Blackpaw stumbled into camp with a large wad of moss in her jaws. She had been training for almost four moons and it was her turn to clean out the elders den, a duty she didn't mind because she was usually rewarded with a story. She was about to enter the den when Sandstorm's voice drifted out to her, "I wonder who Blackpaw's real parents are," the pale ginger elder said, "I know she isn't Bramblestar and Squirrelflight's daughter, she didn't show up until a quarter moon after Squirrelflight kitted,"
"I remember the morning Lionblaze brought Blackpaw here, he claimed that he had found her," Graystripe rasped in reply.
"Her eyes were barely open," Sandstorm mewed.
Blackpaw's paws felt like stones, she couldn't believe what Sandstorm had said. She's just gossiping Blackpaw told herself, Of course Bramblestar and Squirrelflight are my parents. After giving herself a shake she padded into the den, "I'm here to change your bedding," she mewed cheerfully.
"Oh thank you Blackpaw," Sandstorm purred.
A head popped into the den, "Blackpaw Lionblaze wants you," Firepaw mewed, "I'll finish this up,"
Blackpaw blinked in surprise, "Oh alright," she nodded to her brother and slipped out of the den. A chilly breeze had begun to blow, reminding Blackpaw that leaf-fall was on its way. She puffed up her pelt in order to fend off some of the chill before trotting over to Lionblaze. The golden tabby was sharing tongues with Cinderheart, as Blackpaw approached Cinderheart cast a questioning gaze before getting to her paws. "Yes Lionblaze," Blackpaw asked
"I want to take you hunting," Lionblaze mewed getting to his paws, "Come on," Blackpaw followed her mentor. What she had overheard Graystripe and Sandstorm talking about buzzed in her mind like a bunch of angry bees.
Once they were a good distance from camp Blackpaw spoke, "Lionblaze can I ask you something," the golden tabby turned, his amber gaze questioning.
"Sure," he led her over to a clump of ferns and sheltered underneath, "What's on your mind,"
Blackpaw shuffled her paws uncertainly, not knowing how to begin, "Was I born in Thunderclan or did you bring me here,"
Surprise flashed across Lionblaze's gaze, "Why would you ask that," his tone seemed uncomfortable.
He does know something Blackpaw realized, "I overheard Sandstorm and Graystripe talking about me, Sandstorm said that Squirrelflight and Bramblestar aren't my parents and Graystripe said he remembered when you brought me to Thunderclan,"
Lionblaze was silent for a very long time, he seemed to be thinking about what to say, "Listen Blackpaw," he began gently, "What the elders said is true," Blackpaw felt the ground lurch beneath her, "You weren't born in Thunderclan,"
"Where did I come from?" her mew trembled.
"Your mother is Heathertail of Windclan," Lionblaze's gaze grew distant, "Heathertail was originally going to raise you in Windclan, but Breezepelt somehow figured out that you weren't his kit and Heathertail was worried he would try and kill you," Lionblaze focused on Blackpaw, "She brought you to me so you would be safe,"
Blackpaw was shaking her head in disbelief, I'm half-clan she thought her mind whirling. "So I don't belong here,"
"Never say that," Lionblaze mewed firmly, "I am half Windclan and half Thunderclan too, but I know my heart and loyalty lie with Thunderclan," Blackpaw began backing away from Lionblaze, her world was crumbling around her. Everything she thought was true was a lie, how could she stay in Thunderclan knowing her mother lived in Windclan. Blackpaw spun and fled through the undergrowth.
The forest flew by in a green blur as Blackpaw raced away from her mentor. The cold of the Moonpool stream on her paws brought her to a stop, Windclan scent washed over her as she stood panting, Fox dung I've crossed the border.
The undergrowth rustled as Heathertail and Onestar emerged, "Blackpaw what's wrong," Heathertail asked surprise edging her mew.
Blackpaw flicked her gaze between Heathertail and Onestar, neither seemed angry she was on their territory, "Heathertail are you really my mother?" Blackpaw blurted out.
Heathertail blinked in surprise and Onestar narrowed his gaze, "We should go somewhere we won't be overheard," the leader mewed calmly.
What does the leader of Windclan know about this? Blackpaw felt bewildered as all three padded down stream toward the lake.