(To briefly answer a question asked under the last chapter, yes, Talon is indeed my own OC. Started as an idea and a relatively shabby self made reference sheet and now a propper character featured in several art pices about the AU by talented artists, as well as his own little "Super-edition" by the name of Talon's Oath being in production. All of Talon's, as well as all other artworks of the AU can be viewed in the AU's discord, to which I will gladly provide a link if asked in my private messages. And now, without further ado, please enjoy the upcoming chapters ^^)

Ashfur huffs heavily for air, his front right leg shaking under his own weight as the gashes keep bleeding down it from his shoulder. Despite it all, he remains lowered in a combat ready stance, ready for Thistleclaw's next attack, as that one slowly rises from his own stance, observing his descendant for a few heartbeats.

„That will have to do. Medicine cats getting annoying with questions is not something we need for now"

Aside from the sheer venom with which he speaks the words ´medicine cat´, Thistleclaw sounds almost calm, breathing somewhat hard himself but being nowhere near as wounded as Ashfur. Even so, as Ashfur slowly rises, putting less weight on the injured limb, Thistleclaw observes a deeper gash Ashfur has left on his chest, staining the grey and white pelt. His blood seeping into it, the grey darkens and the white spots are given rosy-red shade.

„Better… not good enough, but at least you seem to learn"

Thistleclaw's grumblings are quiet enough for Ashfur to barely even hear them, slowly stepping closer to his ancestor. Spending very active effort on it, the blue eyed Thunderclan warrior resists the urge to limp or express the pain of his wounds. Thistlecaw had been very clear on his distaste for such shows of weakness.

„Should I return now then, or do you still have advise or the like for me?"

Thistleclaw turns his amber eyes towards Ashfur, mild annoyance shining in them

„What you learn here is all the advise I need to give you. If you're talking about the nonsense of you chasing that half-kitty-pet she-cat, I have no words for you on that. You want to become stronger, THAT I will help you with"

A bit of frustration rises up in Ashfur, but he lets it out in a scoff

„Fine. I'll do that myself then. I suppose I would have always had to… but perhaps you know where I stand compared to Brambleclaw and Hawkfrost"

Thistleclaw pauses briefly, thinking, before dismissively flicking his right ear

„They are not here today, or we might have been able to take a look. Today Tigerstar's training his new pet project…"

Again, the disapproval is thick in Thistleclaw's voice, as if something actively annoyed him about his former apprentice's choice.

„Tigerstar trains a third cat? Who?"

Ashfur tilts his head slightly, intrigued to know. Finally done with his claws, Thistleclaw pauses significantly longer this time. Active debate is visible in his amber eyes, presumably pondering if or how much to say. He briefly looks at Ashfur, as if factoring him into his debating, before staring off into the distance. After a good while, he simply shakes his head

„That's Tigerstar's business. You should on your own progress. When does the rogue return?"

Briefly searching his memory, Ashfur looks up at the starless sky

„If we're early morning by now, Talon will return in two days."

„Right"

Moments of silence ensue. With nothing to distract, the stinging of his wounds demands a lot more attention to not react to. His teeth clamped tightly shut, Ashfur observes the streak of red descending his leg as well several more wounds here and there. Slowly he turns to leave, before stopping and looking back over his shoulder at his ancestor

„I'll return to Thunderclan then for now. But Thistleclaw?"

The ragged spirit turns his head to look at Ashfur

„I would want to hear your story some day. Whitestorm… he never truly spoke of you. I'd want to know who my warrior ancestor was"

For the briefest moment, it almost seems like Thistleclaw flinches, as if Ashfur's words caused tangible, unexpected pain. The moment is short enough however to miss it by blinking, Thistleclaw's stern gaze remaining on his descendant

„…next time. I will tell you. If you can impress me during training. Tell you of Thunderclan, back when it was a greater thing than what it has become now. Now go."

Thistleclaw raises his gaze up at the lightless sky, as if searching or hoping for something. Ashfur hums quietly. He'd not get much more out of his warrior ancestor tonight and his wounds need attention. Most of the smaller wounds could go ignored or be easily explained away, but his shoulder? He'll need to think of some excuse as to why it looks like he's lost a bout with a badger. Displeasure slowly ties his stomach in a knot. Always with the lies… clanmates should not lie to each other like this. But it's all for a good reason, once he's proven himself the better option, once all is as it should be once more, he will not need to lie ever again. He just has to make it there… closing his eyes and following the instructions Thistleclaw had given him, he slowly feels himself fading from this place, the soothingly numb darkness of actual sleep taking over…

Ashfur lets out a slight hiss as the poultice burns in his wound, Leafpool cautiously pulling away from licking it in from time to time to make sure she's getting everything. The medicine cat presumed he'd been out for much of the night again, so telling a story about running through a bramble bush was met with not much further questions. Still, the heavy feeling in the grey warrior's stomach remains, guilt at the lie hovering over Ashfur's thoughts like a thick mist. Dutiful as ever, Leafpool carries on her work, soon after covering the whole thing up in cobwebs.

„There. Now, don't use that shoulder more than you need to for a day or two, so the healing can properly set in"

The grey warrior nods, looking over at his shoulder, best he can. The cobwebs nigh disappear in the colour of his coat. Unless he gets close or cats see it's faint glittering in the sunlight, it'd be difficult for someone to tell that he's even injured. Except for Ferncloud and Cloudtail, the webbing covering up one of the darker spots in his fur would not go unnoticed by his kin, or even Dustpelt for that matter.

„Thank you. I expected you might try to keep me in the medicine den for a day."

Moving a few leaves she had brought over but did not end up needing together into a little pile with her tail, Leafpool rolls her eyes

„What good would that do, if the night after you're likely to run through your next bush, chasing a vole or two"

The medicine cat chuckles, though while there is amusement in her tone, a small amount of something less wholesome is heard. A veiled resignation, a heavyhearted acceptance. Ashfur humours her with a brief chuckle of his own, but it's blatant that he's stifled by what he detected. A brief silence follows, in which Ashfur sits up, before Leafpool's words break the silence

„I understand that sometimes things become a bit much for a cat, that someone needs to get away for a moment. Just be careful, Ashfur. Being reckless won't help any cat."

The blue eyed warrior stops entirely, before slowly turning his head to look at Leafpool. Her expression is heavy with worry, one ear drooped low to the side. Ashfur lets out a deep sigh. She noticed. Of course she'd have noticed that that's one of the main reasons he's regularly out at night. She'd know the whole story from Squirrelflight and she's the medicine cat.

„I know. But I am trying. I think I'm slowly getting there."

„Are you?"

Leafpool looks off to the side

„It used to be only once in a while, now it's more often that you run off at night. And you come back wounded sometimes, that never happened before. The clan does notice it, Ashfur. Perhaps not everyone, but I know I do."

Ashfur huffs at the unspoken words that hang on to Leafpool's sentence. And so does Squirrelflight… The stinging in his chest slowly awakens, worsening with each beating of his heart

„It takes time, Leafpool… I assure you, I don't want it to, but it does. In the end, all will be well. I believe it will. I have to believe it will."

Leafpool rests her paw gently against Ashfur's leg, surprising the warrior to the point where he's mildly startled at first. Looking at Leafpool again, she seems… understanding. Far more so than the grey warrior expected off her in such a matter. With Squirrelflight and Brightheart around regularly, perhaps she'd know more about matters of the heart than her position would suggest. Not to mention, she was Cinderheart's apprentice, and her appreciation for Firestar before she as forced to become a medicine cat had been something of an open secret. The medicine cat's empathy proves mildly soothing against the rising chest pain.

„Just don't do something foolish Ashfur. Thunderclan needs you."

Slowly nodding, Ashfur looks away. He'll still need to repay his debt to Hawkfrost and train both in the Dark Forest and with a Bloodclan warrior. Not one of these things would seem less than foolish to his clanmates, no doubt.

„I'll try to add no further foolishness to it all. I'm trying to be the best warrior I can be for Thunderclan. I have no intention of stopping to serve my birth clan."

The words don't lay quite as heavy in Ashfur's gut. He speaks no lie. Leafpool observes him for a small while, from the corner of his eye her thoughts difficult to read. Finally, she slowly pulls her paw away with a small nod

„Alright. I presume Lionpaw will demand your attention now? You are training him a lot. It is alright to sometimes let a day go by with apprentices sticking to their duties, helping the elders and accompanying patrols"

Getting up proper at last, Ashfur sighs and shakes his head

„He can become very difficult to handle if he does not get to power himself out a bit. Not sure if I'd want to inflict that upon Longtail and Mousefur. Perhaps I will take your advice and ask if Firestar can help out. Or bring Thornclaw and take a very long patrol…"

A chuckle, more sincere this time, shared between the two cats, before Ashfur dibs his head in a respectful goodbye. As Leafpool picks up and carries off the herbs back to her storage, Ashfur steps out into the camp. The early morning sun shining over the thorn barrier gives a pleasant warmth on this otherwise chilly morning. Striding onward with big steps, trying to soak up as much of the warming rays as possible, he wanders into the middle of the clearing. Warriors are increasingly beginning to emerge from the warriors den, more than one seeming to hold a similar idea to Ashfur, stretching and remaining in the sun for a moment, before trying to get their bearings for today. Ashfur should probably decide what to do soon as well. With the warriors out and bout, it's only a matter of time before someone goes to fetch their apprentice and wakes the lot of them up. In a moment of contemplation, what seems like a radiant shine catches his eye. Before his good sense sets in to tell him not too, his eyes turn towards it. The sun rising from behind the warriors den, in the full splendour it's shine can grant, she arises. In this light, her orange coat looks like a blaze, a bright shining flame. Cursing himself under his breath, Ashfur tears his gaze away. What little reprieve Leafpool's good-heartedness may have brought in the opening of his aching now resembles like less than a raindrop in the lake. The sting of his shoulder, the poultice still somewhat grinding in his wounds with each movement, is all but non-existent as his chest feels as though it'd slowly burst open from within. He turns and walks the other way, more autonomously so than actually conscious. Last thing he needs now is to see Brambleclaw cuddle up to her, best not to wait around for it. With no real room to think today through in his head, Ashfur decides to simply follow Leafpool's proposed idea. What's the harm, Lionpaw must be looking up to his grand-father and leader. Firestar is an accomplished warrior and led not only Thunderclan, but all clans through perilous times. To him, Lionpaw would certainly listen. Opting to remain beside the apprentices den, he remains, keeping his gaze strictly raised to the High-Ledge. His claws digging into the dirt beneath, focusing on his breathing, he tries to remain focused against the lingering pain. Could he have done something different? He thought he'd done everything right… No! Shaking his head firmly, Ashfur tries to stop his train of thought. There is no point to it, he knows why, why it couldn't have happened any differently. He grew complacent and weak and this is the consequence. He can't change the past, no matter how much he'd give to do so. But he has a hope for the future, it is that he must hold on to. Thistleclaw was a powerful warrior, he has it in his blood to be one as well, with time and effort. As Brackenfur passes him, pushing into the den to fetch Hollypaw, Ashfur manages to pull himself from the deeper quagmire that are his thoughts. Firestar, after giving Sandstorm an affectionate lick over the ear, steps up to the High-Ledge, overlooking the camp as usual. Good, the leader's timing is impeccable. No doubt with Hollypaw up, Lionpaw will soon emerge too. If Ashfur is quick about it, he might just get his apprentice and a word with Firestar before today's patrols are set. Waiting just for Brackenfur to emerge, as expected with Hollypaw close at his heels, Ashfur enters the apprentice den. It takes less than a moment to find Lionpaw, the young brightly pelted apprentice nearly bumping into his mentor.

„Oh, hello, Ashfur."

The younger tom's by the seems pleasantly surprised chirp holds the barely hidden, unspoken continuation of ´will we train again today?´ Ashfur rolls his eyes. Usually he'd be more annoyed at this so early in the day, but between the still searing ache in his chest and a sparking curiosity for how involving Firestar in their training might turn out, his answer is calm an holds a bit of anticipation.

„You're up already, good. Come, I've got something less usual planned for today."

Lionpaw's eyes beam with enthusiasm at this and excitedly tries to brush past Ashfur to get out of the den. Before he can pass, Ashfur raises his paw, blocking the apprentice's path. The grey warrior's nose twitches and he lowers his head towards the younger tom, who's expression rapidly becomes more defensive

„Is that blood I smell on you?"

Ashfur tilts his head. He barely needs an answer, the scent is unmistakable. Lionpaw takes a step back, not hiding in the slightest his dislike for the holdup and questioning.

„I just had a thorn or something in my nest. Nothing worth stopping for. A warrior wouldn't stop for something like that either"

Ashfur stalls for a moment longer, before lowering his paw. He dislikes the snapping tone of his apprentice, but can't well disagree with his words. Not with his own goals in mind. If he is to train Lionpaw to become one of Thunderclan's best warriors, then a thorn can't be an obstacle to either of them. That, and Lionpaw has more than proven he can handle rougher things than just that.

„True enough. Fine. Come now, or else Firestar will be busy"

As Ashfur leads his apprentice out of the den, Lionpaw wanders close beside him.

„Firestar? Will he join us today?"

„If I can convince him to. Who better to show you what a warrior of Thunderclan should be than it's leader?"

Lionpaw follows along, but gives no further response. The apprentice's face shows contemplation, as if pondering how to react. Soon after, it clears up again however, replacing the thoughtfulness with a look of determination. Ashfur observes this all from the corner of his eye, not entirely certain what to make of it, but relieved at the determinate face of his apprentice by the end. Perhaps he's worried Firestar will end up gnawing his ear off with tales of what a warrior should be, rather than actual training. A possibility that is very much real and occurred to Ashfur only now. Now a bit of worry working in the back of his mind, the grey warrior none the less ascends to the High-Ledge. Too late to back away from the idea now that Lionpaw's heard it. Waiting up a brief moment for Lionpaw to get up and beside him again, the two walk over to Firestar, whom has since been joined by Brambleclaw, leader and deputy talking amongst themselves while looking over the camp. Brambleclaw is the first to notice the approaching cats, his ear turning in their direction before the rest of his head follows, prompting Firestar to do so also.

„Greetings, Ashfur. All faring well with Lionpaw's training, I hope?"

Ashfur respectfully dibs his head as Firestar adresses him.

„Lionpaw continues to prove himself strong, he will be a good warrior before long. I did want to ask for something in regards to that however"

While remaining silent, Brambleclaw's interest is palpable, his gaze only moving from Ashfur to shoot his son a proud grin for a heartbeat at Ashfur's praise. Firestar nods, curious as to his clanmate's request.

„What do you need?"

„I was wondering if you would join our training today. I believe it'd be good for Lionpaw to learn from his kin and leader what being a warrior of Thunderclan is truly about."

Firestar grows a small smile, seeming pleased at the request

„I'm sure I can spare some time to teach Lionpaw today. But then the sun-rise patrol will be short it's leader. I can take Lionpaw today if you wish. I'd have you lead the patrol then in my stead. With that, we should today's patrols sorted?"

Firestar turns towards Brambleclaw, whom nods

„That should be all then, yes."

The tabby turns his gaze towards Ashfur

„It'd be good if you could also join the sun-down patrol, Ashfur. It would work without you, but the patrol would have fewer warriors in it than would be ideal. With matters with Windclan being as they are right now, it'd be good to have you there as well"

Ashfur briefly hums to himself. He'd managed to avoid any earlier patrols for a while now, but he doesn't mind too much. He casts a brief look down at the cats assembling for the sun-rise patrol. No Squirreflight in sight… and she rarely goes on the sun-down patrol. A day of patrolling might not be the worst idea to get his thoughts off it all a bit. He turns his gaze to Lionpaw

„You'd be fine training with Firestar today, wouldn't you?"

Lionpaw nods with reassuring eagerness

„Sure, I wouldn't mind at all."

Ashfur slowly nods, turning towards leader and deputy again

„Then that's how it'll be done."

As Brambleclaw encroaches on Lionpaw to speak with his son and Firestar, Ashfur looks off, into the further forest surrounding Thunderclan's camp. Two more days and he'll be able to show Talon his progress. As hard as upholding patience is, it feels like it's working. Slowly, bit by bit. Slowly he turns his gaze back towards his apprentice, while that one recounts tales of recent training and hunting to Brambleclaw and Firestar. If Ashfur succeeds, what will that make Lionpaw to him? Not only him, but Hollypaw and Jaypaw as well. They made no choice as Squirrelflight did. Would they only see him as their mother's new mate, as an interloper between their parents… or could he grow to be potentially something more to them? Lionpaw is infuriating at times, but it'd be a lie to say Ashfur hasn't grown somewhat fond of the brightly furred tom. Perhaps he could grow fond of grumpy Jaypaw and rule-riding Hollypaw in the same way. Perhaps. He would have loved kits of his own, but if Squirrelflight wants no second litter, if it is not to be… perhaps he could grow to see these three young cats as his own in time. He'd be willing to try.

Pulling himself from his thoughts, Ashfur speaks his goodbyes and descends down to join the patrol. One thing at a time. He'll first need to become stronger. Reclaim what has been lost. Finally silence the accursed pain coursing through himself. What comes after that only Starclan may know, for now. With renewed purpose bolstering him against the slowly fading sting in his chest and the biting burning of the poultice in his shoulder wound, he leads his patrol out of camp.