"And why weren't we told of this sooner?" Tornear asked.

"We didn't know what she wanted to say," Squirrelflight responded. "It's not like Tawnyclaw told Leopardstar before." The deputy slowly nodded.

"Will you meet with her?" Brambleheart asked. This whole thing felt wrong. They should have gone to Firestar, Brambleheart wanted to so badly. The last thing he wanted to do was go behind his leader's back but Firestar would be upset at them for leaving without permission. Them talking to TigerClan warriors would make him even more so.

It was the next day. They were out of camp. Tornear was silent for a moment.

"Are you certain you can trust Tawnyclaw?"

"I wouldn't say trust her," Feathertail replied. "But she is upset about Crowpaw and she's realized the truth. Right now, she and Leopardstar have the same goal as us." The deputy slowly nodded.

"Alright," he said. "I'll meet with them. However, when it comes time to tell Firestar, this is all on you."

"That's fair," Stormfur replied. More meows of agreement came. Warriors rose to their paws as Tornear did.

"Great," Squirrelflight meowed. "We can talk to Firestar now?" Brambleheart looked at her, surprised. That was not what they had decided. The other warriors had stiffened.

"We'll go to Firestar when we have a real plan," Tornear said. The she-cat looked at the deputy.

"He's not going to be happy about us doing this behind his back." She pressed, "Doesn't it look bad if Leopardstar doesn't meet our leader?"

"Squirrelflight, we talked about why we wouldn't be doing that," Brambleheart began. The younger warrior shot him a glare.

"He wants Tigerstar gone," she said. "He'll be willing to work with Leopardstar."

"No one's saying he won't be," Brambleheart meowed.

"Going behind his back like this is just confirming what they think of him – Tawnyclaw called him crazy, for StarClan's sake!" The tabby's ears went back.

"Squirrelflight," Tornear interrupted. "If we tell Firestar about this right now, he will focus on the fact that you, Stormfur, and Brambleheart are not allowed out of camp without supervision. To see a TigerClan warrior, might I add."

"Feathertail was with us," Stormfur put in. The deputy snorted.

"Feathertail doesn't count as supervision for you three." He glanced at the silver she-cat, "No offense. You four are going to get in trouble for this if he knows."

"None taken," Feathertail waved her tail. "We're going to get into trouble either way, Squirrelflight, but it's better if we actually have a plan first. I don't like keeping this from Firestar, too – none of us do." The younger warrior sat back on her haunches.

"Fine," She meowed. "Just – as soon as we can, we should tell him."

"We will," Tornear promised.

Runningnose glanced at the kits. Mothwing's ears folded back. Neither of the medicine cats seemed pleased by Leopardstar's orders.

"Each plant you only use certain aspects of – whether the leaves or root." They were in Mothwing's den; the kittens were asleep at her side. When they slept was the only time they could do this.

"Like how you only use the roots of comfrey?" Mothwing put in. Her mouth snapped shut as the tom gave her a surprised look.

"I don't believe Littlecloud mentioned telling you that," He commented. The queen cursed herself, she had to have gotten that from Leafpaw.

"Well, I spent some time around you two on the journey over." Mothwing offered, "I think I heard one of you say something about it."

"You also talked with Leafpaw," Runningnose commented. Mothwing's chest tightened; how much did he know? She opened her mouth but the tom interrupted. "You're eager, Mothwing. That is not a fault." He glanced at the kittens again. "You could have had the potential to be a medicine cat." The warrior's ears flattened.

"Mudfur was Leopardstar's father," she began. Runningnose interrupted.

"And there were times where he should have been more critical of her decisions," The tom responded. "We need to be unbiased to protect each warrior. There are reasons behind our rules."

"I can be unbiased," she said. Mothwing did not know what Runningnose wanted her to say. She had not wanted this. The medicine cat did not look like he believed her.

Suddenly Runningnose spoke louder, "I'll check our supplies." There was movement at the entrance, Tigerstar entered. "Ragwort or daisy should be able to help with your hips." The queen nodded.

"Thank you."

"Why does she need that?" The leader asked, stepping around them both.

"Staying here all day – all this laying, it isn't good for her hips." The medicine cat dipped his head. "She should be able to move more if she was in the nursery – be able to stretch her legs. It would be better for her and the kits, too." Tigerstar snorted.

"Plenty of queens raise kits alone," He replied, waving his tail at the medicine cat in dismissal. Runningnose turned to leave and Mothwing's ears went back as the leader nudged Falconkit.

"Please don't wake them – they need sleep." Amber eyes looked at her.

"They like spending time with me, it'll be fine." As Falconkit opened his eyes, Tigerstar turned his attention to the she-kit.

"Tigerstar!" The tom-kit pushed himself up, sticking his muzzle toward the leader. It had begun to turn ginger.

Mothwing turned away, resting her head down. She was forgotten as the leader began to speak to the kits.

Onewhisker hissed. Leafpaw glanced up at the tabby, pausing in her touch.

"It's not broken," She reminded him. "Rubbing it is going to help build up strength in your muscles as it heals. Don't you want to be walking before your kits come?"

"Didn't you think it was broken originally?" He asked. "How are you so certain it's not?"

"Your paw is functional. Barkface believes you strained it," Leafpaw answered. "That's why it hurts."

"How do you know that?" Leafpaw turned at Berry's squeak. The kit was looking at her from over some hay, eyes wide.

"We're medicine cats – Barkface has been doing this for almost his entire life and I've been training for moons now." Medicine cats always learned more after getting their names, but she had experience.

"Woah," The kit breathed.

"Can I have some poppy seeds before you leave?" Onewhisker asked. The apprentice nodded, turning away. It was nearing sunset; tonight was the first half-moon meeting in this territory. Her paws were tingling.

She would be getting her medicine cat name tonight.

This was one good thing after everything that had happened. Squirrelflight had told her about Crowpaw's death and she still could not believe it. How could any cat kill their own warrior over something like this? Crowpaw did not deserve this.

As she set a few seeds down, movement came from the den entrance. Barkface came in, Brightheart following after. "Onewhisker, Berry, Brightheart's going to stay with you while we're away." The kit looked at her curiously and the warrior swallowed the seeds, flicking his tail in greeting at the other warrior. She mewed one back.

"They shouldn't need much," Barkface looked at the ginger and white warrior. "Onewhisker should just go to sleep and Daisy'll be over later to feed Berry – you know how to mitigate pain if it comes to it."

"Of course," Brightheart replied. "Is there anything else I may need to do – with the queens or Firestar, perhaps?" Barkface stiffened.

Though cats were aware of it, they had been trying to keep this away from the Clan. Tornear was maintaining normalcy among the warriors when needed.

"The queens seem good – if there's anything serious, just maintain it until we get back. Sandstorm has Firestar," the medicine cat added, his voice hushed. "I'm not expecting anything from him but if there is, she should be able to deal with it. I know you've dealt with him before; you know what to do." Brightheart nodded.

"Of course." Barkface looked at Leafpaw.

"Let's get going – we need to get our guard." Leafpaw rose to her paws. Graystripe had been chosen to come with them to the Moonpool, as it had begun to be called, tonight.

"Good luck, Leafpaw," Brightheart blinked at her. Leafpaw blinked back at the older she-cat.

"Thanks." They headed out of the den. Greetings were exchanged as they met Tornear and Graystripe.

"I don't believe there will be any real issues," the deputy meowed. "Leopardstar is not going to allow any but be careful. There are more dangers than just TigerClan out there."

"We will be," Barkface promised. They headed out.

It was quiet as they headed quickly toward the back border. They would be moving around TigerClan territory, there was no reason to stir them up. Especially considering the recent intrusion. Leafpaw was surprised as they paused at the border.

"We'll be back closer to dawn," Barkface turned to Graystripe. "Wait here until we're back." The warrior nodded.

"Of course."

"He's not coming?" Leafpaw asked. She had not heard of this before. Her mentor glanced at her.

"This is improper," His voice was low. "No warrior should be at a half-moon meeting. What Firestar does not know will not hurt him." Graystripe did not seem surprised by this all. This must have been Tornear's doing, then.

"If you need me, run back." Graystripe blinked at the apprentice, "I look forward to knowing your medicine cat name, Leafpaw." The apprentice ducked her head.

"Thank you." They started off again. The sun had just set and stars were beginning to appear.

Leafpaw stayed at her mentor's side, ears pricked. It would be nice if Runningnose and Littlecloud were allowed to go.

They entered the dense forest between TigerClan and the mountains. They would just need to find the brook. "This is the same as your dream?" Barkface asked as they moved further in. Leafpaw nodded.

"It is."

"You've trained well, Leafpaw," He continued. "You'll make a fine medicine cat. That StarClan sent you that dream is certainly a sign of it." Leafpaw dipped her head.

They came across the brook and started up. Leafpaw opened her mouth, taking in the scent around them. It was much darker in here than it would be back on the moors at this time.

The fur on her back bristled as she recognized TigerClan scent. It was fresh. She could pick up two cats. "Do you smell that?" Leafpaw asked. She did not recognize the scents as Runningnose or Littlecloud, though she had not seen them in a while. Their scents had certainly changed, just as the WindClan cats had after the journey.

Barkface raised his nose and froze in his steps. He pushed her toward some brush. Leafpaw's heartbeat quickened as Barkface took a few steps forward. "Runningnose?" He called out, "Littlecloud?"

Nothing answered him. The old tom's gaze was locked onto something through the darkness. There were a few seconds of silence before he spoke. "Run."

The apprentice whipped around, racing back through the dense forest. She could hear Barkface following behind her. Her heart slammed against her chest.

Suddenly, claws grabbed her. Leafpaw yowled, whipping around to swipe at her opponent. She recognized golden eyes. The large tom dug his claws into her side.

A paw went on her shoulder and Leafpaw recognized the white shape above her. This was Blackfoot. Silence filled the air as he looked down at her. No one else was running, had it just been Blackfoot she had heard? Where was Barkface? Had she just left her mentor behind?

His claws suddenly dug into her, raking down her side. The apprentice yowled, jerking her head as she tried to bite his leg. They should have brought Graystripe.

Blackfoot suddenly stepped off of her. Leafpaw stared up at him, surprised. "Get up," He ordered. She scrambled to her feet.

It hurt to rise; her side was damp with blood. She certainly could not outrun him in this forest. Her claws extended. Yellow eyes stared at her.

"Run along now," He rumbled. "Tell your father – you might be able to save your mentor." Leafpaw's eyes widened. She turned and ran.

Nothing came after her.

She burst out of the forest, slowing in her step as she caught sight of Graystripe. The warrior had rushed to meet her. "What happened?" he demanded. "Are you okay?"

"Need to stop the bleeding," She answered. "Barkface – there were TigerClan warriors." Graystripe looked toward the forest.

"I'll go help Barkface," He meowed. "Head back to camp – tell Firestar." The two separated.

Leafpaw let out a yowl as she caught sight of the camp entrance. The sentry jumped and she recognized him as Shrewleap. Wide eyes stared at her as she stumbled over.

"Wh-what happened?" He asked.

"We were attacked," She said. Leafpaw had left Barkface there, the horror was beginning to hit her. "Barkface and Graystripe need help." Shrewleap looked disturbed. He took a step toward the entrance before shaking his head and allowing Leafpaw to lean against him.

"Help!" The black tom yowled as they entered camp. Warriors looked up from where they were sleeping. Meows rose. Leafpaw's gaze went to the leader's den as a shape darted out.

"What happened?" Firestar demanded as he approached, Sandstorm followed after him.

"We were attacked – TigerClan," She meowed quickly. Fury lit up the leader's face. Yowls were rising. "Barkface told me to run. He and Graystripe are still there."

"Tornear, gather a patrol." The deputy dipped his head, calling out names. Leafpaw pulled away from Shrewleap, looking at Sandstorm. As the patrol left, her mother wrapped her tail around her. The medicine cat pressed her temple against the warrior's shoulder.

"I'm going to need you to breath," Sandstorm spoke into her ear. "You're shaking. Squirrelflight, back up." That bit was louder. "Let Brightheart get to her."

Leafpaw took a few deep breaths, turning. Squirrelflight was looking at her with wide eyes and Brightheart was at her side with cobwebs and some herbs. Brightheart knew how to do this, Leafpaw did not need to double-check her.

"Are you still Leafpaw?" Tinywing asked. The apprentice nodded.

"What if Barkface is dead?" Thistlefoot asked. "What will we do then?" Anxious meows were rising among the Clan.

"Firestar and Tornear both left," Sandstorm whispered into her ear. "They didn't leave anyone in charge. They need you to be brave." Realization dawned for Leafpaw.

She was the cat with the most authority. She was the medicine cat. Leafpaw took a deep breath.

"Then I'll be your medicine cat," She forced herself to raise her voice, pulling her head away from her mother's shoulder. "I'll go get my name – I was going to, anyway." Leafpaw had never had to do this before. It was always Barkface.

"Who will give you your name?" Clovertail asked.

"StarClan," Leafpaw answered. She hoped they would.

"Leafpaw's going to make a fine medicine cat," Morningflower put in. "She already is." Meows of agreement rose.

"What happened?" Rockfall asked. "Did you see Barkface and Graystripe get killed?"

"We don't know if they are dead," Sandstorm shot the young tom a look. "They are both strong cats. You are speculating. It's better to wait and find out from Firestar's patrol. Do not bombard her."

"They weren't dead," Leafpaw forced herself to speak. Since Blackfoot had spared her, hopefully, the others would have the same fate.

It was past midnight when the patrol returned. Graystripe was standing. Limping, but standing.. Brambleheart and Rainfur set Barkface down near the middle of camp.

He was dead.

Leafpaw stared at her mentor, horrified. Sandstorm's head went on her shoulders. Firestar looked furious.

"We're going to need to get Leafpaw to the Moonpool," Tornear began.

"She's not going near there." The leader suddenly began to pace. "No one is going back there again." Meows rose from the warriors.

"What if you or Leafpaw need to talk to StarClan?" Clovertail asked.

"They got our medicine cat killed," The leader spat. His breath was beginning to tighten. Sandstorm pulled away from her daughter, stepping toward the leader. Leafpaw's eyes widened.

Firestar could not be doing this here. Tornear and Sandstorm did not even know about this.

"Firestar, I need to get my name."

"Not from them," He answered. The leader jerked his head to the sky. "Are you happy?" He yowled out. "Is this what you wanted?" Fear scent was filling the camp.

"Firestar," Graystripe stepped up to his friend. "Let's –"

"We need to stop this," The leader continued. "We need to. This needs to end. We need to attack TigerClan. They are not going to get away with this." Some meows of support rose from the warriors. Leafpaw did not know what they expected to happen. There were too many TigerClan warriors.

"We need to focus on Leafpaw getting her name first," Tornear began. Firestar whipped around to face him.

"I said she is not going up there!"

"She deserves her name!" Sandstorm stepped toward her mate. "Firestar, do not deny her this. StarClan should be able to give it to her." Firestar stopped in his pace, looking to Leafpaw. He was panting.

"Oh, she most certainly does!" Spit flew from his mouth. His gaze was bright as he began, "I, Firestar, leader of WindClan, call upon our ancestors to look upon this apprentice." His tone was getting bitter. Meows were rising from the gathered Clan again.

"Firestar," Leafpaw started. Sandstorm looked surprised.

"This is improper. Firestar, this is between medicine cats and StarClan."

"Silence!" He called, looking across the crowd. "We do not talk during a ceremony." The Clan fell silent. Tornear gave Leafpaw an alarmed look. Firestar continued.

"She has trained hard to learn your code and the skills of a medicine cat." Firestar's tail was lashing. Leafpaw did not know what to do. He seemed to look right through her. "I commend her service for this Clan. Leafpaw, do you promise to uphold the ways of a medicine cat even at the cost of your own life?" His voice cracked at the end. The tabby hesitantly nodded.

"I do." She did not know what else to say. She had no clue how close this was to the real ceremony.

"Then I give you your medicine cat name." He stepped toward her, "From this day on, you will be known as," there was a pause, "Leafdawn. We honor your courage and…faith." Something dark was growing in Firestar's gaze. "And we welcome you as WindClan's medicine cat."

Leafdawn ducked her head as Firestar stepped forward, resting his head on hers. She licked his shoulder. The Clan watched on.