Onewhisker was stepping away as Brambleheart trotted over to Squirrelpaw. She watched after her mentor.
"I think I'm going to become a warrior soon," Squirrelpaw said. Brambleheart glanced at her.
"Really? Little Squirreltail?" He cooed. Squirrelpaw shoved into the warrior's side as his whiskers twitched.
"First off, Firestar is not going to name me that." She shook herself, raising her head up high, "I know he isn't. Second, it doesn't really matter because one day I'll be leader." She sounded determined. He eyed her.
"I think you should focus on becoming a warrior first," he meowed. "It'll be a bit before you get an apprentice and Tornear is faring well."
"He's older than Firestar though," she pointed out. "And I'll prove my worth. Whether it be Firestar or whoever's leader after him, I'll prove I'm worthy of becoming deputy." Brambleheart's chest tightened. He could never envision a WindClan without Firestar. He dipped his head.
"Of course, Squirrelstar." She shot him a look, countering.
"The first thing I am going to do when I become leader is make you an elder." Brambleheart snorted.
"I think forcing your warriors to retire isn't the way you want to start your leadership."
"Oh, come on, I think you were meant to be a crotchety old elder." Something twisted in Brambleheart. He looked at the younger cat. "You certainly nag me enough for it."
"I can be a capable warrior." Squirrelpaw looked at him, surprised by his tone. "I am one." What did it mean for an apprentice to judge him like this?
"I didn't –"
"I've earned my warrior name," he growled as he turned away, not giving her a chance to respond.
He headed back over to Stormfur and Feathertail, his heart beating quickly. He almost felt shaken. Feathertail gave him a puzzled look. "Where's Squirrelpaw?" She asked.
Oh. That was right, that's what he was doing. Embarrassment heated Brambleheart's pelt as he glanced back over to the apprentice. He could not face that again right now. "Could one of you get her?"
Both littermates gave him a puzzled look. Stormfur rose to his paws. "Sure." Feathertail looked at her friend as the gray tom headed off.
"Are you okay?" She eyed him, "Did something happen between you two?"
"I'm good." His response was instant. Feathertail looked like she wanted to say something but turned, sitting up. Brambleheart followed her gaze over to where the leaders were approaching.
Tawnyclaw and Tornear were with them but there was no sign of Crowpaw. Stormfur and Squirrelpaw had come as well, the tom stopping at Brambleheart's side.
Firestar's tail was lashing as they settled. They had spent a night at the foot of the mountains and would continue shortly.
"Our scouts haven't found anything suitable around here," Leopardstar began. "Though, that is unsurprising, considering the prophecy cats' reports." She glanced at Tawnyclaw.
"There's more Twolegplace in that direction," Tawnyclaw meowed, tilting her head. "We're going to have to continue through the fields around the mountain – there are several Thunderpaths we may need to pass as well."
"Are your warriors up for it?" Firestar asked. "The mountains were harsh on both Clans but you suffered more."
"My warriors are strong," Tigerstar spoke. "They made it through fine." Brambleheart saw Squirrelpaw shoot Stormfur a look. Traveling as a Clan was bound to be slow but the state TigerClan was in had definitely slowed it more. "I would worry for my own Clan. Haven't you got a queen that's about to burst?" Firestar eyed the dark tabby.
"My medicine cats are keeping an eye on her," He replied. "We all have queens and kits to worry for." Tigerstar nodded.
Tornear was looking in the direction Tawnyclaw had indicated. "It would be ideal for us to at least get our Clans across the Thunderpaths today," He commented. "How many are there? How big are they?"
"There are a few," Tawnyclaw looked at the deputy. "Three or four – decent sized as well, though they did not seem to be busy."
"Then we should get going, shouldn't we?" Feathertail rose to her paws, "They could get busy as the day goes on." Meows of agreement rose from the WindClan cats. Firestar looked at his fellow leaders.
"Let us discuss how we want to move going forward – this is different than cliff sides." Tigerstar nodded and the WindClan leader looked at his deputy, "Tornear – come."
As they stepped aside, Tawnyclaw turned to the WindClan warriors. "We should each take a stretch," She meowed. "Between the Thunderpaths – there should be enough for me, Stormfur, Brambleheart, and Feathertail or Squirrelpaw – depending on who's up for that." She looked questioningly at Feathertail.
The silver tabby's ears had flattened. Brambleheart knew she had woken up in pain. "I can do it," She meowed. "Which means Squirrelpaw and Crowpaw can continue with the rest – how is he, by the way?"
"He's fine."
"Then why isn't he here?" Squirrelpaw asked. Tawnyclaw looked at her.
"He's an apprentice. In TigerClan, they have their places." Squirrelpaw bristled and Stormfur touched his tail to her flank. Tawnyclaw regarded the warriors, "I understand your concern, but I give you my word; Crowpaw is fine. I'm taking care of him."
Feathertail looked doubtful but nodded. "Okay," She looked to Brambleheart. He knew she was not accepting that answer but there was nothing any of them could do right now. "Let's work out who will be where."
Barkface's tail was lashing. Mothwing watched the enemy warriors, her gaze focusing on the queen.
She looked like she was about to give birth. She knew that Runningnose and Littlecloud were beginning to worry for Mothwing at this stage. Was it safe for them to continue with this queen in this state?
"Hey." Mothwing almost jumped at Leafpaw's muffled voice. She turned to the apprentice, surprised. She had been with Feathertail before. She set a few herbs down, "Do you want to take these? We're leaving soon."
Mothwing glanced over to Littlecloud, who was looking over a kit. Runningnose was off looking at another cat. Excitement surged through the queen.
"What are they?" She asked cautiously. Leafpaw's eyes widened.
"It's the same stuff I gave Petalnose and Feathertail – it's all safe!"
"Oh, no. I don't doubt that. But," She eyed them, curiously. "What do they do?" Leafpaw did not know Tigerstar's orders, she could not get in trouble for this. The tabby's tail twitched but she spoke.
"Some standard traveling herbs – daisy, brunet, sorrel." She touched her paw to each in turn, "Sorrel heeds appetite but most are for strength. For you and Petalnose there's also ragwort." Leafpaw put her paw on one.
"Why do we get that one?" Mothwing sniffed the herbs.
"It's good for queens," Leafpaw explained. "Brunet is too, though it doesn't help with joints the way ragwort does." Mothwing watched the apprentice as she explained, somewhat amazed. She was practically beaming.
"You enjoy it?" Leafpaw looked up at the warrior. "Being a medicine cat, I mean."
"Of course," The enemy cat replied. "I've wanted to be a medicine cat since I was a kit." Something twisted in Mothwing. She could picture what Tigerstar would have to say to that.
"That's good."
Amber eyes looked worriedly at Feathertail.
"We could get Squirrelpaw to do this," Brambleheart suggested. "You could just continue on ahead – rest until the medicine cats come up." Feathertail shook her head.
"Brambleheart, I'll be fine," She assured. It would not help anything. She had already gone to Barkface and what he had given her had not helped.
It was past sunhigh now and they were near the Thunderpaths. She and Brambleheart were near the front while Stormfur and Tawnyclaw had taken the back. Squirrelpaw was up at the front with the leaders presently.
Brambleheart's mouth opened again and Feathertail shot her friend a look.
"I don't want to hear this again," Her tail lashed. "I can do it." Brambleheart dipped his head.
Both warriors rose as a yowl came from ahead. Tigerstar had jumped up on a rock. Feathertail put her muzzle to Brambleheart's ear.
"We'll head out in groups," The TigerClan leader called. "As soon as we are across, separate." Calls of agreement rose and the leader headed back down.
A troubled look had come across Brambleheart's face as Feathertail pulled away. They were moving forward now and she knew he could not hear over the wind and monsters that were now steadily making their way over the Thunderpath. She pressed her shoulder against his chest, asking as he turned, "What's up?"
"This separation isn't going to help us in the long term," His voice was low. "It doesn't help us with Tawnyclaw or Crowpaw and it won't help repair the Clans once Tigerstar's been killed." Feathertail looked ahead as they moved up. She did not know how to respond.
She glanced at him again as they got to the Thunderpath. They would be leading the next group out. Brambleheart turned, raising his tail as he called out, "Be ready to go on my signal."
Two monsters were moving by. Feathertail took a deep breath, bracing herself. Her leg was hurting again but she could not – would not let this stop her.
Clovertail moved up on her other side. Feathertail scrunched up her nose as another monster went by. As there was a pause, Brambleheart yowled.
Feathertail let out a breath as her paws hit the hot rocky ground. Her breath tightened as the sound of roaring came from her side.
Feathertail was surprised as Clovertail suddenly pushed into her side. She jerked, before realizing she was slowing down. Her heartbeat quickened and she was panting as they stumbled onto the strip.
"Are you alright?" The older warrior asked. Feathertail gritted her teeth but nodded.
"I'm fine."
It was on the third strip that Feathertail stopped. Brambleheart pressed against her before continuing on to the next one. She crouched; her tail wrapped around herself as she looked back.
There were a lot more cats behind them. Her leg hurt. This was going to be a long day. She watched as warriors moved through.
Feathertail's head shot up as she recognized dark gray fur. She forced herself to her paws.
The warrior stopped herself from approaching as she saw the fresh scarring on Crowpaw's side. The TigerClan cat glanced at her but looked away. Anger flared in Feathertail as much as frustration. No wonder they were keeping him away from them. She did not know how they could help him now.
Feathertail turned as there was a commotion from ahead. She stepped toward it. The two Clans had largely been avoiding each other in what ways they could but there had been a few spats.
Her eyes widened as Brambleheart came charging toward her. He stopped in front of her, panting. "Why are you here?" She asked. Had something happened?
"Have you seen Runningnose or Littlecloud?" She shook her head. He looked back, "I'll have to keep going, then."
"What are you doing?"
"They have an herb Barkface wants," He explained. "Petalnose is giving birth!"
Another yowl rose from the queen. Leafpaw's heartbeat quickened as Barkface moved her paw over Petalnose's belly.
"Just watch," her mentor's voice was low. "There's not much we can do – this is mostly on Petalnose."
"What if something goes wrong?" Leafpaw asked. Petalnose jerked her head toward them. Morningflower, who lay along the queen's back, gave her a lick.
"There is nothing going wrong," She assured. Barkface shot the apprentice a look as he spoke briskly.
"That's why we're here. Feel that, Leafpaw – the kits are getting into the right positions." He looked at Petalnose, "One will be coming soon."
Leafpaw took a deep breath, continuing to follow Barkface's instructions. Thankfully, they had made it past the Thunderpaths, though barely. The monsters could still be heard.
"Here!" A muffled voice came and Leafpaw turned to meet Rainfur. The warrior moved quickly around his mate, setting a stick in front of her. As she took it in her jaws, he looked at the medicine cats, "I sent Brambleheart off." He meowed, "He'll be back with the raspberry leaves soon." Barkface nodded.
"Leafpaw, step back," Barkface ordered suddenly as Petalnose groaned, another spasm running through her body. Excitement engulfed the apprentice as she saw something was starting to come.
A blue-gray shape slid out. "Nip the sac and lick it," Barkface ordered. Leafpaw did as she was told. Her eyes widened as the kit let out a cry.
"It's a she-cat," She whispered, nosing the tabby toward its mother's belly. Petalnose had dropped the stick, she purred loudly as she licked the kit a few times. Rainfur's eyes were shining.
It did not take long before another spasm rose. Leafpaw turned her attention back, watching as Barkface put his paw on Petalnose's side. "Petalnose, take deep breaths." he assured, "You've done this before. Everything is going fine."
Leafpaw turned as pounding paw steps approached. Brambleheart was panting as he dropped leaves in front of them. "This is all they had."
"This is enough. Thank you," Barkface meowed, collecting them before turning away. Leafpaw was surprised as the brown warrior's face suddenly fell. A look of horror came across it. She looked back to Petalnose, eyes widening. Another was sliding out.
Leafpaw licked the white shape, nosing it next to its suckling sister quickly as it mewled. "Another she-cat," Barkface announced.
As the last one came, the sunlight was fading. Barkface had Leafpaw touch the queen's side again as he moved it against its mother. "And a little tom," he concluded.
Petalnose looked exhausted. She gave the white tom-kit a few licks. "They're beautiful," She murmured.
As Barkface stepped away, a few warriors moved forward. Excited meows rose from their Clanmates. All of the Clan had to be here by now. Leafpaw looked back, surprised to see that Brambleheart had only moved about a tail length back, crouching. His eyes were wide and brow furrowed.
"Are you alright?" Leafpaw asked. He glanced at her.
"I could never be a medicine cat," he confessed, pushing himself to his paws. Leafpaw laughed, looking back to the kits. Another wave of excitement engulfed her. She did not want to be anything else.
"Oh, Great StarClan, look at them!" Mintpaw's eyes were wide as she stared at her new siblings.
"Have you named them yet?" Sagepaw looked at his parents. Rainfur shook his head.
"Soon," he answered. "Let your mother rest first." The young tom nodded.
"Don't you look at me like that," Leafpaw turned at Sandstorm's voice, surprised. She had not realized they had approached. Firestar was pressed against her side. He looked more relaxed than Leafpaw had seen him in a while. "We've been over this. We're not having another litter. We have enough kits."
"The day we figure out a way for you to carry them – then maybe."
"I know," Firestar murmured. Love filled his gaze as he looked at Leafpaw. "And they've grown into fantastic cats." Leafpaw's ears warmed at her father's praise.
"She's going to be big." Leafpaw turned her attention to Morningflower as she remarked.
"She is," Petalnose agreed. Rainfur licked her cheek. The ground was practically vibrating with the strength of his purr.
"How can you tell?" Brambleheart asked, eying the kits. "They're so small." Morningflower gestured to the white she-kit.
"Their paws," She explained. "Kittens with bigger paws tend to be big." Brambleheart nodded, turning as Sandstorm touched his side with her tail.
"I remember when you were born," She meowed. "The queens were saying the same thing about you." Surprise lit up the dark warrior's eyes. Firestar nodded.
"Oh, StarClan, your feet were huge." The leader chuckled, "Even when you were an apprentice – sometimes I thought you'd never grow into them!" Firestar was beginning to purr. Brambleheart was still looking at Sandstorm.
"I forget that you knew me when I was a kit," He admitted.
"Hardly," Sandstorm responded. "I was never one to stick my head into the nursery." Leafpaw looked back down to the kits at Petalnose's belly as they continued to converse.
"She had to have scared all the prey from here to the sun-drown-place," Hawktalon muttered. Mothwing shot her brother a look.
"It's not her fault." She meowed, "Giving birth is painful – it's not like she knew we'd be leaving." Hawktalon shrugged.
"Those two haven't got any Clan blood in them, you know." He commented, "Tigerstar said they don't. We're delayed for who knows how long for the births of not even real warriors." Mothwing looked at her brother again. Both turned as a yowl sounded.
Owlpaw came running up. "We found something," His tail was bristling excitedly, "A massive pond!" Mothwing and Hawktalon exchanged a puzzled look. Owlpaw had been helping Runningnose. What did he mean?
"Go get Tigerstar and Leopardstar," Mothwing told Hawktalon. She looked at the apprentice, "Show me what you mean."
They left the deputy behind, Owlpaw leading her over the hill. The sun had set and stars were beginning to appear above.
"Great StarClan, look at it!" That was Runningnose's voice. Mothwing's eyes widened at the sight before her.
The biggest pool of water she had ever seen lay ahead. In the moonlight she could see a forest, laying between the water and the mountains beyond. Hills stretch out past a farm.
"This is where we are meant to be." Mothwing padded over to the ShadowClan cat as he spoke.
"How do you know?" She asked. Runningnose glanced at her.
"Look – the water. Don't you see it?" Mothwing followed her gaze.
The water was almost black. It reflected the night sky. "The stars! It's a sign," Runningnose continued, "This is where we are meant to be."
Owlpaw's eyes had widened but Mothwing stared at the water, puzzled. What about this was a sign? Water reflected things all the time. Every puddle was not StarClan sent, surely.
Hawktalon appeared, Leopardstar, Tawnyclaw, and Tigerstar following. The warriors looked just as surprised. Mothwing looked back to the pond as Runningnose spoke eagerly to the leaders.
His words would seal this. This was their new territory.
