Well. It's most likely the end of this book here. We shall see. It's going to be a lot longer than one might think. Trust me.

Chapter 22: Crossing Paths

In the Old Forest:

A black and white tom with yellow eyes woke up in a cold sweat with a gasp of breath. He muttered, "W-Who the hell was that?! I must tell Leafstar." The other cat in the den mewed tiredly, "You better have a good reason for waking me Fidgetflake."

Fidgetflake said, "Sorry Frecklewish." The moon was just about to set and the sun was beginning to rise. Fidgetflake walked out of the medicine den and was hit with another vision. Everywhere Fidgetflake looked, there was battle as Skyclan was under attack. A flame orange tom sprinted into the clearing of Skyclan's camp and yelled, "WHERE THE FUCK IS HE?! WHERE IS THAT MOTHERFUCKER?!" Another cat entered the clearing right behind the Tom. Fidgetflake noticed that the cat was a ginger-pelted she cat. The battle paused for a brief moment and Leafstar replied, "Who? And why do you look familiar?"

The vision faded and Fidgetflake looked around. He muttered, "What the hell? Another vision about that tom. And how does Leafstar know him?" Fidgetflake shook his head to clear it and padded up to the Leader's Den. A feminine voice mewed tiredly, "Come in Fidgetflake."

Fidgetflake walked into the Leader's Den and said, "Sorry to wake you Leafstar, but I just got back-to-back visions." Fidgetflake explained his visions to Leafstar.

Leafstar's eyes went wide as she said, "Interesting. The tom you're speaking of is Firestar. He is the one that guided us to this place. But he never talked like that when he was guiding us. Might be an imposter. We will have to keep an eye out. As for the battle, we don't have any enemies as the other clans aren't here. Nonetheless, I will double the cats on the border patrols. Thank you." Fidgetflake ducked his head in respect and left the Leader's Den.

He was hit with another vision. The same tom was coated in blood, battling a foe as if his life depended on it, his killing intent through the sky, but during the fight, he and the assailant rolled through a deep puddle. The blood was washed off the tom's pelt and the air immediately changed as the tom said, "Wait. What is going on? What am I doing?" The Tom avoided an attack and retaliated with a flaming fist. He mewed, "Right. Protecting her. She has to be the one Starclan told me about so I will defend her with my life. It's the only thing that makes sense. Hopefully, they're correct and she will save me from this path I've chosen before it's too late."

The Vision faded and Fidgetflake gasped for breath. He looked up to the sky and asked quietly, "What in the world are you trying to tell me, Starclan?! And did he strike the assailant with a flaming fist?!"

Fidgetflake got another vision. There was no light anywhere. A voice echoed around him. As it spoke, light like a fire began to slowly fill the area. It said, "When light begins to darken, the sun will reawaken the light within."

Back in the New Forest:

A flame orange tom's eyes opened as the sun struck his pelt. Firestar got up and stretched. Firestar said, "Time for some combat training with Flowerpaw." Firestar walked out of his den after he kissed Spottedleaf's head gently. He padded to the Apprentice Den and sat outside. Flowerpaw walked out and stretched. She looked at her father and asked, "What's on the schedule today?"

Firestar answered, "Glad you asked. Combat training. If you master combat quick enough, I will teach you some of my own moves that I created." Flowerpaw's eyes went wide with excitement. Firestar chuckled and said, "Follow me. After training, we will hunt. If you need help with the apprentice duties, don't be afraid to ask me or your mother. You are the only apprentice currently." Firestar looked up and smelled the scent of mating. He looked at Leafpool and Crowfeather walking back in the camp. He walked over and teased Crowfeather, "Have a fun night?" Crowfeather licked his chest fur and said, "So what if I did?"

Firestar watched Whitewing and Birchfall walk into the clearing, same scent of mating on them. Firestar thought, 'Makes sense to relieve some stress after the bullshit we've all been through. I could use some myself, but I'll be fine. I've got an apprentice to train after all. Don't have time to fuck. Never thought I'd say that. Especially at seventeen moons old.' Hollyleaf's voice reached his ears as she made the patrols.

Firestar and Flowerpaw went to the training hollow. It was stained red from his and Lionblaze's training. Flowerpaw asked, "What happened here?" Firestar answered, "Lionblaze and I. That is all I will say." Flowerpaw didn't ask another question and they began training.

In the Old Forest:

A ginger pelted she-cat's eyes opened as she thought to herself, 'Good grief. Hell of a nightmare.' A male voice reached her and he asked, "Sunnypelt. Something the matter?" Sunnypelt replied, "No. Nothing important. Thanks for asking Macgyver. Has Hawkwing made the patrols yet?" Macgyver mewed, "Indeed. You, I, Tinycloud, Beepaw, Reedclaw, Beetlepaw, and Violetshine are on the border patrol."

Sunnypelt mewed, "It's been a moon already and we are still having double cats on the border patrols. Leafstar must've had a vision about battle. Alright. Give me a second. I will be out." Sunnypelt heard Macgyver leave the Warrior's Den and she said, "For a kittypet, he's adapting well. He doesn't even talk about his twolegs anymore. Though he is still very wary about some things. He definitely has potential to be a mate. Good grief. I am eighteen moons old and I still haven't found a mate. Might be time to start looking. But I'm not exactly close to anyone here except my parents. Fuck me." Sunnypelt left the Warriors Den and joined her patrol at the entrance.

Back in the New Forest:

Firestar woke in his den and stretched. He mewed, "It's now Newleaf and the rain hasn't stopped. It's been raining since the end of Leafbare. Fuck's sake. Thankfully it's only been a drizzle, but it's becoming worse. Good grief." Firestar exited his den but felt something was off. He took a whiff of the air and he growled as he recognized the scent. He growled, "Tigerstar was here. He's getting too cocky." Firestar followed the scent. It led to the Owltree and then stopped at the base of the tree. Firestar heard something leap from Owltree. He rolled out of the way and stood up facing a Tom. Firestar spat, "The fuck are you doing in the Forest, Tigerstar?"

Tigerstar cackled and replied, "What's it to you? Don't worry. I haven't done anything. Yet. I came to tell you that I've been watching you. You defeated my army. All that's left is me and Bloodclan. I couldn't help but notice how barbaric you've become. Are you finally realizing that you can't possibly defeat me? All you are doing with the Forest is making it weak. They've begun relying on you too much. I know you think you're their hero. But being their hero does not make the Forest strong. They need to learn to fight their own battles."

Firestar mewed, "They have fought their own battles for moons before I was even born. You terrorized everyone! Your own apprentice was terrified of you! How dare you say the Forest is weak?! What gives you the right?!"

Tigerstar replied, "Yes. Ravenpaw was scared of me, but he was a coward to begin with! He couldn't see the genius behind my plan. I told him about it. I also told him that if he told anyone, no one would believe him because he was always skittish about everything. I guess as you Twolegs say, he was the boy who cried wolf. But of course, Firestar and Graystripe believed him. The bastards believed him. If only they hadn't, I would've become the Leader of Thunderclan like I rightfully deserved!"

Firestar growled, "You didn't deserve it. Shit, you never deserved anything! You killed Redtail! It wouldn't shock me if you had a part in Lionheart's unfortunate demise! And you tried to kill Bluestar! You completely destroyed her belief and faith in Starclan! And don't you dare call me a Twoleg. We both know I was never a Twoleg."

Tigerstar chuckled and said, "Who are you trying to fool? Me, or yourself? It's obvious at this point. You see. I have been watching the Twolegs around the old Forest and you fight just like they do. You punch and kick like them. You even strengthened your body to be able to handle striking like them as a cat. Don't worry. I won't tell anyone. I know withholding that information from everyone is eating at you. It's only a matter of time before you break and reveal your darkest secret to everyone. I can't wait for you to be exiled from the clans. That'll be hilarious. The Forest exiles their hero because of his dark secret, regardless of how much he's done for them. The only thing the Forest hates more than me, is Twolegs. Talk about poetic justice. The look of horror on your face as everyone you love, made friendships with, and fought for exiles you. The look of horror as your mates disown you and kill their and your kits as they are kits of a twoleg. I can't wait to see it. Just the thought of it is making me excited."

Firestar growled, "Too bad you won't be alive long enough to see it." Firestar leapt towards Tigerstar. He flew through Tigerstar. Firestar whirled around, only to see nothing but the ground and the Owltree. Firestar's body began shaking, his anxiety spiking through the roof. Firestar took a couple slow, deep breaths to regain control of his body. He shook his head and said, "Of course it wasn't him. Then why the hell did I smell his scent? Fuck. I'm losing it." Firestar padded to Thunderclan's camp.

In the Old Forest:

Sunnypelt awoke in the Warrior's Den. Her mind wandered and her body was telling her to leave the camp to look for someone. She muttered, "What the hell is up with my body lately?" She sighed. A masculine voice asked her, "You alright sweetie?"

Sunnypelt looked at her father and said, "I'm alright. Just. Doing some thinking. I have a question." Sparrowpelt said, "Hit me with it."

Sunnypelt asked, "If your body and heart was telling you something, but your mind was telling you different, what would you listen to?" Sparrowpelt purred and teased, "Finally decided to settle down to give me and your mother some grandkits?" Sunnypelt blushed lightly and replied, "This is a serious question." Sparrowpelt laughed and said, "I know. My advice is to listen to your heart. It will never steer you wrong."

Sunnypelt mewed, "Thanks dad." She walked out of the Warriors' Den and walked towards Leafstar's den. Before she could approach it, Leafstar padded out. She was about to yowl something when her eyes met Sunnypelt's. Leafstar looked Sunnypelt over and motioned to her den with her tail. Leafstar walked back into her den with Sunnypelt behind her.

Leafstar mewed, "What's on your mind, Sunnypelt?" Sunnypelt's paws moved nervously and she mewed, "Something's wrong with my body. It's telling me to go look for someone. I wanted to request permission to find whoever my body is telling me to find."

Leafstar thought for a second, her tail swishing around. Leafstar mewed, "Who will be the mentor of Beepaw while you're gone?" Sunnypelt replied without hesitation, "Macgyver."

Leafstar's eyes went wide with surprise and she mewed, "The Kittypet? You sure?" Sunnypelt mewed confidently with a hint of disgust aimed at Leafstar, "I am. He has proven himself to be a true Clan Cat time and time again. Honestly, I'm disgusted by the fact that you don't think he has the ability to train my apprentice."

Leafstar's tail twitched in annoyance, but she mewed, "Alright. As you wish. Go ahead. I do wish you luck finding him. Last I heard, the other clans moved because Twolegs were destroying this forest. I do not know where."

Sunnypelt left the Leader's Den and looked around her, taking in the surroundings of Skyclan's camp one more time before she ventured into the unknown. She felt a smile sneak onto her face as she thought to herself, 'I always knew I was destined for something bigger than the clan. Hopefully, I can find whoever my body is telling me I need to find.' Sunnypelt shot forwards. A cloud of dust began sprinkling down from where she used to be. Macgyver whistled and said, "Gah damn."

A Half-Moon Later:

Sunnypelt had made it to the mountains before sunhigh. She cautiously walked up the beaten path, prepared to defend herself. New scents were all around her, but she could tell most of the scents were cat. She stopped at what she assumed was a border and waited. A large, muscular, long-haired, dark gray tom approached her. His voice was guarded as he asked, "And who might you be? And why are you encroaching on Tribe Territory?"

Sunnypelt didn't know why, but she felt she could trust this Tom. She mewed, "My name is Sunnypelt. I am a clan cat from the Clan known as Skyclan. I am on a quest to find someone. Since no one tried to argue against me leaving, I am assuming someone got a vision from Starclan." The Tom's attitude changed and he mewed, "Any idea who you're trying to find?"

Sunnypelt replied, "No idea." The Tom's head tilted to the side and he said, "Well. I can get you past the mountain." Sunnypelt thought, 'Thank Starclan he is agreeing to help me.' She was intrigued that this tom didn't look surprised about the mention of Starclan. She asked, "And how do you know of Starclan?"

The Tom chuckled and answered, "I used to be a clan cat. I chose to leave as it was much more peaceful here. You could say; I have a paw in Thunderclan and a paw in Riverclan." Sunnypelt thought for a moment and mewed, "Forbidden love? I see."

The Tom replied, "Yeah. The name's Stormfur." Sunnypelt looked at him and mewed, "Well. Stormfur. Do you know where I should begin looking?" Stormfur replied, "I happen to have a pretty good idea where you need to look."

Sunnypelt asked, "Can you tell me?" Stormfur nodded and said, "I'll do you one better. I will lead you there as long as Stoneteller is okay with it. It'd be nice to see the one I call sister again. It'd also be nice to catch up with Firepaw." Sunnypelt thought to herself, 'Stoneteller must be the leader here.' Sunnypelt mewed, "That'd be wonderful. Thank you." Stormfur said, "Follow me." He turned around and began walking up the mountain. Sunnypelt followed him closely.

They arrived at a hole in the mountain. Sunnypelt was bombarded with many new scents. She followed Stormfur to a large open cave with a hole in the roof and pointed stones everywhere. An older cat mewed, "Stormfur. And someone new." Stormfur mewed, "Stoneteller. I request permission to lead this she-cat to the new forest. She's looking for someone."

Stoneteller mewed, "I see. Alright. Go ahead. I'm sure you're itching to catch up with Mistystar and Firepaw." Stormfur bowed his head and mewed, "Thank you." Sunnypelt bowed her head as well. Stoneteller mewed as the two left, "And Sunnypelt, don't think any less of him when you inevitably find out more about him." Sunnypelt's ears twitched in curiosity and she thought, 'What could Stoneteller be talking about? And did he say don't think any less of him when I find him? Is he hinting that the cat I am looking for is a Tom? Does he know something I don't? And how does he know my name?'

Stormfur and Sunnypelt walked out of another cave entrance. Stormfur said, "Stick close to me. I don't know if I'll be able to save you if you slip." Sunnypelt replied, "How many cats have slipped?" Stormfur said, "Far too many, myself included. Last time Firepaw was here, several cats slipped. He saved them all even though he was just an apprentice. Damn near died saving us all from the fall. And then he damn near joined Starclan saving the entire Tribe of Rushing Water from Sharptooth. Makes since why my sister fell for him. From what I was told by her, he even defended all of Riverclan by his lonesome, from an attack from a large group of rogues, and once more he almost died. There's something about him that I can't quite put my paw on. My assumption is that Starclan gave him a gift."

Sunnypelt mewed, "He does sound quite…. Brave to say the least. Hold up. You said your sister fell for him, Stormfur?" Stormfur nodded and mewed, "Indeed she did. Which is strange as he is an apprentice from Thunderclan, and Mistystar is the leader of Riverclan." Sunnypelt mewed, "Your sister, the Leader of Riverclan, fell in love with an apprentice of Thunderclan? Does Forbidden Love just run in your family?"

Stormfur laughed and said, "It does seem that way, doesn't it?" Sunnypelt mewed, "Indeed." Both cats heard a CAW above them. Stormfur yelled, "Tribe of Endless Hunting damn it! Stay behind me Sunnypelt!" Sunnypelt hissed, "Why? What is that?!" A large shadow covered both cats and Stormfur yelled, "It's an eagle!" Stormfur leapt into the air and attacked the eagle. Sunnypelt growled and leapt up as well. Together, Stormfur and Sunnypelt forced the eagle to retreat. As the eagle retreated, Stormfur and Sunnypelt began catching their breath.

Stormfur mewed, "Good shit. Let's keep going. We have a ways to go." Sunnypelt nodded her understanding and followed him closely.

In the New Forest a Half-Moon later:

Firestar woke in his den. He was sweating and he muttered, "Good grief. Another moon has already passed, and still the only lead I have on where Tigerstar's corpse is; where it all began. That could be so many places. I will have to check the Sunning Rocks first. I need to start my adventure sooner rather than later. But I can't go yet. I need to continue training Flowerpaw." Firestar kissed Windstream's, Spottedleaf's, Dovewing's, Ivypool's, and Lionstar's heads gently. He left his den quietly and approached the Apprentice's Den. He sat outside, waiting patiently for Flowerpaw to join him.

After a few more minutes, Flowerpaw padded out of the Apprentice's Den. She asked, "What's on the agenda today, Father?" Firestar replied, "Today, we're just hunting." Flowerpaw nodded her understanding.

Firestar and Flowerpaw had begun hunting near the Owltree. Firestar analyzed Flowerpaw's form and nodded his approval. Just as they were about to bring their haul back from hunting for a couple hours, Firestar's nose was assaulted with a scent he didn't recognize. He hissed quietly, "Flowerpaw, get behind me." Flowerpaw listened to the command. The bushes in front of the two rustled and Firestar ignited his pelt with orange flames, prepared to defend Flowerpaw and himself. He growled, "I know you're there. Come out, now! Don't make me drag you out by your scruff!"

A Feminine voice said, "Easy. I'm coming out. No need for this to get violent." A beautiful ginger-pelted she-cat walked out. Firestar examined her body language and realized she didn't mean any harm. He extinguished the flames on his pelt and sat down. He asked, "Who are you and what are you doing on Thunderclan's territory?"

The she-cat mewed, "My name is Sunnypelt and I am looking for someone." Firestar mewed, "Sunnypelt, who are you looking for?" Sunnypelt replied, "Not the foggiest." He asked, "Why do you need to find them?" Sunnypelt answered, "No idea. But my body was telling me I need to find them. Hopefully, I've found the right place."

Sunnypelt answered, "Since no one argued about me leaving, I am assuming Starclan sent someone a vision. If I had to take a guess, I am guessing Fidgetflake was sent a vision." Firestar's ears twitched and he asked, "How do you know of Starclan?" Sunnypelt replied, "I am a clan cat from the clan known as Skyclan." Firestar thought back to the books he read as a Twoleg and remembered the book titled Firestar's Quest. He thought to himself, 'Firestar was tasked by Starclan to find Skyclan if I recall correctly. Something about guiding them to safety.'

He mewed, "I always thought Skyclan was a myth." Flowerpaw mewed from behind him, "Me too." Firestar mewed, "You can come out from behind me now, Flowerpaw. Sunnypelt seems friendly." Flowerpaw walked out from behind Firestar.

Sunnypelt's eyes wandered over Flowerpaw's body and she thought to herself, 'Flowerpaw kinda looks like this Tom. He must be her father. Then again, could be a coincidence.' She asked, "Can you offer me shelter for a bit?" Firestar mewed, "Indeed I can."

Sunnypelt's eyes wandered across Firestar's body and she mewed jokingly, "Maybe it's you I was sent to find. Who knows?" Firestar stifled a purr of amusement and mewed, "True. The name's Firestar."

Sunnypelt replied, "Firestar eh? Well, thank you Firestar." Firestar mewed, "You ready?" Sunnypelt mewed, "In a bit. Couple more things. Stormfur mentioned a tom named Firepaw."

Firestar's eyes lit up as he mewed, "Stormfur's here?" Sunnypelt shook her head and said, "No. He's in Riverclan catching up with Mistystar." Firestar gulped quietly and replied, "Hopefully he isn't too mad at her for being my mate and having a Thunderclan cat's kits." Sunnypelt's ears twitched with curiosity and she mewed, "What about Code One? It's against the Warrior Code to have a mate outside of your clan."

Firestar licked his chest fur in embarrassment and mewed, "About that. I changed the Warrior Code with Starclan's blessing. All the Medicine Cats from the clans and the Leaders of the clans joined me when I changed it. Aside from the Leader and Medicine Cats of Skyclan because none of you were here in the forest."

Sunnypelt's jaw dropped and she yelled, "YOU FUCKING WHAT?!" Firestar mewed, "You heard me." Firestar explained the New Warrior Code and the New Medicine Cat Code to Sunnypelt.

Sunnypelt was speechless. She thought to herself, 'This Tom changed the fucking codes?! WITH STARCLAN'S BLESSING?!' She regained her composure and said, "If what you said is true, then you are quite intriguing."

Firestar replied calmly, "I tried telling you." Flowerpaw mewed, "Yeah. My father would never lie!" Sunnypelt couldn't believe what she heard. She mewed, "Hold up. Flowerpaw is your kit? But you also have kits with Mistystar?! Is Flowerpaw a kit of yours and Mistystar?" Firestar shook his head no and answered, "No. Windstream is the mother of Flowerpaw." Sunnypelt spat, "So you aren't loyal? You have two mates!" Firestar licked his chest fur again and mewed, "Actually…. I have ten."

Sunnypelt hissed, "FUCKING WHAT?! WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK! WHY DO YOU HAVE TEN MATES!" Firestar replied, "You'd have to ask Starclan that one. I was more than prepared to be a lone wolf for life. But. The people wanted me to have multiple mates. Anyhow! You're here now." Sunnypelt let herself calm down. She took a couple of breaths and regained her composure.

Sunnypelt answered, "Well. Quite a lore drop eh?" Firestar thought back to vision he had a few moons ago and thought, 'Is she the one meant to save me? She is a ginger-pelted she-cat. But if she is, why would she be here now? Unless I am nearing the point where I become that rage-filled version of myself. She did say her body was telling her she needed to find someone. Fuck if I know.' Firestar mewed, "Come on. Flowerpaw and I were just about to return to Thunderclan's camp. I'm sure you're beat from the journey here. And I know you're drenched from the rain. Let's head back together and get you somewhere dry so you can dry off."

Sunnypelt examined Firestar's body language, but sensed no malice. She thought to herself, 'Even though this tom has several mates, who all must be okay with it or he'd be far more skittish around she-cats as his mates would've clawed him at the very least, he's a gentleman. Interesting. Very interesting.' She mewed, "Alright. Let's go. Thank you." Firestar beamed and mewed, "Come on Flowerpaw, let's show our guest to the camp. Don't forget the fresh-kill." Flowerpaw bounced up and down. She settled down and grabbed her pile of fresh-kill with pride. Firestar chuckled and grabbed his own stack. He said, "Stick close to us and please stay behind me in case Thunderclan thinks it's under attack."

Sunnypelt mewed, "Of course. I never asked. What clan are you the leader of?" Firestar replied, "Lionclan, which before you ask, is all the clans combined. And before you freak out, no. I didn't force it. I never wanted to be a leader, especially not the leader of all the clans combined. Not this early into my life at least. Starclan asked me too and I said no the first time. But after Flowerpaw was born, I had to become the leader of Lionclan to ensure peace thrives in the forest so she could grow without the fear of being killed in battle against any friends she may make throughout her life." Firestar thought back to when he received his lives and remembered he got a life of unity to reunite his clan after a disagreement. He thought to himself, 'There was never a disagreement, meaning I have not done that yet. What the hell is going to happen?'

Sunnypelt mewed, "You said you didn't want to become a leader this early into your life? So, pardon me for asking, but how old are you?" Firestar replied honestly, "Nineteen Moons old." Sunnypelt's jaw dropped and she thought to herself, 'A leader at Nineteen Moons old?! He's definitely the youngest leader in clan history! And he's the same age as me? He's quite mature for his age.'

Firestar led Flowerpaw and Sunnypelt back to Thunderclan's clearing. He was greeted warmly by Crowfeather. Crowfeather said, "Welcome back Firestar and Flowerpaw. That's a lot of prey caught by just you two." Crowfeather's eyes wandered over to Sunnypelt, and his attitude immediately changed from friendly, to hostile. Firestar swiftly said, "Stand down Crowfeather! She's with me!" Crowfeather's hostility vanished. The commotion drew everyone out of their dens. Berrynose walked over, nose curled.

Berrynose said, "She doesn't smell like any of the other clans, yet she doesn't smell like a rogue either. Where is she from?" Firestar replied, "She is from the clan known as Skyclan." Spiderleg mewed, "We were all told Skyclan was just a myth." Firestar replied, "I know. But it's the only thing that makes sense as she thinks one of her clanmates got a vision from Starclan, which is why no one tried to stop her from coming."

Sunnypelt looked over as all of Thunderclan was looking at her. Firestar mewed to her, "Don't worry. No one here will hurt you. I know. It's an entirely new forest with four clans you didn't know existed. I will introduce you to the other clans when you'd like. You're also allowed to leave whenever to return back to Skyclan."

Sunnypelt looked at him and mewed, "Alright." Firestar pointed to the Warrior's Den and said, "That is the Warrior's Den. You can sleep there when you're tired." Sunnypelt's gaze wandered around the Thunderclan Clearing. Her eyes stopped at Firestar's Leader Den. She asked, "What den is that?"

Firestar followed her gaze and answered, "That's my Leader's Den. Bramblestar's is a little further up. If you'd rather sleep in my den over the Warrior's Den until you get used to being around here, you're more than welcome too. I'll sleep with the other Warriors. Now, explore around. I gotta bring Fresh-kill to the Nursery. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me." Firestar and Flowerpaw padded to the Fresh-kill pile and dropped their prey off.

Firestar grabbed several mice and a blackbird. He walked towards the Nursery with Flowerpaw on his heels. Firestar's ears twitched as he heard Cedarkit whisper, "He's getting closer. Everyone, get ready." He walked into the Nursery and immediately dropped his mouthful of prey as he leapt back to avoid Cedarkit's pounce. Rosekit joined in. Firestar chuckled and evaded the leaps of Halfkit and Crouchkit as well. Buzzardkit mewed, "Get him! We can overwhelm him and become the best fighters' in the forest!" Flowerpaw smirked and leapt at her father. Firestar evaded several of their attacks.

Firestar flipped over Applekit's leap, a smile on his face as he thought, 'They are quite clever and well coordinated for kits. Even Flowerpaw joined the assault.' Firestar slipped several attacks. His eyes went wide as Flowerpaw hit him from the side. He rolled and ended up on his back. He smirked as he heard Applekit mew, "He's on his back! Jump on him now!"

Firestar waited until he heard the kits leap at him. He kipped over them and corrected himself in the air to face them. Squirrelflight walked out of the Nursery, a smile on her face as she mewed, "Alright. That's enough." The kits complained, "Ah darn it. We were so close to beating him."

Splashfur padded out of the Nursery and said, "You'll get him next time." Firestar looked at her and asked, "Were all the queens in on this ambush?" Silverstream padded out and answered, "Maybe. Maybe not. You'll never know, Love." Firestar laughed and said, "Alright. For kits, they are well coordinated. Excellent trait for a Warrior." The kits purred at the compliment.

Firestar's gaze wandered to Flowerpaw and he mewed, "As for you." Flowerpaw gulped in fear. Firestar complimented, "Way to take me by surprise." Flowerpaw looked surprised and Firestar continued, "However, you should've told them I was going to kip to my paws. I know you knew."

Flowerpaw responded swiftly, "I was waiting to see where you landed to attack you next." Firestar said, "Alright then. You still should've told them so they could've been prepared to attack me again." Flowerpaw nodded her understanding. Firestar mewed, "Now. I gotta head to Riverclan to check up on Mistystar and to catch up with Stormfur. Apparently, he's here from the mountains."

Sunnypelt asked, "May I join you?" Firestar's gaze turned towards her and he joked, "You sure you wanna go into the forest alone with a random Tom you just met?" Sunnypelt purred quietly in amusement and answered, "I can tell you're a good cat. Even if you do have ten mates. I just have this feeling that you won't do anything." Firestar purred and said, "You aren't wrong. Alright. Let's go." Firestar and Sunnypelt left the Thunderclan clearing.

They got to the Riverclan border. Sunnypelt stopped but Firestar mewed, "No need to stop. The clans are all one, yet still separate. Yes, we all keep our borders marked, but any of the forest cats can cross them without problems. Shit, we all share prey too."

Sunnypelt said, "You sure?" Firestar nodded and walked over the border. Sunnypelt followed him hesitantly. Firestar thought to himself, 'There is no longer a doubt in my mind she's a clan cat. She obeys the old Code. It will take a lot of time to get used to the new one. I'm still getting used to it, and I made the damn thing.' Firestar and Sunnypelt made it to the river.

Firestar mewed, "Meet you over there. You go first." Sunnypelt looked at the Stepping Stones and took a breath. The constant rain had made them almost impossible to see. She jumped to the first one and almost slipped. Firestar immediately prepared to jump into the River to save Sunnypelt just in case. Sunnypelt took her time to make sure she kept her footing. She eventually made it across the river. Firestar sighed in relief and said, "You might wanna move." Sunnypelt looked at him, her head tilted to the side, curiosity clear in her eyes. Firestar mewed, "Trust me." Sunnypelt listened to him and moved.

Firestar mewed to himself, "I haven't done this since I saved Riverclan from the rogue attack. Hopefully, I still got it." Firestar backed up to get a running start. His eyes flashed flame orange for a split second, paws sparking. He shot forwards fast as a bullet, the trees moving from the force of his speed. Firestar leapt over the river, clearing it by several fox-lengths. He rolled to his paws to lessen the impact.

Sunnypelt's jaw dropped and she rubbed her eyes gently to confirm what she just saw. Firestar laughed and yelled, "YES! I STILL GOT IT!" Sunnypelt had regained her composure and giggled as she said, "You're acting like a kit."

Firestar licked his chest fur from embarrassment and mewed, "Sorry. I just haven't done that since I was an apprentice when I had to defend Riverclan from a rogue attack." Sunnypelt's eyes went wide and she asked, "Wait. You're the Firepaw that Stormfur was talking about?"

Firestar mewed, "Indeed I am. I will never forget that day. That is when I truly found out Starclan had given me a gift. Even if they hadn't, I still would've given it my all to keep Riverclan safe, even if it cost me my life."

Sunnypelt said, "Well. Stormfur is in for a surprise. Everyone in the Mountain's still thinks you're an apprentice." Firestar laughed and said, "That does not surprise me. I haven't been to the mountains since I defeated Sharptooth." Sunnypelt asked, "Who or what is Sharptooth?"

Firestar replied, not remembering this she-cat didn't know he used to be a Twoleg, "Sharptooth was a Mountain Lion." Sunnypelt replied, "A mountain lion? As in a member of the lost clan of the original Lionclan?" Firestar realized his mistake. He thought of a lie and said, "Not exactly. Sharptooth was an exiled member that turned his back on the Code. He began terrorizing the Tribe of Rushing Water. I defeated him to protect the Tribe, and now he fights with me, even though he is hunting with Starclan."

Sunnypelt looked shocked and said, "You defeated a member of Lionclan?!" She thought to herself, 'He's clearly lying. The Original Lionclan and Tigerclan have not been seen around any of the forests for hundreds, maybe even thousands, of years. Why is he lying to me? Maybe something from his past… But why hide it? Then again, he and I just met. I won't pry. I'm sure it's nothing.'

Firestar examined her body language, and could tell she wasn't buying his lie. He prepared for backlash, but Sunnypelt mewed, "Interesting story. Alright." Firestar sighed in relief.

Firestar led the way to the Riverclan Camp. Just as he walked in, he heard Riverclan yelling, "CLOVERPAW, CLOVERPAW, CLOVERPAW!" Firestar joined in and yelled louder than the entirety of Riverclan, "CLOVERPAW, CLOVERPAW, CLOVERPAW!" Everyone looked at him. A sweet voice reached his ears. Mistystar mewed, "Glad to see you could make it to your daughter's apprentice ceremony, Love. Unfortunately, she was the last one."

Firestar mewed, "Well. I am sorry that I was not here for Lionpaw's, Longpaw's or Stormpaw's apprentice ceremony. Speaking of Stormpaw. Where is Stormfur?" A masculine voice said from the middle of the cats in the meeting, "Right here, Firepaw."

Firestar laughed and said, "Come to me Stormfur. You're in for a surprise." The cats in the middle moved out of the way so Stormfur could make his way to Firestar. Stormfur's eyes wandered to Firestar's head and he gasped. He said, "Y-You're a leader already?! What happened?!" Firestar mewed, "Long Story short, I became a father. I could no longer say no to what Starclan offered me. So now, I am the Leader of Lionclan, which is all the clans combined."

Stormfur mewed, "I see. Makes sense why you'd choose to become the Leader of Lionclan then. Gotta make sure peace can thrive. I get it. Now, Mistystar also told me about your… to put it nicely, your unethical group. Normally, I'd be pissed that you weren't just with Mistystar. But I have been told you share the love and treat them all with respect. I have also been told you don't just use them as toys to your desire. For that, you have my respect and blessing, Firestar."

Firestar purred quietly and said, "Thank you. For your respect and blessing, Stormfur. Not that I'm complaining, but what brings you to the forest?" Stormfur replied, "I wanted to catch up with Mistystar and you. Wanna get me up to speed?" Firestar nodded and said, "Mistystar. Wanna help me get Stormfur up to speed? It wouldn't be bad for Sunnypelt to find out what's been going on in the forest either." Mistystar mewed, "Indeed. Then you can tell me why you're being accompanied by a She-cat that isn't a part of the Harem." Firestar gulped quietly and Stormfur rushed to his rescue, "I brought Sunnypelt to the Forest. She was looking for someone. I doubt she was looking for Firestar."

Mistystar shot daggers through Sunnypelt with her gaze. Sunnypelt stared back at Mistystar, confidence in her gaze. She mewed, "Relax, would ya? I am not here to get with Firestar. My body told me I had to find someone, so I asked my leader for permission to search. Leafstar gave it to me. That is why I am here. I am not here to get mated. And especially not by a Tom with ten mates already."

Mistystar examined Sunnypelt's body, but found no hint of lying. Mistystar purred quietly and said, "Good. I like you. You stand your ground. Good girl." Sunnypelt felt her spine tingle at those words. Firestar mewed, "Well. Let's get them all up to speed." Mistystar and Firestar led Stormfur and Sunnypelt to Firestar's den in Riverclan.

After a couple of hours, Sunnypelt and Stormfur were caught up to speed. Firestar finished, "And that is why, eventually, I will need to leave the forest to find Tigerstar's body to end this, once and for all. I wish I could spare his life, but I unfortunately can't. For peace and hope to thrive, he needs to be put six feet under. Basically meaning, I need to take his life."

Stormfur and Sunnypelt took in his words. Stormfur mewed, "But Code fourteen." Firestar snapped, "You really think I want to kill him?! My paws are so fucking dirty from the foes I have killed before! I despise killing my enemies! It disgusts me! I fucking hate dirtying my paws! It makes me feel horrible! I always try to solve things diplomatically! BUT NO ONE FUCKING LISTENS TO ME! THE ONLY ONE WHO DID WAS SOL FINALLY! AND I STILL HAD TO KILL HIM TO KEEP MYSELF SAFE!" Mistystar rested her tail on Firestar's back. He slowly calmed down. He felt his eyes well and he quickly wiped his eyes with his tail before anyone could notice. Firestar took a breath and continued, "I do not want to kill him. It is a necessary evil because I know he can't be reasoned with. I have already tried multiple times to talk some sense into his thick skull. He has gone too far down the path of evil. But to keep the forest and my mates safe, and let my kits grow up without the fear of being killed by someone who has a revenge boner against the clans, I will do what I must to ensure their safety. So what if it damns me to the Place of No Stars. It's a fate I will happily accept to keep the ones I care about safe."

Sunnypelt's body told her she needed to accompany this Tom when he did venture out to end what needed to be ended. She asked, "Do you mind if I join your quest when you do leave, Firestar?" Firestar's gaze sent shivers down her spine as he mewed, "I can not allow you to come with me. It will be highly dangerous. I might not make it back alive." Mistystar smacked Firestar upside the head with her tail as she mewed, "Do not joke about shit like that!"

Firestar rubbed his head with a paw and mewed, "Ouch! I am sorry, Sunnypelt, but I can not allow anyone to join me on that fateful adventure. Tigerstar is my burden to bear."

Sunnypelt asked, "You sure?" Firestar answered, "Yes. I am sure. However, I most likely won't be leaving until Flowerpaw earns her Warrior Name. So, I will be around here for two more moons at the least. I do believe that I will be leaving for my journey soon. The rain has steadily been getting worse. I guess Jayfeather was right. There is a flood coming."

Firestar looked around and smiled as he said, "It's time to return to Thunderclan." Mistystar was about to ask something, but Firestar interrupted her with a kiss. He mewed, "I will be here almost daily, just like when you were a queen, love."

Mistystar purred and said, "Good. I am glad you were able to watch your kits grow up." Firestar thought back to when he was a Twoleg and how his biological father basically abandoned him. He mewed, "I would never abandon my kits. I will always be a part of their lives until my last breath, and then I will watch over them in Starclan."

Two Moons Later:

Firestar awoke in the Warrior's Den. He stretched and walked into the clearing that was starting to become flooded. He sighed and padded up to Bramblestar's den. A voice said, "Come in Firestar." Firestar walked into the den. Bramblestar asked, "What can I do for you?" Firestar answered, "I'd like to recommend Flowerpaw to become a Warrior."

Bramblestar's eyes went wide but he said, "Of course. What should her assessment be?" Firestar thought for a moment and said, "I truly don't know. No one in the clans' has scented rogues around, we don't have enemies currently aside from Tigerstar, we aren't exactly low on prey. Maybe… A mock battle. We ask either Mistystar, Onestar, or Blackstar to send a patrol to invade us. I will be the only one with her during this. What do you think?"

Bramblestar mewed, "Not a bad idea. The question is, who should we ask?" Firestar answered, "We can't ask Blackstar. We don't need anyone thinking Shadowclan is the enemy. I think we should ask Onestar. Windclan cats' are naturally faster than the other clans. It should test her ability to think outside the box to get the upper hand. Of course, we would need to tell everyone aside from her that it is a mock battle so tensions don't arise. We should set it to a moon from now. I will take Flowerpaw hunting right now. Call a meeting and let Thunderclan know."

Bramblestar teased, "Is that an order?" Firestar laughed and said, "No. While hunting, I will go tell the other leader's the plan for her assessment. Make damn sure Sunnypelt is at the meeting here. We don't need her thinking the forest is at each other's throats." Bramblestar raised an eye and he asked, "You don't trust her to not tell Skyclan?"

Firestar answered, "Skyclan is not a member of our alliance. So, we can't jeopardize everything we've worked towards to have peace in the Forest. So yes. I do not trust her to not tell Skyclan that the forest is at one another's throats." Bramblestar mewed, "She's been adapting well." Firestar said, "I know. That's not the issue. The issue is that Skyclan is not a member of Lionclan. Maybe when I journey to the old forest to finish Tigerstar once and for all, I can try to bring them back with me. Then hopefully, they will join Lionclan. But until that day, we should treat Skyclan the way we used to treat the other clans. Not friends, not enemies."

Bramblestar thought for a second and said, "As you wish, Firestar." Firestar mewed, "Thank you." Firestar left Bramblestar's den and waited outside the apprentice den for Flowerpaw. Flowerpaw walked out and she asked, "What's our plan today, dad?" Firestar smiled and said, "We will be hunting for the other clans. When we get back, you can tend to the apprentice duties. Do not hesitate to ask for help. I wouldn't mind helping you out with them. I know it's a lot."

Flowerpaw mewed, "Appreciate it dad. But ever since Rosepaw and Cedarpaw became apprentices, it's become as easy as catching slow mice." Firestar laughed and said, "I bet it has. Well. Let's get going."

Firestar led Flowerpaw out of camp. Bramblestar watched the pair leave. He waited two more minutes after they stopped being visible and yowled, "EVERYONE ABLE TO CATCH THEIR OWN PREY, MEET UNDER HIGHROCK FOR A CLAN MEETING! THAT MEANS YOU TOO SUNNYPELT!"

Flowerpaw and Firestar padded to Shadowclan's border. Firestar crossed it first. Flowerpaw was hesitant to cross. Firestar said, "It's alright, Flowerpaw. All the clans in the forest are allies. We can cross it without consequences." Flowerpaw took a breath and stepped over the border. Firestar shook his head and continued to Shadowclan's camp, Flowerpaw on his heels.

They were greeted by a sweet voice. "Hey Love. Hey Flowerpaw. What brings you to Shadowclan?" Mewed Olivenose.

Firestar answered, "Just gotta talk to Blackstar, Love. Is he available?" Olivenose smiled and said, "Yes. But before I can let you see. You gotta pay the toll." Firestar chuckled and said, "Close your eyes, Dear." Flowerpaw closed her eyes. Firestar gently kissed Olivenose. She purred quietly and kissed back.

The two separated and Olivenose said, "He's in his den." Firestar laughed gently and said, "Thank you, Love. Flowerpaw. You can open your eyes once more. Let's go."

Firestar walked towards Blackstar's leader's Den and sat outside. Blackstar's voice said weakly, "Come in, Firestar." Firestar swiftly said, "Stay outside Dear." He bolted into the den.

Firestar asked swiftly, "Everything alright?" Blackstar nodded and said, "I've just been under the weather the past couple of days. It's nothing serious." Firestar hissed quietly, "I know that you're on your last life, and you're not exactly a young buck anymore. So everything is serious! Have you talked to Littlecloud?" Blackstar mewed, "Well no."

Firestar said loudly to Flowerpaw, "You need to find Littlecloud. Now. Do it nonchalantly. Don't need to draw attention to this." Flowerpaw mewed, "Of course father." She swiftly walked towards what she assumed was the Medicine Den.

Blackstar asked, "Why do you care so much?" Firestar answered, "Because you're a member of Lionclan. And a clan looks after their own." Blackstar purred in amusement and coughed. A timid voice reached the ears of the Toms. "Can I come in?" asked Littlecloud. Firestar mewed, "Come in."

Littlecloud walked into the den. Firestar moved out of the way to give Littlecloud room to diagnose Blackstar's condition. Once Littlecloud was done, he said, "It's just a cold." Firestar sighed in relief and said, "Thank Starclan."

Blackstar stifled a purr of amusement and coughed again. He asked, "You wanted to see me?" Firestar nodded and explained Flowerpaw's assessment.

Blackstar listened intently and said, "That's not a bad idea. Thank you for letting me know." Firestar said, "Of course."

Firestar padded out of Blackstar's den. Flowerpaw was sitting watch at the bottom of the steps. She turned around and walked up to her father. She asked, "Is Blackstar okay?" Firestar nodded and answered, "It's just a cold."

Once Firestar and Flowerpaw had visited all the clans and Firestar had explained Flowerpaw's assessment to the leaders', the pair returned to Thunderclan, mouths full of prey. As they walked into Thunderclan's clearing, Firestar noticed Sunnypelt outside the Elder's Den talking to Purdy. He dismissed Flowerpaw and padded over. He asked, "What's going on?"

Purdy answered, "I've just been telling this gal about your adventures and feats. She's been full of questions about you." Firestar felt a blush appear on his face and he said, "Oh really? Why are you so curious about me, Sunnypelt?"

Sunnypelt answered, "I can't be curious about the one who single-handedly saved Riverclan and who can jump the river with ease?" Firestar laughed and said, "I suppose you can be curious about who I am and what I've done." Firestar thought to himself, 'Why is she so curious about my past?' Sunnypelt thought to herself, 'He is quite the interesting Tom. I can see why he has ten mates. The question I have, is why is Starclan okay with it? He's with his own sister for crying out loud. I wonder what Starclan has been planning for.'

Now. There will be one more chapter to this book. Do take time out of your day/night to vote in the poll. The poll will be closing after the end of this book. If there are no winners, or a tie, I will have to choose who the three cats are that get the surprise. Until next time, May Starclan Watch Over You All. HappytheExceed16, signing out!