"When's she becoming leader?" Stormfur paused in his grooming of the other tom's back, shrugging.
"She said after the Gathering," he replied. "So, I imagine tonight. I think Tawnyclaw wanted to wait since right now, she'd become leader of TigerClan, not ShadowClan."
"Doesn't Dustpelt also need to go?" Brambleheart did not know how this worked, but surely two leaders could not get their lives the same night.
"They'll work it out." The young warriors looked over at Firestar's rasp. Sandstorm and Leafdawn were with him. The cobwebs had been removed and a scabbed wound around his neck showed through Firestar's fur. The leader looked tired. Guilt still clung to Brambleheart's pelt. "Assuming, Dustpelt does become leader."
"I don't see how they have any other choice," Stormfur remarked. Sandstorm glanced over at him.
"There's plenty of good cats in ThunderClan," she said. "It's ultimately up to them." Brambleheart did not truly believe that and he doubted Sandstorm did either. The leaders would be announcing their choice. TigerClan cats were used to following orders without question. That was bound to hang over here.
"We need to head out soon," Leafdawn meowed. "Tornear's gathered cats already – Stormfur, you're coming too, right?" The gray warrior nodded.
"I'll be out in a second." Firestar waved his tail at the toms as they started toward the entrance. Sandstorm stuck by his side.
As the others left, Stormfur rose to his paws, arching his back. "You're sure you're good with me going?" He licked his flank a few times, flattening the fur.
"Someone's gotta tell me what happens," Brambleheart replied.
"Feathertail's going too and Leafdawn and –"
"I'll be fine," The other tom interrupted. "Cloudtail said he'd come by and hang out. Now, go."
"Yes, sir," Stormfur grunted. Brambleheart kicked at the standing warrior as he stepped over his mate's tail. Stormfur laughed.
"I'll throw you," The tabby threatened, resting his head on the edge of his nest.
"I can beat you in any fight right now," Stormfur called back as he headed out of the den.
Tigerkit squeaked in protest as Mothwing groomed her. The queen pulled the tortoiseshell closer to her, holding her still.
"You're meeting your father today," she said. "You need to look good." At least, they needed to be clean.
"Tigerstar said we didn't need a father," Falconkit replied.
"Well, Tigerstar's not here." The tom tilted his head.
"Where is he?"
"StarClan," Mothwing said, not knowing how else to answer. "Same as Hawktalon – but, you'll see them again one day," She added quickly as the kit's eyes widened.
"' hope it's soon," Falconkit mumbled. Tigerstar had spent a decent amount of time with the kittens, it was unsurprising that they missed the TigerClan leader.
"They're watching over us," Ferntail spoke up. She looked to the kittens and Tigerkit pressed against Mothwing. "Tigerstar will always be with us." Her words seemed forced. Hollykit looked up at her mother. If Mothwing's kits noticed, they paid it no heed.
"Why haven't we met him before?" Tigerkit looked up at Mothwing.
"Because he was busy being a warrior," She replied. "He'll have lots of stories for you when I'm away." Mothwing needed to go to the Gathering. It had been determined that this camp would become ThunderClan camp already.
Tawnyclaw and Leopardstar had already discussed the breaking up of territories, Mothwing knew. This meeting was a formality. A way to truly dissolve TigerClan.
"Mothwing!" The queen looked up at the call, ushering the kittens out of the nursery.
The camp was filled with ThunderClan warriors. Tawnyclaw stood with Rainfoot not far from the nursery. The gray tom's eyes widened as he caught sight of the kittens. They stuck by Mothwing, eying their father cautiously.
"Hello," The warrior cleared his voice as it came out as a rasp. "My name is Rainfoot. What are your names?" Falconkit pressed against Mothwing's leg. It was Tigerkit who responded.
"I'm Tigerkit," She squeaked. "He's Falconkit."
"Hi," Falconkit managed to mewl. Mothwing licked each kit in turn.
"Tigerkit," Rainfoot echoed. He almost looked horrified. Mothwing's belly twisted. "And Falconkit – it's…good to finally meet you."
"Why don't you two go with me?" Tawnyclaw suggested. "And let your parents talk?"
As she ushered the kittens away, Rainfoot repeated, "Tigerkit."
"He insisted," Mothwing forced herself to speak. "I wanted you to name one but…" She trailed off. Rainfoot nodded.
"She's a bit too old to change it, isn't she?"
"She likes it." The kitten had been quite proud of bearing her mother's father's name.
"We'll see how she feels with time," The tom muttered.
"They're lovely kits," Mothwing meowed quickly. "They're just scared by all the change." Rainfoot nodded.
"I think most of the Clan is," He replied. "Tigerstar was leader of ThunderClan when I was born. The Clans without him – it's a massive change." Mothwing nodded. There was a moment of silence before she spoke.
"I'm joining RiverClan." The tom looked at her, surprised. "They need a medicine cat – Leopardstar has offered the position to me."
"You have kits," Rainfoot began. Mothwing interrupted him.
"I had them because Tigerstar wanted us to." Her belly felt heavy with guilt as she shook her head. "I…am not a good mother to them." Blue eyes stared at her as she continued. "They need a good parent. Tawnyclaw has offered to take them but I thought you should have a say. If you wanted them, then they should be with you." Rainfoot looked away and Mothwing followed his gaze.
Tawnyclaw was talking to a few warriors, the kittens beneath her. They looked more soothed by her presence than they had been before. She would make a good mother, Mothwing reflected.
"There are no nursing queens in ThunderClan," Rainfoot finally said.
"If you want them, I'll stick around until they're weaned," the she-cat replied. "You don't need to answer this right now," She added quickly at the look on Rainfoot's face. "Spend time with them while we're away. We can go from there." The tom took a deep breath before he nodded.
"Okay."
Feathertail stepped away from her father as he tried to lick her ear.
"I'm okay," She insisted. Yellow eyes looked at her.
"If the log's going to be an issue –" Feathertail shook her head.
"Graystripe, I'm fine." They were already on the island. If she could twitch her tail, Feathertail knew it would be. There was not anything like a log on WindClan territory, it had been different to traverse was all. She stepped away before he could say anything further.
The island was full of cats. The scent of RiverClan filled the air. It was quiet as the leaders discussed near the base of a grand oak, located at the center of a clearing. As she padded up to Stormfur, her brother asked, "Everything good? Graystripe's looking a bit dejected." He glanced back at their father. Frustration twinged at the she-cat.
"You're a lot like him," She commented. The warrior paused in his step.
"Am I?"
"To a point." Stormfur snorted.
"Well, he was my mentor." Feathertail eyed the dark gray tom. They were not identical but it was clear they were father and son.
She knew she also looked like Graystripe too. She had certainly heard of it since they were in RiverClan. "He's also our father," She pointed out.
"He wasn't around when we were kits," Stormfur replied. "I think personality and such is more so from who you're around."
"Blood's got to have some influence on traits like that. Have you ever noticed that Brambleheart and Tawnyclaw walk similarly?" The tom looked over to the tortoiseshell warrior. A sound came from the back of his throat.
"I guess so."
"Let's stick with our Clanmates," Feathertail looked over to the enemy warriors. There was not much intermingling right then but she did not want to risk anything.
"Of course." The littermates settled with Brightheart and Tinywing.
It did not take long before Firestar, Leopardstar, and Tawnyclaw climbed the oak. They sat on different branches. Attention was brought forward with Leopardstar's yowl.
As silence fell over the gathered Clans, she continued, "I would like to preface this meeting by making things clear," The dappled tabby looked to the base of the tree. Feathertail's chest tightened as she recognized Blackfoot. The white tom's head was held high.
"Blackfoot, what happened the day Bluestar died?" The warrior rose to his paws as he explained.
"Tigerstar ordered us to attack," His voice rumbled through the clearing. "When he had proven successful, he told us to lie." The warrior looked across the clearing, "To say that Fireheart was who we had worked with. In exchange, he promised to help us get back into ShadowClan." Meows were rising as the warrior sat back down.
"And what happens with these warriors now?" A voice from TigerClan called. "They enabled the destruction of our Clans!"
"You all enabled the destruction of your Clans." Feathertail was surprised as Tornear spoke up. "By believing and listening to that traitor, we are in the situation we are in now." Yowls rose and Feathertail could feel Stormfur's tail twitching against her. Silence came as Tawnyclaw's call echoed through the clearing.
"These warriors will remain in ShadowClan." The tortoiseshell looked across the clearing and a tension came over the on-watching warrior. "They were manipulated by Tigerstar. These warriors did what they believed they had to in order to return to their Clan. They will prove their loyalty." Her tone gave no room for argument.
"A real nature, isn't she?" Stormfur muttered.
"She learned from the best," Feathertail replied. Stormfur chuckled and Tinywing let out a snort.
"I approve of this," Firestar spoke up. He cleared his throat as it came out as a rasp.
The WindClan leader was lower on the tree than Tawnyclaw and Leopardstar. His wounds were still obvious and he looked almost ragged. Feathertail was certain, had situations been different, Firestar still would have been confined to his nest.
"When I was rejected by ThunderClan…it was like I had lost a part of me." He looked down at the white warrior. "I understand their actions and I forgive them." Blackfoot lowered his head. "We are in a new era. As the Clans heal from Tigerstar's rule, let every cat prove himself to be better."
"Now," attention went back to Leopardstar, "We have discussed how we will be splitting up TigerClan territory. RiverClan will have the marshland from the Horseplace to the Greenleaf Twolegplace." She looked to Tawnyclaw.
"ShadowClan will have the pine forest between the two Greenleaf Twolegplaces," The tortoiseshell continued. "And ThunderClan will have from there to the WindClan border brook."
Firestar finished, "Warriors will be allowed to travel within two fox lengths of the lake's shore. Whether that is to get to another Clan, here for the Gathering, or to the Moonpool. Trespassing otherwise shall be dealt with by the leader's discretion." Murmurs of approval came from the gathered warriors.
"Tawnyclaw will be taking over as ShadowClan's leader," Leopardstar meowed. "And we have discussed who we wish to become ThunderClan's leader." There was a shift as a cat rose from the crowd, moving to stand between the tree and the warriors. "Dustpelt has proven himself capable in his role of camp leader. Does any ThunderClan warrior believe differently?"
Silence answered the leader. Stormfur leaned over to Brightheart.
"You knew him, right?" his voice was quiet, "What's he like?"
"Stubborn," Brightheart replied. "Loyal to the warrior code. I believe he might have what ThunderClan needs right now." Stormfur nodded. As they were speaking, Dustpelt ascended the oak. There was a pause before the tabby tom spoke.
"I am honored to have been chosen," he said, tail flicking. "And I promise to bring forth everything I can to lead ThunderClan down a path of success. To become the Clan Bluestar was proud of again." Meows of approval rose.
"Now," Tawnyclaw continued. "We have discussed an amendment to the warrior code." Meows rose as the tortoiseshell looked to Firestar. Feathertail's ears pricked. What could this possibly be?
"Are they allowed to do that?" Tinywing looked at her Clanmates. Feathertail shrugged and Brightheart shook her head.
"I've not heard of this ever happening." Firestar looked steadily down at the clearing.
"A leader's orders are to be obeyed. However, if they go against the warrior code, a warrior may challenge it at their own discretion. If so, the leader's authority may be questioned." Yowls rose at Firestar's words. Dustpelt looked like he had not expected this, yellow eyes looked down at the WindClan leader.
"We can't change the warrior code!" Someone called. Feathertail looked around. Most of the protest was coming from TigerClan, she realized. Silence fell as Tawnyclaw yowled.
"That rule enabled Tigerstar," she said. "It enabled Brokenstar, too. Any good leader would allow their warriors a say. This rule will enhance that."
"I approve." Leopardstar's tail curled around her paws. Feathertail snorted, the RiverClan leader did not look pleased.
However, she could not go against Firestar or Tawnyclaw. There was a pause before Dustpelt spoke. The newly appointed leader looked more startled than anything.
"Then I do, too." Firestar dipped his head to the ThunderClan warrior.
"Let this point in history not be forgotten," The WindClan leader meowed. "The Clans must learn from Tigerstar's rule. We must teach our kits, and their kits, and their kits after them what happened during these seasons so that this may never happen again." Calls of support rose from Firestar's warriors. Tawnyclaw dipped her head to the tom.
"It will be so." Dustpelt and Leopardstar's agreements followed.
As the meeting ended, the Clans broke apart. Feathertail rose at Tornear's yowl. The deputy had jumped onto a stump not far from where WindClan had been sitting.
Feathertail froze in her step as a voice called out to her and Stormfur. The littermates turned.
Mistyfoot had called out to them. She was at the base of the oak, Leopardstar, Firestar, and Graystripe with her.
Oh. Something between bitterness and grief panged in Feathertail's chest.
She could guess what was going on.
Stormfur looked confused but led the way over. "Yes?" He asked as they drew near. Leopardstar's tail twitched as she began to speak.
"I want to apologize to you two for what has happened," She began. "I know an apology will never make up for what you have been through – what you have loss, but RiverClan is changing and there are places for you both in it." Firestar looked at the littermates.
"There will be no judgment passed no matter what you choose," he said. Graystripe nodded.
"It's up to you two."
There was a pause as Feathertail thought over what she was going to say. Her mouth opened but Stormfur scoffed.
"Why would we?" He asked, "We've been WindClan longer than we were ever RiverClan. Even then, we were ThunderClan." His tail lashed and his eyes were cold, "We were kittens and you treated us like intruders." Leopardstar nodded.
"I understand." She looked to Feathertail. The silver tabby shifted and looked into the RiverClan leader's amber eyes before she spoke.
"I'm WindClan."
"Well," Mistyfoot stepped forward. "I'm going. Leopardstar has offered me deputyship." Stormfur looked surprised but Feathertail nodded. She stepped forward first, pressing against her mentor as a purr built in her throat. Stormfur followed her lead.
"Don't get in too much trouble," Mistyfoot meowed. "I want to see you two at every Gathering, alright?"
"Of course," Feathertail could not stop her voice from coming out as a rasp. The older warrior licked both of the littermate's ears before they broke off. Feathertail watched after her mentor, Stormfur pressed against her side.
"Come on," Both turned at Graystripe's meow. Their father watched them. Firestar had started toward the Clan. "We need to get back to our Clanmates." Feathertail nodded.
"Of course."
Firestar paused in his step, looking at the fence. The Clan stopped behind him.
"Firestar?" Graystripe asked.
"I'm going to go see Daisy," Firestar announced. Leafdawn's eyes widened. She moved to her father. He should have been resting this whole time. She knew he was tired.
"Is that the best idea?" Sandstorm glanced at the medicine cat.
"I'm already out here," The leader replied. "Now's a better time than later." He looked back at Tornear. "Lead the Clan back to camp," Firestar ordered. "I'll be back before dark." The deputy looked to Leafdawn.
"This is what you want to do?" She asked.
"I need to," Firestar replied. Leafdawn nodded.
"I'll go with him." She looked at Sandstorm, "If this is going to happen, we're already here." The she-cat nodded and Tornear let out a yowl, rising his tail as he took the lead.
As the Clan started back, Firestar crossed the fence. Leafdawn followed after him.
Her mouth opened as she took in the scent of horse. The medicine cat could see a few in a field not far from them. It was quiet as Firestar led the way.
The fresh scent of cat hit Leafdawn's nose as they drew closer to the barn. Firestar ducked into the open door but Leafdawn had to pause. She took a breath before entering the Twoleg nest.
A gray and white tom appeared from some straw. This had to be Daisy's kit's father, Leafdawn realized. Mouse and Hazel looked just like him. His tail twitched as he approached the Clan cats. "Who are you?" He demanded. Firestar dipped his head to the loner.
"My name is Firestar, leader of WindClan. This is Leafdawn," He flicked his tail at her and she nodded at the tom. "You must be Smoky?"
"I am," The tom replied. "Daisy has mentioned you." Firestar nodded.
"I would like to speak with her." Smoky's ears went back.
"She's left your Clan," He began.
"I know," Firestar interrupted. "We did not speak before she left. I wish to apologize." Smoky eyed the leader, cautiously. Leafdawn thought the tom was going to reject them when a yowl sounded from further into the den.
Berry, Hazel, and Mouse came rushing out. Daisy followed after them, her ears flattened. She paused in her step as she caught sight of the warriors. The kittens kept going.
"Are we going back to camp?" Berry asked.
"Can we?" Hazel looked up at Firestar, her eyes wide. "It's so empty here!"
Yeah," Mouse added. "I wanna go back to the nursery!" Firestar purred as the kittens continued to mew.
"That's up to your mother," Leafdawn replied. Smoky's eyes narrowed and Daisy approached. She lowered her head to the WindClan cats.
"Hello, Firestar. Leafdawn." The leader dipped his head and Leafdawn meowed a greeting.
"It's good to see you, Daisy." Firestar meowed, "I do apologize that you did not feel safe in my Clan. WindClan is weaker without you there." Smoky spoke.
"Daisy, I don't –" The queen interrupted.
"We'll be fine, Smoky. Why don't you take the kits so we can talk?" The tom did not look pleased but ushered away the protesting kittens. Firestar watched after them.
"They're as excitable as ever," he remarked.
"They miss WindClan," Daisy replied. "They're no longer used to so few cats." Firestar nodded, looking to the barn around them.
"I lived in a barn for a while," he said. "After leaving ThunderClan and before joining WindClan. It's warm, plenty of food. Certainly, not a cruel place to raise kittens. Brambleheart grew up there, actually." Daisy looked surprised.
"Did he?" Firestar nodded.
"He's more comfortable around Twolegs than our Clanmates because of it and learning about limited prey was difficult for him, but he managed. Kits are resilient." Daisy nodded.
"They are."
"I am truly sorry that you felt the need to go," Firestar's head lowered. "I failed you." Daisy shifted on her paws, tail twitching.
"You did not. I don't know if I could have stayed, regardless." She meowed, "All the violence – I know it's part of being a Clan cat but that does not happen here." The leader nodded.
"That was worse than usual," He meowed. "We just met with the other leaders and I believe we are going into a time of peace. Warriors do a lot more than just fight." Leafdawn looked at her father. How could he be so certain? Things were still up in the air. Daisy shook her head.
"It's a big part of it though," She meowed. "The queens told me. I don't believe I could do that – and I like my name just fine." Firestar nodded.
"Then don't be a warrior." Leafdawn looked at Firestar, surprised. What else could she be? "There have been queens who stayed queens after their kittens left the nursery. I know the other queens enjoyed your company. Being a Clan cat goes beyond a name, too." She eyed him cautiously.
"What would your warriors think?" She asked.
"Oh, they won't like it," He replied. "But they will learn to accept it." The loner still looked uncertain.
"And what of my kits?"
"They'll be apprentices, eventually," Firestar replied. "They'll be taught to be warriors or a medicine cat. Either way, their Clanmates will have their backs." Daisy still looked troubled.
"I don't want to pressure you," Firestar continued. "I do know, however, if I thought Brambleheart was going to be taken when we lived on the farm, I would have left in a heartbeat. I want you to know there is a place for you and your kits in WindClan. There always will be." He dipped his head, flicking his tail at Leafdawn.
The medicine cat turned to follow but paused as kittens mewling came again. "Hazel, Berry!" Smoky called as they reappeared, soon followed by Mouse and their father. The loner looked exasperated as the kittens rushed the WindClan cats again.
"We're going back to camp, right?" Mouse asked. Leafdawn shrugged, looking to Daisy as more excited mews rose. The queen looked torn but as she looked back to the kittens, Daisy nodded.
"Okay," she decided.