Chapter three, hostile home .

Fireheart had been a rogue for several days, and as his luck would have him, he was yet to be caught on Thunderclan territory. He had tried to keep his hunting to a secluded minimum. He didn't have to hunt for any one besides himself, though he would still hunt sometimes out of habit or sheer boredom. Even with prey being dead or thin because of the fire, it still didn't fill Fireheart's now free lifestyle. Out of respect for the catch, he would always eat it all. More than once had eaten to much.

He would like to patrol boarders or help Cinderpelt replenish her stock of remedies and herbs, but he had no right to do either. His new life meant he had no responsibilities, which, now of all times, left him with too little to occupy what time he had. Though he had felt guilty of it, he had wandered into other clan territory. More than thrice. He was raised and trained as a warrior, so his natural view on boarders was the same as his once clan mates, that the only difference between them and a wall of trees is that you could climb trees. Crossing them invited trouble. But, as a rouge, not only didn't this rule apply to him anymore, but boredom breed curiosity, and he couldn't help himself a look. He was amazed at how other territories looked compared to Thunderclan's. They were, to an untrained cat, neither hostile or hospitable. He had ventured onto other clans land before, but the circumstances were different then.

It was early dawn, and he was on the sunning rocks, allowing himself to enjoy his boundless free time. He had missed the feeling of the sun on his pelt when he was here on these rocks. Their grey, smooth tops were perfect for resting, and prey wasn't out of the question either. These rocks were highly coveted, which was the main reason there was ever tension between Riverclan and Thunderclan. They had often fought tooth and claw over the patch of land. It was sill early, but the rocks were already warming up in the new sun. Fireheart kept his senses alert, more for Thunderclan than Riverclan. There hadn't been a gathering for a while, so news of his being chased from his clan shouldn't have reached Riverclan yet. He knew he was taking a risk, but in considering all, it was one worth taking...

Fireheart heard the scraping of claws on a stone near by, and he instantly broke from his trance. He had hardly been aware he was in one. Using his newly honed jumping skills, He quickly made it behind the shelter of some of the rocks a short ways away. Living in the trees demanded physical strength. He heard many voices, all hushed, and the sound of many cats swimming alerted him to Riverclan crossing the river. Why hadn't he heard them? He peeked over the rock and saw Leopardfur clambering over the shore on Thunderclan's side. She shook the water off, her Riverclan pelt making to roll of as if it were a leaf. Fireheart instantly noticed the cats that were following her. It looked like most the warriors were here, easily making it a fighting force.

Fireheart saw Greystripe among them, shifting among his proud clan-mates. One of the others nudged him with their shoulder and asked him a question. He answered with one word. What could Leopardfur want with such a force? It was apparent what she wanted. No doubt that her first major act as leader was to take the sunning rocks. Fireheart crouched lower into his hiding place, pressing himself closer to his shelter. He didn't know what to do. He couldn't warn Thunderclan, and he couldn't take them on himself. He was glad that Starclan had made him down-wind of Riverclan, even if that wind was only a slight breeze. He listened to Leopardstar. Now that she had become leader, she had a new note of importance in her voice. "The dawn patrol should be here soon. I smell no new border markers. When they come, we'll let them know who really owns the sunning rocks!" She told her warriors in a hushed voice.

Fireheart could only make out some of the words, and had to fill in what he couldn't here. The cats were moving amongst themselves, talking in hushed whispers. Fireheart tried to find Greystripe again. He couldn't. Greystripe seemed to have disappeared, like he was shamed to be on Thunderclan territory again. Fireheart couldn't help missing the tom. Now, he couldn't even see him at gatherings. And it was risky to talk to him on the border like he use to. That would be a fine line to walk. Most of the cats hushed as Stonefur started to give out orders. With each command, the cats would hide behind some rocks. They were planning an ambush! There was no way a Thunderclan patrol would be able to fight off the Riverclan warriors.

Fireheart of all cats knew how stretched Thunderclan was after the fire, not including the lack of prey. Also, with Bluestar convinced that Shadowclan could attack at any moment, she had set a double patrol and guard. Though Thunderclan was building strength again, a fight was one of the last things they needed right now. They would need every cat they could spare for this fight. 'Even cats that aren't theirs to spare' Fireheart though privately. He silently thanked Starclan for sending him here today…

Sandstorm was rallying a group of cat for the dawn patrol. For once, it seemed like an easy task. She had not been a very good deputy, but she was growing better by the day. Whitestorm had done most of the commanding, but he never failed to consult her first. Slowly, she had taken over. Though it was still a bit rough sometimes, she still gave her full effort. Her clan needed her. Though, between being the commanding authority and keeping up with her original warrior duties, the stress was starting to build.

She peeked her head into the apprentices den, deciding to take the patrol towards the Riverclan border. She would take some apprentices as well. Maybe something would happen to make Bluestar finally recognize that they were ready to become warriors. Inside were Cloudpaw and Swiftpaw. They had been talking, but as soon as Swiftpaw noticed Sandstorm, he went quiet and turned towards her. "Would either of you like to join the morning patrol?" Sandstorm asked. Cloudpaw was up in an instant, after he resized why Swiftpaw had stopped talking. Swiftpaw also got to his paws, giving a annoyed glance to Cloudpaw. Sandstorm held back a laugh as she pulled out of the den, and turned towards the warriors den. The rivalry between the two toms was obvious.

Longtail was in the den, grooming his shoulder. She quickly assigned him a spot on the morning patrol. "But I was going to take Swiftpaw out hunting. He really needs to work on catching birds."

"That can wait till later. We need a patrol now." Sandstorm refused him. She exited the den, leaving Longtail little choice but to follow. To Sandstorm's surprise, Bluestar was out of her den, and walking towards Sandstorm. Sandstorm waited for her patently.

":I will be leading the morning patrol today." She said briskly. She made her way past Sandstorm and over to the gorse tunnel to wait. "Bluestar is leading the patrol?" Cloudtail said from just behind Sandstorm. "Watch out for blue rabbits." Sandstorm let the comment go. Though her apprentice was as blunt as ever, he had a point. She was as surprised as Cloudpaw, or any of the cats for that matter. Maybe it was a sign that Bluestar had finally recovered from her sickness she got from breathing to much smoke. Though Sandstorm hadn't expected recovery to take this long, Bluestar was old, and she had already been through a lot.

Sandstorm waited for Longtail to join them, then took the group over to Bluestar. She eyed them over, and, without a word, lead the patrol out of camp. Unwaveringly, when she got to the top of the gorge, she turned towards the Riverclan border. Sandstorm wondered how Bluestar knew where they were going already. She hadn't told Bluestar, and no other cat would have told either. She had just picked where to go when she got the apprentices. The group trudged on silently, keeping a brisk pace to keep up with their leader.

They reached the River clan border just as the sun peeked over the horizon, and Sandstorm shielded her eyes from light. Bluestar looked across it wishfully. " I wonder how they are doing." she said quietly. Sandstorm could only wonder who Bluestar was referring to when she asked that, but decided to leave the leader to her thoughts. She busied Cloudpaw with scenting, as Longtail sent Swiftpaw to remark the boarder. It was obvious that Longtail was trying to show off his apprentice. What good mentor wouldn't? Besides, Both Cloudpaw and Swiftpaw were long overdue for becoming warriors, but for some reason Bluestar continued to put it of.

As they neared sunning rocks, Sandstorm took a sniff, and instantly caught wind of Riverclan. Her fur shot up and froze in place. "What?" Cloudpaw asked his mentor. "Riverclan!" she hissed into his ear. He inhaled deeply, and he, too, recognized the enemy clan's scent. No sooner had Sandstorm blinked twice, that she saw a figure climbing atop one of the taller rocks. In the growing morning light, Sandstorm recognized it as Leopardstar. Frost ran along Sandstorms spine, but she spat a challenge at Leopardstar. "Leopardstar, what are you doing on Thunder clan territory!?" Leopard ignored her, and turned her attention to Bluestar. " Well, well. I've been waiting hear for a Thunderclan patrol, but I couldn't have hoped that one of the cat would be you, Bluestar." she said. Stonefur and Mistyfoot climbed up onto the rock with Leopardstar.

"What are you doing on sunning rocks, Leopardstar." Bluestar said without conviction. Sandstorm looked over at her leader, and to her dismay, there was no challenge in Bluestar's voice, and her eyes were not on Leopardstar. Instead, the were on Stonefur, the Riverclan deputy. There was a slight look of pride in her eyes, like a queen who's kit had become leader. Surly there was no connection between the two cats. Maybe Bluestar was confused. She had been in her den for several moons, leaving Fireheart to go to the last gathering.

"I'm here to reclaim sunning rocks." He eyes betrayed nothing. "It had always been River clan territory. We just allowed Thunder clan to hunt her for a while. But, now were taking it back. So Bluestar, do you agree?" Leopardstar stared down at Bluestar, But Bluestar didn't meet the challenging gaze of her enemy. Instead, her gaze was still on Stonefur. Riverclan warriors started to come out of their hiding spots, and it didn't take long for Sandstorm to realize that they were outnumbered. "Cloudpaw, I need you to go back to camp and get reinforcements." Sandstorm ordered.

He looked at her , hating being chosen for the task. " But I want to fight!" he said. "Then get back quickly!" She hissed at him. Cloudpaw gave her a resilient look, but turned and ran back to camp. Leopardstar followed him with her eyes. She had probably guessed what he was doing. "Bluestar, keep her talking." Sandstorm whispered to her leader "We need to wait for reinforcements." Bluestar's gaze turned onto Sandstorm. she said, turning her attention back to Bluestar." No" She said, though it was barely auditable. Leopardstar gave her an ice covered look. "Sunning rocks belongs to Thunder clan." Her voice rose. Leopardstar hissed her displeasure "Then we are taking sunning rocks by force!" Leopardstar yelled. She launched herself down the rock face at Bluestar, and the two she cats went down hissing and spiting…

Fireheart shot from behind the rock he was hiding behind at the first sound of the attack. He had listened to everything. He didn't know that Bluestar would have been here, or why. He thought that her recent sickness and her lost of faith in Starclan would have left her curled up in her den. But, he she was, at the sunning rocks, fighting for the honor of the territory. This was her last life! Fireheart was going to launch himself at Leopardstar when he remembered the cats that had come with her. River clan warriors poured over the rocks like the river they were named for. The Riverclan warriors were in his way between Bluestar and himself. The Riverclan warriors had already begun to attack the small Thunderclan patrol.

He ran the distance and closed in on a Riverclan tom, butting him aside with his head as the tom prepared to leap onto Sandstorm. He staggered, then lashed out a claw at Fireheart. Fireheart ducked under the strike, missing he ears by a only a whisker length. Fireheart slashed his claws across his face. Suddenly, another cat jumped on his back. The tom raised his claws to strike Fireheart, but under the weight he buckled. He heard a snaral of disaproval as the claws sunk into the pelt of Firehearts attacker.

In the confusion, Fireheart jumped to his feet, throwing his attacker clear of. He tackled his first opponent, and bit down on his shoulder until he squealed. Fireheart let him go, and he retreated back to the river bank. Fireheart looked around for another opponent. He saw Sandstorm standing down two Riverclan warriors. They were driving her back, regardless of Sandstorms brave defence. Fireheart crouched, then leapt at the closest of the two. He grabbed the she cat by her hind leg, then pulled sharply.

In a half spinning, half falling motion, the she cat tried to turn on Fireheart, but failed as she hit the ground, dazing her. The other warrior turned to see what had happened. Sandstorm took her opportunity and raked her claws across her side. With the devastating blow, and with Firehearts surprise attack, The two she cats retreated, spitting curses at Fireheart and Sandstorm. Fireheart looked over the battle. Thunderclan was losing. Badly. Fireheart knew that Sandstorm had sent Cloudpaw back to camp for what Fireheart could only guess was reinforcements. Why had Sandstorm sent Swiftpaw? He was the faster of the two.

Suddenly, her herd someone call to him from on top of a rock " Fireheart, come quickly!" Greystripe called to him. Was he setting up Fireheart to a trap so he didn't have to fight him directly. Fireheart shook the thought away. This was Greystripe. He would never do something so low, and Fireheart cursed himself for thinking so lowly of Greystripe, even for a moment. He leaped onto the rock next to Greystripe. "What is it?"

"Look!" he pointed with his nose into a gully. There, Mistyfoot and Stonefur were backing Bluestar into a corner, the hunger to fight in their eyes. Fireheart knew what pain Bluestar was in. Both her kits were out for her blood, and she couldn't fight back. How could she lift a claw againts her own kits? " I didn't know what to do, so I called you. I couldn't let them tear her apart." Greystripe said. Fireheart didn't hesitate, but reddied himself for the leap. "Its good to see you, by the way." Fireheart said to Greystripe. " Thanks." he said before Fireheart launched himself into the gully. Mistyfoot took a swipe at Bluestar. " Come on and fight. What's the problem?" They continued to drive her into the corner. "Can't the leader of Thunderclan fight for herself?" Stonefur taunted.

Fireheart landed almost on top of Mistyfoot , forcing her several steps of retreat. Stonefur took several steps backwards. "No! You can't do this!" He pleaded

"Why not?! Is Thunderclan so frail that its own leader will cower to any fight" Stonefur spat.

"Its not about Thunderclan. No mother would ever want to raise a claw against her kits!" Fireheart said. "What does that have to do with this?!" Mistyfoot glared at him. "Bluestar is your mother" Fireheart blurted out.

"And now the kitty pet is trying tricks" Stonefur said in a half laugh, half hiss. "But your mouse brained if you think that would work!" Mistyfoot looked at him doubtfully. "What are you talking about. Greypool was our mother."

"No, listen! You are Bluestar's kits! She had to give you up when you were young." Though the battle was still raging, Fireheart felt a strange calm. He knew that he was an outcast from his clan. Bluestar may very well attack him right now, not only because he was a rouge, but he had revealed her most carefully guarded secret. But Fireheart was oddly free of the expected tension.

Bluestar ran around him, almost driving him into the rock wall. " Oh, my kits. I've missed you so!" She said with joy. To Fireheart, it seemed unfitting for the moment. But no mother wouldn't want the opportunity to confined in her kits.

From the top of the gully, Fireheart herd Greystripe yell . " Fireheart, look out!" Fireheart broke from his odd trance and looked up just in time to see Leopardfur, err, star, flying down at him. He jumped back towards the opposide side of the gully, and Leopardstar's claws only sliced mid air. She routed him and leaped on him, pinning him to the ground. He struggled under her claws, and she bit down hard on his shoulder, ignoring his flailing claws swiping haphazardly at her belly. Suddenly, her weight was gone, as was her teeth, and Fireheart as Greystripe dragged Leopardfur away from Fireheart.

Leopardstar ripped away from Greystripe. "Traitor! I heard you warn him! I would have had him if you hadn't!" Her eyes bore into Greystripe. "But he's my friend." Greystripe said.

" Well, then. Lets see where your loyalty lies, traitor. Attack your friend, or become the enemy of my clan!" Leopardstar threatened.

Was Fireheart really going to be forced to fight his friend? He was bitten and battered, and Greystripe was a relatively fresh warrior. And besides, how could he lift a claw against Greystripe? Greystripe glanced at Fireheart for a moment. " I'm sorry, Leopardstar. Punish me as you see fit."

"Punish you!? I'll rip our your entrails! Traitor! I'll…"

The sound off battle faded, to be replaced by one of fleeing River clan cats. Fireheart ears flicked in hope. Had the small group of Thunderclan cats really been able to drive off Riverclan? Stood dumbly for a second. Where was his thinking? Obviously, Cloudpaw had made it back in time with reinforcement. Fireheart could see Dustpelt, Longtail, Whitestorm, Fernpaw, and Cloudpaw now in the mess of cat. Leopardstar hissed. With the reinforcements, Riverclan was not outmatched. "Retreat! River clan, retreat!" Leopardstar ran toward the river, but before plunging into it, she flicked her tail at Greystripe. "If it weren't for him, Sunning rocks would be ours again! If you see him on our territory, kill him!" she commanded, then jumped into the river.

Fireheart had lost track of Bluestar in the battle. But now he saw her, following after Stonefur and Mistyfoot. " Now that you know, we must talk. You are welcome on thunder clan territory!"

Mistyfoot turned sharply toward her. "Your no mother of ours!" she spat. Bluestar came to a halt. Mistyfoot turned back around and followed the rest of her clan into the river. Soon, sunning rocks was filled with only Triumphant Thunder clan warriors. With them excited with their victory, no one would notice if... Fireheart took his chance and escaped. He dashed off back into the woods, his duty to his clan fulfilled. His wounds still hurt, but he took no notice, and headed back towards his nest in the trees. Hopefully, Bluestar wouldn't send a search party after him…

Sandstorm couldn't believe her eyes. Fireheart had taken place in the fight. She knew he would occasionally wander Thunderclan. She hadn't seen him since his exile. His fiery pelt stirred an excitement in her. But she hadn't had time to talk to him. He had ran of unexpectedly, and she had been tackled from behind before she could stop him. Battle wasn't the best of times to talk. But now that the battle was over, she would have her chance. Triumphant Thunderclan cats were on the rocks, gloating over their victory. She weaved between them, looking for the ginger red pelt. But, she didn't find him. She found Bluestar and Greystripe, both of them staring after the retreating Riverclan cats.

Sandstorm recalled hearing Leopardstar mention a traitor. Maybe Greystripe had fought against his clan for Thunderclan. She came up between the broad gap between the two, and sat down "Greystripe, what happened?" She asked quietly

He slowly turned to look at her. "I've been thrown out of Riverclan.. Because I helped Fireheart when he saved Bluestar from Mistyfoot and Stonefur, and when Leopardstar attacked him . I've been labeled a traitor."

Sandstorm though over this. One question exploded into her mind. "What happened to Fireheart?" she asked. Greystripe just shook his head. " I wasn't watching him. Maybe he's checking over Thunderclan". Greystripe had apparently forgotten that Sandstorm had told him Fireheart had been exiled. A heavy stone settled into Sandstorms stomach. She had missed him… again.

"Well, now that your here, would you like to re-join Thunderclan?" Sandstorm offered

"Would you really be willing to take me back?" he asked. He was still unsure of Sandstorm, and she couldn't blame him. She was always on edge when Fireheart would talk to him on the border. "There's only one way to find out. Lets go ask Bluestar." Sandstorm didn't know why she was inviting him back to the clan, but she felt like it was something that Fireheart would do, and not only because Greystripe was his friend. With Riverclan out for him, he wasn't safe there. All he had left was hope that Thunderclan would take. Besides, having more claws around the clan made it stronger, as long as they caught their share of the prey.

Sandstorm and Greystripe approached Bluestar. " They hate me, Fireheart. I always wanted them to know but…" A sadness glazed her view. She was looking straight down at her paws. Sandstorm felt her pain, and almost decided not disturbing her. But whatever had happened, this couldn't wait. Long.

"Bluestar?" Sandstorm asked. "Who's they?" Bluestar looked at her, and the twist of grief was so great that Sandstorm almost lost her footing. Bluestar looked older and more dead than any cat Sandstorm had ever seen, in spite of seeing real dead cats. Bluestar stared at Sandstorm. It took her a moment, but she finally recognized her. "Sandstorm?… Right. What did you want."

"Greystripe's here. I wanted to ask if we could take him back as a warrior of Thunderclan." Bluestar looked Greystripe over, and Sandstorm wondered if she even remembered the grey warrior. The was no hostility, or difference, in her gaze.

"What is he doing here." Dustpelt walked up on the other side of Bluestar and challenged Greystripe. " I'll drive him, Bluestar."

"Wait." Bluestar said. "Let Sandstorm explain." She finished with a touch of her old authority. Sandstorm explained to Bluestar how Greystripe had told Fireheart where to find her, and how he had helped Fireheart fend off Leopardstar. "So that's why he is exiled from his clan." Sandstorm flinched when Bluestar mentioned exile. " That doesn't matter. He choose his kits over clan loyally, and he betrayed the clan of his kits. It doesn't matter what happened" Dustpelt put in.

"But he did it for Fireheart!" she said.

"and Fireheart is a loner and a rogue now. He is no part of the clan" He was hesitant to mention Fireheart.

" If he is a traitor…" Bluestar said. " Then having him will make no difference. Your all traitors, why should one more make a difference?" Sandstorm gasped. Is that what Bluestar really though of the clan? "We're returning to camp, now!" Bluestar finished. She started the walk back to camp, leaving the clan to its own stunned silence…