A/N - Another big chapter, but I prooomise it's a lot more interesting than just cats talking inside of a medicine den… Now they're talking outside!

Also, something you may notice is that every chapter name in this Arc will have the article "The" in front of it.

No underlying reason - I just wanted there to be a bit of uniqueness/cohesion between chapters in this arc, so there's my solution! It was pretty fun coming up with the names that made sense using those restrictions, I'll be honest.

Anyway, hope you're in the mood for some Firehoot and Cinderpoo bonding :)

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

…

The Path of Shadows

…

The days passed like a blur as Fireheart struggled to keep up with the needs of his clanmates.

Change bedding in the morning, then move herbs. Eat if he was lucky, then change more bedding. Gather herbs with some warrior watching him like a hawk, then change more bedding.

Fireheart couldn't believe how much bedding the elders went through in a day, nor how many herbs the medicine cats burned through in a given afternoon. The elders themselves usually just ignored him, which Fireheart couldn't help but feel thankful for. They didn't bother him and he didn't bother them. Of course, it wasn't without a few snide comments here and there, but those Fireheart could handle.

What he couldn't handle, however, was everything else. It seemed like the clan was making him work on purpose, doing the most mundane tasks possible. And then, of course, only once he was worked to exhaustion would he be allowed to eat.

And it was always the smallest from the fresh-kill pile. The least fresh from the fresh-kill pile.

Fireheart still believed himself lucky to have been fed at all, but the hunger pangs he still felt after eating such measly prey always put him in a resentful mood.

Yellowfang was the only one that brought him something decent, sometimes even letting him pick his own meal. Seeing her generosity, Fireheart felt bad, since he didn't eat that vole she brought him the other day. Though, he didn't need its strength anyway, for nobody bothered him after Tigerstar's announcement. Fireheart had a feeling Yellowfang was the cause of that, once again reminding him of how much harder his current predicament would be without her.

Neither medicine cat approached him since then - likely assuming he'd want time to process his punishment. Fireheart was glad that they were concerned for him, but he'd been quick to recover from the shock of his punishment and was right back to work the next day as if nothing had happened.

Fireheart was not surprised. This whole time he had a feeling that if Tigerstar refused to simply dispose of him, then he'd make him a prisoner instead - he already was forced to work anyway. Brokentail was also a prisoner before, and Yellowfang too - it was possible.

But what seemed to jerk Fireheart the most was the fact that neither of the clan's former prisoners did any work during their stay. Fireheart supposed it just wasn't a custom to work prisoners. Although, after seeing Fireheart's conviction in his work - to prove he wasn't a bad cat over the past quarter-moon, Tigerstar must have gotten a few ideas.

And, as if fate would have it, the clan always seemed to grow busier by the day with Tigerstar at its head. Fireheart could tell - he was there for every waking moment of it.

Change bedding. Gather herbs. Change bedding. Gather more herbs, then eat and sleep if you are lucky.

Every. Single. Day.

Fireheart was quick to sense its growing monotony and wondered if this was just what his life would be like until the end.

But today, however, the winds of change seemed to blow in his favor...

The sun bathed ThunderClan territory in its light as Fireheart padded through the forest.

At his sides were the warriors Whitestorm and Longtail; not the first cats he'd pick to spend the day with given recent events, but he hadn't much of an input when that decision was being made. Cinderpaw led the group ahead, limping slowly and flicking her ears every so often.

The task set by Tigerstar was simple: Clean up the remains from a wind storm yesterday and salvage any herbs.

A windstorm…

Fireheart remembered sheltering inside the medicine den just the night before - when small branches began flying through camp. He recalled the glint in Yellowfang's eyes as they both clung to the earth, trying their best to block the piles of herbs from the wind.

'The winds of change are upon us, Fireheart. Literally. Perhaps this is a sign from StarClan.' She had told him.

Fireheart spent the rest of yesterday pondering over those words. A windstorm seemed too natural of an occurrence to be from StarClan, but was he going to doubt such an experienced medicine cat? Besides, right now he could hardly find the ability to focus on it anyway.

Right now, he was half-awake and running on an empty stomach.

Whitestorm had woken him up as soon as the dawn patrol gave their report. The warrior had refused to look him in the eye when he relayed Tigerstar's demands, saying the ThunderClan leader also wanted him to go.

Fireheart had to resist the urge to groan in front of him. Just like the rest of the clan, Whitestorm was under the impression that Fireheart had killed his leader. He knew the white warrior had been close to Bluestar, and the last thing he wanted to do was give him more problems.

To Fireheart's dismay, the older tom seemed to just ignore him after that, even now despite walking right beside him. His gaze seemed forlorn as he searched the forest, likely trying to pinpoint the exact location Cinderpaw was leading them towards. Longtail also remained at his side, shooting him some sort of look every so often.

Fireheart wasn't concerned much for either of them at the moment. Instead, his focus always drifted onto the she-cat in front of him.

Cinderpaw still hadn't talked to him much, even after Fireheart's official imprisonment. Fireheart was aching for a chance to talk to her alone - to find out what was going on with her. On this patrol though, he knew he likely wouldn't get the chance.

It wasn't until they had traveled a minute or so from the camp when Cinderpaw's voice made their ears perk.

"This is the place."

Fireheart suddenly felt the need to look around and gaped at the sight. Branches, both small and large, lay scattered all over the forest floor. Leaves and bracken were strewn everywhere, and Fireheart could hear the agitated chirps of birds - their nests no doubt in shambles.

Cinderpaw had stopped them in front of a few odd-smelling shrubs, what Fireheart presumed to be herbs that'd been destroyed. The scent of the bush seemed to put off the cats on the patrol, save for the medicine cat apprentice herself.

Fireheart watched as Longtail sniffed them, before reeling back in disgust.

"Eugh- What's all this anyway?" he mewed.

Cinderpaw poked at the bush, her eyes sunken with disappointment as it was shriveled and dead.

"Thyme."

Longtail huffed. "Okay… And what d'you use it for?"

"Enough, Longtail," Whitestorm interrupted, after taking a disgruntled whiff for himself. "Each herb is useful, in some way. For now, we must focus on cleaning this all up."

Longtail grumbled in annoyance, eyeing the mess around them. "There's so much blown everywhere... That'll take all day."

"Then we must get to it. Trust me, it won't take as long as you think."

Fireheart frowned, knowing the older warrior was having his patience tested. Why must Longtail be so difficult with everybody?

Whitestorm suddenly turned to Cinderpaw, his expression hopeful.

"So? Can we salvage any of it?"

Cinderpaw gave him a frown as she observed the herbs. "No, I don't think so," she said, crestfallen. Whitestorm only nodded.

"A shame… we could use all the herbs we can get. Knowing Tigerstar, he will be at RiverClan's throats again soon enough."

Longtail perked his ears at that.

"With good reason, you know! They've wronged us, and now must face the consequences."

Whitestorm shook his head. "And you sound just like him," he retorted. "I've never understood yours or Tigerstar's ardor for violence. Bluestar would be disappointed - justified or not."

"Whatever," Longtail scoffed. "Anyway, I think we should split up, so we can get more done."

"That sounds like a good idea." Whitestorm turned back to the apprentice with them. "Cinderpaw? Would you like to go with Longtail? I can keep an eye on our prisoner for us."

Fireheart grumbled inwardly - annoyed that he once again did not get a say in any decision-making - before gazing towards Cinderpaw. The she-cat was giving him a thoughtful look, and for a moment Fireheart worried she would refuse.

"No, I don't think that's necessary," she said finally. Fireheart had to stifle a sigh of relief. He would take Whitestorm over Longtail any day, but Cinderpaw was better than both of them. Perhaps now he would get his chance to talk to her!

Out of the corner of his eye, Fireheart thought he could see a glimpse of amusement across Whitestorm's face. The warrior did not seem opposed as he hummed in agreement.

"Then I suppose you two are closer than I give you credit for," he said. "Alright, if you insist. But stay on task - all of you. No distractions. Are we clear?"

The three cats dipped their heads, before replying in unison.

"Yes, Whitestorm."

Turning his head, Fireheart quickly noticed Cinderpaw hadn't been waiting for him. Her bushy tail faced him as she limped away. Fireheart jumped to his paws, eager to catch up. He ignored a glare from Longtail as he passed by him, and soon padded up beside Cinderpaw - her limp making her easy to keep up with.

The small she-cat flicked her ears but otherwise did not spare him so much as a glance. She'd already begun picking up sticks with her mouth, so Fireheart figured there was no point in talking.

Frowning, he turned away to find an area close by that he could clean up. After about a minute, he found it'd hardly been difficult. However, that was about the only good thing he could come up with.

The ginger tom had to gag every time he'd snag a few dirty branches with his mouth, and every so often there would be some insect crawling on them. Once again, Fireheart felt the need to curse the ThunderClan leader.

Tigerstar had such poor reasoning:

'It gives cover for prey and intruders.'

'It makes patrolling harder.'

'It will keep the kittypet traitor out of camp.'

The ginger tom couldn't help but grumble. Never in Fireheart's life had he seen a single cat clean up sticks within the forest - since it was, well, a forest - but he knew better than to go against-

"You know, you're always helping Yellowfang in some way or another. You're almost a medicine cat apprentice yourself."

Fireheart perked his ears, surprised at Cinderpaw's voice. He turned to her, startled. She had her gaze somewhere else, as she sniffed the leaves of a nearby shrub.

"Well, I can't really say no to anyone, can I?" Fireheart said in an awkward tone. He wasn't sure how to respond. Last he knew, the she-cat had been distancing herself from him.

She snickered. "You always had trouble telling other cats no," Cinderpaw replied casually, nosing around a bush. "Like when you were told to drag all those herbs back from Snakerocks."

Fireheart didn't reply. Pushing away a few sticks he'd planned on grabbing with his mouth, he turned to face her seriously.

"Yellowfang didn't put me up to that. It was Mousefur."

Cinderpaw hummed thoughtfully. "That's true… but you know, Yellowfang told me she had planned on asking you first before deciding against it." She shrugged, "Look how that turned out."

Fireheart blinked. He noticed the area around her was clean, and so, she began to limp away from him. Fireheart quickly threw a few more sticks under a nearby tree, before padding to catch up with her.

Cinderpaw perked her ears as he came up beside her. She seemed startled for a moment, before turning to avoid his gaze.

"Er… you know, I was surprised she even considered it. Your help, I mean. Medicine cats always go to their apprentices for assistance first, for everything, but…" she slowed down, releasing a huff through her nose as she fidgetted her limp leg. "I guess I wouldn't have been much help for that, huh?"

Fireheart looked sympathetic towards the apprentice. Finally, he could tell what was bothering her. The clan was treating Cinderpaw differently now, and it seemed to hurt her confidence in more ways than one. Fireheart assisting Yellowfang with everyday medicine cat tasks didn't help either

"Did… you want to help me carry those herbs?" Fireheart asked, sounding guilty. Cinderpaw shook her head.

"You didn't need my help."

"...I would've greatly appreciated it."

Fireheart definitely wouldn't have been opposed to a little assistance the other day. Those herbs were almost too much.

But the she-cat suddenly pinned her ears, spinning her head towards him with a frustrated expression.

"Well, I'm sorry, okay?"

Fireheart winced, taking a step back. Cinderpaw quickly dropped her glare, seeing the hurt in his eyes.

"Er…"

Fireheart watched her face flood with emotion.

"Cinderpaw?"

The medicine cat apprentice looked away, only worrying Fireheart more. She stood there for a moment.

"Fireheart, I-" her voice faltered with worry. "We're… still friends, right?"

The question made Fireheart reel back in surprise.

"Of course we are!" he said. How could Cinderpaw think that? Was he the one driving them apart this whole time? Because of his connection to Tigerstar?

"W-well…" she started, suddenly looking embarrassed. Fireheart waited eagerly for her to continue. She shook her head. "No. No, of course, we're still friends."

Fireheart breathed, relieved, but did not unfurrow his brow. He never believed Cinderpaw would ask him something like that. Ever. He would always be her friend, right? Did they not share the bond of a mentor and apprentice anymore?

Cinderpaw turned to look at him again, but this time with an apologetic look.

"Sorry. I've just been… stressed out lately."

Fireheart gave her a warm look.

Ah. He realized.

It was true that some cats she viewed as friends were now looking down on her, Fireheart could tell from the time he spent in the medicine den. That must be affecting her feelings a lot, so it made sense why she doubted their friendship since other cats she saw as friends now looked down on her.

Am I looking down on her too? Fireheart pondered fearfully. Am I a bad friend?

Scrambling his thoughts, Fireheart looked at her, his feelings suddenly making their way into words.

"Y-you've been doing a good job, Cinderpaw," he stated. Cinderpaw's frown softened a little as she turned away, nudging some fallen oak leaves into a bush.

"It's just- Yellowfang's saying that I worry about my job all the time. So much so that it actively drives my clanmates away from me."

"I see." Fireheart nodded, listening carefully. He planned his next words with care. "And… what part of your duties are you worried about?"

"Everything, of course!"

Fireheart winced at her sudden outburst. Watching with widened eyes, he saw the flustered she-cat shove away a few more oak leaves before whipping around to face him.

"And you know why?" She growled, not waiting for an answer, "Because I'm such a screw-up, Fireheart! I wasn't allowed to see Tigerstar's nine lives ceremony and not even Yellowfang knows why-" She suddenly paused before releasing a mocking laugh. "Ha! And now, I've just released. I finally know the answer to something she doesn't... I've been rejected by StarClan!"

Fireheart watched. His mouth hung open as he found himself stuttering.

"B-but they just made you a medicine cat apprentice!" he blurted.

Although he felt conflicted about the situation himself, what she just said must have been true. But perhaps, there was a deeper meaning to it? StarClan surely had their reasons for denying her, right?

Cinderpaw's fur began to lie flat. She gave him a rueful sigh.

"I know, but they don't think of me very highly apparently."

"Oh come on now - you're just starting out! Every great medicine cat had to start somewhere, Cinderpaw." Fireheart gave her an encouraging smile.

She sighed again, looking unconvinced. "And I'm sure all of them were at least accepted by StarClan."

Fireheart looked at her for a moment, before his face turned serious.

"You know it was Tigerstar's idea to bring you with him, right?" he said. Cinderpaw raised her brow at him.

"Yeah?"

"Well, he was the one that wanted you there, not StarClan," Fireheart told her. She looked at him, contemplating. He continued, "I think… maybe you just aren't ready for such an important event. Or, uh… maybe they didn't want your first meeting with them to be a nine lives ceremony!"

"I met them when I got my apprentice name, mousebrain." She shook her head in amusement. "But I suppose you're right. Yellowfang mentioned before that I wasn't ready either - to receive dreams from StarClan, I mean. She says I'm still in the herbs phase - whatever that dung is supposed to mean."

Fireheart kept quiet as she released a soft sigh.

"But yeah, I... guess I still have a lot to learn. You know, I spilled mouse bile in Yellowfang's nest the other day. I barely got away with my tail after she found out!"

Fireheart chuckled in amusement, seeing what appeared to be Cinderpaw's normal self coming out of her.

"It's okay to be new to something Cinderpaw," he said.

"But that's a mistake only a kit would make," she retorted. "I should know how to manage herbs, how to heal cats, how to interpret StarClan-" Fireheart saw her eyes grow dark. "How to... deliver kits"

Fireheart frowned. How could she still blame herself for her death, after all this time?

"As I said, you're new to it all! StarClan never expected you to save Silvestream - if they did then she'd be alive," he stated.

Watching her, he lashed his tail. His words hardly seemed to be reaching Cinderpaw. After thinking for a second, he perked his ears.

"You saved the kits! They're alive and healthy because of you. StarClan gave you that test and you succeeded!"

Cinderpaw sighed. "Yes, I know. But, I still can't get it out of my head. Her death… at my paws."

Fireheart was silent, not knowing what else to say. Soon, he just shook his head.

"Trust me, you'll learn to put things out of your mind if you try hard enough. Yellowfang told you how she's lost cats. It happens, Cinderpaw," he murmured, before eyeing her. "And by the way, it's Tigerstar who claims you were rejected by StarClan. He's the one twisting everyone's minds into thinking you're not good enough."

"You said he caused my accident too," she said, widening her eyes. Suddenly, her face twisted into a scowl. "Why is he like this? Does he even care about me at all?"

Fireheart looked at her with sympathy before considering her words. Tigerstar surely cared for her, but perhaps not in the way she was thinking of. He chose his next words carefully, hoping to quell her agitation.

"Tigerstar is a harsh cat; that's just how he is. If he doesn't see you at your max potential from the very start, he deems you a failure," Fireheart stated.

His words seemed to only frustrate Cinderpaw more. She gave him a stubborn grunt.

"Tigerstar's an idiot, then."

Fireheart couldn't help but purr at that.

"Well, no. Far from - as much as I hate to say it." He nosed a few twigs under a tree, before raising his head. "But all that means is you have to prove him wrong, Cinderpaw. Prove Tigerstar's jumping to conclusions - then he'll really feel like an idiot!"

"Hah!" Cinderpaw chirped. "Yeah… you're right, Fireheart."

Her eyes sparkled as she contemplated. "So I... just need to keep practicing... and getting better. StarClan hasn't told me that I'm not fit to be a medicine cat, they just think I need more experience!"

Fireheart couldn't help but grin.

"That's the spirit."

"Thanks, Fireheart," Cinderpaw mewed, sounding relieved. "I… I never felt comfortable talking with Yellowfang about this, or anyone else really. They never seem to take me seriously - not even my siblings sometimes."

She turned to marvel at him. "But you're different. You always have been."

Fireheart could feel his ears warming. "We were once mentor-and-apprentice, right? I should hope we understand each other," he said with a snicker. Cinderpaw made a similar noise in response.

"That's true. I guess I just need to stop feeling sorry for myself and pick up the slack, is all," she said, nudging a few more sticks into the undergrowth as if following her own advice.

She turned to look at Fireheart again.

"I'm glad I was your apprentice. I don't care what they say - you're still a warrior to me, Fireheart."

Fireheart stopped what he was doing, putting on a look of surprise. Soon, it turned into a smile. For the first time in a quarter-moon, he felt nothing but pure happiness.

All this time, Cinderpaw had been worrying him. She'd blamed herself for something that was out of her control, and Fireheart was overjoyed to see she now understood that.

Before the two could carry on, however, a new scent arose from behind them. Fireheart's nose twitched at once. Cinderpaw must have scented it as well, as they both turned to see Whitestorm and Longtail heading their way.

They perked their ears curiously as Whitestorm called out to them.

"Have you two scouted this area?"

Cinderpaw nodded. "There's nothing to be concerned about around here."

Whitestorm simply nodded at Cinderpaw's report while Fireheart could see Longtail grimacing beside him.

"Did our prisoner behave?" the striped warrior muttered. Fireheart squinted at him. He sounds disappointed.

Cinderpaw perked her head up defiantly.

"Of course he did! Fireheart would never act up around me."

Fireheart purred, before watching his former apprentice suddenly scrunch her nose.

"What's that smell?" she suddenly inquired.

Fireheart furrowed his brow at her before opening his maw. Scenting the air, Fireheart was suddenly aware of a disgusting stench. As if on cue, Whitestorm stepped aside, causing Fireheart to hiss in surprise at what he saw.

Behind Whitestorm was a pair of ShadowClan cats, both ungroomed with bones outlined beneath their pelts. Fireheart fought back a growl, peering questioningly towards the two ThunderClan warriors leading them.

Whitestorm's expression was serious.

"We must be heading back to camp at once," he said with a stern voice. Fireheart and Cinderpaw gave him a nod, although the former appeared much more interested in the ShadowClan cats.

"Littlecloud?" she said with a gasp. The smaller tom of the two shuffled his paws.

"H-hi, Cinderpaw," Littlecloud responded in a whisper, avoiding their gazes.

Whitestorm cleared his throat.

"If there's nothing more to report, then I'm sure Tigerstar would like to know why these two have been snooping around our territory." His glare landed on the two ShadowClanners, who both lowered their ears.

Longtail grunted his agreement.

"Can you believe it? They were sleeping on our territory. Sleeping!"

Littlecloud flashed the striped tabby a look. "We just nee-"

"No, no. Save it for Tigerstar, both of you," Whitestorm said, looking between the two of them.

Without giving anyone time to protest, Whitestorm flicked his tail at his warriors, signaling them to follow. Longtail snorted, padding alongside the ShadowClanners as if to prevent them from escaping. Fireheart exchanged a look with Cinderpaw, before trudging off with the patrol back to their camp.

"Cinderpaw!"

Yellowfang's distressed mewl sounded out as soon as the patrol returned. Perking his ears, Fireheart watched as the raggedy old she-cat stalked towards them. Cats in the clearing turned at the sound of her voice.

"Cinderpaw, why are you back so soon? Did something bad happ…en." Her words slowed as she suddenly laid eyes on the two ShadowClan cats cowering next to Whitestorm. "What in StarClan's name are they doing here?"

The smaller tom looked up at her. "Hello, Yellowfang."

"Littlecloud." She furrowed her brow, before immediately scrunching her nose in disgust. "Are… are you sick?"

"Yellowfang, we-"

"Mousebrain!" Yellowfang's snarl made him flinch. "Every medicine cat knows to avoid other cats if you're sick! What is Runningnose teaching you?"

"R-Runningnose sent us to ask for herbs," he stammered, before adding more quietly, "And food."

Fireheart, along with the patrol, looked in awe as Yellowfang immediately began scolding her former clanmates. It was soon, however, when a new voice sent chills down Fireheart's spine.

"What's going on here?"

Fireheart felt a knot form in his stomach as he saw Tigerstar approach. Whitestorm quickly turned towards him, dipping his head in respect.

"Tigerstar, these two were discovered sleeping on our territory while we were out," he said, nodding at the two ShadowClan toms.

"Sleeping?" Tigerstar mewed. At first, the tabby appeared somewhat concerned, but upon seeing the two trespassers he suddenly looked almost amused. "And is this what Nightstar calls a raiding party?"

"N-no. You misunderstand, Tigerstar." Whitethroat spoke this time. He mustered the ability to not flinch under the dark tabby's glare before continuing, "Nightstar is sick. Our clan is dying. Cinderfur, our deputy, was one of the first to pass away from disease, and StarClan knows how many will follow. We're all so hungry, we can hardly focus on our duties half the time, much less hunt."

As he listened, Fireheart could see looks of pity flash between his clanmates. The sentiment, however, appeared mostly unpopular. He watched as cats began to emerge from their dens, pelts bristling at the sight of a rival clan. Though the two ShadowClanners were anything but a threat, it seemed ThunderClan still felt the need to hiss and spit.

Tigerstar lashed his tail, looking thoughtful before Whitestorm spoke up.

"It sounds to me like ShadowClan is too weak to defend their territory, much less plot an invasion," the white warrior said. Fireheart nodded silently in agreement, looking towards Tigerstar. The ThunderClan leader had already proven his distaste for their rival clans, and so, therefore, Fireheart was surprised when a look of sympathy flashed across the tabby's eyes.

"I would have to concur, Whitestorm," Tigerstar replied, still scrutinizing the ShadowClan cats. "But are we really to trust them?"

Yellowfang answered with a snort. "I've known ShadowClan all my life. They would never come to ThunderClan camp unless they needed to, much less beg." She glared as if disappointed in her former clanmates.

Tigerstar thought for a moment, not looking too pleased. "What makes them think ThunderClan is going to help?"

"You helped us before… driving out Brokentail and his rogues," Whitethroat explained.

"Those rouges attacked our camp a quarter-moon ago and conspired to kill our leader." Longtail suddenly roared. "ShadowClan deserves to suffer!"

Fireheart raised his head, eyes squinting.

"ShadowClan helped us drive out Brokentail. They want nothing to do with him or his rogues," he stated, ignoring the looks he received.

Longtail whipped his head around. "Like you are one to talk!" he barked.

"No, he is right," Yellowfang rasped, shooting Fireheart an annoyed look. "But that's no reason for us to help them. This disease… I've seen it before during my time in ShadowClan."

Tigerstar leered at Fireheart, before shifting his gaze to her. "What is it? Greencough?"

Yellowfang shook her head. "It has no name. It comes from the rats that scour the Twoleg dump on the far side of their territory. Every cat is taught not to hunt there."

Her eyes were scolding the two ShadowClan cats. Whitethroat spoke up, shuffling his paws.

"I-it was an apprentice who brought the prey back. He was just too young to remember," he told them. Yellowfang rolled her eyes before suddenly gaping with horror as she saw Cinderpaw padding toward them.

"Cinderpaw get away from them!" she shouted, causing her apprentice to step back.

"Huh? Why?" she stammered. Yellowfang flicked her ear in irritation.

"Their disease may spread, that's why! It was foolish of them to come here in the first place. There is nothing we can do for them - this disease has no known cure."

"Indeed," Tigerstar grumbled as if waiting to hear such a declaration. He narrowed his eyes at the ShadowClanners.

"You two need to leave. Now."

His order seemed to shake Cinderpaw. "What?!"

"I couldn't agree more," Longtail added with a grin. Cinderpaw shot him a look, growling.

"How could you two be so heartless? These cats are practically begging for our help!" she stated angrily.

Tigerstar released a huff of annoyance.

"Since when did you care about ShadowClan? Have you forgotten how they once kidnapped you and your siblings?"

Cinderpaw kept her gaze even with him. "That was Brokentail! I care because I am a medicine cat apprentice!"

Yellowfang nudged toward her, a tense look across her muzzle. "Cinderpaw, stay out of this."

"No, Yellowfang!"

Fireheart widened his eyes, watching Cinderpaw defy her mentor. She's never done that before.

Yellowfang appeared equally as shocked. She eyed her apprentice coldly, seeming at a loss for words. Fireheart meanwhile looked at Cinderpaw with astonishment. The amount of stress she'd been under is finally coming out.

Cinderpaw softened her glare, before looking away towards the ground.

"You… you know as well as I do that the clan looks down on me ever since that day," she began. "Everyone thinks I'm a failure. They doubt I'll ever become a medicine cat… not after Silverstream, Tigerstar's nine lives, and everything else I've done wrong."

Yellowfang said nothing as Cinderpaw now looked at her with pleading eyes.

"Please, give me a chance, Yellowfang! If you can't help them, then I will. After all, what kind of medicine cat would I be if I can't help those looking for it?"

Her mentor's gaze was softened. "Cinderpaw…"

"Perhaps, she has a point." Tigerstar's mew drew everyone's attention. "While I don't agree with it, this could be a sign from StarClan," he said, eyeing Cinderpaw with interest. "Perhaps this is a test? To prove Cinderpaw here is truly worthy of her title?"

"Tch. That sounds like frog dung," Yellowfang sniveled. Tigerstar simply shrugged while Cinderpaw's eyes gleamed with alarm.

"Yellowfang, please! Runningnose and Littlecloud will help me while I'm there, and Fireheart could help you here - just like he's been doing for the past quarter-moon!"

Fireheart looked at her solemnly. He has indeed been helping, but he couldn't imagine what it would be like without Cinderpaw there as well. Whenever Fireheart would bring back herbs, Cinderpaw was there. Whenever he woke up, Cinderpaw was there in the den with him. She was always present.

But at the same time, he could see the fire in her eyes. She had just been telling him how difficult it was to be a medicine cat apprentice when nobody supported you.

Cinderpaw had been desperately wanting to prove herself ever since that time at the Moonstone. Now, this was her chance. Like a hunter stalking its prey, Cinderpaw saw her moment to strike.

Fireheart understood her perfectly. If he was also given a chance to prove himself, then he'd leap at it without a second thought too.

The winds of change are upon us...

"ShadowClan must be desperate, you know." Whitestorm mew came after a few moments of silence. "There is a Gathering tomorrow, and it sounds like only a few may show up. Perhaps it could be just Nightstar by himself."

Tigerstar grunted his disagreement. "Nightstar would not leave his entire clan just to ensure ShadowClan's place at a Gathering. If he comes, he'll bring an entire throng of cats with him, along with their plague."

He turned towards Cinderpaw, looking thoughtful. Then, with a curt nod towards Yellowfang, he spoke, "It would be best if this situation is dealt with as fast as possible. Perhaps the idea of ThunderClan helping may put Nightstar at ease before the Gathering. Therefore, Cinderpaw has my permission to go."

With that, all eyes landed on the ThunderClan medicine cat, her fur bristling as she observed her apprentice. Cinderpaw didn't break her gaze, instead, looking invigorated after hearing Tigerstar's support.

After what seemed like forever, Yellowfang sighed with defeat, before roughly licking the ear of her apprentice.

"If you get hurt, I'll flay you."

Despite her sharp tone of voice, Cinderpaw beamed like a kit.

"You would still if everything turned out fine!" she laughed.

Fireheart felt a wave of relief, smiling as he watched his former apprentice light up.

She was being given a chance! And if Fireheart knew anything about his former apprentice, she refused to fail.

Looks like ShadowClan is getting cured whether they want to or not.

Seeming satisfied, Tigerstar gave a curt nod towards Longtail and Whitestorm.

"You two shall ensure they're all escorted safely."

With a respectful nod from one, and a bemused groan from the other, Whitestorm and Longtail made for the gorse tunnel - Cinderpaw and the two ShadowClanners in tow.

Fireheart watched them go, feeling happy for his friend.

Although, at the same time, he was worried.

What would happen if she got sick? He pondered fearfully. Is StarClan going to help her? And what is Yellowfang gonna do now without her?

As if sensing his thoughts, Fireheart suddenly cowered at the sound of angry paws coming toward him. Turning around, Fireheart gulped. Yellowfang was shooting him a furious glare.

"Let me guess… You put her up to this, didn't you?"

Fireheart frowned at the she-cat's tone. Didn't she trust her apprentice was making her own decisions?

"Yellowfang, she feels terrible about how much of a screw-up everyone believes she is! I talked to her on the patrol, and she told me all about it. Cinderpaw has always been looking for a way to prove herself, can't you see?"

Yellowfang's glare faltered for a moment. She looked away from him, grumbling with irritation.

"I told you she would bounce back, but this is not what I had in mind."

Fireheart gave her a knowing look, before nudging her shoulder. "You're just being paranoid. StarClan will take care of her, right? They don't make tests you can't pass?"

"Oh, don't you go twisting my words on me," Yellowfang rasped. Fireheart gave her a light-hearted chuckle, earning him a cuff on the ear.

"Hmph. Keep it up, kittypet. You'll need that enthusiasm soon-"

Fireheart looked serious now, tilting his head in confusion. Yellowfang snickered, leaning in closer to his face.

"Because it looks like you're getting a new job tomorrow."

...

After such a quiet day, the nursery seemed suddenly alert when the smell of a rival clan invaded. Things were tense, but luckily, Tigerstar was there to take care of everything. Only once those ShadowClan cats finally left did Goldenflower feel a partial weight lift off her shoulders. Now, she peered towards ThunderClan's prisoner as he spoke with Yellowfang.

She held her breath, watching. Waiting.

And then, with a small huff of relief, the golden queen watched as he began to walk away towards the prisoner's den, but not after grabbing a small vole for himself from the fresh-kill pile.

Goldenflower could feel her tail lashing behind her. She always hated when Yellowfang allowed him to take from the pile. Traitors were supposed to eat the scraps - not plump, savory rodents.

"Mother?"

Goldenflower perked her ears. Her amber eyes landed on her son, Bramblekit, as the young kitten could be seen tilting his head at her. Now under her gaze, Bramblekit's voice grew a little softer.

"...Why are you always glaring at that cat?"

She sighed.

"Well, you see, my son…" she thought carefully of what to say. "That cat is a threat to us whenever he's around. I keep my eye on him in case he tries to hurt someone."

Her precious kit looked at her, befuddled. Goldenflower couldn't blame him if he found it hard to believe. She too had a hard time believing Fireheart - the timid, unsuspecting kittypet - was able to be so cruel and deceitful.

Nearby, however, Tawnykit seemed less concerned.

The queen's tortoiseshell-and-white daughter fought with a moss ball next to her brother. One would assume she simply hadn't been listening as she rolled across the ground. However, once Goldenflower had finished, the kitten perked up towards her mother, waving her tail around with a smug grin.

"That kittypet traitor? Dangerous?" She mewled with laughter, "That's silly! He's so skinny… I bet he couldn't fight a mouse!"

Goldenflower couldn't help but purr at her daughter's antics. However, she soon noticed how Bramblekit looked even more confused.

The little kit's eyes were wide open.

"T-traitor?" he squeaked. Tawnykit kicked her moss ball away before gleaming towards him.

"Yeah! Dad called him that… or something. And, uh- Oh yeah! Murderer!" she beamed.

Goldenflower raised her brow. Certainly, Tigerstar didn't mean to say these things around their kits - they were too young to hear the tangents he sometimes went on about that kittypet.

Bramblekit seemed off-put, now shifting his curious gaze onto Tawnykit.

"But, d-don't all cats murder prey?"

"Your sister means that he's killed cats, Bramblekit," Goldenflower explained. "That tom betrayed our clan by killing our old leader, Bluestar."

Hearing the name of their former leader, Bramblekit dipped his head solemnly. However, he soon yelped in surprise as Tawnykit shoved herself next to him, eyes sparkling.

"But Father stopped him before he could kill anyone else!"

Goldenflower gave a half-smile to her daughter. "Yes," she mewed. "Now he serves ThunderClan and must face those he betrayed every day. It is his punishment."

Bramblekit, after giving his sister an annoyed look, seemed no less confused than he was before. At this point, Goldenflower simply decided to put it out of her mind. Eventually, he would come to understand how serious the matter was. For now, her kit was just too innocent.

Tawnykit, meanwhile, hardly seemed to care about the details of their prisoner's retribution, giving her mother a cool shrug. She licked the patch of fur on her shoulder, having ruffled it from nearly bowling her brother off of his paws.

"Stinkin' kittypets should've never been allowed to join us," she grumbled, lashing her tail about. "The forest drives them nuts! They can't handle being a warrior like us pure-bloods. Right, Bramblekit?"

Her brother gave her a side glance, before returning his gaze to the floor. "Y-yeah," he replied quietly.

Goldenflower watched as Tawnykit poked at him, seemingly confused by his aloofness. The queen sighed before leaning in closer to her two kits.

"Listen, you two. That traitor may serve us, but you are the exception. Kits shouldn't be anywhere near him, do you understand?"

Her voice was firm, demanding acknowledgment.

Tawnykit looked at her mother, her gaze firm and understanding. Bramblekit was a little slower to look her in the eyes, but nevertheless, the two kits nodded their heads obediently.

"Yes, mother. We understand."

...

A/N - So yeah, the Littlecloud/Whitethroat-visiting scene plays out a bit differently than in canon. The dialogue and cats have been changed, obviously, and for those keeping track of the time (which is probably no one lol) Littlecloud's visit happens the day BEFORE the Gathering, not AFTER, like in the canon book.

Is this change important? Uhhh… maybe :p