Well my dear readers, long time with no update? I am sorry, I have been on to some things. And also I had a seizure in the shower (really embarrassing, seeing as I was in nothing but a towel when my mom found me!) so I been off of the computer for a while…(like, not phone wise cause I kept using my phone...its just my computer that has doc files on it!) but I haven't given up on this! I really am going to finish this and the others! (especially Firestar's quest and SkyClan's destiny...of what I like to call, sparks of fire!) anyway, I hope you enjoy...also quick question (please someone know the answer to this, cause I sure dont) what every happened to Creekfeather (you know, Rabbitleap, Plumwillow and Nettlesplash brother from SkyClan?) he doesn't show up at all in Hawkwing's journey...so is he Mistfeather? If so why change his name? I am so confused, so if you know anything tell me!
And I also had another idea (like another Spin-off of Heart of Fire, I did have another idea where Bluestar did exile Fireheart and her kits! Well, what if ThunderClan was like BloodClan? Or BloodClan in general? And Firestar was sent there in (female form!) Instead of regular ThunderClan? And was chosen to right all the wrong that was BloodClan...still see Tigerclaw/star being part of the whole thing though (can't see Fireheart without him!) so basically Tigerclaw still being banished by Bluestar (cause of some reason, or Graystripe might have stepped up and stopped Tigerclaw or something I don't know!) and he joins BloodClan and he and Fireheart get together and plot the downfall of Scourge...etc… just an idea! XD also, yes, Squirrel, Leaf, Hawk, Bramble, Tawny, Moth and Spotted would still happen! Although Spottedpaw would become Spot! XD)
Anyway, review!
Also look up Blazing Souls by X-Mixer's Strange Library, you will not regret it! And if you do...well, you found something new that you don't like! But I like it! XD cause its original!
Also check out my poll, for Brindlepaw's warrior name! Seeing as we are almost threw with 'The Darkest Hour' so far Brindleflower is in the lead, with Brindlefur just behind!
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Firestar briskly followed after Spottedleaf, her stomach a coil of anxiety and dread. Her eyes darted around at all the ShadowClan cats littering the clearing, most of them battle scarred and exhausted and weary. They must have fought with everything they had but it seemed like it was not enough, as it looked like the whole of ShadowClan was chased out of their territory, kits and elders alike.
Spottedleaf lead her through the fern tunnel to the medicine cat's den, and the first cat she saw was Runningnose, ShadowClan's medicine cat. Who was crouched over Blackfoot, ShadowClan's deputy. As she drew near she let out a startled gasp, Hawkpaw stood awkwardly beside Blackfoot, a mess of cobwebs surrounding his forepaws.
"Hawkpaw," Firestar couldn't stop the gasp that left her. Her son instantly jumped in surprise before whipping his head towards the source and quickly rising to meet his mother mid way. "What had happened?" she questioned as she licked his ear, he looked like he was pulled through a briarpatch, what with scratches lining his chest and back.
"You should have seen the other cat," Hawkpaw replied dryly, although his ice-blue eyes shined with cold fire. "I left them with a scar to remember me by."
"You gave them quite the challenge," Blackfoot spoke up, his eyes narrowed ahead of him as he lightly snarled at a frustrated Runningnose who was tending to his wounds. Fireheart watched her son perk up at the deputy's praise, and realized that Blackfoot must be Hawkpaw's mentor.
"He's a born warrior, that's what he is." the voice came out with a grunt, but Firestar recognized that voice anyway. Turning her attention away from her son, Firestar came to look Tigerstar right in his amber eyes. The proud ShadowClan leader however, laid down with his head tucked into his paws, cobwebs covered him all over, his ears, nose, chest, back, legs, sides but the major one was his neck.
"Tigerstar, what happened?" Firestar demanded, coming to hover over him. His amber eyes looked up to her, making no move to rise, looking as if all his energy had been sucked out of him.
"Cats, a whole lot of them, came out of nowhere with no warning. We were caught off guard with their surprise attack and strength. They were ruthless, dangerous and left us no choice but to retreat," The last part was spat at, his fur rippling with anger and self disgust. "They call themselves BloodClan, Boulder, one of my warriors can tell you more. He used to be a member of them long ago, before joining ShadowClan."
"We know," Tigerstar looked up with surprise in his eyes as Firestar recalled the Gathering. "They told us about driving off ShadowClan, and how he threatened us with driving us off. He gave us a choice of either leaving and finding a new home. Or staying and fighting...we have three before we give him his answer."
"The fox-dung," Tigerstar hissed quietly, his shoulders rippling as he sat up but he did not show any indication that he was in pain, although Firestar's eyes were focused on his neck wound.
"WindClan agreed to stand beside ThunderClan and fight, will ShadowClan do the same?" Firestar knew Tigerstar answer before the great tabby even said it.
"ShadowClan won't be chased off so easily next time, BloodClan attacked without a proper cause, and so," Tigerstar gave her a stern look. "We'll be glad to teach them not to mess with ShadowClan again."
"So I take it you'll fight alongside ThunderClan and WindClan?" Firestar asked, her eyes shining with hope as she gazed at the strong dark tabby.
"Always," Tigerstar replied, but Firestar couldn't help that his words mean something deeper than Clan unity.
"Good, cause I would have thought less of you if you didn't," Blackfoot snorted from were he sat, a dark-ginger she-cat that Firestar saw occasionally around both the deputy and leader by his side, gave the jet-black pawed deputy a hard shove, making his hiss at her. Although Runningnose did look admiringly at her.
"ShadowClan would always listen to you Tigerstar, you brought us out of dark times and made us strong again. We'll fight now with both ThunderClan and WindClan if needed." she declared strongly, making Blackfoot roll his eyes. But he didn't argue with her words.
"ShadowClan will fight," Tigerstar declared, dipping his head to both this deputy and supporter. "May ShadowClan seek shelter in ThunderClan till then? So that we can prepare one-another for the upcoming battle, we can exchange training methods and fighting techniques for the coming battle."
"That seems the most logical solution," Firestar agreed, already she knew she couldn't turn out these cats. Reason being that they had kits, and that Tawnypaw and Hawkpaw are her as well, and that ShadowClan had nowhere else to go besides Carrion Place that carried disease. But she wouldn't let them run her over. "But only on the sole promise that ShadowClan will listen to my orders, even you Tigerstar must listen to them."
Tigerstar looked surprised and a little taken back, but a spark of pride flashed in his eyes as he dipped his head. Regardless of his deputy's frustrated snarl. "I can understand your reason for demanding so, my Clan will be your Clan, but only," he added in a more challenging way. "For the upcoming battle, then when we chase away BloodClan once and for all, our Clan shall return home."
"That seems fair," Firestar agreed, turning her head she signaled for Spottedleaf to follow her as she padded back into the clearing. Her cats were warily watching the ShadowClan cats from the sidelines, a few standing in defense as if the ShadowClan were going to pounce at any second. But ShadowClan looked to drained to do much in the way of fighting, only drawing themselves up the best they could.
Firestar gave a nod towards Whitestorm as she leaped up onto the High Rock, and yowled the summoning for the cats below. Both ShadowClan and ThunderClan gathered below, carefully keeping apart for the time being. "Cats of ThunderClan and ShadowClan," Firestar began, addressing both Clans. "A serious threat has come to the forest, they call themselves BloodClan and demand our forest and territories," yowls of outrage came from both parties, ShadowClan looking the most hateful. "But we are not going to stand for it. Tigerstar had agreed to join in the fight against these enemies, Tigerstar had agreed to fight alongside ThunderClan and WindClan. And I have agreed to allow ShadowClan to stay and prepare for the upcoming battle, we shall share the same dens, the same prey, and train together, and ShadowClan will help in the case of preparing as if ThunderClan is part of their own Clan. ShadowClan, until the battle has been fought, you shall follow my orders and if there's any complaint you come to me, Tigerstar-" meows of surprise and shock came from the ShadowClan cats, even some of the ThunderClan cats looked shocked that Tigerstar would willingly give up power to a rival Clan.
"Tigerstar would never do such a thing," Firestar looked down to find the source of the voice, and she fought down her hackles as she recognized Darkstripe. So he went to Tigerstar had he?
"It's true, I was there when Tigerstar agreed!" Spottedleaf spoke up, her voice challenging Darkstripe. Spottedleaf, from Firestar's view point from the High rock, could see her tending to a ShadowClan queens kits, Mothpaw right beside her and so was Littlecloud. And the pretty tortoiseshell she-cat obviously hadn't forgot about Darkstripe's stunt in trying to kill Sorrelkit. In fact most of ThunderClan was giving the dark warrior nasty and threatening glares.
"Prove it!" Darkstripe snarled in her direction, Spottedleaf's lip curled back as Mothpaw jumped to her paws, looking ready to meet Darkstripe in battle. Although the pretty golden tabby had no experience yet in battle training.
"We can prove it!" The dark ginger she-cat from before heard Darkstripe and spoke up, Blackfoot and Hawkpaw right behind her. "We were there as well, Tigerstar had agreed that ShadowClan would join with ThunderClan for the time being, to make it stronger. And that means that you, Darkstripe will listen as well!"
"Russetfur you-" Darkstripe had an insult at the tip of his tongue but it died when Tigerstar in question walked out from behind his son.
"Listen to Russetfur, she speaks the truth," Tigerstar rasped, his voice scratch but held himself with pride and importance. "ShadowClan listens to ThunderClan now, we are apart of them as of now. If that is a problem with any ShadowClan cats, then follow my orders to follow Firestar's." The murmurings of the ShadowClan cats slowly began to die down, but Darkstripe didn't look able to accept it.
"Accept the orders of a kittypet?" Darkstripe yowled in disbelief. Eyeing Tigerstar with fury and hurt. "Have you gone mad?"
"There is no greater cat to follow than Firestar," Sandstorm spoke up in defense of her friend and leader. "Not even Tigerstar could do better!"
"Firestar has shown great courage and dedication to ThunderClan," Whitestorm added his voice to his former apprentices. "No cat can deny that she has lead us well in dark times as well as good, can any cat truly think of a moment she hasn't prospered in her leadership?"
Whitestorm was a very well known warrior, and very popular amongst the older generation and well looked up to from the younger. ShadowClan began to mutter quietly amongst themselves, taking in the white warriors words.
"And that is why I have no fear of Firestar, temporarily, looking after ShadowClan as we fight a much bigger threat." Tigerstar's voice rose all to hear, challenging all cats to say otherwise.
"You got bee's in your brain if you think I'm listening to a kittypet!" Darkstripe meowed, his eyes turning up towards Firestar, a hot glare in his eyes. But his words directed at Tigerstar. "You've changed Tigerstar, you're not the cat you used to be!"
"Sometimes change is a good thing," Tigerstar rumbled, his eyes burning embers as he gazed up at Firestar as well. But whereas Darkstripe's were full of hate, Tigerstar's was filled with calm acceptance and peace. "A lot of ShadowClan were once outsiders, rogues and loners. Firestar was born outside the Clan as well, and joined ThunderClan just as rogues and loners have. And they all becomes great warriors, does anyone say otherwise?"
"Of course not!" Tallpoppy, a long-legged light brown tabby she-cat called out, she was crouched over two of her kits her eyes burning in regards to the comment. "If it hadnt been for Tigerstar and his companions, ShadowClan would have been destroyed and mostly take the remainder of my kits!"
"If it hadn't been for Firestar and Spottedleaf, I wouldn't have been able to make it back to ShadowClan and heal them. And become a medicine cats apprentice!" Littlecloud called out from beside Mothpaw, who looked thankfully towards Spottedleaf. Who dipped her head, her amber eyes shining with thanks.
"There are worst cats to be following," Blackfoot meowed, his eyes overcasting in shadows. "I know from experience, and following a ThunderClan leader...isn't such a bad choice compared to others." The ShadowClan deputy wasn't praising Firestar, although he also didn't seem to disregard her or disrespect her either.
"We'll fight alongside ThunderClan," Russetfur meowed, getting agreeing yowls from the surrounding ShadowClan cats. "There are strength in numbers!" Firestar looked on as the she-cat spoke to her Clanmates, and Firestar saw true leadership in the way she spoke.
If she was leader, ShadowClan would be just as great, Firestar thought. Admiring her for a second before turning her attention down towards Darkstripe again.
"I haven't forgotten about what you have done, Darkstripe," Firestar practically spat at him. "I once told you if you don't like being led by a kittypet, then you can leave!" agreeing meowed rose from ThunderClan, and Goldenflower made it a point to stand outside the nursery on guard.
Darkstripe kept glaring up at Firestar, before turning tail and pushing his way out of the huddled Clan cats. Disappearing through the gorse tunnel for the last time. Firestar briefly wondered where he was going to go now, before deciding that she couldn't give a rat's tail where he went.
"Good riddance," Hawkpaw could be heard from where he sat next to his mentor. "He was as useful as a dead toad." Blackfoot gave a snort at his apprentices comment, and did not rebuke him for it.
"Whitestorm and Blackfoot will work together to arrange patrols, border, hunting and training." Firestar decided, glancing at both deputy's who nodded. "I would like extra patrols around ShadowClan borders especially, if Scourge decides to attack before the three days are up, I don't want us to be caught napping."
"We won't be ambushed again," a ShadowClan warrior meowed, setting off a definite chorus of yowls from ShadowClan. And Firestar had to admire their strength and determination to not again be defeated.
Whitestorm flicked his tail in agreement at both Firestar and the ShadowClan cats words. "Consider it done."
Firestar could see that her deputy's calm efficiency had encouraged the rest of ThunderClan, and Blackfoot himself was remaining calm in the face of danger, and she went on quickly before fears and doubts would creep into the minds of the assembled cats. "Next, every cat in the Clan must be prepared to fight."
"Even the kits?" That was Sorrelkit, springing eagerly to her paws. "Can we be in the battle? Can we be apprentices?"
In spite of the danger they were in, Firestar suppressed a purr of amusement. "No, you're too young to be apprentices," she told Sorrelkit gently. "And I can't take you into battle. But if BloodClan win's, they'll come here, and you'll need to be able to defend yourselves. Sandstorm, Brackenfur, you both will be responsible for training the kits...if ShadowClan agrees." She found it fair to ask ShadowClan for consent as well, seeing as she didn't want to dictate them. Tallpoppy looked down at her two eager kits, before nodding her head in agreement.
"It's alright with me, Firestar," Tallpoppy agreed, looking over at Sorrelkit and her siblings and shaking her head with amusement at their eagerness as well.
"Excellent," Firestar meowed. Looking at Sandstorm and Brackenfur for their agreement.
"Well take care of it, Firestar," Sandstorm's green eyes flashed with approval at Sorrelkit and her littermates, Sootkit and Rainkit, along with Tallpoppy's own who scampered over to join them. "They'll be able to give BloodClan a nasty surprise by the time we're finished with them."
"Apprentices will train together and supervised with two warriors, one from each Clan," Firestar went on. "As for the rest of you,"-Firestar's gaze swept the clearing-"Warriors, elders, queens and apprentices from all Clans, you have three days to prepare. Graystripe, Russetfur, will you both supervise a training program?"
Her friends eyes flashed over towards the surprised dark ginger she-cat, before looking up at Firestar. "No problem, Firestar." Russetfur also nodded her consent, looking pleased to be called upon.
"Get a couple of more warriors to help both...and rotate the training sessions so Whitestorm and Blackfoot have enough cats for patrols, and for hunting." Glancing around, she spotted the medicine cats gathered together. "Spottedleaf, are you and the others ready to look after the wounded?"
Privately, Firestar knew there was no need to ask two trained medicine cats this question; she never known Spottedleaf not to be ready, but she knew it would reassure the other cats to hear her say out loud.
The soft, understanding look Spottedleaf shared with Runningnose gave Firestar the impression that she caught onto what Firestar was doing. "Everything's prepared," she replied. "And between all four of us, we'll be able to cover more ground once the fighting starts."
"Great," Firestar meowed, pleased for the medicine cats readiness. "ShadowClan warriors may rest where they can, Tallpoppy, you can move into the nursery and the apprentices have enough room for the ShadowClan apprentices. Now eat, and get a good sleep tonight," she ordered. "Tomorrow we'll begin and in three days we'll be ready to show Scourge and his Clan that our forest will never be theirs for the taking."
Firestar waited till the yowls of agreement calmed down before jumping down from the rock. Quickly she padded over towards Tigerstar, they had a lot to discuss. "We need to talk," Firestar meowed, her eyes looking up to the great tabby warrior as he regarded her calmly from where he sat.
"Yes, we do. But I have someone that may help us in knowing about our enemies," Tigerstar said, surprising Firestar, who tilted her head in confusion. "Boulder! Come here a moment!" Firestar watched as a skinny gray tom with a ragged ear padded towards them, lightly stepping around cats as he came to stand before them. "Boulder," Tigerstar addressed the tom, "Tell Firestar what you know."
The ShadowClan warrior looked tired and haunted as he met Firestar's gaze. "I belonged to BloodClan once," he confessed. "I left many moons ago, but still I would never forget Scourge, he is ruthless and pure malicious. Him and his cronies, he cares for no one but himself...well, maybe Viper? But even she was smart enough to leave, but I saw her again during the fight. Standing with Scourge and Bone, I bet that she was the one that influenced Scourge into coming into the forest, she knew a lot of the problems cats faced in Twolegplace, lack of food and constant threats of Twolegs. But I never thought that they would actually come to the forest. BloodClan is a deadly threat, and we'll be facing cats that won't hesitate to kill. And I can't blame any cat that wouldn't, I mean, some cats thought it would be safer to join Scourge. Jaggedtooth for one." Boulder's voice grew bitter. "It would be worth fighting BloodClan to get my claws into that traitors fur."
"Do you suppose that even with the combined efforts of WindClan, ShadowClan and ThunderClan that it wouldn't be enough to stop Scourge and his cats?" Firestar asked with disbelief.
"I never said that," Boulder shook his head quickly. "Just that Scourge isn't a cat to take lightly, and we'll need all the help and skill we can get in chasing him off."
"What do you suppose we do about that information?" Tigerstar asked, his eyes not once taking his eyes off of Firestar while Boulder was talking, seemed waiting, judging her reaction.
"I think we should ask RiverClan if they would fight with us," Firestar meowed after a moment, voicing her thoughts on the matter. "As Boulder said, we need all the help we can get. And what better ally than having in common the same common threat?"
"The enemy of my enemy is my friend," Tigerstar echoed. "RiverClan is the enemy of BloodClan, same with all of us forest cats. I'm sure Leopardstar will agree to joining us in fighting off this threat."
"So recruiting RiverClan seems like the best option," Firestar finished, sharing a look with Tigerstar who dipped his head in agreement. They sat for a moment in awkward silence before Firestar declared. "We'll start the training tomorrow, so tonight eat and rest." Firestar got to her paws and quickly padded across the clearing before Tigerstar could say anything else. Glancing around, Firestar caught sight of another cat that was plaguing her thoughts as she quickly changed course towards the tortoiseshell apprentice.
"Tawnypaw!" Firestar exclaimed, her daughter looked ruffled but not seriously hurt, she was surrounded by her siblings, Squirrelpaw, Leafpaw, Bramblepaw and Spottedpaw. "You're alright!"
"Of course!" Tawnypaw puffed out her chest with pride, but returned the warm greeting from her mother who nuzzled the top of her daughter's head.
"You must have gave those BloodClan cats quite the scare." Firestar said lightly, barely concealing the panic and fear underneath her words.
"Don't worry, you have back up this time," Squirrelpaw declared. "And when BloodClan comes making their demands, well rip the fur right off them."
"ShadowClan dosen't need support from other Clans!" declared a dark ginger apprentice who sat next to another ShadowClan apprentice whose side was caked in cobwebs, looking uninterested.
"Really, you could have fooled me." Squirrelpaw says dryly with a bit of mockery in her voice. Leafpaw looking more thoughtful, glanced at Tawnypaw apologetically, but the tortoiseshell she-cat didn't seem fazed.
"Knock it off, Rowanpaw," Tawnypaw meowed, rolling her eyes. And more quietly, so that her brother could hear. "He thinks so highly of himself, someday, someone is going to make crowfood of him from how big his ego is."
"His attitude shall be his doom." Bramblepaw agreed, rolling his own eyes at the dark ginger tom who was glaring at Squirrelpaw.
"Go easy on him," Tawnypaw defended her Clanmate, if only out of loyalty to her new Clan, although there was no spit. "His mentor stayed behind and joined BloodClan after all."
"What about your own mentor?" Leafpaw asked, looking interested. And Firestar looked as well as her kits in the direction where Tawnypaw had pointed, she pointed to a small brown tom whose ear was wrapped in cobwebs who sat amongst his Clanmates.
"My mentor's Oakfur, he's okay," Tawnypaw shrugged. "Hawkpaw got Blackfoot though, ShadowClan deputy. Can you believe that?" There was a hint of jealousy, although it was quickly followed by a shrug of indifference. "Still better at hunting than him though."
"Of course, frogs don't stand a chance." Squirrelpaw joked, making Tawnypaw mockingly glare at her sister.
"Enough about hunting frogs, it's time that you all get some sleep," Firestar meowed, flicking each of her kits ear's with her tail. "We have a lot of prepare for in the morning, and you'll need every bit of sleep to have energy for it."
"You're old nest is still there," Leafpaw meowed, her amber eyes shining. "You can sleep in it!" Tawnypaw rolled her eyes at her sister's enthusiasm, but couldn't stop the happy glint in her eyes as she followed after her tabby sister.
Firestar waited a moment where she was, watching her kits, and the ShadowClan apprentices enter the ThunderClan apprentices den. She wondered, briefly, if Tawnypaw missed sleeping in her old nest as much as Leafpaw missed having her tortoiseshell sister sleep next to her. But those thoughts could wait, she needed her own sleep for when morning came, there was a lot to do and such a small amount of time to do it in.
It came out as a surprise then, when Firestar emerged from her den the following morning, the camp was already full of activity with both ShadowClan and ThunderClan cats working together. Mousefur was leaving at the head of a patrol. Sandstorm and Brackenfur were rounding up Willowpelt's three kits, and Tallpoppy's two, all five bounced around the ThunderClan warriors legs in wild excitement cuffing each other as both Sandstorm and Brackenfur herded them out toward the gorse tunnel on their way to the training hollow. Brightheart and her apprentice Bramblepaw following after, with Squirrelpaw, and the ShadowClan apprentice Rowanpaw behind them. Cinderpelt passed them at the entrance to the camp with Thornclaw and Leafpaw just behind, a piece of fresh-kill in each of their jaws.
Firestar spotted Whitestorm with Tawnypaw and another ShadowClan apprentice beside the thorn wall that surrounded the camp, and padded across to join them. The white warrior came to meet her.
"I'm getting these two to inspect the defenses and patch any gaps," he meowed. "If BloodClan get this far…." He stopped, his blue eyes worried.
"Good idea." Firestar suppressed a shiver at the thought of BloodClan breaking into the camp. "Do you know where Tigerstar is?" She asked, her eyes roaming the camp, but not finding the ShadowClan leader.
"Went out with Cloudtail and Hawkpaw," Whitestorm meowed, his eyes looking thoughtful. "He seems to want to do all he can to help prepare, injured or not."
She hummed agreement before turning sharply at the sight of movement in the gores tunnel, and flashed a glance of astonishment at Whitestorm as Ravenpaw appeared, followed by Barley. The black-and-white loner had never been to ThunderClan camp before. But Ravenpaw seemed to be in shock over the fact of seeing ShadowClan and ThunderClan cats sitting and working together.
Leaving her deputy to finish instructing the apprentice, Firestar padded quickly towards them in order to calm Ravenpaw down before he had a heart attack. Ravenpaw turned his gaze onto Firestar's approaching form before hurrying towards her, but Barley lagged behind, glancing warily around, as if he wasn't sure of a welcome.
"ShadowClan cats?" Ravenpaw meowed in astonishment, his eyes roaming around. "Did you-"
"No, we didn't get over run," Firestar assured quickly, seeing some of the tension ease from Ravenpaw's shoulders. "In fact, I'm temporary leader." it seemed like a shock to Ravenpaw, and it showed. But Firestar carried on no the less. "What are you doing here? Although not unwelcomed."
"We have to talk to you," Ravenpaw blurted out, although taking a glance once more around. "Last night we met Onewhisker on the border of his territory and he told us about Scourge and BloodClan." The raven-colored fur on his shoulders bristled once more. "We want to help, but more important, Barley has some information for you."
"I'm glad that you came all this way," Firestar said as she dipped her head. "And we're grateful for any help we can get. Perhaps you'd better come to my den."
Barley relaxed at Firestar's friendly greeting, and the two loners followed Firestar to the hollow beneath the Highrock. Early-morning sunshine slanted through the entrance and into the peaceful den. Firestar could almost forget the threat from Scourge and his bloodthirsty followers. But the serious expressions of her visitors reminded her all to clearly of the shadow over the future of the forest.
"What is it?" she prompted, once the two loners were settled.
Ravenpaw was gazing around him with an almost awestruck look-Firestar guessed he was remembering Bluestar, and maybe wondering at how the apprentice who had trained with him had come to take the former leader's place. Barley, however, looked uneasy, crouching with his paws tucked under him as he began to speak.
"I was born in Twolegplace," he began quietly. "I know too much about Scourge and his warriors. I...I suppose you could say I was once a member of BloodClan."
Firestar's interest quickened, and Firestar wondered what information Barley had that Boulder did not. "Go on."
"The first thing I remember is playing with my littermates on a patch of waste ground," Barley explained. "Our mother taught us to hunt and find food among Twoleg rubbish. Later on she showed us how to defend ourselves."
"Your mother mentored you?" Firestar asked, surprised. "All of you?"
Barley nodded. "BloodClan doesn't have a proper system of mentors and apprentices. It's not like a Clan at all in the way you forest acts understand it. Most cats listen to Scourge because he's the strongest and the most vicious, and Bone is a kind of deputy, insofar as he carries our Scourge's dirty work."
"Bone?" Firestar asked. Recalling the cats that were with Scourge at the Gathering. "It that a big black-and-white cat? He was there at the Gathering."
"That sounds like him, yes." The loner's voice was filled with disgust. "He's almost as bad as Scourge. Any cats who don't do as they're told are chased off, if they're lucky, or more likely killed."
Firestar stared at him. "But what about caring for kits and elders?"
Barley shrugged. "As she-cat's mate will probably hunt for her while she's nursing kits," he mewed. "Even Scourge realizes that if there are no kits, sooner or later there's no Clan. But elders, or cats who are sick or injured-well, they're left to fend for themselves. It's kill or be killed, hunt or starve. There's no room for weakness."
Firestar felt every hair on her pelt bristled as the though of a Clan that did not care for cats who were in need, where cats who had given good service were allowed to die if they could not care for themselves. If ThunderClan was anything like BloodClan, then a lot of cats wouldn't be here today. Firestar didn't know what they would have done without Yellowfang and Spottedleaf, and she would be horrified to think what would happen to Sorrelkit and her littermates.
"Then why does any cat follow Scourge?" she burst out.
"Some of them enjoy killing." Barley's tone was cold and his eyes were bleak, staring at something Firestar could not see. "And others are too scared to do anything else. You can't lead your own life in Twolegplace if you're not a kittypet with a Twoleg nest to go to. Either you're with Scourge or against him, and cats who are against him don't last long."
Ravenpaw shifted closer to his friend and pressed his muzzle comfortingly against his flank. "That's why Barley left," he meowed. "Tell Firestar about it, Barley."
"There's nothing much to tell." Barley flinched, shrinking from some dark memory. "I couldn't bear what Scourge was doing, so one night I slipped away. I was terrified that Scourge or his warriors would catch me, but I reached the edge of Twolegplace and crossed the Thunderpath. I scented cats in the forest, but at the time I thought they would be just like Scourge and his lot, so I kept away from them. And finally I came to a farm, where it seemed I could live unchallenged. The Twolegs leave me in peace. They have no use for their mice."
He fell silent while Firestar thought rapidly. Barley was more informative than Boulder had been and his words confirmed what she had already known as well, that Scourge was a violent and dangerous enemy.
"Scourge must have weaknesses," she meowed to Barley, feeling a bit choked. "There must be some way of defeating him."
Barley met her eyes and leaned towards her. "His one great strength is his one great weakness," he replied. "Scourge and his warriors don't believe in StarClan."
Firestar wondered what he meant. Scourge wouldn't have recollection of such a thing like StarClan, so how could he be defeated by something so trivial to him? What was Barley trying to tell her?
"BloodClan has no medicine cat," Barley went on. "I've already told you, they don't care for the sick, and if they don't believe in StarClan, there aren't any signs that could be interpreted."
"Then...they don't follow the warrior code?" That had been a stupid question, Firestar realized as soon as the words were out. Everything Barley had told her, everything he had seen for himself of the way Scourge and his cats behaved, confirmed that. "And you're telling me that's a weakness? All it means is they can do as they like, with no code of honor to stop them."
"That's true," Barley admitted. "But think, Firestar. Without the warrior code you might be just as bloodthirsty as Scourge. You might even be better at fighting him. But without the belief in StarClan-what are you then?"
He met Firestar's jade green eyes steadily. Firestar's head reeled. After what Barley had told her she dreaded BloodClan even more, and yet somewhere in her mind there was a faint spark of hope, as if StarClan were trying to tell her something that she couldn't understand-or not yet.
"Thank you, Barley," she meowed. "I'll think about what you've told me. And I won't forget that you tried to help us."
"That's not all we'll do." Ravenpaw rose to his paws. "Onewhisker told us that you're meeting Scourge in battle in three days-two days, now. When you do, we'll both be with you."
Firestar stared at him, mouth open. "But you're loners," she began. "It's not your quarrel…"
"Come on, Firestar," Barley mewed. "If Scourge and his gang take over the forest, how long do you think we would last? It wouldn't take them a quarter moon to find our barn and all the plump mice. We'd have the choice of getting out or being killed."
"We'd rather fight for our friends," Ravenpaw added quietly. His eyes shining with emotion as he gazed at Firestar. "And I want to help you the same way you helped me."
"Thank you." Firestar felt humbled by the depth of loyalty the two loners were showing to her. "All the Clans will honor you."
Barley snorted. "I don't know about that. All I want is a quiet life-but I won't get it until BloodClan is dealt with."
"None of us will." Firestar's ears twitched in agreement. "There's no hope for any of us while Scourge is in the forest."
"We're glad that we can help," Ravenpaw meowed, dipping his head, his eyes more clearer now. "And thank you for giving us this chance to stand beside ThunderClan."
"ThunderClan, ShadowClan and WindClan," Firestar corrected, her eyes flickering outside her den at the noise of her Clanmates. "ShadowClan was chased out and came to ThunderClan to seek shelter, Tigerstar agreed to allow me to take charge of his Clan as well as my own during his stay. So don't worry about him." Firestar assured, but Ravenpaw didn't even flinch this time at the mention of Tigerstar. His former mentor who tried to kill him in the past.
"I'm not afraid of Tigerstar anymore," Ravenpaw said, a hard edge to his voice as his amber eyes glowing with...with a look of confidence Firestar saw so many times in both Tigerstar and Bramblepaw's eyes.
"And you ever no reason to be, either." Firestar said, pleased that her friend has overcome his irrational fear and has gained control once more of his life.
"Come on, Ravenpaw," Barley meowed after a moment of silence. "We should be getting back. We'll meet up again for the battle." Barley promised, and Firestar nodded.
"I guess this is good-bye, until we meet again...next time on a more grim note." Firestar meowed as an afterthought. But neither tom said anything besides meowing their own good-byes, and Firestar saw them to the gorse tunnel.
As she saw them pad up the ravine, Firestar stiffened as she saw Tigerstar, Hawkpaw and Cloudtail return from their patrol. She wanted to yowl and the horrible timing, and it didn't help that both Ravenpaw and Tigerstar deliberately stopped beside each other. She wanted to yowl at Tigerstar to leave her friend alone, but Cloudtail was already stopping in front of her to give their report.
So with a silent prayer to StarClan to let the two tom's part ways in peace, she asked Cloudtail. "Any news?"
Cloudtail nodded, the white warrior looking serious. "We've been along the ShadowClan border as far as Fourtrees," he reported gruffly. "There's a reek of BloodClan coming from ShadowClan territory. You get the foul stink in your nose even from across the Thunderpath, I don't see how ShadowClan can stand living there when I can barely stand the smell of them outside my den."
"The complaint of scents in camp aren't important right now, Cloudtail," Firestar reminded.
"Ya, of course," Cloudtail meowed, continuing. "Anyway, it seems that BloodClan is inhabiting ShadowClan's territory, still can't see how they can stand the smell...I suppose Twolegplace smells even worse than ShadowClan if they would willingly want to live there." Cloudtail mussed.
"Cloudtail," Firestar said in warning.
"I know, I know," Cloudtail meowed back, rolling his eyes. "There doesn't seem like their trespassing, they stay over on the other side of the Thunderpath all right...but, I wouldn't risk it. Best to kept wary, am I right? Or am I right."
"I highly doubt you think before you speak." Hawkpaw meowed, looking innocent as Cloudtail flicked him over the ear with his bushy white tail.
"You're right, we can't trust BloodClan, Especially not after what Barley and Ravenpaw had told me!" Firestar glanced up once more, to see that Ravenpaw had a look of peace and acceptance on his face. Although Firestar highly doubted that the sleek black warrior would ever truly forgive Tigerstar for chasing him out of his home and putting him through such hardship and pain. The black loner certainly looked more comfortable around Tigerstar, and speaking of. The great tabby looked both impressed and content, both cats gave a final nod of their heads before Tigerstar came bounding down the ravine while Ravenpaw continued on, both their heads and tails held high.
"What was that all about?" Firestar demanded as soon as the tabby joined them.
"Just a conversation long overdue," Tigerstar replied, and didn't continue further. But that didn't stop Firestar from casting him suspicious glances every now and again.
"Thanks, Cloudtail," she meowed, turning to her nephew. "Go and get something to eat. You deserve it."
With a flick of his tail, Cloudtail disappeared into the gorse tunnel, Hawkpaw close behind him. But Tigerstar lingered as they stood watching them go, and when the tip of Hawkpaw's tail had vanished she turned to the ShadowClan leader.
"How are you feeling?" Firestar asked, her eyes training to his neck, there was a faint pink line across his throat that his thick tabby fur just barely concealed from the unknowing eyes.
"Better," Tigerstar replied, his amber eyes shining as he gazed at Firestar. "And what about you?"
"I'm fine," Firestar meowed, feeling a bit uncomfortable underneath the great tabbies scrutiny. "Why you ask? You're the injured one."
"It's not all about physical wounds we must focus on," Tigerstar reminded, jerking his head up towards the ravine. "You were going up to check on the progress of the apprentices and warriors, am I right?"
"Err, yes," Firestar meowed, padding around Tigerstar and she couldn't foreign any type of surprise when he came to climb effortlessly beside her. They saw Graystripe and Russetfur standing on a jutting slab of rock overlooking the apprentices. Both cats perked up at the sight of their respected leaders approach.
"How is it going?" Firestar asked, looking between both Graystripe and Russetfur.
"Slight complications with some of the cats working together," Graystripe replied. "Most stubborn and reluctant, but luckily Russetfur here is more stubborn than a badger and has the sharp tongue of an adder that whips them into shape!" the last part was put jokingly, and Russetfur simply responded with a twitch of her whiskers.
"But things are progressing nonetheless," Russetfur put in, her head held high. "Before we're done, BloodClan would be wishing they stayed being in their Twoleg garbage.
"At any rate," Graystripe went on, "We're the best fighting force this forest has ever seen." His eyes widened as his gaze feel on Squirrelpaw, who was sitting on top of Rowanpaw, the ShadowClan apprentice, she looked to be mocking him. Although the words couldn't be heard from this far. "That's certainly one way to take down an enemy." Graystripe mussed, exchanging an amused, inside joking look with Firestar.
"Best stop her before she suffocates him," Graystripe meowed, then turned to Russetfur. "I think Brightheart and Bramblepaw might like that clawing suggestion you were telling me about, why don't you show them?"
Russetfur looked over towards both mentor and apprentice, before nodding her head. "It could be useful, I'll go see to it." then both cats leaped down from the rock and bounded across the hollow, leaving Firestar with Tigerstar to look around. Closest to her, Speckletail and Smallear were stalking around each other, waiting for a chance to spring.
Sandstorm was instructing Willowpelt's three kits and Tallpoppy's two on the other side of the hollow while Brackenfur stood by, looking on approvingly and giving advice for the kits. Firestar shared an interested look with Tigerstar, and Firestar wondered if Tigerstar was remembering both Cloudtail and their kits childhood mock fights.
Both cats padded down to watch and she heard Sandstorm meowing, "Okay, I'm a BloodClan warrior and I've just broken into your camp. What are you going to-"
The last word became a screech as Sorrelkit pounced and bit down hard on her tail. Sandstorm spun around, one forepaw raised with claws sheathed, but before she could bat Sorrelkit away, Sootkit and Rainkit jumped on her from behind. The ginger-she-cat vanished under a writhing mass of kits.
From his crouched position, Brackenfur pounced, grabbing Rainkit gently by the scruff and hauled him off. Making the young tom-kit squeal. But Tallpoppy's own kits, jumped him from behind, digging their nettle like claws into his rump and the base of his tail. Brackenfur instantly dropped Rainkit as he gasped in pain, before trying to shake the kits off him. But they stubbornly held on, their squeals of excitement showing more of a fun side then that of serious battle.
By the time Firestar and Tigerstar had reached the duo, Sandstorm had struggled free of her attackers, her green eyes alight with laughter as she came to gently pry Tallpoppy's own kits off her mate. "Well done!" she meowed. "That was some team work, if both me and Brackenfur were really from BloodClan. We'd be running scared by now." Turning to Firestar, she added. "Hi there. Did you see how well the kits are coming? In a few moons they'll make great warriors!"
"I'm sure they will," Firestar mewed. "You're going very well," she praised each kit in turn, even the ShadowClan ones.. "And no cat could reach you better than both Sandstorm and Brackenfur."
"I want Sandstorm to be my mentor when I'm an apprentice," Sorrelkit meowed. "Can she, Firestar?"
"I want Brackenfur!" her brother Sootkit squeaked, his eyes wide.
"We'll I want both of them!" Rainkit declared.
"I wish Sandstorm was part of ShadowClan!" the little ShadowClan she-kit whinned. "I want her as my mentor!"
"I'll see to it that you'll have a good mentor, Talonkit." Tigerstar promised, crouching down to touch noses with her.
"Will you be my mentor?" The tiny she-kit asked, her eyes wide and searching.
"How can you say no to her now?" Firestar meowed quietly, watching Tigerstar blink at her, his whiskers twitching with amusement as he replied.
"I won't make any promises, but I'll make sure their good ones." he said, addressing both siblings this time.
Brackenfur leat out a marrow of laughter as he watched the kits begin to wrestle with one another. "It will be up to the leader's to decide who you're mentors will be," he told the kits. "Now let them see you practice those defensive moves."
Firestar wrapped her tail around her paws as she watched while the kits scuffled together, pretending to attack and defend themselves. Even though they were excited, they managed to remember what they had been taught by their temporary mentors, dodging expertly or dashing in to give their mock attacker a quick nip. At one point Talonkit and her littermate were back to back, keeping themselves balanced on their rear paws as they protected each others backs, while facing off against Sorrelkit and Rainkit.
"They're good," Sandstorm commented quietly. "Especially that little Sorrelkit." With a sidelong glance at Firestar, she added, "If you asked me to mentor her, I wouldn't say no."
"Just between you and me, she's yours when the time comes," Firestar promised, giving her friend a look of mischief. "And I'm pretty sure Sootkit would learn well from Brackenfur in being patient."
The look of gratitude that Brackenfur flashed her made her internally calm, even though she, Sandstorm, Brackenfur, Tigerstar, the kits, and all the Clan's were standing on the brink of disaster, Firestar could not suppress a burst of pride and hope. Maybe, just maybe, there is hope that they might win the upcoming battle. And that Sorrelkit, Rainkit and Sootkit's apprenticeship would be made.
Leaving Sandstorm and Brackenfur to go on with their lessons, Firestar crossed the hollow to the far side, Tigerstar patiently tagging along, where Brightheart and Bramblepaw were training with Ferncloud and Dustpelt. Bramblepaw had used his weight to flip Ferncloud over and onto her side, pressing his front paws firmly onto Ferncloud's foreleg and shoulder, his back paws standing securely onto her flank, weighing her down and keeping her immobile.
"Very good, Bramblepaw," Brightheart purred, her blue eyes shining with pride for her apprentice. Bramblepaw released Ferncloud, who sat up, shaking out her pale coat and looking at Bramblepaw with a teasing glare.
"Oh, don't you get too cocky, I was going easy on you, so just you wait till I-Firestar!" Ferncloud meowed in greeting, her pale green eyes shining when they landed on her former mentor.
"Did you see me pin down Ferncloud?" Bramblepaw meowed, his eyes flickering back and forth between his parents, his chest puffed out.
"Bet you can't do it twice." Ferncloud mocked back teasingly as Dustpelt flicked his tail over Bramblepaw's ear. Dustpelt's weary gaze flickered back now and again towards Tigerstar, obviously Dustpelt didn't like the ShadowClan leader anywhere near him or Ferncloud for that matter. Reason being, besides all the horror that trouble Tigerstar had caused, he had killed Redtail, Dustpelt's mentor.
"We certainly did, and you've excelled in your training." Tigerstar rumbled, his eyes glittering with pride for his firstborn son and Bramblepaw instantly swelled from his father's praise.
"Now, let's see if you can do the same with me?" Bramblepaw's eyes instantly shot wide as he deflated and Firestar couldn't stop the murmur of laughter that bubbled from her throat from it.
"Go on, Bramblepaw," Ferncloud crooned, "Let's see how that move measures up to Tigerstar!" Ferncloud looked smug as Bramblepaw came to face up against his father, who was looking intensly at his son. Firestar trusted Tigerstar not to hurt their son, but was on guard nonetheless if anything were to go wrong.
Both tabbies started out by circling one another, both matching sets of amber calculating the other's movements with precision and weighing their own strengths in this battle. It was Bramblepaw who sprang first, he attacked directly, outstretched paws aiming for his father's chest.
Firestar thought it very foolish to go directly for Tigerstar, especially in front where Tigerstar could easily bat him away. But she was surprised however when Bramblepaw's front paws did not touch his father at all. Instead Bramblepaw planted one paw firmly to the ground and spun around, using his back-paws to instead kick Tigerstar directly in the chest before darting out of reach.
Firestar found it an interesting move, and was even more proud to see Tigerstar take a surprised step back. Obviously Tigerstar wasn't expecting that to happen! But then, Tigerstar got a glint in his eyes, one that looked both playful and calculating. And when Bramblepaw Tigerstar reared up on his back paws, making Bramblepaw hit dirt before Tigerstar batted him to the side with one of his outstretched paws. Bramblepaw feel onto his side, and tried to scramble back to his paws, but Tigerstar had already pinned him with his own weight.
"Not bad, you certainly surprised me with that first move." Tigerstar meowed, his voice filled with pride as he let his son sit back up. Bramblepaw was panting with exhaustion but the twinkle in his eyes shined brightly.
"Brightheart and me came up with it!" Brambelpaw meowed, his ears twitching. "Ferncloud kept having the advantage of speed, and we needed something to throw her off. So we thought it would be best if we made her think she had the advantage of taking me down if I attack her directly!"
"Only to later throw her off and stun her in order to either get away or attack again." Brightheart finished. Firestar thought it was clever, although there was also a lot of problems for their new move, like a cat could jump on Bramblepaw's back if he isn't fast enough or hit his opponent hard enough. But it was still a pretty impressive move to come up with all in all.
"I'll come up with a greater move next time!" Ferncloud declared, her eyes trained on Bramblepaw. "Then you won't get the drop on me again!" Bramblepaw replied with a good humored purr.
"Well done, Brightheart," Firestar called, proud of the ginger-and-white blotched she-cat. "And you too, Bramblepaw." She was just about to ask if she could see that move again when she heard the call of her name just over the ridge of the training hollow.
"Firestar! Firestar! Up here!" Firestar looked up to see the outline of her nephew, his long white fur swaying in the gentle wind as he beckoned her urgently. With a quick good-bye, Firestar left to see her nephew and made it apparent that she would go see him alone if the indication with her dismissing Tigerstar was apparent.
The giant tabby looked ready to protest, but wisely thought better of it before dipping his head. And instead went to speak with both Brightheart and Bramblepaw. Firestar padded briskly up the side of the training hollow to stand next to her impatient kin.
"What is it, Cloudtail?" Firestar asked, looking at her nephew whose gaze shifted ahead of him.
"I want to go see Princess, I'm worried something might have happened. If BloodClan did something to her on their way here…" he trailed off with a sharp jerk of his head, almost like he didn't want to finish those thoughts.
"I see, we'll warn her together. I don't want you going off on your own, not with BloodClan lurking around." Firestar meowed, seeing the retort make its way onto her young kin's face she added. "I know you're a warrior now, but you're young still. And one against someone of BloodClan's warriors with no back up won't last long on their own. We stick together, we're family after all." Firestar gently nudged her nephew, whose grumpy look was whipped away at his aunt's words.
"Okay, Firestar!" Cloudtail agreed.
And so they set off, the two cats were heading for Tallpines, Firestar calling a good-bye to Graystripe as they left the training cats behind and it looked that, once again, Squirrelpaw was sitting on Rowanpaw's head. The pale sunlight of leaf-bare fell on the ash that still remained from the fire. The few plants that had returned were dry and shriveled, and there was neither sound nor scent of prey. This leaf-bare would have been hard enough. Firestar reflected, without the extra trouble from BloodClan.
When they reached the Twoleg nest where Princess lived, Firestar was relieved to see the pretty tabby she-cat sitting on the garden fence. She let out a trill of welcome as Firestar raced across the open ground at the edge of the forest and leaped up onto the fence beside her. Cloudtail followed her in a couple of heartbeats.
"Fireheart!" Princess exclaimed, pressing her muzzle against her flank. "And Cloudtail! It's so good to see you both. Are you well?"
"Yes, we're fine," Firestar replied.
"She's Clan leader now," Cloudtail put in. "You have to call her Firestar!"
"Clan leader? That's wonderful!" Princess let out a deep, delighted purr. Firestar knew she was proud of her even though her sister had no real understanding of what that meant-either the grief of Bluestar's death or the heavy weight of responsibility that went with leadership. "I'm so pleased for you," Princess went on. "But you're both very thin," she added doubtfully, drawing back to inspect her sister and her son. "Are you eating properly?"
It was hard to answer that question. Firestar and all the Clan cats were used to feeling hungry in this hard leaf-bare, but Princess had no way of knowing how scarce prey was, not when her Twolegs fed her the same kittypet food every day.
"We're doing well enough," Cloudtail inputted for his aunt, blinking gently at his mother. "But we won't be seeing you in a few days, and it's best if you don't come out of your nest either." Firestar gave her nephew an impressed look, obviously Sandstorm had taught her kin some tactic in speaking. "Some cats from Twolegplace have come into the forest, and their up to no good," he explained while Firestar pressed herself reassuringly to her sister's side. "They're strong and nasty, but they should leave you alone. And soon enough they won't even be a problem." Cloudtail finished quiety, as to not upset his mother further.
"I've seen them slinking through the trees," Princess admitted, her voice hushed. "And I've heard stories about them. Apparently they even kill dogs and other cats."
The tales were true, Firestar reflected, remembering the teeth studding Scourge's collar. And before very long, there would be more deaths to Scourges name.
"All good storytellers exaggerate," she told Princess, hoping she sounded convincing. "You don't need to worry, but it would be best if you stayed in your own garden."
Princess held her gaze steadily, and Firestar realized that for once her sister wasn't deceived by her lighthearted tone. "I'll do that," she promised. "And I'll warn the other house cats."
"Good." Cloudtail meowed. "And don't worry bout a thing. We'll soon get rid of BloodClan."
"BloodClan!" Princess echoed, and a shiver passed through her. "Firestar, you're in danger, aren't you?"
Firestar nodded, suddenly unwilling to treat her sister like a soft kittypet who couldn't cope with the truth. "Yes," she replied. "BloodClan have given us three days to get out of the forest. We don't intend to leave, so that means we have to fight them." Princess went on, giving her that long, thoughtful look.
The tip of her sisters tail swept around and touched a scar on her flank, an old wound from a battle long ago that she had forgotten which one it was. Firestar had a sudden vision of how she must appear to her; gaunt and ragged in spite of her lean muscles, her battle marked pelt and slightly crooked tail a constant reminder of the harshness of her forest life. Firestar wondered, for a moment what it would have been like if Princess had joined ThunderClan along with her young son. Would her sister ever find peace within the ThunderClan camp? Would she be satisfied with the prey such as birds and squirrels instead of the kittypet food her twolegs give her? Would she sleep soundly at night in her bracken and moss lined nest surrounded by ThunderClan warriors or would she be yearning for her warm twolegs den? Would she cope with learning the ways of a warrior, hunting, fighting, patrolling and the wills of StarClan or would she always be in a constant state of terror? Would her sister truly be satisfied in ThunderClan? Or would her sister come to enjoy living there despite the tough environment? Would she find enjoyment being with kin? Finding the joy of being with her Clanmates and the green-leaf sun or enjoy Sunningrocks or be in awe over the wonders the forest offers? Would her sister even find love and have more kits? Would she be happy?
"I know you'll do your best," her sisters quiet meow drew her out of her thoughts. "The Clan couldn't have a better leader."
"I hope you're right," Firestar meowed. "This is the worst threat to the Clan that we've ever had to face."
"And you'll come through it; I know you will." Princess rasped her tongue over her ear and pressed close against her sleek flamed side. Firestar smelled her sisters fear-scent, but she stayed calm, and her gentle features were unusually serious. "Come back safely, Firestar," she whispered. "Please."
"I'll do my best to keep that promise," Firestar meowed seriously. She did, she truly did promise to do just that.
Then after a moment of silence, Firestar found herself saying good-bye to Princess, Cloudtail went off to hunt, leaving Firestar to return to camp alone. Twilight was gathering by the time she reached the ravine, and she scented Whitestorm before she spotted the pale warrior ahead of her. Firestar caught up to him just before he reached the gorse tunnel; he had a vole clamped in his jaws, and set it down when he saw Firestar.
"I was hoping for a word with you," he began, without even waiting for a greeting. "And it's best out here, where no cat will overhear us."
Firestar's heart lurhced. "What's the matter? Has something gone wrong? Is it the ShadowClan cats?"
"A few scuffles between apprentices, but besides that ShadowClan seems to behave themselves," the older warrior meowed wryly. He settled himself on a flat rock and beckoned with his tail for Firestar to join him. "No, nothing's wrong. The patrols and the training are going well...but I keep asking myself, have we really thought about what were doing?"
Firestar stared at him. "What do you mean?"
The ThunderClan deputy took a deep, painful breath. "Scourge and his Clan outnumber us by many, even with both ShadowClan and WindClan fighting on our side. I know our warriors will fight to the last drop of blood to save the forest, but perhaps the prices will be to high."
"Are you saying we should give in?" Firestar's voice sharpened; she had never expected to hear advice like this from her deputy. If Whitestorm's courage hadn't been beyond question, she would have said it was the speech of a coward. "Leave the forest?"
"I don't know." Whitestorm sounded tired, and Firestar was suddenly reminded of his age. "Things are changing, no cat can deny that, and perhaps it's time to move on. ShadowClan was driven out by Scourge and his warriors, and ShadowClan is known for its strength and fighting ability, even Tigerstar was defeated by Scourge. Don't look to shocked Firestar," Whitestorm said gravely. "We both can see that Tigerstar had lost a life by our enemies claws and to know that someone as strong as Tigerstar could be defeated and chased out so easily...it's unthinkable. Maybe it's a sign, there must be territory beyond Highstones. We could find another place-"
"Never!" Firestar interrupted, fighting to keep her pelt remaining flat and sleek. "The forest is ours. ShadowClan may have been caught off guard, we might all have been caught off guard in the beginning. But we aren't turning tail and running."
"You're young." Whitestorm looked solemnly at her. "You would see it that way. But cats are going to die, Firestar."
"I know." All day Firestar had kept busy, encouraging her warriors-taking heart to others suggestions, even the words of revenge by ShadowClan was a bit uplifting-with thoughts of a victory over Scourge. Now Whitestorm was forcing her to face the fact that even if they won, it would be at a terrible cost. ThunderClan might drive the invading cats from the forest and still be left with few survivors, as weakened as if they had been defeated.
"We must go on," she meowed. "I know of your concerns Whitestorm, and I do believe that they will happen. But we have just as much right to the forest if not more so, we lived in this forest for generations! I might have been a kittypet before, but I had hunted my first prey here, made great friends and lost them, I've had my kits and plan to make them warriors here. We have to fight for our rights to our forest. If we don't make a stand against Scourges demands, were would we run too? We belong in the forest, and i'm certain that StarClan wouldn't stand for us to be driven out without trying first."
Whitestorm nodded. "I thought you would say that. Well, I've told you what I think. That's what a deputy's for."
"I'm grateful for it, Whitestorm."
The white warrior rose to his paws, turned toward his vole, and then glanced back at Firestar. "I've never had the kind of ambition that drove Tigerstar-or you," he meowed. "I've never wanted to be leader. But I'm particularly glad I'm not leader now. No sane cat would envy you the decisions you have to make."
Firestar blinked, not knowing what to say. How do I reply to something like that? Firestar thought, even though she could relate herself when she, herself started out as deputy.
"All I hope for," Whitestorm went on, "Is that I'll fight my hardest when the time comes."
A shadow of uncertainty crossed his face, and Firestar realized that many cats would have joined the elders by Whitestorm's age. It would be natural for him to fear that his fighting strength might fail. But Tigerstar isnt like that, and he must be as nearly Whitestorm's age. But then again, Whitestorm doesn't have nine-eight lives like Tigerstar does. Firestar internally rationalized.
"I know you will," she agreed. "There's no nobler warrior in the whole forest. You'll do the Clan and your kits proud." because she knew that Whitestorm had much to protect as she did, where Firestar fought for the Clan, like all warriors and led it like a leader should, she also had her own kits, her flesh and blood to fight for as well. And she would give all her nine lives for them.
Whitestorm held her gaze for a long moment, saying nothing. Then he picked up his vole and padded into the camp.
Firestar stayed on the rock. Whitestorm's words had disturbed her, and she was suddenly reluctant to go back into camp and settle in her shadowy den under the Highrock. She knew she wouldn't be able to sleep.
After a few moments listening to the soft sounds of the gathering night, Firestar rose and headed back up the ravine. Faint red streaks showed where the sun had gone down, but overheard the sky was dark, and a few early warriors of StarClan looked down at her.
Firestar slipped silently through the undergrowth, and it was some time before she realized that her paws were taking her toward Sunningrocks. By the time she reached the edge of the trees it was completely dark. The rounded shapes of the rocks were outlined against the sky like the backs of crouching animals, with a shimmer of frost on the surface. Beyond them she could hear the soft bubble of the river over stones, and much closer a faint scuffling noise alerted her to the presence of prey.
Firestar's mouth watered as she identified the scent of a mouse. Barley letting her paws touch the ground, she crept up on it and sprang in her own unique way. She hadn't realized how hungry she was until her jaws closed on it, and she finished it in a few ravenous gulps.
Feeling better, Firestar sprang up to the top of the rock and found a place where she could sit and look down at the river. The dark water flittered with starlight. A breeze ruffled the surface, making a few strands of sleek hair sway against the air and stirring the leafless forest around her.
Firestar turned her jade green gaze upward to Silverpelt. The warriors of StarClan were watching-but they seemed cold and far away on this forest night. Did they really care about what happened in the forest? Or had Bluestar been right all along, when she raged against them in her private war? For a moment Firestar caught a glimpse of her former leader's terrible sense of isolation. She could not truly share it, for unlike Bluestar she had never lost faith in the warriors of her own Clan, but she was beginning to understand how she had come to doubt StarClan.
So many cats had died throughout the course of her rebirth, everything has changed and she now couldn't recall any of her past now. She very much wished that Rock was still here to guide her, to at least give some cocky remark that would both irritate her but also give her a sense of hope and guidance for in the future. But he had left on the day of her leader ceremony and she had the feeling she may never meet him again, maybe he would met with others from her Clan but never again would he speak directly to her.
But without StarClan, how could her Clan survive? Lifting her head, she yowled to the glory of Silverpelt: "Show me what I should do! Show me that you're with us!"
No answer came from the white fire above her.
Painfully aware of how small and weak she was compared with the sky-spread StarClan, Firestar found a hollow in the rock that was sheltered from the chill breeze. She did not expect to sleep, but she was exhausted, and after a while her eyes closed.
She dreamed that she was seated in Fourtrees, her senses lulled by the warm air and sweet scents of greenleaf. The warriors of StarClan surrounded her on all four slopes, as they had done on her visit to the Moonstone when she received the nine lives of a Clan leader. She saw Brindleface and Yellowfang there, and all the warriors who were lost to ThunderClan, as well as others, she could make out Graypool and Silverstream, two she-cats that she has come to hold in high regards from even the smallest of meetings and interactions.
In her dream Firestar sprang to her paws and confronted them. For the first time she did not feel in awe of her warrior ancestors. It seemed as if they had abandoned her, and the whole forest, to their terrifying fate, left to fend for themselves and their Clanmates. "You rule the forest!" hissed Firestar, letting all her anger at their betrayal spill out. "What have we done to bring such blood-thirsty cats to the forest? Is it really an omen that says we must leave?"
A familiar figure stepped forward; Bluestar's gray-blue fur shimmered in the starshine, and her eyes were blue fire. "Firestar, you don't understand," she meowed. "StarClan do not rule the forest."
Firestar gasped at her, with nothing to say. Was everything wrong, then, that she had learned since she came into the forest as a kittypet, so long ago?
"StarClan cats for every cat in the forest," Bluestar continued, "from the blind, helpless kit to the oldest elder lying in the sun. We watch over them. We send omens and dreams to the medicine cats. But the storm was no doing of ours. Scourge wade through blood to power because that is in his nature. We watch," the former leader repeated, "but we do not interfere. If we did, would you truly be free? Firestar, you and every cat have the choice of whether or not to follow the warrior code. You are not the playthings of StarClan."
"But-" Firestar tried to interrupt, unsure of what they meant.
Bluestar ignored her. "And now we're watching you. You are the cat we have chosen, Firestar. You are the fire who will save the Clan. No warrior of StarClan brought you here. You came of your own accord because you have a warrior's spirit and the heart of a true Clan cat. Your faith in StarClan will give you the strength you need. But remember, you are never alone in this time of struggle, you have your Clan and kin and their support, rely in them and they will help you through this."
As she spoke, a sense of peace crept over Firestar. She felt as though Bluestar's strength and the strength of al the warriors of StarClan were flowing into her. Whatever happened when her Clan met BloodClan in battle, Firestar knew StarClan had not abandoned her.
Bluestar rested her muzzle on Firestar's head just as she had done on the day she was made a warrior. At her former leaders touch, the pale fire of the assembled warriors began to fade, and Firestar sank into the warm darkness of deep sleep. When she opened her eyes, it was to see the dark outline of a tiger the light of dawn streaming behind it, temporarily blinding her as she blinked awake.
When her adjusted she realized it was not a tiger, but instead the massive tabby of Tigerstar was looking down upon her with a serene calmness as he waited patently for her to rise and stretch. Yes, StarClan was certainly right, it was her duty as leader to save her Clan. and with the strength of StarClan and her Clan to help her, she would find a way to do it. And as she came to pad in front of Tigerstar, she knew she had others to rely on just as much.
0o0o0o0o
Wow, long time no update? Truthfully I was planning to go till after the recruit RiverClan! But I like this just as much as a stopping place! Another chapter or two or three till 'The Darkest Hour' is finally done, then onto 'Firestar's quest!' and back onto 'Daughter of Fire and Tiger!" I hope you review, comment, fav, follow that sort of stuff! Now onto some interesting facts!
Spottedpaw's kittypet name (for her short stay with the Twolegs during the time she was taken and then rescued by Swiftpaw, Sandstorm and Firestar) was Scarlet, cause of her dark ginger fur!
Definitely hinted about Princess here! XD what about? Come on, use those brains!
No, Russetfur does not like Tigerstar like that! She just admires him as a leader! And besides I love Russet x Black and Tiger x Fire to much to even think about doing Russet x Tiger!
I love the thought of Hawkpaw being Blackfoot's apprentice cause come on! That is adorable! XD and I just think they fit in that perfect mentor-apprentice relationship! Also don't see Tigerstar giving his son to anyone else but the best! XD
Squirrelpaw does not like Rowanpaw! (actually not many cats do! Certainly not this author that is for sure! Except that he made Tigerheart!)
I really want to bring in some warrior ancestors that isn't just Bluestar! Like more Silverstream (who we will see a lot of during Firestar's quest and SkyClan's destiny!) Brindleface! (cause she was one of Firestar's best friends!) Willowpelt (not as much, but she will be mentioned by both Sorreltail and Firestar later on in the next series! I promise!) and more Yellowfang! XD
Talonkit, really special in the next series...well, not too special! I mean, she has a sort of important role for the plot but...more minor! Like Goldenflower in a way! XD (that would be explained much later in the second series!)
I hate Dirtstripe!
ShadowClan and ThunderClan working well together cause they both have a bigger threat to deal with then their own rivalry! But I like to show that it's not all happy go lucky what with Squirrelpaw's dislike for Rowanpaw! And Rowanpaw's dislike for ThunderClan! Although Squirrelpaw does care about her siblings and her father!
I was thinking about doing a scene where Tigerstar asks Squirrelpaw to join ShadowClan at the end of the book, like a little scene and stuff and Squirrelpaw envisions herself joining ShadowClan! But she says she won't cause she knows she was always destined to be a ThunderClan cat. But decided against it cause I just don't know where to fit it really, so instead I will let Squirrelflight mention it to one of her siblings either in 'Daughter of Fire and Tiger' or 'Firestar's quest!'
I love Ravenpaw, I want to give him a warrior name! I already came up with one and everything!
Ravenpaw had a lovely conversation with Tigerstar during the whole Ravine scene, and Ravenpaw basically in a way (in my mind) said "I forgive you, but if you do something like that again I will drop kick your ass!"
If Ravenpaw does have kits…(wink, wink, nudge, nudge) he'd have them with a she-cat that he could relate too, that is sweet and kind towards him! (although Firestar would always have a place in his heart!)
Almost all of Firestar's kits will have mates! Although only three keep their original mate! (mostly due to do death and moving on and having a sort of mate!)
Hawkfrost will be the only cat out of Firestar's original litter of kits to have adopted someone else's kits! XD (but that's later in 'Daughter of Fire and Tiger')
I really tried to include as much of ShadowClan as I could in this series! I just didn't want it all centered around ThunderClan! I wanted ShadowClan involved, what with Blackfoot and Russetfur! XD love those two!
Tawnypaw and Leafpaw have the best sisterly relationship I've seen, although Squirrelpaw and Leafpaw are still close! XD though, Squirrelpaw and Hawkpaw are the ones constantly fighting between each other! (sister and brother love right there!) XD
Spottedpaw, I feel like I keep forgetting her! Although she will join in the battle!
Warning: The battle will be much more bloodier and more death shall happen! So be aware of that!
Also cute family Tiger x Fire and Kits smut ahead! XD
Well enjoy!