Another amazing chapter from me and my wonderful Beta!!! We both hoped you liked the last chapter and we both hope you are going to like this one as well!!

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Fireheart yawned and flicked her ear back a bit in annoyance as a bee buzzed past. The thaw had finally arrived which they all thanked StarClan for and now many of the things lost to leaf-bare have now returned.

Though she could do without the insects.

"Fireheart!" Tigerclaw's voice rang out. She turned and let out a throaty purr. He came beside her to nuzzle her head. "Are you up for leading a patrol along the borders of RiverClan? With the snow melting, the scents need to be renewed."

"Of course!" Fireheart replied. "Whom shall I take?"

"I was thinking we could take Dustpelt, and Longtail." Tigerclaw meowed, glancing around for the two warriors in question.

Fireheart happily nodded in agreement as she glanced around herself. But then she spotted Graystripe slinking his way towards the gorse tunnel. More than likely on his way to see Silverstream. But what made Fireheart's head freeze was Darkstripe secretly watching every move that the big, solid, dark gray tom made.

Internally panicking about what Darkstripe could possibly be thinking about her friend Fireheart made a hasty decision, "Graystripe!" Fireheart called out to the dark gray warrior, making him freeze where he was and drawing attention to him. "I know you wanted to go hunting today but could you instead join our patrol?"

Graystripe looked about ready to argue, but since he was put on the spot he meekly nodded. Darkstripe was still watching closely but his interest has waned; for now.

"Oh great." Dustpelt grumbled as he made his way over with an unsure Longtail in tow. "I can't go on one single patrol without having to see that fat fur-ball all the time." Graystripe and Dustpelt shot each other a glare but didn't resume fighting like the last time they had been on patrol together.

"Knock it off you two." Tigerclaw growled at the pair. "You're warriors and you should act like it. Don't squabble like kits. We're going to be patrolling the RiverClan border now that the forest has thawed, and we need to check on Sunningrocks."

Dustpelt murmured something too quietly for Fireheart to catch, but the way that Graystripe's yellow eyes lit up at the mention of RiverClan was tiring to see. Fireheart instead looked at Longtail, head tilted in curiosity. "Where's your apprentice, Longtail?"

"Same as your own," Longtail shrugged. "Taking care of the elders and nursery."

Fireheart nodded. Remembering when she herself had to take care of the elders and nursery dens. It took forever to get the taste of mouse-bile out of her mouth. Fireheart doesn't miss those days as an apprentice.

"Are we going yet?" Graystripe impatiently questioned, drawing back Fireheart's attention.

"For once I agree," Dustpelt meowed. "I want to check to see if the scent of any RiverClan is near Sunningrocks again. And if there are--" Dustpelt unsheathed his claws and took a swipe at the air.

Graystripe visibly stiffened. His own claws sliding out but not in the same way Dustpelt's are.

Once again Fireheart interfered before her friend could do something mouse-brained. "They're right, Tigerclaw. We should get going." Fireheart turned quickly to her mate and deputy. The dark brown tabby warrior had his pale amber eyes suspiciously narrowed on Graystripe, and seemed to shift between Dustpelt and him, looking for a difference in reactions that were so plainly there at the mention of RiverClan, something Fireheart was so desperately trying to cover up.

Fireheart insistently nudged Tigerclaw, drawing his attention away. The ThunderClan deputy glanced downwards at the flame-pelted she-cat and mother to his kits and flicked his tail at the others, "Alright, all of you, let's go."

Fireheart felt relief flow through her, but it wasn't a complete feeling. Tigerclaw had caught onto something, and although he might not really know what it was, it was only a matter of time before he figured out what was going on with Graystripe. Fireheart didn't know if she could protect him then.

They started trotting along, a mellow pace set to enjoy the slow warming weather. Tigerclaw and Fireheart took the lead, with Dustpelt and Longtail in the middle, talking in hushed tones between each other. Based off of the occasional looks they would both give Graystripe who was lagging behind, Fireheart could guess what they were talking about.

"So how's Swiftpaw's training going, Longtail?" Fireheart asked loudly, trying to shift the two warriors' attention away from Graystripe. "I heard he'd recently done his hunting assessment."

Longtail's perked up at the mention of his apprentice. The pale brown tabby with black stripes timidly turned his attention to Fireheart, clearly uneasy in her presence, his ear with the

V-shaped nick in it flicked nervously. "He's been doing well." Longtail replied, though nervous he still sounded proud of his first apprentice. "He completed his hunting assessment and passed with outstanding work."

"I wouldn't expect any less with you as his mentor." Tigerclaw remarked, interrupting the conversation to praise one of his most loyal followers. Longtail seemed to float at the praise of his idol and deputy. Putting the older warrior more at ease in Fireheart's presence.

"He definitely thinks highly of you." Fireheart agreed. "Cinderpaw says that she can't get a wink of sleep because he's too busy gloating about how great of a mentor you are!"

Longtail flattened his ears in embarrassment. "Really? I mean, of course I'm a great mentor, but I didn't think he thought that highly of me!"

"You'd be surprised by the adoration our apprentices hold for us. They come looking for guidance and understanding even when their apprentices' days are far behind them. They sometimes even worship us." Tigerclaw replied, seemingly offpawedly but the glint in his eyes spoke of something far different.

"Like Darkstripe does for you?" Dustpelt meowed, the younger dark brown tabby was stating more of a fact about his former mentor more than anything else. Everyone knows of Darkstripe's dedication and loyalty to Tigerclaw.

"I think Ravenpaw, when he wasn't scared of his shadow, held you in great regards." Longtail unthinkingly meowed.

Tigerclaw's strides stiffened at the mention of his former apprentice. Fireheart tensed as well, thinking of her sleek, black pelted friend.

"Don't speak about Ravenpaw!" Dustpelt growled, slapping the older warrior with his tail. The mention of Ravenpaw was a bit of a taboo within the Clan. Everyone thought him to be dead, killed by a ShadowClan patrol back when they fought against Brokenstar. Nobody knew the truth except for a select few. But before he had died everyone had a suspicion that he was a sellout and traitor to the Clan. One that made them all guilty to recall.

Darkstripe cleared his throat, attempting to change the subject once again. "Better than a certain other apprentice's views on his mentor."

Fireheart couldn't help but glance at Graystripe who paid them no mind. Her friend's attention wasn't even present for the patrol but for their destination. It was a sad sight to see that her longtime friend seemed more excited to try and catch a glimpse of Silverstream than being a part of the border patrol that protected their Clan.

"He's getting better about it." Fireheart harshly whispered back at the pair. Not really thinking that Graystripe could truly hear them insult him while in his day dreaming state. But Fireheart had a jerk reaction to defend him.

Longtail looked chastised by Fireheart's light scolding, a reaction he'd never have done in the past. While Dustpelt simply rolled his amber eyes in exasperation at Fireheart once again coming to Graystripe's defense.

"You're giving him too many passes, Fireheart." Dustpelt retorted, his ears flicking dismissively at Fireheart's verbal reprimand.

"Because he is." The soon-to-be-mother responded. "He--" Before Fireheart could continue on, she was forced to stop as Tigerclaw halted the patrol abruptly.

Fireheart stepped around her mate, to see what Tigerclaw had stopped so suddenly for and her jade-green eyes widened in pure terror at the sight before her.

Dark, raging, inky black turning water was gushing violently down the river that separated RiverClan and ThunderClan territory. The river had even burst its banks, seeping onto ThunderClan territory, well past Sunningrocks.

Fireheart turned towards Graystripe, gauging his reaction, and saw the look of horror on his face, but it was matched with pretty much every other warrior in the patrol.

"This isn't good!" Longtail meowed. "Imagine all the prey that will drown, especially in RiverClan!"

"Who cares about RiverClan!" Dustpelt hissed, his fur bristling around his shoulders. "Think about us for now."

Fireheart lightly glared at Dustpelt. "It'll just come back to us. Flooding is a danger to all Clans!" The flame-pelted she-cat felt as though she were echoing Bluestar. But it was still true. They were all in danger.

Fireheart then turned to her mate. Watching as Tigerclaw carefully surveyed the scene before them. His head swung from side to side, taking everything in at once, then he drew himself up to his full height, his eyes blinking slowly as he turned to the rest of the patrol.

"We should get a closer look." Tigerclaw said decisively. "Though safely." He then turned to give Fireheart a more pointed look.

"You act as if I'm going to jump into the river." The flame-pelted she-cat meowed, defensive over the unspoken accusation.

The patrol trailed after their deputy as they slowly approached the lapping water that submerged parts of Sunningrocks. It was a horrendous sight as foul smelling water covered the ground along with Twoleg garbage. There wasn't a hint of prey. Either the prey was scared off or washed away with the river.

"It looks like we're going to be dealing with this for a while." Longtail grumbled, his pale blue narrowed at some shiny Twoleg rubbish caught between the rocks.

The patrol silently nodded along with Longtail's words. Even if the river were to recede they would still have to deal with the Twoleg rubbish that would be left behind.

Firehearts' ears perked up at a sound that carried over the sounds of the rushing river. "What was that?"

Dustpelt glanced in Fireheart's direction. "What was what?"

Fireheart strained her ears, trying to hear the sound once again. It sounded once again. "That!"

Tigerclaw had already turned in the direction in which the sound was coming from. His pale amber eyes narrowed as they all searched the river for what and where that sound had come from. It was Graystripe who had spotted them first.

"There!" Graystripe yowled, his fur standing on ends as he frantically gestured towards helpless kits that were helpless clinging onto a woven reed mat that was being washed away with the river.

Fireheart didn't even think before she frantically ran towards the kits, plunging into the river without a second thought. Water clutched Fireheart like a huge paw and buffeted her from side to side. The icy cold of the torrent took her breath away. When she jumped her head had dunked under the water. Making her see foaming white bubbles all around her, when her head broke surface she worked her paws frantically as she paddled after the kits, who were just ahead of her.

Kicking out frantically, Fireheart closed the gap between them, gripping the woven mat between her teeth as she tried to pull them close. The new weight made Fireheart dunk low in the water, her shorter stature of no real use in this matter, only being able to keep them as steady as she could. But she didn't let go, not wanting to get separated from the kits.

Fireheart couldn't hear the concerned calls of her Clanmate's. Nor did she see Tigerclaw streaking dangerously close to the edge of the river, running up ahead of his mate and the kits. It was daring and dangerous but there was no choice in the matter.

Then, the next thing Fireheart knew was Tigerclaw coming up beside her and the kits. His massive head was above the current, his paws turning the water as if he was a natural RiverClan cat. Fireheart tried to copy him, holding her chin up above the water while her paws worked furiously, like running through the forest at a breakneck speed. Allowing the water to keep her up and floating. And suddenly, Tigerstar turned his head sharply, grasping one of the kits by the scruff of the neck as he kept its head up above the surface.

Then Tigerclaw began shoving Fireheart towards the opposite bank, propelling her and the remaining kit through the water and to the safety of RiverClan territory. By the time they reached the safety of the opposite bank her limbs were aching with weariness. The soon-to-be mother was so unbalanced that she nearly toppled back into the river but sharp pain exploded from her neck fur, making her body snap painfully upwards and scrape against the pebbly slope.

Fireheart felt herself being dragged up the side of the riverbank, powerful paws turning up the mud and pebbles as they dug deep into the side of the bank. Holding up both Fireheart and the mat that had a terrified kit clinging to it, a formidable attribute due to Fireheart's size along with the waterlogged kit and mat. Peeking open her jade colored eyes that stung from the river, Fireheart made out Tigerclaw's muscular dark tabby form. Who was holding tightly to Fireheart like she was a kit herself, easily hauling her up RiverClan's side of the territory with puffs of breath that went over her ears, making her lightly shiver more than the cold river did.

The dark tabby dragged them up the slope and over the rise to the top, when the tabby had a firm landing at the top he helped pull Fireheart up who scrambled up, happy to once again be on solid ground. As she turned to her savior Fireheart dropped the kit alongside the one that Tigerclaw had already placed down, her jade green eyes widened at the massive, broad shouldered dark brown tabby who's amber eyes were filled with concern as he gazed back at Fireheart. Both were completely stunned at what just happened.

"Thanks for helping." Fireheart meowed, for lack of better words.

"'You act as if I'm going to jump into the river.'" Tigerclaw repeated Firehearts words from earlier. "I wonder why I would ever think such a thing."

Fireheart could only gawk as the muscular tabby now stood before her, his nose sniffing over her and then the kits they had just saved. Amber eyes locked with her jade green ones, it felt like an eternity with them just staring into each other's eyes. Which made Fireheart jump in shock when the reeds rustled and out stepped a patrol of RiverClan warriors.

"ThunderClan," Blackclaw growled as he spotted the pair. "What's ThunderClan's deputy and one of its warriors doing on our land?"

"Wait! We actually have a good reason for being here!" Fireheart frantically exclaimed.

Tigerclaw stood tall and dominating at her side, his head rose as he stepped forward, as though he had nothing to fear from the patrol of physically fit RiverClan warriors and hadn't just been fighting the river to get back on land with kits in tow, Tigerclaw didn't appear exhausted at all and

if he did he didn't show it. "There were kits in the river and we just saved them." Tigerclaw spoke, his tone of voice respectful but with a low rumble that threatened retribution if challenged. "We had no choice but to cross onto your territory to save them."

That gave the RiverClan patrol pause as they turned to look at each other than at the meowing kits that were between Fireheart's paws as though just now noticing them.

Quickly two warriors stepped forward to identify the kits. There was a bit of whispering amongst them. Once they were checked over, they were picked up and brought back to the tight knit group of RiverClan warriors.

Stonefur paced forward until he was close enough to sniff the two kits. "It's true!" His blue eyes widened. "They're Mistyfoot's missing kits!"

Fireheart stiffened in amazement. She knew that Mistyfoot had recently had kits, but hadn't realized that the kits they had rescued were hers. She was even more thankful now that they had been able to save the kits' lives, but she knew she couldn't let any of these cats know that Mistyfoot had friends in ThunderClan.

Then another warrior stepped forward. It was Leopardfur. "If that is true, then you wouldn't mind accompanying us to speak with Crookedstar."

Tigerclaw didn't show any emotion beyond an annoyed flick of his ear. "That would be fine."

Fireheart nervously glanced at Tigerclaw as they were all but forced to follow the RiverClan patrol. She glanced back to the other side of the river, where she saw Graystripe, Dustpelt, Darkstripe, and Longtail looming.

She flicked her tail to let them know they would be fine.

Leopardfur led the way along the bank, while Blackclaw picked up one kit and stalked threateningly alongside Fireheart and Tigerclaw, who paid him no mind. Stonefur brought up the rear, carrying the other kit.

When they reached the island where the RiverClan cats had their camp, Fireheart saw that a wide channel of racing water separated it from the ridge of dry ground, wrenching at the overhanging boughs of the willow trees. No cats were visible through the reeds, and Fireheart could see silver water lapping among the bushes that concealed the camp.

Leopardfur paused, her eyes widening with alarm. "The water has risen since we left camp," she meowed.

As she spoke, a yowl came from behind them at the top of the slope. "Leopardfur! Up here!"

Fireheart turned to see the RiverClan leader, Crookedstar, emerging from the shelter of the bushes. His pale tabby coat was soaked, fur sticking out in all directions, and his twisted jaw made him look as if he were mocking the patrol and their prisoners.

"What happened?" Leopardfur demanded as she reached her leader.

"The camp is flooded," Crookedstar replied. His voice was flat with defeat. "We've had to move up here." As he spoke, two or three other cats emerged cautiously from the bushes. Fireheart noticed that among them was Silverstream, Graystripe's mate.

"And what have you brought us?" Crookedstar went on. He narrowed his eyes at Fireheart and Tigerclaw. "ThunderClan spies? As if we didn't have enough trouble!"

"They found Mistyfoot's kits," Leopardfur told him, nodding to Stonefur and Blackclaw to bring forward the kits. "They claim they pulled them out of the river."

"I don't believe them." Blackclaw turned his icy glare on Fireheart and Tigerclaw. "After all, why would a ThunderClan deputy be willing to risk his pelt for two other Clan kits?"

Fireheart flattened her ears and got up into his face. "They might not be ThunderClan kits, but they're still kits. And doesn't the warrior code say that no cat can ignore any kit in pain or danger, even if it's from another Clan? Are you accusing us of not being true to the warrior code?"

Tigerclaw gently laid his tail on his mate's shoulder, silently signaling her to calm down and stand back as he came forward to address the situation. "Greetings, Crookedstar." Tigerclaw began acting humble and respectful in the face of RiverClan's leader. Though Fireheart knew for a fact that Tigerclaw couldn't give a rat-tail about respecting another leader. "It's true what we say. We found kits flailing down the river and as my mate had pointed out it would be against both the code and StarClan to leave them to die such a tragic death."

Crookedstar nodded, seeming to agree with Tigerclaw's response, "Then we owe you a great debt."

"Nonsense," Tigerclaw rumbled, his eyes holding a hint of calculation. "It's what any Clan would do, should do, after all. We're all one and the same deep down now aren't we?"

"I suppose," Crookedstar replied, appearing baffled by the dismissal of any reward. "Though you still have our thanks regardless."

It was then that they were interrupted by a loud wail, and out ran Mistyfoot from the top of the slope, where Crookedstar had previously arrived from. "My kits! Where are my kits?" She crouched over the tiny scraps of fur, staring wildly around as if she thought the other cats would try to take them away from her. Then she began licking them furiously, trying to comfort both of them at once. Stonefur pressed up close against her and mewed comfortingly into her ear. Fireheart, with a shock, suddenly remembered that Stonefur and Mistyfoot were siblings, and that Bluestar was their mother.

Silverstream followed more slowly and stood beside her father, Crookedstar, eyeing the ThunderClan cats. Fireheart was relieved to see her gaze pass with apparent indifference over her. She wouldn't give Fireheart any recognition, better that way. Best to pretend not to know the best friend of the cat you're in a secret relationship with.

More cats emerged after her and gathered curiously around. Fireheart recognized Mudfur, the RiverClan medicine cat, who crouched beside Mistyfoot to examine the kits.

All of the RiverClan cats were wet through, and the fur clinging to their bodies showed they were skinnier than ever. Fireheart had always thought of RiverClan cats as plump and sleek, well fed on fish from the river. That was until Graystripe told her that Twolegs had stayed by the river during greenleaf and stolen or scared away most of their prey during her past life. The Twolegs had left the forest now, during leaf-bare, but RiverClan had been unable to hunt when the river froze. And instead of bringing much-needed food, the thaw had driven them out of their camp completely.

"Where were they found?" Mudfur rasped, finishing his exam.

"These two claim that they saved the kits from the river but I don't believe them." Blackclaw growled, coming to stand on Mistyfoot's other side, pressing up against her side as well.

"But you must believe it because it's the truth." Fireheart stressed, her eyes wide and pleading.

"It's very true." Tigerclaw repeated, this time more loudly so all could hear. "We found these kits flailing down the river and as my mate had pointed out moments ago it would be against both the code and StarClan to leave them to die such a tragic and horrendous death."

"They could have been trying to steal them!"

"They're not lying." Mistyfoot looked up from where she was still nuzzling her kits. "Why should ThunderClan steal kits when all the Clans are finding it hard to feed themselves?"

"The story makes sense," Silverstream observed calmly. "We had to abandon the camp and shelter in these bushes when the water started to rise again," she explained. "When we came to move Mistyfoot's kits, we could find only two of them. The other two were missing. The whole nursery floor had been washed away. They must have been swept along the river to where you found them."

"I must agree with Silverstream on this one." Crookedstar meowed. He turned to Leopardfur. "You said you found them all soaking wet?"

"Yes."

"Then I have no reason to believe they would be lying. Especially not ThunderClan's deputy and also with one of the two being pregnant with kits of her own." The leader concluded. "Thank you both, again."

Tigerclaw dipped his head and Fireheart mimicked the gesture. Before they could be escorted away however Tigerclaw appeared to see an opportunity that Fireheart failed to realize was presented to them like a bush full of mice.

"Wait. I think we can help one another." Tigerclaw suddenly spoke, causing every cat present to be taken aback.

"What do you mean?" Crookedstar nodded, urging Tigerclaw to continue.

"Perhaps, if you were to agree, we can make a deal where we may help each other. ThunderClan can see your current hardship, though no fault of your own and like so many of the other Clan's at the moment, and we wish to become your allies."

"Allies." Crookedstar echoed, seeming suspicious yet also intrigued by the sudden unexpected offer.

"Allies." Tigerclaw repeated. "You are lacking in prey at the moment and ThunderClan has some to spare. If we provide you food till the prey returns to RiverClan then we wish to then have the same courtesy returned in our own time of grief."

"I see," Crookedstar hummed. "Does Bluestar know about this?"

Fireheart and Tigerclaw shared a look, it was Tigerclaw who answered though. "No, she doesn't. Although if you accepted I'm sure she wouldn't be too hesitant, and I would talk to her."

Crookedstar seemed to take a moment to think, looking between his Clan and the two cats from ThunderClan in front of him. "I would be willing to accept your offer. I think it would be a benefit to both of our clans very well."

Fireheart tried her best not to show her excitement, but she could hardly keep it in. Their plan was working!

"I appreciate you taking up the offer, Crookedstar." Tigerclaw dipped his head. "We'll be sure to speak to Bluestar about it in the near future, but in the meantime we'll bring you some everyday."

"I look forward to it." Crookedstar meowed.

Without another word, both Fireheart and Tigerclaw turned and started leaving RiverClan territory.

They didn't speak for a while, until Fireheart decided to speak up first. "I didn't think you would actually agree with me that much to offer it to another leader."

He shrugged. "I've had time to think." The mother-to-be patiently waited for Tigerclaw to finish his thought. "And you're right. The clans working together and helping each other is beneficial to everyone involved. So many fights have been over territory and prey, and it was all useless. I suppose I was just too caught up in the clan ways to see through it. There's still some kinks to work out, but I think this could work."

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Ahhh first kind of alliance made!!! Who do you think will be the hardest to get on board for it? -Ashe

Also I'm pretty sure this is the longest chapter for this fanfic!! -Ashe

RiverClan might have accepted the help but who knows what their reaction will be when it comes to for Fireheart and Tigerclaw to reveal their ideas of changing the warrior code-- Sierra

Fun Facts:

offpawedly-- offhandedly (basically making up words now)

Tigerclaw still doesn't fully see how it could work out, so for him this is basically just a test run. See how it works out and what can be improved! -Ashe

It's also no secret that Dustpelt and Graystripe do not really like each other at all -Ashe

Clearly this is not a Graystripe friendly fic-- Sierra

Got to love Dustpelt though!!! - Sierra