Nightstalker crouched over Russetstripe's battered body. "Hello, Russetstripe," he said, a purr rumbling from his chest.

"Who are you?" Nightstalker looked up to see a black she-cat squeezing through the medicine den from inside the walls. Nightstalker looked behind her, spotting the tiniest cleft behind her.

"Ah, another warrior, I see." Nightstalker's whiskers twitched, tilting his head to his side. "And why, my dear, were you underground?"

The black she-cat shook stones and dirt from her sleek pelt. "I've gotten in trouble for it before. What's a second time?"

"I see." Nightstalker peered closer, his amber eyes trained on the black she-cat's lithe, small figure. "I am Nightstalker. What is your name?"

"Blackdove," the cat replied.

Nightstalker nodded his head slowly. "What were you hiding from?"

"The ghosts," Blackdove said flatly. "I have to let them free."

"There are more ghosts than you think," Nightstalker said to her. "Your friend here is not plagued by physical illness. She is battling her own ghosts and demons." He gazed at Russetstripe's frail orange body.

"So, what now?" Blackdove asked, sitting on her haunches. "I've tried everything, but even the cat she loves can't seem to bring her back."

"I am a healer. But even I am confounded with her condition." Nightstalker pondered what to do. He pulled a few things out of his leaf bundle. He sprinkled some of the fine soot on top of Russetstripe's head and placed one of the volcanic rocks inside of her paw. "She is fighting these demons in her head. So that's where I'll concentrate my healing abilities."

He touched his forehead to Russetstripe's and closed his eyes, trying desperately to see through the fog inside her mind. He whispered some ancient words and then began to chant. Then he paused. "The Dragons have seen your strength, wisdom, and courage, dear Russetstripe. They do not occupy the same skies as StarClan, but they recognized your greatness and selflessness when you volunteered to serve ThunderClan, again and again."

Blackdove inhaled a sharp breath.

"By the powers of the Dragons, the Tree, and the great Volcano, I cast your demons away into the shadows. May your eyes be opened. May your thoughts be cleared. May your heart beat with love and passion once more." Nightstalker focused all of his thoughts into the ginger she-cat. He opened and eyes and rose slowly to his paws, praying it worked.

There was pure darkness as Russetstripe fought with the blackness that engulfed her thoughts. She tried to move her paws, to swim to the slight light that was casting a small ray at the edge of her vision. Huh… that's weird… what's that sound…? It's… it's soft… and it's like it's calling me. Ah… A small burst of strength quietly spread through her head, and she found the determination, something she had been lacking before, to climb towards the shaft of light. When she reached it, it suddenly melted away, and Russetstripe blinked open her eyes. Once, then twice. She could make out a splash of gray in front of her, blurry but still there. Her limbs were heavy and an aching sensation burned in her stomach. Pain burst through her veins, but she was able to open her eyes fully, and when she looked up, a massive smoky gray tom loomed over her. Hah…?

"Huh…" The words were choked out of Russetstripe. Her throat was dry, and she let out a small cough. "It… hurts…"

"I know it does." The tom's voice was soft, and the smile on his face was dazzling. "You just need some time to readjust."

Russetstripe's limbs ached. Everything hurt – to her limbs, her head, her throat, and her stomach. The big gray tom picked up a bundle of herbs and pushed it towards Russetstripe. "Here, eat this. This should give you the strength you need in a few moments."

The ginger she-cat looked down at the leaves. Her vision was still blurry, and she shook her head to clear it. Her neck ached as she bent down and chewed the leaves in her dry mouth. She swallowed, gagging at its taste. The gray tom looked up, seeming to gaze at someone behind her. "Go tell him," the tom said.

"Wha…?" Russetstripe forced herself to look behind her, but whoever the tom was talking to was already gone. She turned to look at the gray cat. He was twice her size. "Who… who are you?"

"My name is Nightstalker," the tom introduced himself. "I am the Dragon of Peace."

"Dragon…" Russetstripe echoed. Her memories were hazy, and when she tried to rake them to remember the last time she had heard the word 'dragon,' a heavy pain hit through her head like a lightning bolt. Nightstalker brushed his tail down Russetstripe's spine.

"Don't," the tom murmured softly. "You need time to heal." Just as he stepped towards her, Russetstripe found herself shrinking away. The tom smiled with his eyes. "There is no need to be afraid."

"I don't remember anything," Russetstripe rasped, looking down at her paws. "It hurts when I try to."

"Do you remember the cats you love?" Nightstalker pressed. "Your brother, perhaps? Or a trusted friend? Or maybe the cats you risked everything for?"

Russetstripe gazed steadily at Nightstalker, and the images of the cats came back. Scorchstar… Blackdove… and… She glanced over at her shoulder, seeing a raw, angry red wound, deep in her shoulder. She could only imagine what the rest of her looked like. Winterfall, Sunfire, and Honeyfeather. And one more. But I can't remember right now. "Yeah… kinda." She turned over and gazed at Nightstalker. "Why do I feel so tired? I just came back, didn't I?"

"No, dear one." Nightstalker shook his head. "You've been unconscious for over a month."

"What?" Russetstripe gasped as she stared at Nightstalker. "You're kidding."

Nightstalker shook his head.

"But… how can that be possible?" Russetstripe gasped. "I've missed so much… hunting, fighting. How is ThunderClan? And WindClan? And—" The ginger she-cat was cut off by Nightstalker putting her paw against her mouth.

"Don't stress," Nightstalker meowed gently to her. "You are not the only cat who has a responsibility to them. Your first responsibility is to embark on your healing journey."

"Wait…" Russetstripe looked up at Nightstalker, feeling the strength from Nightstalker's herbs gradually giving her the energy she needed. "Did you…?"

"Heal you?" Nightstalker tilted his head. "No. All I did was give you the strength you needed to heal yourself."

Oh, that's a funny way to say 'yes, I am the one who healed you.' Russetstripe walked up to him and pressed her head into his big, soft chest. "Thank you," she murmured, feeling her paws trembling – both with weakness and gratitude to this tom.

"You are welcome." Nightstalker purred. "It will take some time to readjust. But you have an excellent support system, from what I can tell."

Russetstripe glanced at the den. "How do I face them?" she asked. "Are they going to treat me like I'm such a fragile creature, that I'll shatter at any second if they say the wrong thing? I don't want to be treated like that."

"What if I send a cat in here to talk to you?" Nightstalker asked. "A cat who won't treat you like that."

"Ahaha…" Russetstripe chuckled. "I guess. If you can find one."

Nightstalker's whiskers twitched as he walked out of the den, his long, bushy tail twitching. Moments after he left, a silver tabby cat with broad shoulders and thick fur replaced him, squeezing his way into the medicine den and lifting his shoulders to face Russetstripe. His pure blue eyes widened as he gazed at her. "Oh, wow."

"Don't start," Russetstripe grumbled. "I'm still the same cat. Just because I've been asleep doesn't mean you need to treat me different than usual."

"Well, then." Winterfall chuckled lowly.

"I'm not a show, and I don't want to be treated as such when I go out," Russetstripe explained. She glanced out the den. "I feel like I want to stay here forever."

"Hmm." Winterfall tilted his head. "How about I walk out with you, then? I'm sure they'll be more surprised at the fact that a ThunderClan cat is escorting a WindClan cat rather than you."

Russetstripe grunted. "Fine." She looked down at the new scars on Winterfall's body. "Are you and the others all right? Were you out as long as I was, too?"

"No." Winterfall shook his head. "Sedgefall thinks it was because you bore more poison than we did."

"Oh…" The memories were coming back, and Russetstripe thought to when she had used herself as a barrier from the thorns so the poison didn't get through the shorter pelts of the ThunderClan cats. She looked down at the ground, feeling her heart beat faster as she recalled the terrifying event.

"Hey." Winterfall lifted Russetstripe's chin with his paw. "Let's not think about that. Come on, we've missed you. There are some… things you've missed out on."

"Are there." Russetstripe winced at the ache in her paws as she followed Winterfall out of the medicine den, staying behind him. Her heart beat wildly in her chest with anxiety and fear – she didn't want to be treated as an exhibit. She wanted to be treated normally, but in her heart, she knew they were long past that.

The newleaf winds brushed past Russetstripe's thick, orange fur as she exited the medicine den and came face-to-face with so many cats she thought she'd never see again. Scorchstar was staring at her, his jaw dropping as if he had seen a ghost. Next to him was Brambledusk, whose yellow eyes were bright, and next to Brambledusk stood Sunfire and Honeyfeather, wide grins on their faces.

Huh… what are they doing here…? Russetstripe glanced at Winterfall, searching for some answer. I thought you said I wouldn't be treated like some show! Scorchstar gasped as he locked gazes with Russetstripe, and from the crowd, Hawkfire lunged towards Russetstripe and nuzzled her cheek.

"Russetstripe…!" the ginger she-cat exclaimed, tears of relief running down her cheeks.

Mallowleaf staggered for a moment, while Sedgefall's green eyes widened in the slightest trace of surprise. A loud purr rumbled from Scorchstar as he trotted over to his sister, his yellow eyes glowing as he said, "Are you going to apologize for making us worried sick?"

"Huh…?" Russetstripe stared at her brother, baffled as she focused her wide green eyes on him. "Apologize…?"

"He's just joking, Russetstripe." Mallowleaf's voice was soft as she walked up to her aunt and nuzzled her.

Scorchstar's amber eyes shadowed. "Yes, I'm sorry. We'll banter more when you're better."

"Thanks…" Russetstripe looked around, feeling exhausted. "But what happened…?"

"Ah, we have much to catch you up on," Waspberry purred.

Sunfire walked up to Russetstripe, touching noses with her. "I'm glad you're better," he said softly.

"Me too," Honeyfeather added, brushing her pelt against Russetstripe's.

Winterfall licked Russetstripe's cheek. "It's been a while."

Nightstalker cleared his throat. "I believe we should give Russetstripe some time with her family and to rest a tad."

A tortoiseshell she-cat, who Russetstripe did not recognize, nodded. "Well done, Nightstalker. Scorchstar, thank you for your hospitality. I hope your sister heals well."

"She will, thanks to Lord Nightstalker," Scorchstar meowed.

The ThunderClan cats blinked warmly at Russetstripe, and Russetstripe felt a rush of affection for their friendship. She gazed at Winterfall, seeing something else flicker behind his blue eyes. Hmm…? The ThunderClan cats waved goodbye to her with their tails, and turned to follow the tortoiseshell she-cat, a brown-and-white tabby, and Lord Nightstalker. Russetstripe watched as they disappeared into the distance.

Scorchstar leaped onto the Tall Rock. There was no need to call a Clan meeting – all the cats had gathered to see Russetstripe leave the medicine den, despite Russetstripe's protests. Once everyone had gathered, Scorchstar cleared his throat. "I have a couple of things on my agenda today. First, I want to announce Russetstripe's recovery from her illness, thanks to Lord Nightstalker and his fellow Guardians. She will be rejoining Clan life, one paw step at a time. We are blessed to have her with us today. StarClan has surely favored her in the face of such disheartening odds." He blinked down warmly at the ginger she-cat.

"Russetstripe! Russetstripe!" Hawkfire led the chant until it spread across the entire Clan.

Ah… Russetstripe winced at the cheering. She glanced next to her to see Brambledusk walking towards her, giving her a nod. Then they looked up to see Scorchstar continue on with his address. "Now, my second duty. It is time to strengthen WindClan's numbers once more with the naming of new warriors. Seedpaw and Turtlepaw have passed their assessments, so I've heard." He grinned down at the two unsuspecting apprentices. Then a frown spread on his face. "Mintpaw should be here with both of you today. He watches from the heavens, and he is proud of what warriors you will both become. I trust you won't let him down."

Mintpaw? Russetstripe glanced at Brambledusk, shocked by the heart-wrenched wrinkle on his face. She could hear a sob from Skyheart. "Brambledusk, what happened to Mintpaw?"

"I'll tell you later," the pale tabby said, a shadow crossing his face. Confused, Russetstripe turned her head to watch the ceremony.

Scorchstar lifted his muzzle to the darkening sky. "I, Scorchstar, leader of WindClan, call upon our warrior ancestors to look down on these two apprentices." His voice was unwavering as he recited the age-old words. "They have trained hard to learn the ways of your noble code, and tonight I commend them as warriors in your turn." He looked down at Turtlepaw and Seedpaw. "Seedpaw, do you promise uphold the warrior code and defend your Clan, even if it costs you your life?"

Seedpaw nodded. "I do," she said half-heartedly.

"Then, by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. From this day forward, Seedpaw, your name will be Seedberry. Your namesake, Seedfur, would be proud of you. StarClan honors your loyalty and perseverance." Scorchstar licked the top of her head.

"And Turtlepaw, you will now be called Turtledove. StarClan honors your kindness and curiosity." The new tortoiseshell warrior licked her leader's shoulder, her green eyes bright with excitement.

"Seedberry! Turtledove!" The Clan erupted into cheers for the new warriors.

After the cheering died down, Waspberry got to her paws. "Wait, Scorchstar. I would like to speak."

Frostpetal's eyes widened in shock. "Mother...!"

"Yes, Waspberry. You may speak." Scorchstar was visibly taken aback, but Russetstripe guessed he knew better than to deny the gray-and-white she-cat what she wanted.

Waspberry's amber eyes glistened. "It is time for me to retire to the elder's den. I'm tired, Scorchstar. I've had a long, wonderful life serving WindClan. I've had kits that have now grown into warriors WindClan can be proud of. I am ready to enjoy the rest of my days in peace."

Scorchstar dipped his head in respect to Waspberry. "If that is what you wish, Waspberry, then it shall be granted. I speak for all of WindClan when I say we are grateful for your countless moons of service."

Waspberry lowered her head. Frostpetal gazed at her mother in shock, while Iceheart lowered her head in quiet acceptance of her mother's decision.

Scorchstar approached Seedberry and Turtledove. "You two must start your vigil now," he told them. "You will think about how to serve your Clan and keep watch all night. If you speak, unless it's to warn your Clan, you will have broken your vigil," he warned them.

Turtledove and Seedberry nodded. They gave each other a determined glance and bounded over to the camp clearing, wrapping their tails around their paws and tensing their muscles. Brambledusk led Russetstripe away from the clearing, and Russetstripe noticed a shadow in his eyes that hadn't been the last time Russetstripe had seen him.

"You missed a lot," Brambledusk sighed. "After you fell unconscious, there was a Gathering. Peartuft came… and he poisoned the island. Scorchstar didn't know that until he tried to order everyone to leave. When we were told the island was poisoned, we tried to yell at Mintpaw, but he couldn't hear us, and he…"

It didn't take Russetstripe long to figure out what Brambledusk had to say. But Brambledusk finished it anyway. "…fell off the island. The poisoned thorns got to him, and he fell into the water. We were able to pull him back up, but he was dead anyway."

"I'm so sorry," Russetstripe whispered. Brambledusk had been Mintpaw's uncle. "They're monsters."

"They are," Brambledusk murmured. His amber eyes were focused on Russetstripe, and the look in them – as if he had something he wanted to tell her – shook Russetstripe to her core. She shuffled her paws back, wondering what he wanted to say.

"Do you remember anything?" Brambledusk finally asked.

"It's… fuzzy," Russetstripe confessed. "The days leading up to… you know… when I…"

"But… you remember…" Brambledusk looked around and leaned into Russetstripe's ear. "…Runningflame, right…?"

"Ah…" The name was familiar. It was. And it struck a chord in Russetstripe's heart, making it race. But… why couldn't she put a face to the name? Even though it shook her so? Even though something told her that name… belonged to someone very important? "I…"

"Russetstripe!" A voice broke off Brambledusk's question, and the light tabby tom jumped back. Blackdove bounded over to Russetstripe, her green eyes glowing. "I'm so glad to see you up and around." The black she-cat nuzzled her friend. She glanced over her shoulder at Brambledusk, and the pale tabby gave a quick nod before disappearing into the camp. "Are you feeling better?"

"Yeah," Russetstripe replied. "I think the herbs Lord Nightstalker gave me are really working."

"Do you think you're up for a walk?" Blackdove asked.

Russetstripe gazed at Blackdove. "I… I don't know. I'm feeling kinda tired."

"This is important," Blackdove told her. "I understand if you don't, but… there's someone you need to see."

"Okay." Russetstripe's head was swimming as she gazed at the black she-cat, trying to sort out her memories with her. She was a friend, that was clear. It was just hard to remember anything past her abduction – and that included her family. Russetstripe followed Blackdove into the nursery as the black she-cat slipped into a hole in the wall. Russetstripe followed her, squeezing her ginger body through the gap.

Something about the dank air and foreboding atmosphere of the tunnels was familiar. I've been in here. More than once. Pebbles fell from the rain-formed roof as Russetstripe kept after Blackdove. The jet black she-cat moved slowly, surely to accommodate for Russetstripe's injuries. Then the two cats approached a split in the stream, and the cat Russetstripe saw took her breath away. It was a rugged, ginger-and-white tom, with many battle scars, and shadows behind his green eyes.

Wait, I know this… A sandstorm of memories flooded through Russetstripe like a tidal wave – each of them carrying a warm but albeit forbidden feeling that shook her to her core. This was a cat… a cat dangerous, wild, and hungry for a good fight. But at the same time… he had a crazy idea of what "fun" was, and would bring you to experience it with him, whether you wanted to or not. But there was a shadow, a sadness in his eyes. I just want you to smile.

"Runningflame…" Russetstripe murmured.

"You remember me." Runningflame gasped.

"How could I forget…?" Russetstripe whispered.

The soft yet slightly dangerous smile that spread on Runningflame's face sent a sense of security through Russetstripe. It told her that…

…everything would be okay.