Let's go! Let's keep this story going! Figured I'd get some relationship building going, for the She-Cats in Fireheart's life. Get the whole Harem thing really going. Hopefully I do it right.
Chapter 10: The Return Journey
Fireheart led the group on the side of the Thunderpath. He asked Heathertail and Breezepelt, "How was Ashfoot last you saw her?" Breezepelt answered truthfully, "It wasn't looking good. I hope we aren't too late, but I have a bad feeling." Heathertail hissed in annoyance, "Have faith Breezepelt!" Spottedleaf said, "Regardless, we need to hurry up with what we have before the flowers wilt!" Fireheart nodded his agreement, none of the group noticing that the flowers glowed when beside Fireheart.
The skies were covered in black clouds as the group kept walking, the Twoleg nest vanishing over the horizon, the Blazing Star flowers still glowing anytime they were close to Fireheart. As Fireheart led the group away, it began to sprinkle. Fireheart said around the bag in his mouth, "Alright. We need to find shelter. We need to get the flowers to a nice, cool environment. To reduce the rate of wilting! Am I correct, Spottedleaf?" Spottedleaf mewed around the leaves in her mouth, "Indeed you are Fireheart! Let's go!" Fireheart yowled, "Then it's time to pick up the pace! Double time! On me!" The group formed up behind Fireheart as Fireheart ran towards the woods.
Fireheart dodged and weaved between obstacles, the group only a few pawsteps behind his tracks, and the bag of catmint in his mouth. The smell of the catmint made him salivate, and unable to scent anything as the smell wafted into his nostrils through the bag.
Fireheart's ears perked up as he spotted a cave. Fireheart mewed loudly, "Cave up ahead. We can take shelter there until the rain clears up!" The group agreed wholeheartedly.
As the group entered the cave, Fireheart heard a sound on the left side that sounded like voices. Fireheart walked into the cave and dropped the bag on the ground near a wall. Heathertail and Spottedleaf felt his uneasiness and Heathertail asked, "Everything okay Love?" Fireheart looked at her and hastily lied, "Everything's fine Love. I'm gonna go hunt for us. I'll take the first guard when I get back."
Spottedleaf shook her head, her fur ruffling from the movement, and said, "Always putting others first. When will you learn that it's okay to put yourself first sometimes?" Spottedleaf's fur ruffling as she shook her head was enough to take Fireheart's breath away. He walked out of the cave blushing, struggling to keep himself in control.
Fireheart walked outside and took a deep breath to keep himself in control of his male instinct. Fireheart muttered, "Why am I almost losing control over the cat version of a hair flip?! Wait. Let me think. It has been over a month since I last mated. But I've never struggled to keep control after only a month of not mating. Could it be because I'm starting to like mating more and more? Kind of makes sense. Another thing that maybe makes sense is because of the Catmint. But as far as I know, prolonged close proximity exposure to Catmint doesn't make one horny. As far as I know at least. I might have to ask Spottedleaf this question."
Fireheart took another breath and began to hunt for his group. He tasted the air. He smelled rabbit and smirked as he muttered, "You'd think I was a Windclan cat from my speed and agility." Fireheart bolted forwards towards the rabbit. The rabbit bolted away from him. Fireheart bunched his hind legs in anticipation and leapt. The rabbit and him rolled a little bit before Fireheart bit into its neck, the taste of blood and iron entering Fireheart's mouth.
Fireheart walked back towards the cave, his fur matted down from the rain, and his mouth full of prey. Fireheart walked into the cave and dropped his haul of prey in front of the group. Breezepelt said, "You can rest first Fireheart. You did basically die today. I'm sure you're exhausted." Fireheart laughed and said, "You'd think I'd be exhausted after today, but I'm fired up! We, not me, are going to save a life when we get home! And possibly many more lives!" Fireheart muttered, "Besides, I can't sleep with this pent up testosterone. I need to get laid when I get back. Hopefully Silverstream and Honeypaw will be in heat. Or I need a really good fight. One of the two." Breezepelt raised an eyebrow as Fireheart muttered.
Fireheart was about to leave the cave, when Heathertail asked, "Wanna share tongues with Spottedleaf and myself?" Fireheart blushed dark red, his male instinct kicking into Overdrive. Fireheart kept his cool as he asked, "And what about Breezepelt?" Breezpelt answered, "I've had my fair share of sharing tongues with Heathertail. I can clean myself. Besides, you need a good cleaning." Breezepelt used his tail to point to Fireheart's soaked fur. Spottedleaf said calmly, a slight hint of flirtation in the words, "Besides, you did hunt for us all. Least we could do is clean you." Spottedleaf winked at Fireheart. Fireheart took a deep breath to calm himself.
In Thunderclan:
Splashfur was leading a border patrol. She was nearing the day she entered heat. She could feel it. She was praying to Starclan and the Tribe of Endless Hunting that Fireheart would get back in time to fight the army and maybe if he was up to it after, for her to finally get her turn.
Splashfur walked back into camp with her border patrol. Honeypaw and Silverstream walked over to her and asked, "Something on your mind?" Honeypaw looked at Splashfur with a knowing look as Splashfur answered, "Nope. Nothing." Silverstream giggled as she said, "You're a terrible liar, Honey." Splashfur blushed dark and stuttered, "D-Did you j-just call me Honey?"
Honeypaw giggled and said, "Of course she did. After all; you, Mistystar, Windstream, Silverstream, Lionstar, Heathertail, Spottedleaf, Ivypool, maybe Olivenose, and myself; are all a part of each other's life and Fireheart's life. And we can't forget that we all love him, and he loves us and treats us all equally. Us She-cats need to form better relationships with one another and need to start to love each other as much as we all love Fireheart in order for this to work perfectly, or at least damn near perfectly. Because sharing a single Tom between the nine of us and potentially more of us will be damn near impossible otherwise."
Silverstream said, "She's telling the truth, Splashfur. All of us She-cats in Fireheart's harem need to learn to love another. Shockingly, no cat-fights have been started yet, but it's only a matter of time. After all, some of us girls haven't had a turn with him yet. That would be you, Heathertail, Spottedleaf, Lionstar, and maybe Olivenose. I have no idea if Fireheart loves her. But, it'd make sense if he fell in love with a cat from Shadowclan as well. Since he has fallen in love with at least one cat from many clans now. Spottedleaf and Lionstar from Starclan, Heathertail from Windclan, and Mistystar from Riverclan. And I'm fairly certain he's gonna fall for a cat from Skyclan as well. If he ever meets them. I doubt he'll fall for a cat from The Place of No Stars. So. All of us will need to get along for the harem thing to work." Honeypaw said, "Very well said Love." Silverstream giggled and said, "Anytime Sweetie."
Splashfur looked baffled and asked, "Do you two actually love one another?" Honeypaw giggled and answered, "Yes. We have had a crush on one another since kit hood. And we also had a crush on Fireheart since kit hood. So. Sharing is easy for us. We even plan to give him a special show one of these times." Honeypaw winked at Splashfur and Silverstream giggled. Splashfur blushed dark and decided to take a chance.
Splashfur; tired of being left behind; despite her shy nature, asked, "U-Um. C-Can I j-join in giving him a special s-show?" Honeypaw and Silverstream both looked shocked. Honeypaw mewed, "Never thought you'd ask that. Damn. That's a hell of a leap from what I expected you to ask. I wouldn't mind at all, Love. What about you Silver?" Silverstream mewed, "I don't see an issue. I see a bit of me in you, Splashfur. I to was shy in the beginning when it came to Fireheart. You could easily tell I was in love with him. Anytime he was around, I was flustered and wanted to prove myself to be a worthy mate for him. I'm shocked you've been shy this long. Usually, Fireheart's aura gets rid of your shyness and makes you much more comfortable. I don't even think Fireheart knows what his aura does to those around him. The only thing he knows about it is that it calms those he considers friends, and frightens those he considers foes and reverses the aging process on those he loves."
Splashfur blushed and Honeypaw kissed her cheek gently. Splashfur blushed and Silverstream giggled. Silverstream said to Splashfur, "Come with Honeypaw and myself, Splashfur. We're gonna go practice a little. To get ready. Cause something tells me, after Fireheart defeats the second push approaching Windclan, all three of us will be in heat and ready. But I also have a feeling that he's gonna be upset when he gets back."
With Fireheart's group:
Spottedleaf and Heathertail had finished grooming Fireheart. He barely kept himself in control. Fireheart mewed, "I heard some voices when hunting for us. I'm gonna go check it out. Breezepelt, stand guard. I'll be back shortly." Breezepelt mewed, "For sure. Going alone?" Fireheart nodded as he walked out of the cave.
Fireheart walked towards where he heard the voices. He crept into a bush silently as he approached. He took a whiff of the air and smelled a scent he wasn't familiar with, but he recognized. Fireheart muttered something and walked into the clearing. He looked around and saw nothing.
Fireheart took another whiff of the air and got a hit as to where the source of the voices went. He had a vision of Deja Vu had he not been murdered during his Twoleg life.
The Deja Vu:
Fireheart had a headset on and was speaking English to his friends. A slightly deep voice that clearly hid depression and tragic memories said, "Slayer! Lifeline behind you!" Fireheart moved his character around using his PS4 controller and cracked the Lifeline with the Flatline. Fireheart said, "Got it Wolfe! Thank you. Bdog! Lifeline's cracked! Take her out man!" A deep voice responded, "Got it!" The sound of a Kraber, a .50 caliber sniper rifle, being fired echoed throughout World's Edge. The Lifeline immediately died, her death box appearing. Fireheart exclaimed, "And that's how we do it boys! Nice squad wipe! That shot was sexy, Bdog! And Wolfe! Nice call out!" Wolfe retorted, "Thanks Horse." Fireheart chuckled and said, "Loot quick. The circle's coming. And that shit hurts on round 3. Especially in ranked."
The Present:
Fireheart looked around and muttered, "Bdog and Wolfe. I never met a Bdog or Wolfe as a Twoleg. Maybe if I hadn't been murdered I would've met them. We seemed like good friends, if not best friends. Intriguing. But why here did I feel as if I have met them. Could the voices I heard be them? But that doesn't make sense. Unless they were murdered and brought back as cats, cause the scent I'm smelling is the scent of cats. Does that mean that we were fated to meet regardless of things? Must be. Hmmm. I need to find them and ask some questions!" Fireheart took another whiff of the air and realized the scent he didn't know, but was familiar with, went northeast, towards the forest. Fireheart muttered, "Are they looking for me?" Fireheart shook his head and answered his own question, "I really doubt it. Unless they have the same situation I have. No matter. I need to find them and make sure they aren't hostile to protect my group."
Fireheart tracked the scent to makeshift den. Fireheart mewed with caution, "Hello! Anyone home?" Fireheart heard a deep voice say, "Lothrik! Company! Do I attack?" Another deep voice that clearly hid tragic memories replied, "Not yet. They may be the one we are looking for. Proceed with caution, but if they're hostile, go for it, but look for a weakness first." A grunt signified acknowledgement.
Fireheart sat down, still cautious as a mouse looking for food around cats. A larger cat with thin fur and purple eyes that seem to almost glow, walked out of the makeshift den. Fireheart saw that the cat had deep crimson red fur, however, on their chest near their heart, was bare as if the cat had been burned there and it left a scar. The cat Fireheart was looking at was missing half their tail and a nice chunk of their right ear was missing as if someone bit it off. Fireheart saw something sparkle on the cat's left paw. It looked like metal steel tips.
Fireheart saw another cat. The cat was a larger cat, but its thick fur hid it well. Fireheart noticed that the cat had two different colored eyes. Its left eye was red, whilst the right eye was blue. Its fur was black as night with white claw marks that ran from its head, to its mid chest, and finally ended at its tail. Fireheart noticed a couple scars. He noticed that the cat had a gemstone mark on its upper right right leg. He also saw a large cut that went from the cat's left ear to its right hind leg. Based on the cat's posture, Fireheart also summed up that the cat was messing a pad on its front left paw.
The first cat that walked out asked, caution clear in its voice, "Who might you be?" Fireheart looked at the other cat, and realized it was primed to attack. Fireheart took a whiff of the air and smelled that the two cats in front of him were Toms and that they hadn't been to the Cutter yet. The tom that was ready to attack growled, "Answer his question before I turn you into crowfood."
Fireheart decided to take a shot based on what he heard and said, "I'm Slayer. You guys?" Both cats' eyes lit up, but the Tom primed to attack was still hesitant to lower his guard. The first Tom that walked out said, "Im Wolfe. And he is Bdog." Fireheart mewed, "I've been looking for you guys. But now. Let's talk actual names. My name is Fireheart." The cat with deep crimson red fur said, "Of course. I'm Lothrik. And my brother's name is Ragnar."
Fireheart stuck a paw out, claws sheathed, and Ragnar growled. Fireheart looked at Ragnar and said calmly, "I mean no harm. But if you attack me, I won't show mercy." Ragnar growled, "A pipsqueak like you? I'm so terrified! You can't do a damn thing to me. I'd destroy you." Fireheart chuckled and retorted, "I'll just wear you out. You can't have much stamina looking like that." Lothrik chuckled quietly and Ragnar's jaw dropped. Ragnar mewed, "Well at least I'm not a twig!"
Lothrik asked, "You said you were looking for us. Why?" Fireheart began to explain the vision he had, as it had not been sent from Starclan. Lothrik and Ragnar listened. Fireheart noticed Ragnar was shaking. Fireheart asked, "You alright Ragnar?" Ragnar replied hesitantly, "No. Fucks a guy gotta do to get some Alcohol?" Fireheart shook his head and said, "There is no alcohol in our world now. You'll have to deal with it. But, I promise to help as much as I can." Ragnar grumbled, "Don't make a promise you can't keep."
Lothrik mewed, "Sorry about my brother. He has been… let's say let down too many times." Fireheart understood what Lothrik meant even though there weren't many defining words. Fireheart mewed, "Come with me. I got proper shelter and a place you two could call home."
Ragnar growled in disbelief and hissed, "I definitely believe a total fucking stranger." Lothrik examined Fireheart and mewed, "I believe him. He shows no signs of lying or hostility." Ragnar immediately stopped being hostile and said, "Got it." Fireheart smiled and said, "Let's go. On me. You two eaten recently?" They both nodded their head.
Fireheart turned around and heard Ragnar hiss to him, "You may have fooled my brother, but I'll be keeping a close eye on you." Fireheart replied, "That's fine. But I will say this to you. If you even lay a single claw on the ones I care about, I will send you to the Place of No Stars without hesitation. Even if it damns me to the Place of No Stars." Ragnar growled lightly, curiosity striking him at the name Place of No Stars.
Fireheart began to lead the two back to the cave that Fireheart had left his group. His fear spiked when he smelled the scent of blood. Fireheart shot forwards as his pelt instinctively ignited in flames. Lothrik's and Ragnar's jaw dropped. Fireheart yowled behind him as he pelted towards the cave, "You won't be able to keep up, so follow my scent! Something isn't right at the cave! I can smell blood!"
Fireheart arrived shortly and smelled a strong scent of rogues. He skidded to a halt. Fireheart roared loudly, easily outmatching the roars of members of Tigerclan and Lionclan. He immediately heard a yell of terror and he raced into the cave and leapt at the first cat that wasn't from his group. He heard Spottedleaf yell, "Breezepelt's hurt bad! They jumped him! Heathertail is with me helping me defend Breezepelt! The rest is up to you until we can get them far enough away from Breezepelt!" Fireheart looked at his first target. It was a beautiful brown, black, and white calico she-cat. The she-cat looked at Fireheart, his pelt still on fire; waves of fear striking her as she said, "You're trespassing on our territory. Of course we attacked!" Fireheart hissed, "I will give you to the count of three to get you and your group the hell out of here before I release the beast inside. We didn't mean any harm. One!" The she-cat made no signs of retreat or having her group flee.
The flames on Fireheart's pelt increased in intensity and size as he growled, "Two!" The fear in the she-cat's eyes became much more obvious, but yet she still stood her ground.
The flames on Fireheart's pelt became pure white and burned with even more intensity and increased more in size as he growled deeply, "Three! You're brave. I'll give you that. But no one likes seeing the beast inside me." Fireheart yowled a ferocious battle cry as he leapt into battle.
The she-cat ducked under Fireheart's leap swiftly and clawed his hind legs, scarlet hitting the cave floor. The injury healed in a flash of fire. The she-cat's eyes went wide in disbelief. Fireheart landed and whirled around as he clawed a white tom. The tom yowled in pain as Fireheart's claws had flames covering them, so the injury was immediately cauterized.
Fireheart blocked a claw with his front legs, blood trickling like a slow flowing stream. Fireheart clenched his paw and caught the specklepelted she-cat with a right hook. The she-cat was sent skidding into the cave wall. Fireheart turned to the next opponent and leapt at it from behind.
Heathertail saw a Tom approaching her, but saw a flaming cat land on it and force it to the ground. The cat then turned the other over and kicked it off of him. Heathertail mewed, "Thanks Fireheart." Fireheart looked at her and smiled as he kipped to his paws. Heathertail's, Breezepelt's, and Spottedleaf's jaws dropped.
Fireheart dodged a claw and shoulder charged the cat. The cat was sent flying over the beautiful brown, white, and black calico she-cat. The cat landed outside the entrance. Fireheart felt claws rake his flank, scarlet splattering the ground. He hissed in pain and whirled around as he clawed the attackers left hind leg. The assailant growled in pain and whirled around.
Ragnar and Lothrik finally arrived at the scene and Ragnar leapt into battle as Lothrik stayed behind and barked orders to Ragnar.
Fireheart smirked as he saw Ragnar leap into battle. He yowled, "Backup has arrived! Push them back! Do not kill them! We can do this Lionclan! We will emerge victorious as always! Do not falter! We need to protect Breezepelt at all costs! He is in no condition to fight!" Heathertail and Spottedleaf yowled their agreement.
Fireheart and Ragnar fought side by side, pushing the enemies back until Heathertail had room to come up and help them defend the cave. By the time the group of rogues had been pushed back, the cave floor was covered in blood. Thankfully, no cat was killed. Fireheart extinguished the flames on his pelt with a quick shake.
Fireheart yowled, "How's Breezepelt looking, Spottedleaf?" Spottedleaf replied, "He needs to be treated ASAP!" Fireheart pondered a thought and asked, "Could I cauterize his wounds?"
Spottedleaf answered, "As long as the wounds are properly cleaned so his injuries don't become infected." Fireheart nodded in understanding and motioned to Heathertail. Heathertail walked over and Fireheart mewed to her, "We're gonna lick his wounds clean. I have no idea where any Marigold and such could be around here. Did you happen to see any around here Spottedleaf?" Spottedleaf shook her head no solemnly.
Fireheart mewed calmly, "He'll make it Spottedleaf. I promise. I'll make sure of it." Ragnar walked over to Fireheart and mewed, "You're a decent fighter. For a pipsqueak." Lothrik walked up as well and Fireheart chuckled at what Ragnar said.
Fireheart and Heathertail had cleaned Breezepelt's injuries thoroughly, Fireheart said to Breezepelt, "I won't sugarcoat it. This is going to fucking hurt. You ready?" Breezepelt nodded and replied weakly, "I also don't need a stick to bite to lessen pain. Just. Do it. Sorry in advance if I claw you." Fireheart mewed calmly, "I'll understand entirely. Because I know what it's like. This will be unlike any pain you've ever experienced, but it will be followed by relief. After the burning sensation fades that is." Fireheart ignited his claws with pure white fire. Ragnar and Lothrik looked at Fireheart with curiosity.
Fireheart took a breath, struggling to put his friend through this pain. He muttered, "I'm totally going to get clawed. Fuck it." Fireheart carefully brought his flaming claws near Breezepelt's injuries. Fireheart mewed, "Don't look. That'll make it hurt worse. I promise." Breezepelt nodded in understanding and looked away while closing his eyes. Fireheart took a deep breath, his paw shaking, hesitant to do it. He muttered, "This is to make him feel better. I'm not purposely hurting him to make him feel worse. I'm doing it to make him feel better." Fireheart took another breath and began to cauterize Breezepelt's injuries.
As soon as Fireheart's flaming claws began tracing over Breezepelt's injuries, Breezepelt yowled in agony. Fireheart kept pushing through, not letting Breezepelt's yowls dissuade him. Fireheart mewed, guilt clear in his voice, "Heathertail. Come pin his paws please. I really don't wanna get clawed. I need to be extremely careful and precise so I don't set his fur ablaze." Heathertail and Spottedleaf walked towards him. Spottedleaf ran her tail across Fireheart's back to keep Fireheart calm. Heathertail carefully pinned Breezepelt's paws.
Fireheart went on to the next injury near Breezepelt's throat and began cauterizing it. Breezepelt screamed in pain, but Fireheart pushed on.
After what felt like ages, Fireheart had finished cauterizing Breezepelt's injuries. He extinguished the flames from his claws, guilt hanging over him like a black cloud. Fireheart mewed, "I need to get some air. Keep a close eye on Breezepelt. He needs to rest." Fireheart walked out of the cave with his head hanging down before anyone could argue or stop him.
Spottedleaf watched Fireheart leave, feeling Fireheart's guilt at causing Breezepelt excruciating pain. Spottedleaf went to talk to him, but was stopped by Lothrik and Ragnar. She gulped in slight fear. Lothrik and Ragnar shook their heads no. Spottedleaf asked, "And who are you and why should I listen to you?" Lothrik mewed, "We knew Fireheart in a… let's say past life. So right now; we know he needs air." Ragnar nodded his agreement
Spottedleaf said, "So. You two are past friends of his Twoleg life. Which doesn't make sense because there is a reason why Fireheart was brought back. Why were you two brought back? Know what? I don't care. Now, I'm going to put this bluntly. I don't care if you two are friends from his past. I refuse to let you take him back! You will not take him back to his Twoleg life! He's very happy where he is!" Lothrik chuckled and said, "No worries. We can definitely tell he's much happier here than when he was a Twoleg. This is the happiest he's ever been it seems. In our group between him, Ragnar, and myself, he was always the optimistic, happy, and calm one no matter what. He also tried to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders then, just like he does now. But remember. Even the ones who never frown eventually break down. He's nearing a breakdown I believe. One more piece of bad news will probably break the poor bastard."
Heathertail mewed, "I can see that he is close to breaking as well. It isn't hard to tell. They aren't lying. I can tell." Spottedleaf sighed in defeat and replied, "Alright. I'll wait."
Fireheart walked a decent distance away from the cave. He took a deep breath, the overwhelming guilt he felt, causing him to hyperventilate. Fireheart forcibly slowed his breathing down to prevent from passing out. He felt his eyes water and he gently wiped them with the back of his paw. He muttered, "No. I refuse to cry right now. We have a life to save." He sat down and looked at the claws that caused Breezepelt excruciating pain. He began to shake. He hissed quietly, "No. No. No. No. NO! NËIN! I refuse to break down here. I have an injured cat I have to take care of until I get them safely home! I absolutely fucking refuse to break down here!" Fireheart growled deeply, forcing his negative emotions deep inside his psyche. He mewed quietly, "As a Twoleg, I always bottled my emotions inside. All of them. Not just the negative ones. I couldn't afford to have emotions growing up. Let's see if I can still do it just as good as I used to be able to. I know its unhealthy, but I don't give a flying fuck right now. I need to be the optimistic one. If I recall, I only blew up twice from my bottle of emotions becoming overwhelming as a Twoleg." Fireheart took a deep breath and began to walk back to the cave, stopping only to hunt for his group.
Fireheart was greeted at the cave entrance by Spottedleaf. He smiled and walked in, his haul of prey in his mouth. He asked Breezepelt, "How are you feeling?" Breezepelt replied, "Brand new. Ready to get up and at'em." Fireheart laughed and said, "Good to hear. But you lost a lot of blood. We will leave tonight." Spottedleaf mewed, "I figure I should tell you. The Storm draws near." Fireheart understood the message and said, "Fuck! Then we gotta double time it. We have maybe 6 days left. I'll carry Breezepelt." Fireheart walked over to Breezepelt and mewed, "You'll have to work with me on this man."
Breezepelt worked with Fireheart as best as he could. Fireheart got to his paws again, Breezepelt on his back. Fireheart said, "Dig into my pelt and skin with your claws." Breezepelt opened his mouth to argue, but was interrupted as Fireheart said, "That's a direct order."
Breezepelt grumbled angrily and sighed as he dug his claws as deep into Fireheart's back as he could as he muttered, "Man. Fuck that code." Fireheart didn't feel the pain and ran out of the cave, the bag of catmint in his maw. Spottedleaf and Heathertail grabbed the Blazing Star flowers, finally noticing that they glowed when next to Fireheart.
Spottedleaf got a vision and gasped as she muttered, "When fire combines with fire, life restored." Fireheart looked at her and asked, "You okay, Love?" Spottedleaf mewed, "I can't tell you what I just saw until you and I are alone. Wanna take a walk tonight when we find a place to rest? Then I can explain the vision I got." Fireheart nodded his agreement.
Fireheart led his group through the brush and forest as carefully as he could, also being careful to not let Breezepelt fall or get hit by brush. The sun started to set after the group had been jogging for about three hours. Spottedleaf said, "We need to rest and find some water." Fireheart nodded his agreement and stopped jogging. He ordered, "Heathertail, take Lothrik with you to find stuff to make a temporary den for the night. Spottedleaf, try to find some herbs to help Breezepelt. Look specifically for Aloe Vera for the burns, but I doubt you'll find some here. Ragnar stand guard. I'll scout now for a quick route to get back to the clans and a river." Fireheart began to explain what Aloe Vera looked like to Spottedleaf.
Ragnar opened his mouth to argue, but Lothrik mewed, "Don't argue with him, Ragnar. He is clearly the Leader of this group. That's why they obey him without hesitation. They're even willing to put their lives at risk for him. They must have a lot of faith and trust in him." Ragnar closed his maw and nodded in understanding.
Fireheart set Breezepelt down gently and joked, "You sure you're a Windclan cat man? You're pretty heavy for a Windclan cat. Maybe you're secretly a Riverclan cat getting fat off the fish from the lake." Breezepelt laughed and retorted, "I suppose you'd know the weight of a Riverclan cat. I've heard through the branches that you and Mistystar are finally full fledged mates. Got her pregnant on her first time man." Heathertail pouted jokingly and asked, "When is it going to be my turn? I'm getting tired of being patient" Fireheart laughed lightly and Spottedleaf said, "We all have to be patient. Splashfur, Lionstar, potentially Olivenose, myself, and you all need a turn still. He'll get to us eventually. He does need to juggle between nine she-cats. We do need to keep that in mind."
Heathertail mewed, "I know. Come on Lothrik. Let's go. And don't try anything. I'm feisty." Heathertail winked at Fireheart and he purred lightly.
Lothrik replied, "No need to worry about me trying anything. I've seen you and Fireheart fight. Definitely don't want to get on either of your bad sides." Heathertail smiled innocently and left camp with Lothrik to get supplies to build a temporary shelter for the night. Fireheart left shortly after to locate a river and scout ahead. Ragnar stood guard as Spottedleaf looked around for herbs to help Breezepelt's injuries.
Fireheart looked around for a river. He stopped moving and closed his eyes to enhance his hearing. After several seconds, he still heard nothing. He growled quietly and sprinted North. After a couple minutes, he stopped moving once more and closed his eyes again. Fireheart sighed in relief as he could just barely make out the sound of a river. He raced towards the sound of the river.
After a couple more minutes, he arrived at the river's edge. He lapped up some water, his dry throat screeching in agony. He looked around and thought he recognized some of the land. He said, "No way we are already this close to home. I don't trust it. It took me a week, on my own, to get to my old home. We have an injured cat that I'm carrying. Then again, I did faint for at least a day I believe. But this is still a trick of my mind. It has to be, I'm only recognizing the land because I want to get to the clans swiftly." Fireheart began to scout for a quick path.
Spottedleaf had found some Marigold to make a poultice for Breezepelt's injuries. A plant caught Spottedleaf's eye. She gasped as she realized it was the plant that Fireheart described. She muttered, "I've heard of Aloe Vera, but never used it. Never had to deal with burns before. I was dead way before the old forest was lit ablaze. How does Fireheart know about an herb I've only heard of? This plant is supposed to only grow in hot, dry, and sandy climates. It is indeed in sand, but it isn't hot or dry here. Maybe Starclan blessed us with this herb because of Breezpelt's burns from Fireheart cauterizing his wounds. That must be it. Maybe we can grow some back in the clans. The Thunderclan Hollow is indeed sandy. And it does get hot in Greenleaf. Maybe. Just maybe. But how to harvest the seeds in order to plant them? Hmmm."
Spottedleaf bolted over to make sure she was seeing the right plant. She double checked it and it was indeed the right plant. She immediately picked as much as she could, being careful with the herb as to not damage it so it was at its full healing potential.
Spottedleaf jogged back to camp. She arrived at the same time as Fireheart, Lothrik, and Heathertail did. Fireheart was carrying a mouthful of moss dripping with water, presumably from the river. Lothrik and Heathertail each had several supplies to build a makeshift shelter for the night. Fireheart beamed as he saw everyone. He mewed, "Good job everyone! I see Spottedleaf found Aloe Vera and Marigold. Nice! Lothrik and Heathertail brought back more than enough supplies to make a couple dens. I found water and a route to get back to the clans quicker. And Ragnar protected the camp well. Alright! Spottedleaf, we never had time to treat the injuries from the last fight except Breezepelt's. If you would please. And than after, I'll help Lothrik and Heathertail build the dens, than you and I can take our walk. First things first." Fireheart walked over to Breezepelt, the moss in his mouth dripping with water.
Breezepelt opened his mouth to argue, but Fireheart mewed, "Deal with it Breezepelt. You got hurt because of my fuck up. I should've stood guard at the cave. Least I can do is get you some water." Breezepelt grumbled angrily but didn't argue and left his mouth open. Fireheart put the soaked moss in his paws and squeezed it so all the water inside the moss went into Breezepelt's mouth. Breezepelt swallowed it all and said, "Thank you Fireheart. And don't beat yourself up. It would've happened to anyone." Fireheart thought to himself, blocking his thoughts from his harem, 'Not true. It would not have happened to me because of my gift from Starclan.'
Fireheart mewed, "Now. Spottedleaf, if you'd be so kind as to treat the injuries. I'm currently fine. Any of my injuries that didn't heal from my power of the Phoenix, can be treated last." Spottedleaf replied, "As you wish, Firestar. Oops. My bad. That one slipped. As you wish, Fireheart." Ragnar growled, "He has two names?! Lothrik, we can't trust someone who has multiple names!" Lothrik mewed calmly, "At least let him explain himself before you start spitting accusations."
Ragnar grumbled angrily and Fireheart said, "Right. Well. My name is actually Firestar. I'm the Leader of Lionclan. But not everyone remembers me because of something I did. So. Everyone calls me Fireheart, at least until I reunite Lionclan. And before you ask what I did, let's just say I righted the doings of the wrong and malevolent." Lothrik examined Fireheart's body language and nodded as he mewed, "He's telling the truth, Ragnar. Nothing from his body language suggests he's lying." Ragnar growled lightly, his hostility slowly dissipating.
With Splashfur:
Splashfur's legs were shaking after her little adventure with Silverstream and Honeypaw. She muttered, "Damn. They have definitely been perfecting their technique. Can't believe they made me shake. But yet neither went deep enough with their tongue to break the hymen. I can definitely tell my bond has improved with both of them. Hmmmm." Splashfur was cleaning herself up in the lake to wash the scent off of her to make sure no questions were asked about why she smelled like mating. She made sure to wash every inch of her entire body good; three times.
Splashfur finished cleaning herself up and began to head back to Thunderclan. She hunted for the clan on her way back, catching a few mice, a plump squirrel, and a pheasant. She hauled her catch into Thunderclan, being greeted by Cloudtail and Seedpaw. Seedpaw muttered something to Cloudtail as Splashfur passed them and Cloudtail mewed, "You'll become a Warrior shortly. I promise." Splashfur thought to herself, 'Seedpaw must be furious that I became a warrior so soon after arriving to the clan and she's been training for almost twelve moons now. I'm sorry Seedpaw, I truly am. You should have become a Warrior before me. However, I am overall older and I was trained by the most noble Warrior the clans have seen since Firestar, The Late Leader of Thunderclan. That could also potentially be a reason. Hmmm. Maybe. I should ask someone who might know more. Maybe Bramblestar. I'll ask him.'
Splashfur dropped her prey off at the fresh-kill pile and walked up Highledge and sat outside Bramblestar's Leader Den. She was greeted by the voice of Bramblestar saying, "Splashfur. Come in." Splashfur walked in. Bramblestar asked her, "What can I do for you?"
Splashfur answered, "I was curious if you knew the answer as to why I became a warrior before Seedpaw and the other apprentices." Bramblestar replied, "That is a good question. Well. Firestar is your leader. He is the Leader of all the clans. And when the Leader of the clan feels as if one is ready after being trained for long enough, they can make the one in question a full fledged Warrior of the clan of which they reside. Firestar deemed you were ready to become a Warrior. That is why you became a Warrior so soon. Gotta remember, he is the one who trained you and taught you the Warrior Code. After all, he is the most noble Warrior the forest has ever seen since Firestar, the late leader of Thunderclan, was alive. So. Did that answer your question?"
Splashfur nodded slowly and mewed quietly, "But, Seedpaw is upset about it. She deserves her Warrior name too." Bramblestar sighed and mewed, "Seedpaw will get another chance. She failed her assessment before. She was too distracted. Cloudtail has been working with Seedpaw about it since she failed. Cloudtail tells me that she has improved greatly. So. He and I are planning another assessment for her. Which will be happening shortly. It'll probably happen after Firestar or Thunderclan and Riverclan defeats the second push of the army. I believe he'll be back before the second push, but we gotta be prepared regardless."
Splashfur replied, "You're correct, Bramblestar. The army approaching Windclan as we speak is of the utmost importance. Firestar will be back. I believe in him and his efforts to find the flower able to cure Ashfoot. He will return before the army strikes. But there is an issue." Bramblestar's ears twitched in curiosity and he mewed, "Which is?"
Splashfur continued, "I can't shake the feeling that something bad, besides the army approaching Windclan, is going to happen when Fireheart gets back from his journey." Bramblestar asked, "Any idea what the bad thing may be?" Splashfur shook her head and mewed, "No clue, but I have a feeling it's going to hurt nearly as much as losing me; for Fireheart." Bramblestar grimaced and said, "It's going to hurt nearly as bad as him losing a mate to death. Damn. Just. Damn. That's awful. I should send someone to Windclan to check on Ashfoot. But who to send?"
Splashfur mewed, "I will go. It's best if someone goes who can relay the information to Fireheart immediately." Bramblestar purred lightly and mewed, "That's a brilliant idea Splashfur. But the sun is literally just about to set. You'd have to be quick. Or go on a stealth mission." Splashfur mewed confidently, "I can be quick." Bramblestar smiled and said, "You might just catch the…" Before Bramblestar could finish, a gust of wind interrupted him as Splashfur took off. Bramblestar shook his head and chuckled as he mewed, "Damn. She's quick. Not as fast as Fireheart, but still quick nonetheless."
Splashfur took off sprinting towards the Windclan border, hoping to catch the last border patrol of the night. She arrived at the Windclan border that borders Thunderclan just as the sun set. She looked at the beautiful red, orange, and yellow sunset, wishing Fireheart was there with her to observe the beautiful sunset. She sighed and sat at the border. She waited for what felt like forever before she caught the scent of Windclan.
Splashfur was greeted by Onestar. Onestar said, "Hello Splashfur. How's it going? Mind if I ask why you're here on the border waiting?" Splashfur looked around and asked, "Just you for the border patrol? Everything alright in Windclan?" Onestar shook his head and replied, "A lot of cats have fallen ill to the sickness that has made Ashfoot sick. We've had to resort to one or two cat patrols."
Splashfur gasped in disbelief that Onestar had shared such information with her. Onestar mewed, "I shared that information because I feel this weird feeling that I am able to completely trust Thunderclan. I still haven't quite put together why there is a second Leader's Den in Windclan, but my gut tells me it involves Thunderclan in some way. And the way Heathertail asked to go search for Fireheart, makes me believe that she is in love with him. And instead of being angry that she broke Code one of the Warrior Code by falling for a cat outside of her clan, I feel relieved and happy. Which leads me to believe that Fireheart is the main reason for the second Leader's Den in all the clans. Only because of how much my gut tells me that I can trust Fireheart with anything and everything. And if Fireheart trusts someone, I too can trust them. No matter what. So. Does that explain the question your facial expression obviously is asking?" Splashfur nodded her head. Onestar asked Splashfur, "So. Since I answered your question, would you be so kind as to answer a couple of mine?"
Splashfur answered with hostility, "Depends. Will one of your questions put the safety of my clan at risk?" Onestar purred in amusement and said, "Seems like Fireheart taught you the Way of the Warrior and the Warrior Code well. I'm honestly impressed. I promise if you answer my questions, you will not be putting your clan at risk. You have my word." Splashfur's hostility all but vanished.
Onestar smiled and asked, "Do you know why there are two Leader's Dens in each clan?" Splashfur answered, "Yes." Onestar asked, "Can you tell me why there are multiple Leader Dens in each clan?" Splashfur answered, "I can not. You need to remember. That is all I'm allowed to say at this time." Onestar nodded in understanding and asked, "And now. The big question. Why are you waiting at the Windclan Border?" Splashfur answered, "I came to check on Ashfoot and relay the information to Fireheart." Onestar's eyes lit up at those words as he asked, "Is Fireheart back? Cause if he is back, my daughter, Heathertail, will be back as well." Splashfur shook her head no. Onestar asked, "If he isn't back then how can you relay the information about Ashfoot's condition to him?"
Splashfur answered, "Now that. I can not answer. But you'll have to trust me. You said you can trust those that Fireheart trusts right?" Onestar nodded and Splashfur continued, "Fireheart trusts me. So you can trust me. I give you my word." Onestar nodded in understanding.
Onestar said sadly, "Ashfoot is not looking good at all. I fear she doesn't have much longer and will soon hunt with Starclan unless Fireheart gets back from his journey that was asked of him by my daughter, with something to cure her sickness; within a couple days. Maybe three if we're lucky. Or Ashfoot may be hunting with Starclan sooner than any would like."
Splashfur took everything in that Onestar had said, and replied, "That's awful. I do hope that Fireheart gets back in time to save her. I'm sure once I relay the information you've given me about Ashfoot to him, he'll be sure to pick up the pace." Onestar asked, "You sure? Why would he care so much about a cat outside of Thunderclan?" Splashfur purred lightly and mewed, "All I am currently allowed to say about that, is that he has his reasons."
Onestar gasped in disbelief and mewed matter of factly, "He loves Heathertail too. That explains a lot. Why am I not angry about those two breaking the Warrior Code?" Splashfur giggled and answered, "Let's just say you've forgotten something. That is all I can say at the current moment." Onestar was curious, but didn't pry.
Splashfur let her mind wander in the Mind Channel until she felt Fireheart's presence. She thought to him, 'I got news about Ashfoot, Fireheart.' It took a couple seconds before she got a reply, signifying how far away Fireheart truly was. Fireheart thought back to her, 'What is it? Good or bad news?' Splashfur replied sadly, 'Bad news. Onestar said most of Windclan has now caught the sickness and that Ashfoot might hunt with Starclan sooner rather than later. He said maybe three days, if we're lucky.'
Splashfur could feel the pain that Fireheart was feeling. She could feel Fireheart's anger at himself for not being quicker. That anger quickly dissipated and became sadness. Splashfur felt how close Fireheart was to breaking down just by how he was feeling. Splashfur thought to Fireheart, 'Hey now. Deep breaths. It isn't your fault. I promise it isn't your fault.' When Fireheart didn't reply, Splashfur thought, 'Listen to me Fireheart, and you better listen good. It is not your fault. If you blame yourself, don't. Blame the obstacles that have stood in your way to get the cure for Ashfoot. You've tried your best, I know you have. It is not your fault. Do you understand me, Fireheart?! Do you?!' After a couple seconds, she got Fireheart's reply, 'You don't know that. I fainted for a day. I fought wolves, I've been shot at, made contact with my old family. I also would've lost a life had Heathertail not remembered me at that exact second before one of my lives went to hunt with Starclan. I've been distracted Splashfur!' Splashfur replied, 'I promise you, it isn't your fault. You can still make it. All of the clans and the she-cats that love you believe in you! So start believing in yourself Starclan damn it!'
Fireheart replied, 'I… you're right. You always are Splashfur. Thank you, Love. I love you.' Splashfur purred lightly and blushed as she responded, 'Anytime, Love. I love you too.' Splashfur disconnected herself from the mind channel.
Splashfur's thoughts were interrupted by a voice. Onestar mewed, "Pardon the interruption, but why are you purring and blushing?" Splashfur answered, "Just told Fireheart the news. And we told each other we love them. So. Of course I'm going to blush and purr." Onestar asked calmly, "And why do multiple she-cats love Fireheart while he loves them? Wait. No way." Knowledge lit up Onestar's face. He mewed intelligently, "The reason why the other Leader's Den is so large is because it's Fireheart's Leader Den. My bad. Because it's Firestar's Leader Den. And it's so large for his harem. Plenty of space for… activities, and so he can keep the peace. He is the Leader of Lionclan! I knew I was forgetting something important!" Splashfur gasped in disbelief.
With Fireheart's group:
Fireheart was taking a midnight walk with Spottedleaf when he finished communicating with Splashfur, when he felt power and strength flow through him. His pelt lit ablaze with pure white flames. He leapt backwards from Spottedleaf so as to not catch her ablaze. Spottedleaf looked at him and giggled as she walked over and rubbed her flank against him. She purred and mewed calmly, "Remember. Your flames only hurt those you want to hurt, mousebrain." Fireheart replied sweetly, "True. But you never know. Can't risk burning one I love and care about." He extinguished the flames on his pelt with a quick shake.
Spottedleaf asked, "Any idea why you just ignited into flames?" Fireheart answered, "Someone must have remembered who I am, cause I felt a surge of power and strength flow through me." Spottedleaf looked around and said, "We are alone now. I can tell you about the vision I got as you are my Leader. Sit and relax for once."
Fireheart obeyed and Spottedleaf said, "Good. Now. The vision I got gave me a prophecy. It goes, 'When fire combines with fire, life restored.' I was given that vision when I saw that the Blazing Star flowers glowed when near you." Fireheart thought for a second and replied, "So. I need to combine my power with the flower to restore a life? But whose life? My own? To get back to my original nine lives before I saved Hollyleaf? Or maybe the life of a cat who is on the brink of death?" Fireheart got a thought and gasped as he mewed, "Ashfoot! If I can figure out how to combine the flower with my powers, I can restore Ashfoot's life! Or something like that! I need to figure this out quickly! Maybe I really can still save Ashfoot's life! Thank you Spottedleaf!" Fireheart kissed Spottedleaf deeply. Spottedleaf was shocked, but kissed back deeply as she purred loudly. Fireheart mewed happily, "Now. I'm gonna stay up all night to figure out how to combine my power with the flower."
Spottedleaf mewed calmly, "And I will join you. Don't want you to be lonely all night." Fireheart blushed lightly and replied, "A-Alright." Spottedleaf teased, "Try not to lose control of yourself with me around. Starclan knows what could happen. But, I suppose, you'd like to know what I'm capable of? But alas, I'm a virgin." She smiled seductively and continued, "So, I don't even know what I'm capable of. But I promise, I'll leave you speechless. You'll be the first and only Tom who will find out what I'm capable of when it comes to mating." She flipped her fur out of her eyes, immediately taking away Fireheart's breath. He fought to gain control over his hormones, and succeeded much easier than he expected.
Spottedleaf mewed, "Seems like the fight we had against the rogues has lowered your testosterone to a manageable level. Cause last time I flipped the hair out of my eyes, you almost lost control. I could tell. I don't know whether to be disappointed or happy. I suppose, I too can wait for my turn. No need to worry about me starting a cat-fight over you, Fire. I know I will get my turn eventually. It's the others you may have to worry about eventually."
Fireheart chuckled and replied, "That's some weight off my shoulders. Thanks for letting me know." Spottedleaf giggled and said, "Of course, Fire. Anytime. Anything to remove even just a fraction of the weight of the world on your shoulders." Fireheart smiled and replied, "Don't fret too much about it. Just being near any of the ones I care and love about removes a small amount of the weight on my shoulders."
Spottedleaf giggled and leaned into Fireheart's flank. He purred loudly and rubbed his cheek against Spottedleaf's. She purred loudly and Fireheart mewed, "Let's head back to camp, before Heathertail starts thinking someone else got a turn before her." Spottedleaf laughed lightly and said, "Alright. But we're going to be in this same position. I haven't felt like this in what feels like ages. I have never been more certain of something. We are meant for each other. I thought Firestar, the late leader of Thunderclan, was the one for me, even though it was forbidden. But I was wrong. You're the one for me. Even though code one of the Medicine Cat Code forbids it. A medicine cat needs to be able to treat everyone in the Clan equally, so a Medicine Cat may not have a Mate or Kits. That is Code One." Fireheart replied, "I know both Codes by heart. Hopefully, the first codes of both The Warrior Code and the Medicine Cat Code won't be around for much longer. I do plan to revise the Warrior Code and the Medicine Cat Code once I reunite Lionclan so I can get all the Leaders in one place and we can make decisions together. So. We will see."
Spottedleaf purred quietly and said, "Good. Because both Codes are seriously flawed. Hopefully, you and the other Leaders will make a Code that isn't anywhere close to as flawed as the original ones." Fireheart replied, "No matter what, there will always be flaws that someone will figure out sometime. But I will do my best to make sure there aren't any serious flaws." Spottedleaf mewed, "That is all anyone should ask for. I believe in you. As does every single cat in the Forest. You can bring the entirety of the Forest out of the depths of despair and hopelessness."
Fireheart purred quietly and replied, "With the entire Forest backing me, I know I can do it. I can't fail. I refuse to fail, or all will be lost." Spottedleaf beamed and mewed, "Good. Now. Let's head back so you can hopefully figure out how to combine your power with the Blazing Star Flower." Fireheart nodded his agreement and began to walk back with Spottedleaf, flanks rubbing against one another.
Spottedleaf and Fireheart walked back to camp, flanks rubbing against one another. Heathertail was standing guard, the temporary den finished. Heathertail walked over and brushed her flank against Fireheart's open flank. She mewed, "Had us worried. Thought we were going to have to send a search party of two out to find you two. Glad we didn't have to, cause that would leave Breezepelt not well defended. He's still in no condition to defend himself effectively." Fireheart nodded his agreement and nuzzled both Spottedleaf and Heathertail affectionately.
All three purred deeply and walked towards where Spottedleaf had set the herbs they collected. The Blazing Star flowers glowed brilliantly as Fireheart got closer to them. Heathertail had to shield her eyes for a split second to be able to see. Fireheart's pelt ignited in flames as he gently prodded one of the flowers.
Fireheart took a deep breath and closed his mind to any and all distractions. He focused solely on sending as much of his power as he could handle to his paw touching the flower. An orange glow surrounded his paw, not igniting in flames. The Blazing Star flower Fireheart was touching, glowed a brilliant white. Everyone except Fireheart shielded their eyes to prevent being blinded temporarily. Once the light faded, the Blazing Star flower had a permanent white aura.
Spottedleaf mewed calmly, "Eat the flower Fireheart. See if it worked. I will use my Medicine Cat sense to see if it restored your ninth life." Fireheart obeyed and looked at the flower he allegedly transferred power to. He bent down and put the whole flower in his mouth. He chewed it up, tasting the bitter-sweetness of the flower with a hint of mint. He chewed it up until he was able to swallow it. He swallowed the flower. His eyes flashed pure white for a split second. He then fell to the ground in agonizing pain, yowls of his name fading away as he blacked out.
In Starclan:
Fireheart opened his eyes, and saw he was in Starclan. He looked around and saw a familiar face. He ducked his head in respect to Firestar. Firestar chuckled and said, "No need to show such respect." Fireheart replied, "I will always show respect to those who have earned it. Mind if I ask why I was brought here? Please don't tell me I'm actually allergic to the Blazing Star flower, and it took all my remaining lives because my dumb ass didn't know I was allergic to it."
Firestar purred in amusement and mewed, "No. But that would be an awkward, albeit interesting, turn of events. I'm here to combine with you." Fireheart replied calmly, "Sorry. Don't swing that way, Firestar." Firestar laughed and retorted, "Don't worry. Neither do I. I meant combine with you to restore your ninth life." Fireheart gasped in disbelief and mewed, "When fire combines with fire, life is restored. I thought it meant the Blazing Star flower!" Firestar replied, "It does. You had to combine your power with the flower for this to be possible. Another reason this is possible is because you and I are practically one and the same. That's why Spottedleaf easily fell for you."
Fireheart replied calmly, "Makes sense. So. You will have given me two lives. Is that possible?" Firestar answered, "Not usually. This is the only time anything like this has happened. You went back in time to save the life of someone. And that someone gave you one of your lives. Since she was not a part of Starclan at the time of your leader ceremony, you never received your life from her. I have also come to tell you, more hardships are coming. Do not lose control of your emotions, or a spark of darkness will arise within. You can do this." Fireheart nodded in understanding.
Suddenly, both Fireheart and Firestar began to glow brilliantly. Firestar mewed, "The time has come. Now, a part of me will always be with you until you lose your last life. Starclan will have your back with every decision you make as long as you don't fall and give in to the darkness inside if you lose control." Fireheart nodded once more in understanding.
Firestar approached Fireheart. He stopped in front of Fireheart and placed his nose on the top of Fireheart's head. Fireheart's yellow leader star reappeared on his head. Firestar mewed, "Until you reunite Lionclan. You will have the ability to hide your Leader Star from those who don't know. Once you reunite Lionclan, your Leader Star will always be visible. And now. It's time to combine. And do not worry, I will still be in Starclan." Firestar glowed a brilliant white as his soul combined with Fireheart's, giving Fireheart his lost life from changing history; back. Fireheart gasped for breath, the pain of receiving his lost life from changing history, almost unbearable. Fireheart almost fell to the ground from the pain. He didn't collapse, biting his tongue to prevent from screaming out in pain. He began to shake in immense pain as Firestar slowly disappeared in front of him. The pain vanished when Firestar fully disappeared.
Fireheart muttered, "Holy fuck. That hurt way worse than when I got all my lives combined during my leader ceremony. I suppose. They had to give me my lost life from changing history. So. They had to delve deep inside my soul or something to restore that which I lost. It's over now. I should be able to return home. Everyone must be worried about me." Fireheart closed his eyes and returned back to the waking world.
With Fireheart's Group:
The entire group with Fireheart was watching over his unconscious body worriedly. Ragnar mewed, "What the actual hell just happened?"Spottedleaf replied worriedly, "He combined his power with the Blazing Star flower and ate it. Starclan must've summoned him there after he ate the flower. He is still breathing after all." Lothrik asked, "Starclan? Mind if I ask what that is?" Spottedleaf was about to answer when a gasp of breath and a cough interrupted her. She immediately looked at Fireheart's body and gasped in disbelief as she saw Fireheart's Leader Star had reappeared. Fireheart opened his eyes and looked around. He saw several worried faces he recognized.
Fireheart purred quietly and said, "Don't fret. I won't be hunting with Starclan for a long time still." Ragnar asked, flabbergasted, "What is with the star on your head Fireheart?" Fireheart opened his mouth to reply, only to have Heathertail interrupt him, "That star signifies his Leader Status. It proves he is a Leader of a Clan. And his clan is Lionclan. Which is all four of the Forest clans combined into one. He leads them only in times of great turmoil or great darkness. Sadly, the Forest is in a time of great darkness and turmoil. The clans need their leader now more than ever." Ragnar nodded in understanding.
Fireheart looked at Spottedleaf and mewed, "No need to worry about seeing if I have all nine lives. I know I do. But. I should tell you. Firestar combined with me to give me my lost life. But. He is still in Starclan. And he also told me why you easily fell for me. He told me himself that he and I are practically one and the same." Spottedleaf mewed quietly, "That isn't the only reason. It is true that Firestar and you are practically one and the same. But. I've never felt this happy even when Firestar was still a live member of the clan. I didn't even feel this happy when Bluestar brought Firestar, who's name was Rusty at the time because he was a kittypet, to Thunderclan. You make me happy. So very happy." Ragnar grumbled, "Get a den you two." Lothrik exclaimed, "Ragnar! That was rude!"
Spottedleaf and Fireheart blushed dark red and Heathertail purred in amusement. Fireheart regained his composure first and said calmly, "Maybe her and I will get a den. Or should I say get a room. You'd love to know wouldn't you?" Spottedleaf blushed more and looked down shyly, a slight smile on her face. Heathertail purred in amusement as Ragnar's jaw dropped. Fireheart chuckled and said, "You may be witty. But I have comebacks. Don't you worry." Ragnar shook his head. The group made shifts to protect the temporary den.
The next morning, Fireheart was on guard duty. He looked at his paws, flames enveloping them. He closed his paw into a fist as best he could, flames still shooting around his paw. He chuckled quietly and muttered, "I can punch someone with a flaming fist. Cool. Wonder how much more it hurts. I should test it next time I'm in battle. I will do that." Fireheart stayed cautious as he woke everyone up.
As before, Fireheart helped Breezepelt onto his back. He mewed, "Move out! On me! Double time!" The group took off running back to the clans after grabbing the herbs they ventured out to get in the first place.
As the group ran, it began to rain once more. Fireheart mewed through the bag in his mouth, "Slow down! I remember watching something from my Twoleg life where walking when it's raining gets you less wet than sprinting!" The group obeyed and slowed to a fast walk. Spottedleaf mewed, "I never would've guessed walking when it's raining gets you less wet. You must've learned many interesting things from your Twoleg life, Fireheart." Fireheart replied, "I did." Spottedleaf replied, "I don't doubt it."
Fireheart heard something and perked his ears up. He listened carefully and heard the rustling of a mouse looking for food. Fireheart shook his head to clear the noise of the mouse from his ears. He muttered, "I need to be focused on the task at hand." Fireheart kept leading his group back towards the direction of home, West.
Back in Thunderclan:
Lionblaze was leading his border patrol that consisted of Cinderheart, Cloudtail, Brightheart, Seedpaw, Dovewing, and himself. They walked to the Windclan border. They remarked their border. Brightheart tasted the air and mewed, "The scent of Windclan is faint. As if only one cat has been marking it for each border patrol. Strange." Lionblaze nodded his agreement.
Dovewing extended her senses to Windclan and heard Onestar ask Kestrelflight, "How is Ashfoot and the others who have fallen ill to this strange sickness?" Kestrelflight mewed morbidly, "Ashfoot is getting closer to hunting with Starclan. The others who are sick with it, are fine for the most part. We can only hope Fireheart gets back with the cure sooner rather than later, but I fear he will be mere moments too late to save Ashfoot. As a precaution, do you already have a new deputy in mind? I know you're on your last life, Onestar." Onestar replied sadly, "Yes. I have a deputy in mind as a precaution. Hopefully, it doesn't get to that point, but I better prepare for the announcement just in case."
Dovewing brought her senses back to her group and said, "Sickness is spreading like wildfire in Windclan. That's why the scent seems to be from one cat per border patrol. Because it is only one cat." Seedpaw asked, "What should we tell Bramblestar?" Cinderheart mewed, "Exactly what Dovewing found out. Bramblestar will decide what's best like he always has." Seedpaw mewed, "Of course." Dovewing was very uneasy with the info she learned about Onestar. She decided to not tell the others what she learned about him. Lionblaze could tell that Dovewing was hiding something, but he didn't pry.
Lionblaze mewed, "Alright. Let's head back." The group formed up behind him as they began to walk back to Thunderclan.
Bramblestar was bathing in the sun as Lionblaze walked back into Thunderclan with his group. Bramblestar could tell that the group had some important news to tell him. He flicked his tail to his Leader Den. Lionblaze nodded and flicked his tail towards Dovewing. Dovewing walked over to Bramblestar and followed him into his Leader Den. Hollyleaf walked and asked, "What's wrong brother? I can tell something's on your mind. What is it?" Lionblaze replied, "Dovewing learned something on the border patrol that she didn't tell us. I could tell from her body language." Hollyleaf asked, "Maybe something confidential about one of the other clans." Lionblaze mewed, "Must be. Because she seemed very uncomfortable with what she learned."
Hollyleaf asked, "What could she have learned?" Lionblaze answered, "Well. Clearly something about Windclan would be my guess." Hollyleaf grumbled, "No shit Sherlock!" Lionblaze's ears perked up at the name and he asked, "Sherlock? Fuck's that mean?" Hollyleaf replied, "I've heard Fireheart say it a few times. I do believe I used it correctly."
Jayfeather approached his siblings from behind and mewed, "You two argue like a pair of old mates." Lionblaze snorted and whispered, "Says the one who is actually fucking our sister." Both Hollyleaf and Jayfeather blushed bright red and Lionblaze laughed. He mewed, "It's easy to tell. The Medicine Den reeks of mating. You two hide it well, but I've smelt it enough to be able to pick it out among all the scents in there." Jayfeather hissed quietly, "If you breathe a word of this to anyone, I swear to Starclan, I will make you regret it!" Lionblaze chuckled and mewed, "That a threat? Don't worry. I wouldn't tell anyone anyhow."
Jayfeather hissed, "It's not a threat if it's a promise." Lionblaze whistled and Hollyleaf whispered, "You two are making a scene! Calm down for fucks sake! You're drawing the attention of the entire clan!" Lionblaze looked around and realized that most of the clan was looking at them. Honeypaw asked, "Something wrong? Are we about to witness a sibling fight?" Jayfeather mewed calmly, "Nope. Lionblaze was being a mouse brain per usual." Crowfeather said, "Makes sense."
Hollyleaf sighed in relief as she muttered to her siblings, "Close call. Lionblaze needs to keep his maw shut about me and Jayfeather at least when there are cats other than Firestar and/or his harem around. Cause they know. So does Bramblestar. Those are the only exceptions! Do I make myself clear?" Lionblaze gulped quietly in fear and replied, "Yes." Hollyleaf continued, "Good! Now. I gotta make patrols. I am still the acting Deputy until Squirrelflight is able to return to her duties as Deputy." Hollyleaf walked away, her hips swaying slightly. Jayfeather's ears twitched, his blindness improving his hearing, as he heard Hollyleaf's hips sway.
Back With Fireheart:
Fireheart and his group kept moving. Fireheart muttered, Breezepelt on his back, "Good. Good. I recognize some of the surroundings. We have got to be getting close. I think I recognize where I fought the pair of wolves. We need to hurry the hell up." Fireheart raised his voice and said, "Double Time! ON ME!" The group obeyed, matching Fireheart's pace.
Fireheart led his group through the paths he took before, stopping only to hunt. As night fell, Fireheart set Breezepelt down and asked Spottedleaf, "Think he will be good to walk on his own now?" Spottedleaf replied, "I will check him over tonight. I will give you an answer by morning." Fireheart mewed, "Thanks love." Spottedleaf purred lightly.
Fireheart made guard duties for the night and everyone went to find a place to sleep nearby. Fireheart took the first watch. He heard something approach him from behind, and he whirled around; teeth bared, ready for a fight. He immediately stopped being hostile when he saw Ragnar and Lothrik. Ragnar mewed, "Don't bare your fangs at me, Fireheart. I am here to help guard and talk." Fireheart opened his maw to argue, but Lothrik interrupted, "You will not tell us we can't chat. You're very close to breaking down. It isn't hard to see. We are here to support you. I have been known to be a good therapist." Fireheart chuckled as he replied, "I feel like you've told me that before."
Fireheart looked down and said, "Just… What if I am too late to save Ashfoot's life?" Lothrik replied, "You might be, but think of the other lives you will save? What of them? Are they not worth it?" Fireheart answered, "It isn't that! It's just… Ashfoot is Onestar's deputy. I have a feeling that Heathertail will be the next deputy, which would be a good thing, but at the same time, I don't want her to feel like she didn't earn the title of deputy." Ragnar mewed, "Makes sense. But what else aren't you telling us?"
Fireheart continued looking down, tearing up slightly, and replied, "I have done things. Many things that I am not proud of. Too many to go into detail about. Just know, because of my mistakes, people have gotten hurt time and time again. And it eats at me, slowly. Making me remember each and every single one of my mistakes that have hurt people. Breezepelt, Sandstorm, Heathertail, Honeypaw, Silverstream, Bramblestar, Lionblaze, Cinderheart, Onestar, Dovewing, Mistystar, etc. Pretty much every cat in the forest. Even Splashfur. Like. Did she even want to come with me to the clans? Or did she do it out of a feeling of necessity?" Lothrik replied, "Intriguing." Fireheart asked, "How so?" Lothrik replied, "You feel like she only followed because she felt the need. And you feel like you've hurt countless cats. What about those you saved?" Fireheart replied, "I have saved many, but I have also hurt many, man!" Lothrik asked, "And which has more? Have you saved more, or hurt more? Answer truthfully!"
Fireheart answered truthfully, "I…I don't know, okay! But I feel like I have hurt more than I have saved!" Lothrik replied calmly, "Makes sense Fireheart, but you need to understand. Many cats probably would've died if you hadn't helped." Fireheart replied, "Not the point! I still hurt people!" Lothrik argued a little louder, "Maybe so. But I guarantee you've saved more than you've hurt!" Fireheart argued, "How can you possibly know that?!"
Ragnar growled deeply, "Because when we were Twolegs, you saved my brother and I, Dipshit! And I'm almost certain you saved tens of hundreds before us." Fireheart's jaw dropped and he asked, "How so?!"
Lothrik mewed calmly, "We were getting ready to give up on our Dreams, when I randomly found you via a random name and game generator. We just wanted to find someone to mentor to potential greatness, but instead we became best friends, and you restored our hope. And made us think we could actually make it. And we were doing good. Our followers and views began to rise once again. Hell! You made affiliate in nine months! Way fucking quicker than most! You didn't offer much in comedy, but you had skill. And your voice was and still is naturally calming! It's like the visions I've had, are what would've happened had you not been murdered as a Twoleg. You were, and still are; a symbol of hope. And you always will be! Do I make myself clear, Fireheart?!" Fireheart replied, "Yes. You do." Lothrik purred lightly and mewed, "Good."
Fireheart sighed and sat down as he groomed himself. Lothrik and Ragnar sat next to him. Lothrik placed his paw on Fireheart's shoulder gently and mewed, "You may not see it, but you're a Hero. And even Heroes make mistakes. No one is perfect." Fireheart sighed weakly and mewed, "You're right. Starclan damn it, you're right. You're absolutely right. I need to understand that I've saved more than I've hurt." He muttered to himself, "At least I hope so."
Fireheart took the first watch. Nothing interesting happened. As he was preparing to wake up Heathertail for the next watch, Heathertail walked up behind him and mewed sweetly, "I am up. Don't fret." Fireheart jumped and whirled around. Heathertail giggled and said, "Bit jumpy aren't you, Dear?" Fireheart licked his chest fur in embarrassment and replied, "You caught me off guard. I was lost in my thoughts." Heathertail's ears flicked in curiosity and she asked, "What kind of thoughts? I didn't hear any from you."
Fireheart said calmly, "Oh. Well. I learned pretty early into the harem thing how to block my thoughts from everyone else so they can't hear them. Don't need everyone worrying about me more than they already are." Heathertail gently batted Fireheart's head and mewed, "We will always worry about you. No matter what." Fireheart smiled and mewed, "And I appreciate that. I really do. But I will be fine. I promise." Heathertail eyed Fireheart and replied, "Alright Dear. I believe you." Fireheart purred quietly. He then went towards a tree and groomed himself before falling asleep.
Fireheart woke up to a tongue licking his head gently. Spottedleaf purred quietly and mewed quietly, "Time to wake up. I feel we will arrive home tonight. I pray to Starclan we aren't too late." Fireheart replied, "Likewise." Fireheart walked around and woke up the rest of the group. He asked Spottedleaf, "Breezepelt able to move on his own now?" Breezepelt leapt at Fireheart playfully and pinned him. Breezepelt asked, "This a good enough answer?" Fireheart kicked Breezepelt off of him and kipped to his paws and mewed, "Yes! Glad to see you're on your paws again, man." Breezepelt landed and stumbled a little bit, but stayed on his paws. Fireheart laughed and yowled, "ALRIGHT! FULL SPEED AHEAD! FULL SEND OR NO SEND! DOUBLE TIME! ON ME!" The group yowled, "Sir yes Sir!" Fireheart chuckled and grabbed all the herbs they collected. He sprinted towards home.
By the time they arrived at the Riverclan border, the moon was high in the sky. Fireheart ordered, "Spottedleaf, take Lothrik and Ragnar to Thunderclan. Take the catmint as well." Spottedleaf bowed her head and said, "Yes Fireheart." Ragnar argued, "Hell no!" Lothrik mewed calmly, "Let's follow her Ragnar. I would like to see Slayer's new home and new lifestyle." Ragnar grumbled angrily, but didn't argue with Lothrik.
Fireheart looked at Breezepelt and Heathertail and said, "Let's go save some lives!" Breezpelt and Heathertail yowled in agreement. Fireheart let them take the lead back to Windclan, the Blazing Star flowers in his maw.
Fireheart, Breezepelt, and Heathertail were greeted at the Windclan border by Onestar. Onestar ducked his head in respect to Fireheart and mewed, "Happy that you made it back safely, Firestar!" Fireheart's ears flicked as he heard his actual name. Fireheart smiled and said, "So. You were the one who remembered me after Heathertail. Does my den still stand?" Onestar laughed and said, "Yes. Yes it does. However, it is currently being used for the sick cats that have this new disease. Barely had enough space to house them all. And I already informed Windclan who you really are." Onestar bowed his head in respect again and mewed, "Windclan is ready to help at your Order, Firestar. We are happy to be a part of Lionclan once again. But. Forgive me. I must ask, did you find what you needed to cure the sick cats?" Fireheart replied, "Yes. However, you are still the Leader of Windclan. I only lead all the clans when it is necessary. I refuse to strip the Leaders' of their privilege and power of their clan." Onestar nodded in understanding and led Fireheart's group back to Windclan.
Fireheart had given the Blazing Star Flowers to Kestrelflight and now sat up on Tallrock, waiting for the news on Ashfoot's condition. By the time the sun began to rise, he noticed movement at the Medicine Cat's Den. He looked over and watched Heathertail approach him. Heathertail walked up to him, tears in her eyes as she said to him, "A-Ashfoot didn't make it. She now hunts with Starclan."
Fireheart couldn't believe his ears. He began to shake. He choked back tears and muttered, defeated, "I… I failed. I failed again. I'm pathetic! WHAT KIND OF HERO FAILS SO MANY FUCKING TIMES!? GOD FUCKING DAMN IT! I AM PATHETIC! I'VE LOST HOW MANY NOW?! I'VE HURT HOW MANY NOW?!" The light in Fireheart's eyes died down and he looked down, crying. He collpased to his stomach in defeat, the weight of everything hitting him. He got to his paws weakly and shakily, and walked away from Heathertail, saying nothing. Heathertail watched him go and understood immediately. She wiped her tears as she muttered, "H-He is broken." Her tears kept flowing as Onestar called a meeting. She went down to join the rest of Windclan.
Onestar mewed weakly, "I regret to inform everyone, but Ashfoot has passed! The unknown sickness claimed her life! Sadly, it is my duty as Leader, to appoint a new Deputy in a dark time like this." All of Windclan yowled in grief. Onestar choked back tears and mewed strongly, "I say these words before the body of Ashfoot, that the spirits of our warrior ancestors may hear and approve of my choice! The new deputy of Windclan will be Heathertail!" Heathertail couldn't believe her ears. At the same time as the announcement was made, everyone in the Forest heard a roar that shook everything, including the ground.
With Fireheart:
Fireheart happened upon a clearing, tears flowing freely. He looked to the sky and roared with all his might in grief. He looked at the ground in anger and sadness. He began to hyperventilate. Fireheart tried to slow his breathing down, but couldn't. He collapsed in defeat and began to make an ocean with his tears. As a result of Fireheart failing to control his breathing, he fainted; still crying.
In Thunderclan:
Everyone heard the roar and felt the ground shake. Bramblestar mewed loudly to calm everyone down, "I am sure that was Fireheart!" Lothrik looked up at Bramblestar and mewed, "You're right. That is him. However. Based on that sound, he has clearly broke down. He was trying to let all of his emotions out in one roar. But that is nowhere near enough." Honeypaw thought in the mental channel, 'All of us need to find him. NOW!' Every She-cat in Fireheart's harem replied, 'Yes. Yes we do!'
Well! Quite a long one. I am sure I rattled on and on and on. Sorry it took forever. Had a family emergency that forced me to move. I just got access to a laptop. Still need to head back to my old home and get the rest of my shit. Only grabbed a little bit. So. To those who feared I was dead. FEAR NOT! I HAVE RETURNED! Tell me what you think in the chapter. And again. I am now a twitch streamer as well. If any of you would like to hear my voice and help support me financially just a little, head over to Twitch. My Twitch Name is UntamableSlayer. Come over and say hi! Anywho! May Starclan protect you all! HappytheExceed16, signing out! PEACE!