A/N - Holy shit. A chapter!

Sorry, y'all, I didn't want to take so long to update, but it was final exam week at the beginning of May - as some of you may have been painfully aware - and I just recently got a new job as well. Writing had stalled considerably because of that.

That, and also the fact I've written a HUUUUUUUUUUUGE chapter again. So huge, in fact, that - just like with Cloudpaw's Tale - I decided to split the god-forsaken thing up into two parts again.

The next part will hopefully be out very soon… Sorry, I just couldn't stop writing, and I'm too greedy for updates, so here we are!

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

…

The Kits: Part One

…

"This one…" A raspy voice inquired. "What is it?"

Yellowfang stood in the center of the medicine den; A pile of random, unassorted herbs sat next to her. The cover of the night made it so Fireheart was unable to guess them so easily since as it turns out, luster played a big part in recognizing herbs.

"Uh.…" Fireheart said, shuffling his paws. With careful eyes, Fireheart observed the tiny piece of flora next to Yellowfang's paws. It was green, thin, and spiky - suddenly, Fireheart recalled one such herb that matched that description.

"It's fennel," he stated.

Yellowfang's gaze was unwavering as she coaxed him along

"And what does fennel do?"

Fireheart had to think hard. He sat there stumped for a few moments, unsure if he was remembering his herbs correctly. Eventually, he gave up trying, taking a shot with the knowledge he already had.

"Drink its juice - to ease pain in the hips?"

This statement was less than confident, with a tone of uncertainty in his voice that'd been painfully obvious.

To his relief, though, Yellowfang gave him a nod.

"Good," she said. Fireheart sighed, before feeling the warmth of his pride. It sounded like the old she-cat was impressed. Yellowfang pushed the fennel into the pile that was beside her, the plant disappearing amongst the many other miscellaneous herbs.

"That's the last of them. You got most correct," she said. Fireheart puffed out his chest. With a twitch of her ears, she went on. "You surprised me. I never thought you paid that much attention since you've been staying here. Most warriors would say herbs are boring."

"Herbs are useful! They just… smell strange, is all," Fireheart said, eyeing the thyme within the pile in particular.

Yellowfang snorted. "That's all? Half of these can kill you if you aren't careful," she replied, shaking her head. "But, never mind. You did well for the first day, Fireheart."

The ginger tom felt glee at her praise. But unfortunately, it wouldn't last long. Now remembering the second reason he was called to her den, Fireheart drooped his tail.

"So now that we're done, I'm supposed to…" he trailed off, hoping Yellowfang would catch on. She grunted in response, turning away from him to look around her den.

"Yes, yes. I didn't forget," she rasped, reaching for a folded leaf nearby. "Today I'm sending you to give Halftail his herbs. Old bugger is always complaining about some aching joint or another, and today is no different. This will give you some proper experience."

Fireheart watched as she grabbed said herbs with her mouth, having tucked them in the leaves for easier transportation. She plopped them down at his paws, before looking at him with concern.

"Something else I heard… one of our new apprentices should be taking care of their ticks just about now," she said, before grimacing. "Don't go pestering them. They need to help with something in the camp nowadays."

Fireheart shared her look of concern before mewling his agreement.

Fernpaw had just been named an apprentice earlier that evening, and so had her brother, Ashpaw. Darkstripe - Because of course, it had to be him - was chosen to be Fernpaw's mentor, and Fireheart couldn't help but pity her. Having a mentor in Darkstripe was bad enough, but being put to work in the elder's den was a punishment in its own right. Fireheart knew, since though he was never exactly close with them, the elders had tongues sharper than a badger's claws.

"Okay," was all the ginger tom said in response. He'd tended to elders before, so he knew what to expect. Yellowfang, however, kept a look of concern on her face.

"That's not all, Fireheart. You were told earlier, I presume?"

Sighing, Fireheart rolled his eyes. The elders just couldn't be the only thing he'd deal with tonight.

"Yeah, I know. Almost everyone is out for battle training, so I'm the only one who can replace the nursery bedding."

If he had to be honest, Fireheart had almost forgotten about that. This would be the first time he'd enter the nursery since his imprisonment. If Tigerstar wasn't so keen on battle training, who knows how long it would be until Fireheart had an excuse to go in there.

It seemed like Yellowfang could sense the small amount of dread in his tone, shaking her head at him dismissively.

"Eh, you'll be fine. You were bound to enter the nursery again at some point," she said. "Now that I think about it, I have some leftover moss from that nasty RiverClan battle recently. You could take that to the queens."

The aging she-cat then turned around, trudging to one of the cracks in her den's wall where Fireheart guessed she kept her moss. Seeing her prepare for his departure only made his feelings worsen. Pawing the ground, Fireheart looked over at her.

"Yellowfang, I have a question."

He heard a low grunt from the old she-cat - a sound he'd learned after spending so many days in the medicine den to mean: 'Ugh, what?'

Fireheart thought of the best way to phrase what he was about to ask.

"So all of this… it's just temporary, right?"

It had only been a day since Yellowfang made him her assistant. He had no reason to believe it wasn't temporary, but the sour feeling that he'd been replacing Cinderpaw refused to go away.

Hearing a loud grunt this time, Fireheart watched as Yellowfang whipped her head around at him. Her eyes were narrowed, with her mouth full of moss. Stalking up to him, she spat it on the ground, before looking at him irritatedly.

"Well obviously! I can't just pick and choose apprentices, you know."

That answer seemed to do little for Fireheart's concerns. His face still portrayed one of worry as Yellowfang turned around to get another piece of moss. Upon returning, Yellowfang studied him again. After a moment, she gave a small huff, brushing him with her tail.

"Fireheart, of course, Cinderpaw is still ThunderClan's medicine cat apprentice. No cat can change that."

He looked at her for a moment, somehow feeling doubtful. However, seeing how serious she was, Fireheart just shook his head.

"Right, yes. Of course, she is."

Yellowfang raised her brow, looking unconvinced, before groaning.

"Look, you aren't gonna replace her, even though it seems like it. She said so herself - you can help in her stead. I mean, you've been doing it already, haven't you?"

Fireheart listened, realizing her words made perfect sense. Yellowfang continued, "Besides, every warrior should know their herbs, as you said. If some mousebrain hurts themselves on the Thunderpath again, then you could help them."

He cringed, knowing that the last part was unnecessary, but he got her point. With what he was doing, not only was he keeping himself simply preoccupied instead of lazing away, but he was also making himself a more valuable clan member. If he was to prove his worth as a warrior to anyone, why not learn as much as possible?

"You're right, Yellowfang. As always," Fireheart said. He lifted off his haunches, eyes landing on the bracken-covered entrance nearby. "Anyways, I assume Halftail is in his den?"

"Of course he is. You'd hear him complaining otherwise," Yellowfang responded, having lowered her nose to check on the elder's herbs one last time. A medicine cat could never be too careful, Fireheart figured.

Seeming content, she lifted her head. "This leaf pod here contains his medicine. Tell him to eat it. Simple enough, even for a mousebrain like him."

Fireheart nodded his head. His gaze shifted to the pile of moss beside the pod.

"And that is-"

Yellowfang looked at it.

"Yes. The queen's moss bedding. I had some to spare, so it's old, but hopefully, they'll take it anyway."

Fireheart eyed her uncertainly, feeling his confidence draining.

"Okay but - what if they don't like it? What if they get mad?" he asked worriedly. The moss seemed just fine, but Fireheart could only imagine how picky they would be with him.

"Don't worry about it. You've been smart enough to cause as little trouble as possible. If the elders don't care when you clean their bedding, then the queens shouldn't care either."

Fireheart curled his lip at the old she-cat's words. "I'm not so sure. Goldenflower has been trying to singe me with her glares lately. So has Brindleface…"

Yellowfang rolled her eyes. Her patience seemed to be running low.

"Yes, well, they're just being cautious. Queens are always cautious," she said. "Besides, I told them earlier to expect you. You'll be fine, despite your… reputation."

"Alright," Fireheart said, noting the tiredness of her voice. He didn't need more cats irritated at him, especially Yellowfang.

Lowering his head toward the ground, Fireheart lodged the moss under his chin to carry, before then grabbing the leaf pod with his teeth.

After glancing at Yellowfang, the she-cat lashed her tail at him.

"What, do you need my consent? Be off already!"

Fireheart flinched at her snappy attitude but still managed to nod in response. Turning tail, he headed out of the den and into the clearing.

After taking a look around the camp, Fireheart could tell it was still just as empty as it'd been when he woke up in the afternoon. Most warriors had been out training today - Tigerstar's orders.

The Gathering is today as well, but will everyone even have enough energy to attend?

Fireheart looked out at the gorse tunnel, wondering when the cats would be back. Stifling a growl, he turned away.

Whatever. Let them work it out. It's not like I should be concerned about Gatherings anymore.

His eyes scanned the camp a second time, and Fireheart noted only a few warriors were present. Darkstripe was there, talking amongst a few others. They waited near the elder's den, just where he needed to go. Fireheart assumed Darkstripe's apprentice was inside, but still, he wished the dark-furred warrior was nowhere to be found.

Stifling a groan, Fireheart trotted over to them.

The elders first. He thought to himself.

The ginger tom came closer to the trio of cats that Darkstripe was a part of. To his pleasant surprise, they all ignored him, having been enraptured by some story Darkstripe was telling. Fireheart barely paid any attention, but from the sound of it, Darkstripe was just bragging about his apprentice and how "great" she was.

Not even pinning his ears back to listen further, Fireheart trudged into the elder's den.

Quickly upon entering, he noticed Fernpaw had been quietly chatting with one of them, Dappletail, as the latter sat in her nest nearest to the entrance. His appearance made her suddenly jump, and Fireheart noticed an alarmed look on her face as she whipped around at him.

Dappletail gave him a look of surprise as well, before nudging the younger she-cat.

"I think you should go, Fernpaw; Darkstripe is probably missing you," she said in a whisper. "Thank you for helping us."

Fernpaw nodded, before padding quickly toward the entrance and Fireheart. The ginger tom looked away, not wanting to scare her any more than he already had.

He shuffled away for her to move past him, before hearing a loud caterwaul from beside him.

"YEOWCH!"

The sudden screech made Fernpaw jump, tripping as she ran out of the den. Fireheart also flinched, nearly dropping his moss, but managed to catch it in the nick of time.

He turned to his left where the shrill sound came from, only to meet Halftail's furious gaze.

"Dungbrain! I have half a tail and you still manage to step on it!" he reeled.

Fireheart pinned his ears, abashed.

"I-I'm sorry! I was moving out of Fernpaw's wa-"

Halftail cut him off with a sneer.

"Fernpaw already changed our bedding for us! Now go away!"

Fireheart looked at him annoyed, taken aback by his uninviting tone, but even more so at what the tom said. Fernpaw was the only apprentice there, from what he could gather. Darkstripe putting her to work in the elder's den when everyone else was training just didn't sit right with him.

Gulping down his complaints, Fireheart gently poked at the leaf in front of him.

"I brought herbs for you Halftail, from Yellowfang," he told him. Halftail just responded with a look of annoyance.

"Why'd she have to send you?" Another male voice sounded from behind Halftail.

It was Dappletail who replied. "Cinderpaw went away, Smallear. Remember?" she said to her denmate, Smallear, who then pinned his unusually small ears back.

"What about Cinderpaw?" He blinked his eyes in confusion, before looking betrayed. "She left the clan too? First Cloudpaw, now her? This clan… I swear-"

Dappletail rolled her eyes. "No. Cinderpaw left to help ShadowClan's medicine cats."

"And I'm filling in for her," Fireheart jutted in.

"Are ya?" Halftail snorted. "Well then, you can tell Yellowfang I don't want any herbs from you."

"Yellowfang prepared these herself," Fireheart shot back. He nudged the herbs towards his paws. "They're for your bellyache, right?"

Halftail eyed him for a moment, before sniffing the herbs.

"Mmph, fine," he growled after a moment. "I'm gonna die soon anyway, even if you didn't poison them."

Fireheart sat back, ignoring the tom's comments. Instead, he felt a bit of triumph as he watched the elder lap up the medicine. It wasn't long before someone else was complaining, though.

"Great. Now he can leave, yes?" One-eye said, yawning from her spot next to Smallear. Fireheart gave her a frown, figuring Halftail's shriek probably woke her up. He wouldn't blame her for having a sour attitude towards him then.

Lashing his tail once, Fireheart stood up.

"Yes. I've done my job here, so I'll be right out of your fur," he said, half-serious and half-dripping with sarcasm. He turned away, not even bothering to take the leaf Halftail's herbs had come in, stalking towards the den.

He was almost outside before a fluffy tail stopped him. Turning his head, Fireheart noticed Dappletail's warm gaze.

She seemed to feel his contempt, heaving a sigh.

"Hey, please don't mind them, all right? They've been worked-up ever since we smelled ShadowClan in our camp," she explained. Fireheart gave her a knowing look.

"I can tell," he said. ShadowClan always puts cats in a bad mood.

"I hear you're supposed to change the moss in the nursery today." Fireheart perked his ears as Dappletail continued. "I suggest you avoid looking at the kits. With so few warriors, the queens are more wary than usual, and won't hesitate to find a reason to rip your fur off."

Listening to her, Fireheart reminded himself of all the times he'd seen the queens snap at someone when he lived in the medicine den. They had come in from time to time - problems with their kits' health or their own. Fireheart never tended to them during that time, which was something that probably wasn't a coincidence.

Fireheart let out a sigh, looking back at the elder. "I know the queens don't like me. Goldenflower is already making sure I don't feel welcome."

"Well then, frankly, she's a good mother. Always alert-" Dappletail observed him. "But they'll be expecting you, I think. It'd be wise not to keep a queen waiting."

"You're right, Dappletail," Fireheart agreed. He could use one less reason for them to be angry at him.

Not wasting another second, Fireheart was back on his paws, ready to leave the den. He looked back towards Dappletail.

"I'll go, and… if you ever need anything, don't hesitate to ask me or Yellowfang, alright?"

She smiled at him.

"Of course~"

Nodding, Fireheart smiled back, before turning away. Dappletail's weirdly calm aura helped quell his nerves. She was the one elder that rarely snapped from what Fireheart could tell, and he was grateful she didn't seem to completely hate his presence. Or at least, she wasn't as vocal about it as her denmates.

Fireheart padded outside, where he immediately noticed Darkstripe and his gang weren't there. Looking around, he found they had moved closer to the gorse tunnel, talking to what appeared to be a patrol that had just returned.

He saw a few apprentices and Whitestorm, but that seemed to be all that caught his eye. No sign of Tigerstar yet - the one cat he'd always be on the lookout for whenever a patrol returned.

Turning away with disinterest, Fireheart continued towards the nursery. He could spy a few disgruntled looks as he made his way over.

Fireheart knew how they were always afraid he'd try something. Although, he wasn't stupid, and they knew he wasn't stupid either. Fireheart couldn't try anything, even if he wanted to - the clan would make crowfood of him in seconds.

Trudging up to the nursery entrance, Fireheart peeked his head inside.

"Hello?" he whispered. The kits might have been asleep like the elders had been, and Fireheart knew better than to wake them lest he faces each of their mother's wrath.

Hearing nothing, he continued.

"Uhm… It's the kittypet? I have moss for you."

Fireheart waited, hoping he would get a response and not have to walk in uninvited.

At the sound of footsteps, he quickly pricked his ears. But it was then Fireheart suddenly felt a wave of nervousness wash over him, as the one queen he'd choose not to come face to face with was there now, staring him directly n the eyes.

"You're here," Goldenflower said plainly.

Fireheart observed her blank look, feeling an overwhelming sense of awkwardness. She must have seen the moss underneath his chin since Fireheart noticed her muscles suddenly release a bit of tension.

"All right. Come-" She turned, giving him a flick of her tail. Fireheart figured that must have been the signal to follow.

Slowly and hesitantly, he followed her into the den. Upon entering, the heavy scent of milk was the first thing he noticed. A few nests could be seen, each with mothers and their kits snuggled up, either feeding or preparing to sleep.

"We've been expecting you." Goldenflower suddenly said. Fireheart watched as she turned to face him, causing him to stop. Fireheart could tell she was very wary of him, just by the way she moved.

Flicking her tail, Goldenflower gestured towards a nest in the corner of the den.

"Brindleface is moving out of the nursery today, given that her kits are apprentices now. She-"

"Mama!"

Goldenflower clenched her teeth, while the sudden squeal made Fireheart jump, fearing he'd hurt someone again. He whipped his head around, before laying eyes on a small, fluffed-up tortoiseshell-and-white kit.

"The kittypet is in our den!" she growled with as much ferocity as a moon old kitten could muster. Goldenflower looked at her daughter, flustered, before the little she-kit suddenly pounced towards Fireheart, clawing at him.

The ginger tom backed away, surprised, before hearing the small cat growl again.

"Get away from her, you weirdo!"

Fireheart bristled, looking wildly confused. He did not expect a kit of all things in here to be what attacked him.

"Tawnykit!"

Both Fireheart and the small kit flinched at Goldenflower's commanding voice. The queen eyed her daughter sternly - Fireheart saw the other queens had sat up as well, giving the small she-kit looks of irritation.

"What did I tell you about going near him?" the mother chided.

Tawnykit shuffled her paws, huffing.

"To not to…

Goldenflower kept her glare, waving her tail at her. "Go and leave us. Now."

The she-kit looked hesitant for a moment, but soon it was replaced by a smug grin. She peered at Fireheart one last time before scampering away. Fireheart watched as she hopped over to Speckletail's side, head raised confidently.

"Did I do good grandma?"

Fireheart could hear her giddy whisper. Speckletail gave the kit a hoarse chuckle.

"I've never seen a tom more frightened, dear."

Goldenflower flicked her ears at them but otherwise had her attention fully on Fireheart. She eyed him for a moment before eventually relaxing her broad shoulders

"As I was saying, both Brindleface and Willowpelt's nests need replacing. Willowpelt needs a new one, and Brindleface's can be disposed of."

Still shaken from the scare Tawnykit gave him, Fireheart nodded.

"Sounds easy enough," he replied. Seeing Goldenflower harden her glare, Fireheart grew more wary, fighting to keep his fur down.

"And, as always, don't go near the kits. Got it?"

Fireheart blinked - surprised she even thought to tell him. He wouldn't dream of wanting to be anywhere near Tigerstar's spawn, though seeing how this she-cat was their mother, he thought it'd be best not to say that out loud.

Smoothly, Fireheart nodded his head.

"Of course," he said in a mutter, the glare from the stocky queen doing little to quell his nerves. Seeming as content as she could get, Goldenflower turned away.

"Brindleface!" she called towards one of the dark corners. Fireheart heard a loud trifle from one of the queens before Goldenflower continued. "Your nest in the warrior's den is ready. Fernpaw made it for you!"

Fireheart could see a she-cat rise from her nest in the far corner, before trudging over to meet them. Brindleface looked tired as she padded closer.

"Thank you, Goldy," she said, mid-yawn. "Ugh, but can't we just wait for the Gathering?"

Looking behind Goldenflower, the queen quickly dropped her eyelids as her gaze then landed on Fireheart.

"Oh… he's here."

Fireheart avoided her gaze, feeling as if he was in trouble. He didn't know what to say to the queen after everything that's gone down. Brindleface had practically raised Cloudpaw when Fireheart brought him to the clan, so she must have taken Tigerstar's "revelation" harder than the others. There was no doubt in Fireheart's mind that Brindleface hated him, even though the molly hardly ever paid any attention to him.

Shaking her head, Goldenflower quickly nudged her side.

"Come on, Tigerstar will be back any minute now. He'll probably want you to go to the Gathering. You haven't been in moons!"

Brindleface grimaced, looking away from them.

"Sure, if only to get away from him."

Fireheart watched, disheartened, as Goldenflower nudged the former queen's shoulder.

"I'll show you your nest," she said. With a sigh and a nod, Brindleface exited the den without so much as a glance toward Fireheart. Goldenflower went to follow after her, but not before sending a quick mewl towards Speckletail in the back of the nursery.

"Keep an eye on him. Please, mother?"

Speckletail snorted. "What do you think I've been doing?" she called as Goldenflower was already halfway out of the den.

Fireheart frowned, seeing the golden molly had given him one last distrustful look before she left. What was he doing that caused them to be so wary? Not even the lies they believed were any reason to have this much caution.

Huffing, Fireheart picked up the moss he'd dropped when Tawnykit frightened the living daylights out of him, before trudging over to the nest Brindleface had been laying in. He thought he might as well start with her nest so he could free up some space.

Setting down his moss, he inspected the nest. To his pleasure, it was clean. Most of the time when he dealt with other cats' nests they were anything but.

His claws began tearing through the nest, disassembling it. As he worked, the ginger tom tried to ignore the feeling of glares burning into the back of his head.

He know they were there. They had to be - they always were. It was as if the queens were looking on with disgust as he ruined their home, despite the fact what he was doing was completely normal.

Fireheart was only about halfway done before he heard a disgruntled voice in his ear.

"What the-"

Turning his head, he noticed Willowpelt had stepped beside the pile of moss he'd brought. She was sniffing at it furiously, pawing it every which way. Fireheart watched her, confused before she suddenly raised her head, glaring daggers.

"This moss is brown!" she exclaimed at him. Fireheart pinned his ears.

"What?" he stuttered, unsure of how to respond. "I-It didn't look brown to me!"

Willowpelt continued with a scoff, "You pillock. Queens can't use this!"

Fireheart looked at her, apologetically. He always had trouble with moss; It was hard to tell whether it was good or bad at times.

But what he did know was that if the moss wasn't soggy or smelly, then it should work fine. Willowpelt was just making a big deal out of nothing.

"I'm sorry, I was told it was fine. Yellowfang fetched it for me," Fireheart said to her. Willowpelt rolled her eyes, scoffing again.

"Oh, sure, she did."

As she turned away, Speckletail approached from her side, having been alerted by the commotion. Fireheart watched as she inspected the moss herself, before facing him.

"This is no good." She stared blankly. "You're going to have to get more."

Fireheart looked at her dumbfounded.

"What?" He blurted, his heart skipping a beat. He was never allowed to fetch moss, as it usually grew by the river. Since the Gathering was also tonight, he'd likely be alone doing it as well.

But Speckletail didn't seem to care. She looked at him with a stubborn, almost challenging glare.

"Is that a problem?" she grumbled.

Fireheart gave her a small frown.

"No…" he said in a low voice. "No. It's not."

"Good." The queen sighed, turning away. "You should know where moss grows - outside of camp by the river. Get some, after dumping this rubbish of course."

"All right, I will," he replied.

Speckletail said nothing, getting up to go back to her nest - something that rubbed Fireheart the wrong way. He couldn't help but feel the queen was being a little too dismissive.

She was about to join a snoozing Tawnykit in her nest before Fireheart's voice stopped her.

"A-aren't you concerned I'll run off?" he said, sounding hesitant.

The queen stopped, lashing her tail as she looked toward him.

"I'll tell Goldenflower where you are. My daughter is the best tracker in the forest, so if you slip away while we're gone, then she'll hunt you down like a hungry fox - with Tigerstar right behind her I've no doubt."

Her glare was serious, amplifying Fireheart's nerves. She threw her head back lazily.

"Ugh, and besides, I'd rather have you anywhere else but here."

"You've made your point," Fireheart grumbled. She sniffed, before turning away again - heading back to her nest where her grandkits currently rested.

Fireheart stared at the ground aimlessly as he pondered over what she had said.

He had never realized Goldenflower had been so… established in her own right. As if being the clan leader's mate wasn't enough!

He knew Speckletail was probably exaggerating, but after what he's seen, those two cats probably weren't ones to test.

Shaking his head, Fireheart turned back towards his "brown" moss, picking it up. He choked a little as he placed the moss under his chin; the queens officially deemed it as bad, therefore, he couldn't help but feel a little more disgusted, even though it seemed no different than before.

With an eagerness to get out of there, Fireheart made for the exit to the Nursery. He looked back as he left, knowing the queens were watching him carefully.

"I'll be back soon with more moss. Sorry again!" he called

Without waiting for a response - as if he would get one anyway - Fireheart turned and hurried out of the den.

Stumbling outside, almost immediately Fireheart had noticed a lot more in the clearing cats than he remembered. Most if not every patrol had returned by now, by the looks of it.

And it was then Fireheart finally laid eyes on him…

Tigerstar.

He watched with slanted eyes as the leader spoke with a few other warriors. Fireheart wondered if he should inform him about where he was going. While he trusted Speckletail to tell other cats where he'd be, he knew it wasn't because she was looking out for him.

After standing there lost in thought for a few moments, Fireheart decided it'd be best to trust the queens this time. He didn't want to linger in the same place as Tigerstar anyway.

However, upon turning to leave, he failed to realize that a snow-furred warrior had been directly in his path right.

Whitestorm stumbled back as Fireheart crashed into him, surprised. Fireheart quickly responded with a fearful look, as if he'd just been caught stealing prey.

Instead of getting angry with him, though, Whitestorm suddenly put on a knowing look as he observed the moss he was carrying.

"So," he began. "Did the queens scare you out?"

One of his brows was raised in a teasing manner. Fireheart felt his fear start to chip away, relieved at how the white warrior didn't seem hostile.

"Sorry, Whitestorm," he said quickly. "And no, the queens wanted me to fetch more moss. The stuff I brought was old apparently."

Whitestorm hummed, giving him a nod.

"Ah, well, that is no surprise. Queens can never be content while under so much stress. Kits and their mothers are very needy, you know; it'd be best to satisfy those needs quickly."

Fireheart gave a slow nod in agreement. "So…you're okay with me going alone?" He looked at him questioningly. Whitestorm stifled a laugh in response.

"Not like you could run away if you tried, right?" he said. Fireheart lowered his ears at that.

"Speckletail said something similar…"

Whitestorm eyed him for a moment before pointing his tail towards a group of cats - the apprentices - who were all huddled together, talking excitedly.

"Well, as you can see we have all just finished up our training. Therefore, ThunderClan will depart for the Gathering soon - as I'm sure you're aware - so you may run into that patrol while you're out there alone."

Fireheart gave a short glance at the group he pointed out, before looking back with a confused frown.

"Even so, you're not afraid I'll run away to RiverClan?"

Once again, Whitestorm responded with a less-than-serious expression.

"Come now, Fireheart. Still, you cannot see?"

Fireheart narrowed his eyes.

"What?" he scoffed accusingly. "What can't I see? The way everyone watches me like a hawk?" He flicked his tail behind him as if referring to everyone in the clearing. "Because I actually do see that, and I know just how worried some cats would get if I suddenly disappeared."

Whitestorm finally put on a more serious face, looking at him thoughtfully.

"We may keep our eyes on you, but it's not because we think you'll run away - in fact, some would probably welcome that idea. No, we're simply wary of you." He gazed at him more intensely. "You're clever. I'm surprised you haven't figured it out yet.

Fireheart lashed his tail again, before dropping the moss under his chin. He grimaced at Whitestorm, irritated.

"What is it that I have not figured out exactly?" he said, almost growling. Whitestorm held his gaze, unwavering.

"Well, it's just that..." he trailed off, before meeting the ginger tom's eyes with a solemn look. "You're alone, Fireheart."

Whitestorm kept his gaze as Fireheart's tail began to drop. He continued.

"Isn't it true? You have nowhere to go. You're all by yourself - like you were on your first day in the forest."

Fireheart said nothing. The sound of muffled conversations was all that could be heard.

He snorted. "That-"

"No, really. Think about it," Whitestorm urged. Fireheart looked at him as he explained, "RiverClan and WindClan are both on bad terms with us, and ShadowClan is drowning in disease. None of them will help you, despite your past deeds to them. Meanwhile, every other place else you could go, we'll be able to find you."

His gaze turned a little darker.

"And believe me. If Tigerstar can track you, he will try to find you."

Fireheart looked at the ground, his mind whirling at Whitestorm's words.

Yes… He thought. No, he's right. It would be too difficult to run away. I'm trapped here… No- Yes. Of course. He's right. What am I thinking? Of course, nobody thinks I'm going to run away.

He heard Whitestorm suddenly continue, a solemn tone present in his voice.

"Face it. You have nowhere to run…"

… Okay, I get it. Stop-

"Nowhere to hide…"

Fireheart clenched his eyes shut.

Please stop.

Whitestorm paused for a moment as he watched the ginger tom, before sighing.

"Honestly, I think it would be best if you try to make the most of your situation here. Don't run from your mistakes, Fireheart… it'll only make things worse."

Fireheart didn't look him in the eye. Instead, staring at the gorse tunnel.

I never said I was going to... Besides, my only mistake is not exposing Tigerstar in front of every cat in this clearing that night.

He shook his head.

"Yes. You're right, Whitestorm," he said. "I see now why nobody takes me seriously."

The white warrior looked on at him, seemingly satisfied with the answer he was given.

Fireheart, meanwhile, looked upon him with sorrow.

It pains me to keep everything from you, Whitestorm. You have no idea what's truly going on, and that's how it must stay. If I tell anyone now, then they'll be in danger. Tigerstar is already turning on his medicine cats…

Fireheart suddenly felt the urge to look towards the clearing. It seemed most of every cat on patrol had returned by now - none of them seemed to be paying attention to him, luckily.

He grimaced, remembering that just like Whitestorm, all of them believed Tigerstar's lies. Tigerstar was always making sure of it; always keeping an eye on Fireheart from afar, and ensuring only those that hated him would be the ones to deal with him, just so they wouldn't believe Fireheart if he somehow found the courage to tell them the truth.

Turning around, Fireheart suddenly opened his mouth to speak.

"Whitestorm... you think I killed Bluestar, don't you?"

He did not miss the flash of alarm and bewilderment across the white warrior's face. It did nothing to stop Fireheart, though.

"So then, why do you still call a traitor by their warrior name? I'm the same as Brokentail."

Whitestorm took a moment to process his question.

"I… well," he started. "Brokentail…. he earned his warrior name, but not his leader name. There is a difference." He looked at him fiercely. "And I do believe you've earned your warrior name, even if it was just a step in a much more nefarious plan. You know, Bluestar always said, 'A leaf can not return to the bud'... and I would have to agree with her."

Fireheart twitched his whiskers. He remembered how Bluestar told him and Graystripe something similar when she found out they were helping RiverClan just a few moons ago.

Whitestorm suddenly stood up on his paws, seemingly more full of energy than before.

"Now, now. No more of this idle chat! I've kept you for far too long. The Gathering is soon-" He gestured with a paw towards the sky. "See? The sun has just about set!"

Fireheart looked up, realizing he had been correct. A red sky loomed above them, slowly growing darker with each passing minute.

Whitestorm brushed him with his tail, a glint of eagerness in his eyes.

"Go on, now. I'll tell Tigerstar your whereabouts."

Fireheart stepped away, befuddled by his sudden attitude, but gave him a nod nevertheless.

"Thank you, Whitestorm," he replied as the white warrior already started to turn away. Without another word, Fireheart picked up his moss again. Shooting Whitestorm one last glance, he turned to slip away.

He was thankful for running into the older tom - he never wanted to have to speak with Tigerstar regarding his duties, especially those that involved him being alone.

Fireheart figured, meanwhile slipping through the gorse tunnel, that he'd deal with whatever problem the dark tabby had when he got back.

For now, he was thankful to finally be alone. Just him and the forest he knew so well.

It was freedom, in a sense.

However, Fireheart knew better than anyone... how freedom only lasted for so long.

…

A/N - I thought it would be extremely cool if the cats in the Warriors world were (generally) more diverse, so I just randomly imagined Willowpelt as more "British" for some reason.

I just chose her randomly btw - no idea why I thought of that at all. Anything to make the characters more unique and less bland I guess xD