Leafpaw was awoken by rustling.

The scent of rain filled her nose as her eyes opened. "Barkface." Leafpaw recognized Sandstorm's voice.

She lifted her head, blinking the sleep from her eyes. Sandstorm crouched under the bush; her attention focused on Barkface. The medicine cat raised his head. It was still dark. They had gotten to Highstones and soon after it had started raining. It still was.

"What is it?" Barkface's voice was filled with sleep.

"Firestar's gone!" Both medicine cats rose, alarmed. "I woke up and he was not at my side. I tried to follow his scent but it was difficult. Graystripe's gone to get Tornear." Leafpaw sniffed the air. She could not smell anyone else but she knew Brambleheart had been sleeping in the same den as them. Had they not woken him?

"Which direction was he headed?" Barkface asked.

"Away from the Thunderpath – toward TigerClan." Barkface hissed.

He looked at Leafpaw, ordering, "Stay there." Leafpaw nodded, her tail twitching as she settled back down and her mother and mentor disappeared. Anxiety rose in her.

Why would Firestar go toward TigerClan?

Leafpaw could hear talking outside. Her ears pricked, straining to listen to what was happening. However, the rain was too heavy. All she recognized was Tornear and Graystripe's voices joining the conversation.

It felt like forever before Barkface reentered. Leafpaw rose and Barkface glanced at her, lapping the water from his pelt. "I would have thought you'd have fallen asleep by now," he said.

"Where's Firestar?" She asked. Barkface sighed.

"We got Cloudtail up," He explained. "He tracked him to the mouth of Mothermouth. That's where his scent ended. We believe he's trying to speak to StarClan." Barkface glanced back to the rain, "I don't know how successful he will be."

Leafpaw's shoulders relaxed. That was better than she had thought. "Did he tell anyone he was going to?" She asked. Barkface shook his head.

"It's not too long until dawn," he settled back down. "The rain's easing, too. Try to get some sleep. We have a busy day tomorrow." Leafpaw nodded, laying back down.

Leafpaw woke just as the sun rose. She stretched, licking down her ruffled pelt before stepping outside. The rain had stopped.

A few cats were awake but not many. "Good morning, Leafpaw." She turned at Sandstorm's voice. She was seated with Brambleheart not far from where the medicine cats had been sleeping. The tom was looking toward Mothermouth. Leafpaw did not believe he had heard her.

"Good morning," Leafpaw replied.

"I did not intend to wake you last night," Sandstorm began. Leafpaw shook her head.

"It's fine," she said. "I'm a medicine cat, too. I should be involved in these things." The warrior nodded.

"You're right," She agreed. "You should be."

It did not take long before Firestar appeared. Surprised voices sounded from the warriors as their leader approached. Cats moved to meet him.

"Where'd you go?" Sagepaw asked, rising to his paws. Squirrelpaw gave her father a confused look.

"I went to talk with StarClan." Sandstorm came to his side, her tail lashing. She spoke quietly into his ear.

"In that rain?" Whitetail sounded surprised.

"What did they say?" Clovertail asked. Firestar looked at the tabby.

"What I already told you all," He looked across his warriors. "StarClan approves of what we are doing. This is the path they want." There was an edge to his voice that Leafpaw had not heard before. Despite this, anxieties seemed to ease among the warriors.

"I don't know why he felt the need to talk to them again," Squirrelpaw commented to Rockfall. "We already knew that!" The tom's tail was raised as they padded away.

"He has confirmation now, though. More than just you guys going." As they kept talking, Leafpaw turned away, surprised to hear Barkface's voice. She hadn't realized he was up yet.

"Why didn't you tell anyone you were going?" The medicine cat walked up to his leader. His tone was the same he would use on misbehaving apprentices, Leafpaw realized.

Firestar's eyes were narrowed. "I am leader of this Clan," His voice was low. "I do not need to ask anyone's permission to go anywhere." He looked at Sandstorm, "I did not intend to scare you. It was sudden. I couldn't sleep."

"What did they say?" Graystripe asked. Firestar's tail lashed. Leafpaw realized for the first time that he looked angry.

"As I said," the leader's gaze went to Brambleheart. "StarClan approves."

Crowpaw's tail twitched. Cautiously, he rose.

He padded toward where the WindClan cats had settled.

He had yet to talk to many of his campmates. Mostly, he had been sticking with Tawnyclaw on her orders. Tigerstar had wanted him dead. The only thing keeping that away at this point was Leopardstar, it seemed.

Tawnyclaw had been called away. He knew she was with Tigerstar and that Ashfur had been called as well but he had no idea what they could be talking about. Perhaps their time with this other WindClan? But why would Crowpaw not be involved or Dustpelt?

Tigerstar did not trust him. That was why he was not. His chest was clenched at the look his campmates gave him as he approached. A few warriors had glanced at him but quickly looked away. They did not trust him.

Ashfoot was disappointed by his actions and Mudclaw was downright angry. He still bore the clawing from their talk. He looked to where Owlpaw and Weaselpaw were laying together.

"Hey," He cleared his throat as his voice came out raspy. "Hello."

"Hi," It was Owlpaw who responded, his voice icy. Crowpaw shifted, unsure what do to. They were all treating him like a stranger.

"When did you become apprentices?" It could not have been that long ago. They were barely seven moons old if Crowpaw remembered correctly.

"It's been a bit," Weaselpaw replied. "Half a moon before you decided to return." Crowpaw jerked his head toward the younger toms, surprised.

"You were still five moons then, weren't you?" Tigerstar and Leopardstar had always been strict about this rule. Why were they made apprentices early?

"WindClan needed warriors," Owlpaw pointed out. The light brown tabby pushed himself up. "We had lost our only apprentice – and it was not because he'd become a warrior. Tigerstar said it was necessary." Crowpaw's stomach felt as though it had dropped.

"Yeah," Weaselpaw added in. "Tigerstar said we'd better serve our Clan." Crowpaw looked away, unsure how to answer. Frustration overcame him. He did not know why he had gone to the apprentices.

He should have been a warrior – he was almost a warrior when they had left! And now he was stuck with these barely-made apprentices. At least the warriors would not be so blatant. Crowpaw almost missed Squirrelpaw.

At least she was closer to his age.

"Owlpaw, Weaselpaw!" The apprentices turned. Runningbrook was eying Crowpaw as she continued. "Ashfoot and I need you – come on." Crowpaw's tail curled around his paws as the younger toms rose. They both gave him one more glance before heading over to the warrior.

"Nice going." Crowpaw almost wanted to bristle as Nightcloud padded up to his side. Amber eyes looked at him, "You know how young apprentices are."

"Was I that bad?" Crowpaw asked. Something in him eased.

"Not as hostile but still blatantly obnoxious." He could not help but chuckle. Nightcloud sat. "Don't take this as kindness." As he looked at the older cat, Crowpaw realized there was coldness in her gaze. "You still betrayed us."

"I was following Tawnyclaw's orders," Crowpaw began.

"And she betrayed TigerClan, too." Nightcloud's tail twitched. "Our camp needed warriors. We would have moved either way." The guilt that he had been carrying this whole time seemed to wash over him.

"I'm sorry –" He began. Nightcloud shook her head.

"There's nothing you can say." Her voice was quiet. Crowpaw shifted, wanting to respond when a voice called out to him.

He turned to see Tawnyclaw had left Tigerstar's den behind. Crowpaw rose, heading over to the camp leader. The tortoiseshell shoved into him.

"Well?" She asked as he stared at her, startled. "Was that a good thing?"

It took Crowpaw a moment to speak. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, are they being more accepting of you now." Tawnyclaw started to walk and Crowpaw followed. As he looked down, Tawnyclaw touched his shoulder.

"Stick with the ShadowClan cats, then. When I'm not around." Crowpaw looked up at her, eyes widening. "I won't let them do anything."

"Why are you offering?" Crowpaw's mind raced. Tawnyclaw turned to him.

"I already said I'll take care of everything." Serious green eyes looked at the apprentice. "Crowpaw, I'm not letting anything happen to you."

"Civility and that is the only thing we expect," Rusty's eyes were narrowed as he regarded the TigerClan leader.

Crowpaw glanced at Leopardstar. She could not possibly agree to this! The ginger tabby was nodding.

"You'll get whatever moors that are in these new territories," Leopardstar replied. "You have my word on this."

"And what of Tigerstar's word?" Tornear asked. They had gone to Mothermouth to talk with Rusty before he and Leopardstar had decided to talk more privately. They were meeting just over a hill. The TigerClan cats outnumbered these outsiders. Despite medicine cat presence, the tension was thick.

Neither Clan trusted the other. Rusty had his tail around Brambleheart's haunches.

"I speak for both of us presently," Leopardstar said. "I speak for my Clan." Her head was held high. Hawktalon glanced at his leader. "I am certain you have heard he was unwell. He is doing better." They don't believe that, Crowpaw thought, looking at the enemy warriors. Tigerstar was healing again but it had shaken up TigerClan. As much as Leopardstar and the camp leaders had tried to settle it, fear had spread. It was only furthered by how bad of shape Blackclaw was in.

Crowpaw knew this was not good but he could not help but feel relieved. With Tigerstar incapacitated, nothing had truly happened to him or Tawnyclaw.

"He'll agree to it," Attention went to Tawnyclaw as she spoke. She dipped her head to the kittypet. "Civility is needed during such delicate times." She glanced at Leopardstar, "All we need is three days to prepare to move. Then we should be ready to head into the mountains." Rusty nodded.

"That is not an issue." He looked at his deputy, "We all need time to prepare." Tornear nodded.

As the meeting ended, Brambleheart stepped toward Tawnyclaw and Crowpaw. "Can I talk to you?" He asked.

"Of course," Tawnyclaw replied. They started away when Rusty's voice rose.

"Brambleheart!" The three cats looked. He was talking to Leopardstar, Crowpaw realized. What else would there be for them to talk about? His intense green gaze was focused on Brambleheart. "Do not go far." The tabby dipped his head.

"Yes, Firestar."

They stopped. Tawnyclaw glanced back at the leaders before looking to Brambleheart. "No Squirrelpaw?" She asked. "She wasn't there when we came, was she?" Brambleheart shook his head.

"No, she… went hunting." Crowpaw was surprised. That did not seem like something the apprentice would agree to miss. Tawnyclaw looked at her brother, puzzled. Brambleheart shrugged. "She wasn't chosen."

"Why did you want to talk to us?" Crowpaw asked.

"You got the sign?" Brambleheart looked between the two. "The dying warrior."

"We did," Tawnyclaw replied. "What of it?"

"What was it, if you don't mind me asking." Crowpaw glanced at Tawnyclaw. While it seemed Brambleheart – paw, rather had started to be accepted into TigerClan, Crowpaw felt as though he could not trust the warrior with such information. He still seemed loyal to Rusty.

"It was metaphorical," Tawnyclaw explained. "A dream Runningnose had. Of a star dying over the mountains."

"StarClan sent you that?" Brambleheart asked. He looked confused, as though he was trying to figure something else out. Crowpaw did not know what.

"Our medicine cat – but yes, TigerClan." Tawnyclaw eyed her brother, "Are you alright?"

As Brambleheart nodded, Crowpaw looked at the tom. It was obvious something had happened to him while in TigerClan. These cats seemed surprisingly soft. He was certainly not used to it.

"Just a bit tired," the tabby looked back toward the others before heading over. Tawnyclaw watched after him, her tail twitching.

Hawktalon was at Leopardstar's shoulder now. She was still talking to the kittypet. His face brightened as Brambleheart approached.

Rusty looked up at the tabby's approach. He spoke a few more words before both leaders dipped their heads. He nudged Brambleheart as he turned. The warrior stuck right by his side and they headed toward their Clanmates. Tawnyclaw watched after them.

Crowpaw stayed close to Tawnyclaw as they started back. He looked up as Hawktalon came to his sister's shoulder.

"D'you see how he treated him?" The tom sneered. "Like a Twoleg watching its' dog so it doesn't stray!" Tawnyclaw glanced back toward the Thunderpath.

"I think he was worried Brambleheart would slip away," She commented. Hawktalon snorted.

"Who would blame him?" The tabby looked forward, icy blue eyes going to Leopardstar. "I still can't believe she just threw him back." His voice was lowered, tail twitching.

Crowpaw glanced at the warrior. After seeing the state TigerClan was in, he understood. They were not in a place to fight for them. Leopardstar had done what she thought was right. Anyway, being with these other cats was not so bad.

Crowpaw shook that thought away immediately. Rusty had murdered his leader. He had stolen a kit for no reason and he had taken down Tigerstar before. He had stolen Tallstar's trust after trying to kill WindClan with dogs! While he might have been acting civilly now, there was more going on.

"We'll get him back," Tawnyclaw assured.

"Rusty wants to go back onto Clan territory," Hawktalon continued. "He was asking Leopardstar permission." Crowpaw turned to the warrior, surprised.

"Why?" His mouth snapped shut at the scornful look the camp leader gave him. Tawnyclaw touched her tail to Crowpaw's back.

"Why?" She repeated, looking at her younger brother.

"Something about crossing it to see a sister? Don't know why it matters," Hawktalon shrugged. "Leopardstar wants me to go with them."

"When will this be?" Tawnyclaw asked.

"Tomorrow at dawn – to get there and back before dark." He looked at Tawnyclaw and Crowpaw questioningly. "It's strange – I wouldn't have expected him to care about anything like kin."

"He's still a cat," Tawnyclaw replied. Hawktalon scoffed.

"Hardly."

"Still," Tawnyclaw continued. "We all have things we care about."

Squirrelpaw let out a hiss as they made it back to the Clan.

"Why didn't you send for me?" Cats came forward to meet the patrol. Squirrelpaw looked intently at Firestar.

"We did not know they would come," the leader replied. "We did not know where your patrol went, we did not have time to send for you." Her ears flattened; she looked at Brambleheart.

"Why didn't you tell him to get me?" She asked. The warrior shook his head.

"There wasn't any time," he said. "As Firestar just said, they wanted to meet right then."

Squirrelpaw looked ready to protest. Firestar assured her. "You'll know what happened." He raised his voice, addressing the rest of the Clan. "They have agreed to our demands – whatever moors or open land in this new territory will be ours." The Clan shifted.

"Did Tigerstar say that?" Petalnose asked. "Was he there?" Firestar shook his head.

"We have not seen Tigerstar yet. Leopardstar and Tawnyclaw gave us their words."

"So, that promise means nothing." Rockfall's tail lashed. Firestar raised his tail as more voices arose, signaling for silence.

"It does not mean nothing," He gave the young tom a pointed look. "They are both respected and powerful cats in their Clan – their words have meaning behind them." He looked across the Clan. "They are not in a place to fight; Tigerstar is not foolish enough to send cats in these conditions off to fight." Brambleheart glanced at his leader. He did believe that losing would be a sign of weakness and that was the last thing Tigerstar would want. Firestar, however, almost looked like he was trying to convince himself of this.

"Their words are genuine and they are weak. We will get the moors." He turned suddenly, heading away. "We leave in three days."

Squirrelpaw looked after her father, her tail twitching. She turned abruptly toward Brambleheart.

"Don't let him leave me out – don't you leave me out!"

"I wasn't leaving you out," Brambleheart responded. "I can't tell him what to do – he's leader!"

"He listens to you more than he does to me." Squirrelpaw's tail lashed. The warrior almost wanted to scoff. "We're in this together. Brambleheart, please." She looked up at him. He sighed.

"Okay, okay." Brambleheart promised, "I'll talk to him – make sure we get you if you're not right there." Squirrelpaw nodded.

"Good."