Hello, hello! I didn't expect to finish this today - in fact, I was just hanging out re-writing Elemental Book One, but then I realized that this guy has been minimized on my dock for about two weeks now, so I figured I would pay this story some attention. My schedule ordains that this chapter shall be followed by another one before I work on any other Elemental-related thing, so more War of Shadows is next on the list!

I'll be honest, I'm actually in love with this story. Every chapter is so much fun to write, and I think this one was one of my favorites to write. I got so in touch with Doveheart and Lionblaze here. :)

As you know, I don't own Warriors or any of these characters. I only claim my ideas! Enjoy!

Chapter 15

Doveheart

Curling up over her paws, Doveheart turned her eyes to her Clan-mates, who were all sharing tongues in perfect content. They didn't know of the danger that was looming above their heads, meeting in secret dreams and whispering all of those horrible things. Whatever it was the Dark Forest did in their own time, it worried Doveheart. And to think that Tigerheart could be a part of that – that Ivypool, too, could be a part of that.

Tigerheart had chosen the Dark Forest. Over ShadowClan, over goodness, over her. That was unforgiveable, and it was that thought that Doveheart clung to as she tucked her paws over her nose and closed her eyes to the sunlight, attempting to block out the world. There, Tigerheart waited, his amber eyes glittering with starlight overhead as he teased her and coaxed her to come with him. Their little night-time meetings echoed in the back of her mind, reminding Doveheart of the few moments she spent in happiness and in secret. Those memories were her memories now, and they couldn't be taken. They reminded her of what could have been, if the world was different. If there was no danger lurking behind every tree trunk, if there wasn't the Place of No Stars.

So many if's! Self-loathing propelled Doveheart to her feet, where she took another good look at her Clan-mates. All of them were paired up or gossiping in groups, hardly giving a second thought to Doveheart, one of the few that sat alone. How dare they leave her alone! She deserved someone beside her, too, someone to lean on and to love unconditionally. It would be so much easier to just choose a mate in ThunderClan and settle down into her warrior duties with a couple of kits. Like any other cat in ThunderClan could. And then, for the umpteenth time, Doveheart reminded herself that she wasn't any other cat in ThunderClan. She was Doveheart, and that meant she held the power of the stars in her paws.

Not that the power of the stars was doing her any good now.

Doveheart glanced around for someone to talk to – anyone, really. She stared at Ivypool, who sat sullenly where the shadows overlapped the hollow. Sigh – that was no use. She stared at Lionblaze, who purred lovingly as Icecloud wiggled closer against him. Sigh – that was even less use. Shaking herself briefly, Doveheart turned her reluctant paws towards the medicine den, rustling branches when she walked in.

"Oh, hello, Doveheart." Doveheart lifted her head to acknowledge Briarlight, who hurriedly shuffled across the den to meet her. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes, I just wanted to speak with Jayfeather," said Doveheart half-heartedly. "Is he around?"

Briarlight flicked her tail, the exhilarated light dying from her eyes.

"He went out with Cinderheart a little while ago," she said. "is there anything I can help you with, or do you need him?"

Doveheart sighed once more, imagining the blind medicine cat loping through the forest, careless and free, for once comfortable with his surroundings. How rare the thought! She snorted softly, making Briarlight blink in surprise.

"I'm sorry, no," she said courteously. "I'm sorry to bother you." Giving up, Doveheart turned to exit.

"Wait," called Briarlight, making Doveheart stop with her nose barely out in the main area of camp. "You don't have to go…if you don't want to."

The words were too hopeful, so Doveheart reluctantly wheeled herself around to stare down the crippled she-cat.

"I mean, you could stay here and wait for him," Briarlight said quickly, licking her chest fur in order to hide her embarrassment and loneliness. "He should be back soon."

"No doubt doting over his new medicine cat partner," said Doveheart. The words were supposed to be kept inside, but she ducked her head, realizing that she had said them aloud. Briarlight gave a half-hearted chuckle, and Doveheart met the young she-cat's eyes with new hope. "I'll stay, though."

"Oh," said Briarlight, her whiskers twitching in poorly hidden delight. "That's good of you, Doveheart. It's sad, when it's just me in this big empty den."

"There are three of you now," Doveheart commented wryly. "It can't ever be lonely."

"Everyone has a lot more free time now that Jayfeather has so many helpers," said Briarlight. "Which means Jayfeather has a lot more free time to…"

"Chat with his favorite cat in the Clan?" suggested Doveheart. Briarlight gave a consenting incline of her head.

"It's good for Jayfeather to have a companion," said Briarlight. "I know better than anyone how lonely he gets."

Oh, so Jayfeather was the lonely one? Doveheart studied her paws for a few moments, trying to work out how that made sense. She supposed it did, though – during her apprenticeship, hadn't it always been her and Lionblaze together? Jayfeather was the one in the trio always stuck back here. But now Lionblaze had Icecloud and Jayfeather had Cinderheart – illegal as their not-exactly-romance may be. Now Doveheart was the one that was left shuffling her paws and searching for a place to fit.

"Do Bumblestripe and Blossomfall still visit you like they used to?" Doveheart asked, if only to attempt to keep the conversation from going stale. She wanted to offer Briarlight momentary respite from the loneliness she had to be feeling.

"Of course they do," said Briarlight confidently. It took a moment for her security and blind faith in her siblings to waver, but sure enough, it did. "I mean…they don't visit me for as long as they used to…Blossomfall has Toadstep now, and Bumblestripe seems to be busier these days."

Doveheart flicked her tail in recognition of this set of information. Though she wasn't invested in this conversation, not really, it was nice to find something in Briarlight with which she could relate. Her days with Ivypool had been so lovely, but they were gone now. Even if Ivypool had been more responsive lately, she was still out of reach. Doveheart doubted that arrangement would ever change.

"I'm happy for Blossomfall, I am," said Briarlight as if she was trying to convince Doveheart that she wasn't being a neglectful sister (when in fact the reverse needed more proving). "Toadstep's affection has been so good for her. She used to be so bitter, but now…now she's so happy. It's really worth it, to see her act that way."

"Bitter?" Doveheart's ears perked as she found something of interest in Briarlight's words. "What do you mean?"

"You had to have noticed," said Briarlight thoughtfully. "Blossomfall was jealous of how Millie always gave me attention." She looked around herself as if proving a point. "Funny how Millie is now more interested in the possibility of Blossomfall having kits." She sighed. "It's alright, honestly. I was feeling a little crowded by my mother, and now my littermate is happier. That's all that matters."

"Of course," mumbled Doveheart. She wondered to herself if Ivypool was happier now, even though the two littermates hadn't talked in a while. If not…was there a way to make Ivypool happier? Because Briarlight was right – if her littermate was happier, Doveheart was happier. It didn't matter that they weren't close, or that Ivypool was getting involved with darker cats. Maybe that was the place that Ivypool belonged. But where did Doveheart belong?

Not with Tigerheart. She knew that one already, even if her stupid heart was trying to tell her otherwise. It would do better to forget about him – he was a ShadowClan cat, and one that had deserted her for the Dark Forest. And her place certainly wasn't sitting here making small-talk with Briarlight. Her duty was to ThunderClan, and to fulfilling her stupid prophecy. That required Jayfeather and Lionblaze, even if they were removed from the picture temporarily.

At least, she hoped it was temporarily.

If they were busy, at least she could do something. The three of them still needed to find their "dark prophet," whatever that meant, and there were cats in the Clan that were meddling in this Dark Forest business that could still be saved. From what Briarlight was suggesting, Blossomfall had been involved – but had gotten out. If Blossomfall could do it, then Doveheart could help other cats do it. Maybe not Ivypool, for her sister was far too smart to be lured into a false sense of security by Doveheart, but others.

Doveheart sat up straight. She knew just where to start.

"Thank you, Briarlight, but I have to go," said Doveheart suddenly. Briarlight turned huge, confused eyes up to her. "Don't tell Jayfeather I came to look for him – it's not important."

"Oh…of course, Doveheart…"

Doveheart didn't really have time to register the renewed sadness in Briarlight's voice as she hurried away, all too focused on scanning the camp for her target. Finally, she spotted Rosepetal alone, observing. Not hesitating any more – she had done enough moping – Doveheart skidded up to the creamy she-cat.

"Doveheart, hello," said Rosepetal, twitching her tail lazily. "Do you need something?"

Think, Doveheart, she thought furiously. You can't be upfront about this.

Without asking, Doveheart took a seat beside the cream-colored warrior.

"I was wondering if you remembered anything from when the shadow cats attacked you," said Doveheart tentatively. Rosepetal recoiled, stung by the words. Thinking quickly, Doveheart chose a new tactic and attacked. "I mean…I…" She cast her eyes to the ground. When she was sure that Rosepetal's attention was given only to her, Doveheart cautiously looked back up. "What if they speak to me when I see them? What will they say? Is this a new way they could hurt us? Oh, Rosepetal, I don't want them to be able to bite me!"

Cowering suddenly, Doveheart dove into her own paws, covering her eyes up. There was a moment of silence, and Doveheart wasn't sure that her lie had been convincing, but then she felt the gentle brush of a tail on her shoulder.

"Oh, Doveheart, please don't worry," said Rosepetal softly. "I'm sure the warriors won't talk to you like they did me."

Doveheart looked up with what she hoped were big, terrified eyes.

"How do you know?" she managed. Rosepetal hesitated, her tail still resting on Doveheart's shoulder as she determined how to phrase her certainty. That in itself made Doveheart know exactly what was going on.

"You're a normal Clan warrior," said Rosepetal finally. "They would have no reason to talk to you."

"But they don't have any reason to talk to you, either," whined Doveheart, ignoring the claim that she was somehow normal. "What did they say to you?"

For a long time, Rosepetal didn't answer, and Doveheart read her struggle easily. She let a bit of her mask take on a more concerned, frantic edge. If acting like a stupid kit was going to get Rosepetal to admit the truth, she could shrug her pride.

"I…well, the shadow cats are devices of the darkness," said Rosepetal, her eyes gleaming. "And…you mustn't tell anyone this, Doveheart, but I've been training with a special StarClan warrior who is trying to help me…make ThunderClan better."

Doveheart dropped the mask as soon as she heard the words, and watched as Rosepetal's eyes grew wide.

"Is that what they tell you?" asked Doveheart, not unkindly. "They tell you that you're out to make ThunderClan better? By killing other cats?"

For a moment, Rosepetal was frozen. Not giving her a chance to redeem herself, Doveheart bristled and pressed on.

"I don't think it's really a StarClan warrior you're taking orders from," said Doveheart. "Please, you can't believe that it is."

"Doveheart, you don't know what you're talking about." The tone of Rosepetal's voice had taken on a hostile edge suddenly, but Doveheart couldn't let her go with just that.

"Don't I?" she snapped. "My sister has all but left me for your training. Didn't you see what happened to Blossomfall? Don't you see how happy she is now?"

"Blossomfall has nothing to do with anything!"

"Rosepetal, you have to listen to me. They're using you. Trying to turn your anger into a reason to make you fight for them."

"Yes?" said Rosepetal, eyes flaring. "And why am I angry, then? You cannot prove that I am. I love ThunderClan, and I always have. Don't tell me I'm angry."

"Rosepetal – " Doveheart stopped midsentence when Rosepetal stood up with a whip of her tail that cuffed Doveheart's ears. How could she not be angry about something? The way she was acting didn't explain interaction in the Dark Forest, but then again…

"Rosepetal," she mumbled to herself. She couldn't give up now! Rosepetal had to see that there were still cats in the Clan worth living for, and someone who actually cared if she, Rosepetal, lived or died.

"Doveheart!" Doveheart was almost surprised to see Lionblaze hurrying towards her. "What are you doing?"

"More than you've done in the past half-moon," said Doveheart before she could stop herself. She allowed Lionblaze one shocked amber blink before she turned on her heels and stalked out in pursuit of Rosepetal.

The scents and sounds of the forest crashed over her head as she escaped, allowing Doveheart a moment of release. Her anger faded, and Doveheart gave herself a few seconds to just breathe in and out, and let her senses roam around the lake aimlessly. She could hear ShadowClan kits playing and RiverClan apprentices fishing lazily. Sure enough, she could sense Rosepetal, a flaring scent of distress not far away. Doveheart knew two things: that she should go after Rosepetal, and that Rosepetal would not appreciate her words. It made her wonder if she should even attempt to chase the creamy she-cat, knowing that whatever she said, Rosepetal would just try to run away.

"Doveheart!" Lionblaze's scent nearly took her by surprise, what with Doveheart being absorbed in her deliberation. She turned in time to stop him from crashing into her.

"What?" She wasn't entirely in the mood for Lionblaze to accuse her of being mean. Sure, she had been a little hard with him, but it wasn't as if he had been there for her at all in these few days.

"I just…you seemed angry, so I thought I would come after you. What's the matter?"

"What's the matter?" Doveheart felt her already-fluffy fur puffing out defensively. "How can you even ask that?"

She stared at him levelly until he sighed.

"Look, I can't help you if you don't tell me what's going on."

"Figure it out," snapped Doveheart. "I don't have time for this."

She turned away from him, angrily reaching for Rosepetal's scent and locating it.

"Look, Rosepetal isn't going to like you going after her," said Lionblaze crossly. "Especially when you're in one of your moods."

"I do not have moods."

"Doveheart, you're acting like a kit."

"I am not!" She whirled around, finding Lionblaze twitching his whiskers in amusement. "You stop that, you self-righteous mouse-brain! I'm trying to do something productive, while you and Jayfeather are just batting your eyes at stupid she-cats."

Lionblaze's amusement faded for a second to be replaced with shock, and then he bounded up to her even as she tried to storm away from him. Darn Lionblaze, ruining her dramatic exits!

"So that's what this is about!" he teased, nudging her lightly with her shoulder – except that lightly for Lionblaze meant unbalancing her entirely. "Oh, come on, Dove. You're not jealous are you?"

"Jealous of what?" asked Doveheart. She glared at him. "You and Icecloud?"

"Evidently," said Lionblaze. "So, what's up? Are you having tom issues? Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

Without warning or permission, Tigerheart's purr and dark eyes popped into her head. Doveheart let out a savage growl and attempted to turn away from Lionblaze, but he kept up, stride for stride. He was larger and quicker, and soon he blocked her path.

"It's none of your business, mousebrain."

"I'm making it my business right now," said Lionblaze imperially. "I have Icecloud now, and it's the best thing that's ever happened to me. And Jayfeather has his little support team of Cinderheart and Briarlight. Now we get to make you happy!"

"No," said Doveheart. She head-butted him in the chest, but Lionblaze was rock solid and didn't even move out of her way. "Get out of my way, stupid tom."

"What happened, honestly?" Lionblaze's eyes were now more concerned than amused. "I've never seen you this hurt over anything. Not even Ivypool upset you so much."

Doveheart stared up at him, thinking involuntarily of Tigerheart again. That wasn't even the problem though – the problem was that Lionblaze and Jayfeather had abandoned her during her heartbreak! Not that they had known about Tigerheart anyways…

"I'm upset because we haven't done anything to stop these shadow cats or the Place of No Stars, and it's all hanging over our heads! We have to do everything we can to get other cats out of Tigerstar's grasp, and all you can do is make eyes at Icecloud all day!"

"She deserves it," was Lionblaze's reply. He sighed. "Look, you're probably right. Maybe I haven't been devoting enough time to figuring out this prophecy thing. But I won't hurt Icecloud. I won't."

"It's not like you can help it," said Doveheart, remembering Tigerheart's promises to reform for her. "You have the prophecy to handle, and Icecloud can never be a part of that."

Lionblaze was silent, and this time, when Doveheart nudged him aside, he moved. That alarmed Doveheart, and she took a moment to re-evaluate her words and actions. Her former mentor just stared at her, utterly stunned.

"That can't have surprised you," said Doveheart. "Do you seriously think a destiny like this leaves room for having a mate?"

Lionblaze just stared, his eyes still revealing his shock, and Doveheart could feel her anger fading even as she watched this pathetic display. She wanted to yell at him still, but the urge was less strong now. At the moment, Doveheart felt like she couldn't do anything. She felt as powerless as Lionblaze had suddenly found himself to be.

"Lionblaze…" begun Doveheart, her voice turning gentle. He looked at her piteously. "I'm really sorry. You know that having someone like Icecloud in your life is more dangerous than it is anything else."

"But I love her." Those words were so silly, so kit-like, but Doveheart couldn't help but feel sympathetic.

"I understand," said Doveheart. Once more, she could see Tigerheart's smile in the back of her mind, but she wasn't angry or utterly heartbroken anymore. The ache in her heart was more a low-level depression than anything pressing. Was this what accepting a life alone meant? "Honestly, I do."

Lionblaze watched her with fatigued eyes for a few moments too long, and Doveheart began seeing the weariness he hid from the rest of the world. Honestly, it made her uncomfortable to stare it so straight in the face. It seemed as though Icecloud had given Lionblaze the ability to live an ordinary life, something that he had once forsaken. Tasting the air of love and friendship and normality, he had been happy. Doveheart could see it in his face – he didn't want to go back. He didn't want to accept this.

"You're my best friend," said Lionblaze suddenly. "And I mean that."

"Lionblaze…"

"You are," he insisted. "And you're right. You, Jayfeather, and I are in this until the end, wherever that gets us. I think I forgot that. You have every right to be mad at me."

Doveheart sat there; it was her turn to be stunned. Her surprise was a pleasant one, though, and it filled her with warmth to hear Lionblaze's sincere words. The look in his eyes was honest and true just as his speech was.

"I realized too late that I love Icecloud," he said, with enough conviction it seemed he was confessing his love to the entire world. "But you and Jayfeather are even more important to me than she is. I know this past moon hasn't really showed anyone that, but I promise it's true."

"You don't mean that," said Doveheart, instantly thinking of how Lionblaze looked at Icecloud. Tigerheart had looked at her lovingly, but it was never quite like this dopey-brave tom before her when he had his eyes on the pretty white she-cat.

"Dove," said Lionblaze, smiling. "Doveheart."

She found herself nodding, and that was all she needed. Lionblaze had always appreciated silence over words, anyways. Purring, Lionblaze crossed over to her and pressed fondly against her. Doveheart found herself leaning into the gesture and smiling in spite of her previous anger.

"I'm so glad it's you caught up in this mess with me," said Doveheart into his pelt. "You're like my littermate."

"I know," said Lionblaze sweetly. He drew away from her, and their two pairs of amber eyes locked. Lionblaze smiled a little deviously, a twinkle in his eye, and then he became back-to-work-Lionblaze. Doveheart felt her heart sink as she saw his transformation before her eyes; he had just stored his happy, playful side internally, and she had no idea when she would next see it. Still, duty called.

"So, Rosepetal?" Doveheart asked. "What should we do about it?"

"Try and win her back," said Lionblaze. "We'll think of something. But we have to be patient. Forcing her onto our side will only push her farther away."

"Then what now?" asked Doveheart, a little impatient. Why couldn't she do this now?

"Now, we go hunting," said Lionblaze seriously. "The Clan needs us as warriors, not just as figures of great prophecy." He rolled his eyes slightly, but Doveheart felt at ease. Smiling, she nodded and followed him into the trees.

So, the ending is kind of the worst thing ever, but other than that, I'm pretty happy with this. At least, it was good fun for me. I hope it was fun for you to read as well!

The next chapter is a Jayfeather chapter, which I'll put together whenever I get the time and energy. It's a little tough right now. This is a busy month, and this is basically what I do when I'm sitting in a corner covering my ears and pretending all my deadlines don't exist.

PLEASE review and let me know what you thought of this chapter! Do you like the chapter length (this one is longer than normal)? Are you a fan of this story? Do you also read Elemental? I'd really like to get to know the people reading this monster, so feel free to tell me anything. Please. It doesn't take very long!

~Elsi