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Disclaimer: Warriors is owned by Erin Hunter/HarperCollins Publishers LLC

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The Outcast

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"Okay. Sandstorm, right? Did you see how vicious she was in battle yesterday?!

A gentle breeze swept throughout ThunderClan territory, as the sounds of the wild mixed in with the distant chatter between two cats. Their voices carried along with the wind, bidding any prey nearby to find shelter.

"How could I not? And you can't forget Tigerstar himself! He looked ready to take on all of RiverClan right then and there - he sure showed Crookedstar what for!"

Two ThunderClan warriors, Mousefur and Dustpelt, practically bounced off of each other with excitement, recalling the attack on RiverClan just the night before. Both of them strolled nonchalantly throughout their clan's territory, ignoring the labored grunts that could be heard from behind.

A few foxlengths back, Fireheart's ginger pelt could be seen glistening in the sunlight. The young warrior appeared thin and tired as if he hadn't slept in days. He crouched low to the ground, dragging a huge pile of herbs across the forest floor using two giant sycamore leaves. Considering its weight, it was a miracle the stems hadn't torn from the pressure.

Fireheart grappled with the sheer size of it, doing his best to keep up with his two clanmates who, unfortunately for him, seemed disinterested in helping any. Taking his breaths in short gasps, Fireheart was able to discern their conversation from afar.

"You know that fishbrained leader had it coming. He took in Graystripe, after all… if he'd chased him off, then we wouldn't have problems with RiverClan," Dustpelt could be heard saying.

"Perhaps, but it's not like we can do anything about it," Mousefur replied. "He's Tigerstar's concern. Us warriors have our own problems to deal with…"

By Mousefur's tone, Fireheart could tell they were probably leering toward him.

He frowned but didn't bother with them otherwise. Of course, his only instance of acknowledgment would be beratement. That, and when they would make him do their work for them, which was currently the situation he found himself in.

Fireheart bit the stem of his giant sycamore leaf a little harder, drooping his eyelids in annoyance. Yellowfang tasked the two of them to gather herbs for her, not him.

Although, that's not quite how things turned out. Fireheart was a prisoner now. When a warrior like Mousefur comes up and barks at him to follow along on a patrol, he can't exactly say no…

He shook his head - there was no reason to dwell on the circumstances of his predicament. Instead, he focused on dragging his rather impressive stock of herbs he'd gathered from the area Yellowfang had told them about.

Just last night, the old medicine cat found a massive bush of chervil growing inside the cracks of Snakerocks. She'd been looking for herbs after Tigerstar came back after his "visit to RiverClan", as he put it. There had been a lot of injuries, and she doubted there would be enough medicine.

As she predicted, come next morning, the herbs Yellowfang had piled up to treat scratches had all but vanished. Her quest to replenish her supply was less than fruitful - driving her all the way to Snakerocks, where she found her lucky break.

Fireheart grimaced, preparing to heave the massive load another foxlength. The leaves he used to carry the herbs were from the Great Sycamore, and Fireheart learned that they were the primary tool medicine cats used to transport their goods. Within Fireheart's maw were two of them, both filled to the brim with chervil root alongside any other herb he could find.

Yellowfang supposedly wanted every bit of chervil that both Dustpelt and Mousefur could carry. With the weight he was pulling, Fireheart was certain she would not be disappointed. Although, whether or not Yellowfang had actually said that, or it was just something Mousefur came up with to make Fireheart work more - the ginger tom did not know.

One thing he did know, however, is that he was absolutely exhausted. If he'd felt tired after him and Cloudpaw ran from Twolegplace to camp, then he didn't even know what to call this level of fatigue.

He suddenly felt breathless, feeling his joints suddenly sting with pain. Fireheart gave one last heave, before collapsing to the ground. One of the sycamore leaves slipped from his grasp, and Fireheart could only watch in dismay as half of his stockpile tumbled onto the forest floor.

The ginger tom panted, sitting on his haunches. He perked his ears as he caught the sound of a groan from behind.

"He dropped the herbs... again."

Fireheart rolled his eyes. Yes. He dropped the herbs once before, climbing down Snakerocks. What was he supposed to do - not jump away from a snapping adder?

"Hey!" Fireheart flinched as he heard Mousefur's demanding voice. "Get up, kittypet! We don't have all day!"

Fireheart huffed, tired, before looking towards them sheepishly.

"I-I just tripped! Maybe if you would actually help-"

Dustpelt's angry hiss cut him off.

"Don't talk back to us! You know what'll happen then!"

Fireheart grimaced, meeting Dustpelt's glare. He watched as the other tom's fur began to settle, before releasing an irritated snort. "Get your stupid leaves back together. We'll go on ahead - camp is close enough."

Fireheart watched as the two cats trudged away from him. Growling silently to himself, he turned away. He looked towards the ground, carefully picking up any herbs that had tumbled away.

He pricked his ears, listening to Dustpelt and Mousefur muttering to one another as they left.

"I hate having to use him." Fireheart flattened his ears as he heard Mousefur's mumbling.

"Well… better him than us."

The sounds of their pawsteps eventually disappeared. Hearing them go, Fireheart gave a long, heavy sigh. He sat there, staring blankly at his pile of herbs strewn across the ground. He wanted badly, so badly, to just off and toss every single one of these herbs into a ditch, and then maybe a few choice clanmates of his afterward.

He shook his head.

No, Fireheart thought, staring at a few brightly-colored flowers. Those flowers he had known in particular. They were Marigold - a plant that helped many cats, including him, recover from otherwise fatal wounds.

He grunted, lifting himself off his haunches.

Yellowfang needs these.

With as much patience as he could muster, Fireheart spent the next couple of minutes picking through the herbs he had dropped. His paws ached after walking for hours, so bending over dozens of times to pick up small roots of chervil only served to damper his mood.

Nevertheless, he went as fast as he could, since the last thing Fireheart wanted was yet another scolding from his so-called "clanmates". Fireheart knew if he simply got his job done, then he could just go back to the medicine den and sleep - as has been his routine for the past quarter moon.

With a huff of satisfaction, Fireheart slipped the last of the herbs back onto his sycamore leaves. He bent down to snap up the stems in his maw once again, before hauling them off towards where Mousefur and Dustpelt had gone.

The camp seemed unusually chipper by the time Fireheart had finally arrived.

He still went along dragging his herbs, not being bothered to look around. Instead, Fireheart listened closely and picked up on a few conversations regarding ThunderClan's attack on RiverClan last night.

Everyone in the clan seemed oddly obsessed with that particular event. It's almost as if her death had been such a major blow to ThunderClan's pride, that any battle now seemed to arouse twice as much excitement as before. Fireheart couldn't understand any of it. Why did ThunderClan have to fight the other clans to prove themselves as not weak?

He frowned outwardly whilst enraptured in his thoughts, unaware of the growing volume of pawsteps in his direction. Fireheart's ears twitched, noticing the sound of the approaching cat.

With one last heave, Fireheart let go of the sycamore leaves. Looking up, eyes of emerald green met ones of blazing orange as Yellowfang stood before him. After a mewl of greeting, she focused her attention on the two massive piles of herbs near him.

A look of surprise flashed across her face. Fireheart twitched his whiskers. He figured she was merely stunned by how much work it must've taken to get these herbs back to camp. This was two cats' worth, after all; Fireheart was lucky he'd been able to drag so many herbs back on his own, much less find as many.

Yellowfang kept her stare on the pile of herbs, before suddenly chortling a laugh.

"I see you got the chervil," she rasped, sounding amused. Fireheart said nothing, simply giving her a small nod. "Did you also happen to find that comfrey I wanted?" Yellowfang looked at him. Fireheart blinked, before peering towards the pile next to him.

He gave a tired sigh. "It's in there somewhere…"

The old medicine cat didn't seem satisfied with that answer but gave him a nod anyway. She turned back towards the pile, her sharp eyes scanning for any other herbs.

Fireheart perked his ears as he heard another cat walking toward them. Cinderpaw padded up beside her mentor, her gaze focused on the herbs. Fireheart noticed immediately how her fur looked more ruffled than usual, and how her eyes seemed almost droopy. She walked up to the pile Fireheart had collected, not even bothering to acknowledge his presence.

She poked around with her nose for a few moments, before her eyes suddenly lit up. Fireheart watched as she took a few small roots out of his pile.

"I got some, Yellowfang," she muffled, grasping the roots with her teeth.

"Good," her mentor grunted in reply. "Take that to the den for me, and then go get some fresh kill."

Cinderpaw was already limping off towards the medicine den before she finished. She waved her tail back towards her mentor, signaling she'd heard.

Fireheart watched her go, feeling defeated.

A quarter moon ago, Cinderpaw returned from her journey to the Moonstone with Tigerstar. All Fireheart heard at the time was that something went wrong, and ever since then, the medicine cat apprentice hasn't been the same. Fireheart remembered how worried he felt - fearing Tigerstar had done something to her, but it wasn't long before Yellowfang told him what had happened.

StarClan had refused to accept her presence at the nine lives ceremony.

No one - not even Yellowfang or Tigerstar - had a clue as to why, but that did not stop the latter from announcing it the following day. Since then, Fireheart had to watch as her clanmates started treating her differently. Though he hardly paid attention to much of anything going on in the clan since Bluestar's vigil, he did notice how some cats would either choose to ignore Cinderpaw or would suddenly lose their patience with her altogether.

After all, if StarClan didn't think she was good enough for the ceremony, why should her clanmates?

What shocked Fireheart was how Tigerstar seemed disappointed in her the most. He couldn't help but feel suspicion... Did Tigerstar have plans for her in particular, now reduced to dust thanks to her little incident?

Hearing a sigh, Fireheart turned his head. He realized then that Yellowfang had also been watching her apprentice. Angst was written in her eyes, and Fireheart could tell that she was at a loss for Cinderpaw's situation.

Yellowfang slowly turned away, leaning into Fireheart's pile of herbs. She poked her nose through them, before muttering to him in a disgruntled voice.

"She's been eating less, as I'm sure you've noticed."

Fireheart gave her a pained look. "I wish I could eat with her, but she never wants to…"

Yellowfang only snorted in response, before shifting her gaze onto him.

"Any trouble today?" she asked.

Fireheart hummed, thinking for a moment.

"Less than what I was expecting."

"Ah, that's good to hear." Yellowfang gave her fur a shake, before glancing towards the Warrior's den. Sitting in the sun were Dustpelt and Mousefur, who were sharing tongues with Longtail and Runningwind. "I saw them arrive long before you did. No herbs in sight, of course."

She paused for a moment. "But... it's nice to know they aren't as insufferable as they are lazy."

Well, I wouldn't put it like that. Fireheart thought to himself.

He watched as Yellowfang pointed to his pile of herbs with her tail.

"Put all that in the back," she ordered. "Cinderpaw and I will go through it later. Oh, and mind your footing since a patient's still in there."

Fireheart nodded, groaning to himself. Of course, that mousebrain is still stuck in the medicine den. He always bites off more than he can chew.

Bending over once again, Fireheart grabbed ahold of the sycamore leaves, before heaving them towards the medicine den.

He ignored the looks of amusement being shot his way, having grown used to them at this point. He'd always been an outcast, after all; having first been a kittypet, and now a supposed traitor. After all this time, Fireheart learned it was best to just ignore it.

They'll learn the truth eventually. He thought. But right now, I've got to prove I'm not a terrible clanmate.

Soon, Fireheart had arrived at the bracken-covered entrance of the medicine den. As he pulled the herbs inside, Fireheart released them carefully. Scanning the den, he looked around for Cinderpaw, before slumping his shoulders as he realized the she-cat was not there. She must have gone to eat already.

Instead, his gaze led to the only other cat inside of the den at the moment, and with that, any decent mood Fireheart had been in was instantly crushed. Sitting there in one of the nests, licking his paws, was one of Fireheart's least favorite cats in the entire forest, following closely behind Tigerstar himself.

ThunderClan's newest deputy: Darkstripe.

Fireheart watched as the black-furred warrior paused his grooming, ears perking up. However, after a quick glance in his direction and a subsequent scoff, the warrior was back to licking himself. Fireheart tried putting him out of his mind, focusing solely on moving his herbs to the back of the den, but unfortunately, this meant he had to pass by Darkstripe's nest.

As soon as he came beside it, Fireheart suddenly felt his back legs give out. With a surprised grunt, the ginger tom stumbled back on his haunches as his grip on the sycamore leaves slipped.

Fireheart quickly looked up, fearful that his pile would collapse again. Luckily, he seemed to have made the pile sturdier than before, as no herbs had cascaded off the side this time.

Shooting a look at Darkstripe, he was able to see a flash of black slipping back into his nest. Darkstripe could only keep a straight face for about a heartbeat.

"Watch your step, kittypet," he said with a snicker.

If he wasn't so tired, then that probably would've been the moment Fireheart started chewing his clanmate out - deputy or not. However, a new voice suddenly took away any chance to respond at all.

"Darkstripe?" Yellowfang muffled as she padded inside. Fireheart looked over, seeing the comfrey root Cinderpaw had picked out was in her jaws. She stepped over to Darkstripe's nest, before dropping the herbs to the floor.

The dark tabby gave her a curious look as Yellowfang began to explain.

"We finally found some comfrey. Line your nest with it, so you won't have to come back for your stiff joints," she said. Darkstripe perked his ears, looking excited.

"Ugh, so I can finally get out of here now?"

Yellowfang nodded.

"Yes, you may."

"Hah, good! 'Cause it smells awful in here!"

Yellowfang hummed. "Hm, well. I'm sure once you leave things will start to smell better."

Darkstripe gave her a frown, before shaking his head.

"Anyway, if you'll excuse me-" He leaned down, picking up the comfrey with a gag, before looking between Fireheart and Yellowfang. "I have patrols to organize, leaders to meet with. Important deputy stuff, you know."

Fireheart lowered his ears, hearing him lavishly refer to his title as if he deserved it. Darkstripe looked amused at his expression as if he was purposefully trying to irritate him. He raised his tail high before strutting out of the den.

Yellowfang flicked her ear, grunting in annoyance.

"That one… Ever since Tigerstar made him deputy, he's grown the biggest head I've ever seen on a cat."

Fireheart muttered his agreement, before shaking his head. He licked his lips, before going to bite onto the leaf stems yet again. Again, he put Darkstripe out of his mind - intent on completing his task.

"No, leave them, Fireheart. They're fine where they are," Yellowfang said, realizing what he was about to do. Fireheart flicked his ears, eagerly obeying. Relief flowed through him as he sat back on his haunches.

Yellowfang observed him carefully.

"How are you feeling today?" she asked suddenly. Fireheart looked at her, his breathing tired and strained.

"...My throat?" Yellowfang nodded. "Feels the same."

"Hmph." She squinted her eyes towards him. "Well, I'm going to give you tansy anyway. Eat it with your food - I'll bring you some."

Fireheart nodded eagerly at the prospect of food, even though it still hurt to eat. Ever since his throat had been injured in his fight against Tigerstar, it hurt both to speak loudly and to swallow anything solid. His injury is what stopped him from defending himself against Tigerstar's accusations - something he believed the dark tabby might have been counting on.

Since that day, his throat had been healing ever so slightly. It no longer hurt to talk, but he still felt sore whenever he went on for too long. The bite marks were also still there, and Fireheart was tortured by the idea they would never go away.

Hearing a rustling noise, Fireheart looked to see Yellowfang going through the stash of herbs she already had in her den. He presumed she was looking for tansy for him, which gave him a feeling of warmth in his chest. Though she may get prickly sometimes, Fireheart would always admire how much the old medicine cat cared for her patients.

"Thanks for everything, Yellowfang," he said, making sure to express his gratitude, before tucking his paws under his body, eager to finally rest. Yellowfang flicked an ear in response as she picked an herb - presumably tansy - out of her stock.

She turned around, eyeing him carefully. After a moment, Yellowfang spoke to him.

"Something else is bothering you, Fireheart."

Her tone was one of worry, and Fireheart opened his eyes to see a troubled expression on her face. He gave her a weak chuckle. Even though she was being serious, Fireheart couldn't help but feel slightly amused. Yellowfang knew him too well for his liking.

"You mean besides the way everyone looks at me now?" Fireheart replied. Yellowfang frowned at his sarcasm.

"I figured you were used to that, being a kittypet and all."

She narrowed her eyes. "It's about Cinderpaw, isn't it?"

Fireheart gave her a surprised glance, before quickly looking away. Was it that obvious?

Yellowfang seemed to be waiting for an answer, so eventually, he gave her a sigh.

"I… guess you could say that."

Yellowfang nodded.

"Aye, I'm concerned as well - StarClan has never done that before to my knowledge," she said, before snorting. "Although, I can't recall the last time a new medicine cat apprentice traveled to Highstones for a nine lives ceremony either."

Fireheart kept his gaze on the ground, his thoughts centering around his former apprentice. It was the first time he'd ever seen Cinderpaw like this, and Fireheart couldn't help but feel partially responsible.

"She's just been so… discouraged," he muttered.

Yellowfang gave him a small purr. "Cinderpaw may be having a hard time after the ceremony, but I know she'll bounce back." She sounded strangely confident. "It is a good experience for her, you know - seeing StarClan's tendency to keep quiet for herself."

"But it's been days," Fireheart pushed, before a dark look suddenly formed on his face. "What if… what if it's Tigerstar? Do you think he threatened her and now she's afraid to talk?"

Yellowfang curled her lip, looking as if he had gone insane.

"Now, don't be thinking like that! Not every bad thing is because of Tigerstar."

Fireheart stifled a whine. But it is…

Yellowfang shuffled her paws, looking uncomfortable. "Cinderpaw wouldn't lie to me. I believe it's just as she says - StarClan didn't think of her worthy of observing the ceremony."

"A ceremony that should never have happened," Fireheart muttered to himself.

"Yet it has," Yellowfang stated, shaking her head. "What's done is done, Fireheart. I see his lives, therefore StarClan accepted him. It would do you no good to dwell on it."

"I… " he stuttered, defeated. "I just don't get it, Yellowfang. He's a threat to all of us! StarClan must know this yet still gave him his lives? I just had to drag an entire forest's worth of medicine back to camp because all he wants to do is fight RiverClan!"

Fireheart could feel his throat starting to act up again, but he didn't care. He needed to let out his frustration, lest it drive him crazy.

Yellowfang bit her lip, saying nothing at first. Fireheart thought she would nag him again for doubting StarClan's will, but to his surprise, the old she-cat just sighed.

"Look, Fireheart, you know that StarClan is vast - far larger than any living cat can comprehend. Hundreds of generations of cats all call that place home, each having lived different lives and holding different beliefs. Every one of them has the right to grant a leader a life, so if nine cats saw Tigerstar worthy of being leader, then-"

"Yes, I know," Fireheart mumbled a reply. All of this, he knew already. He was taught this same thing over and over again, even experiencing it for himself thanks to Spottedleaf's vague dreams. It was a simple fact that StarClan can not be comprehended.

His look of irritation must have been obvious since Yellowfang gave him a purr of amusement.

"Well, now. If you know all of this, then you must know to trust them!" she exclaimed. "They may seem blind at times, but they would not have given Tigerstar his lives if he meant to destroy the forest, as you say."

Fireheart gave her a slow nod, although his mind told him it wasn't so simple. Yellowfang furrowed a brow, sensing the doubt within him.

"You're just being paranoid, Fireheart. How about you focus more on yourself instead of Tigerstar? He's too busy to care about you if his latest stunt has proven anything."

Fireheart felt inclined to agree, but even then, that nagging feeling was still in the back of his mind. Fireheart never understood why Tigerstar let him live. There were only downsides to it... or maybe that's just how it seemed on the outside. Fireheart had this terrible feeling that his being alive was crucial to Tigerstar's plans…

Yes. Fireheart thought. Yellowfang has to be wrong. I can tell from the way Tigerstar looks at me… He's still worried I'll reveal the truth, even though he's convinced the entire clan that I'm a traitor.

Looking to his side, Yellowfang had now gone to poke through the pile of herbs he had delivered. A weak smile formed.

Well, maybe not the 'entire' clan.

Feeling his stare, Yellowfang gazed back up at him. She seemed lost in thought for a moment, before widening her eyes.

"Oh, right! You must be starving after your little journey to Snakerocks!" she exclaimed, pushing away the herbs she'd been dabbling with. "I'll get us some fresh kill, and you can have your tansy with it too."

Back on the topic of food, Fireheart grew considerably more enthusiastic. He clambered to his paws, following Yellowfang as she padded towards the entrance.

She turned to him in bewilderment as he came to her side, before grunting in annoyance.

"What? Does the kittypet still get excited about lunchtime?"

Fireheart looked offended. "Dragging smelly plants around is hard work!" he whined, only to get a snort in response.

"You're telling me!" Yellowfang twitched her whiskers. "Wait here if you're so tired! I'll be back soon."

Fireheart watched her stroll towards the generously stocked pile of fresh-kill, his tail waving impatiently. Since he was technically the clan's prisoner, Fireheart had been forced to eat the last scraps from the fresh-kill pile nearly every meal. The only instance where he got to eat anything 'fresh' from the fresh-kill pile was when Yellowfang had to give him medicine for his throat.

Fireheart sighed, watching the old she-cat from afar as she sat there stumped about which size vole to choose for herself. He slumped to the ground as the bracken covering the entrance rustled around his body. He blinked tiredly, before deciding to take this time to look around the camp.

Most warriors were out either hunting or patrolling - the latter having become especially common after how much violence ThunderClan has been through this past moon alone. More battle meant more enemies, and Tigerstar surely didn't care how many he had if his latest actions were anything to go by.

Fireheart noticed Cinderpaw and the rest of the apprentices weren't in camp either. Perhaps they all went out together to cheer her up?

He frowned, feeling he would have to try and make up for the problems he's caused. Although Cinderpaw never mentioned it, Fireheart knew that by simply sleeping in the same den as him, other cats have grown warier of both her and Yellowfang.

Fireheart felt almost ashamed - he didn't want them to suffer because of him. He knew being outed as a kittypet made life in the clan difficult, but if these past seven sunrises have taught him anything - being labeled as a traitor was way worse.

As Fireheart sat there thinking, a small whine could suddenly be heard. He raised his head at the noise - it sounded a bit like crying.

Flicking his ears, Fireheart listened.

"You were Clan leader last time!" a high-pitched voice could be heard.

Fireheart blinked, surprised. That sounds like kits! He thought, before furrowing his brow in confusion. Aren't kits supposed to be inside the nursery when the patrols are out?

Looking over, Fireheart furrowed his brow, seeing that two kits were indeed outside of the nursery.

"So what? You just don't want to be the evil, traitorous, kittypet!"

Fireheart grumbled to himself, knowing they were referring to him. He narrowed his eyes as he analyzed them.

Bramblekit and Tawnykit.

Of course - these were the other kits Goldenflower had nursed alongside Featherkit and Stormkit. Speaking of the cream-furred molly, Fireheart spotted her sitting near the entrance to the nursery, watching her children from afar.

He frowned. These two kits haven't even been weaned, and yet they were allowed to play outside of the nursery?

Fireheart tilted an ear, interested in what exactly the two kits were spitting about. He caught one of them in the middle of their sentence.

"-ould want to be some smelly traitor?" he heard Tawnykit whine, seeing her fur bristled slightly. "Just let me be Clan leader this one time, Bramblekit!"

The other one, Bramblekit, shook his head stubbornly. Fireheart grimaced - the kit was the spitting image of his father, and the sudden look of pride that flashed across the kit's face sent chills through Fireheart.

"Nu-uh! I'm the one who looks like Dad, so I'm always gonna be the leader!" he stated.

Fireheart narrowed his eyes.

Who would want to look like a murderer? He thought with spite. However, he quickly shoved those thoughts away, realizing with a bit of embarrassment that he was getting agitated over a kit merely playing a game.

Tawnykit huffed at her brother's arrogance, puffing her cheeks.

"You're no fun at all," she bemused. Fireheart glowered, observing the two of them more critically.

Those two must have just opened their eyes yesterday because they weren't around before. He thought. And yet, Tigerstar is already letting them out of the nursery?

Fireheart failed to remember when the two kits had even learned to speak, but he was sure they weren't able to when their father murdered Bluestar a mere quarter-moon ago. Did they even know who Bluestar was?

Quickly growing bored of the kits' pointless bickering, Fireheart instead shifted his gaze onto the ThunderClan queen watching them.

Goldenflower…

Fireheart now analyzed the cream-pelted she-cat. Goldenflower was Tigerstar's mate, although luckily, she didn't seem anything like him. Fireheart clearly remembered how opposed she had been when her mate gave Featherkit and Stormkit to Leopardfur. He thought this would at least put a rift between the two of them, but that wasn't the case. Instead, Goldenflower just seemed to go about the next day as if nothing happened - just like the rest of the clan.

One way Goldenflower was similar to her mate, however, is that she's one of the few cats that genuinely intimidated Fireheart. She was the largest nursing queen, and one of the largest warriors in the clan. He saw how defensive she could get concerning her kits - her dispute over Featherkit and Stormkit coming to mind. From then on, Fireheart determined it would be best never to associate with any of them.

Lost in his thoughts, Fireheart didn't even realize Goldenflower's gaze had drifted onto him. He shuddered as the molly gave him a cold look. He quickly looked away, before hearing her voice.

"Kits! Time to come back to the Nursery!"

Fireheart heard her two kits groan, but he followed his own advice - refusing to look at them. Instead, he panned around for Yellowfang, curious as to if she had finally picked out her fresh kill. However, despite keeping his gaze away from them, Fireheart wasn't saved from listening to the kits' complaining.

"Do we have to go?" Bramblekit whined.

Goldenflower sounded stern. "Mother says so."

Fireheart noticed how concerned she sounded. Did Goldenflower consider him a threat? What kind of threat is a tired, starved prisoner?

Hearing Goldenflower lead her kits into the Nursery, Fireheart looked back. He saw their tails disappear inside the den, before huffing to himself.

I don't want to be around that mange-pelt's kin anyway. He thought, flicking his tail through the grass. Tigerstar will make sure they're stuffed full of lies about me. They'll hate my guts just as much as he does.

Waiting a few moments longer, Fireheart continued to be on the lookout for Yellowfang. Minutes passed, and he saw no sign of her, causing him to grow slightly worried.

He watched as multiple patrols of cats began to return to camp, and it was then when he noticed Tigerstar emerging from his den, followed closely behind by Yellowfang.

Fireheart grimaced, watching as the leader jumped atop the Highrock, before looking at Yellowfang.

Ah, so that's where she's has been. He thought.

A scowl was on her face, he noticed. Tigerstar must have wanted to see her in his den, and from the looks of it, he was about to announce some bad news. Since the patrols had come back, now would be a perfect time, after all.

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Highrock for a clan meeting!"

Fireheart observed the rest of the clan emerge from their dens, gathering beneath the Highrock. Technically, he was still allowed to join them, but Fireheart had the feeling he would not have been welcome amongst them. He did not move, figuring it'd be best if he stayed in the medicine den.

Tigerstar wore a pleased grin as he looked down from the Highrock.

"As you all know, last night ThunderClan led a successful attack on RiverClan's land. Those fish-eaters had been scouring for prey on our territory, so we sent them running for the reeds!"

The clan cheered enthusiastically, as he continued.

"I gave Crookedstar a message he won't soon forget. ThunderClan territory, including Sunningrocks, belongs to us and only us!"

Fireheart grimaced from afar as the clan chanted their approval. He would have been cheering with them as well if only Bluestar had been up there instead.

Suddenly, Fireheart saw the smile on Tigerstar's face recede. The large tabby was suddenly looking straight at him. Fireheart felt his stomach twist. Did Tigerstar find out that he revealed the truth to Yellowfang and Cinderpaw? Is that why Yellowfang looked so cross?

Tigerstar raised his voice again once the cheering had died down.

"However, with the good news out of the way, we must now move on to the other announcement I have to make," Tigerstar lashed his tail. "It involves our traitor."

The tone within the clearing quickly shifted into one more somber. Fireheart saw as heads began turning towards him, feeling his ears grow hot.

"Come out here, kittypet!"

Fireheart cursed the dark tabby, before raising himself onto his paws. Trying his best not to look exhausted, Fireheart sulked out of the den. He kept his glare on Tigerstar - avoiding the gazes of other cats.

Tigerstar grumbled to himself, watching as Fireheart slumped down in the center of the clearing.

"We all know what happened a quarter-moon ago," he began. "And since then, we have not only rebuilt our camp but our reputation as well. Therefore, I believe now is the best time to address the punishment for the one who started it all."

Fireheart raised his brow, listening as Tigerstar continued.

"I have spoken with Darkstripe and Yellowfang about it just moments ago. We have all agreed on a suitable punishment, and seeing how the clan has treated him since his imprisonment, I believe you all would agree as well."

Fireheart felt his heart beat faster, as his mind reeled at the possibilities. 'Did he change his mind about not wanting to kill me?' was the worst thought he had.

"For his treacherous crimes, the ThunderClan warrior Fireheart is no longer deserving of his warrior name. So, therefore... I, Tigerstar, leader of ThunderClan, officially strip him of his title!"

The clearing grew dead-silent. Fireheart's eyes shot open, quickly losing his feigned confidence. Tigerstar continued.

"He will be referred to however you please, be it kittypet. Traitor. Murderer. What have you-"

He paused, suddenly piercing Fireheart with his glare.

"And he will stay as a prisoner in ThunderClan... following every order, without question, for the rest of his life."

Fireheart's mouth gaped open as Tigerstar's cruel punishment hit him with every word.

He would be ThunderClan's prisoner… for life?

Whipping his head around towards his clanmates, Fireheart felt his heart sink even more as he saw the glints of satisfaction in their eyes. He, however, didn't have it in him to sneer back. If anything, his fear scent had undermined his effort to maintain his composure.

Fireheart's mind whirled, as the punishment he was given began to settle in.

Every warrior in the clan could now use him… for anything.

Mousefur and Dustpelt would never have to carry herbs again.

Fireheart knew was never going to hunt for himself - only for some other sap who was too lazy to drag themselves out of their nest.

The apprentices would never learn to make their own bedding - Fireheart already knew they were gonna force him to do all of it.

Lost in his thoughts, Fireheart didn't even realize Tigerstar had called an end to the meeting. He looked around as cats dispersed. He lowered his ears as Runningwind and Longtail walked past, snickering at him.

Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Sandstorm was the only one looking at him without a look of spite. He glanced at her, noting she had the decency to look at least somewhat empathetic at him. He refused to fully face her, though - instead, turning away before padding towards the medicine den.

Except… he wasn't supposed to head back to the medicine den, as Tigerstar's words rumbled through his mind. Fireheart panned his head towards the old log that made up the prisoner's den. Growling, he padded towards it instead.

His pathing also just so happened to lead him right by the nursery, and Fireheart felt his skin crawl under Goldenflower's sharp gaze. The ginger tom could practically feel her glare on his pelt, but at the moment he hardly even cared.

He shot her a glare as if to prove that to her, but his attention wasn't drawn to the queen, however. Fireheart felt his stomach wrench as he saw two small pairs of eyes gazing at him curiously.

Bramblekit and Tawnykit both flinched when they caught his gaze, causing Fireheart to frown

This must be their first impression of me… He thought solemnly. Fireheart turned away, knowing the nursery queens would make a fuss if he held his gaze for too long.

He kept on towards the empty prisoner's den before scrunching his nose in disgust as he came to a stop in front of the old log. To his comfort, the stench of Brokentail was long gone, and any bloodied or dirtied leaves were gone as well. The place truly seemed abandoned, as if there hadn't been a cat living inside just a half-moon before.

He shuffled his paws uncomfortably as he sat down. Memories of this spot began welling up in his mind.

This was where Tigerstar plotted his evil with Brokentail - this was where the attack that led to Bluestar's death was likely planned.

Pent up with fury, Fireheart felt like clawing the ground until his paws started bleeding. He wanted to do everything in his power to get out of there... but he couldn't, lest he be driven into exile.

Exile… Fireheart could now confirm that this was Tigerstar's last resort. He was afraid of letting Fireheart out of his sight, and he was especially afraid of him going to StarClan. It made sense - seeing how the tabby had refused to kill him a quarter-moon ago, then choosing to imprison him for life.

Fireheart now was convinced, but even still, he sighed with defeat.

Not like it even matters...

Fireheart slumped down in his new home: a shabby, old log with cracks in it, allowing for sunlight to bathe the ground around him. He mulled over the thought of what it would be like when it eventually rained or snowed.

Although, at the moment, he hardly could be bothered to be angry, or sad.

All he wanted was to sleep. To fall into the void of nothing from before, and then suddenly wake up back in the warrior's den, realizing it all had been a dream.

The ginger tom curled himself into a ball, wrapping his tail around his body. He hoped nobody would bother him for the rest of the day.

However, as if StarClan was toying with him, Fireheart could hear the sounds of pawsteps approaching. He flicked his tail, growling fiercely. Was some cat already about to order him around?

Fireheart quickly stood up, whipping his head around towards the newcomer.

"Nrgh… WHAT must I do to get some peace?!" he shouted angrily. He didn't care if speaking out meant he would be punished - what more did he have to lose?

However, seeing who it was, Fireheart quickly dropped his glare.

Before him stood Yellowfang, a small vole dangling from her mouth. She said nothing, only staring at him with clouded eyes. She dropped the prey in front of him, but Fireheart didn't take his gaze off of her.

The look in her eyes was like Sandstorm's, but this one held a deeper sense of empathy.

Yellowfang was the only cat in the clan who'd been a prisoner before. She knew what it was like - living in a clan that hated you.

The old she-cat watched him in silence, before shaking her head sadly. Turning to leave, Fireheart sat there stunned as he watched her go, not having said a word.

He suddenly felt ashamed, and a gnawing sensation ached in his mind. There must have been a thousand different things she had wanted to tell him, but her words simply refused to come after he spat at her.

In the end, though, Fireheart supposed it didn't matter. This must have been also the same conclusion Yellowfang came to in that split-second as well... There was just nothing left to say.

Yellowfang's own words rang in Fireheart's head.

What's done is done.

At last, the ginger tom looked down at the vole she had brought him. It was small, he noticed. Smaller than an owl pod.

Tigerstar must have helped her pick a meal.

Fireheart quickly realized there was no tansy for him either. Perhaps Yellowfang had lost track of it while talking to Tigerstar in his den. Fireheart couldn't blame her - the news from today made his jaw drop as well.

With a tired whimper, the ginger tom rested his head on his paws. His eyes were glazed over as he continued to stare at the small, deceased vole in front of him, watching as insects began to swarm around it.

All of a sudden, Fireheart didn't feel like eating anymore.

…

A/N - 'Tis a sad day for Fireboy, and this is just the beginning!

Also, sorry. I did a lot of "telling" instead of "showing" this chapter. The pacing in this story has been really slow, so I'm just trying to get things moving. Hopefully, I will learn how to actually write a good story soon!