Fireheart

The island was certainly spooky with no cats milling about. Fireheart almost felt silly for thinking so, but the twisting shadows and looming trees had a way with a cat's imagination. Fireheart licked his paw and slicked it back over his head. He was early, and he knew it. He didn't want to pad straight into an ambush. He preferred to do the surprising.

The bushes that faced the RiverClan border shook briefly before a cat emerged from them. It took a moment for Fireheart to place the elegant she cat's name. It's Leopardfur, right? Deputy of RiverClan. She stepped into the shifting moonlight, her eyes twinkling suspiciously. Then she turned her head to the tree that Firheart was sitting behind.

"I know you're there, Fireheart. Would meeting me in the open be too upfront for you?"

He padded confidently out from behind his tree, "You can never be too careful."

She curled her lip, "You're the reason I'm here, Fireheart. You killed Whiteclaw. He was my apprentice, you know."

"Like I said, it was an accident."

"I saw it myself. That wasn't an accident."

"Believe what you want. I'm just as grieved by his passing as you are."

"I know you're not."

Leopardfur was starting to sound dangerous. I think now is a good time to stay quiet.

"You two don't sound happy." Fireheart turned his eyes towards the new arrival. He smelled WindClan, but he didn't recognize the scarred face.

He gave a nod of greeting, "And your name is…"

The cat nodded briefly in return, "I'm surprised you don't remember me, Fireheart. You did meet me." The face was familiar.

"Mudclaw?"

"That's me, Firheart. I knew it was only a matter of time until you showed up here. Especially, after Bluestar stopped showing up."

Leopardfur lashed her tail, "She was the only semi-decent cat here. What happened to her?"

Fireheart flicked his tail dismissively, "She is… unwell. I'm going to be representing ThunderClan."

Leopardfur glared at him, "Well, at least it's not just me and Mudclaw anymore."

Mudclaw purred, "You have to admit that it was pretty funny."

"Shut up, foxdung."

Fireheart interrupted the ever so friendly conversation, "We have more important things to worry about. Where's ShadowClan?"

"After ThunderClan captured Brokenstar, they haven't been showing up."

"Probably too weak," Fireheart mewed.

"Whatever the case," Mudclaw continued, "We need them back. Their catmint is very valuable. If you see any likely candidates, invite them."

Leopardfur was impatient, "Let's hurry up and get to the news. RiverClan is doing well. We do not need ThunderClan's support. Tigerclaw was kind enough to provide assistance, but since you banished him I don't trust the current leadership. Crookedstar lost a life, but the Clan is still strong."

Mudclaw went next, "WindClan is stronger than ever. With ShadowClan crippled and RiverClan peaceful, we have been training hard. There's nothing more to report."

Fireheart hesitated only a moment before filling the others in, "ThunderClan is also strong. The Clan is clearly starting to forget Tigerclaw. Bluestar is unwell, but don't underestimate us. Brokenstar did, and now he's blind."

Leopardfur gasped, but Mudclaw didn't even blink, "No Clan should be underestimated. I only wish I will be the cat who rips that coward's throat out." That was when Fireheart first saw that he had truly met his peers. Cats who would do anything and everything for power and revenge. He had finally found a place where he would not have to hide his true personality. He was, after all, a cat with two faces.

"One last thing," Mudclaw mewed, "Our patrols scented something strange on our border near Twolegplace. There were tracks, but they were too chaotic to find what they were. It smelled of twolegs, but it was a more… wild scent."

Leopardfur's ear twitched, "Could it be a monster?"

Mudclaw shook his head, "No, it wasn't on the Thunderpath. Plus, they have a scent that a kit couldn't mistake. It's probably nothing, anyway. But it is heading towards ThunderClan territory, so it's your problem now, Fireheart."

"I'll keep an eye out."

"Oh, Fireheart," Mudclaw purred, "I think we'll get along just fine."

Sorry for missing my Monday chapter. Having some computer/story problems at the moment, so hang in there. Thanks for reading!