The sky stays gray and cloudy for the next few days, but the showers don't hamper the Riverclan and Thunderclan cats as they work together while they wait for the forest to recover from the fire. Crookedstar allows two patrols of Thunderclan cats a day into Thunderclan territory to check on the recovery of the forest and to also do border patrols along the Shadowclan and Windclan borders so the two clans don't get too suspicious of Thunderclan's fate.

Bluestar still stays by Whitestorm's side, hardly eating any fresh-kill the Riverclan and some Thunderclan cats find. It is odd, working with Riverclan, but it is much safer than going back to unprotected camp, where danger could threaten them all.

The sky isn't cloudy today, making it clear for tonight's gathering. Something he is nervous to attend. Bluestar is still not feeling well and the other clans must know about the fire.

Cautiously he approaches the leader, hesitant in reminding her that the Gathering is tonight. Whitestorm looks at him as Graystripe pads towards the old she-cat.

"Bluestar the Gathering is tonight. Who will be coming with us?"

"The Gathering?" Bluestar spits, "I won't be going so you decide who to bring. I have no reason to honor Starclan now."

"You don't have to go to honor Starclan, but be there to support Thunderclan."

Bluestar does not answer him, and instead her eyes harden with an unimaginable pain. Like she lost some cat very dear to her. Then he remembers that she had gone through what he did, 'Don't you dare say you don't deserve the position! I did what you did and worse! And I became deputy despite that! I lost my kits….' Is what she had said on their way to the Moonstone.

She must have given up her kits to some other clan to raise. And with what she did on their journey to the Moonstone, traveling alongside the river instead of heading deeper, was she wanting to see her kits that day?

He shakes his head. That isn't for him to focus on. Right now they have a gathering to attend. "Whitestorm, you'll stay here and watch our cats." The white warrior nods, knowing that he truly wants him to stay behind and watch over Bluestar. Their leader still hasn't recovered from the smoke and Tigerclaw.

Padding away he goes to tell the Clan the news, when the Riverclan leader appears in front of him. "Bluestar is still feeling unwell?"

"Yes. But Thunderclan should still go to the gathering. Show the other clans we are strong despite the fire."

"There was a time when Bluestar would never miss a gathering ever since her leadership. But with Tigerclaw's betrayal it makes sense."

"You know?"

"Mistyfoot told us what really attacked you that led to her patrol helping. Tigerclaw had managed to lead a bunch of rogues together. Though that is not surprising, he was a good deputy, but his ambition blinded him. I would feel just as down if Leopardfur tried to kill me. So all of our patrols have been wary on the Thunderclan border, in case Tigerclaw and his rogues threaten us as well."

"So the whole clan knows?"

"Yes, but I have told them not to spread the information to the other clans, as it is for Thunderclan to tell them, not us."

"Yes. But I'm not sure Bluestar would like that. She has been rather adamant at keeping Tigerclaw's true nature to ourselves. And you shouldn't worry about him. Thunderclan is his only target as we were the ones to deny him what he wanted."

"No. He is a threat to us all, because he does not follow the warrior code. I wouldn't be surprised if he is the reason Redtail died. It was a shock to us all, as all our warriors, except Oakheart who died in a rockslide, were safe back at camp. And Oakheart wouldn't have had a chance to kill the warrior in that battle."

"He is. Fireheart actually found that out thanks to Mistyfoot in order to convince Bluestar of Tigerclaw's true nature. It was unfortunate that Lionheart was killed in that stupid battle with Shadowclan….."

"Indeed. But you managed to thwart Tigerclaw's plan. You deserve your deputy position you know. Despite being new, you have constantly led your clan to do what is right and have looked out for their well-being….."

He purrs, "Part of it is because I have my kits to take care of." Graystripe looks to where Goldenflower is nestled with her and his kits in the sheltered part of the clearing feeling warmth flood through them as he watches them.

"Yes, having ties to the clan that we need to look out for is important. But what are you going to say at the Gathering concerning the fire?"

"That you have graciously helped us, and that despite our home being weakened we are as strong as ever."

Crookedstar nods, "A wise statement. My cats are prepared to leave for the gathering so I suggest you call your cats together."

He nods and pads away from the Riverclan leader. Addressing his clan in the sheltered part of the clearing he mews, "Bluestar is not well enough to go to this gathering. However…" he mews, as ripples of alarm travel through his clanmates, "We shall still be going in order to show the other clans we are not weak because of the fire that has misplaced us from our home. Longtail, Sandstorm, Brackenfur, Mousefur, Darkstripe Fernpaw and Ashpaw will be coming with me. Whitestorm is in charge until we get back."

All the crowded cats mew in agreement, and he sighs with relief. He knows the others are still uneasy being in Riverclan camp, but they cannot go back into the forest, not until it heals from its wounds enough to sustain all the Thunderclan cats that will roam there.

Author's Note: Almost done a Rising Storm parts, just one more chapter to go. Sorry for not posting in a while. School has been really heavy with the work load so that when I do get time off I feel so tired that I just want to rest and not do anything. I also have been doing a lot more family hangouts like watching the live-action little mermaid. Overall it was good, expect for a few minor things that annoyed me. A 7/10 as far as remakes go. Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy this short chapter.

~Leafbranch