Scorchstar's Family

by CyanKitten

Scorchclaw is a young WindClan warrior, the son of the esteemed leader Swiftstar and expected to carry out a bloodline legacy. But during a time of war where all Clans are rampant in fighting, how can he know who to trust? Is his family even trustworthy? What about his Clanmates? Scorchclaw must struggle with the meaning of loyalty to his family and his Clan. Who will he pick?

107. Chapter 105

The waves of the lake lapped softly at the island shore, the moonlight illuminating its ripples, and Scorchstar wished he could go back to camp. He had heard Harewhisker coughing when he left, and his heart was tight for worry with his pale deputy. Harewhisker had been in perfect health his entire life – why was he coughing? It was nearly greenleaf, there should not be any illnesses around this time of year.

When Scorchstar approached the island, he lifted his head to see Rootstar and Shimmerstar, already on the island. He glanced behind him, spotting Nightstar's thick black pelt. The young leader was behind him, and his ears twitched in faint irritation. Scorchstar leaped onto the shore and walked over to Shimmerstar and Rootstar. Rootstar gave him a nod, while Shimmerstar flicked her tail.

Nightstar wasted no time. "So, what did you want us here for, Shimmerstar?" he asked.

Scorchstar shared Nightstar's question. Both leaders gazed at Shimmerstar, wondering what she would say. The tawny she-cat cleared her throat, glancing at Rootstar. Rootstar gave her a nod, as if encouraging her to go forward. Shimmerstar squared her shoulders and looked up, facing Nightstar and Scorchstar firmly.

"Dapplestar had a dream," Shimmerstar said. The name of the tortoiseshell leader made

Nightstar and Scorchstar flinch, but Shimmerstar pressed on. "So did Otterstar, and so did the leaders before him. They wished for a unified realm, a world at peace. But they went about it with conquest. Dapplestar wanted to rule the realm by might. Well, I want to rule the realm with compassion. I want to suggest an alliance – all four of us. We fought together against Shellfall and won. We fought against Peartuft and won. With our enemies out of the way, we're stronger than before. If we ally with each other, we won't have to rule each other's lands. We'll be there for each other, any time there's a threat, and we can work together to keep the peace in our Clans. We'll have a united realm. What do you say?"

Scorchstar tilted his head. He had to say – it didn't sound like such a bad idea. Unifying the realm would have never worked the way Dapplestar went about it. But unifying it with compassion? With alliances? It may just work, he thought. If we're allies, there's no way we'll have to attack each other. We could talk things out and work together to defend against enemies. He gazed at Shimmerstar. A memory from so long ago flashed back in his mind – he had been Swiftstar's deputy when they were meeting with Dapplestar. Swiftstar had said something to Shimmerstar, something that Scorchstar had been able to grasp.

"Dapplestar caught my eye. Shimmerwing, don't let her out of your sight. With Dapplestar on your side… maybe you can do it. You can create a great land."

A great land, Scorchstar thought. It doesn't need Dapplestar in it to be great. But maybe Russetstripe and Swiftstar were right. Shimmerstar is the cat that can make the great land. The WindClan leader swallowed the lump in his throat. It had been Dapplestar who had ravaged his lands, killed his warriors, and pillaged his Clan. It hadn't been Shimmerstar. RiverClan was under a new leadership, one from an honorable and loyal cat. I think I can trust Shimmerstar.

Scorchstar gazed at Shimmerstar. "My father also wanted a unified realm," he meowed. "I heard him when he talked to you. He said you could make a peaceful world, a great land. By defeating Dapplestar, Shimmerstar, I think you did. So, I would be honored to ally WindClan with RiverClan." He turned to look at Nightstar and Rootstar. Nightstar was a young cat, and Talonstar nor Lionstar had ever given WindClan any problems, so why would Nightstar? Rootstar had also been WindClan's ally since Peartuft had attacked them both, and Rootstar was a cat who did not attack unless he was provoked. "And hopefully ShadowClan and ThunderClan."

"That's what Talonstar died for, isn't it," Nightstar said. "A peaceful world. So be it. Dapplestar is gone, Shellfall is gone, and so is Peartuft. If we can unite together and stop any threats that harm our peaceful world, then an alliance is worth it. I agree, Shimmerstar. I will ally ShadowClan with ThunderClan, RiverClan, and WindClan."

Rootstar's eyes glowed. "Why, little one, it took you such a hard road to come here, didn't it?" he asked, looking at Shimmerstar. "Of course I will ally with all the Clans. My goal is a world where no cat has to fear for their life, where no cat has to lose their life in battle for material reasons. If the four Clans are united, we can bring a peaceful world, that I am sure. And it is all thanks to you, Shimmerstar. You united the Clans."

Scorchstar gazed at Shimmerstar. Maybe my father couldn't, but you did. I just hope it lasts. "We're at peace, now."

"A unified realm," Nightstar said.

"The Clans will forever be different," Rootstar meowed. "If any of you have a problem, you may come to me. I will welcome you in my camp, and I will help you if you need it."

"As will I," Scorchstar added. "I may not tolerate trespassing and stealing, but I don't think that will happen in a great land, will it, Shimmerstar?"

"It won't," Shimmerstar said. "You have my word."

"Then the Clans are unified," Nightstar meowed, joy thick in his voice as he looked up at the sky, blinking back what seemed like tears. "The wars are over."

"The Clans are unified," Scorchstar repeated. We'll no longer be fighting petty squabbles with other Clans. There will be no more war. My cats, for the first time in years, will be safe and content in their homes.

"The Clans are unified." Rootstar's amber eyes shone.

"The Clans are unified," Shimmerstar said, a broad smile on her face. Scorchstar wondered what she was thinking. Nightstar's voice distracted him.

"Hey, what's that?" The tom's amber gaze was focused on a bird, flying around the island, its wings illuminated by the silver moonlight. Scorchstar followed Nightstar's gaze, squinting. It was a bird, but definitely not a bird he had ever seen in WindClan territory before. Its beak was much sharper than a normal bird's, and the patch around its beady black eyes was orange, vibrant like the sun. "I don't ever think I've seen that bird before."

"It's the diamond dove," Shimmerstar said, her gaze focused on the bird as well, her blue eyes shining with joy, relief. Scorchstar gazed at her, surprised by the happiness in her voice as she talked about the diamond dove. Shimmerstar… why are you so happy about that bird?

"The diamond dove?" Nightstar asked. Scorchstar tilted his head. What's a diamond dove?

"When the world is at peace, a certain creature comes," Shimmerstar explained to the black tom, a peaceful smile on her face. "A creature no cat has ever seen before, and it's called the diamond dove. Well, now we see it. Now it's here. The world really is at peace."

"Incredible." Rootstar's whiskers twitched, his eyes soft with love for the diamond dove. "I'm very proud of you, little one. And the rest of you." He swung his head towards the leaders. "I am going to miss all of you."

"Rootstar?" Shimmerstar tilted her head. "It's like you're saying goodbye."

"I am." Rootstar nodded. "After we defeated Peartuft, I fought him again. He poisoned me during the fight, and when I went to have Frostcloud look at it, she told me it was a poison that she cannot treat. I plan to step down from my status as a leader and relocate to the Dragon Tree, to heal my illness and to live the rest of my life there. Koiwatcher will be joining me."

Shimmerstar gasped, and Scorchstar narrowed his eyes to see the wound that he was speaking about. There it was – right on his shoulder, gaping and wide, pressed with cobwebs. That's poisoned? "You're injured? Maybe Starlingfern—"

"No." Rootstar shook his head. "It's fine, I do not mind. I am getting old anyway, and I do not mind handing my Clan to Icefrost. I know she will continue my work. But, this is goodbye. Icefrost will be ThunderClan's leader at the next Gathering." He got to his paws, touching his nose to Shimmerstar's. "My little bellflower, you have worked so hard to bring peace to the Clans. Every cat should learn after you. You will be revered in the Clans for ages to come."

Shimmerstar's blue eyes watered as Rootstar padded over to Nightstar. The black-and-white tom touched noses to the young leader. "Nightstar, you are so young to be a leader, but Talonstar trained you well, and you too have been forced to experience such hardships, and it only will make you a better leader. Make ShadowClan safe and strengthen your relationship with your neighbors. ShadowClan was on its own for so long during the wars, now that there's peace, you have friends to look to."

"Thanks, Rootstar," Nightstar said. "For those kind words, and for sheltering us during the fire. I remember when RiverClan blocked off ShadowClan's only source of water for the season, and you allowed Talonstar to cross your territory to drink, even when the hostilities between you two were at its highest. I know you and him were rivals, but—"

"But nothing." Rootstar twitched his whiskers. "He was the best rival I could ever ask for. I mourned him deeply when he passed too soon." He walked over to Scorchstar, and Scorchstar met the ThunderClan leader's gaze. "Ah, my dear Scorchstar. I am so proud to have allied my Clan with you the last couple of years, and I know just how good of a warrior you are, and how much you love your family. I see what you have been forced to suffer to be the warrior you are today. You are a great leader, and you should never doubt yourself." He touched his nose to Scorchstar's. "Well done, little one."

"Rootstar…" Scorchstar's voice trailed off. He knew if it hadn't been for Rootstar, his Clan would be in tatters, destroyed by Peartuft and Dapplestar. Rootstar had helped him so much, and it was only now that Scorchstar was finally beginning to see it. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Rootstar gave his Clan leaders a blossoming smile and turned on his heel, padding out of the island and disappearing into the forest. Scorchstar watched him leave, feeling a pang of grief for the black-and-white tom. It had taken a while, but Scorchstar had warmed up to the eccentric yet ethereal Clan leader.

"I'll see you two at the next Gathering," Nightstar said, dipping his head to the two warriors. "I guess Icefrost will be there instead of Rootstar." He flicked his tail and disappeared into the island overgrowth. Scorchstar was about to follow him, but a meow from Shimmerstar made him stop.

"Russetstripe had her kits," Shimmerstar said.

"She did?" Scorchstar spun around on his heels, joy warming his pelt, his worries forgotten for a moment. "That's great! What are their names?" I'm so happy for her! He had finally come to terms with losing her to RiverClan, and he missed her every second of the day. He hoped she was happy, and he wanted to visit her. But Shimmerstar's news made his will to see her even stronger.

"She has two toms, Tigerkit and Lionkit, and a she-kit, Flamekit." Shimmerstar's blue eyes glowed. "If you want to stop by, Scorchstar, to visit them, you have my full permission."

"I'd love to," Scorchstar said, wondering what the little kits looked like. "I'd say now, but I bet they're asleep." He looked up at the waning moon.

"Yeah." Shimmerstar grinned. "It's okay. When you want to come visit them, just come." She waved her bushy tawny tail and disappeared out of the island. Scorchstar watched her go and crossed the tree branch, heading back towards his own territory. The scent of the moor was fresh and rejuvenating as he watched the plants on the grassland start to bud. After Dapplestar's demise and Shellfall's defeat, peace was returning to the land. A fresh pang of grief tugged at his heart when he thought about Russetstripe. He wished that his sister could have had her kits in WindClan. But she was gone – and Scorchstar had to respect her decision.

Scorchstar came across camp, still in deep thought, when he slipped down the walls and entered the clearing. He spotted Iceheart sitting outside the nursery, her silver-and-white tabby tail wrapped around her paws as she watched Cloudkit. The tomkit was watching Sedgefall intently as the pale brown tabby medicine cat mixed herbs in the presence of the shining sun. He's a cute one, Scorchstar thought. Maybe he'll be Sedgefall's new medicine cat apprentice. He blinked away the tears swelling at his eyes when he thought about the medicine cat apprentice. He missed Mallowleaf every single day, and he couldn't imagine another cat replacing her status as the medicine cat apprentice of WindClan. But he knew that Sedgefall would need another apprentice.

"Sedgefall," Scorchstar called out to the medicine cat. Sedgefall looked up, meeting Scorchstar's gaze. She gave him a slow nod as the WindClan leader walked over to her and sat down on his haunches, peering into her den. Harewhisker was lying down, resting his head on the ground as he gazed at Scorchstar. A smile spread on his face as he met his Clan leader.

"Feeling better?" Scorchstar asked as she walked in.

Harewhisker shrugged. "Better than before," he said. "But I'm still coughing."

"Take all the time you need to rest," Scorchstar said, touching his nose to Harewhisker's forehead. "I've got new apprentices to make today. Make sure you watch the ceremony."

Sedgefall's soft voice drifted around Scorchstar's ears as she meowed to him, "May I ask what you plan on doing with Cloudkit?"

"You want him, don't you?" Scorchstar chuckled.

"He reminds me of Mallowleaf," Sedgefall said calmly, a world of sorrow behind those words. Scorchstar swallowed the lump in his throat. "And I think he will do very well as my apprentice."

"Then you can have him," Scorchstar said. "I'll tell Iceheart." He walked away from the pale tabby medicine cat, heading towards the nursery, where he saw Frostpetal walking in with moss in her mouth. He tilted his head in confusion when Iceheart walked over to him. "What's Frostpetal doing here?"

"She just found out," Iceheart said. "She's expecting Harewhisker's kits."

"Harewhisker?" Scorchstar gaped at Iceheart. What in the world?! "How? They're not mates!"

"It was one night, I guess," Iceheart replied. "They may not be mates, but they're similar in one way – they're both alone. I have Hotaru and my kits, but Frostpetal has no one save for me. Harewhisker, too, has lost his family in the wars, and he has no one else. So, they bonded."

"I see." Scorchstar took a shaky breath. But… "Frostpetal does know Harewhisker is ill, right?"

Iceheart nodded sorrowfully. "She's going to tell him. She thinks it'll help him."

"Maybe," Scorchstar agreed. His head swum with confusion about the entire debacle, but he realized it wasn't his business to pry. Maybe he could ask Harewhisker when he felt better. "Anyway, Iceheart, I'm going to make your kits apprentices today if you don't mind. Sedgefall has requested Cloudkit – she thinks he wants to be a medicine cat."

"Thinks?" Iceheart echoed. "If I had a rabbit for the amount of times he came to my den with some herbs telling me their purpose, I'd be the fattest cat in WindClan!" She purred loudly. "He'll love that, Scorchstar. Thank you. Who do you suggest for Brightkit and Rainkit?"

"Hawkfire and Redmoon?" Scorchstar suggested. "Do you mind?"

"Of course not." Iceheart visibly softened. "I couldn't trust any other cat more with them."

"Great." Scorchstar remembered how Hawkfire and Redmoon had traveled with Iceheart and Frostpetal to the mountains, and they had been there for the battle that killed Lightningtalon. Scorchstar gave Iceheart a quick dip of his head before bounding away and leaping on top of the Tall Rock. He lifted his head and yowled, "WindClan cats! Gather underneath the Tall Rock for a Clan meeting."

His call resonated through the clearing, the first call he had made for quite some time. But the shortage of cats that joined him underneath the Tall Rock made Scorchstar's heart clench into two. There should be more, he thought, longing for Blackdove's sleek black pelt, Brambledusk's lithe figure, Mallowleaf's tiny body, and Russetstripe's thick ginger fur. But Wildheart's shiny tortoiseshell fur and his children's bright green eyes rekindled the fire in his heart. He sat down on the Tall Rock, wrapping his tail around his paws when he saw Iceheart and Hotaru usher their kits towards the gathering cats.

Scorchstar cleared his throat. "First, before I conduct my favorite ceremony, let me announce, so every cat knows… that the wars are over. The wars that have plagued this land for generations on end, that our kin before us and before them had lived in, are over. The Clans are finally united with a series of alliances, and we will be there for the other Clans if they need us. Although there will always be four Clans with four separate territories, that does not mean we have to rekindle the wars by attacking to assert our power. Instead, we can focus on making our Clan strong by strengthening our relationship with the other Clans, by helping them in their time of need, befriending their Clanmates, and causing no hostilities."

Hawkfire's green eyes glittered with joy. "So, no more fighting?" she yowled.

"No more fighting," Scorchstar repeated. "The world is at peace." It has taken so many lives to get us here, but now we are free. He gazed at his Clanmates, who exchanged relieved glances. Redmoon's emerald gaze blazed with relief, while Wildheart wore an expression of pride as she gazed at Scorchstar. Iceheart and Hotaru stared at their kits, joy sparking in their eyes as they realized that their kits would not have to grow up in a world strife with war. Heathercloud, whose face were marred with old lines thanks to being the longest living cat in WindClan during the wars, lowered her head, acknowledging the sacrifices of the cats who had given their lives for this peaceful world. Seedberry, the youngest Clan cat, but who had suffered by losing her entire family to Peartuft and Dapplestar, blinked twice, a small smile on her face. Sedgefall's green gaze was unreadable, and Scorchstar wondered how much she knew.

When the wave of relief had rippled through the cats, Scorchstar took a deep breath, thinking about what a peaceful world had cost him, his entire life. His half-brother, Adderstripe, had believed that Swiftstar did not possess the power necessary to bring the Clans to peace, and had plotted with Brambledusk to usurp him. The rebellion had failed, causing Scorchstar to be grievously injured and Russetstripe to be forced to kill Adderstripe. Both cats had suffered deeply thanks to their half-brother, and Scorchstar still struggled in wondering if his brother's intentions were out of good will – could a rebellion really bring peace? Wait… Shimmerstar's rebellion did. So… could he…? No. Scorchstar shook his head. No way. But there was a hint of doubt that tugged at him.

As the years went on, Swiftstar had still battled for peace, ultimately failing when he passed away. Scorchstar had taken the reins and had tried his best to continue his father's work, but every time he thought he had stepped forward, there had been an obstacle in his path, whether it had been Dapplestar, Rootstar, Peartuft, the Iga cats, or turmoil in his own Clan, he had never truly been able to unify the Clans on his own. But he didn't need to. Shimmerstar had done that – and now it was up to him to keep the peace between WindClan and the other Clans, while at the same time maintaining his cats' tranquil lives. That is all I can do now. The price of peace had cost many of his cats' lives, several of them dear to him, and it weighed heavily on his conscience, leaving him a sadder cat than he had been when he first led his Clan. But he knew that, without many of their sacrifices, the world would still be at war. And even though their deaths were too soon, I thank them for being there for me, for helping the Clans achieve peace. Each of them was so special to WindClan in their own way, and they contributed to the peace in the Clans.

Scorchstar took a deep breath. "I want to thank the cats who lost their lives, in this fight for peace. There have been so many of them. I know that my father was one of them, and even my mother. But we have our cats who died so soon. Mallowleaf, Blackdove, Brambledusk, Turtledove, Lilystream, Waspberry, Lightningtalon…" He went on, looking at the sky as each name rolled off his tongue, shaking but true with his firm resolve. He didn't limit himself to the cats who had died in the last moon, though. He included cats such as Seedfur, Buzzardwing, and even Hollyfrost, from when Scorchstar was just an apprentice. When the names were listed, Scorchstar let out a sigh. "Out of the ashes of this tragedy, new life begins. It's time that Iceheart and Hotaru's kits to become apprentices."

"Yay!" Rainkit hopped up and down on his paws, his blue eyes glittering with joy. "I've been waiting so long!"

"Mm." Scorchstar chuckled lowly under his chest. "Then I will appoint you first, Rainkit. From this moment on, you will be known as Rainpaw. Your mentor will be Hawkfire."

"What, really?" Hawkfire's green eyes sparkled with joy as she raced over to Rainpaw. Rainpaw purred loudly as he touched his nose to Hawkfire's. "This is so awesome!"

Scorchstar smiled. "Brightkit, come forward. From now on, you will be known as Brightpaw, and your mentor will be Redmoon."

Brightpaw walked over to Redmoon, her steps composed and calm, but the quivering of the fur on her shoulders indicated that she was just as excited as Rainpaw was. Redmoon's bulky shape was stark compared to Brightpaw's small, lithe body as the two cats touched noses. Cloudkit fidgeted back and forth, clearly unable to stay still. Scorchstar watched him for a moment before speaking.

"I'm pleased to announce that Sedgefall will be taking another apprentice," Scorchstar meowed as he faced his steady amber gaze on Cloudkit. "We will never forget our dear medicine cat apprentice and my precious daughter, Mallowleaf, but I know that she would want the line of medicine cats to continue. So, Cloudkit, from this moment, you will be known as Cloudpaw, and your mentor will be Sedgefall. Please, make Mallowleaf proud."

"I will!" Cloudpaw chimed loudly as he walked over to Sedgefall. Sedgefall's green eyes were shadowed with grief as Scorchstar mentioned Mallowleaf, but there was also a tinge of joy in them as she touched noses with her new apprentice. Scorchstar reeled back in surprise as Cloudpaw suddenly grabbed Sedgefall by her tail and dragged her towards the medicine den. "Please, teach me how to heal an infection! I want to know! I want to know how to heal whitecough! Teach me everything!" And, with that, the two cats, with Cloudpaw still dragging Sedgefall, disappeared into the rock.

"He'll be a great one," Scorchstar murmured to himself as he leaped down from the rock and onto the moorland ground. He walked over to Wildheart, brushing his muzzle against hers, watching the tears stream from her eyes. Because I mentioned Mallowleaf. "It's okay. The Clans are at peace."

"I miss her," Wildheart gasped.

"So do I." Scorchstar pressed his head against Wildheart's. "I miss her so much that sometimes it feels like I can't breathe. But we avenged her in the battle, and she's safe in StarClan, with Brambledusk and Blackdove. Watching over us, watching the peaceful land that we've built."

"Yeah." Wildheart's amber eyes shadowed. "I wanted to talk to you about Blackdove."

"What is it?" Scorchstar asked, a fresh prick of grief tugging at his heart as he remembered the black she-cat's heroic sacrifice.

"I was jealous of her," Wildheart confessed, "because I always thought that… well, she was in love with you. That's why I was upset when you gave her Hawkfire to mentor, and that she was around you so often. But now I see that my fears were unfound. Even though she loved you, she would never do anything about it, because she cared too much about you to hurt your feelings, and she didn't want to hurt mine, either. I saw just how loyal she was to WindClan, and how brave she was, to give her life, not just to protect you, but to protect WindClan, too. So, I'm sorry for how I acted towards her. It was selfish of me, and I really regret it."

"You shouldn't be telling me that," Scorchstar said. "You should be telling Blackdove."

Wildheart dug her head into his fur. "I'm trying, Scorchstar."

"I'm sure she'd forgive you," Scorchstar meowed, rasping his tongue over his mate's small head. "She did love me, that's true. But you were right when you said she cared about me – us – too much to hurt us. She didn't want to ruin our happiness, and she knew that I loved you. So, she never tried to pursue me. And I respect her for that. You're the only cat I'll ever love, Wildheart, and Blackdove knew that."

"She was very brave and kind," Wildheart murmured.

"She was," Scorchstar agreed, "and that's why I'm sure she'll forgive you."

Wildheart turned her head away. "I'm glad you made our children mentors," she said. "It's time they prove what they're really capable of. I really think they can make Rainpaw and Brightpaw into good warriors."

"We'll have to see," Scorchstar said. "I trust them too, though." He shifted his paws nervously, looking down at them.

"But there's another reason you made them mentors though, isn't there?" Wildheart asked, peering into Scorchstar's amber eyes.

"What?" Scorchstar looked up.

"One of them is going to be your deputy, and a deputy needs an apprentice," Wildheart went on. "So it's going to be between Hawkfire and Redmoon."

"Harewhisker isn't going to live forever," Scorchstar said. "He's still ill, and I don't know if he's going to step down or if he can continue serving. The only deputy I can see after me… is one of my children. I never wanted to continue my father's legacy of choosing kin, but Heathercloud is too old to serve as the next leader, and…"

"So am I," Wildheart meowed. Scorchstar expected to see anger and offense in her eyes, but there was nothing but calm steadiness.

"Yeah," Scorchstar confessed. "Seedberry is too young, and Iceheart isn't leadership material. Frostpetal is expecting kits, and I don't think Hotaru has the qualities of a leader. If Harewhisker cannot serve as my deputy, my only options are Hawkfire or Redmoon."

"But which one?" Wildheart asked.

"I don't know," Scorchstar confessed. "Rootstar told me that he appointed Icefrost deputy because she had a fire that none of his Clanmates had… a resolve that would make her a good Clan leader." He glanced over at his children, who were taking their apprentices out of camp. "Both Hawkfire and Redmoon have that. I've seen just how well Hawkfire got along with Icefrost, but Redmoon is a bit too quick to jump before he thinks. He doesn't trust the other Clans." And I'm pretty sure he's the one who killed Peartuft, but… Wildheart doesn't need to know that.

"So, you want to make Hawkfire deputy over Redmoon?" Wildheart asked.

"I don't know." Scorchstar shook his head. "I'll have to evaluate both their skills. See who can become the leader after me. I know that in this time, our primary focus has to be our relationship with the other Clans, to make sure that there are no hostilities so the peace isn't broken. So, that's what I know. I'll ask Seedberry and Iceheart to help me out with something."

"Sure." Wildheart nodded as Scorchstar trotted over to the two she-cats. Iceheart and Seedberry looked up at Scorchstar, their eyes glittering with confusion as he looked them up and down.

"I need you two to do something for me," Scorchstar said. Iceheart dipped her head, and Seedberry nodded. "Iceheart, I need you to pretend to be a ThunderClan warrior, and Seedberry, you need to be a RiverClan warrior. Find a patch of their scent and roll into it until you smell like one. Then, Iceheart, I want you to approach Redmoon, while Seedberry, you need to stalk Hawkfire."

"Hmm, all right." Seedberry nodded. "I mean, I have no idea why, but sure, let's do it."

Iceheart's blue eyes sparkled, a hint of knowledge in them. She nodded to Scorchstar and flicked her tail towards Seedberry, and the two cats split up. Scorchstar watched them go until they disappeared in the moorland, and then he trailed Iceheart, wanting to know how his strong-headed son would react to their new ally. Scorchstar followed the silver-and-white tabby she-cat as she crossed the moor, traveling down to the scent line that made RiverClan's border. She rolled in the scent lines until the only thing Scorchstar could scent was fish, and then she stalked away. Scorchstar trailed her, surprised how sharp Iceheart's skills were. She's always been a warrior, even after what she's been through.

Redmoon's dark red fur was prominent against the moorland as both Iceheart and Scorchstar approached him. Scorchstar hid behind a clump of heather while Iceheart stalked over towards Redmoon – the tom was sitting several fox-lengths away. Redmoon was talking to Brightpaw, flicking his tail animatedly, while Brightpaw let out a sharp yowl once the RiverClan scent came into view. Iceheart touched Redmoon with her paw and Redmoon turned on his heel, hissing furiously at Iceheart as he sank his claws into her fur and rolled down with her.

"Get out of here, RiverClan cat!" Redmoon yowled, batting at Iceheart with his paws. "You're not welcome on our territory!"

"Redmoon, stop!" Scorchstar and Brightpaw cried at the same time. Scorchstar leaped out from the heather, and as Redmoon twitched his ears, recognizing both voices, he stared at Iceheart. Realization flickered in his eyes, and he stepped back, helping Iceheart to her paws. Anger blazed in his eyes as he glared at her. Iceheart wasn't injured, but her fur was fluffed up and it was caked with dirt.

"Sorry, Iceheart," Redmoon apologized. "I really thought you were a RiverClan cat."

Iceheart nodded her head briskly and walked over to Brightpaw, licking her daughter's head. "It's okay," she cooed to her daughter. "It was just training."

Scorchstar lashed his tail as he glared at Redmoon. "Even if she was, didn't I tell you that the Clans are all allies now?" he hissed at his son.

"I didn't know!" Redmoon defended himself. "All I smelled was RiverClan, and I'm just so used to being at war, so I just… attacked! It's normal to me!"

"Redmoon, you have to think before you act!" Scorchstar hissed. "When you smell RiverClan, you need to remember that they're your ally, and you shouldn't attack!"

"Okay!" Redmoon flattened his ears. "I don't trust them, though!" He turned on his heel, his back towards Scorchstar.

"Don't turn your back on me," Scorchstar snapped at him. "I have to talk to you!"

"I need to train the apprentice you gave me," Redmoon said. "Leave me alone."

Scorchstar's fur bristled. He wanted to reprimand Redmoon further, but he didn't want to cause a scene in front of Iceheart or Brightpaw. He turned away, wanting to see how Hawkfire reacted with Seedberry. He caught a trace of his daughter's scent and followed it, assuming that they came to this part of the territory together and then split up. Hawkfire's scent became stronger, and so did Rainpaw's. As he walked further, he could hear Hawkfire lecturing Rainpaw on the warrior code, while Rainpaw chimed in with a few questions every now and then. Scorchstar crouched down, catching a glimpse of Seedberry's pale spotted fur behind a gorse bush. They locked gazes, and Scorchstar gave her a nod.

"Hm…" Hawkfire scrutinized the area around her, green eyes narrowed. "I think I smell ThunderClan. I've got no idea what they're doing here, but come on, Rainpaw. Let's find out."

"Are they dangerous?" Rainpaw asked.

"Well, not anymore," Hawkfire replied. "We're allies, now. It took a long time for me to understand this, but there's no point in fighting anymore. It's not worth losing any more cats. I lost my sister in the wars, do you know that?"

"No." Rainpaw shook his head. "I'm sorry. I can't imagine what would happen if I lost Brightpaw or Cloudpaw."

"Yeah." Pain glittered in Hawkfire's eyes and she shook her head. "Let's see what this ThunderClan cat wants."

Seedberry popped out of the bracken. "Oh, I'm just strolling around, you know?" She grinned at Hawkfire.

"Seedberry!" Hawkfire exclaimed. "What was that for?"

"Just wanted to see how you'd react to a ThunderClan cat!" Seedberry meowed. "Why didn't you attack me?"

"Because we're allies," Hawkfire said. "I would have no reason to attack a ThunderClan cat." She pushed Seedberry playfully. "But maybe tell me next time."

"Sure, sure." Seedberry walked away from Hawkfire, her tail flicking. Scorchstar clenched his teeth tightly. Hawkfire had responded well to a situation with another Clan cat, yet Redmoon had attacked what he perceived was the RiverClan cat. Damn… so, when it comes to foreign affairs, it's clear that Hawkfire is much better in that regards than Redmoon. But what about strength? Intelligence? Leadership?

Scorchstar walked away, not wanting Hawkfire to know he was there. He trotted across the moor, and just over the horizon, he caught a glimpse of Frostpetal's silver tabby fur. What's she doing? Scorchstar quickened his pace, noticing how slow she moved. He stopped next to her and meowed, "Frostpetal, what are you doing out of camp?"

Frostpetal looked over at Scorchstar, and he could see that she was holding a bundle of herbs in her jaws. She dropped the herbs to the ground. "I heard Cloudpaw saying these were the best herbs to treat Harewhisker's illness. So I went and picked some for him. I may not love him, but I did bond with him, and he is the father of these kits." She looked at her paws. "He's not doing that great."

Scorchstar swallowed the lump in his throat. Oh, Harewhisker… He looked up at the sky, feeling his eyes sting. I don't want to lose him. He's my best friend, and he's been there for me. "Frostpetal, when you went with Redmoon, Iceheart, and Hawkfire to find Hotaru, who led that patrol?"

"Hawkfire did," Frostpetal replied. "She brought us the whole way until we met up with Brambledusk. Brambledusk continued from there."

"Was she a good leader?" Scorchstar pressed.

"Yeah," Frostpetal replied. "She was the cat who came up with the idea, anyway. She was a great leader, but I won't lie when I say that Redmoon was a big help, too. He was the one who protected Iceheart and I, and Hawkfire led us the entire way."

Both my kits are qualified. But I can only pick one. Scorchstar shut his eyes as he walked with Frostpetal. But if I pick one, would the other ever forgive me?