Chapter 2: New Tasks

Lelouch's eyes went wide and looked over at her. It was no wonder why she looked almost like him. He then noticed that her violet eyes began to gleam.

"W-Wait…" Nightheart's mind whirled around at the sudden news. "Lelouch, the hero I've heard stories about…is my father?" Her violet eyes began to glisten and she turned her gaze towards Lelouch. "Father…it's you!" Nightheart ran over to Lelouch and cried in his coat. "I never thought I'd see you, but it's you! It's really you!"

"I'm your…father?" Lelouch stated, still in shock about the whole thing. "I thought that you might have been a cat from another world who took on a warrior name, but…Nightheart, am I really your father?" He looked over at Ivypool, who nodded.

"I'm so happy to finally meet you! Mother and everyone else told me so much about Lelouch and everything he did for ThunderClan, but they never told me that you were my father." She then looked over at Ivypool. "Mother…why didn't you ever say anything?"

"Because I wasn't sure if he'd ever come back." She answered. "But now…he's standing right here." Ivypool joined her daughter in her embrace with Lelouch, who still looked at the two in awe.

"Sorry we didn't tell you, Lelouch. We wanted it to be a surprise." Lionblaze told him.

"Right, surprise…" Lelouch was at a loss for words. He didn't expect any of this at all, but then he remembered something. "Ivypool, can we talk? Alone?"

"Oh, okay." Lelouch and Ivypool walked over to a vacant spot in camp. "Lelouch…please don't be mad at me. Nightheart really is your daughter." Lelouch could sense a hint of fear in the she-cat's voice.

"I'm not mad. I just…the day I left when we were out together, you said it was fine if we…y'know…" Lelouch's face grew hot as he explained everything. "I only asked because of something like this. I'm sorry for leaving you alone to care for her, along with leaving her without a father figure." He told her, his body shaking.

"Lelouch, this isn't your fault. I knew what I was getting into when I asked you the day you left."

"Yes it is. I left her without seeing her father for so long. What kind of parent leaves their child like that? I'm no better than my father!" Ivypool could sense the regret that Lelouch felt, the tom realizing how much he actually left.

"Well, you still have Nightheart regardless. She doesn't hate you for leaving, either. You saw how happy she was when she found out you were her father." Ivypool gave his face a comforting lick. "Why don't you go spend some time with her?"

"Obviously. What kind of father do you take me for?" Ivypool smiled at her mate's sudden shift of emotion. "Lionblaze told her to guide me around the territory since I sort of forgot it, but I'm guessing that was intentional."

"Most likely. You should ask Squirrelflight first. I know she won't say no." Lelouch nodded and gave Ivypool a small lick on her forehead before walking over to Nightheart.

"Father, what did you and mother talk about?" She asked. "Oh, I forgot to ask you if you liked me calling you father. I could call you something else. Dad, daddy, papa, which one?" Lelouch let out a laugh and gave her a lick over her ear, causing her to blush.

"Whichever one you prefer, Nightheart." He told her. "So, are you going to walk me around the territory so I can remember it again?"

"Oh, right! This is great! We get to spend time with each other!" The she-cat cheered in joy. "Let's go talk to Squirrelflight first." The two black cats walked over to the deputy, who smiled when they saw them.

"Sorry none of us told you that Lelouch was your father, Nightheart. Ivypool told all of us not to say anything."

"That's okay, Squirrelflight. I'm happy that I actually got to meet him." She responded. "Do you mind if we go out for a bit?"

"Of course not. Lelouch, when you get back you'll finally meet Sparkkit and Alderkit. They're my kits and they're being apprenticed today. I'm sure Bramblestar wants you to see them as well."

"I'd love to. I'm sure they'll be great warriors, especially being the kits of the leader and deputy."

"I hope they're like Nightheart. I don't know if you know this, but she's really great at hunting and fighting." The deputy told him with a smile, filling Lelouch with a small sense of pride. "Okay you two, have fun bonding!" Lelouch nodded his head and the two black cats left the Clan.

"Father, where do you want to go first?" Nightheart asked.

"It's up to you. You know your way around here more than I do now." He replied. The two began walking, but then Lelouch stopped. "Why don't we just sit here and talk? We can walk around the territory after."

"Okay." Lelouch rested on the forest floor, and his daughter did the same. "Oh! I should apologize again for attacking you this morning! Attacking my hero is one thing, but learning that you're my father makes it worse! I'm sorry, father!"

"Don't worry, Nightheart. Like I told you before, you were protecting ThunderClan. That's something a father should be proud of." Nightheart blushed at her father's admiration. "Is there anything you want to ask me, Nightheart? I'm sure there's plenty of things going through your mind." She nodded, but afterwards, Lelouch noticed her gaze turn away from him.

"Why'd you leave?" Lelouch felt his heart suddenly sink. He knew that the question was going to come up, but he thought that the others might have told her from the stories about him.

"Because it was something I was told that I had to do." He answered. "Nightheart, when I left, I didn't know that I would be leaving kits behind."

"So…was I a mistake then?" Lelouch could see the sorrow in her eyes, but placed a paw on her shoulder, causing their violet eyes to meet.

"Don't you ever say that. If anything I'm the one who made a mistake. I'm sorry for leaving you…, but now…I have a beautiful daughter that's right in front of me."

"And one who looks as old as her father." She told him with a giggle. "Wait…so does that mean I'm part Twoleg then?"

"Technically, it does, but since I'm a cat I guess it doesn't." He replied.

"Gosh, it's so strange hearing all the stories about you, but now that I know that you're my father, it's kind of funny realizing everything you've done while you were here." Nightheart began thinking of the countless tales that many of the Clan cats told her about Lelouch. "Dovewing was my mentor, and when we were out she would tell me so much about you." A sly look formed on the she-cat's face. "Actually, she told me that you liked her too. Is that true?" A blush rose on the tom's face.

"Y-Yes, but I chose your mother over her sister." He told her.

"I also heard from Cinderheart that there are a lot of cats from the Clans that think you're cute. You didn't fall for them, did you?"

"Ivypool would kill me if I did. I just can't seem to stop attracting other she-cats though. It's not something I ask for, honestly." He replied. "How about you, Nightheart? You find any ThunderClan warrior that you like?" The question made her blush in embarrassment.

"O-of course not! I have friends, but I'm not attracted to any of them!" She assured him. "Besides, love is the last thing on my mind."

"Fair enough." Lelouch laughed. "Anything else you want to ask me?"

"Of course! We should probably get on with that walk though. I don't want to miss Sparkkit and Alderkit's apprentice ceremony." Her father nodded and he followed behind as Nightheart guided him around ThunderClan territory, helping him remember his way around the territory.

As the two walked around ThunderClan, they shared many questions they had for each other, wanting to strengthen their bond in any way possible. They reached the thorn tunnel leading to ThunderClan and once they came out of the other side they saw that all the cats were grouped around the Highledge, with Bramblestar in the center of the group of cats along with who Lelouch guessed was Sparkkit and Alderkit.

"We didn't miss anything, did we?" Nightheart asked a dark brown she-cat. Lelouch had never seen her before, so he guessed she was a new addition to the Clan.

"Nope. We were all getting settled under here waiting for you."

"Sorry for taking too long." Nightheart apologized.

"You don't have to be sorry. You've finally met your father after all. No cat can blame you."

"Oh, father, I forgot to tell you. This is Sorrelstripe, Lionblaze's daughter. His other daughter, Hollytuft, is over there, and Fernsong, his son, is there." Nightheart pointed Lionblaze and Cinderheart's other children out.

"It's nice to meet you, Sorrelstripe. Your father and mother are both amazing cats."

"Thanks, Lelouch. Don't worry, my mom and dad told me and my siblings so much about you while I was young. I can't believe I'm finally meeting you, actually." Sorrelstripe admitted, a small blush on her face. They heard Bramblestar's voice and turned their attention to him.

"ThunderClan, today has been truly a blessing. Not only do we have two kits ready to become apprentices, but Lelouch has returned to ThunderClan!" The cats all cheered and looked at the violet-eyed tom, who blushed in embarrassment. "Alright, Sparkkit, please come over here." They watched the orange tabby she-cat bounce over to where Bramblestar was, her green eyes locked onto his amber eyes. Lelouch could sense the pride in Bramblestar watching as his daughter became an apprentice. That's a feeling I never got to experience… Lelouch thought, looking over at Nightheart, who looked up towards the leader and the soon-to-be apprentice. Regardless, I'll make sure to be by her side from now on.

"From this day forward you will be known as Sparkpaw." Bramblestar touched her shoulder with his tail. "Cherryfall, you will be her mentor. I'm sure you'll be able to pass on all your knowledge to her." Sparkpaw ran over to Cherryfall and the two cats touched noses.

"Sparkpaw! Sparkpaw!" The Clan cheered. Bramblestar now looked over at his other kit with a smile, motioning him to come over with his tail. The clan watched Alderkit slowly approach his father and once he was there, Bramblestar gave his head a comforting lick.

"From this day forward, you'll be known as Alderpaw. Molewhisker will be your mentor. I'm positive that his loyalty, determination, and bravery will be passed down to you as his apprentice." Like his sister, Alderpaw approached his mentor and the other cats of ThunderClan cheered his new name. Once the Clan settled down, Bramblestar asked for their attention once more. "Now, there's something else that I want to add. Lelouch, Nightheart, can you come up here, please?" The cats cleared the way and the father and daughter walked over to Bramblestar.

"Yes, Bramblestar?" The she-cat meowed, wondering what was going on.

"You two have been separated ever since you were born, Nightheart. I believe that you both should spend some more time together, so along with Molewhisker and Cherryfall, I want you both to be mentors to Sparkpaw and Alderpaw." Lelouch could see a sense of joy in Nightheart's eyes. "Lelouch, it seems that Nightheart's fine with this, but are you okay with being a mentor?"

"I remember some things from Lionblaze's training, so I'd be glad to aid in mentoring one of your kits."

"Excellent. Lelouch, you will be working with Cherryfall to mentor Sparkpaw and Nightheart, you will help mentor Alderpaw." The two cats turned around and approached their new apprentices. Lelouch could see how excited Sparkpaw was as he walked over, but saw that Alderpaw seemed a bit nervous.

"It's nice to meet you, Sparkpaw." Lelouch touched noses with his apprentice but she was quick to break away and let out a cheer of excitement.

"This is amazing! My mom and dad have told Alderpaw and I so much stories about you!" She exclaimed with joy. "I didn't think we'd get two mentors!"

"I can see that you're excited Sparkpaw, but remember that being a warrior is a serious thing. I hope that you'll be on your best behavior while Cherryfall and I are out with you."

"Did you hear what he said, Alderpaw? I know my father's not your mentor, but the same thing goes for you as well…although maybe we'll be more lenient than how my father sounded." Nightheart told him with a smile.

"Right. I won't let you two down, I hope." Alderpaw told his two mentors. They noticed the rest of the Clan disperse, and Squirrelflight and Bramblestar approached the small group.

"I don't think we've ever had an apprentice with two mentors at the same time, but I'm sure it should work out." Bramblestar told them. "It wasn't bad at all, was it?"

"Nope! It was the total opposite. I can't wait to go out hunting!" Sparkpaw said with joy.

"We're so proud of you two. We know you'll make great warriors." Squirrelflight told her children with a smile, giving them both comforting licks.

"Bramblestar, can I assume that we'll go out in groups together since Nightheart and I have different apprentices?" Lelouch asked.

"For the most part, yes. I was thinking that you could switch from day-to-day, so one day you and Nightheart could mentor Sparkpaw and Alderpaw and then alternate with Cherryfall and Molewhisker, but I'll let you four warriors decide how it works."

"Thank you, Bramblestar. I'll make sure to take good care of Alderpaw and pass on everything Dovewing taught me." Nightheart assured him.

"I'm sure you will. The rest of the day is yours. Why don't you show these two around?" The warriors nodded and the leader and deputy left them to themselves.

"So…I guess seniority rules should apply, so what should we do, Lelouch?" Molewhisker asked.

"Well, if that's the case then I say we all agree on something. I was thinking that we go with our respective apprentices. I don't think we should ever miss a day with them."

"Good point, Lelouch. I think we should go out together for the most part so that you and Nightheart can spend time together like Bramblestar intended." Cherryfall added.

"Right, but sometimes we should separate into two groups, for evaluations and such." Molewhisker stated. "Nightheart, what do you think?"

"I agree with everything that you three said. None of us should miss the mentor experience and I would like to spend any time I can with my father."

"Then it's settled! Sparkpaw, Alderpaw, are you ready to go out?" Cherryfall asked them, and the two apprentices nodded. "Alright then, let's go!"

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

The four cats along with their two apprentices made their way into the forest, Alderpaw and Sparkpaw barely able to control their excitement.

"Can we go hunting?" Sparkpaw asked.

"Not yet. You both need to know this territory by heart. That's one of the most important things for you two to know." Molewhisker told them.

"He's right. Come, we'll make our way over to our border with ShadowClan first." Cherryfall added.

"Will we see ShadowClan cats? What happens then?"

"Simple: we stay on our territory. Conflict should never be a priority." Nightheart explained. "No matter how much any cat from another clan may provoke you, don't fall into their trap." With that, the black she-cat took the lead and walked the group over to ThunderClan's border with ShadowClan. The group reached the end of the trees in the forest and pushed through a row of holly bushes. The warriors broke through and the apprentices followed and looked out in awe at the lake in front of them.

"Quite a sight, isn't it?" Lelouch asked the two.

"It's so big! It looks like it never ends!" Alderpaw responded.

"But it does. See over there? That's where RiverClan lives." Molewhisker informed the two apprentices.

"RiverClan utilizes the lake the most out of the four clans. They swim in it and catch fish." Cherryfall added.

"Do you think Alderpaw and I can catch fish sometime?" Sparkpaw wondered. Without hesitation, the she-cat ran over to the edge of the lake and splashed her forepaws in the water, quickly running back to the group. "It's so cold! I didn't see any fish in their either."

"Just like with any piece of prey, fish run away if they sense noise." Nightheart explained. "It's okay though, we're not hunting now, and ThunderClan doesn't eat fish."

"Nightheart's right. It's understandable, especially since this is the first time you both are seeing the lake." Cherryfall added. "Let's get to the border, okay?" The cats walked alongside the lakeshore and stopped once they reached a stream that flowed into the lake.

"Ew! What's that stench?" Sparkpaw asked, jumping away from the stream.

"That would be ShadowClan. It only smells because we're not used to it. We smell just as bad to other Clans most likely."

"Right. You need to learn these borders, and the scent markers in place help remind you that you're not to enter another clan's territory unless you're granted permission." Nightheart said. "You can even scent ThunderClan's markers as well. You'll learn how to place them and soon enough you'll be doing it as part of the border patrol."

"Awesome! I can't wait to learn more!" Alderpaw exclaimed in joy. The group now continued their journey and as they were walking Nightheart poked her father with her tail.

"Yes?" Lelouch greeted his daughter with a smile.

"You aren't talking to the apprentices as much. Is something wrong?"

"What? No, nothing's wrong. You three just seem to have it more under control and are better at explaining this all."

"Are you sure? You haven't tried it at all yet." Cherryfall told him, slowing down to join the two. "Why don't you take over for a bit? We'll let you. I'll go tell my brother." The she-cat caught up with the three cats ahead.

"I thought you'd know better than using that as a reason, father." Nightheart giggled.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You seem a bit hesitant and shy to explain some aspects of Clan life to the two."

"I mean, I just came back to the forest. If anything this is to help me too." He replied. "I remember mostly hunting and fighting techniques, so I know I can help with that when it comes up." The two saw Cherryfall walk over to join them at their pace.

"Molewhisker says that he's okay with it. We're approaching WindClan's border with us, so you can take over once we reach the stream, which is actually…here." The cats now stood near the running stream, but stayed inside of the forest. Lelouch approached where the Molewhisker was, and the two cats switched places.

"So…um…" Lelouch looked over at the three others and saw Nightheart lift her head up in the air. He smiled and turned his attention back to the two apprentices. "What do you two smell?"

"Mouse! Just the scent is making me hungry. Can we hunt now, Lelouch?" She asked.

"Not yet. There's something important in the air. Try to find it." He watched the two apprentices concentrate and Alderpaw looked up at him. "Found something?"

"Yeah. These two are strong. I can sense ThunderClan…and I think another Clan as well."

"Correct. Do you know which Clan that is?" Lelouch asked.

"Well…we learned that RiverClan is on the other side of the lake, and we went to ShadowClan, so this must be WindClan." Alderpaw said with confidence.

"Excellent. The border's just up ahead and stops at the stream." Lelouch took the lead and the others followed him.

"I thought you said WindClan territory was around here." Sparkpaw stated as she looked across the stream.

"Yes, and you're looking at it. They live on the moor."

"What? There's no trees!" Alderpaw said, surprise in his voice.

"They seem to like it though. It's nothing ThunderClan's used to." Sparkpaw caught a glimpse of a rabbit running along WindClan territory and the others saw it as well. They watched a WindClan warrior chase after it and Sparkpaw let out a groan.

"I'm so hungry. I wish that was my rabbit."

"Then we'll go back to camp." Cherryfall told her.

"What? I thought we'd practice hunting!" The apprentice complained.

"Why don't we teach them?" The violet-eyed tom insisted. Nightheart let out a meow of laughter.

"I think you're just eager to teach them now, father."

"She's right. Lelouch, if you'd like to teach them, we have no problem." Molewhisker added. "Plus, I want to see how much you've retained after being gone for so long."

"We'll make sure to add anything you miss…if that's okay." Cherryfall added, a blush of embarrassment on her face. "I didn't mean for that to come out as me thinking you don't remember much, sorry!"

"It's okay Cherryfall. I'd definitely appreciate it." He said with a smile. "Well, first thing's first: Whatever you catch you have to bring to the fresh-kill pile, understand? It doesn't matter how hungry you are. The Clan must be fed first. That's the most important thing to take from this." He explained. "Now, are you both ready?" The siblings nodded and Lelouch took the lead.

They reached a clearing where an oak tree stood and Lelouch sniffed the air and pricked his ears up. He looked at the two apprentices and nodded.

"You should be able to find prey around here. Tell me when you find anything."

"Alderpaw, do you smell that shrew over there?" Sparkpaw asked her brother.

"Y-yeah, it's right there."

"Good. Now, you both will have to get into a hunter's crouch, like this." Lelouch pressed his body to the ground, his hindlegs ready to spring forward. The two did the same as he did. "Great. Now keep low and most of all keep quiet. Any sort of noise will cause your prey to run away. Patience is key."

"Right, and don't forget to keep your tail in control. Your prey will notice you if it's swinging around everywhere like crazy." Molewhisker added.

"Sparkpaw, would you like to go first?" Cherryfall asked. The she-cat didn't hesitate and slowly crept up towards the undergrowth where she sensed the shrew. With one quick leap, she disappeared and reappeared in a matter of seconds, the shrew in her jaw.

"Great job, Sparkpaw." Lelouch told her with a smile.

"I don't think I've ever heard anything of an apprentice catching something on her first hunt." Cherryfall added with joy. "Amazing job."

"Nice catch, Sparkpaw." Her brother acknowledged her skills.

"Thanks. I just did what Lelouch and Molewhisker told us and it was easy."

"Alderpaw, your turn." Molewhisker told him. The apprentice gulped as he looked at the vast forest in front of him. He felt a presence to his left and saw Nightheart's violet gaze touch his.

"Don't let Sparkpaw's catch intimidate you. Just do your best." Alderpaw felt content when he saw the she-cat's warm smile. He was glad that Nightheart was one of his mentors. "Why don't you practice your hunter's crouch again before you find anything."

"Oh, right." Alderpaw pressed his body to the forest floor.

"Alderpaw, tuck your paws in a little bit more." Molewhisker told him.

"You won't get a good pounce otherwise." Sparkpaw added. "Once your close enough you have to be really quick! And don't forget that your claws—."

"Sparkpaw, stop. You're an apprentice just like he is, not his mentor." Molewhisker told her, irritation in his voice. He brushed Alderpaw's shoulder with his tail. "Alderpaw, can you sense anything?"

"I think I sense a vole over there." He whispered over to Molewhisker.

"Yup. Go get it."

"Don't be nervous. Just remember what my father and Molewhisker taught you." Nightheart added. Alderpaw now began to slowly approach the area where his prey was but he suddenly stopped.

"What are you doing? Go!" Molewhisker muttered impatiently. As Alderpaw still stood frozen, the vole scurried off.

"Mouse-brain!" Alderpaw heard his sister's remark and his ears flattened.

"Sparkpaw, watch what you say." Lelouch scolded her. "Alderpaw's learning. Leave him alone." Sparkpaw's ears now fell flat. "Alderpaw, try not to hesitate as much as you did."

"Lelouch is right. Trust your instincts next time, okay?" Alderpaw felt glad that the two toms were trying to help them, but he couldn't help but feel a sense of failure, especially since his sister caught something and he didn't. He then heard Cherryfall cheer and saw that Sparkpaw caught another piece of prey.

"Don't worry, I know you'll learn. I won't stop until you do." Nightheart placed her tail on his shoulder to comfort him.

"Thanks, Nightheart. You really are a good mentor." The she-cat blushed at the compliment.

"I'm just doing what I think is right. I'm sure my father thinks the same as well." She responded. "I guess we're going back to camp now." She said, noticing that Lelouch, Cherryfall, and Sparkpaw were now making their way back home. They saw that Ivypool, Blossomfall and Lionblaze walked out of the undergrowth, each cat carrying a piece of prey. "Mother!" Ivypool turned around to see Nightheart. With a smile, she approached her and dropped her prey.

"There you are, Nightheart. I was wondering where you were since I didn't see you up there with your father."

"Oh, well I'm just here with Molewhisker and Alderpaw."

"Right. How was your first day as a mentor?"

"It's been going really well, right Molewhisker?"

"What? Oh, yeah! We took Alderpaw and Sparkpaw around the territory and Lelouch helped teach them how to hunt." The tom informed her.

"It's good to know that he remembers how to do that. Has he been doing well?"

"Are you worried about him, mother?" Nightheart asked with a smile. "You can always go and talk to him yourself, you know."

"You're right. I'll wait until we get back to the camp. Do you mind if I stick along with you three?" The two cats shook their heads and she tagged along with them on their way to ThunderClan.

When the group got to camp, Bramblestar approached his children along with their mentors. They could see how proud and joyful the leader seemed seeing his son and daughter.

"So, how was your first day outside in the territory?" He asked them.

"I caught a shrew and a mouse! Cherryfall says no apprentice has ever done it before!" Sparkpaw replied enthusiastically.

"That's amazing! How about you, Alderpaw?" The leader didn't receive a reply from his son.

"He pays attention well. I know he'll be a great warrior when the time comes." Nightheart responded.

"That's good to hear. Why don't you all go and rest. I'll talk with Alderpaw for a bit." The group headed away from the leader, leaving him alone with his son.

"I hope Alderpaw's okay. I don't want him beating himself up just on his first day out of the camp." Nightheart stated.

"He should be fine after Bramblestar talks with him. He does have a good father after all." Molewhisker replied. As the cats walked over to drop off the fresh-kill, Lelouch looked over and saw Ivypool, who greeted him with a smile.

"Mother wanted to talk with you." His daughter informed him.

"Thanks for telling me, Nightheart. Be safe, okay?" He told her, giving her a lick over her ear.

"Father, please! I'm going to be in the camp." She assured him, her face blushing in embarrassment. Molewhisker and Cherryfall both laughed at the tom's gesture.

"Right, sorry." He apologized. Their violet eyes connected along with a smile before Lelouch left the group.

"Lelouch must be a really great father. I'm glad he's mentoring me." Sparkpaw commented.

"Nightheart, even with Lelouch only coming into your life today it's good to see that you've accepted him into your life." Cherryfall told her.

"Of course I did! I'm still a bit shaky from this morning when I first met him, and even then I was nervous because I only knew him as the hero in all the stories I've been told." She replied. "It hasn't even been a day and I love everything about him. I'm so happy that I can finally know what it feels like to have a father…although I think he might treat me like a kit more in the future."

"You are his only daughter after all." Molewhisker stated.

"Right. Plus, this is his first time being a father, so maybe he'll learn." His sister added with a giggle.

"I never said I didn't like being treated like that. I know my mother treated me like that back then…but coming from my father…it feels different for some reason." She told them with a blush.

"You seem different too, Nightheart, but not in a bad way. You reminded us of Lelouch so much, and you still do with him being here, especially since he seems different in the same exact way. I'm sure it's just a father-daughter thing." Cherryfall told her with a smile.

"Did I really? Mother and everyone regarded him so much so I used him as an inspiration of some sorts. She did say I reminded her of father, but I'm not sure why I never connected it together when I saw him this morning. I'm sure my father would've…but then again, he didn't either."

"Hey, if you did, you probably wouldn't have been as emotional when you saw him today." Molewhisker stated.

"You're probably right." Nightheart felt her stomach suddenly growl, causing Cherryfall to giggle. A blush formed on the she-cat's face. "S-sorry about that. I don't remember if I even ate anything this morning."

"That's okay. Let's go bring the others food first and then we can eat. Molewhisker and I can tell you more stories about Lelouch, too." Nightheart smiled, and the three warriors headed over to the fresh-kill pile.

In the warriors' den, Lelouch was resting next to Ivypool, the she-cat brushing her head under his chin, eliciting a soft, loving purr.

"I'm glad to hear that you and Nightheart had fun together today."

"What'd you expect? You're the one who said she'd love me, and I love her just as much." He meowed. "She's a great warrior, isn't she?"

"She takes from her father after all." Ivypool let out a giggle. "Up until she was a warrior she would always spend time with me asking to hear more stories about Lelouch. She didn't know that you were her father then, but…I'm overjoyed that she does now."

"Ivypool…" Lelouch felt her tears on his fur. "I'm glad that I was able to come back to see her…and to see you again. Fate brought our family together again."

"Actually, why are you back here again? Is there something dark approaching?" She wondered.

"I can't say for sure, but it has to do with a prophecy that I received. Jayfeather said he and Leafpool were something in a dream, so it might be the same thing I was told."

"Well I know that you'll figure it out and save the Clans. I did pick one of ThunderClan's most reliable warriors to be my mate, after all."

"And I chose one of ThunderClan's bravest warriors, so that means Nightheart beats both of us."

"I guess it does, doesn't it?" Ivypool inched her face closer to Lelouch's.

"Aw, you two are so cute!" She quickly moved away and the two saw Cinderheart standing at the entrance to the warriors' den along with Lionblaze.

"See? I told you that they needed alone time." Lionblaze gave his mate a nudge, causing her to pout. "I thought you were an expert at knowing how love works."

"I am! That's why I wanted to see how these two were doing, and I'm glad I did." She responded, causing the two cats resting to blush. "Sorry if I interrupted you two."

"It's okay, Cinderheart. We didn't want the rest of the warriors leaving the den anyway." Ivypool told her.

"Well, Lionblaze also wanted to tell you two something as well."

"Right. Bramblestar wanted me to tell you that you both are coming with us to the Gathering tonight."

"I guess I came at the right time then." Lelouch stated.

"Yup. Just don't be surprised if the other Clans seem different. The battle was so long ago so the clans are pretty much back to how they were, which you actually haven't seen before." Lionblaze informed him.

"Is that a bad thing?" Lelouch asked.

"Not necessarily, but it's sad to know that our days of peace when you were here are gone." Ivypool replied. "Thanks for telling us, Lionblaze. You two can join us if you want."

"We'll just leave you two alone. You have some catching up to do, after all." Cinderheart smiled. "C'mon Lionblaze. We'll see you two later." The other couple left the entrance to the warriors' den, leaving the two alone again.

"At least there's a Gathering tonight. Maybe something about the prophecy will be brought up."

"Maybe, but what's good is that this'll be our first time out together. You, Nightheart and I, since I'm sure Bramblestar chose her as well." Ivypool said. "You don't need to worry about her tonight. Remember, Gatherings are always meant to be peaceful, as per the warrior code."

"Do you think I'm worried about her?" He asked, and she nodded, causing him to sigh. "Sorry." The she-cat gave him a lick on the cheek.

"Don't be. It's understandable that you want her to be safe at all times, especially since she's your only kit." She told him. "I should be the one sorry for telling you not to worry even though I know what's going through your mind." He let out a small laugh.

"Let's not make this a contest on who's the sorriest out of us both."

"You're right. Let's just make the best of the time we have back together again." Ivypool pressed closer to him, and her mate smiled. I'll make sure to solve this prophecy if it's the last thing I do. The Clans need me again…but how can something in the shadows help them?