Here we go again! Prepare for some mind fuckery!
Chapter 9: Fireheart Finally Buries his Past.
Fireheart bolted through the forest, nothing but a silent, fiery blur. Fireheart was nearing the Riverclan border. Fireheart got another vision. Fireheart looked around and saw the flower he was looking for. He noticed that nothing blocked the sun's rays from the plant. He also recognized something he never thought he would ever see again in the real world. Fireheart recognized his old Twoleg nest from when he was a Twoleg.
The vision faded and Fireheart gulped as he muttered, "I should've known that I would never be free of my past. I know what the flower is now. It's the Mentzelia laevicaulis, or better known as the Blazing Star. I researched the Flower as a Twoleg because I was curious. It looked so out of place where I lived. And it was out of place. It should not have grown as well because it didn't have sandy or rocky soil, but it grew just fine. Fuck. This is going to be one hell of a journey. And I will have to be extra careful when I get there, because I was the only Twoleg who gave a shit about cats. The others would rather shoot first, ask questions later when it comes to cats they don't know. FUCK! I need to kick things up a notch. Maybe I can visit my own gravesite, if I can find it, to pay my respects to my Twoleg self so I can finally bury the hatchet." Fireheart called upon Stripestar, and Stripestar heeded his call. Fireheart felt his agility and speed increase tenfold.
Fireheart's eyes became flame orange for a split-second as he shot forwards, his speed causing the trees around him to move from the force. Fireheart took a deep breath and leapt over the stream. He landed nimbly and began to race back to his old home.
Early the Next Morning in Thunderclan:
Bramblestar was trying to figure out a way to keep Fireheart's harem in the forest, when he smelled Spottedleaf at the entrance to his den. He mewed, "Come in." Spottedleaf walked in and asked, "Do you know where Fireheart is? I need to talk to him." Bramblestar replied, "Truthfully, I have no idea where he could be now. He is rather agile." Spottedleaf sighed and asked, "He took off on his own to find the flower, didn't he?" Bramblestar answered, "Yeah. Yeah he did. Wait. He's looking for a flower?!" Spottedleaf nodded and said, "Yeah. I have no idea why." Noise at the entrance drew the attention of Bramblestar and Spottedleaf.
They walked out of the Leader's Den and saw Heathertail looking around frantically. Bramblestar and Spottedleaf walked down. Bramblestar asked after he stopped in front of Heathertail, "What brings you to Thunderclan, Heathertail?" Heathertail looked at him and said hastily, "Where is Fireheart? It's urgent!" Spottedleaf mewed calmly, "We have no idea. What is it? Maybe we can get Jayfeather to delve into Fireheart's dreams to tell him what is bothering you." Heathertail said, "It's Ashfoot! Her condition has worsened! Has he found anything for it yet? Kestrelflight has tried everything! We have her quarantined in the other Leader's Den in Windclan to prevent spreading, but spreading is bound to happen!" Spottedleaf replied, "That is why he was asking about a rare flower I have never heard of. Starclan must've sent him a vision about it."
Heathertail asked, "Wait. He's gone? He went off on his own to find the cure without telling anyone I suppose." Heathertail sighed and said, "Fireheart is a mousebrain, albeit an attractive one that I l..." Heathertail realized what she said and she blushed dark red. Bramblestar purred in amusement and said, "Don't worry. You are not the only she-cat outside of Thunderclan who finds Fireheart attractive." Heathertail said shyly, "But the Warrior Code. Why aren't you mad at me? Code one!" Bramblestar laughed quietly and said, "No need to be mad. Who knows? Maybe you'll get a chance to be with him at some point without breaking the Warrior Code." Spottedleaf mewed, "I will say this now Heathertail. You aren't breaking the Warrior Code." Heathertail opened her mouth to ask how, but Spottedleaf interrupted, "Just trust me." Heathertail closed her mouth and nodded in understanding. Spottedleaf said, "Well. I am sure we will be able to follow his scent now that I am thinking about it. He left last night." Bramblestar mewed, "I will have to ask you to not follow him. Either of you." Heathertail looked at him and said, "You are not my Leader. I do not need to listen to that." Spottedleaf asked, "And why should we not follow his trail?" Bramblestar said, "Fireheart asked me to prevent you, Heathertail, Honeypaw, Lionstar, Silverstream, Splashfur, Windstream, Ivypool, and Mistystar from following him as best as I could." Spottedleaf said, "He wants to do this alone." She shook her head and said, "Fireheart you're a mousebrain, but I won't follow his trail unless I have to."
Heathertail tasted the air and realized that someone had followed her. Breezepelt entered Thunderclan's camp and said, "So this is where you went." Heathertail turned around and said, "Yeah. Is that a problem?" Breezepelt looked at her and mewed, "Not at all. I also caught Fires… Fireheart's scent. It seemed to be heading towards Riverclan." Heathertail's ears twitched as Breezepelt almost said Firestar. Bramblestar and Spottedleaf looked at one another with a knowing look. Bramblestar said, "Fireheart never asked me to keep Breezepelt here. You can feel free to try and find him, Breezepelt; with permission from Onestar obviously." Breezepelt mewed, "He's missing?" Bramblestar shook his head no and said, "He went on a journey to find something. That is all I know." Breezepelt said, "I see." He looked at Heathertail and said, "You asked Fireheart to find something to cure Ashfoot, didn't you?" Heathertail nodded and Breezepelt said, "And now he is on his own trying to find it, even though he doesn't know what he needs to find." Spottedleaf replied, "Not true. I believe Starclan sent him a vision about a flower that could cure Ashfoot."
Breezepelt said, "I see. Well. I should go talk to Onestar." Heathertail said, "And I am going to as well. I do not need to listen to Bramblestar when he tells me to stay here instead of finding Fireheart. He is not my Leader." Bramblestar replied, "True. But Fireheart asked for you to stay." Heathertail replied, "I don't care. I asked him to find something to cure Ashfoot, I need to make sure he comes back alive." Breezepelt mewed, "Alright Heathertail. Let's go." Heathertail nodded and the two left Thunderclan to head back to Windclan.
Bramblestar sighed and said quietly, "Sorry Firestar. I tried to keep her here in the forest. But Heathertail is right. I am not her Leader. But you are. If only she remembered who you actually are." Spottedleaf walked back towards the Medicine Den when she got a vision.
Spottedleaf looked around and realized that she recognized the place she was at from Fireheart's Time Loop. She then saw the flower that Fireheart described. Spottedleaf gasped as she realized Fireheart was about to pick the flower and she heard a loud gunshot. Dirt shot up everywhere right next to Fireheart. Fireheart didn't react and he kept quiet.
The vision faded and Bramblestar was right in front of Spottedleaf. He asked, "You okay?" Spottedleaf looked at her "Leader" and said, "Sorry. I am going to find him. You aren't actually my Leader. I am the Medicine Cat of Lionclan. Fireheart is my Leader. He didn't tell me himself to stay behind." Spottedleaf took off running towards the Riverclan Border. Bramblestar watched her leave and sighed as he muttered, "Starclan damn it. But she is right. I am not her Leader. Fireheart is her Leader."
With Fireheart:
Fireheart hadn't stopped running all night. He was well past Riverclan's territory and he finally stopped to take in his surroundings. He muttered, "Where the fuck am I? What state am I in? I need to get back to my old home! I need to get that flower before the disease takes Ashfoot's life! FUCK!" Fireheart's stomach grumbled and he realized he hadn't eaten since yesterday. Fireheart begrudgingly decided to hunt for himself.
After he had eaten the pheasant he caught, he took a deep whiff of the air to try and get his surroundings, but he couldn't distinguish any particular scent. He sighed and said, "I need to know where the hell I am. I know I am well past Riverclan Territory." Fireheart took in his surroundings and muttered, "Could I be in England? I fucking hope not! I wouldn't know because I never left the USA. I only visited a couple of states before I was murdered. STARCLAN HELP ME!" Fireheart looked up, only to see a shooting star heading east. Fireheart muttered, "Well that is the most obvious sign I have ever gotten. At last Starclan made something fucking obvious for once. Alright. Time to head East." Fireheart mustered his strength and pelted forwards, the force of his speed causing wind to cause the trees around him to bend.
Fireheart kept sprinting and muttered, "Fuck it. Full send or no send." Fireheart picked up the pace, the speed he was moving at causing everything to become a slight blur. He dodged and weaved between obstacles, his heart rate still normal. Fireheart jumped over a bush and tackled something by accident. The two rolled quite a ways, Fireheart letting himself take most of the impacts. Once they stopped moving, Fireheart was on top, and he coughed in pain and groaned. He looked below him and saw a large creature he had never seen before in person. He immediately jumped off of it and prepared to fight. The wolf looked at him and bared its teeth. Fireheart gulped in fear, let his nerves calm, and hissed, "Come on. I haven't fought a wolf yet. Show me what you're made of! Are you an Alpha, Beta, or an Omega? SHOW ME WHAT YOU'RE MADE OF!" The wolf howled after it got to its paws. Fireheart muttered, "I have to be aggressive to attempt to assert dominance so it will respect my strength."
The wolf leapt at him. Fireheart dodged swiftly, only to get tackled from the side. Fireheart rolled to his paws hastily, only to see a second wolf. Fireheart hissed, "I forgot. Wolves tend to travel in packs! Fuck! FUCK IT! BRING IT! WHERE THE HELL IS THE REST OF YOUR PACK?! I'LL TAKE YOU ALL ON! I NEED TO MAKE THIS QUICK BECAUSE I HAVE PLACES TO BE!" Fireheart dodged a leap and hit the Wolf in the chest with his shoulder. The wolf yipped in pain as it was sent skidding backwards. Fireheart hissed, "When it comes to wolves, I don't need to try to keep my super strength in check. Cause I doubt it will do much to something so much larger than me. Then again. I have moved a boulder with my strength."
Fireheart's fur was sticking on end as he arched his back to make himself look larger. The wolves looked at him curiously and conversed with each other. The wolves stopped talking and looked directly at Fireheart. Fireheart's battle instinct kicked into Overdrive. The wolves walked around Fireheart and one leapt at him. Fireheart sidestepped the leap and raked his claws down the wolf's flank.
The wolf growled in pain and the other wolf attacked next. Fireheart ducked under it and clawed its left hind leg, scarlet splattering the ground. Fireheart ignited his pelt on fire and the wolves immediately backed up from him, seemingly afraid of the fire. Fireheart walked towards the wolves and they backed up from him because of his flaming pelt. Fireheart mewed, "Wild wolves are afraid of fire. Good to know." Fireheart kept walking towards the wolves and they kept backing up from him. Fireheart hissed, "Get out of my way. I have places to be!" The wolves seemingly understood him because they ran away from him.
Fireheart watched them run away and he said, "They seemed to understand me. I swear to Starclan, Tigerstar. If you managed to get wolves in your Army and you're teaching them how to speak and understand Cat, we are gonna have some fucking problems that we didn't already have." Fireheart shook his head and sighed as he began sprinting East again.
Back with Heathertail:
Heathertail had talked to her father and gotten permission to try and find Fireheart. Breezepelt was coming with her. They had walked to the Riverclan border and Heathertail asked, "Mind if I ask why you almost called Fireheart, Firestar?" Breezepelt looked at her and hastily lied, "He looks exactly like Firestar did. That's why." Heathertail replied, not believing Breezepelt one bit, "I am sure that's why." Heathertail thought to herself, 'Fireheart was the young Firestar who talked to Breezepelt on the day of the Great Battle. He has to be. That's the only thing that makes sense. But why does Breezepelt act like it wasn't? And calling Fireheart, Fireheart, doesn't feel right. As if it isn't his actual name! Hmmmmm.' Heathertail didn't pry and they took off together towards the Riverclan border with Thunderclan, which is where Breezpelt caught Fireheart's scent.
They were about to approach the Riverclan border when they caught the scent of Spottedleaf. They padded over to her and asked, "Why are you here? You are supposed to listen to Bramblestar." Spottedleaf replied nonchalantly, "Because Bramblestar isn't actually my Leader. That is why I am here. Let's go." Breezepelt looked at her with a knowing look as Heathertail eyed Spottedleaf curiously. Heathertail opened her mouth to ask what Spottedleaf meant, but Spottedleaf took off running as she followed Fireheart's scent, only Breezepelt noticing that her pelt ignited in flames. Breezepelt watched her run and whistled as he said, "Well. She's awfully quick for a Medicine Cat. I wonder why. I don't think I will be able to keep up. But I bet you can. I will trail behind to make sure nothing sneaks up on us." Heathertail eyed Breezepelt curiously, but her pelt ignited in flames without her noticing as she took off after Spottedleaf. Breezepelt whistled again and said once Heathertail was out of earshot, "Seems like she and Fireheart are truly meant to be together. Oh well. That's fine. As long as he treats her right. Which I know he will." Breezepelt took a breath and took off running after the two she-cats.
With Fireheart:
Fireheart looked around and took in his surroundings. He had not stopped running at full speed since his run-in with the wolves. He thought he was beginning to recognize things from his twoleg life. Fireheart muttered, "I wonder how far I have traveled. That's a good question. Especially because I am much much much faster than your typical cat. I'd even call myself the Flash of the world of Warriors. But I know damn well I can not tap into the Speed Force." Fireheart realized how exhausted he felt. Fireheart's vision blurred as his strength failed him. He collapsed and began rolling down a hill violently. He tried to get up, only to fall back down again and faint.
When Fireheart came to, he smelled a strong scent of wolf. Fireheart struggled to get to his paws. He got up and looked around. Fireheart saw several sets of eyes and he realized it was nightfall. Fireheart prepared himself for a fight when one wolf walked towards him. Fireheart eyed the grey wolf and let his nerves calm. Fireheart said calmly, "Let me guess. The alpha." He tasted the air and said, "The Alpha Male." The wolf looked over Fireheart and said, "Quite perceptive. You are correct." Fireheart's jaw dropped as the wolf spoke cat. The wolf said, "You seem shocked. We were a part of Tigerstar's army at one point. But we realized that we really have no quarrel with the forest cats. All but a couple of wolves left his army. He replaced us with some other animal after most of us left." Fireheart mewed, "And why have you decided to come see Tigerstar's enemy?" The wolf replied, "We were just curious as to why you're so far from the forest." Fireheart answered, "Just looking for something to cure one of the cats from my clan." The wolf's ears twitched with curiosity. The wolf asked, "And what ailment is affecting the cat from your clan?"
Fireheart replied, "No idea. But I know what I must find to save her life." Fireheart described the flower. The Alpha Male said, "You are getting closer to your objective, young one. But expect resistance. The nearest place with that flower, the Upwalkers, or as you call them, the Twolegs do not take kindly to cats." Fireheart already knew that, but he said, "Thanks for the warning. The two wolves I fought, they're a part of your pack?" The Alpha Male nodded and said, "They said you had the power to control fire. Show me." Fireheart asked, "You sure? They seemed afraid of the fire."
The Alpha Male said, "Yes. Show me." Fireheart took a breath and ignited his pelt with white flames. The Alpha Male didn't back away and instead looked at Fireheart with awe. Fireheart extinguished the flames and said, "I don't have the power to control fire. I just have the power to ignite myself with flame and not feel it. I can also use the flames to improve my own attacks, and/or burn whoever attacks me. Now. I have to get going. I lost a lot of time when I collapsed. I have been going for almost a week now. I need to get back to my clan in under two weeks before another part of Tigerstar's army attacks!" The Alpha Male looked at him and said, "Go for it. I believe you can make it back before it happens. I'd offer help, but something tells me you'd kindly decline my offer to help." Fireheart purred in amusement and said, "You are right. Tigerstar's army is my fight alone. He needs to learn that I am not afraid to risk my life to save my clan. He also needs to learn that I am no longer afraid of him." Fireheart ignited his pelt with white flames again and pelted East, everything becoming a blur.
With Heathertail, Spottedleaf, and Breezepelt:
Heathertail and Spottedleaf had slowed down and waited for Breezepelt to catch up, their pelts no longer on fire. When he caught up, Breezepelt walked in the back of the group. Spottedleaf and Heathertail were talking at the front. Breezepelt said quietly, "So many beautiful and highly attractive she-cats want to be with Firestar. Lucky bastard. Well. He is the savior of all the clans. I guess it makes sense and had I treated Heathertail better, she wouldn't have gone to be with Firestar. I should despise him for taking her from me, but I respect him instead. Heathertail didn't deserve anything I put her through before Firestar changed history. Damn it all to The Place of No Stars. I can not believe I was such a piece of shit. Thank you Firestar, for giving me a second chance that I did not deserve. I promise to use this second chance the right way. The worst part is, I remember everything that was supposed to happen. Even though Firestar changed history, I know and remember everything that was supposed to actually happen. I hope we find him soon and when we find him, hopefully he'll be okay. If Firestar is hurt or dead, Heathertail will be devastated as she is the one who sent him on the journey. Starclan, please let Firestar be okay."
Heathertail raised her head up and took a whiff of the air, hoping to get a hit on Fireheart's scent. The scent was faint, but she got a hit. Heathertail looked at her group and pointed her tail to the east as she said, "He went that way. " Spottedleaf and Breezepelt nodded as they followed Heathertail. The sky was covered with dark clouds. Spottedleaf took a whiff of the air and said, "Damn. It's going to rain soon. His scent will be washed away! All we know is that he went East! Let's Double Time it and try to find some shelter!" Spottedleaf, Heathertail, and Breezepelt sprinted East, searching for shelter while following Fireheart's scent.
With Fireheart:
A couple of days have passed now. Fireheart kept sprinting as it began to downpour yet again. Fireheart muttered, "I can not waste any time. I can't search for shelter. I need to get to my old home ASAP!" Fireheart's eyes became orange for a split second and he shot forwards, mud kicking up behind him.
Fireheart felt fear strike him as he recognized a scent. Fireheart took a deep breath as he recognized the scent of a farm. Fireheart muttered, "It's time to run into the fear I have run from. My twoleg life is no more. But if I get shot at I can tell the one who shoots to not fucking shoot. As I can speak English because of my Twoleg past. This is going to suck. Especially because of the pitbulls we had as pets before I was murdered. Repo will be fine as long as I don't attack him. And if he hears my voice, maybe he will be excited to hear my voice again. Nova on the other hand, she might be a pain to handle. But if she hears my voice, I might be fine. As long as my Twoleg voice is my actual voice as a cat. Oh god. How will my mother react; hearing my voice and coming out all excited only to find her oldest son has become a cat. I can't put her through the unimaginable pain of losing her oldest son again. I just can't. I can't let her see or hear me, as much as I'd love to say my final goodbyes to my family. Even my annoying ass little brothers. Oh god. I almost forgot about my stepdad's children! The twins! Nathan! Fuck! I can't put them through the pain of losing the one they looked up to yet again! No one is allowed to see or hear me! I have to be as stealthy as possible!" Fireheart looked around and recognized everything from his Twoleg life. The older than dirt, rustic looking white and black house he was murdered in as a Twoleg.
(Fireheart will be be speaking English unless otherwise specified)
Fireheart took a deep breath and began to explore around the Farm to try and find the flower he was here for. It was still downpouring. He heard barking approach him. He turned around to see a large, muscular, and stocky brown and white pitbull with a scar on the left side of its face from its run in with a pack of Coyotes. Fireheart looked at Repo and said, "Hello Repo. It's me, Trenton." Repo tilted his head to the side in curiosity. A few moments later, he began to wag his tail and barked happily. Fireheart padded over to Repo and stood up on his hindlegs and pet Repo, claws sheathed.
Fireheart said, as he pet Repo, "Who's a good boy? You are, yes you are Repo!" Repo barked happily. Fireheart said, "You must be shocked at my appearance. I know. I've changed quite a bit. Can you maybe show me my gravesite? I want to pay my respects to my old self." Repo took off running towards a trailer and followed a path down a hill. Fireheart pelted behind closely, taking in his surroundings and realized how much different his new perspective made everything look.
Fireheart followed Repo to a cross in the dirt. Fireheart padded over to it and sat next to Repo. He said, "So boy. This is my gravesite." Repo barked in acknowledgement.
Fireheart looked at the sky and realized it was about mid-morning even with the rain. Fireheart took a breath and muttered in cat, "I need to dig up my body and rebury it to finally be free of my past. Starclan and God, forgive me my sins, including this Grave Desecration." Fireheart sighed and said, "I never was the religious type. Funny how I have asked God to forgive me my sins multiple times now as a cat. The irony of it all. The completely fucked up irony of everything that's happened to me." Fireheart looked at his orange paws as a tear flowed down his cheek. Repo sniffed at Fireheart and gently licked his cheek. Fireheart flashed a fake smile and pet Repo again as he said, "Thank you. Go home boy. And please do not bring anyone here." Repo looked at Fireheart with a look that clearly said, "Really? I just heard your voice again after so long and you're sending me away already! Asshole."
Repo left Fireheart at Fireheart's Twoleg gravesite with hesitation. Fireheart watched him leave. Fireheart looked back at his twoleg gravesite and let his tears flow freely. He said while crying, "I had plans as a twoleg! I wanted a family at some point! Why did it have to end so soon?! I guess the good really do die young! Damn it! This is fucked up! Here I am, at my own gravesite, yet I'm still alive. But, I do thank my twoleg self for being a good person. And although I was murdered, it gave me a second chance at life. To live the life I always wanted to live, free of bullies and able to truly help others. Rest in peace, Trenton. You are no longer of this world. I hope you're in a better place." Fireheart blinked, and then saw an apparition of his twoleg self.
Trenton kneeled down to be close to the same height as Fireheart. Trenton rested his hand on Fireheart's head and said, "So. This is who I am now. A Warrior." Fireheart looked up and replied, "Yeah. Yeah. This is who you are now. An honorable Warrior with powers beyond comprehension." Trenton smiled and said, "So I was actually given a second chance. Praise Starclan and the Ancestors. And yes. I am in a better place. You are still who I am. I am always with you. Why do you think you can learn and actually understand Twoleg hand-to-hand combat? And why do you think you can speak and understand Twoleg?" Fireheart replied, "I didn't mean to offend you. I just thought I was able to do it because of my memories as a Twoleg." Trenton laughed lightly and said, "You didn't offend me. Yes. Your memories as a Twoleg would help, but that would most likely not allow you to actually replicate and translate it as a Warrior. You're able to do it, because even though my Twoleg life is over, my life is not truly over until you die. You are me, and I am you. We are one. However, I can definitely say with certainty that my Twoleg self would not have slept with his sister. Yet you slept with your sister and your childhood friend as a Warrior. Starclan must have big plans. Now. It's time to bury our Twoleg self. To get rid of the fear we feel. To be truly reborn as a Warrior. We must not forget the past, but it will not force us to be afraid of it any longer. It's time, Fireheart. My bad. Let me correct myself. It's time, Firestar. Bury that dark cloud that is constantly hovering over you and be reborn."
Fireheart looked at his twoleg self and nodded his understanding. Trenton gently wiped Fireheart's tears from his eyes. Fireheart purred lightly and began to dig up his Twoleg self's grave.
After Fireheart had finished digging up his Twoleg self, Fireheart said, "I can't believe I'm actually doing this." Fireheart looked at the partially decomposed body of his past, and began to rebury it as he murmured prayers to Starclan and God. After he finished, Fireheart reset the cross that marked his late Twoleg life and muttered, "I do feel better. I can finally be free of this place. Goodbye, mistakes of my Twoleg life." Fireheart's eyes flashed a very bright emerald green for a split second as knowledge flowed through him. He muttered in cat, "I, who is about to awaken, am the cat sent from Heaven to protect the forest, restore hope, and defeat the cat of domination." Fireheart gasped as he realized why he learned a new part of the chant.
Fireheart is now speaking cat unless otherwise specified.
Fireheart muttered, "I managed to restore my own hope. Intriguing. I certainly had no idea I could restore my own hope." Fireheart took a breath and looked around for the main reason he came back to his past.
Fireheart raked through his twoleg memories. He remembered where he found the flower originally. Fireheart muttered, "I'm going to have to go out in the open on the slanted hill beside the Thunderpath next to this place. I'm totally going to get shot at. Fuck me. Starclan, protect me." Fireheart pelted through the forest and ran back up the hill, fire surrounding his pelt.
Fireheart pelted to the hill and immediately heard a rifle cartridge being chambered. Fireheart's heart pounded as he jumped into a bush. He heard a loud BANG as the assailant pulled the trigger. His ears flinched in pain from how loud the sound was. He was practically shell-shock from the sound. The dirt around him shot everywhere. Fireheart took a shaky breath, ears ringing, as he muttered, "That was to fucking close. I do not think I can survive a shot to the chest from a caliber that large. That had to be the .308 Blackhawk or whatever the fucking name is. That shot was loud as a stampede of elephants. Damn these sensitive ears of mine." He shook his head to clear the shell-shock as best he could.
Fireheart looked around for the Blazing Star flower, only to hear another cartridge being chambered. Fireheart gulped in fear and stayed still as the dirt kicked up around him as the Twoleg pulled the trigger. Fireheart's ears rang even more from the sound and he immediately extinguished the flames on his pelt, hoping that'd be enough to cause the Twoleg shooting at him to think it killed him. He didn't hear another cartridge being chambered. Fireheart immediately thanked Starclan.
Fireheart cautiously and carefully stepped out of the bush to look for the flower.
With The Traveling Group trying to find Fireheart:
Spottedleaf's ears went to her head as a loud sound echoed around the group. She said swiftly, "We need to hurry! Fireheart's in danger!" Heathertail asked, "How do you know?" Spottedleaf replied over her shoulder as she pelted towards the noise, "Just trust me!" Spottedleaf's pelt ignited in flames and she shot forwards, becoming a slight blur. Heathertail's pelt ignited in flames as well. She shot forwards, becoming a blur. Breezepelt sprinted after them, losing ground rapidly as he prayed to Starclan for Fireheart to be safe.
Spottedleaf and Heathertail weaved between obstacles. They caught sight of something that looked like a Twoleg Nest, way off in the distance.
Back with Fireheart:
Fireheart heard another weapon being loaded. He gulped in fear and booked it away, pelt igniting in flames as he shot forwards, weaving between obstacles as the dirt around him kicked up from the shots from the weapon that the Twoleg was using. Fireheart leapt behind a tower of tires.
Fireheart's heart raced as he tried to force himself to calm down. He began taking slow, deep breaths. After a few minutes, Fireheart managed to calm himself down. His heart rate slowed down and stabilized at his normal heart rate. Fireheart muttered, "Damn. They really want me dead. But they don't know it's me. Holy shit. This is dangerous. I hope Bramblestar was able to keep my harem back in the forest." Fireheart had a thought and muttered, "Could I be considered a Fallen Angel?" Fireheart shook his head and said, "No. I was far from angelic as a Twoleg. I made mistakes. And even now, as a Warrior, I still make mistakes. I'm far from angelic. That was the most random thing I have ever thought of."
In Thunderclan:
Splashfur woke up in Fireheart's den. She stretched and looked around hoping to see her soon to be mate's; refreshing face. She sighed sadly as she didn't see his face or smell his scent. Splashfur walked out of the den sadly. She was greeted by Cloudtail.
Cloudtail mewed, "He'll be back. Don't fret Splashfur." Cloudtail's mate, Brightheart, mewed, "Brighten up. Just imagine how impressed he'll be when he comes back and sees how well you handled his absence." Splashfur replied weakly, "I just can't help but worry. Like I feel like he's in danger." Cloudtail replied, "Have you ever known Fireheart to not be in danger?" Brightheart smacked Cloudtail's face with her tail as she mewed, clearly exasperated, "Cloudtail! That's not helping!"
Splashfur looked at the two and said, "Cloudtail has a point, but he certainly didn't help me stop worrying." Commotion at the entrance to the Thunderclan Hollow drew the three cats' attention. They watched as a tortoiseshell she-cat walked into the camp. Bramblestar walked over and greeted Olivenose.
Bramblestar asked, "What brings you to Thunderclan, Olivenose?" Olivenose replied, "Just wondering if my friend has returned. He owes me a walk along the border at this point." Bramblestar replied, holding back a purr of amusement, "He has not returned yet. I'm sure he'll take you on a walk when he gets back. However, I need you to tell Blackstar that the storm is near." Olivenose seemingly understood the coded message and said, "Of course. When Fireheart gets back, let him know he owes me a walk." Fireheart's Harem giggled quietly and Bramblestar answered, "I wouldn't dream of not telling him." Olivenose ducked her head in respect to Bramblestar as she left.
Spiderleg mewed, "Her obsession with him. Poor guy. Any particular reason why you didn't get mad at her for clearly being in love with him?" Bramblestar replied, "Shadowclan and Windclan are all a part of Lionclan. So. If she loves Firestar, it's perfectly fine." Spiderleg asked, "Are you sure Starclan will be okay with it?" Bramblestar answered, "Do you see any signs that Starclan is not okay with it?" Spiderleg looked around and said, "No." Pawsteps behind them drew their attention.
Windstream walked out of the Nursery with Flowerkit. Windstream seemed ecstatic. Flowerkit walked up to Bramblestar and asked, "Father?" Bramblestar beamed, crouched down and said, "No, Little One. I am not your father. Your father is on a journey to get something to save a fellow clanmate's life." Flowerkit mewed, seemingly upset, "Oh. Okay. Thank you." Windstream mewed, "Don't forget to duck your head in respect to your leader." Flowerkit looked at her mother and then back to Bramblestar, and ducked her head in respect. Bramblestar purred in amusement and said, "You're finally able to speak. Impressive. I didn't expect you to talk for another moon. Sooner than other kits Thunderclan has had. It usually takes three to four moons. You're only two and half moons old." Flowerkit purred lightly at her Leader's praise. Flowerkit walked back to her mother's side. Windstream looked at Bramblestar and asked, knowing the answer, "Any news from him?"
Bramblestar shook his head no and said, "Sadly no. But I'm almost certain we'd get some news if anything bad happened to him. But if something bad did happen to him, I am certain we would've gotten news from Starclan themselves." Flowerkit asked, "Why would Starclan personally send news about my father?" Windstream answered her daughter, "Because. Your father is a very important cat in the Clans." Flowerkit asked, "How important is he?" Bramblestar replied, "Let me put it this way. Your father is a Forgotten Legend." Flowerkit felt curiosity strike her, but she didn't pry.
Back with Fireheart:
Fireheart heard the bushes in front of him rustle. He stayed low to the ground to keep himself hidden. He immediately recognized the three cats that walked out. His spirits soared for a moment until he heard another cartridge being chambered. Time slowed for him as he darted forwards and tackled a light-brown tabby she-cat with blue eyes out of the way. He bit his tongue as white hot pain shot through his body.
Heathertail felt herself being tackled, and then she smelled the scent of blood. The two rolled on the ground, her assailant ended up on top. She was about to kick her assailant off of her when she recognized the flame-orange tom. She mewed happily, "Fireheart!" Then fear struck her as she smelled the scent of fresh blood coming from Fireheart. She yowled, "FIREHEART NO!" Spottedleaf bolted over and began dragging Fireheart into the foliage to keep him safe.
She hissed, "Heathertail and Breezepelt, form a protective barrier around Fireheart. Keep him safe at all costs! I need to treat his injury!" Breezepelt obeyed, while Heathertail stood there in shock. She began shaking. She muttered, "H-He took an attack from an unknown assailant for me. H-He might die for me… I-I am so sorry." Breezepelt walked over and said, "Hey. Stay strong for him. He won't die. He did it to protect you. You need to snap out of it!" Heathertail looked at Breezepelt, still in shock. Fireheart mewed weakly, "Snap out of it Heathertail. I will be fine. I have too much to live for for a single bullet to take my life. I will be fine." Heathertail snapped out of it at the sound of Fireheart's voice. She assumed her position next to Breezepelt.
Spottedleaf asked, "How do I treat a bullet wound, Fireheart?!" Fireheart coughed up a small mouthful of blood and replied, "Look for the entry wound." Spottedleaf looked for it and found it on Fireheart's left flank. She said, "Found it! What next?!" Fireheart mewed weakly, "Apply a lot of pressure to stop the bleeding. Do not stop even if I yowl in pain." Spottedleaf obeyed and Fireheart hissed in pain. Spottedleaf kept applying pressure. The bleeding slowly stopped and Fireheart said weakly as he coughed up blood, "Next. You will need to dress the wound." Spottedleaf hissed to Breezepelt, "Find Marigold and Cobwebs fast!" Breezepelt obeyed and bolted forwards.
Fireheart took a deep breath to calm himself and tried to get up to help, only to get pinned by Spottedleaf. She hissed, "Stay still mousebrain! Or Starclan save you from what I will do to you." Fireheart obeyed and asked, "Is there an exit wound?" Spottedleaf replied, "Not that I can see." Fireheart muttered weakly, "Shit. That's not good at all. Look again." Spottedleaf looked him over again and found nothing.
Fireheart cursed under his breath and said, "Back up." Spottedleaf was hesitant at first but obeyed. Fireheart focused his strength and prepared for a pain like none other he had felt before. He forced a claw out and stuck it into the entry wound. He growled in pain as he tried to find the bullet lodged in him. Spottedleaf exclaimed, "What are you doing?!" Fireheart ignored her and kept digging in the wound, the pain becoming unbearable swiftly. He felt his claw hit something metallic. He dug it out as best as he could. He managed to pull the bullet out before he fainted. As he fainted, he heard his name being yelled faintly.
Heathertail had just yelled Fireheart's name as Spottedleaf watched Fireheart's eyes roll into the back of his head. She gulped in fear, worried that the worst had happened. Her fear didn't subside as Breezepelt came back with Marigold and Cobwebs. Breezepelt looked at Fireheart and he asked sadly, "W-Was I too late?"
Spottedleaf snapped out of it and snatched the Marigold and Cobwebs out of Breezpelt's mouth as she hissed angrily not thinking about the fact that Heathertail still didn't remember that Fireheart was a Leader, "No. You weren't. I refuse to let him lose a life here." Heathertail gasped in disbelief as another part of the puzzle hit her.
Before Fireheart went to the Past:
Firestar unpinned Heathertail and sat down. Heathertail and Onestar walked to be in front of Firestar. They sat down. Firestar said, "I will be going back in time to save Hollyleaf's life. And before you ask Onestar, I am unable to save Firestar's life. I know he was a good friend of yours. Sadly, he was always destined to die in that battle." Onestar replied, "I wasn't gonna ask. But how are you even going to be able to go back in time?" Firestar mewed, "I am gonna use my power combined with Silverstream's and Honeypaw's. We combined into one a few moons ago. The prophecy speaks of three cats. Not more than three. I do not know why I have so many mates, but I appreciate it. However, the issue is; if I do this, I might be completely forgotten by everyone. I might not even be a leader anymore. I might even lose most of my strength and power if the she-cats in my harem forget about me. I feel like I will be as strong as when I was an apprentice, with a slight boost, cause I have a kit now. But, I made a promise to Jayfeather that I would bring Hollyleaf back to life by going back in time and saving her life."
Onestar looked at Firestar and mewed, "You sure you can even do that?" Firestar nodded and Heathertail mewed, "W-What if I go back to being with Breezepelt?! How could you even risk me doing that?! He was an abusive asshole! WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK FIRESTAR?!" Firestar winced at Heathertail's tone of voice, but mewed, "Don't worry. I will make sure he doesn't bother you in any way. I know Hawkfrost was the one who killed Hollyleaf, but I will make damn sure to scare Breezepelt half to death and to warn him to stay the fuck away from you, Heathertail. And if he won't listen to reason… I will have to take matters into my own paws."
Back in the Present:
Heathertail mewed quietly, "Firestar. You better not be dead. I remember you. Your name is Firestar. Not Fireheart. And you're the Leader of Lionclan." As Heathertail spoke, a brilliant flash of white fire surrounded Fireheart. Everyone around him closed their eyes to prevent being blinded. When they opened their eyes, Fireheart was on his feet again, white flames shooting around his pelt. He looked at his paws and flexed, his claws; covered in white flames; popped out of his protective pad. His gaze rested on Heathertail and she felt her heart skip a beat.
Fireheart mewed, "You remembered. I was seconds, maybe less from losing a life. Thank you." Heathertail tackled Fireheart to the ground and pinned him. Heathertail exclaimed, "Of course I remembered you! My life would've been hell without you in it!" Fireheart asked, a hint of authority in his voice, "And why didn't you stay in the forest? I'm asking both you and Spottedleaf." Heathertail answered, "I needed to make sure you got back safely." Spottedleaf answered, "I had a vision that you were in danger. And I was right. Don't you dare get mad at Heathertail and me. Heathertail just saved your life, mousebrain!"
Fireheart sighed and said, "I suppose. That is right. I can forgive the disobedience this time." Spottedleaf purred and joked flirtatiously "You're gonna have to do something big to make me obedient, Fireheart." Fireheart blushed dark red and said, "I'll have to keep that in mind." Breezepelt said, "Glad we got here just in time. What's this flower you need?" Fireheart described it.
Fireheart mewed, "Now. I know where to get some. But something tells me we're gonna need a lot. So. We all need to grab as much as we can. We need to come up with a plan. The Twolegs here aren't very nice to cats. The dogs are alright. Especially the large, muscular, stocky white and brown dog with a scar on its face. Do not attack him if he approaches you. Let him sniff you."
Heathertail exclaimed, "Firestar! Are you insane?!" Fireheart looked at her and said, "Firstly. Please call me Fireheart until I reunite Lionclan. Secondly, you'll have to trust me." Spottedleaf said, "I trust him. After all. He knows this place better than you think. This used to be his twoleg nest when he was a twoleg. He knows the inhabitants and the dogs. If he says the dogs are nice, the dogs are nice."
Fireheart continued, "The kittypet that lives here has been to the Cutter, but he will still defend his territory. He's kind of a dick. So. The plan is this."
Fireheart said, "You three will collect as much of the Blazing Star flower as possible. I will distract the twolegs. Once you have all collected as much as possible. Heathertail or Spottedleaf will send me a mental message. I will then go to the patch on the slanted hill as well and grab as much as possible and meet you guys at the top of the hill by the Thunderpath. Be very careful. The Twolegs out here drive their monsters faster than a rabbit breeds." Breezepelt, Spottedleaf, and Heathertail nodded their agreement and Fireheart took a deep breath. His pelt ignited in flames. Heathertail said, "Before we enact the plan. Come here Fireheart." He turned towards her, only to catch her lips on his. He blushed lightly, the flames on his pelt getting a red tint to them as he kissed back.
Suddenly, his thoughts were bombarded with thoughts from the harem.
Ivypool said, 'The storm draws near Fireheart. But you're now at about fifty percent of your old power. You can push back the second attack alone now.' Windstream said, 'Welcome back to the party Heathertail.' Heathertail purred quietly and replied, 'Thank you Windstream. How is Flowerkit?' Windstream purred in the mind channel and said, 'She's doing good. She said her first words! She even had a conversation with Bramblestar.' Fireheart replied, 'That's great! Sorry I wasn't there to witness it.' Windstream said, 'It's fine Love. You're on a journey to save a clan mates life.' Honeypaw said, 'I feel like you got injured, Fireheart. You alright?' Fireheart answered, 'I'm fine because Heathertail remembered who I was just before I lost a life. I got shot. Thankfully it was a smaller caliber. I think it was a .22 at long range." Splashfur said, 'At least you survived. You're always in danger one way or the other.' Everyone in the mind channel purred in amusement. Fireheart mewed, 'I'll be back home in about a week. Maybe more. I can't wait to see you all again. Now. I love you all!' The harem answered, 'We love you too Fireheart. Be safe!' Fireheart replied, 'Always.' He disconnected himself from the mind channel.
Fireheart purred happily and said, "Let's go. I've got a pep in my step again." The flames covering Fireheart became bright white and he shot forwards. He heard a round being chambered and mewed, "Time to shine." He looked at the Twoleg and said, "Come on Sky. Here's your chance to prove you'd kick my ass." He shouted in Twoleg, "Bring it little bro!" Sky immediately put the gun down and ran into the house.
Fireheart extinguished the flames on his pelt as his old family ran out of the house. Fireheart looked at his mother, step-dad, and two younger brothers. His step-dad said, "What the hell are you smoking son? There is no way a cat spoke English and that the cat is Trenton." Fireheart replied in English, "He isn't crazy Jesse. I promise you that." Fireheart's step-dad when he was a Twoleg looked at him. Jesse said, "No fucking way." Fireheart chuckled and replied in Twoleg, "Yes way. I bet you're all shocked at my appearance."
Fireheart is speaking English unless otherwise specified.
His old family nodded their heads in agreement. Fireheart said, "I was trying to not get spotted because I didn't want any of you to go through the pain of losing me again. Because I do not plan on staying. Besides. Most of you hate cats." Jesse and Fireheart's old brothers nodded in agreement. Fireheart looked at his old mother and said, "I especially didn't want you, the twins, or Nathan to see me. I can only imagine how unbearable losing me was. But to lose me twice is ridiculous." His old mother asked, "You sure you can't stay?" Fireheart purred lightly and replied, "I am sure I can't stay. My new life has a specific set of codes. And I can not accept the soft life of a Kittypet. This is my final goodbye. I love all of you. Don't worry. My old life, your family, is with me until the day I die."
Fireheart heard a voice in his head, 'We have collected enough! Get out of there Fire!' Fireheart turned around to begin walking away when his old mother said, "Wait. I have something for you. It might help you in your new life." Fireheart turned around and saw tears in his old mother's blue eyes. Fireheart sat down and watched his old mother walk into the house. His old mother walked out of the house with a large bag of something. It immediately perked Fireheart up as he recognized the scent of Catmint. Fireheart said, "Thank you."
His old mother put the bag on the ground. Fireheart walked over to it and gently grabbed it. He said around the bag, "This will help a lot. I do believe the Catmint stores are low. Lionclan thanks you." Fireheart walked away from his old family, the bag of catmint in his mouth. Fireheart bolted towards the hill that he told Breezepelt, Heathertail, and Spottedleaf.
Fireheart is now speaking Cat unless otherwise specified:
He arrived and the group looked at him. Breezepelt asked, "Where in the world did you get that Catmint?" Fireheart replied, "From my old family. I said my final goodbyes. And my old mother gave me this bag of Catmint. Which is good. I am sure one of the stores of Catmint in one of the clans is low. Now. We need to get back home before Tigerstar's army attacks the next target. Which I believe will be Windclan. It's time to Double Time everyone! VAMONOS!"
Well. Sorry it took forever. I am not dead. I have been going through some serious Writer's Block and bouts of Depression. But nothing I haven't dealt with before. If any of you would like to hear my voice, feel free to check out UntamableSlayer on Twitch! Now. May Starclan watch over you all until next time!