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

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The Stars Are Calling

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"I believe I speak for all of us here-" Tallstar's voice rose above the rest upon the Great Rock. "When I say that I am truly pleased to hear of Brokentail's passing."

Tigerstar heard as yowls of agreement emanated from cats of all clans, the loudest among the crowd beneath Fourtrees having been from WindClan themselves.

He narrowed his eyes at them. Of course, after the stunt WindClan had pulled in response to Bluestar's hospitality of the old ShadowClan leader, they'd be the first to express their complacency at his news. Though, he couldn't say they didn't deserve to celebrate, given their history with Brokentail.

"But with that being said, WindClan mourns the murder of Bluestar. She was a noble leader who, despite her clemency, had nothing but good intentions for the forest. She will be missed," Tallstar finished, lowering his head solemnly.

The clearing suddenly grew quieter, knowing better than to disrespect a much more revered leader in contrast to the last one mentioned.

Tigerstar stared at the aging tom, bored. He'd already sat through all the mourning Bluestar deserved, and then some. His ears perked, hearing a feeble voice beside him.

"ShadowClan shares WindClan's sentiments," Nightstar rasped, turning his hunched-over form toward Tigerstar. "We are delighted to hear our former tyrant has been vanquished, and we welcome Tigerstar among us as ThunderClan's new leader."

The frail ShadowClan leader nodded at him, and Tigerstar nodded back. It was good to look at least respectful towards him, for their relationship was crucial. Nightstar then turned to meet Tallstar's gaze.

"So if that's all from WindClan, I shall speak about my clan next."

Tallstar dipped his head, stepping away. Everyone now had their attention diverted, seeing the small gray tom raise his chin.

"ShadowClan has been through much since our last meeting. Our prey has grown plentiful since the start of Newleaf, but the disease wrought upon us by Leafbare still thrives in our camp. Nevertheless, we are recovering thanks to ThunderClan's aid."

The ShadowClan leader sent a grateful look to Tigerstar, who nodded respectfully again.

"I'm glad our help has proven to be such an asset for ShadowClan," he said to him, while also feeling partially relieved.

It seemed Cinderpaw was actually proving herself. Good.

Tigerstar had to admit, he'd been quite doubtful before. Nevertheless, he was pleased to hear the tiny, crippled she-cat somehow found a way to be useful for something.

Tigerstar saw as Nightstar stepped away, every leader's head turned - now looking at him.

Ah, right, it was his turn to speak now that he was last. All new leaders spoke last, of course - save for just a few moments ago when he announced Brokentail's death.

Tigerstar stepped up, raising his powerful head and puffing out his broad shoulders.

"ThunderClan has been doing well, despite what some may think. Our prey is bountiful, and we welcome Ashpaw and Fernpaw as new apprentices."

Chants of the apprentices' names rose from his clan behind him, as was the custom of course. Tigerstar waited silently for the cheering to die down, before moving on.

"That is not all; I have more good news to share!" he declared. "Those traitors amongst us - who are responsible for Bluestar's death - have been purged from our clan!"

More cheers rang out, this time from ThunderClan. The tabby leader suddenly darkened his look, now side-eyeing Crookedstar. "But unfortunately, that does not mean they are gone. Some of them may still cause problems within our forest."

Crookedstar said nothing to that, with the rest of Fourtrees seeming equally as still. Tigerstar saw the old leader scowling toward him, a nasty scar visible across his left eye. He couldn't help but smirk - the old leader somehow looked even uglier than before.

Tallstar cleared his throat.

"Yes, well, I am sure wherever they go, they will be handled accordingly, Tigerstar," he said, raising his brow between the two leaders. "And despite what you say, I cannot shake the feeling that there may be an evil still lurking in ThunderClan. Us in WindClan have sensed it."

Tigerstar furrowed his brow. 'Sensed' it? How dare he question his integrity using such dribble as an excuse!

Crookedstar suddenly hissed. "RiverClan has sensed it too, even before Brokentail was offered shelter by them," he growled. "And now, after what has recently occurred between our clans, I feel confident in naming Tigerstar as said evil."

Tigerstar looked towards RIverClan, curling his lip as he felt his claws start to unsheathe. He heard growls from his clanmates behind him, not so pleased to hear their leader be spoken about like this either. In turn, RiverClan growled back.

"Do not take it so personally, Crookedstar. I am simply doing what is best for my clan, that is all," Tigerstar stated, shifting his gaze between the two leaders. "At both your ages, I'm not surprised you feel threatened. Rest assured, ThunderClan's problems will remain our own."

Both leaders frowned at him before the ThunderClan leader added: "Although, for one of you, there might be an exception."

Crookedstar bore his teeth, looking ready to pounce at the opposing tabby. Nightstar stood by awkwardly as Tallstar stepped forward, the growling from both clans failing to cease.

"Enough of this. Newleaf has just begun; there are many duties each of us must attend to! If there's nothing else to discuss, then I call this Gathering to an end!"

Huffing, Tigerstar turned away. He would love nothing more than to get out of there.

"ThunderClan, to me!"

His call quickly brought the clan to him as he leaped off the Great Rock. As soon as he landed, Darkstripe was the first cat at his side, spitting angrily.

"What dribble are they talking about? We took care of everything, even that kittypet traitor!"

"Keep quiet, will you?" Tigerstar growled at him. "Don't you remember the last time word of our clan's prisoner got out?"

Darkstripe looked at him wide-eyed, before nodding his head.

"You're right, sorry," he pinned his ears, all the while still angry.

Tigerstar grimaced. His deputy should know better than to be spouting such details for anyone to just hear.

"The last thing we need is another Brokentail. We must refrain from speaking about him. The fewer questions, the better," the leader muttered. Darkstripe stared at him, nodding his head fervently.

Hearing another cat suddenly shoving their way to be at his other side, Tigerstar turned his head, laying his eyes on ThunderClan's medicine cat, Yellowfang.

"Tigerstar," she rasped with a hop in her step, coming to walk beside him. "I had the chance to speak with Runningnose, and he says Cinderpaw has been excellent in treating their disease." She looked at him with an uncharacteristic gleam in her eye. "Even Nightstar was impressed, as I'm sure you could've guessed by the way he spoke just now."

Tigerstar grunted. "Indeed, that is good," he replied. "It seems she may yet be an excellent medicine cat, like you."

Yellowfang scoffed. "Charmed… but that's not all," she said, turning more serious. "The rest of the medicine cats spoke of an… evil in our clan as well. They all think they are signs from StarClan - trying to warn them of us."

Both Tigerstar and Darkstripe frowned, the latter having overheard everything.

"If it was a message from StarClan, then surely you received it?" the deputy grumbled.

"That's the thing: We haven't," Yellowfang spat at him before looking back at Tigerstar. "I talked with each of them. They all suggested the same thing: I go to the Moonstone for answers. What do you think?"

An even larger frown had formed over Tigerstar's mug. So, StarClan thinks they can bar him from his plans by rallying the other clans against him? Figures.

"Of course, StarClan chooses to inform the forest of evil, since it's now an inconvenience for us. How convenient it would've been in the case of Brokentail…"

He noticed a few cats shoot him strange looks, making him shake his head.

"But never mind that." He turned towards his medicine cat. "You know, Yellowfang, I was actually thinking the same thing."

"Oh?" She perked her ears. "Then, would it be a problem if I depart as soon as possible?"

Yellowfang sounded… eager. Again, not something Tigerstar usually associated with the old medicine cat, but nevertheless, he gave her suggestion a moment of consideration.

"I don't like having both my medicine cats unavailable, but I think the risk will be worth it in this case," he decided. "However, if you are to do this, Yellowfang, then I must make a request."

She frowned at him. "What?"

"Take the traitor with you," Tigerstar growled, his gaze suddenly hardened. "Make him face StarClan. I want answers from them directly since I've been doing everything myself the past quarter-moon."

"...I see." Yellowfang looked at him warily. "Very well then."

Tigerstar huffed, breaking his gaze from hers.

"That evil they are talking about is him, Yellowfang. There's no other explanation. You must see what StarClan wants to be done with him," he stated, grumbling in agitation. "And also, the other leaders don't know what's going on - see to it that remains, at least for now. I want to reveal his mutiny on my own terms."

Yellowfang frowned, watching him as he spoke. Tigerstar's eyes were ablaze, almost glowing as they strode through the darkness. He scowled in the direction of their home as if trying to keep an eye on Fireheart from where he stood.

The old medicine cat simply sighed, looking ahead as well.

"Of course, Tigerstar."

"And make sure to bring some fresh kill next time!"

Fireheart grumbled as he trudged out of the elder's den, holding his head low with an empty leaf pod in his mouth. Once again, Halftail was complaining about his joints, and now Smallear was starting to complain as well - so Yellowfang sent him in with their herbs again.

If Fireheart didn't know any better, he'd say Halftail was quickly starting to warm up to the idea of him bringing herbs each day. He could order Fireheart around, get him whatever he wanted, and there was nothing the young tom could do about it.

Some of his requests have been getting ridiculous though. Get him food? Did he not see what happened the first time he sent Fireheart to 'get him food'?

The second I came up to the fresh-kill pile, I had Longtail spitting at me for ages, Fireheart reminded himself, peering towards said warrior as he lazed about in the middle of the clearing, sunbathing. Swiftpaw must be honored to have a mentor such as him.

As if the leader and deputy weren't enough to worry about, Fireheart couldn't even relax when neither was in camp. In that case, it was always either Longtail or Goldenflower peering at him, with the former never letting him do anything without his say-so.

Thinking about it put Fireheart in a bad mood, and he quickly turned away from him.

He begrudgingly made his way towards the dirtplace that lay on the outskirts of the clearing - the leaf pod he brought carried more than just herbs… as the elders so generously reminded him.

However, Fireheart was so focused on getting rid of it that he hardly could react when a swift figure shoved its way in front of him. Fireheart staggered to a stop as Thornpaw scurried by, carrying a mouse in his jaws. The apprentice spared a look at him, seemingly more annoyed than apologetic, before continuing over to where the other apprentices were.

Fireheart, snapping out of it, simply groaned and pressed onward, passing by where Thornpaw had sat down. He looked over, seeing the apprentice whispering to his sister, Brightpaw, and Swiftpaw, his half-brother. He watched as the latter of the two put on a scowl, tearing his attention away from his meal to shoot Fireheart a look.

"Hey!" He suddenly shouted Fireheart cringed, coming to a stop. He gave the apprentice a half-pan, seeing as the older apprentice was now snickering.

"Going off somewhere kittypet?" He jeered. "Oooh, wait, don't tell me! I can't imagine where you're going with all that. Tigerstar's gonna make that place your new home soon, isn't he?"

Fireheart raised a brow at him, unimpressed, but that didn't seem to bother Swiftpaw - he was too busy laughing with Thornpaw to notice.

Longtail's apprentice… The one who must be so proud to get him as his mentor. Fireheart glowered toward the younger cat. Tigerstar mentored Darkstripe, who mentored Longtail, who is now mentoring this one… Swiftpaw.

Fireheart let the name of the apprentice echo through his head, all the while drinking in the tom's features. He seemed fit and lithe, more thanks to his genes than anything. Longtail didn't seem to have his work cut out for him, but he'll still take all of the credit, undoubtedly.

There'll be four of them soon. The ginger tom thought with disappointment. Soon, there will be four generations of warriors dedicated to hating him. StarClan knows how many more there'll be… how many more warriors will be named before the spite instilled by Tigerstar is cast out.

Fireheart saw as Brightpaw suddenly stopped eating her own fresh kill, looking up at them annoyed.

"Come on, Swiftpaw. That's like the third time you've used that one. It's getting old," she said, giving him a frown. She went back to her vole, gnawing at it before she continued, "Besides… you're making him leer at us."

Swiftpaw looked slightly hurt by that, but soon waved his paw.

"Pff, so what?" he mewed. Brightpaw just kept eating her vole, rolling her eyes.

He scoffed. "Well, at least Longtail still thinks I'm good company!"

"As if Longtail likes anyone's company."

A new voice suddenly made Fireheart perk his ears. Swiftpaw shot a glare over Fireheart's shoulder but otherwise didn't acknowledge whoever said that.

Fireheart looked behind him, seeing Sandstorm was suddenly approaching him, her tail raised in greeting. The ginger tom processed her presence for a few seconds before realizing she had her gaze set on him instead of Swiftpaw.

He dropped his leaf pod at his feet before looking up.

"Do you need anything?" he asked her. He didn't expect much - Sandstorm always seemed to be buzzing around, but she never approached him for anything.

"Yes, actually," she said. Fireheart looked at her stumped, but she continued before he could reply. "The only thing I need is for you to stop whatever you're doing and go see Yellowfang. She's asking for you."

Fireheart looked at her conflicted. "Okay, what about?"

Sandstorm shrugged. "Didn't say, but you shouldn't keep her waiting. Go on; I'll take care of the elders." She looked at him confidently as if to squash any questions he had right then and there.

"I-" Fireheart stopped, before simply nodding. "...All right. Thanks, Sandstorm."

She gave him a nod before taking a look at the ground where his leaf pod was, then curling her lip.

"Yeah… don't mention it."

Fireheart turned away from her then, figuring she'd take care of the elder's dirt, despite her chagrin. Perhaps now she'd feel at least the slightest bit more empathetic towards him, knowing he had to deal with that every day.

He shifted his sights towards the medicine den, trotting towards it quickly. What could Yellowfang want now? He didn't think anyone else needed herbs today, but perhaps he was wrong.

The ginger tom pushed through the bracken, seeing the old medicine cat in the center of the small den. He trotted toward her, quickly noting the fresh smell of herbs.

"Yellowfang?" he said in a low voice. The old medicine cat whipped her head around, twitching her whiskers.

"Oh, it's you," she said, sounding a bit more excited than Fireheart was expecting. The old she-cat lifted off her haunches, grunting.

"Okay, let's not beat around the bush here. Are the elders taken care of?"

Fireheart gave her a look, off-put by her urgency. "Sandstorm told me she'd take care of them."

"Good enough," the medicine cat sniffed. "The stockpile?"

"Uh…" Fireheart stumbled through the confines of his memory, thinking back to when he'd checked their herbs earlier. "We're missing… Chickweeds and yarrow. Plus, a little extra borage for the queens wouldn't hurt."

Yellowfang nodded - by now, she expected him to know the basics when it came to the herbal needs of the clan.

"Your throat?" She eyed his neck critically.

Fireheart raised his brow, taken aback.

"Yellowfang, that's been healed for a few days now," he said. She told me so, at least. Could she really have forgotten, just like that?

But Yellowfang just seemed to brush it off.

"So you're all fine and good, then. Perfect." She turned away, closing up two leaf pods next to her. Fireheart watched her, full of confusion.

What's gotten into her? She hasn't been this on edge in quite a while.

Fireheart didn't have long to contemplate, as the old she-cat was quick to bring her attention back onto him.

"Okay, Fireheart. You're done with your duties for the day," she began, sounding enervated. "There is… something important we must do. Something that I'm sure you'll be interested in."

Fireheart flicked an ear at her, eyeing the pods before her suspiciously.

"More herbs for me?" he said, half-joking.

Yellowfang huffed. "No, hairbrain. These aren't for practicing."

Fireheart frowned at that, before squinting at the ground. Those herbs… Fireheart swore he could smell daisy leaves - a herb Yellowfang used often for her aching joints. However, she had two pods here which was more than she would usually need for herself. Daisy leaves were also used as traveling herbs… and if she had two pods with them inside, then…

Fireheart looked up, seeing Yellowfang staring at him. She seemed to have a knowing gaze.

"We're going to the Moonstone," she stated. "Tonight."

Fireheart suddenly guffawed at her, eyes widening.

"Y-you mean it?" he squeaked in a whisper.

Yellowfang sighed. "I literally can't lie, Fireheart. We are going as soon as possible."

Fireheart sat there, flashing a look between her and the herbs. Just like that, would he be able to talk to StarClan? This certainly had to be too good to be true!

"But that's-" Fireheart started.

"Something Tigerstar wouldn't like?"

Yellowfang finished before shaking her head. "No. It was him who cleared us to go, Fireheart. I mentioned traveling to the Moonstone at the Gathering, and he seemed… strangely keen on the idea of you going with me."

Fireheart knew he should've felt more suspicious about that fact, but his excitement quickly overshadowed those concerns.

"Oh, who cares! I can finally get answers from StarClan about everything that's going on," he exclaimed, pacing the den. "Maybe… I can even see Bluestar!"

"Will you pipe down?!" Yellowfang snapped, making Fireheart reel back. She stepped closer, leaning her head towards him.

"I'm eager, too, but we cannot go off telling the whole clan!" she scolded in a hushed voice. "We have to make this quick. I haven't had a chance to go at all this past moon, and I want answers as soon as I can get them. Tigerstar keeps putting everyone to work more and more, especially you… I get the feeling he doesn't like me teaching you herbs."

Fireheart rolled his eyes stubbornly. "Please. I can handle a moon's worth of herb collecting if it means I get to see StarClan."

"Right." Yellowfang sniffed, turning away. "And speaking of herbs, we have some here for our travels, so hurry up and eat them." She pushed one of the pods toward him, making his eyes flash with interest. He practically tore open the pod, lapping up the herbs despite their bitter taste. Though they weren't much better to eat than crowfood, Fireheart knew eating them was the first step in visiting the Moonstone.

Looking up, Fireheart tilted his head, a thought suddenly entering his mind. "Wait, didn't yesterday Tigerstar say he didn't want me out of camp?"

Yellowfang finished lapping up her own set of herbs before meowing.

"He doesn't. He told me after you've answered to StarClan you'll be stuck in camp for a few days as punishment"

"I see." Fireheart fumbled his brow, slightly disappointed, before shrugging it off. "Not like anyone wanted me outside of camp anyway."

"Hmph. Your little excursion with RiverClan only gave them another reason." Yellowfang said as she stood up. Fireheart looked at her offended as she walked past, lifting himself to follow.

"Or perhaps that was just StarClan calling me to help them!" he said, swiftly coming to her side.

"Mmm, perhaps," Yellowfang grumbled. "And what better way to know than to ask them ourselves? Come on, let's go already. The sooner this gets done, the better."

Fireheart's eyes lit up, shaking his head in agreement. Staying behind Yellowfang, the two emerged from the medicine den, padding determinately through the camp.

From then on, the two focused solely on getting to their destination. Both were ready for whatever StarClan had to offer them, but if they couldn't make it before the moon was at its peak, then they would receive nothing at all.

"This would be so much easier if I was doing this on a full stomach," Fireheart complained.

Already, his stomach began to growl with hunger. The two had been traveling for quite a long time - the sun was beginning to glow orange as it sunk closer to the horizon. They strode through the open moors of WindClan territory, their right of passage being their only excuse.

Fireheart was pleasantly surprised not to find any scent of WindClan besides their border markers, although it could be possible he'd simply forgotten after training with foul-smelling herbs so often.

Yellowfang looked back at him, the weariness after traveling so far was clear on her face.

"When we get back I'll have to fetch us a proper meal - not the scraps you always get," she rasped. "Luckily, Tigerstar seems to care about having a full fresh-kill pile just as much as he does battling."

Fireheart sighed. "Yes, but that just means he doesn't care about his clanmates. Everyone seems so… so irritated all the time. How much work will they have to do to satisfy him?"

"He's hard to please - you know this." The old she-cat grimaced. "That frustrates some cats, and most go and take it out on you."

Fireheart lowered his ears, nodding at her words.

"Yeah..."

Yellowfang didn't speak for a moment, looking at him with empathy.

"And you know… you're handling it leagues better than I did, Fireheart," she said to him, making his ears perk. He heard a soft sigh emanate from the medicine cat.

"You know all too well how I was a prisoner once. Even when I was in ShadowClan, I was taunted and starved… treated like fox dung. Nobody cared for my feelings, and it's that way with you too."

She frowned, an expression of disgust on her face. "As far as most warriors in ThunderClan are concerned, you are no cat to them, much less a fellow clanmate."

Fireheart gulped at her words, not knowing how to feel about them. On one paw, she seemed to compliment him. But on the other, it felt like she was simply pitying him, which he'd rather not listen to. Obviously, his situation was a lot worse compared to hers, and he didn't like being reminded.

He just… didn't know what to say.

After a moment of silence, Yellowfang just released a quiet huff.

"Though, I suppose that's a little too harsh. You're still with us, and so you still have a chance… respect can still be earned even in the darkest of places."

Suddenly, Fireheart grew interested, turning his head.

"But how?" he urged, her words invigorating him. "Nobody looks at me the same… or treats me the same… I don't know what went wrong! One day I'm their friend, and the next, I'm the scorn of the forest!"

"You're exaggerating, Fireheart," Yellowfang said, sounding drained. "I'm sure they're all misguided. You took Tigerstar's place that day - assuming what you said is true. Everything you're going through is what he deserves."

"I know," Fireheart grumbled. "So then, why won't StarClan do something about it?"

"Well, perhaps they will tell us. But, how do you know they're not?" Yellowfang challenged him with a glare. "Cinderpaw was called away to prove herself to the clan - Tigerstar was allowed to get his lives in the first place. Whatever is happening, StarClan is surely in control…"

Fireheart grumbled his disagreement but chose to say nothing. Yellowfang huffed.

"Cinderpaw is fine, by the way. Runningnose claims she may have found a remedy for their disease."

"Already?" Fireheart looked at her surprised, huffing in disbelief. "Here I was worried about replacing her. What am I thinking?"

Yellowfang purred. "She's intuitive, that's for sure. Her determination is exactly what she needs to succeed as a medicine cat… she'll find a remedy in no time."

Fireheart purred, knowing he at least played a part in helping encourage Cinderpaw. That conversation they had in the forest was not something he regretted. It was clear that since Tigerstar didn't want him around most other warriors, then he should not take his moments with the medicine cats for granted.

Such moments like now. Fireheart thought as he heard Yellowfang purring beside him.

Soon, however, Yellowfang's purr suddenly turned into a growl. She stopped in her tracks, sniffing the air.

"Mrrh, great. I smell WindClan markers… and they're fresh."

Fireheart narrowed his eyes more seriously. He lifted his head, scenting the air, before looking back.

"I smell it too. They may still be in this area ."

"May be?"

Fireheart jumped, hackles lifting as he heard a new, angry voice from behind them. He spun around, seeing a large patrol of WindClan cats had suddenly appeared out of thin air. Are they that fast?! He thought wildly. No, they must have been downwind!

Yellowfang spun her head around too, bristling at the approaching patrol. Both cats looked towards the cat at the front of the patrol, Mudclaw, as the tom leered at them.

"I think you'll find our territory is not as unguarded as yours, ThunderClanners."

Fireheart growled while Yellowfang kept as cool of a head as she could. The old medicine cat cleared her throat.

"We mean you no harm-"

"Like you could." One of them interrupted. Yellowfang sniffed.

"We are just traveling to the Moonstone. One medicine cat, one warrior."

Mudclaw eyed the she-cat, seeming unconvinced.

"Haven't come to kill a third leader, have you?" he asked, looking at Fireheart.

Fireheart felt his heart skip a beat, and he saw Yellowfang flinch as well. She fought to keep her composure.

"How do you know if it was his fault?" she growled. "Brokentail is dead. We have no quarrel with WindClan anymore."

"Tch. A quarrel?" Mudclaw spat, eyeing both cats with a furious gaze. "Our quarrels started after you took in Brokentail - after you took in kittypets!"

Fireheart growled, seeing the other cats in the patrol suddenly glare at him, sounding angry mewls of agreement that only seemed to encourage Mudclaw.

"Brokentail was ruthless, we all can agree. The Bluestar I know would never have protected him, no matter what her morals were…" He sneered at Fireheart. "This kittypet must have made her soft. Everyone knows they are a curse to whichever clan takes them in, and now you see why!"

Fireheart could feel his throat clench with anger. How dare this mousebrain speak about Bluestar like that? The looks they gave Mudclaw only seemed to egg him on.

"Have StarClan not warned you about this? Their code forbids us from taking in his kind, and now you can see why. They cause nothing but trouble!" His patronizing tone made Fireheart's claws unsheathe, itching to feel his pelt under them.

Although at the same time, he breathed a little bit, relieved. Mudclaw wasn't aware of the Tigerstar's accusations of murder - he just simply blamed Fireheart for Bluestar's death because he was a kittypet. Nevertheless, the sentiment made him furious.

Yellowfang stepped in front of him as if she could tell his anger was getting turbulent. She kept her cool yet stern gaze on Mudclaw - displaying the years of experience she had dealing with mousebrains.

"You have no idea what you're talking about, Mudclaw," the older she-cat said. "StarClan would not have brought Fireheart here if they knew this would happen."

"And yet, it has. You're saying StarClan made a mistake?" Mudclaw raised his eyebrow accusingly. "That's bold of you, Yellowfang."

Yellowfang didn't respond at first. Fireheart looked at her anxiously, seeing her gaze flicker towards the setting sun. Judging by the expression on her face, he could tell she was thinking the same thing he was. They were running out of time.

Yellowfang huffed, surprising Fireheart by taking a step forward as if to challenge them.

"We do not have time for this, Mudclaw! We must see StarClan, so either let us pass or face the consequences." Her voice was low and grumpy. "You speak of the code - the same one that forbids you from blocking our right of passage. I doubt Tallstar would be pleased to hear you stopped a medicine cat from traveling to the Moonstone."

"They're right, Mudclaw," another cat on the patrol spoke for the first time. "They aren't worth our time anyway. Let them scamper off, and we'll catch them later if they stick around too long."

Mudclaw flashed them a look, and so did the other cats on the patrol after that. The gray tom lashed his tail, growling as if he never even heard them.

"Oh, I have no intention of stopping you two," he sneered. He stepped away, the rest of the patrol soon following. He kept his eyes narrowed, a small yet eerily complacent grin still drawled onto his mug.

He tilted his head towards Highstones. "Go on, then. Face StarClan."

Fireheart curled his lip, but Yellowfang put her tail in front of him. Her gaze was scolding - telling him silently to ignore them. The ginger tom murmured his complaints under his breath, watching as Yellowfang dipped her head toward the WindClan.

She quickly resumed back on the path to Highstones, and Fireheart lashed his tail, going to follow her. It wasn't a moment later before he heard Mudclaw's voice again from behind him.

"I bet they've called you to be punished, Fireheart. You're a kittypet, after all," he sneered. "Wouldn't want to keep them waiting, right?"

Fireheart slightly turned his head in anger, watching the gray tom with a frown as he trudged away with the rest of the patrol. A soft mewl from Yellowfang caught his attention.

"Pay him no mind. His ego will catch up to him eventually."

Her gaze was hard but affirmed - sounding quite confident with that statement.

Fireheart grumbled, sighing, "Yes, but…" He looked away toward the ground. "I… I can't get what he said out of my head. Did Bluestar really grow soft because of me?"

"Bluestar was never soft," Yellowfang asserted. "Mudclaw has fluff for brains, Fireheart. He's just trying to rile you up like he always does. Anytime cats travel to Highstones, he causes a fuss."

Her tone turned more serious. "Believe me, that is not how StarClan works. They would not call us to them just to punish us - especially you," she said wisely.

Fireheart took a long breath.

"Mm. If you say so," he simply murmured in response.

Yellowfang shushed him.

"Come on now. We're close to Mothermouth, and therefore Starclan. Forget Mudclaw - this is all that matters right now," she urged.

Fireheart mewled his agreement.

Raising his head, he could see the peaks of Highstones growing ever larger in front of them. Very soon, he could say they were climbing the mountains themselves.

Walking a bit quicker now, Fireheart noticed Yellowfang was panting. Her old bones must have been groaning like a dead pine, but still, she kept on, knowing the sooner they got there then the sooner they could rest. Fireheart remained by her side, scaling the slope that led towards Mothermouth.

With each aching paw step, he climbed, hearing his and Yellowfang's pants all the while. After what seemed like forever, Fireheart crested the top of the slope. The ginger tom looked ahead, beginning to slow as he laid eyes upon an opening in the side of the mountain.

He breathed a sigh of relief.

They'd made it to Mothermouth.

Yellowfang slumped over beside him, laying down next to a rock. Fireheart turned back, clambering over to her as the two tried recovering their breath. That was the fastest Fireheart had ever seen the medicine cat move - it was no surprise they both felt so weary.

"I can't remember the last time I was here," Fireheart said, taking a moment to admire the view behind them. Yellowfang looked up, replying with a quiet hum.

"It probably feels like a long time, given everything that's happened."

Fireheart kept staring off at the moors below, his whiskers twitching in the light breeze.

Actually, it all just feels like a blur.

There were a variety of tasks he was set to do each day since his imprisonment, but somehow they'd been so mundane that they all meshed together. He couldn't tell which day he did what - only that each was filled with hardship, and sometimes poor luck, as was the case with Featherkit and Stormkit.

Yellowfang coughed, her old lungs tired after their long trek. She took a glance at the sky, sounding irritated.

"The sun is only setting now. We need the moon's light to activate the Moonstone," she explained with a sigh. "Luckily, the night after a Gathering usually has a full moon as well. We'll have no problem contacting StarClan I reckon."

Fireheart merely nodded, laying down near her with a thud.

"I'm so tired," he grumbled, his breath escaping him. Yellowfang scoffed.

"You and me both, kit. My joints are still aching." She wiggled her hips as if they were bothering her.

"Can we rest here?" Fireheart mewed almost pleadingly. "Or is that forbidden because of… dreams?"

Yellowfang huffed. "You can take a rest here. It is very rare to have dreams outside of Mothermouth. I'm not tired, just sore; I'll wake you when the time comes if you fall asleep."

Fireheart couldn't help but release a sigh of relief. He didn't want to admit that he felt exhausted. Plus, despite how often he received low rations, he could never get used to the fatigue from hunger.

"Thank you, Yellowfang," he said.

Resting his head on his paws, Fireheart already felt him drifting off to sleep. When he awoke, it would finally be time to talk to StarClan. He hadn't planned on what to ask of them - there was just so much - but he knew he would be able to handle that when the time came.

His eyes were heavy from exhaustion as Fireheart rested his head on his paws. As he drifted off, just barely he could hear Yellowfang mumble.

"We'll soon have all our answers, Fireheart… I hope."

Fireheart could feel the soft ground below him, as his eyes suddenly twitched. Fireheart blinked them open, and soon realized he was no longer at Mothermouth. Instead, a sky of dark, desaturate red loomed above a forest of barren trees that opened into a clearing before him.

The ginger tom awoke with start, the drastic change to his surroundings putting him on high alert.

I'm back here?

Fireheart scrambled to his haunches, before suddenly reeling back as he hit his head on the roof of his den. Darting his gaze around, he was surprised to find himself back in the Prisoner's den.

He sat there shaken for a moment, before peering towards the outside. Huffing, he jumped to his paws, heading into ThunderClan's camp in a hurry. He scanned the clearing and found everything was just like in his dream from before - the dream he had on the same night Tigerstar attacked and murdered his leader.

There were no cats, no insects, no sounds of life. Not even a breeze.

I'm near the Moonstone. Dreams are supposed to be rare- Fireheart's mind worked. So this must mean StarClan is causing this! That, and the last dream as well...

Fireheart didn't know what to think. Why would StarClan show him such a dark, dreadful forest with no signs of life? And the fire that swallowed him up… Spottedleaf's scent had led him right to it.

Fireheart looked away towards the sky, seeing the stars were gone, as well as the rank odor of burning wood. This was certainly a good thing, although, this time he could spot a full moon in the sky. Blood-red in color, it illuminated the environment, providing an eerie red glow to the forest. Its presence only raised more questions, but Fireheart stowed them away with a growl.

His gaze landed on the gorse tunnel, and he quickly padded in its direction. There was no other cat here but him, certainly, so there would be no point in staying in the camp. He was now more aware of the danger of fire this time around, despite the fact he now could neither see nor scent it.

Perhaps, StarClan meant for him to escape the clearing this time… Although, what waited on the other side, Fireheart did not have a clue.

He quickly scrambled through the dark tunnel, almost as if the fire from the last time was still present. The thought of it gnawed in his mind, making him paranoid. Everything about this place made him paranoid.

He'd rather have never been brought here again - this place was not safe; StarClan's dream or not, that is what his senses were screaming at him.

Pulling himself through the last of the thorns, Fireheart let out a small sigh of relief. No fire had come to claim him this time. However, his expression darkened immediately, peering into what seemed like a void of mist drowning a sea of dead trees.

This isn't the forest I know… Fireheart thought cautiously. Whatever stood before him was not ThunderClan territory. It looked nothing like when you'd exit the gorse tunnel in the real world.

… What is this place? He wondered, taking small steps away from the tunnel and venturing further into the forest.

His eyes darted around, examining the forest. The trees were just as dead as the ones in the clearing, and he could see some lay over hills and next to rocks. No birds or any type of prey could be scented, much less seen.

But what caught his attention the most was a thick mist that surrounded him. It drifted slowly, despite the lack of wind, and prohibited him from seeing far off. Fireheart wondered if there even were other clans' territories here. For some odd reason, he just felt that these barren trees were all that he'd find here, even after traveling for days.

Widening his eyes, Fireheart was suddenly brought back to reality. Out of the corner of his eye, he swore he saw one of the bushes move. Fireheart stared ahead, senses alerted. After a moment of silence, he swallowed, shaking his head.

This is only a dream. StarClan's leading me to answers, right? Whatever happens, it must be what they want me to see.

He had faith they weren't toying with him, but still, he found it hard to trust anyone nowadays given everything that has happened.

Cautiously, Fireheart took a few steps forward. His gaze was locked onto the bush he thought had rustled, curiosity getting the better of him.

There was no wind, no small creatures. Anything. How did that bush move?

He padded deeper into the woods, before suddenly feeling his fur stand on its end.

He stopped, twitching his whiskers.

Turn around.

Fireheart breathed in suddenly and whipped his head around behind him. Staring in awe, Fireheart suddenly caught sight of a dark figure sitting not too far behind him.

His fur prickled with fear as he silently observed them, not daring to move. Where did that thing come from? He pondered with unease, watching the shape.

Its fur was no fur at all. They appeared drowned in a black, murky substance, and nothing but their outline could be distinguished. Its tail had been curled around its paws, and its back hunched over a little in his direction. It seemed to be observing him.

Fireheart backed away slowly, realizing rather quickly that it could not have been studying him… for it had no eyes.

Their sockets were completely drowned in a soulless white, glowing dimly in stark contrast to the rest of its body.

Fireheart's pelt bristled wildly as he crept back. This figure had appeared out of thin air - making absolutely no noise. He couldn't tell if that put him off more, or the fact that it was just sitting there… staring.

Fireheart didn't know how to react. Should he speak to it? He's seen StarClan cats before… this was not a StarClan cat.

Suddenly, his heart skipped a beat as he watched the cat lift itself to its paws. He gazed in awe as the fog around them suddenly shifted, overtaking the figure as they stalked in his direction. Fireheart suddenly panicked as the forest around him became shrouded in a thick fog, limiting his vision to only a few foxlengths.

He panted, his confusion and fear sparking an adrenaline rush.

"H-hey! Hello?" he called to no one in particular, stumbling back throughout the fog.

"S-StarClan?" His voice came in almost a whimper.

He looked around, checking his flanks, feeling an impending sense of danger.

That figure… Was that actually a StarClan cat? His eyes darted around. Where did it even go?

As if to answer his question, Fireheart could feel a chill down his spine, as the figure suddenly appeared before him again, treading slowly from beyond the mist.

Fireheart pinned his ears back, realizing they weren't alone. More and more dark figures appeared from behind, almost as if they were being duplicated.

Fireheart watched, frozen in fear, as they slowly surrounded him. He stood there trying to comprehend what he was seeing, all the while trying to calm himself.

Why was he so afraid? Surely these were StarClan cats, right? They wouldn't want to hurt him, would they?

Those thoughts and hopes were the only things keeping him from running away in fear. Although, the more and more he thought about it, the more it dawned on him…

This barren, blood-colored forest; these disturbingly blank cats; the fire from before burning him until he woke.

Fireheart gulped, fur raised as the group of cats formed a circle around him. His thoughts by now only assumed the worst.

Maybe, this wasn't a dream from StarClan. StarClan was supposed to be a paradise, and yet the only thing he felt here was dread. So then, just what was this?

The stars call to thee. A deep, booming voice suddenly echoed. Fireheart hissed as his head pounded. That voice sounded otherworldly - nothing like any cat he ever heard!

Aye, StarClan's Chosen is here.

Another one muttered behind him. Fireheart whipped his head around, eyeing the figure before a third voice rang out.

How very unfortunate. They had so much faith in him…

Fireheart felt his claws unsheathe, spinning around wildly at each figure surrounding him. They all stood just a foxlength away, giving him little to no room to maneuver. Finding the little courage he had, he opened his mouth to speak.

"U-uh…" he began, trembling. "What's going on he- AUGH!"

Fireheart suddenly felt himself being pushed to the ground by an invisible force. He desperately flailed around, his flight instincts kicking in. However, he could not even feel whatever it was that held him down - almost like it was thin air!

W-What's happening!? He thought frantically. What's pinning me down?!

Fireheart's eyes whipped behind him, hoping to catch a glimpse of whatever it was. He could move his head just enough to catch a glimpse over his shoulder, and what he saw made him lurch.

No cats were latched onto him. Instead, whips of black-colored fog appeared from beyond the mist, strapping over his back. They were as thick as tree roots, but he still couldn't feel them at all!

He saw more of the strange mist suddenly appear, whipping out in tendrils from the fog. He hissed as they straddled his neck, forcing him to look straight ahead.

"H-hey!" he shouted, his voice echoing into the dark. "W-what's happen-…ing."

Fireheart trailed off, suddenly in awe.

One of the phantoms sat only a mouselength from his face. This one did not have the same barren eyes as the rest - instead, they were filled with a piercing yellow. The cat's face began to morph, revealing a cruel smile plastered across their muzzle. Fireheart thought he was going insane as his gaze suddenly met one he was all too familiar with.

This cat before him... Fireheart swore it was Tigerstar!

"You! What are-!" Fireheart was suddenly being cut off. The tendrils around his neck must have tightened their hold, as he suddenly felt a pain in his throat.

It was then the booming voice could be heard again.

Warrior Fireheart. His name echoed. Fireheart looked toward them with bewilderment as they continued. Heed my words: Let the Veil bind thee. Accept its embrace. Thee has't been chosen to beareth this fate, and through it, thy crimes shall be divulged.

Crimes? Fireheart widened his eyes, his thoughts running wild. The Veil?

He shook as he gaped towards the Tigerstar look-alike.

"What…" he breathed. "What fate?"

Fireheart saw the figure raise its paw. His eyes widened - long, blood-red claws were unsheathed before him. Fireheart's pupils slit as the claw careened toward him; every hackle that could've been raised was then spiking.

And that- was the last thing he remembered. Before he felt it.

Pain.

He gave a great caterwaul as what felt like a searing hot claw dug directly into his forehead. Shortly after, the pain proceeded.

Fireheart's head exploded. It felt like lightning - that was the only way to describe it. Pure pain flooded through his body; it was the worst he had ever felt in his life. He wailed in agony as the white-hot pain then spread directly over his eyes.

Fireheart could feel every bit of it: Four sharp, piercing claws digging slowly into his skin, almost to the bone - as they scrapped their way down his face.

And as soon as it began, he felt the claw lift away.

As the tears flew from his eyes, Fireheart was relieved of the stabbing pain. However, he held his eyes firmly shut as stinging waves of agony continued rolling through him. It was so much… he couldn't even muster a single thought.

The pain left him in complete awe; all he could do was whimper profusely as clenched his teeth. His senses were dulled, the pain having a hand in that too.

Deep, grudge-like voices were the only thing that could be heard amongst his suffering.

Now, thee beareth the mark. Thou'rt cursed!

Fireheart struggled for breath, listening as more voices joined in.

She cometh soon…

Aye, the shadowed one soon arrives…

Fireheart lay there, straining to hear their words despite how loud they were. He hardly paid them attention, anyway. The pain had been so great, that he could do nothing but wallow.

Prepare thyself, marked one. Craven souls lasteth naught but a moon in the Dark Forest.

Fireheart whimpered in response, struggling to even register what they had said. The rushing of wind could suddenly be heard, and Fireheart felt himself growing drowsy.

Nevertheless, the pain refused to stop. Fireheart continued to lay there, groaning in agony. Tears flowed from his eyes, and Fireheart suddenly realized he was crying. That pain had just been so intense… he couldn't even wail anymore.

He tried moving his legs, his tail - anything - but alas, everything he did only brought him more agony. The only thing that didn't hurt was when he flicked his ears. And so, he flicked them, again and again, as if using them to scream in pain when he could not.

It was then, suddenly, that he could pick up the sound of faint voices. He clenched his eyelids, straining himself so that he could listen more closely.

"What did you – do to him?" A muffled cry could be heard.

"Fascinating…" a different voice said.

Fireheart slowly moved his limbs, ignoring the pain.

"H-hey, Ti – why are you– paws glowing? What did you do?" Fireheart heard the first cat speak again.

"This is all - as planned, Darkstripe – fine, don't worry about it."

…

Darkstripe...

"R-right, so you– the curse. Whatever. Can we – now? This place creeps me out…"

Fireheart listened with intent, forcing his eyes even more closed.

"Yes, our work here is done. Let's return before our friends start to think we've abandoned them."

Fireheart waited a few seconds, hearing the sound of pawsteps.

… N-no, stop.

Fireheart could feel himself starting to slip out of consciousness, the throbbing in his head making him dizzy.

…I can't get up.

Try as he might, the ginger tom simply couldn't feel his legs. Pins and needles could be felt across his entire body - it bothered him to even lie still.

Come on, Fireheart, get up… They're right there. Get up!

…

…Oh, but it hurts. I-I don't want to move…

But Tigerstar is right there! It was him!

…

I... can't…

Fireheart could feel his senses dulling, reality slowly slipping away. His head pounded more and more, and a ringing in his ear began to grow louder.

Get up, Fireheart! The voice urged him on.

… Stop.

Fireheart!

The voice sounded again. Fireheart huffed in slower breaths, the ringing in his ears becoming deafening.

Fireheart! The voice grew fainter. Fireheart's ears perked this time.

…Yellowfang?

He breathed slowly, his mind finally letting go as the tom drifted into a deep sleep.

FIREHEART!

…

A/N - (Yes, I did throw in a line from the best BO3 zombies map. Kudos to anyone that noticed - despite it being altered into what is likely egregious archaic English!)

All right guys, something intriguing finally happened in this story! I went for something more akin to horror, but in the end, it's just words on a screen, so they can only do so much… Probably just seemed super jarring and weird lol.

If you couldn't tell already, this chapter marks the beginning of this story's large divergence from canon, and unfortunately some readers' loss of interest in the fic as a whole. As for readers on Ao3, know that I've changed the rating on this fic from T to M since this story will just progressively get darker for a while. Fireboi will be having a pretty terrible time up until the end - masochists rejoice!

(I promise you, I don't hate him lol. He's actually my favorite! I just like a good "Man In the Hole story arc"… or perhaps for this story it's an "Oedipus story arc"… still haven't decided yet!)

All in all, if you're still interested in the story after these next couple of chaps, then consider yourself in for an interesting ride. :)