SIXTY NINE

Adjusting to life as deputy had been far from easy for Birdflight. She made several mistakes along the way, including assigning two cats to different patrols at the same time. Thankfully, Emberstar was incredibly patient with her. The biggest challenge was adjusting to life without her mother. It hadn't been easy coping with the fact that her mother was dead. She literally had no one left. She never had the chance to meet her father since he died before she was born, and now her mother was gone.

She couldn't imagine what her life would be like without her mother. Now that reality crashed down on her, she wanted to imagine what their old lives had been like. She longed for the days when she was a kit, before the Clan found the mountains. She had little idea of what the gorge looked like since she was born after they left. But she imagined that life had been somewhat peaceful before they were forced to leave. Emberstar had done his best to keep the Clan in high spirits, but there was only so much he could do since they didn't have a place to call home.

It didn't help knowing that she was deputy. She was young and inexperienced compared to those before her. That inexperience had been put on full display, leading to some embarrassing confrontations with the Clan. She was lucky Emberstar stood up for her, but it also led to another problem she would have to face. Emberstar was displaying clear signs of favoritism, and that led to further conflict within the Clan.

The few times she wasn't making an embarrassment of herself was when she worked with Spruceleaf to train Harepaw. That in itself was difficult given her lack of experience, but she learned quickly thanks to Spruceleaf's help. She was grateful that the she-cat had taken time to help her understand Harepaw and his needs. She used those moments to better understand herself as well, because she would need that experience if she wanted to lead the Clan.

There had been a plan to meet up with Flamestrike and Spruceleaf that evening. Birdflight hardly had enough time between her duties and keeping an eye on the Clan. She desperately wanted to go back and strip her role of deputy. But she also knew that there was no turning back now. If she truly was Sky, then it was her destiny to lead the Clan eventually. Emberstar was just giving her the opportunity to take that position earlier than expected. She wasn't sure if she was ready for that position, but she would do whatever it took to keep her Clan safe. That was what Sky would have wanted, of that she was certain.

It was for that reason that she chose to meet up with the others, in spite of her misgivings.

The moon was just beginning to rise as she slipped past the guard keeping watch. Hollowstorm didn't bother questioning her when he spotted her, though his narrowed eyes told her he was suspicious. She nearly rolled her eyes when she realized why that was the case. Her sudden departure would look suspicious, especially in light of recent events. She had no intentions of meeting with enemy warriors, particularly cats that had killed her mother and former mentor.

She swallowed hard as she finally reached the area where they were meeting. They agreed to meet at the edge of the lake where the territories met. Apparently that was an ancient custom set since the Clans first arrived at the lake. Birdflight had never understood the importance of such costumes until now. She knew if WindClan caught her out in the open like this, they wouldn't hesitate to kill her.

"I'm glad you were able to make it," Spruceleaf meowed when she arrived. She blinked in surprise when the slender she-cat butted noses with her. They hadn't seen each other since that morning. She knew Spruceleaf was keeping an eye on her Clan, but that also meant taking a dangerous route. She was risking her life by venturing into WindClan territory. "I've been able to avoid getting caught this far, and the tunnels are an easy route to use once you learn their paths."

Birdflight wasn't aware of the tunnels that ran under WindClan's territory. The Clan had never used the tunnels since there was no need for them, but Spruceleaf used them to her advantage. She supposed it was safer than being out in the open.

"How's the Clan holding up?" she asked curiously.

"It hasn't gotten any better," Spruceleaf let out a sigh as she sat down beside her. "Russetstar decided to steal a queen and her kits from the Clan, and Icestar hasn't tried fighting back. I'm not sure if he's lost his confidence but losing a queen and her kits is taking a toll on the Clan."

A shiver of rage swept through Birdflight.

She heard tales of kitnapping back when she was an apprentice. It wasn't unheard of given the tension in the Clans. The last thing she expected was for Russetstar to be so bold. Then again, his ambush on the Clan was a testimony of what he was capable of. Her claws sheathed and unsheathed at the thought of sinking them into his neck.

If only I could pull that off, she thought bitterly.

"That foxheart doesn't have the right to steal kits and their mother," she hissed through clenched teeth.

"I agree," Spruceleaf murmured. "But there isn't much I can do without giving myself away. I would try if I could to bring them back, but it would mean risking everything."

The lives of kits and queens outweigh those risks, Birdflight wanted to say.

She dare not mention anything out loud when Flamestrike finally arrived with someone unexpected. Birdflight's eyes narrowed when she noticed a sleek looking black cat moving alongside him. They looked on edge over something, and Birdflight realized with a start that this was a ShadowClan cat. Her fur stood on end with fury as they reached the meeting area.

"Sorry I'm late… again," the ThunderClan warrior meowed. He glanced at his companion warily. She was keeping a safe distance from the trio, though she was listening with keen interest. "I needed to make sure that she was joining us before I left."

"And who is this?" Spruceleaf asked, though it was obvious she already knew who this cat was.

"Would you care to introduce yourself? Or do you want me to do all the talking for you?" Flamestrike demanded.

The she-cat merely rolled her eyes in annoyance.

"I didn't follow you just to get insulted by everyone," she quipped. She rubbed her paw over her muzzle as she observed them. "My name is Smokefrost, for those who are interested. I've recently come to the conclusion that I am a descendant of Shadow. I don't know how that involves you three, but I was told that I should meet the rest of you."

Birdflight narrowed her eyes at that. She wasn't sure if Smokefrost could be trusted. There was something unsettling about the way she held herself. It was also odd that she suddenly decided to join them now after all these moons. Yet, Birdflight could also clearly see the scars that marred her body. In the moonlight, it was clear that Smokefrost had been through a lot before this meeting.

"I also believe I owe you an apology," Smokefrost suddenly added. Birdflight tilted her head to one side when Smokefrost addressed her directly. "I was given the order to leave SkyClan in unrest. I didn't realize the cat I killed was your mother."

A shiver of horror swept through Birdflight as realization dawned on her. This was the cat that killed Birchpelt and her mother. She wasn't sure what to think. The only thought crossing her mind was the need to teach this cat a lesson. Anything was better than dealing with so much loss, not just within her Clan but in the other Clans as well.

"Before you start arguing with her, I think we need to hear what she has to say," Flamestrike cut in before Birdflight could speak up.

She simply glared at the two of them, suddenly aware of the fact that the two of them were sitting side-by-side now. Smokefrost had gathered the courage to sit closer, but she still wasn't making eye contact. Her ears flattened with annoyance as she realized why that was the case. Smokefrost was likely trying to gain sympathy after everything she did.

"I understand that there is bad blood in the Clans, and I am also apart of the problem," she began after taking a deep breath. "I am also aware that this can't keep going. Russetstar won't stop until the lake runs red with blood. He wants to rule over all of the Clans, not just WindClan and SkyClan."

Another shiver swept through Birdflight when she realized what this cat was implying. She had known from the beginning that Russetstar was a cat they needed to take seriously. Russetstar was willing to kidnap kits and queens in order to make his Clan stronger. She had little doubt he would do the same to the other Clans.

"Has anyone been in contact with RiverClan yet? Reedriver should know about this," Spruceleaf meowed.

"From what I heard, Mintwhisker was forced to retire early," Smokefrost explained. Everyone stared at her in disbelief, aside from Birdflight. She hadn't known who RiverClan's deputy was, but she assumed it was Mintwhisker from what Smokefrost said. "He was furious enough to approach Russetstar about the problem, and he has a strong alliance in the Clan. I wouldn't be surprised if he was plotting Minnowstar's demise."

Birdflight shared a horrified look with Spruceleaf. She couldn't shake off the feeling that this was a trap. Yet, if what Smokefrost had said was true, then the chances were that Mintwhisker had already started his attack.

"We're not going to let this happen, are we?" she asked warily.

Flamestrike looked equally concerned with this latest revelation. He hadn't heard this news until now, which made Birdflight realize that Smokefrost had been withholding information from them. Still… it felt wrong to leave an entire Clan behind. Or to let it fall into the claws of another Clan. She knew full-well that ShadowClan wouldn't stop until every Clan fell in line with them. Once Minnowstar was taken out, Mintwhisker would take over and form an alliance with Russetstar. ThunderClan and SkyClan would soon be forced to follow if Russetstar didn't have allies in their Clans.

"You know the best routes around each territory, right?" Flamestrike glanced at Smokefrost. She simply nodded in response, and Birdflight's hackles rose at the thought of what that could have done to her Clan. "Then we need to find some way of helping them. I'm sure that if what you said is true, then Russetstar would likely launch an attack at night when the Clan least expects it."

"That was his plan all along," Smokefrost replied with a shrug. "He knows how to infiltrate the Clans and gain allies from within. He lets them do his dirty work."

Smart, Birdflight thought angrily. He feeds off of their anger and manipulates them into his bidding.

"I'll go and ask ThunderClan for help since SkyClan is still recovering from the last battle," Flamestrike decided.

"You go with them; I'm faster and the Clan knows of me," Spruceleaf meowed. "If what you said is true, then we'll need all the help we can get."

It looked as if Flamestrike was ready to argue when he seemed to think better of it. Birdflight silently prayed that ThunderClan was in a listening mood. She knew there were some cats who preferred sticking to themselves, but if an entire Clan was under threat, they needed to unite. This would be their first true test as past leaders, and now it was time to see whether or not they could pass it.

...

The yowls of fury and panicked cries could already be heard as the three of them made their way to RiverClan. Birdflight's hackles stood on end when she picked up the stench of WindClan and ShadowClan. The same scents from their battle could be picked up in the air, along with the stench of blood. Her heart sank when she realized the battle had already started.

"Mintwhisker, what is the meaning of this?" Minnowstar demanded after finding the former deputy.

"I think there is a perfectly valid reason for his coup," Russetstar snapped. "You demoted him when he was perfectly healthy, all for the sake of some weakling fool who has barely left the nursery."

Who does he think he is? Birdflight wondered.

"You foxhearted coward!" Another cat cried in outrage.

"Ashfang, you know as well as I do that this is the best choice for RiverClan," Mintwhisker hissed. "Our son is nothing more than a coward who isn't even here. He won't stand up for himself, so why bother fighting for him?"

"Because he is your son as well, Mintwhisker!" Ashfang retorted. "Like it or not, he is still your kin and he should be treated as such!"

This is more than a family matter, a voice pointed out.

"He is no son of mine," Mintwhisker bared his fangs in defiance. "Look around you. Most of the Clan is on my side. Either fight on Minnowstar's side and face the consequences, or join me and survive."

"I'd rather die than join the likes of you!" someone screeched in fury.

Birdflight glanced at Flamestrike, who was watching with horror as the exchange went on before Mintwhisker gave the order to attack. The two of them stepped in just when the ShadowClan warriors emerged from their hiding places. Though to Birdflight's disbelief and fury, several cats stood with Mintwhisker.

"What are these two doing here?" Mintwhisker demanded.

"We're here to protect RiverClan from your treachery, foxheart!" Flamestrike snapped.

"The two of you?" a gray and white she-cat huffed with laughter. "That's rich. Half of the Clan has left because of Minnowstar's bad decision."

"It isn't just the two of them." Mintwhisker stiffened at the sound of Petalstar's voice. "You of all cats should know that the Clan leader's word is law, Mintwhisker."

Birdflight glanced at Spruceleaf gratefully after realizing she convinced ThunderClan to join her. Well, a large portion of ThunderClan. Petalstar had likely left guards in place just in case something happened. Russetstar didn't look phased. In fact, he looked almost amused that ThunderClan had arrived as well.

"The Clan deserves better!" he snarled.

Before anyone could make sense of what he meant by that, he lunged at Minnowstar. The battle erupted within heartbeats, and Birdflight soon found herself surrounded by rival warriors. To her dismay, some cats chose Mintwhisker's side while few fought alongside Minnowstar. She knew somewhere deep down that the unrest came from the Great Five. Her own personal vendetta with Sky would plague her for the rest of her life, and she suspected that the others would soon face similar problems.

...

There was a claw-mark of a moon as Frozenfoot finally met with Reedriver. It had been days since they last saw each other, and Frozenfoot hadn't realized until then how much she missed his presence. He was far more confident now than he had been when they first met. He had a gentle side to him that few cats were lucky enough to see. She supposed that was how she fell in love with the silver tom. His calming presence was what had taken her by surprise, but there was also something alluring about meeting with a cat from a rival Clan.

So when she was told that she was pregnant, she knew that she needed to tell him. He deserved the truth at the very least, and she hoped that he was in a listening mood. She also knew how stressful the last few weeks had been since SkyClan arrived. Between their arrival and everything else, it was a wonder that most cats hadn't lost any fur in the process.

"I'm not sure what she was thinking," Reedriver let out a heavy sigh as they sat together under the stars. It felt good to feel his warmth spread around her like a blanket. She knew she should have been in the nursery that evening, but she couldn't resist the urge to visit. Besides, it was just for one night. Once she told him, she wasn't sure if he would want anything to do with their kits. "I'm not the most popular cat in the Clan, and Mintwhisker knows that."

"Your father sounds like such a wonderful cat," Frozenfoot rolled her eyes in exasperation. She heard everything about his history with the Clan. She was horrified when she found out how neglectful his father had been. He had three sisters who were well cared for by their father, but it seemed as if he didn't exist in the eyes of Mintwhisker. What bothered her the most was that few cats saw it as neglect. "I'm surprised you didn't talk to anyone else about this problem."

"It isn't as if my mother can say anything," Reedriver muttered crossly. "Mintwhisker chooses to ignore her because he can, and he chooses to acknowledge my sister's existence whereas I might as well have never been born. I just wish I could claw his ears off and make him regret everything he ever said to me!"

Frozenfoot watched with growing unease as his claws sheathed and unsheathed. They were tearing into the ground, desperate to rake at invisible enemies. She let out a quiet sigh of her own and leaned into him. That movement alone seemed to soothe his frayed nerves, and she couldn't help but feel a stab of guilt wash over her.

Am I being selfish for having these kits? she wondered.

She had always dreamed of starting her own family since she became an apprentice. It was her duty to serve the Clan as a warrior, but as a queen, she could do so much more. Now that she was expecting kits, she didn't know where to go. She knew the Clan wouldn't accept the fact that the father was from RiverClan. To make matters worse, the tension between all five Clans was incredibly thick.

"Maybe things will start to look up when you get adjusted," she offered.

"Right, and hedgehogs fly," he scoffed, though there was no bite in his voice as he relaxed into her touch. "I am sorry for venting to you. I just needed someone to talk to."

"It's okay to vent, Reedriver," she reassured him with a knowing look. "You're not the only young deputy to struggle in the Clans."

She had been annoyed when Emberstar named Birdflight as his deputy. The youngest warrior of the Clan had little to no experience as deputy. Yet, she also saw the wisdom in Emberstar's decision. She hated to admit it, but Birdflight also had experience outside the Clan. She also had friends within the other Clans, which gave her another advantage.

"I'm guessing this isn't the only reason we're sitting together, though." Frozenfoot stiffened when Reedriver glanced at her knowingly. "You've been on edge since we met up."

"Is it that obvious?" she asked warily.

It wasn't as if her pregnancy was a secret in the Clan. Most cats had been surprised that she was expecting kits. She had no interest in the other toms, but she spent a lot of time with Reedriver during the journey to the lake. No one had said anything yet, but they were suspicious as to who the father was.

"More or less," he meowed sheepishly.

Frozenfoot held back a sigh as she looked at nothing in particular.

"I know this isn't something we've had the chance to talk about, and we should have from the beginning," she started, unsure of where to begin with her confession. Green eyes looked back at her in confusion while she kneaded the ground with her paws. "I talked to our medicine cat the other day about feeling nauseous for the last couple of days, and she gave me some unexpected news."

She took a deep breath as Reedriver's eyes rounded with shock. He was well aware of where this was headed, and she dreaded the moment she shared her news. She was ready to say something else when a screech sounded in the distance. Both she and Reedriver stiffened in surprise when they recognized where the sound was coming from.

Her confession would have to wait. RiverClan was under attack, and she realized with a start that their deputy had been away all night. One horrified look from Reedriver was all it took for her to guess that things would only get worse from there.

AN: I'm well aware of how many loopholes and plotholes there are in this story. Leafbare has been going on for most of this story (my fault for not keeping track of the seasons) and several characters have either been completely ignored or forgotten, such as Flamestrike's brother and the fact that Mintwhisker is also Reedriver's father. I don't plan on going back to fix those errors since this story is over five years old, but I at least want to acknowledge the fact that I am aware of them. I apologize for any confusion readers may have felt while reading later chapters, as my writing as changed dramatically in the last five years.