A/N - I'll be going on vacation for a week starting the day this gets posted, so it will definitely be the last chapter I post in July. Next chapter I hope to get out on this fic's first birthday (August 15th) :D

Also, here's a cool fact: I am currently posting this from the same lakeside cabin where I wrote the first chapter in!

It's been a year now - I think I've made a lot of progress since then. I'm sure myself from one year ago would be pleased!

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

…

The Stygian Entity

…

A lone figure stalked throughout the treetops, their body fleeting across the branches like the wind. With a body of murky black, they almost appeared as another cat's shadow silhouetted against the leaves. Paws beat against the branches of dark, rotting wood - creaking every time they landed upon another branch, and with each step thereafter.

Every so often, they would lift their head, observing the forest below. Upon seeing the ground was barren, they huffed in disappointment, moving on.

Soon they leaped onto a branch closer to the ground. Sniffing around, they looked underneath them again.

Not too high… good for observation… they won't sense me.

Turning their head, a horde of cats could be seen nearby. Sauntering mindlessly through the forest floor, their fur appeared ungroomed, and their eyes seemingly had lost their twinkle.

The blackened phantom of a cat grumbled, laying down on the tree branch. Flicking their tail, they observed the cats below, watching as they slowly meandered about with no particular sense of direction.

Look at them all… They groaned to themselves. Just the same old again…

Keeping watch over the dead had become quite blasé a long time ago.

I thought I sensed a disturbance here… If this is another one of that blasted tortoiseshell's tricks, I will-

They stopped, perking their ears. Suddenly, they raised themselves up, resting their weight on both of their forelegs. Straining their ears, they kept fixated on a particular direction, as an echoing cry could be heard through the thick fog.

Oh.

Their expression quickly morphed into one of excitement.

Nevermind~

Fireheart could feel his entire body spiking. Eyes wiping around at the dark and gloomy forest he found himself in, the tom clenched his teeth anxiously.

No! He screamed in his head.

Just a moment ago he was at Yellowfang's side. They were in the den - they had just spoken to each other. He remembered he was given poppy seeds to sleep, even though he was afraid.

Nonono-NO!

Fireheart's breath came in pants as he quickly identified his surroundings.

He was back in that forest of red. Burnt trees, rotting plants, a sense of dread hanging in the air - all sullied over with a hue of a deep crimson. Fireheart's mind flooded with worry as he looked around the foreboding woods for any signs of danger.

He was here again, making it the third time. This place he had dreamt of twice before: First, the night after Tigerstar attacked. He tried to follow the scent of Spottedleaf, but it only led him to a fiery demise. The second time was just last night. He'd gone to the Moonstone and was given a dream where ghost-like cats attacked him. They were in a dream, yet somehow, they were able to harm him. And Tigerstar… Fireheart swore he was there as well.

This place only brought suffering to him, he quickly began to realize. He did not understand it at all - was StarClan truly giving him these dreams? Those ghosts mentioned the Dark Forest - was that what this place was?

He quickly got to his paws, knowing he couldn't just stay still and wait for something to happen.

I can't be here.

Fireheart didn't care if it was StarClan's doing or not, he only associated this place with pain.

And so, he turned, and he ran.

Skipping over small stones and twigs, Fireheart never bothered to look around. If those phantom creatures were here, then he was not going to be caught off his guard again. His paws beat against the ground, winding through the trees. He felt conflicted, running from nothing, but moving was the only thing that made him feel safer.

As he ventured deeper into the woods, everything still remained the same. There were hardly any hills, only flat, barren forest. No clan territory in sight, or anything familiar for that matter.

This place seems… different from before.

There was no ThunderClan camp or anything to help him find his way. In his paranoia, he constantly expected something to appear before him. A scent, a figure, something peculiar - anything. Yet this place seemed almost… peaceful.

He quickly slowed down, his eyes catching something to his side.

What the-? Fireheart whipped his head around, blinking a few times. Huffing, the ginger slowly crept towards where he saw something flicker. Hiding in the undergrowth, he went to peek outside - and what he saw made his fur bristle.

Another cat was there.

Fireheart felt his heart beat faster, analyzing them. They had dark-colored fur that was scraggy in most places. Many scars lined their body, and they appeared almost drained of their energy. Fireheart watched as they meandered about, looking at the ground in a hypnotic state.

Gulping, Fireheart did something he never would have done if he were in any other circumstance.

Maybe they will talk to me? He thought to himself. He knew such an idea was dangerous, but in a place like this, he needed to take chances. Maybe this cat is stuck here like I am?

He slowly stalked out of the grass where he was hiding, carefully approaching the cat. He tensed up, seeing how they failed to respond to his admittedly blatant noisemaking. Fireheart eventually came to crouch within foxlength from them.

He was still wary, but now also curious. How did this cat not sense him yet?

Fireheart had his head lowered, a sign of submission if they ever were to turn. But alas, they just ignored him as if he wasn't even there, moving about in seemingly slow motion.

Fireheart leaned precariously on the ends of his paws.

Should I talk to them?

He went to open his mouth, but a deep, commanding voice suddenly cut him off.

"I would not do that if I were you."

Fireheart felt a lump in his throat as he snapped his maw shut. He swung his head around, looking into the tree above where the voice came.

His pupils immediately slit as he backed away, startled. Peering into the branches, a large, black cat could be seen, sitting on one as they peered back. Fireheart recognized them immediately - they looked just like one of those phantoms Fireheart had seen before. However, this one had blood-red eyes, and Fireheart could see their faint pupils as they returned his glare.

"Lost souls prefer not to be disturbed, you know," they spoke again.

Fireheart blinked, staring at them dumbfounded. Their voice was deep, yet smooth. It almost sounded… feminine. He said nothing for a few moments, still processing the fact that they'd probably been watching him this whole time.

"H-hello?" Fireheart squeaked. He had completely forgotten about the other cat next to him, his attention focused solely on the one who had actually spoken to him.

"Who-… what are you?"

"A cat… like you," they said, tilting their head amusedly. "You act as if you've never seen one before."

Fireheart squinted. He could tell this creature was not like the others.

They look like one of those things from my dream. He noted to himself.

A black, tar-like pelt shaped into the basic complexion of a cat. Their eyes were different, though. While they glowed a fierce red, they didn't seem hostile or angry.

Fireheart tensed up, hearing them speak again.

"No need to be afraid. I bear no malice towards wandering souls."

"Wandering souls?" Fireheart echoed. "Am I… dead?"

Their words confused him. This was supposed to be a dream… right?

"Are you going to hurt me?" Fireheart inquired, backing away in fear. The creature only stared.

"I wouldn't have revealed my presence… if I wanted to do that."

Fireheart felt a knot in his stomach. Despite looking like those creatures he knew were a threat - Fireheart sensed a different aura around this one. He was mystified and intrigued, but above all else, he was wary. Fireheart doubted he ever would've detected their presence, had they not spoken to him.

"That fog… does it call you?"

Fireheart could see the entity squinting at him with its tail raised. He hesitantly turned, seeing there was indeed a thick layer of fog settled nearby. Looking around now, he also could see a few more cats - as well as the cat he tried approaching earlier - congregating within it. Their heads were raised as if they were following something now.

Faint sounds of whispers could be heard as Fireheart strained his hearing. They were jumbled words he couldn't make out, but nonetheless, it made his fur stand on end.

"Uh," he trembled slightly, his voice quiet and afraid. "W-Would it be bad if I say yes?"

"Mmm…" they simply replied. Fireheart looked back to see their eyes narrowed onto him.

"The whispers of the damned… tempt those who wander these woods into joining them," they said. "But only those… mortal."

Fireheart listened and was subsequently creeped out by what they said. Nevertheless, they managed to answer one of his questions.

So, this is just a dream. I'm dreaming and none of this is real, even if it feels like it.

He heard a laugh.

"Oh, I assure you - this is very real."

Tensing, Fireheart felt his fur rise again. T-they can hear my thoughts?! He stuttered in his mind. The cat simply stared back, amused, while Fireheart shuffled his paws. They heard me call them a thing…

Fireheart was confused. This creature was a stranger, and yet, they still spoke to him. If they weren't a threat, then perhaps they could help?

"So–" He started again awkwardly, deciding to just play along. "This is… a real place, huh?"

Fireheart watched with anxiety as the figure suddenly stood. They crept across the branch, stalking ever closer.

"It is a real place… but for you, only an illusion. You must still be asleep, after all."

Fireheart heard the branch creak as the entity stopped near the end of it. He flicked his ears.

"Who are you supposed to be, then?" Fireheart asked, only serving to amuse them more.

"Now, now, I believe I should be asking you that," they replied. "It is not often living souls find their way to this place."

Fireheart shuffled his paws, seeing them lean over with a curious expression.

"Tell me… Why are you here, if you still walk amongst the living?"

"I…" Fireheart began. This all was a lot to process. Mortal souls wandering these woods? He didn't know if he could believe that - the only place he knew involved with souls was StarClan, but surely a place like this isn't connected to them? He didn't know whether to trust this cat's words, but what reason did he have not to query them?

"I-I don't know how I got here. I was just in a den, and then I woke up in this strange place."

"Mmph." They just grunted. "What is your name?"

The ginger tom looked skeptical at them, waiting a moment before replying.

"My name is Fireheart."

Their eyes suddenly widened.

"Fiiiiireheart~"

Their tone was suddenly overflowing with charm and intrigue. Fireheart shuddered, hearing his name stated in such a voice.

"Oh-ho, I see. Yes, yes, now I see what's going on here."

Fireheart backed away as the creature stood up lividly.

"What do you mean?" he asked, tensing as he watched the cat suddenly jump down from the branch. Fireheart froze as they padded toward him. He didn't try to run this time - knowing subconsciously it would do him no good. He shut his eyes, fully expecting the worse, but instead of hurting him, Fireheart merely felt their nose run through his fur.

He opened one eye, only to see them circling and sniffing at him. Fireheart quickly established that they were more than just interested in him.

He sat there bewildered, chills running down his spine every time he felt the warm touch of what he assumed was their nose.

"W-What are you doing?" he asked, pinning his ears.

The figure didn't answer, instead just snickering to itself.

"Oh yeah. You're much more of a Fireheart, aren't you?"

Growing emboldened just from that quip alone, Fireheart quickly broke away. He unsheathed his claws, hissing at them.

"Answer me! Who are you and how do you know my name?"

The strange cat raised their head, keeping a cool look.

"Patience now," they mewled gently. "I was suspicious because of those scars on your face… now I understand."

Fireheart saw them take a few steps forward, causing him to back away. He saw a glint in their eyes.

"Hah, yes! I can SEE it now!" they suddenly proclaimed. "It calls to me… you have been called to me!"

Fireheart stared at them, seemingly at a loss for words.

"C-called for what?" he stammered. "What do you want with me? Did I do something wrong? P-please don't hurt me!"

Fireheart was breaking - the mounting paranoia and lack of insight regarding this place and his situation weighing on him this past moon had degraded his mental state significantly.

The entity paused for a moment, then suddenly huffed, sounding almost entertained by this.

"My, so dramatic…" they murmured before stalking toward Fireheart again. The ginger tom had to fight to keep his cool as the creature circled him again, eyeing his pelt.

"Listen here, child." They changed to a more serious tone. "This… is the realm where lost souls go after they're faced with judgment. Lost, as in those who are evil… misunderstood… cursed even."

Fireheart felt his chest tighten as he listened. The entity eventually rounded to his front, where they rested on their haunches. They gave him a sly smirk.

"And me - I am their keeper."

They had their tail wrapped around their paws, looking at Fireheart expectantly. The ginger tom stood there, confused.

Keeper? He echoed to himself. Where cursed souls go… is that it? I'm only here because I've been cursed?

His thoughts were briskly shut down, though, as Fireheart suddenly remembered from before how the entity could seemingly read his mind. If they had heard him this time, they did not appear to acknowledge it. They just were staring at him, almost like they were waiting.

Fireheart gulped.

"Alright, you seem to know me," Fireheart began, attempting to sound brave - and failing. "So… what do you want with me? Is this– StarClan's idea of helping me deal with Tigerstar?"

"StarClan?" they chirped. The strange cat's tone surprised Fireheart; it was like they'd just heard him tell a joke. "Here, there is no StarClan… only the Dark Forest."

Fireheart's ears lifted at that.

"Oh?" they grunted. "I see a glint of familiarity in those lucent green eyes."

Fireheart didn't reply, his mind rapidly thinking of the time when he heard that same name.

In that dream, at the Moonstone… one of those cats mentioned the Dark Forest.

"Mm, yes. I suppose you would hear that name from their little chant."

Fireheart looked up at them, feeling off-put. He quickly determined that he hated this cat being able to read his mind.

"The Dark Forest-" He began hesitantly. "What is this place?"

The entity grimaced.

"I told you… this realm is where the unwanted… the rejected… are kept."

… If I'm here, then, was it StarClan that cursed me? Fireheart wondered. Did they reject me? But, I thought it was Tigerstar who-

"Gugh, you love to think tripe, don't you?"

Fireheart saw the strange cat was giving him a frown.

"You are a wandering soul, not dead… called here by those scars on your face, and now, I can see why."

Fireheart bristled.

"What are you talking about?" he inquired with worry. "You're mistaken. I-I shouldn't be here - I've done nothing wrong. These scars aren't meant for me!"

He flashed another look toward his surroundings. "T-this place looks horrible, and you just said it's where evil cats go?" He grew more worried. "N-no, this… this can't be right. StarClan would never send me here unless they wanted to banish me. This can't be true!"

Fireheart felt like he was drowning in dismay. This cat had to have been lying. StarClan wouldn't banish them, would they? Or… did they curse him because of Tigerstar?

'Hundreds of generations of cats all call that place home, each having lived different lives and holding different beliefs.' Fireheart remembered Yellowfang's words about StarClan.

Were there a few cats within StarClan that were to blame for his pain? Did they want Tigerstar to curse him?

"Indeed…" the entity suddenly spoke. "Some cats may see it that way… one can do quite unusual things when they're desperate."

The murky figure then raised a brow.

"Although… Who said it was StarClan that sent you here?"

Fireheart bristled, whipping his head back as they went on.

"No matter. However it happened, one fact remains the same. You were linked to this place… And thus, to me. Our meeting was fate, warrior Fireheart."

"You…" Fireheart stuttered. "I don't even know who you are. You lie! This cannot be my fate - how can you be so sure?"

"Oh, I am quite sure. I usually don't take interest in any mortal, but you…" They held a suggestive glare towards him. Fireheart could barely make out a grin. "The stars call to you, and they have shown me something incredible. I've heard their whispers for a long time now... There is something special about the one they call Fiiireheart~"

Fireheart stood slack-jawed, a wave of confusion having overtaken him.

"What? T-that can't be true. You've got the wrong cat!"

The entity frowned, looking defiant.

"Who else bears such a mark? Has a name befitting a heart of fire such as yours?"

They suddenly closed their eyes and were soon grinning again.

"Yeees! It is true; I can already feel it! A gift… there is a gift growing inside of you. A gift from StarClan!"

Fireheart looked at them worriedly, yet stood his ground.

"G-Gift?" he repeated, puzzled.

That seemed to snap the entity back to reality. With widened eyes, they shook their head.

"Ah, forgive me, I've gotten ahead of myself… some things have yet to be revealed."

Fireheart blinked at that, before grumbling.

"You… you're making no sense. Haven't I been cursed? What gift are you talking about?"

The entity simply chuckled, making Fireheart grow even tenser.

"Little kit, did you think nine lives were the only magic trick StarClan could do?"

Fireheart grit his teeth.

"Enough of this!" he suddenly shouted. He lashed his tail, glaring toward the ghostly cat now. "You're full of lies! It must have been you who told Tigerstar to attack me. I heard his voice, at Mothermouth - I know it was him!"

He curled his lip. "You have to tell me– Why are you working with that traitor? And… What's all this about curses and gifts?"

The entity said nothing in response. They merely sat there, giving him a blank look. Fireheart felt his breath escape him after they finally replied.

"I believe it is about time you awoke."

His eyes widened as his mouth hung open

"Wuh- Wait a minute!"

He suddenly shot up in surprise, but the creature did not react in any way. They simply gazed upon them with a look of fulfillment.

"We will speak again soon... You are not destined to die just yet, so do not worry."

Fireheart grimaced.

That is not what I'm worried about right now!

If he wasn't in the dark about this cat's true nature, then Fireheart would have felt a greater urge to argue. But he was not dumb; he knew he could only watch in a mix of anger and irritation. He had so many questions to ask - but it seemed none of them were going to be answered.

He saw the entity suddenly perk their ears.

"Oh, right, one last thing: Do not mention this meeting to anyone. Not to Tigerstar, nor your medicine cats friends… anyone. Capisce?"

They were giving him a half-serious look. One brow was raised - almost as if they expected him to argue. And they were right, as Fireheart - with all of the times he's been put down in his life - reacted with a scoff.

"Oh, really? Or what?" he said to them.

*Pfft*

The creature made a noise. It was Fireheart's turn to raise a brow, as they seemed to curl their head in laughter.

"Then they'll think you're crazy!"

Fireheart narrowed his eyes at them, battling to keep his composure.

The entity lashed their tail, rolling their eyes.

"Well, that and also… If you do tell them, then those little scars of yours miiight just… hmm, how do I put it?"

They looked thoughtful for a second, before putting on a sly grin.

"What would you say happens to a berry when you step on it?"

Fireheart's breathing faltered for a moment, listening to what the cat said.

"You…" He blinked at them. "What kind of sick cat are you?"

He only watched, in awe, as the cat released yet another cruel laugh of mockery.

Suddenly, he could see the fog behind them move closer. Fireheart gasped, now hearing the rushing sounds of wind. His vision suddenly began to blur.

"Hah, there truly is so much for us to discuss, young Fireheart~"

He grit his teeth as the fog overcame him. Wild sounds of rushing gales were the last thing he was able to hear.

"This… this is only the beginning."

Deep within the ShadowClan medicine den, Fireheart tossed and turned in his sleep.

With a sudden gasp, the ginger tom sprang up in his nest. He panted for a few moments, clearing his throat.

A dream? … No, a nightmare. He decided, still panting.

He could feel something prod his side. Looking over, he could see the small form of Cinderpaw laying on her flank, her legs lightly kicking in her sleep.

"Ngh-n-no Runningnose, I didn't sneak into the catnip last night~"

Fireheart blinked at her, shuffling his brow. Cinderpaw is here?

He leaned over, nudging her with his nose.

"Cinderpaw!" He exclaimed in as quiet of a voice as he could muster.

*snort* "Whu?"

The she-cat suddenly snapped her head up before releasing a small yawn. She gave a few blinks as she lifted herself up. Upon seeing Fireheart, the she-cat was quickly elated.

"Oh, Fireheart! You're awake!" She said, clambering to her feet.

Fireheart watched her excitement quickly turn to worry, as she was suddenly upon him, nosing him all over.

"A-are you okay? Does it- uh." She shot fleeting glances toward his face. "Hurt at all?"

Fireheart gave her a light-hearted lick, shaking his head.

"No. Yellowfang's herbs are really effective," he replied. Nevertheless, Cinderpaw kept sticking her nose near him, and Fireheart had to rear away slightly.

"Hey now, I said I'm fine! Yellowfang yelled at me earlier for touching my face. She'd cuff you silly!"

Cinderpaw backed away after being chastised, giving him a helpless look.

"I was just making sure you're all right!"

She sounded worried. Fireheart softened his gaze a bit.

"Well, thank you, but… I'll be okay," he said, trying to sound as reassuring as possible. He looked away, seeing he was once again alone in the den, save for one medicine cat.

"Heh, where's the old fleabag anyway?" he asked her.

Despite what he'd just awoken from, seeing Cinderpaw after all this time couldn't help but lift his mood a little. He didn't want to try and wrap his head around it. It was just a dream. As of now, it was nothing more than just that.

"Hoh, so that's what I am to you?"

Perking his head up, Fireheart watched as Yellowfang sauntered through the entrance to the den. Cinderpaw's eyes widened with excitement, and she quickly diverted her attention toward her.

"Yellowfang! I checked him over, just like you asked, and he seems all good!" she happily relayed to the older she-cat. Yellowfang grunted, stopping in front of them.

"Then, I'll trust your word, Cinderpaw," she said.

Eyeing her apprentice for a bit longer, Yellowfang narrowed her eyes.

"Did you doze off?"

Cinderpaw shuffled her paws, not meeting her gaze.

"Watching him got boring, okay?"

Fireheart could see the old she-cat roll her eyes, quickly deciding to step in before the assured scolding commenced.

"Yellowfang, you said Cinderpaw went to get Tigerstar. If she's here, then so is he?" Fireheart questioned in a serious tone. As glad as he was to see Cinderpaw, it was slightly ruined by what her presence also entailed.

"Oh, he's here all right," Yellowfang said, biting back a growl. "Been a prying little bugger so far from what I can tell. I haven't spoken with him, but Runningnose just told me he was about ready to go. You woke up at the perfect time, kit."

Fireheart frowned. Not even for a moment would he be able to rest a bit longer and talk to Cinderpaw?

"Where is he?" he grumbled - his tone not even trying to hide his disappointment.

"Talking to Russetfur, last I saw. Taking his sweet time, of course," Yellowfang replied.

She sounds just as irritated as I am. He noted to himself, eyeing her.

"Yeah!" Cinderpaw suddenly blurted from beside them. "Runningnose and I had to wait forever in ThunderClan because he was training. Then, when we got here, he didn't even bother to see you. He's just been gossiping the whole time!"

Fireheart suddenly looked at her, interested. "About what?"

"Sticking his nose into ShadowClan's business, that's what. Tigerstar doesn't gossip," Yellowfang interrupted, giving Cinderpaw a look. "Although, that seems to be a theme with ThunderClan nowadays."

Fireheart simply frowned. "I see…"

Yellowfang shook her head.

"Anyway, he's finally ready to leave now. Let's get out of this muddy stinkhole, why don't we?"

"I like the way you think–" Fireheart replied, but quickly cut himself off. A short look toward the exit suddenly gave him second thoughts.

"Ngh, but do I really have to go out there?" he groaned. He did want to leave ShadowClan already, but that also meant he had to deal with Tigerstar.

Yellowfang turned away, motioning to follow.

"Come now. Tigerstar knows what to expect, so don't think too much about your appearance," she told him before her tone grew softer. "Some may not take it very well, yes, but… hiding won't do you any good."

Fireheart lashed his tail, his eyes locked on the exit.

I could care less what Tigerstar thinks. He's the one who gave me these scars. He thought with conviction. But everyone else?

Fireheart thought back on his life for the past few weeks. He wasn't the best at keeping track of time, but from what he could tell, it had been nearly a half-moon since the attack. For a half-moon now, he'd been looked down upon, more so than ever before in his time living here.

He found that hard to believe - it instead felt as if moons had gone by. All that time, he'd gotten looks from the cats he once thought were his clanmates. He wouldn't lie to himself and call most of them his friends before the attack, but those cats surely didn't hate him as they do now. Or at least, it hadn't been so obvious.

Well, they already give me sour looks. Fireheart figured, after what seemed like an eternity within his mind. What are a few more?

He looked toward the entrance, seeing Cinderpaw had gone to stand next to Yellowfang's side. Both seemed to be waiting for him.

I can deal with this on my own. They don't need to know about my dreams - just like that weird cat said. Fireheart thought. Yes, I have to go out there. I can't be afraid to show myself, especially in front of him.

Content with his decision, Fireheart lifted himself up, trotting over to them.

"Yes, we should get going," he stated. Yellowfang nodded, turning away as Fireheart went to follow. Cinderpaw seemed to light up.

"I'll come with you guys!" she said, quickly following after as he and Yellowfang left.

Fireheart padded outside of the medicine den, seeing the sky had grown a darker orange now. The evening sun could barely be seen through the thick ShadowClan undergrowth, and the clouds gave way to a sky dotted with a few stars.

The cats of ShadowClan seemed a lot more plentiful than before, some having returned from hunting, patrolling, and the like. In the center of camp, Fireheart was quick to notice the striped pelt of ThunderClan's leader, much to his dismay. He was speaking with the ginger warrior from earlier, Russetfur, as well as ShadowClan's medicine cat, Runningnose - although, the latter appeared left out of the conversation from what Fireheart could tell.

As soon as he noticed them emerge from the den, Runningnose quickly stood up.

"It seems you're leaving now, Yellowfang." Fireheart heard him say as he padded over.

"We are," Yellowfang replied, before peering towards Tigerstar. She was suddenly moaning. "What's taking them so long? Nightstar should be seeing us off. What's Russetfur doing?"

Runningnose gave her a confused look. "You don't know?"

Yellowfang, along with the two cats beside her, turned to eye him.

Runningnose faltered for a moment.

"O-Oh, well, Russetfur has been taking charge today because… uh–"

He stuttered, avoiding eye contact with the cats in front of him.

"Nightstar passed away. This morning."

All three ThunderClanners suddenly widened their eyes.

"What?!" Cinderpaw exclaimed, as Fireheart and Yellowfang just stared at him, stunned. "D-doesn't he have his lives?!"

Runningnose didn't respond to that, shuffling his paws into the earth. Cinderpaw whipped her head towards her mentor.

"Yellowfang, couldn't you see them?"

Yellowfang stood still for a moment, staring off into space.

"...I didn't know he was that sick," she finally said. Runningnose cleared his throat.

"N-no, it's okay. He wasn't going to last long anyway, I think."

He let out a rueful sigh. "He was old - too old to be our leader. I suppose StarClan did not want him to last."

"Then may his soul find their way to them," Yellowfang responded with a sigh of her own.

Fireheart gave her a sympathetic look. She and Nightstar had likely known each other for a long time, and they seemed to have a good relationship from what he could tell.

"But then, who is supposed to lead?" Yellowfang looked up toward Runningnose. "Don't tell me it's Russetfur."

"I-I'm not sure, StarClan hasn't said anything yet," Runningnose stated glumly.

"But–" Cinderpaw suddenly gasped. "How do they expect you to work without a leader?"

"Well, Tigerstar is here. He said he'd help… for some reason. I think he mentioned– visions?"

Yellowfang snorted.

"Of course, his deep connection with StarClan is known throughout the forest, after all," she mewled, dripping with sarcasm.

Runningnose simply shook his head, seeming tired.

"Just… See Tigerstar. He'll explain everything."

Yellowfang looked away from him, setting her sights on the dark tabby.

"Very well," she murmured. "Hopefully, his explanation won't make me want to claw his tail off."

Fireheart murmured his agreement before Yellowfang started off towards the center of the clearing again, urging him to stand up and follow. However, a tail was suddenly raised into his chest, blocking his way. Looking up in surprise, Fireheart saw Runningnose had stopped him.

"W-wait a moment."

Yellowfang and Cinderpaw stopped at that, turning to look at him in a similar bit of confusion. Runningnose looked at Fireheart warily.

"Sorry, but… you can't join them yet. Tigerstar said he wanted to see his medicine cats. Alone."

Fireheart furrowed his brow, looking to the other medicine cats for help. Cinderpaw just turned to her mentor worriedly, but Yellowfang - while clearly annoyed - seemed to understand the situation. The old cat gave Fireheart a look of reassurance as if silently telling him she'd handle everything.

Fireheart swapped looks between her and Runningnose before his eyes drifted onto Tigerstar. He could see Russetfur trudging away from the dark tabby, and as such, Tigerstar had shifted his focus onto them, most likely expecting his medicine cats now. He shuddered when he saw his gaze pass over him.

"Alright, I guess I'll be in the den," Fireheart quickly replied, giving Yellowfang a nod.

The old she-cat nodded back before turning away from Fireheart as Runningnose led him back to the den. Cinderpaw shot Fireheart a worried look, before quickly limping to catch up with her mentor.

The two medicine cats approached Tigerstar after a moment, seeing the tabby had his gaze over both of their shoulders.

"How unsightly," he muttered as soon as the two she-cats came up to him. "I didn't know what to expect, but somehow that kittypet looks even viler."

"You can spare me the witty remarks," Yellowfang replied, exhaling. "So, Nightstar is dead?"

Tigerstar just shrugged.

"StarClan must not have wanted his leadership to last long. He was merely a placeholder, from what it looks like."

Yellowfang simply hummed, with a half-lidded stare. "And, where's the patrol?"

"I sent them ahead of us. We don't need them," Tigerstar said. "Me and Russetfur have come to a… mutual understanding. I trust ShadowClan not to try anything, especially now without Nightstar."

He suddenly curled his lip. "And besides, it's not like that traitor is worth the expense."

Cinderpaw shuffled her paws awkwardly, her gaze shifting between the two of them. Yellowfang turned her head, giving her leader the side-eye.

"You know, it sounds like you've been quite busy lately, Tigerstar," she mewed. Tigerstar frowned

"I don't like your tone, Yellowfang," he stated in reply. "However, I will admit that I've kept you in the dark regarding a few things."

Yellowfang gave him a look of disappointment - as if he'd just confirmed something she'd been suspecting for almost a half-moon now.

"Well, is there something soo important that even I can't know about?" she drawled. "Perhaps, a vision or two, if I were to venture a guess?"

"Hmph. Nothing gets past you," Tigerstar said as if anticipating she-cat to see right through him. "It's true; I've been having strange visions as of late. At first, I thought they were about the kittypet, but now I believe StarClan may be calling me here. To help ShadowClan."

"That's ridiculous," Yellowfang declared. "Only a medicine cat can determine what visions mean. How do you know? Do these cats even want you here?"

"You see how I've made it this far? I know when destiny is calling to me, Yellowfang," Tigerstar grumbled. "And yes, Russetfur and I have already talked once or twice. Trust me, I know what I'm doing."

Yellowfang took a few seconds to simply stare at him. Before long, though, she just shook her head.

"Then, I don't know what to say to you, Tigerstar."

The tabby purred at that, like he was glad to hear her sound defeated.

"That's fine. You just have to trust me, and everything will be fine."

He turned his head, looking back toward the medicine den.

"Now then, that should be all. Go fetch the kittypet; It's time we leave."

Yellowfang leered at him for a second longer, before simply complying with a nod. She turned to leave while Cinderpaw hurriedly lifted herself up to follow. She gave a meek yelp as a heavy object stepped on her tail.

"As for you," Tigerstar's voice rang through her ears. Cinderpaw pinned them back, looking at him worriedly.

"I-I'm sorry, Tigerstar. I didn't know Nightstar was that sick! I-"

"Hush, now."

Tigerstar suddenly brushed her side with his large tail. Cinderpaw looked at him wide-eyed as he continued.

"I understand that you care a lot about these cats, Cinderpaw," he began in as soft a voice as someone like him could muster. "However, I just thought I'd give you some advice."

Cinderpaw watched, confused, as his face turned more serious.

"Don't let his death, or anyone else's, weigh so much on you. StarClan was calling him - simple as that."

Cinderpaw could only give him a befuddled expression. Wasn't it her job to always help everyone? To save as many cats as she could?

"As for the others. Well–" Tigerstar went on. "Yellowfang can tell you how she's lost many cats before. As a medicine cat, you must accept that you will fail, from time to time."

Cinderpaw gulped. She never really liked to think about it, but he was right. Yellowfang did tell her something like that before, but she never took it seriously. How could she call herself a medicine cat after she had already failed so much? She didn't need to think about it.

"However, it concerns me–"

Cinderpaw's head shot up with fear as Tigerstar continued.

"Nightstar hid many things. He was a stoic cat, always thinking he could handle whatever comes his way." Tigerstar raised his brow at her. "And now, do you see where that got him?"

He paused for a moment, registering her frown. "Please, understand. I just don't want you to end up like him, Cinderpaw."

The young she-cat narrowed her gaze.

"Really?" she mewed.

"Yes…" Tigerstar looked down on her. "You will be staying here a little while longer. The disease hasn't gone away yet, despite your efforts. I can tell you're working hard, and that means you're putting a lot of pressure on yourself."

His gaze turned a bit softer - something uncanny for the ThunderClan leader.

"Now, if this is more than you can handle-"

"No!" Cinderpaw yelled, before quickly pinning her ears in embarrassment. "I-I mean, me and Runningnose have been working tirelessly to help! I have been working tirelessly!"

"That's what I mean," Tigerstar stated, peering toward her. "I'm just worried I could lose my future medicine cat too soon. It would be a shame if you were to bite off more than you could chew."

Cinderpaw twitched her ears. "Runningnose and Yellowfang said I've been doing a great job. The disease is slowly going away, don't you see? I can do this, Tigerstar!"

"Hmm, it's true things have gotten better around here," Tigerstar murmured, giving a quick glance around the camp. "Alright, I suppose I will hold you to that. Pray your labor soon bears fruit."

Cinderpaw watched as his eyes suddenly lit up.

"Ah, and there's just this one other thing."

He leaned in toward her, prompting her to back her head away from him.

"That little incident with the kittypet at the Moonstone was just a mysterious accident. Understand?"

"Eh?" Cinderpaw squeaked. "But-"

A slight growl from Tigerstar cut her off.

"I don't know the things others have been telling you, but the truth is that none of us know how that rat got his scars," he said in a low voice. "Even if it was StarClan's doing, that has yet to be confirmed. There can be nobody talking about curses or anything of the sort. We trusted leaders and medicine cats don't want to go spreading rumors now, do we?"

Cinderpaw felt herself lower to the ground, despite the tabby not making any advancements toward her. Her voice came out in a submissive mewl.

"What are you saying?"

"I'm saying… if you want to become a true medicine cat, you cannot tell a lie. Do you know what happened at the Moonstone?"

"Well, no," Cinderpaw mumbled, causing him to grunt.

"Then, until StarClan says otherwise, it is mainly up to you to reassure the warriors here that a curse isn't stalking the forest. That would cause a lot of problems, and the last thing we need in this clan is more problems, right?"

"...I-I understand, Tigerstar," Cinderpaw told him after a moment. "I'll try to convince them."

"Do convince them," Tigerstar growled. "If I gave Yellowfang this task, she would not try it - she would do it. It seems you must learn a bit of integrity as well."

"No! I can do it, Tigerstar!" Cinderpaw suddenly appeared frazzled. "You won't need to worry; I'll keep them from spreading rumors. I mean, you're right! StarClan hasn't said anything yet, so as a medicine cat, it's up to me to reassure everyone!"

"Indeed," Tigerstar mewled, sounding satisfied. "And if you manage to succeed, then I'm sure no cat in the forest will doubt you as a great medicine cat."

A sudden sense of confidence sparked within Cinderpaw after hearing that. It was then she did something she'd never dreamed of doing: She scoffed at him.

"Oh, please. I will be the BEST bloody medicine cat you've ever seen! Just you wait!" she exclaimed with such levels of enervation that she practically bore her teeth at him.

Seeing this side of Cinderpaw only made Tigerstar snicker, however, genuinely amused.

"Then I will observe your career with great interest," he said before flicking his tail. "Now, go on. There's a leader that must be buried."

Snapping back to reality, Cinderpaw looked toward Nightstar's den, seeing the old tom's body had already been carried outside by his fellow clanmates. Cats lingered around him with sodden expressions, seemingly waiting for both her and Runningnose.

Her confidence quickly washed away, and Cinderpaw looked at Tigerstar again, nodding solemnly. The dark tabby watched as she trotted away, heading towards the body.

Smirking to himself, the ThunderClan leader looked away. He kept a grin as he mused to himself, stalking toward the medicine den.

Little fool.

…

A/N - Writing 101: The more rhetorical/shrewd questions someone asks, the eviler they are.

Something I forgot to mention last time: Yes, in case it was not clear in chapter 7, Russetfur does stay in ShadowClan.

I have no idea why so many fics have her joining Brokenstar's exiles. I'm pretty sure that isn't even canon, plus her leaving doesn't usually leave much of an impact on their story anyway.

Anyway, so that… thing… is the first OC character I will include in this fic! They will be the only non-canon character for the rest of the arc (I think), so if that kind of thing turns you off then, uh… at least you won't have to see any more of them?

I said it once, and I'll repeat it: Things will only get more "different" from here on out.

And also… dare I say it… more–*shudders* L