as she noticed the she-cat's eyes were glazed over and that she struggled to get on her forelegs. No…please, no…

"Hi, Asuna." The she-cat slowly greeted her. She then noticed her hazel eyes shimmering with tears. "I…guess you know, right?"

"Why…why didn't you tell us, Briarlight?" Asuna pleaded, trying to fight away her tears.

"I…I didn't want to bother you or the others. I hoped that it was just some bad prey…"

"You should've said something! We're here to help you! I was told to become a medicine cat to help others! You know that!" The she-cat's distress caused Alderheart to walk over to her, the tom's eyes widened in shock when he realized that she had the belly sickness. "Alderheart, we need to take her to the medicine cat's den, now!" Alderheart looked over to where Lelouch was, the tom's eyes filled with concern as well.

"Lelouch, we need you to help us bring Briarlight to the medicine cat's den." He stated. Without a word, the violet-eyed tom walked over to help Alderheart carry her to the den, Asuna following behind. When Velvet saw them enter, she quickly got some bedding together to make a nest for her to rest on.

"I…hope you don't get sick because of me, Lelouch." The dark brown she-cat meowed, struggling to gaze towards the tom's violet eyes.

"I don't care about that, Briarlight. You know I'd do anything to help you." He assured her. "You just need to take some watermint and you'll feel better."

"He's right." Alderheart meowed. "But she's right too, Lelouch. You'll have to stay away from the nursery for a while, just to be safe."

"Right. I'll help around here." As they were talking, Asuna walked over to the herb storage and picked out some watermint. Velvet helped separate the violet petals from the sprig and moved them closer to Briarlight.

"Here. Make sure you break them up into smaller pieces before taking them." She told her. Asuna watched the she-cat take the herbs, sorrow in her eyes. StarClan, please…please don't take her away from us…not like this…

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Dawn sunlight broke through the medicine cat's den the next morning. Asuna's eyes slowly opened as she heard a voice call her name. She heard that it was Lelouch, his voice paired with irregular breaths. She saw that Alderheart had also gotten up as well. They both walked over to where Briarlight was, worry in their eyes.

"Briarlight, why didn't you say something?" The tom asked her.

"I gave her some watermint…but…" Lelouch's voice died out. Even with the herb, she still looked as bad as yesterday. Asuna's hazel eyes glowed, the she-cat losing her breath once she looked over the she-cat.

"No…" The other two toms knew well that Briarlight was slowly dying now.

"There has to be something we can do, right?" Lelouch asked. "Alderheart!" The medicine cat shook his head.

"It's…okay." They heard Briarlight softly meow. "I'd…like to say goodbye, at least."

"Briarlight…" Lelouch's violet eyes began to glisten, his tears falling onto the den's floor. He had known her ever since he first arrived in ThunderClan, helping her with any exercises whenever he had the chance.

"Don't cry…Lelouch." She looked over at Asuna, the she-cat in the same condition he was in. "You too, Asuna. I…can't thank you both enough for…coming into my life…You two…mean so much to me." She let out a rasped cough. "Alderheart…you're an amazing medicine cat. Everyone in ThunderClan…is so proud of you…"

"T-Thank you, Briarlight." He looked over at Velvet, the she-cat still asleep. He walked over to her and woke her, her ears falling flat when she saw the sorrow in Alderheart's eyes. "Can you ask a Clan cat to get Briarlight's kin? She's dying."

"Oh no…" Velvet quickly left the den, Alderheart now looking over to where Jayfeather was. He shook the blind tom up, Jayfeather greeting him with a growl.

"What is it?"

"It's Briarlight. She's dying, Jayfeather." The blind tom froze when he got to his paws, Asuna's crying being the only sound filling the den. "Jayfeather, she's dying." Alderheart repeated.

"No…she's going to be fine. I won't let her." He confidently responded, quickly moving towards the herb storage. He returned with some soaked moss and placed it in front of Briarlight to drink before he left the den and made his way towards the rocks leading to Bramblestar's den.

A few minutes later, word quickly spread around camp about Briarlight's condition, Bramblestar sending Finpaw and Larksong to ShadowClan to fetch Leafpool. Briarlight's kin sat around her, alongside the medicine cats and Bramblestar, while the others all waited in mourning outside of the den.

"I…I can't believe this is happening…" Suguha meowed, wiping her eyes with a paw.

"Spottedleaf showed me Rowanclaw's death and the death of another cat…but not Briarlight's." Lucina stated, sorrow in her voice. "I've known her the least…but when I first met her, despite her disability, she was so happy. I'm sure she made the best out of her life. I wish I got to know her more."

"Nothing would put her down, that's for sure." Kirito added. "I remember how much effort she put into her exercises. When Asuna was over at ShadowClan and Lelouch was unconscious, I'd help her train. The energy she had every day was definitely something else."

"Yeah. I think other than Asuna and Leafpool, she was the only one who could get away with teasing Jayfeather." Noctis said with a small laugh before a grim expression formed on his face. "This just…it sucks."

"When I was an apprentice, I remember Leafpool inviting me into the medicine cat's den." Nightheart meowed. "She told me that my father loved helping Briarlight with her exercises. That was all I needed to know to want to help her. She was always…so kind to me. I…I wish this wasn't goodbye…" The violet-eyed she-cat looked over at her father. "Father…are you okay?"

"I…I don't know." He softly spoke, avoiding her gaze. "Briarlight reminded me of my sister so much. I made my sister lose me, and it hurt to see her watch me change…and then to have her own brother die in front of her. With Briarlight…it feels almost the same." The tom then cracked a small smile. "She would always get flustered when I helped her. I…won't be able to see that face when I walk into the medicine cat's den anymore…"

"Her crush on you was so cute, Lelouch." Suguha stated, reminiscing on the times she would tease the dark brown she-cat. "Do you all think we can walk in and see her at least one last time?"

"I'll go ask Asuna." Kirito walked into the medicine cat's den and saw Briarlight's kin mourning over her. "Asuna?" The tom whispered to get the she-cat's attention. Once she turned around, Kirito noticed her hazel eyes still glistening with tears. It was almost as if she had never stopped crying ever since she realized Briarlight was dying. "We were wondering if we could see Briarlight."

"If it's okay with Graystripe and Millie." She replied.

"I'm sure she'd love to see you all as well." Millie meowed, overhearing the tom. Kirito walked back outside and with a flick of his tail, motioned the others to enter the den.

"Briarlight, look. They're all here to see you." Graystripe told his daughter. She slowly rose her head up, letting out a small smile at the sight of the cats who had just entered the medicine cat's den.

"I…promise that I'll never forget any of you. How could I?" She let out a deep sigh. "Cats from different worlds…I'm glad I was alive to witness it myself. You all…didn't need to help the Clans, but you did. I know you'll all help for as long as…you're here."

"We'll be sure to." Noctis told her.

"Yeah." Kirito nodded his head. "Hey, remember that time where we were playing moss ball and I threw it over at Jayfeather? He got so mad that I almost got kicked out of the medicine cat's den permanently." The she-cat struggled, but she let out a small laugh.

"I think he almost clawed your ears off." She looked at the others. "You've all helped me in one way or another while you were here…and you didn't have to." Her gaze met Nightheart's. "Nightheart…thank you for helping me when you were young. You reminded me so much of Lelouch…it sometimes felt like he never left…"

"Oh, Briarlight…" The violet-eyed she-cat wiped her eyes with a tear. "I'll miss you…so much…"

The cats in the den sat around Briarlight, reminiscing on the memories that they shared with her. In that time, Leafpool made her way in, shocked and saddened to see the she-cat in such critical condition. Briarlight looked over at her mother and let out a small breath.

"I…guess this is goodbye…Millie."

"No, don't leave us, sweetheart, please don't." She pleaded, pressing closer to her.

"It's okay. I'll…finally be able to run again…in StarClan. I'll watch over you all…forever…" Briarlight's eyes slowly closed, the she-cat letting out one final breath before she laid motionless on her nest. Millie let out a cry, Graystripe, Bumblestripe, and Blossomfall gathering around her. The other cats in the den left, their hearts heavy with grief.

"This is my fault." Jayfeather murmured, causing the others to stop. "I must have given it to her while Ivypool was kitting. I should never have gone near her."

"No, it's my fault, Jayfeather." Asuna insisted. "You didn't have to be in there. I wanted you there in case I forget a step or messed up. I ended up not even needing help. Briarlight's gone…because of me." Jayfeather let out a snarl.

"It is your fault! Briarlight's gone because of you, Asuna! If you trusted your skills, she'd still be alive! You've failed as a medicine cat!" The cream she-cat's body shook in a mixture of fear and sorrow.

"Jayfeather, now's not the time to be blaming anyone." Leafpool retorted. "Can't you tell how distraught Asuna is?"

"It's…my fault. How could I be so stupid?" Asuna ran off towards the exit to the camp, the others watching as she left.

"How could you just pour the blame on her like that?" Alderheart asked the blind tom, frustration in his voice. "She blames herself, and you made sure she knew it was her fault. I thought you cared about her, Jayfeather." There was no reply. "If anything, it's my fault she's gone, too. I should've noticed sooner."

"We're not going to blame each other. That's the last thing Briarlight would've wanted." Lucina stated. "Jayfeather, we know that you're upset, but what you said to Asuna wasn't right." Leafpool placed her tail on her son's shoulder before looking over at the other cats around her.

"You all go comfort Asuna. I'll stay with Jayfeather."

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

The group of cats walked into the forest, following Asuna's scent. When they reached the end of it, they found her lying beside the Ancient Oak, her head buried in her paws. At the sound of approaching pawsteps, she looked up and saw them.

"Leave me alone, please." She meowed before placing her head on her forepaws again.

"Not until you feel better." Kirito responded, resting down next to her. "What happened to Briarlight wasn't your fault. The sickness has been infecting plenty of cats in the Clan."

"No, it's all my fault! Jayfeather shouldn't have been in the nursery, but I wasn't confident in my skills…and now...Briarlight's gone…" The she-cat began to cry again. Lelouch walked over to her and placed his tail on her shoulder.

"Asuna, because of you my kits came out into this world healthy. Say if you did mess up. If Jayfeather wasn't there, maybe they wouldn't have survived." He told her. "I know the circumstances make it seem like the blame should be on you, but you shouldn't think that way. Remember when we first went on the journey to find SkyClan? Sandstorm died and I blamed it on myself, and when Nightheart saved Kirito, he blamed her possible death on himself."

"They're right, Asuna." Alderheart meowed. "It's easy to take the blame, but you shouldn't, especially in cases like this. You were just being cautious, that's all. Besides, Jayfeather was already almost feeling better again. There's no way you could've known that the sickness would spread so easily to Briarlight."

"But…I should've checked on her. With my powers, it wouldn't have taken long…but I never did. Only when it was too late."

"You're not the only medicine cat, Asuna. Jayfeather and I should take just as much blame." He said. "We neglected her. We should've kept a closer eye on Briarlight, and now..." Suguha placed her tail on the tom's shoulder as he became too choked up to speak.

"We're all here for you, Asuna. You too, Alderheart." She stated. Asuna's hazel eyes gazed at the faces of all the cats around her.

"Thanks, but…I think this is the last time this will happen." She let out a breath. "I'm going to tell Bramblestar that I'm reliving myself of my medicine cat duties." Alderheart looked at the she-cat in shock.

"Asuna…"

"You can't do that. What if the others need help?" Noctis asked. "You can't let everything you've learned go to waste."

"I'm sorry. I couldn't do something so simple." She sniffed. "Jayfeather was right; I've failed as a medicine cat."

"No, you have to reconsider." Nightheart told her. "Didn't you say that Firestar chose you to live the life of a warrior and a medicine cat?"

"Yes, and it took me this long to find out that I wasn't the right cat." Asuna replied. "I've lived most of my life here as a medicine cat…now I'll live the rest of my time here as a warrior." She rested her head down on her paws, avoiding the eyes of the others. "Just leave me alone for now…please."

"Are you sure?" Kirito asked, his dark gray eyes filled with pain. She silently nodded, causing the tom to get up.

"Let's go, everyone." He told the others, taking the lead shortly afterwards as they returned back to camp.

When they arrived, they all saw that every cat was sitting in the middle of the camp, Briarlight's body lying in the center for her vigil. They found open spots around the rest of their Clanmates and sat silently as they listened to the kind words and recollection of memories about Briarlight that were being shared. As Kirito sat in silence, he felt a tail touch his shoulder. He turned and saw that it was Bramblestar.

"Is Asuna okay?" The leader asked. "I'm sure she would've been here to sit vigil for Briarlight."

"She asked to be alone when we found her." He responded. "I think it'd be too much for her to sit down here. She's as distraught as Millie is."

"I see." Bramblestar looked towards the camp entrance. "I'm sure she'll walk in sometime before dawn." He returned to his spot beside Squirrelflight, Kirito looking up at the bright orange sky as the sun began to set. I always thought that Asuna's role that she was given in this world was the hardest only because of all the herbs she had to remember…but I never considered the emotional aspect of it all.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Asuna slowly walked back into camp, stars now scattered above in the night sky. As she entered, she noticed all the cats sitting vigil. Their eyes immediately locked onto her presence was known. Instead of sadness, however, they were all filled with hostility.

"What are you doing back here?" Blossomfall asked, scorn in her meow.

"W-What?" Asuna slowly began to step back as the other ThunderClan cats stood up from the vigil and began to approach her.

"You killed Briarlight! You're the reason she's gone!" Millie spat.

"I…I didn't mean for this to happen! I know it's my fault that Briarlight's no longer here. I just wish for some sort of forgiveness. Please!"

"You deserve nothing, Asuna." Graystripe told her. "You had a responsibility…and you failed."

"I know…which is why I'm no longer going to be a medicine cat. I can't watch another life leave this world because of my negligence." She responded. "If I have to live with the hatred, so be it."

"Right, that's the only thing you deserve." She looked over and saw that it was Jayfeather. "After all the training I've put you through, you still aren't confident in your abilities. Isn't it obvious that a sick cat should not be around ones that are healthy?" He asked. "Training you…was the biggest mistake I've made as a medicine cat."

"Jayfeather…" Asuna's paws grew shaky as she tried to back away. "I'm…I'm sorry for this all."

"Sorry won't bring her back, Asuna." Leafpool told her. "There's nothing you can do to erase your mistake."

"I…I…"

"That's enough!" Bramblestar walked through the crowd, the same hostility as the others glaring into Asuna's hazel eyes. "What you did is unforgivable, Asuna. You are no longer welcome in ThunderClan."

"No…No, please, I still want to help!"

"And look where that did to Briarlight!" He retorted. "I'm sorry…but…" The ThunderClan leader unsheathed his claws. "You have to pay for what you did to Briarlight."

"Bramblestar, please! I know I should've been more responsible, but you can't do this!"

"Very well…" From the crowd of cats, Asuna watched as the body of a black cat was thrown towards the leader. It was Kirito. He was battered, his body bruised from what looked like an attack.

"Kirito…" Asuna looked over at the leader. "What did you do to him!?"

"Asu-na…" She looked over at the tom. "R-Run…"

"No, I'm not leaving you! Where's Suguha?"

"You should be worried about him." Bramblestar meowed, placing a paw on the tom's head. "Asuna…it's either your life…or his. This is how it has to be."

"No…please don't kill him! After everything we've done for ThunderClan!"

"Don't…worry about me…" Bramblestar swiftly made a small incision in the tom's neck, causing him to let out a cry of pain.

"No! Take me! Kirito did nothing wrong! If it's to atone for killing Briarlight, I should be the one to die. Please, just let him go, Bramblestar! Let him go!" The cream she-cat begged.

"I'm sorry…but…the pain you'd feel if Kirito died would be greater." Asuna's eyes widened in horror as Bramblestar's claws slowly approached the tom's neck.

"No, please…No!"

Asuna's hazel eyes shot open as she woke up. She could feel the dried tears running down her face. She looked up and saw that the sun was just starting to rise. It was just a dream. She slowly rose to her paws. I know none of them would ever act that way…but I'm so scared to show my face around camp. Asuna left the Ancient Oak and made her way back into the forest. As she was walking, she caught the scent of Graystripe and Millie, the she-cat crying. Asuna's heart filled with both sorrow and fear. She wasn't sure how the two would react if they saw her.

"Asuna?" Graystripe looked around. "I may be old, but my nose still works." Asuna let out a breath and stepped out. "There you are. Everyone at camp is worried about you." The cream she-cat approached the elders slowly. She saw that they had just finished burying Briarlight. The simple sight of her burial was enough to cause her to cry.

"I'm…so sorry you two. It's my fault that she's dead." She wept. She felt Millie place her tail on her shoulder.

"It's not your fault, Asuna. You're the one who helped make Briarlight's life in the medicine cat's den the best it could've been. You were one of her favorite cats in camp, you know that."

"She's right. Whenever we'd talk with her, it'd usually be you she brought up…with the occasional Lelouch. You know how crazy she is for that tom." Graystripe said with a small laugh, causing Asuna to let out a small smile. "See? That's what Briarlight would like to see from StarClan. She doesn't want to see you blame yourself, Asuna, neither do Millie and I."

"We know that you were just being careful for Ivypool's kits, and Briarlight did say she didn't want to worry you or the others." Millie added. "We know how much Briarlight meant to you. I can't imagine the pain you're feeling by blaming yourself for her death."

"It hurts…so badly." She told her. "I was scared to return to camp…but you both have helped me erase that fear. Thank you so much."

"See? Us elders aren't that useless after all." Graystripe joked, Millie giving the tom a playful shove, causing Asuna to smile. "We should get back to camp."

"Wait. Can I speak to Briarlight first?" The two smiled before nodding. Asuna walked over to where the she-cat was buried and sat down before closing her eyes. Briarlight…I'm so sorry that I missed your vigil. I just hope that you can forgive me the next time we speak. I'll miss you every day for as long as I'm in ThunderClan. Life in this world won't be the same without you. Asuna opened her eyes and turned around to walk with Graystripe and Millie as they made their way back to camp.

When they returned, Asuna saw Squirrelflight walk over to them, relief in her eyes. She also saw that the other cats around camp were just as happy to see her.

"There you are. We were all worried when you didn't return to camp yesterday." The deputy told her.

"I'm sorry." She apologized, Squirrelflight placing her tail on the she-cat's shoulder.

"It's okay. Bramblestar told me that Kirito said you just needed to be alone."

"Is he busy right now?"

"Bramblestar? I'm sure if he is, he'd be glad to see that you're okay regardless." Asuna looked over at Graystripe and Millie.

"Thank you both for talking to me. I might not be feeling better if it wasn't for you both." They replied simply with a smile before they watched the she-cat climb up the rocks leading to Bramblestar's den. When she entered, Bramblestar let out a smile when he saw her.

"How are you feeling?" He asked as she sat down in front of the leader.

"Better…but I'm still hurting inside."

"It's understandable. Take all the time you need to rest, okay? I'm sure the other three can take care of the medicine cat's den just fine."

"Bramblestar…there's something I need to tell you." The leader's ears perked up after hearing what she said.

"What is it?"

"I'm going to relieve myself of my medicine cat duties. I wish to live the life of a warrior for the rest of my time here." The leader looked at her in shock.

"This isn't something you need to ask my permission for, Asuna…but are you certain that this is what you want? Briarlight's death wasn't your fault." She nodded.

"Yes, Bramblestar." Concern filled the tom's gaze. She seemed to make the decision easily.

"Very well. I'll inform Squirrelflight once you've gotten time to rest."

"Thank you, Bramblestar." The leader watched as the cream she-cat exited the den before resting down in his nest. Asuna…I hope that you reconsider your choice soon.