Leafpaw stepped away from Firestar's den. Her gaze went to Squirrelflight, who lay near the camp wall. She headed quickly over.

"Hey." The ginger warrior looked up. "You're not busy, are you?"

"Not for a bit, what's up?"

"Do you want to go out?" There must have been some urgency in Leafpaw's voice because Squirrelflight rose immediately.

"Sure." They headed quickly toward the entrance.

"How's Firestar?" She asked as they left camp behind. It was the morning after, Leafpaw had been checking in on him again. The effects of last night still hung over the Clan.

"He's better," Leafpaw replied. "Right now, Graystripe's with him." Squirrelflight nodded. "You should go see him," She added.

"I will." She looked at Leafpaw, "You didn't bring me out here to talk about Firestar, did you?"

"No – let's go a bit further." Squirrelflight nodded, following her lead. They stopped by an old stone wall. There were a few of them scattered across the hills. Squirrelflight gave her sister a curious look.

"What is it?"

"Before everything happened at the Gathering, Crowpaw wanted to talk to me…" She explained what had happened. Leafpaw was still not sure what to make of it. Why did he want to meet her? What was this about? Squirrelflight's eyes had widened.

"I bet I know what he wants."

"Which is?"

"To get out of there – that's why I think he's been talking to both of us doing the journey over." She rose to her paws, "I was telling Feathertail and Brambleheart this – Blackfoot told us that there were orders to kill him! Tawnyclaw must have said something to keep him alive this long. Now, he wants out."

"Then why is he going to me?" Leafpaw asked. Squirrelflight and the others were a different thing.

"We weren't there maybe?" Squirrelflight suggested, "And he's spoken to you before." Leafpaw slowly nodded. That would make sense as to why he did not want to say anything at the Gathering. "You should go!" Leafpaw sat back on her haunches. She must have made a face because Squirrelflight asked, "What is it?"

"The night we got here, Mothwing asked me a favor…" She explained what had happened. Squirrelflight's eyes were round.

"Why did you agree?" She asked. "She's Tigerstar's daughter – it's not like you guys knew each other before."

"She looked like she needed help," Leafpaw replied. "Anyway, I talked to Brambleheart about her before."

"And he didn't make a fuss?" Squirrelflight exclaimed. "How did you stop him from telling Firestar?" Leafpaw's ears went back.

"I didn't tell him," she said. "I just asked about her." Of course, she did not tell him everything. She trusted Brambleheart's opinion but Squirrelflight was right, he would go straight to Firestar with this. "And she's not that bad." Leafpaw had found Mothwing surprisingly easy to talk to. Squirrelflight eyed her.

"She's Tigerstar's daughter," She repeated.

"And what about Crowpaw?" Leafpaw's tail twitched.

"You should go – I've known him long enough. That cat has burrs embedded in his skin; he is unbelievably loyal to TigerClan – he would not be doing this unless he was terrified." The fur on Leafpaw's back rose. "I tried talking to him once about how he shouldn't be afraid of Tigerstar or Tawnyclaw and it upset him a bit. Maybe he's starting to realize I was right?"

"Do you want to come with me?" She was right, he probably would have gone to one of the journeying cats had they been there. Squirrelflight's tail swished.

"That…might scare him a bit – just knowing that you told me. He didn't say to tell any of us, did he?" Leafpaw shook her head. "Then, I don't think it's a good idea for me to come."

"You know him better than me."

"He's a bit weird when it comes to this stuff." Squirrelflight leaned forward, licking her sister's cheek. "He might not come right out with it either. He's stubborn." He had not seemed too bad when Leafpaw had spoken to him before but how Squirrelflight was speaking on him, made her doubt that. Why did they want to help Crowpaw?

Because he was a victim of this. Tigerstar's reign and TigerClan's existence were not Crowpaw's fault. "Bring it up to him," Squirrelflight suggested. "Try to work with him – maybe I can convince the others to help." Squirrelflight rested her head on Leafpaw's shoulder. "I'll help you in what ways I can. I'm always here for you." Leafpaw leaned against the other she-cat.

"Thanks. I'm here for you, too."

Tawnyclaw chuckled.

"That's crazy to think of," She remarked. "It's not unwarranted though. Squirrelflight's earned her name."

"You think?" Crowpaw asked. Following Rusty's announcement, it felt like something had shattered in him. How was Squirrelflight a warrior but not him? Just given his age alone – he was older, he should have been made a warrior moons ago!

He would have been if he had not been chosen.

"She is a spoiled brat but she has merit." Tawnyclaw meowed, "She knows how to use her claws." Crowpaw did not respond. "Hey." He looked to Tawnyclaw. "I told you; you're going to get your warrior name." A serious glint came to her green eyes. The apprentice shakily nodded. He hoped that was true, especially considering he did not know if Leafpaw would show tonight.

Both cats turned as Runningbrook came rushing in. The she-cat's gaze locked onto Tawnyclaw. The warrior pushed herself up, Leopardstar and Tigerstar were both out of camp.

"What is it?" Tawnyclaw asked. Cats had risen to meet the warrior.

"We found this…animal," Runningbrook explained. "It's gray with black markings – it's caught in some Twoleg contraption." Crowpaw's ears pricked. That sounded like a raccoon.

"Did anyone get hurt?" Tawnyclaw asked. Runningbrook shook her head.

"It's dead," She responded. "The thing it's in – where's Tigerstar? He needs to see it." Runningbrook looked unnerved.

"He's out of camp," Tawnyclaw replied. "So's Leopardstar." She looked to Mothwing, who had approached. "Are you alright with being in charge?"

"Of course," The queen replied. Tawnyclaw nodded.

"Then let's go." Crowpaw was surprised as she signaled for him to follow.

Runningbrook led the way toward the water. They were near the border when they came across the rest of the patrol.

They surrounded the body of a raccoon, something silver ran from it to something stuck in the ground.

"What is it?" Owlpaw asked, his eyes were wide. Jaggedtooth flicked his tail at the apprentice, signaling for silence.

"Where's Tigerstar?" The ginger tom asked.

"He's out," Tawnyclaw answered. "It's a raccoon – no real loss, really. We don't need any of these around." She sniffed it, muttering, "This was a cruel death."

Crowpaw stepped toward it, eyes widening. The tendril was wrapped around the creature's neck and one leg. It was dug deep. Murmurs rose from the warriors.

"There's another one," Willowtail indicated down a path. "Over there." Tawnyclaw nodded, signaling the others to follow her down.

It did not take long before they came across it. This tendril had nothing in it. Crowpaw eyed the loop, tail twitching. Any warrior could have run into one of these so easily.

"What do you want to do with it?" Jaggedtooth asked.

"Keep an eye out for more," Tawnyclaw answered. "We'll tell Tigerstar and Leopardstar – I imagine they'll want to spread word of it." She turned, picking a stick up in her jaws before putting it into the loop.

As the stick pressed against the tendril, it closed around it. A shiver went down Crowpaw's spine. Tawnyclaw turned to face the warriors.

"If there are any more, do that with them," She ordered. "And be aware running along the tracks. We don't know how many more there are." Meows of agreement rose.

The wet smell of dirt filled Brambleheart's nose as he pushed the dirt back to Tinywing. He could not see the she-cat – all source of light was coming from the entrance of the sett some fox lengths back.

As she moved the dirt back toward the entrance, Brambleheart turned back to Onewhisker. His ear tilted as he realized there was no more digging sound. He could feel the older warrior's breath against his muzzle as he spoke.

"I think this is as far as we can go right now," Onewhisker's voice was hushed. "Not without that entrance down being built."

"What do you want to do?" Brambleheart asked.

"Let's just make sure the dirt's packed in," Onewhisker said. "Then, we'll head up." The younger tom nodded, turning to put his paw on the wall.

They had headed in at sunrise, Brambleheart was not sure how long it had been but his muscles were beginning to burn. Tinywing returned and the warriors left the tunnel behind as soon as it had been packed.

Brambleheart shook his pelt, relishing in the warmth of the sun. After a certain point, the earth became cold and wet. It was near sunhigh now, meaning he was done for now. Disappointment struck him at the thought.

This work was difficult, slow, and dangerous but Brambleheart had found it relaxing. There was nothing to think about but the next pawful of dirt. Tinywing looked toward the entrance of camp.

"We should go help the others with the entrance," She meowed. Onewhisker mewed his agreement, looking at Brambleheart.

"Good timing for you," He remarked. "See you later."

"Bye," Brambleheart responded as the other warriors stepped away. He sat, beginning to clean the dirt off his forelegs. He hated that he could not work more but Barkface had seemed happier with his condition the last they had spoken. He looked up as Stormfur approached.

"Hey," The gray warrior meowed. "Are you done for today?"

"Yeah, what's up?"

"Do you want to go down to the lake?" Stormfur asked. "It's only getting hotter."

"Are you on no more patrols?" With the tunnelers underground for most of the day, he knew the others had to be doing more. It had to be even more now, considering Firestar's orders.

"Tornear has not assigned me to anything since the dawn patrol," Stormfur answered. "I imagine if we come back with some prey, they'll be satisfied." Brambleheart's chest tightened at the thought. He nodded.

"Sure." The warrior rose to his paws, pausing as Stormfur looked across camp suddenly.

"Firestar's calling for you." Brambleheart followed his gaze to their leader. Firestar lay near the Tallrock alone. Brambleheart had yet to speak to him after the Gathering, only hearing of how he was from Sandstorm. He looked back to Stormfur.

"Sorry. We could go out later?" Brambleheart suggested, tail twitching. Stormfur nodded.

"I get it, that's fine." He bunted his head against the other cat's shoulder. "See you later." The tabby licked his shoulder before turning away. He trotted over to Firestar, lowering his head as he approached.

"There's no need for that – lay with me." Brambleheart settled next to him. Firestar looked tired. He began to groom the younger tom. "Graystripe mentioned that you and Stormfur are sharing the same nest."

"We are," Brambleheart answered.

"When did that start?" The tabby shook his head, unsure how to answer.

"When we got here, I suppose."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"We're not mates – not really." Firestar eyed him.

"I did not say you were." He asked, "Do you want to be? Does Stormfur?" Brambleheart slowly nodded.

"We've talked about it. He said he wants to."

"Then, he does. Do it," the older warrior shifted and Brambleheart felt himself relax. "You are sharing a nest – I think that's far enough to call him your mate."

"You and Graystripe have shared a nest," Brambleheart pointed out. Firestar scoffed.

"Never consistently and we don't think of each other like that." There was a pause as Firestar washed behind the younger tom's ears.

"I'm envious," Firestar admitted. Brambleheart turned to him, alarmed. What did that mean? Sandstorm and Firestar seemed to be doing well!

"Not of Stormfur or you in particular," the leader continued quickly. "It's that – for one you're part of the same Clan." Firestar sighed, "and when we got into the same Clan, I became deputy. You're both warriors – you're allowed to be mates." Brambleheart gave him a puzzled look.

"You and Sandstorm are mates, though."

"Not always." Firestar explained, "She is my warrior and she is my mate. Sometimes one outweighs the other and, unfortunately, it is often times her being my warrior outweighing her being my mate."

"We're really only allowed to be fully mates when we're alone – even then, all it takes is one interruption to end it." Brambleheart slowly nodded. "Anyway," Firestar looked at his warrior. "Be good – be true to him. Make sure he is true to you, too. I'm happy for you both. Just don't go waiting too long," Firestar shot him a look.

"Sandstorm was pregnant before I called her my mate for the first time! Don't do anything like that."

"Really?"

"Yes – I knew I loved her before, but yes." Brambleheart chuckled, dipping his head.

"Thank you." Firestar licked his ear once more; a purr was building in his throat.

"How are you liking working on the tunnels?" The leader continued his grooming and Brambleheart almost wanted to return it but after last night, he was not sure how well Firestar would take it. It was one thing for the leader to touch him, another for him to touch Firestar.

"It's good," he said. "I've mostly been working with Tinywing and Onewhisker. We're making progress."

"Good," Firestar murmured. "I'm glad you volunteered. I thought this was something you would enjoy." His paw went on his warrior's head and Brambleheart rested his chin on the ground as Firestar began to clean his back. A wavering stillness overcame the warrior. He licked his muzzle.

"I don't believe I saw you last night." Brambleheart blinked, looking at Firestar as the leader pulled away. A strange look had come across his face. Some time had passed, the sun was lower in the sky than it had been.

"I…was in the den. I didn't hear." That was not quite a lie. They had chosen to sleep outside that night but as soon as Firestar had returned, Brambleheart had been ushered into the closest den. He had been in a den.

"You're lying." Brambleheart shifted, opening his mouth but no words came out. He did not know what to say. Firestar had one foreleg on his back now. He was not looking at Brambleheart.

"I wish you had known me before," Firestar continued. "I was…a better cat before. You deserve better. You all do." Brambleheart wanted to respond but Firestar turned suddenly, moving off of him. The warrior turned; Sandstorm was walking over. They must have finished for the day. He was surprised, how long had it been? She was speaking.

"Come here."

She settled on the leader's other side. Firestar moved to her. His eyes closed as he began to speak. Brambleheart did not pay attention, however, as Sandstorm shot him a look. She mouthed, "What did I say?"

He mouthed back, "Sorry."

Crowpaw's heart thumped against his chest. His tail twitched as he crouched.

He was in the brush near the edge of the forest, watching the hills. They almost seemed to call to him. He hoped they would get some open land soon.

The moon continued across the sky and Crowpaw could almost curse himself. He did not know when – or if Leafpaw would show up. She had seemed skeptical of the whole thing. Crowpaw rested his head down, taking a deep breath.

There was nothing he could do but wait.

The moon reached its peak. His claws extended, digging into a leaf as he cursed himself. Of course, she would not come! Why had he thought otherwise? Crowpaw's breath tightened as he rose to his paws. What was he going to do?

Suddenly, there was movement. Crowpaw turned back to the hills, ears pricked. He relaxed as he recognized the approaching shape. Leafpaw had come.

Crowpaw stepped cautiously toward her. A brook lay between them, the tabby she-cat was eying him. "Hi," he breathed out. He continued, forcing his voice to be louder, "I'll go over there."

"No, you're already on our territory." She stepped toward a shallower part of the stream, "I'll come over." Crowpaw nodded.

She made her way over. "What did you want to talk about?" Leafpaw asked.

"I…wanted to see you again," Crowpaw answered. Leafpaw looked surprised. "I enjoyed our talks – on the way to these territories." His tail twitched. That was not quite a lie, he had.

"Did you?" She asked.

"Yeah," He sat down. "How are you liking your territory?" He added suddenly. "Since, I know that it is different than before…" He trailed off, unsure what else to say.

"It's good," Leafpaw answered. "There's a lot more territory here in general – even with the lake and Twolegs being close." Crowpaw gave her a puzzled look.

"Lake?" He echoed. She gestured to the water.

"The lake," Leafpaw repeated. "One of the loners around here called it that." Why were these cats talking to outsiders? Crowpaw almost wanted to make a face but she still seemed uncomfortable. This was what he should have expected out of cats led by a mad kittypet, he supposed. Crowpaw nodded.

"I don't believe any of our warriors have heard that word before."

"Tigerstar doesn't seem keen on outsiders," Leafpaw responded. "Nor those that interact with them."

"He isn't," Crowpaw agreed. "It's treachery." And because of that here Crowpaw was now. It could have been worse, Crowpaw reflected. Leafpaw was not unpleasant.

"How have you been settling?" Leafpaw asked.

"TigerClan is strong," His response was instant. "You're right, these territories are bigger." The she-cat nodded.

"How have you been, though?" Crowpaw was almost taken aback. Why was she asking that?

Well, if it got them talking.

"Tigerstar's been kind to me," He answered. "Generous."

"Has he?"

"I'm alive, aren't I?" Leafpaw's ears went back.

"You know, that's not how Firestar's treated the journeying cats," She commented. "I wouldn't call not-killing a cat who has served his Clan kindness." Crowpaw almost wanted to scoff.

"Then what do you think should happen for this treachery?" He asked.

"It's not treachery," Amber eyes looked at him. "Feathertail, Brambleheart, Stormfur, and Squirrelflight served their Clan – they're not traitors." Crowpaw's ears went back, he knew they had snuck how. If they weren't traitors, why would they have? She was eying him.

"You…wouldn't be treated as a traitor in WindClan, you know." Crowpaw's eyes rounded, surprised. "I could talk to Squirrelflight and the others," She offered. "If you'd like."

"No." His response was instant. Leafpaw rose to her paws again, tail twitching.

"Why are we here, then?" She asked.

"Because I like talking to you!" Crowpaw sprang to his paws, raising his tail as he pressed against the tabby and white she-cat. "I wanted to talk to you."

Wide golden eyes stared at him. Crowpaw could do this, he decided. Leafpaw was a good-looking cat, he could do this. Leafpaw took a step away from him. "Did you enjoy talking to me?" He asked, unsure what to do next.

"I did," She replied cautiously.

"Then, let's talk." He blinked at her, "Let's just talk." There was a pause before Leafpaw responded.

"Sure."