Chapter 9 Tiger clan.

Leaf bare was coming… The fire wasn't long enough ago… and the forest had little greenery. There were strips of land completely razed of their life. There were still living sections, parts where the fire hadn't reached. But now they were beginning to curl up to sleep for the coming season. Even without the task of caring for a clan, catching enough to eat was still difficult.

Fireheart sneezed as ash drifted into his nose. He had just caught an old rabbit, as thin as a twig, and already near death as is. Fireheart had been quick to end its suffering. What he wasn't ready for was the cloud of ash that pillowed out when he landed on it and coated him inside and out with ash. He had been lucky to find the rabbit. Fireheart had wanted to hunt around the more burned sections of the forest. Not only was Thunderclan less likely to go there, but the smell of ash would help hide his own.

He also had an advantage hunting here than in more green locations compared to other cats. Though the same held true for him, any prey that was out had no cover, meaning Fireheart could see them easy. He had to rely mostly on sight since he was always looking down on the terrain. He remained constantly wary and felt too exposed without the cover, though he still risked it, if to leave more prey in the untouched locations.

He consumed the prey and buried the remains quickly. It was less than a meal and more of a gnaw, leaving him more unsatisfied than he had started. But he had to keep his strength up, to stay alive. Fireheart shook himself, releasing more ash from his fur. Another ploom brushed up against Firehearts nose, and he sneezed.

Fireheart took to the trees again. He didn't bother with his usual long jump technique. It was a strain on the claws, and he was sure no Thunderclan patrol would come by here. Not enough prey and away from the boarders and camp. Fireheart scrambled atop a branch that was thick around its base. It was a struggle, since the burnt wood was weaker and more brittle. Another reason not to trust jumping onto a tree trunk.

Fireheart licked his forepaw, then recoiled at the taste. He was covered in ash and burnt bark flakes. He hissed and spat out what he could, his body shaking violently with the effort. There were defiantly sacrifices to leaving the better hunting to another. He felt dry and a little too gritty for his favor.

Ash was harder to get rid of than ticks when you didn't have bile. It didn't help that the mornings were damp, as the wetness only seemed to make ash cling tighter. Fireheart decided not to hunt in ashy places again. Too much trouble for what it was worth…

Fireheart decided to travel around the edge that was the Thunderclan boarder. He decided to take his hunting patrol of one somewhere else. Fireheart sized up a jump, targeting a live looking branch a little below him, on the next tree. He flew the jump, feeling the work almost effortless. He landed on top of it, bracing for the minor sway that came from even the thicker branches. Fireheart had developed a strong set of legs, one to help him with each individual jump. That didn't prevent traveling around the territory like this a big strain. He didn't travel as much as he wanted to, but whenever he got back to his tree-den, it was usually to collapse in his nest.

Fireheart spent the whole day on the boarder. He managed to catch himself a few pieces of fresh kill, enough to satisfy him for the rest of the day. He spent the time thinking about the clans. He didn't get to go to gatherings anymore, so he was completely blind to what happened in the clans. It really ate at him, like a rabbit eating a root. He wanted to know how Windclan was doing, if they were okay. What did Riverclan have to say about attacking Thunderclan. Would Leopard star make a claim to the sunning rocks during a gathering.

He hadn't seen a Shadowclan cat in forever, even if he could catch trace scents off their territory as often as he came close. How were they fairing under Tigerstar's rule. Fireheart knew he was power greedy and brutal, but experience told Fireheart that he wasn't a talking muscle bunch. He knew how to run a clan, what to do to keep even the most fragile of elders healthy. Would Shadowclan thrive with his strength, or suffer from his mad ambitions.

Those thoughts kept Fireheart's mind working, as he scanned the territory for more prey. He wasn't as hungry as before, but he knew it was because of the grip of ash that had held him. The powder had wretched his stomach over itself. He would need to stay strong, though, if to do anything he could for Thunderclan.

Fireheart was reluctant to think about Thunderclan… at least at first. But, as his chain of thoughts grew, it soon consumed his background thinking. Who was the new deputy, since Bluestar died? What had happened to the two apprentices that were attacked by the dogs? How did the cats react to Fireheart's sentence? How was Cinderpelt doing, and why couldn't Fireheart ever find any traces of her hunting for herbs? How was Sandstar doing as leader? And most importantly, what did she think of Fireheart now that he was gone?

That's what bugged Fireheart the most. The last time he had spoken to her, he had ended on a bad word, and left her angry. Plus, he was an outcast, and Sandstar had a tight outlook on the warrior code. Was she okay he was gone? Did she miss him? Had she cared? Could there be a chance she would let him back into Thunderclan in spite of Bluestar's decree?

Fireheart was also worried about Greystripe. He had left Thunderclan to be with his kits in Riverclan. Now he betrayed their trust for his friend, where would he go? Did he find his place again in Thunderclan? Had he died a slow starvation, or a quick claw kill? He seemed alright to Fireheart. Not a new mark on him…

Fireheart suddenly snap realized he was looking at Greystripe. Through the charred, pale land, it was a bit harder to pick him out than other cats, but he was in plain sight from Firehearts angle. He looked Leaf bare thin, which was better than a warrior who hadn't eaten for weeks. But he looked uncomfortable, like he was trying to hide…. Had he taken Firehearts lifestyle on the ground? It wouldn't take forever to find a cat who lived in your territory, even if they were looking to hide. What was more interesting with Greystripe was he had a near-straight route towards the Riverclan boarder.

Fireheart's first thought was he was off to see Silverstream. He instantly corrected himself. The pretty, young queens death wasn't too recent, sometime last new leaf, but Fireheart knew Greystripe would never forget it. Fireheart's habit of thinking had taken over shortly.

Greystripe reached the open land leading to the bank. He gave one last casual glance about, then quietly slipped into the slow currents. The water would be cold, but swimming through water would be a good way to break a scent trail.

Fireheart followed him. He didn't know what Greystripe would be after or why, but as long as he was in Riverclan, he was in danger. Fireheart knew he was risking a lot himself, since he would be in trouble no matter what clan found him, but he wouldn't be able to live down letting Greystripe go alone like this, especially if it got him killed

Fireheart tried to leap the river, missing the opposite side by a good fox-length. He pulled himself on shore, water weighing down what parts of his coat that ash hadn't reached. He looked down river, and saw big scatter clumps of the ash in the water. Water was better at getting rid of charred tree remains than one's tongue, Fireheart assumed. Cats weren't accustom to swimming, though. Outside of Riverclan, anyhow.

Greystripe had probably heard the splash. By the time Fireheart was on the opposite bank, he was already out of sight. Fireheart shook his paws off, and sniffed. The water was cold, and he was glad it wasn't mid-leaf bare… or… if it was mid leaf bare, he could have just walked across the ice. But he was still grateful it wasn't too cold yet.

Fireheart heard a splash from behind him. He jump-turned to face the noise. He had been followed! Fireheart's fur stuck up as his heart began to panic. The pursuer was blind black. A white topped, black tail chased its owner as they swam. The cat was struggling like a fish on land, but as soon as Fireheart recognized the cat, it didn't take any imagination to know why.

"Ravenpaw?!" Fireheart said in a hushed, surprised tone.

The river was giving Ravenpaw a hard time. But, through pure perseverance, Ravenpaw made it across the water to the opposite bank. Fireheart watched him pull his now water weighted body on to shore. Fireheart walked up to Ravenpaw's side to greet his old friend.

"What are you doing here, Ravenpaw?" Fireheart asked. Of all the cats he thought he would see, Ravenpaw was as likely as Bluestar to show up now.

"I… hahhh…" Ravenpaw skift, "Wanted to know what you were doing in Riverclan. Hhu." He coughed, then gagged a little. "I thing I inhaled more water than I swam through…" he said.

"I'm following Greystripe." Fireheart said, leaving the rest unsaid. "But what are you doing in the forest anyway? I thought you preferred the farm with barely?" Fireheart wanted to catch up with Ravenpaw, but he desperately needed to catch Greystripe, in case he was thinking of doing something stupid. It wouldn't be the first time Greystripe had acted irrationally with Riverclan.

"I came to pay my last respects to Bluestar." Ravenpaw heaved. "But if something is happening here, then I'm sure Bluestar will forgive me."

"Then let's catch up to Greystripe." Fireheart said. He choose a path through the reeds, letting the fresh scent of his friend lead him through the unfamiliar territory. Fireheart knew Greystripe was a part of Riverclan, but that didn't explain what he was doing in Thunderclan territory to start with. Fireheart didn't believe he was stealing prey. Greystripe had been on alert, though, in both Thunderclan territory and Riverclan. He had to be up to something.

"So what about you, Fireheart? What are you doing on clan land?" Ravenpaw asked quietly from behind Fireheart. "I herd from Sandstar that you weren't in Thunderclan anymore." he added casually. The tone in his voice didn't defuse the cold that poked around Firehearts stomach. Of all the…

Fireheart stopped, bringing Ravenpaw to a sudden halt. "Lets say it's a coincidence that I'm here, alright? It'd be a long story and I don't have time to tell it yet." Fireheart said. He didn't look at Ravenpaw; his eyes were already caught. A pair of deep yellow crescents were set on him, not moving. Fireheart was caught in one of the most dangerous positions a cat could be in when on enemy land: in view.

But, with all his chance, he decided to risk his odds. "Greystripe?" he asked the silent duo. "Greystripe, is that you?" Fireheart didn't let his voice drift above a whisper,

The air hung in balance for a moment. Then a response was voiced "You recognize me…?" Hissed back a response. He was on the defensive.

"How couldn't I?" Fireheart lied. He really couldn't see him. Greystripe was hidden well. "You're my best friend."

"Best friend? I didn't think I had many friends in Riverclan." He still didn't move, his eyes still locked with Firehearts.

"I can't speak for anyone in Riverclan." Ravenpaw came up beside Fireheart, and Fireheart took a step sideways. "But that doesn't mean Fireheart and I don't want in on what your doing here."

"Fireheart?" he asked. "You…"

"Nice to see your well, Greystripe." Fireheart added, giving some voice to his words.

"Fireheart?! You're here?" Greystripe's eyes flared in excitement, though he didn't move from his place among the reeds. "Why?"

"I wanted to see you again. I haven't been to a gathering in such a long time. How are things in Riverclan?" Fireheart didn't break his habit of small talk.

Greystripe's moment of happiness darkened. "I wouldn't know. I'm not a part of Riverclan anymore… But I do know I need to do something. "

"What? Do something about what?" Ravenpaw asked.

"Its… its my kits." Greystripe began.

Ravenpaw wouldn't have known that Greystripe had kits, let alone kits in Riverclan, but he listened as Greystripe spoke.

"I'm afraid for them. I need to know if they're alright." Greystripe shuffled, making an audible flick of reeds. Fireheart hid his rising paranoia and focused on Greystripe. "Ever since Tigerstar and Leopardstar joined Riverclan and Shadowclan, I haven't heard anything about them. I use…" Greystripe's voice had grown to a controlled shout, so he paused to regain his composure. "I haven't been able to see my kits before I was banned from Riverclan. Mistyfoot, with the blessings of Starclan on her, has helped me stay… in touch with my kits.

But, since the night Tigerstar had announced his plan for all the clans to come together as one, with Leopardstar's support, I haven seen Mistyfoot or my kits. I absolutely need to know what happened to them. Please… just let me find my kits, or Mistyfoot, or anyone who will give me news about them." Greystripe finished. His whole body was twitching in anticipation.

"I don't know why your asking my permission. I'm not your mentor." Fireheart said humorously. He was trying to calm Greystripe down.

"Then why are you here? Did you two join Riverclan recently?" Greystripe sounded completely serious. He was more nervous than Fireheart could lighten. "Not that I can remember." Fireheart said, dropping his voice back to a whisper mid way through his statement. Being among old friends again gave a sense of security that he couldn't afford to have right now.

"Greystripe, I don't think you though this through…" Fireheart said.

"I know it wasn't rational for me to do this, but I can't take another day not knowing what happened to them. Tigerstar knows they're my kits and might take what he has against Thunderclan out on them." Greystripe pleaded.

"Let me finish next time, will you? You may have not thought this though, but Ravenpaw and I will see you through it." Fireheart said with all the vigor a whisper could hold.

"When did I get pulled into this?" Ravenpaw asked, a scuff of rebellion in his voice.

"When you decided to swim the river because what I was doing looked 'exciting'" Fireheart retorted.

"… you got me, I guess." Ravenpaw said.

"Thank you… thank you both." Greystripe looked lighter, and probably felt just the same.

"You're the commanding warrior here, Greystripe, what's the plan." Fireheart asked.

Greystripe gave him a blank look. "I… I was planning to find my kits or someone who could tell me if they are alright. Then…"

"We should probably try to find a patrol with a few friendly faces in it." Ravenpaw intervened, "That way, we won't have to go too deep into Riverclan territory. If Tigercl… star is in Riverclan, then he won't take too kindly to trespassers. We should also stick to the reeds rather than other cover since their thick and don't hold a scent well."

Fireheart was impressed. Ravenpaw had only apprenticeship training and whatever he learned on the farm, yet he still thought like a warrior. Even with the threat of Tigerstar catching his old apprentice, he didn't seemed fazed by the mission. He had truly grown up from the skilled yet terrified apprentice he once was.

"That seems like a good plan." Greystripe said. "Then lead on, Greystripe." Fireheart prompted. Greystripe. Greystripe nodded, then turned and snaked through the reeds. Fireheart and Ravenpaw followed, careful to stay in the middle of the plant life.

"So why are Greystripe's kits in Riverclan?" Ravenpaw asked Fireheart silently as they perused Greystripe. "Did they just not like Thunderclan?"

Fireheart pushed under a group of reeds before responding. "Their mother was a Riverclan queen. She died giving birth to them, leaving Greystripe with no one besides me and his kits. Riverclan demanded he give them up, but he couldn't do it. But, with most of Thunderclan hostile towards him because of his choice of mate, he followed them into Riverclan instead of keeping them with Thunderclan or parting ways with them."

Ravenpaw remained silent after Firehearts summery, keeping a steady pace as they crept through Riverclan. They were half-way across the territory before either of them spoke again.

"If Greystripe was a part of Riverclan, then why does he have to sneak in to see his family? Did Tigerstar drive him out?"

"I wouldn't know. Not being in a clan means not knowing what happens in any of them, at least for me. For all I can tell you, Greystripe might have left Riverclan to join Windclan." Fireheart responded.

"You two, be quiet and come here." Greystripe ordered. He was stopped on the edge of the protective barrier. "You'll want to see this" he motioned to something beyond the reeds with his head. His neck fur was straight up, and an angry look was plastered on his face.

Fireheart came up on one of Greystripe's sides, and what he saw made Fireheart bite down on his teeth in horror. There was a clearing with cats around the edges and in the middle, more than there were in just one clan. The mixed scents told Fireheart that it was a combination of both Riverclan and Shadowclan cats, though it was hard to tell with the reek of crow food that came from the clearing. Fireheart had been fortunate that they had been down-wind of the clearing up until now.

The cats from both clans looked gaunt, more noticeably the Riverclan cats. They were surprisingly thin for the time of year, and their pelts looked as though they hadn't been groomed in a moon. A group of cats were putting fresh-kill onto a small pile, all of them Riverclan. But the thing that unsettled the most was the large pile of cleaned, white bones.