…

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

…

The Path of Water

…

Fireheart lashed his tail impatiently, laying beneath the lichen at the medicine den's entrance. His gaze was fixed on the gorse tunnel, ignoring everything else.

Any minute now, Cinderpaw would finally be back home. Yellowfang had informed him just the other day that she and Runningnose successfully discovered a cure for it, and today was the day was allowed to return. Nearly an entire moon of painstaking work later, she'd finally succeeded in helping ShadowClan defeat a deadly disease leftover from leafbare.

By now, the light of the evening sun could be seen glaring through the treetops. Yellowfang had joined the evening patrol as they made for ShadowClan, leaving Fireheart behind, although he didn't mind. All that mattered was he'd finally get to see Cinderpaw again. He just needed to wait; the thought was enough to keep his ears perked and eyes peeled.

Though the longer he thought about it, the more slowly time seemed to pass. Fireheart could feel his ears twitching, his face contorting into one of silent frustration.

It's taking so long. By the time they get here, it'll be morning! He thought as he lay his head on the ground, sighing.

With a grunt, he looked over his flank towards the tanning rocks, curious to as if a certain pair of cats were still there or not. Frowning, he saw that indeed both Sandstorm and Dustpelt were there, just as they'd been every other time he's looked.

Earlier, he'd picked up the last part of their conversation with the dawn patrol left before they left: 'Don't worry. We can guard the entrance, Tigerstar. We'll be here when you get back!' Dustpelt's words echoed in his mind.

Fireheart scoffed. Ugh. Everyone's been chasing Tigerstar's tail lately as if he's the greatest warrior in the forest. If only they knew what I knew, it'd make them sick. He growled in irritation. Someday, Fireheart. Some day, they'll know everything… I just need time. It'll all be worth it once I finally get to take him down and reveal–

Fireheart's thoughts derailed, his ears swiveling toward the gorse tunnel as a flurry of voices and pawsteps could suddenly be heard. Sandstorm and Dustpelt looked up as well, watching as cats began to spill out from the tunnel, with Tigerstar leading them. Dustpelt smiled as he stood up, going to meet with brown tabby as Sandstorm begrudgingly dragged herself after him.

Fireheart paid them no mind as he perked his head up, scanning through the small crowd of cats who'd just appeared, eager to find a certain small dark gray she-cat. After what seemed like dozens of cats came through, Cinderpaw finally could be seen limping through the gorse tunnel, closely flanked by Yellowfang. Fireheart put on a wide grin once he spotted her.

Finally!

With haste, Fireheart shot to his paws. However, the moment he did, he just as quickly became aware of the number of cats around, all rushing past him and towards the patrol, equally as interested.

Fireheart felt his heart sink, watching as Cinderpaw's siblings approached her. Brightpaw, Thornpaw, Brackenfur, and Frostfur were the first ones at her side, each of them elated by the return of one of their kin. Some elders and then queens followed shortly after, and thus, again, Cinderpaw was lost within a sea of pelts.

Slowly, the look of excitement drained from Fireheart's face. He slumped back down, watching from afar.

It was all right - he didn't mind waiting. A medicine cat can't stay away from their den for long, after all. Besides, Cinderpaw would want to see her family first, and he'd never be welcome amongst all those cats anyway.

After what felt like an eternity, Fireheart noticed the cats begin to dissipate. He stood up again, seeing Yellowfang practically dragging a worn-looking Cinderpaw toward the medicine den.

Slowly, the young she-cat lifted her head, laying her eyes upon the entrance where a certain ginger tom was waiting eagerly. Fireheart smiled now - seeing her blue eyes light up just like his own did when he first spotted her.

"Oh, Fireheart!" she called. Ignoring the snicker from Yellowfang, Cinderpaw practically hopped toward him, seeming rejuvenated.

Fireheart chuckled as she thrust her head under his, both of them purring loudly. After a moment, she stood back.

"It's so good to see you again!" she mewled happily.

"Cinderpaw…" Fireheart just said breathlessly, taking in the she-cat before him. Now face to face, he couldn't help but appreciate her all over again. His former apprentice, one who had doubted herself so much before, had just saved an entire clan!

Fireheart put on the most sheepish smile, giving her a hearty chuckle. "Hah! I'm so proud of you! Don't you see now? You're a great medicine cat, and nobody can tell you otherwise!"

Cinderpaw giggled, looking away in embarrassment at his praise. "I learned so much more than I was expecting. ShadowClan has herbs I didn't even know existed!" she exclaimed, making Fireheart grin.

"You'll have to tell me about them someday. Maybe we'll create a cure for greencough next," he joked. Cinderpaw hummed in response, turning back to look at him again. She continued to stare at him, however, and her aura of excitement seemed to dissipate.

Fireheart grew troubled, realizing this had to be the first time Cinderpaw could get a look at his face in broad daylight.

"I've learned so much, but there's still much I don't know," she said. She rested a paw on his face, making the tom shrink away just a bit. "Like these... And I assume they won't be fading?"

Fireheart's words became stuck in his throat, the mood shifting from joyful to solemn in an instant, leaving him speechless. Cinderpaw drew her paw back, shaking her head.

"I-I'm sorry. I froze up," she said, averting her gaze. "It's just.. until then, I'd never seen such a– a horrible thing happen to someone I cared so much about." Fireheart pinned his ears back, listening as she continued. "But I should've known. Of course, a medicine cat would have to face that at some point. Anyone in the clan could be next, so I can't freeze up again."

After a long moment, she sighed, peering back at his face.

"And maybe if I did more to help, I could've prevented that," she said.

Fireheart looked alarmed. "N-no, Cinderpaw-" he quickly blurted. These were always going to scar. They're a blasted curse! He thought, but of course, he wasn't about to tell her that. Instead, Fireheart gazed upon her with a soft smile.

"No other medicine cats could've done more. These marks will always be a part of me, and I've accepted that. It's fine, Cinderpaw. I'll be fine." He paused, huffing softly, "It helps not to think about it, right? I can do that."

Cinderpaw just gave him a pained look before slowly nodding. Turning, she squinted at her bad leg.

"Yeah, I know how it is," she said glumly. "And I prayed no one else would ever have to experience it, but alas…"

Suddenly, a grunt could be heard off to the side. Yellowfang, who had remained silent up to this point, opened her mouth to speak, giving her apprentice a sympathetic look.

"Life is a cruel mistress, Cinderpaw. Some things just can't be avoided no matter what," she said, offering some solace. "But you're correct. A medicine cat must be prepared to face any situation, particularly failure. Nothing is more common in life than failure, so you should get used to it." She rested her tail on her back, prompting Cinderpaw to look up. "Nevertheless, we're both very proud of you. I'd say you've more than proved yourself to the clan."

"Really?" Cinderpaw said in almost a whisper, smiling. "Oh, Yellowfang… Fireheart… thank you both. It means a lot to me."

Fireheart smiled, knowing that her praise was well-deserved, and was glad that she was finally at ease enough to accept it. Yellowfang seemed beaming with pride as well, which is not something that happened often.

The older she-cat stood up then, turning to give Fireheart a look.

"Well, Fireheart, my apprentice made it back from wretched old ShadowClan in one piece, so as of now, I no longer require your assistance around here," she said. "Even though I took care of… let's say eighty percent of the problems around here."

"Oh, good to hear," Fireheart replied, rolling his eyes. "I'm glad to hear I wasn't totally useless."

"My pleasure. Now, you'd best run along to your own den." Yellowfang flicked her tail. "Let's hope you didn't forget how to make your bedding without me."

"I think I'll manage," Fireheart snapped back, playing along as he stood up and made for the exit, giving Cinderpaw and quick lick and a mewl of goodbye before looking back at Yellowfang one last time.

"Don't get into too much trouble, old lizardbreath. I'll still be around if you need me," he said earning a hoarse chuckle from the old she-cat.

Not long after he made his way past the lichen-covered entrance, he made straight for his own 'den' with a feeling of fulfillment. Although it likely wouldn't be long before he returns to the medicine den, he felt relieved to get out of there all the same. The comfort of knowing Cinderpaw was back would keep his spirits high for days to come.

Shortly after Fireheart left, Yellowfang was right back to mixing herbs. A clan as battle-driven as her own would need a lot more than what most medicine cats would consider necessary, after all.

Her ears swiveled behind her when Cinderpaw cleared her throat, looking up from a few bundles of herbs of her own.

"So, you really had to drag poor Fireheart into your little cave of horrors while I was away?" she joked.

Yellowfang scoffed. "Don't blame me, he wanted something to do. Besides, I need someone to carry out twenty percent of the work, don't I? StarClan knows I can't be doing everything around here."

"I'm kidding, I'm kidding," Cinderpaw replied before stopping to think for a moment. "But speaking of StarClan… they wouldn't happen to have spoken to you lately, have they?"

Yellowfang grumbled, fumbling her brow. "Ugh… I was afraid you were gonna say that, 'cuz I was going to ask the same thing."

Cinderpaw lowered her with disappointment, nodding. "Runningnose and I heard nothing from them during my entire visit, except for the incident with Fireheart. It worried us because it seemed like they had given up on ShadowClan."

"Yes, I can imagine. I'm sorry you had to deal with that," Yellowfang commented before releasing another snort. "So, they refuse to speak with me, you, and Runningnose, eh? This next meeting at the half-moon is gonna be good."

Cinderpaw perked up at that, having forgotten all about the sacred meeting between the clans' medicine cats. "Oh, yes! That's in three days, isn't it?"

"It is," Yellowfang replied, thinking. And there's more than just StarClan I want to discuss… Finally, I'll get a blasted chance to see if there's any truth to Fireheart's story.

The ginger tom told her a while ago about… well, a lot of things.

Supposedly, Tigerstar murdered multiple cats, including Bluestar, to become clan leader, and apparently, he worked with Brokenstar's old rogues to do it. Then, of course, he drove everyone who may have known that out of the clan… all except for Fireheart, for some unknown reason.

At this point, all Yellowfang could do was grumble to herself.

Fireheart claims to know all that yet hasn't spoken about it since. Probably 'cuz he keeps trying to gather proof, but can't get around to it… or maybe something else has been taking up his time… or maybe he's just given up. Yellowfang pondered the different possibilities. And if Graystripe and Cloudpaw knew this as well, why haven't we heard from them? Are they gathering proof as well? Or are such claims equally as unpopular in RiverClan?

Yellowfang assumed StarClan's silence was not helping with any of this either - that was a whole issue in of its own.

Could StarClan's absence be connected with all of this?... Hmph, well, I'll get my answer in a few days, won't I? How vexing. So many questions, so very few answers…

Frustrated, Yellowfang looked toward her apprentice with a hardened gaze as she silently thanked the stars for giving her such a hard-working cat.

Brace yourself, Cinderpaw. Seems we have much to do yet.

It was much later on, in the Dark Forest, where Fireheart could be seen tackling a spirit with a ferocious growl.

Like a seasoned predator, he quickly sunk his teeth into his prey, muffling their cries into more of a gurgling noise. He stayed latched on, pinning them into the grass, ensuring his grip wouldn't loosen despite how the cat flailed and left angry scores on his flanks.

Eventually, the spirit's struggles weakened, and their cries began to sound like nothing more than desperate mewls. Fireheart released the breath he was holding, panting as he stood up from the vanquished foe.

He watched as they began to fade, the last vestiges of their soul fading before his eyes - a sign he'd been taught meant he'd truly defeated them.

That was yet another spirit Fireheart could say he has defeated, after having faced multiple ones each night and trying new strategies of attack each time. To this day, none of them seemed as difficult as the first, although the entity explained it was simply because he was improving.

And while it hasn't been long since the entity began his training, Fireheart's already lost count of how many shades he's had to fight off. Maybe around fifteen? Twenty? If he was being honest, he stopped counting after the entity stopped naming them, which was pretty early on.

In their words: The spirits here don't deserve to be remembered, not for the terrible deeds they did in life. And Fireheart trusted their judgment, therefore he wasn't really hesitant about having to end their existence.

As for his latest opponent, it wasn't long until there was nobody left for him to stand above. He continued breathing heavily as he lifted off his haunches before trudging toward the dark-colored entity. They sat atop an old tree stump, watching with a paw under their chin as Fireheart padded closer. A trifle of amusement emanated from them.

"I can see why you wanted to visit earlier today," they said. "You weren't lying when you said you were eager… you have been improving rapidly."

Fireheart shook his fur out, purring at their praise.

"Just been more confident lately, is all," he said before trying to fix his ruffled pelt.

"Mmm, now that is a surprise," they remarked, their blood-red eyes narrowing on him. "Tigerstar and his idea of 'training' seemed to weigh heavily on you before… So has he stopped, then?"

Fireheart paused his licks, raising a brow at them.

"If you're referring to when he uses me for the apprentices' training, then no, he hasn't," he said begrudgingly. "But they're just apprentices. I'm not afraid of them or their little 'training sessions'. Also, some of the cats in ThunderClan are giving him a hard time about it, so they don't last as long as they did before."

The entity slowly nodded, although now they looked even more suspicious.

"Some cats, you say… as in, cats who want to help you?"

Fireheart snickered, shaking his head. "That's a stretch. Only a few actually want to help me as far as I'm aware. If anything, the rest think I'm just a waste of time and energy," he said before looking at them. "Why so curious all of a sudden?"

He watched them roll their head and sigh, and it was then Fireheart knew he'd just given them the reply they were hoping for.

"Ooooh, it's just that… I've been thinking these last few days," they began, looking thoughtful. "That sand-molly what's-her-name… She seemed quite willing to help you a few times. And that white-furred fellow… Why he'd help a fox find their den!"

Fireheart glared at them, getting a suspicion about where this conversation was leading to.

"I don't think I'm following," he said, prodding them to elaborate, causing the entity to look at them dryly.

"I was hoping you would've opened your mind by now, but I see I was a fool," they said, sounding disappointed. "Tell me... You don't seriously plan to do everything by yourself, right? You still believe mere battle training will be enough?"

Fireheart sighed, realizing what they were getting at.

"I believe it would be best to handle it alone," he began. "I thought we went over this before… alright look, it'll just be a lot easier if I do. I can focus on myself and I only need to worry about myself. If I get close to someone, it'll cause even more trouble - you saw what Tigerstar's done to the cats that were close to me, right? Just because a few cats haven't spit in my face does not mean they can suddenly be trusted," he explained. "And as for those you're talking about, you can't even be bothered to remember their names! Why do you even think they're able to help?"

"Hmph… I can tell when a soul is lost, looking for answers… and those cats seemed quite lost. If one is looking for something, that means they'll listen. That's all you needed before, right? For someone to listen?"

"It–" Fireheart stuttered, shaking his head. "It's not that simple anymore…"

He lowered his ears, pondering their words before they suddenly snorted.

"And as if you're one to talk about names. I mean… Shadow? Really? I'll have you know that isn't quite my name, but I suppose it isn't the worst you lot have come up with."

Fireheart snapped his head up.

"Well, I have to call you something!" he exclaimed, quick to defend himself. Putting their previous conversation aside, Fireheart was suddenly intrigued by this news. "W-wait a moment. Since when have you had a name? After all this time, you've never bothered to tell me?"

He watched as the entity grumbled, lashing their tail. "Names mean little in this place…"

"Yeah, so I've gathered, but still! Why haven't you told me at least one?" He waited for the entity to answer, but was just met with a glare. "Oh, come on. We've been working together for a while now, haven't we? Even if you don't want to be so much as acquaintances, at least let me call you something."

Fireheart looked at them pleadingly trying to reason with them, but it was like talking to a fence. The entity looked away, side-eyeing him a few times as if questioning whether to indulge him or not.

They hummed, sounding unamused.

"Perhaps… you may have something of a point… And I can already tell that if I don't say anything, you won't stop bothering me about it," they grumbled. "I have many names… most I'd rather not repeat."

Fireheart looked at them surprised, feeling slightly ashamed by his eagerness.

"I'm sorry. I know how much a name can hurt," he said. "Well, are there any you like? I could call you that. You've never called me kittypet, after all."

The entity stared at him for a good while, looking suspicious.

"Hmph… Nobody's ever considered that before..." Fireheart watched as they looked toward the sky. "...A name I like?"

There was a good few moments of tense silence after that. Fireheart shuffled his paws, feeling awkward at the moment.

"Don't tell me they're all ba–"

"Umbra."

Fireheart blinked. "Excuse me?"

The entity looked at him, expressionless.

"Means shadow."

"...But-"

"It also sounds… unlike a curse. Yes, it shall do."

Fireheart stopped himself, noticing the slightest hint of satisfaction on their face, and decided to just drop it.

"Very well." He nodded, although in his mind he was conflicted. That'll need some getting used to. I wasn't expecting that… I thought they would have a clan name or something.

It was then the entity's– Umbra's expression suddenly dropped, and a scowl took over their face. They peered at him, clearing their throat loudly.

"It's done, then. As of now, we've been formally introduced. We are no longer strangers to each other. Good enough for you?"

Their sudden tone shift made Fireheart flinch.

Yeesh... Is it really okay if I call you that?

Umbra simply glared. "Now then, if there's nothing more on your mind, we have much more important things to focus on."

Fireheart slumped his shoulders, seeing how their mood had been effectively ruined. Talk about my relationships, I'm just now getting a name for this cat.

If Umbra could hear his thoughts, they continued to ignore him as they suddenly stood up.

"Moving on… Yes, your skills have indeed improved rapidly, so I say we should expect the Spark to manifest at some point. If you're a suitable enough host, it may even begin to show itself…" Umbra paused, hopping down the tree stump before making their way toward him. "However, it has now come to my attention that your plans are currently what we should be concerned about…"

Fireheart furrowed his brow. He thought he had made himself rather clear. Why did things have to become more complicated than they needed?

"Look, Umbra… I know Tigerstar is a threat to everyone, not just me," he began, "but you know if I tell anyone about what he's done, they'll either get themselves in trouble or get me in trouble. The few cats I've already told, he's been watching like a hawk. Who knows what he'll do next?"

"...And, because of that you intend to face him alone?" Umbra snorted as they came up to him. "If you face him alone, you will be destroyed, then nobody will be safe."

"Perhaps, if I can ever obtain this blasted power, then Tigerstar wouldn't be much of a problem," Fireheart grumbled.

"No… Fireheart, you don't understand. It is not just Tigerstar," they said. "What I mean is, you'll need more than just the Spark and training to save this forest. Tigerstar's true strength lies in his allies. Without them, he would have nothing, and he knows it. Why else would he not only collude with ShadowClan and its former rogues but also want to keep peace with them?"

Fireheart opened his mouth but quickly closed it. He didn't want to admit it, but he didn't consider all that. Fighting Tigerstar wouldn't mean he'd have to fight entire clans… right?

Umbra saw the look of confusion on his face, snorting.

"Like him, you would not get far without allies either. Haven't you seen how much one can make a difference?" they said. "The hard truth is, you must accept risks like these… because believe me, you won't be able to do this alone. Consider this our next 'lesson', if you will."

Fireheart growled, frustrated. Lesson? Well, so much for believing in me! Although, he take a moment to reflect on their words, and thus became conflicted. He was so certain of his strategy, but now he was questioning every aspect of it.

I mean, I don't like what they're saying. Not at all. But… should I really argue with a cat whose guidance has been genuinely helpful thus far?

Fireheart sat motionless as Umbra's outright dissension with him prompted a bit of self-reflection.

Do I need help? That was the question Umbra wanted him to ask himself.

His thoughts drifted to Bluestar. She was there the first time he went into the forest, and eventually let him join. She told him things would be very difficult there, but he had to first believe he could overcome them if he were to succeed.

And I did believe. He thought. I was made a warrior… I was confident I could do it, and I did!

But as if Umbra themselves were listening, a new question then poked into his mind.

But could you do it alone?

Fireheart bit his tongue, going back.

Well… no. But Bluestar was confident. She helped–

He stopped, for it was then the slow, creeping sense of realization crept up to Fireheart. She helped me… and many others too. They helped me become a warrior.

And it went even further. Would he have been able to bring back WindClan, if it weren't for his friends helping him along the way? Could he have driven Brokenstar out of ShadowClan on his own? It was then the faces of both Yellowfang and Cinderpaw flashed through his mind. Then Graystripe, Ravenpaw, Spottedleaf, Lionheart, Sandstorm, Whitestorm... Those cats taught him many things and helped him despite their ups and downs. Fireheart questioned where he would be if he didn't meet them.

Eventually, he clenched his eyes, and released a drawn-out sigh, having finally made up his mind.

"Alright, you want allies?... Fine," he grumbled, looking towards Umbra who was eyeing him smugly. "But I'm telling you, you can't convince someone who doesn't care, and after everything that's happened, not many cats in ThunderClan do. It'll be… precarious."

Umbra suppressed a laugh, giving him a look. "Well, if it's so precarious... Why not start with the ones who aren't in ThunderClan?"

Fireheart looked at them confused before widening his eyes.

"You don't mean–" He stuttered in disbelief. "No way! Tigerstar would kill me if I snooped around RiverClan again."

Umbra groaned, lifting a paw to their face.

"For the God's sa- Are you still worried about that?" They gave him a frown. "I have repeated this many times, so let this be the last… Indeed, Tigerstar may harm you, brutally, but he will not end your life. He fears your spirit; that you will be outside his influence, thus freed from his control. He knows about the afterlife and how… dangerous it can be."

Fireheart remembered the incident at the Moonstone, realizing they had a point.

He'd been so sure Tigerstar was there - perhaps even the one who gave him his scars - but he had no proof of it. Whether that was true or not, though, one thing was certain: That dark tabby had a plan, and Fireheart had no clue how far along he was with it. Perhaps it would be a good idea to huck a piece of crowfood into it…

"Yes, that makes sense," Fireheart conceded, lashing his tail. "Okay, so I'm safe from that, at least… And I suppose I could stomach a few more punishments from him if I really had to…" He pondered for a few more seconds before shaking his head. "Alright, so basically, you want me to go and convince RiverClan to help me fight against Tigerstar?"

"Precisely," Umbra said, eyes gleaming. "And you already have a few connections there, yes? Then, they shouldn't need much convincing, especially given their sour history with Tigerstar as it is. You've had no part in that conflict… so hopefully, they won't rough you up too much. It'll be a start… if anything."

"Right, and I suppose everything must involve me getting hurt?" Fireheart grumbled. "Oh, and since we're on this topic, just how am I supposed to get to RiverClan exactly? If there's one place in this whole forest Tigerstar wants to be patrolled, it's over there."

Once again, judging by how their face lit up, Fireheart realized he'd just given them the answer they were looking for yet again.

"Why I thought you'd never ask~" They beamed maliciously. "Lucky you, I have just the solution."

Fireheart lowered his ears, not liking where this was going.

"Although, I did not want to use this ability so soon… I don't see another way to get your hind out of this blasted camp unseen. And with all those evening patrols out… the rest of the clan eating or retiring for the night… Why you really picked the prime time for an impromptu escapade, didn't you, Fireheart?"

"Impromp-... What?" Fireheart suddenly widened his eyes. No… wait. That's not possible. You aren't seriously telling me they're able to send me over–

Not even before finished, the dark spirit's eyes began to glow, emitting a brilliant white color. He took in the mesmerizing glow, and a bleak 'Oh no' echoed in his mind before strands of black fog suddenly began to swirl around him. Fireheart's fur spiked as he sidestepped around the strands of thick fog, only for them to wrap around and bind to his limbs

Fireheart mewled in surprise, looking around frantically.

"W-wait! You mean now?!" He flailed desperately, but the ginger tom found it impossible to break free. The air around him suddenly grew heavy - it felt like he was sinking.

"Ah-ah. You're supposed to trust me, remember?"

Fireheart could barely hear them as he gasped in fear, realizing he was, in fact, sinking. The fog around him held his limbs tightly as the ground itself seemingly began to cave in. Fireheart couldn't make sense of it even though it was happening right before his eyes. It was like the forest was swallowing him whole!

"N-no, stop! T-there's no way I can go there yet! I'm not ready!" he cried desperately.

Chuckling, Umbra began to stroll towards him, ignoring the streams of fog and buckling ground as if it was nothing. Fireheart felt his heart drop as a black paw pressed against his chest fur. They leaned close to his ear with a grin.

"Do you know how to swim, Fireheart?"

His eyes widened before suddenly he felt a push. Clenching his eyes, he mustered the strength to scream one last thing before falling into the void.

"UMBRA!"

Fireheart's stomach dropped as he felt his body suddenly suspended in freefall. The roaring wind echoed all around him as his eyes remained clenched. His head spun as he continued to fall as if a vacuum was sucking him deep into an unfathomable void.

In what seemed like no time at all, the whooshing noise began to fade, and Fireheart's ears popped as he felt a sudden change in pressure around him. Before he could even register what was happening, the remaining amount of air in his lungs was suddenly knocked out of him as he smacked against what felt like solid rock.

The blow made his head spin, paralyzing his limbs for a moment. Hissing out of pure instinct, Fireheart suddenly found himself inhaling an entire mouthful of water. Feeling the sharp chill of river water across his body, Fireheart clenched his body as what felt like a strong current threw him around like a branch in a windstorm. He flailed his limbs, by then having finally regained enough feeling in his limbs to start kicking toward the water's surface.

After what felt like an eternity of struggle, Fireheart burst his head above the freezing water, gasping for breath. He shook himself from his stupor, hissing loudly as he struggled to paddle, hoping to reach wherever the shoreline was.

Kick after kick, he eventually felt the soft river bed beneath his paws. He dug himself into the mud, practically dragging his sopping-wet body out of the river before throwing himself onto his stomach, still gasping for breath. Almost immediately, Fireheart burst into a coughing fit, vomiting up the water he'd swallowed upon his arrival.

And for the next few minutes, that's where he stayed, laying there with his head pounding, limbs aching, and his stomach threatening to vomit again as his throat continued to burn.

Shivering, the ginger tom finally was able to lift himself up, shaking his pelt out and giving himself a good few licks in a desperate attempt to look somewhat presentable again. His mind had been left blank the entire time, whatever he'd just been put through rendering him all but speechless.

Looking around, his breath was lost even more when he recognized where he was.

…RiverClan territory.

Fireheart could see the thick underbrush on the other side of the river - that was ThunderClan's territory. On the side he sat upon, thick bundles of reeds were abundant, and the scent of RiverClan's border markers was rather potent.

With all that in mind, it didn't take much thought in order to determine what Umbra had done.

So… They can teleport. Fireheart mused numbly to himself. Who am I kidding… of course, they can teleport. I should know by now… there's no end to the surprises from the Dark Forest.

Fireheart soon realized during his fascination with the supernatural why exactly he was teleported here in the first place.

Oh, right. He looked to the sky, seeing the sun had already set, and the stars were just beginning to come out. 'Perfect timing' or whatever they said… Ugh, let's just get this over with before a patrol notices me.

However, it wouldn't be long before Fireheart's ears perked up at the sound of approaching pawsteps.

"See? I told you I heard yowling!"

Fireheart whipped his head around, feeling his heart sink as his eyes came upon a full RiverClan patrol, and of course, Leopardfur was in the lead, her face promptly dropping into a scowl the moment she noticed him.

"Halt!" she yelled toward him, making Fireheart flinch. The still-soaking wet tom could only be rendered speechless, having not prepared for this interaction whatsoever.

"Oh my, what happened to his face?" One RiverClanner could be heard. Fireheart pinned his ears but remained silent as he stared back at Leopardfur.

Leoaprdfur seemed to curl her lip, observing his maw a bit closer. Growling, the RiverClan deputy raised her chin.

"A bit late for a swim, ThunderClanner," she said, eyeing him up. "That being said, what do you think you're doing on our territory?"

"Ah, Leopardfur… I was just–" Fireheart scoured his mind for any sort of excuse that could work in this situation. "Searching for, uh… herbs! Yes! We need some now and couldn't wait until morning. What else does it look like I'm doing, heh?"

The entire patrol shared confused looks - it was then Fireheart quickly realized someone from an enemy clan seeking to trade herbs probably wasn't the greatest thing he could've come up with.

He could only slap himself mentally before noticing Leopardfur slitting her eyes at him. If she was simply amused or even angrier, Fireheart couldn't tell.

"Yeah. You're coming with us."

Fireheart blinked as she signaled her patrol, prompting the group of cats to quickly surround him as he lowered himself into submission.

Alright, perhaps my tongue is a little too sharp…

…

A/N - More abilities revealed! Although THAT one won't be seen very often… it's a bit broken :/

Also, yay! They finally have a name now. I didn't actually plan that for the longest time, but it would've been pretty stupid to not give them a name given everything that happens later in the story.

Next chapter we'll see some much-needed world-building and fun character interactions! And it seemed all Fireheart needed was one big push…. literally!