Alder woke slowly, letting out a low, quiet groan as he stood and stretched. A few days had passed since he'd spied on the Thunderclan clearing. His head was still buzzing, even now, with the shock of his realization. It made so much sense, but it complicated everything beyond belief. The whole clan probably knew who he was, that he had a larger group behind him. If he just waltzed into the camp and introduced himself, they'd probably kill him.

The tom shook his head vigorously, realizing that was a ridiculous thought. Everything she had told him about Thunderclan told him that it was an honorable group. They wouldn't just murder him simply for fathering her kit. Whether they'd let him go was another matter entirely.

His thoughts broiled with worry and confusion, pain and relief. His head hurt from trying to think about so many different things all at once. He didn't even notice himself standing up and walking out from the bush he had made his nest for the night. The tug of a bramble brought his focus back to reality, and tom freezing as he found himself standing in front of two large bramble bushes, flanking a crack in the wall of stone. His heart began to race, realizing he was standing in front of the Thunderclan entrance. His eyes widened in panic. Why had his paws carried him here? What was he thinking? His heart pounding in his ears, the tom turned to run, only to freeze as a voice came from behind him.

"Who are you?"

Alder hesitated, then slowly turned. The pounding in his ears dissipated as he found himself face to face with the red and black tom he'd spied last night, noticing yellow on his chest. The younger tom's green eyes, right tinged pink, stared at him in a mix of confusion and apprehension. Worry settled in Alder's chest, wondering what could have possibly caused the discoloration, and he felt a shocking anger replace it, a drive to avenge the injury.

"Who are you?" the younger tom repeated, this time with a hint of aggression. Alder acted quickly, sitting down and giving the tom a warm, friendly smile.

"My name's Alder," he said smoothly. "I apologize, I didn't realize this was your home. What's your name?"

The red and black tom was silent for a long moment, then jerked his head in indication to walk. Alder hesitated, then stood and turned, walking away from the camp entrance.

"Apologies, warrior, but I didn't catch your name," Alder said as they walked.

"What makes you think I'm a warrior?" the younger tom asked, glancing at him.

"Every cat from one horizon to the other knows of the warrior clans," Alder replied with a chuckle. "Those who don't, eventually learn. And you don't deny it. From your appearance and place on the lake, I'm assuming you're Thunderclan."

"You know a lot about the clans?" the other tom questioned. Alder hummed.

"A lot, no," he said eventually. "But I know the five clans, where they exist in relation to the lake and each other, and a general idea of what they're supposed to smell or look like."

"Where'd you learn that?" the slightly smaller tom asked as they came to the lake.

"One of your own, as it happens," Alder answered. "Pretty thing, she was. Told me a bit about her home. She stayed with me for some time, but…last leaf-bare, she disappeared without warning. It took me a long time to work up the courage and strength to come here, to find her and ask why she abandoned me."

A glance showed the younger tom in thought, and Alder could see him slowly piecing things together in his head. He gave it the last little nudge.

"I suppose you're the answer I was looking for, aren't you?"

Wasppaw sat outside the apprentice's den, yawning wide and shaking his head to clear it. The sun had risen some time ago, but most cats were still asleep save for the dawn patrol, Jaystar, and Brackenfur. The Gathering had been last night, and it had run a little longer than normal. Jaystar had decided to allow anyone who had attended the option to sleep in. Wasppaw and Brownpaw had gone. Lakesplash had stayed behind, and was leading the dawn patrol along with Sagepatch, Echofoot, and their apprentices. He hadn't seen Moorwind at the Gathering, due to more coughs in Windclan. It didn't seem serious enough to miss a Gathering to him, though he supposed that was just one of the many reasons why he wouldn't make a good medicine cat.

He was pulled from his thoughts by Brownpaw walking out of the den with a long, drawn-out groan strangled by a yawn. His friend hummed in greeting, then sat down and squinted towards the sky.

"Vinepaw and Bluepaw are going to pester us so much about the Gathering," Wasppaw remarked.

"Yeah, I know," Brownpaw replied. "But still, I'm glad they didn't go last night. Cats that young and Gatherings that big are bad news."

"Yeah, you're probably right," Wasppaw said with a nod. "It was a lot last night. Lot of new kits in the other clans. A bunch of new apprentices."

"I liked Harepaw," Brownpaw replied. "She seemed nice. And she's pretty."

"Is there anybody you don't like?" Wasppaw asked with a teasing roll of his eyes, trying to ignore the small sting in his chest but unable to. "And what do you mean, she's pretty?"

Brownpaw looked at him in a mix of surprise and confusion. "Well, she is," he said, head tilting as he looked at the red and black tom. "You don't think so?"

"No," Wasppaw answered without hesitation. "I mean, I guess she doesn't look bad, but...I don't know, I just don't think she's pretty."

"But Moorwind is?" Brownpaw questioned, which made Wasppaw blink in surprise.

"No," he repeated, again without hesitation. "She's funny, and nice, and I like that she knows what she wants and isn't afraid to make that known, but I wouldn't call her pretty. And what does that have to do with anything, anyway?"

"You were looking for her for half the Gathering, even after you heard she was still at camp," Brownpaw said with a huff.

"She's one of my only friends outside Thunderclan," the red and black tom said defensively. "I never get to see her outside of Gatherings, unless we somehow happen to run into each other at the border."

Brownpaw didn't respond to that, simply looking away, and Wasppaw sighed softly. After a moment he glanced back at the apprentice's den, but before he could decide whether he wanted to lay back down or not, the camp entrance rustled. He heard Brownpaw groan, preparing himself for the onslaught of questions.

Vinepaw and Bluepaw rushed into camp, looking around quickly before spotting the two older toms. Lakesplash appeared, spotting them as well.

"Wasppaw, come with me," the gray tom called just as the two youngest apprentices started to run towards him and Brownpaw. They skidded to a halt, turning to look at the older tom in surprise, Wasppaw and Brownpaw both blinking. They exchanged glances, then Wasppaw slowly stood and approached his mentor with a quick apology to his friend.

The red and black tom followed his mentor as Lakesplash turned and walked out of camp. Wasppaw glanced back to see Bluepaw and Vinepaw sitting in front of a nervous looking Brownpaw, then lost sight of them as the bramble of the camp entrance swallowed him. Lakesplash was silent as they walked, Wasppaw growing more and more nervous with each step. Thoughts of what he could have done wrong raced through his mind at a pace impossible to keep track of. Lakesplash's expression was unreadable, no matter how much Wasppaw tried. The young tom swallowed nervously.

Finally coming to a stop, Lakesplash sat down at the top of the bank overlooking the lake. The gray tom was silent a moment, then took a deep breath and let out a sigh of contentment.

"I'm not sure if I'm supposed to tell you this," he said as he looked to Waspppaw, "but Brackenfur and Jaystar are planning your assessments soon. Yours and Brownpaw's, I mean."

"You aren't helping?" Wasppaw questioned curiously. Relief and excitement washed away his worries like a wave on loose grass.

"I am," Lakesplash answered with a nod. "When I find the time. Which isn't often, having you as my apprentice." Both toms chuckled, a moment passing. Wasppaw enjoyed the silence while it lasted. "I'll miss this, though, I do admit."

"Are you going back to Riverclan after I become a warrior?" Wasppaw asked with a huff of incredulity. It dropped when his mentor didn't answer right away, and he repeated himself. Lakesplash looked at him in surprise, and Wasppaw realized he'd not heard the question the first time, lost in his thoughts.

"No, of course not," his mentor answered confidently. "My home is here. With Sagepatch and our kits. It will be my home when I go to Starclan."

"Then why say you'll miss it?" the younger tom asked in confusion. Lakesplash hummed softly.

"Sometimes mentors and apprentices drift apart after," he explained. "Not always, and it isn't common, but it happens. I suppose I just worried that might happen here."

"Lakesplash…" Wasppaw felt a pain in his chest, similar to when he'd discovered Ravenpelt's body but not quite the same. "Without you, I wouldn't be the cat I am today. I couldn't imagine anyone but you being my mentor. And I will never, never, forget you."

A small smile appeared on Lakesplash's muzzle. "I guess I didn't do too bad, huh?" he said warmly.

"You did okay," Wasppaw replied with a smile of his own. Both toms chuckled, though soon fell silent as they stared out over the lake.

It was a nice day. The sun shone down on the territories, pleasantly warm. The lake glittered as the light reflected off the waves, and a light breeze blew up and over the bank the two toms sat on. A smile touched Wasppaw's muzzle. Oh, how he loved the lake.

Wasppaw looked to his mentor, and he saw the same love there. He was reminded of what the older tom had said two moons prior, when the lake had swollen with meltwater, and the younger tom frowned slightly. They hadn't discussed it since, both happy to let it lie, but something had changed.

"Why'd you leave?" Wasppaw asked suddenly, the question seemingly catching Lakesplash off guard. His head turned, confusion in his eyes. "Riverclan, I mean."

"For Sagepatch," Lakesplash answered confidently. "You know that."

"But you liked Rainpelt," the younger tom replied, and Lakesplash blinked in surprise. He was silent a moment, looking back out over the lake in consideration of his response.

Finally, the gray tom sighed. "Yeah," he said, "but I loved Sagepatch. I always will. Whatever could have been doesn't matter, and it serves nobody to dwell on it."

"Would you have stayed for her?" Wasppaw asked, and Lakesplash turned to answer, only to pause. A moment passed.

"Would you leave for-"

"If you're going to bring Moorwind into this, the answer is no," Wasppaw interrupted angrily. "How many times do I have to tell you that she's just a friend before you'll believe me?"

Lakesplash sighed. "You're right," he said with a shake of his head. "I'm sorry. I just…" Another sigh escaped the older tom. "I don't know. I guess I just don't want you to do something...that you'll regret, I suppose. I want to be sure you're thinking with your head."

"I'm almost twelve moons old," Wasppaw said, his voice soft and almost pleading. "I'm about to become a warrior, for Starclan's sake. When will you trust me to make the smart choice?"

"I do," his mentor insisted. "I just...I remember what it was like to be that age. I remember thinking that I knew what was best, even if it wasn't. Starclan knows I made a lot of mistakes back then that I wish I could undo. I don't want you living your life with those same regrets."

"I won't," Wasppaw promised, Lakesplash looking at him with a hint of amusement.

"Every young cat thinks that," he replied with a chuckle. "Few live up to it. But if anyone can do it, I get the feeling you could." He leaned over and nudged Wasppaw with a shoulder.

Wasppaw smiled, nodding his head as his eyes sparkled with determination. Lakesplash smiled as well, truly believing in the moment that what he said was true.

Many days passed, Wasppaw and Brownpaw working harder than they ever had before. Soreness had sunk its claws into them the first couple days, but it was less bad the more they went on. Even with the soreness, Wasppaw had never felt so invigorated. He felt like he could run around the lake from camp and back, or fight off a badger, or anything else that could possibly be asked of him. He felt invincible.

Feeling invincible didn't stop the nerves from compounding, and a glance over showed that Brownpaw was just as nervous. His friend was visibly trembling, though a small smile touched his muzzle. A glance to his right showed Lakesplash beaming with pride, and Wasppaw felt warmth spread through him. The assessments had been challenging, pushing the two young toms in ways they didn't expect. And now here they were, ready to become warriors in front of the whole clan. It was even more exciting than when they became 'paws.

The sun hung low in the sky, warm reds and oranges burning the clouds, and their clanmates was murmuring among themselves all around the two 'paws, Wasppaw only catching brief halves of words through the din. A few moments passed, the clamor suddenly dying down as Jaystar stepped into view on Highledge, Brackenfur flanking her.

"I suppose this does negate the need for an announcement," their leader said dryly, a few cats chuckling.

Wasppaw and Brownpaw fidgeted a little as they smiled broadly in excitement. Jaystar looked down at them, pride in her eyes, and took a breath.

"I, Jaystar, leader of Thunderclan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as a warrior in their turn. Brownpaw." The brown tom stepped forward, forcing the smile from his muzzle and staring at Jaystar with determination. "Do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?"

"I do," Brownpaw answered, bowing respectfully.

"Then by the powers of Starclan, I give you your warrior name. Brownpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Brownfur. Starclan honors your strength and determination, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Thunderclan." Brownfur cracked a smile, letting it show freely as he looked to Wasppaw. The larger tom returned it, then dropped the smile as Jaystar called his name. He stepped forward, heart pounding in his chest as he wondered what his new name would be.

"Wasppaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?"

"I do," Wasppaw said with determination.

"Then by the powers of Starclan, I give you your warrior name. Wasppaw, from this moment on you will be known as Waspeye. Starclan honors your intelligence and thoughtfulness, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Thunderclan."

The red and black tom's smile faded, hearing murmuring from his clanmates behind him. Brownfur glanced at his friend, then at Brackenfur. His former mentor glanced at his mate, then cleared his throat quietly. She glanced at him, the tom jerking his head towards the assembled cats below, and she blinked, as if remembering or realizing something.

"My friends," she called out, getting everyone's attention. "I do not give this name to him out of cruelty or mockery. I name him this as a reminder. A reminder that we are strong, even as kits. That Thunderclan survives, that we thrive, when faced with something to overcome. I assure you that this name is something I have put more thought into than any other. I have discussed it extensively with Lakesplash, Brackenfur, and Cloverfoot to receive their counsel and permission. Now, my friends, we welcome our newest warriors!"

The chanting of their names began slowly, awkwardly, as if their clanmates were still uncomfortable. It slowly began to build, gaining confidence and power with every new voice until it carried out of the camp and into the forest beyond, their names fervently caterwauled for all creature to hear.

Brownfur couldn't help the smile that cracked his muzzle, looking to his friend to try and gauge his reaction and feelings. The red and black tom stared with wide eyes, a smile slowly creeping into view. Brownfur could only just make out the words that left his muzzle.

"Yeah," his friend said. "My name's Waspeye."

As the din of their clanmates' cheers slowly faded, Waspeye and Brownfur were approached by their previous mentors, who led them to a quieter corner of the camp.

"Congratulations," Lakesplash said as he sat, smiling warmly at the two younger toms.

"Thank you, Lakesplash," Brownfur replied, both younger toms bowing respectfully. "And thank you, Brackenfur. I know we weren't always the easiest apprentices to deal with, but…"

"Are you kidding? The two of you were a dream to train," Brackenfur said with a chuckle. "I wish every apprentice was as well behaved as you were."

"Thank you, Brackenfur," Waspeye said, feeling embarrassed yet warmed by the praise. "And you as well, Lakesplash. I know we had our rough patches, earlier on, but I'm glad you were my mentor. And thank you, both of you, for your decision about my name."

"I'll admit, I was skeptical," Lakesplash admitted, Brackenfur nodding in agreement. "I thought it cruel and poorly thought out, but we discussed it, and she eventually convinced us that it would be a good fit. You showed great resilience, and that is the essence of what it means to be Thunderclan."

Waspeye dipped his head in thanks, smiling warmly.

"It's a good name," Brownfur said. "I didn't like it at first, but it's growing on me."

"Thank you, Brownfur," Waspeye replied, unable to help the warm feeling in his chest.

"I hope the two of you have eaten recently," Brackenfur said suddenly. "It's going to be a long, cold night."

"We ate right after we got back from patrol," Waspeye said with a nod.

"Good," Lakesplash replied, then dipped his head. The two new warriors turned to find Jaystar approaching. They faced their leader fully.

"Your vigils are to start soon," Jaystar said. "Find the most comfortable patch of dirt you can. And remember; you must be silent during this vigil. Unless badgers are busting down the camp entrance, you are to not make so much as a squeak."

"Yes, Jaystar," they both said, bowing respectfully. The she-cat wordlessly gestured for them to go, the two toms standing and making their way towards the camp entrance.

"They're going to make fine warriors," Brackenfur remarked.

"Yes, they will," Jaystar replied. "The two of you trained them well. Though I hear Waspeye has taken rather well to swimming."

"It was quite the shock," Lakesplash said with a chuckle. "I must say, he certainly has the right body for it. He's strong, and his stamina is remarkable for his size."

"I see," Jaystar said simply. She hummed, eyeing the two younger toms curiously.

"His father isn't from Riverclan," Lakesplash stated matter-of-factly.

"You're certain?" Jaystar asked him, turning to look to the large, gray tom. "And I do mean certain."

"More than I am most things," Lakesplash answered. "We all know he can't be from another clan. No cats here share that pelt."

"It all comes back to that pelt," Brackenfur said with a sigh. "I can't imagine how far your sister must have gone."

The three were silent a long moment.

"You don't think she made it back to the old territories, do you?" Lakesplash questioned eventually.

"No," Jaystar said confidently. "I followed her to the border. She didn't cross the territories. Wherever Cloverfoot went, it wasn't anywhere we know."

There was a brief moment of silence, Lakesplash eventually breaking it with a sigh.

"We should just let this go," he said, Jaystar blinking. "Believe me, I'm curious too, but…does it really matter? She's said they're safe. Waspeye obviously doesn't know anything. He hasn't even brought it up since he was a kit. Maybe it's time we just let it rest."

Jaystar was silent, head dipping as she considered his words. Brackenfur gently nudged the she-cat after a moment, offering a small, warm smile.

"You don't need to know everything to protect everyone," he said. Jaystar let out a soft exhale, looking towards Waspeye in silence for a long moment. Eventually she sighed.

"Okay," she conceded. "You're right. Regardless of where his father came from, he's Thunderclan. I…I lost sight of that, somewhere. I won't again."

"You aren't perfect, Jay," Brackenfur said, licking her cheek. Lakesplash, sensing this was turning into a tender, personal moment, deftly made his way to the warrior's den. "Nobody is. But you do your best, and you do the right thing more often than you don't. You're smart, you're the bravest cat I know, and you're the best leader most of the clan will ever know. That's why I love you."

Jaystar hummed, a long, peaceful moment passing.

"You know, I can't recall the last time you said that to me," she eventually said. Brackenfur hummed, then licked her cheek again.

"I'll just have to make up for lost time," he replied.

"It's a lot of time to make up," Jaystar said, a small smile tugging at her muzzle.

"I'm not tired," her deputy said simply. They both chuckled, Jaystar licking his cheek before wordlessly standing and climbing the rock path back to their den. Brackenfur followed, pausing just outside the den entrance and turning, looking over the camp with a smile. His gaze rested on Brownfur and Waspeye, the two toms sitting in silence on opposite sides of the camp tunnel. He smiled, then turned and padded into his and Jaystar's den.

It was a lovely night.