Disclaimer: I don't own Warriors!

Title: Red Pearls

Summary: Brightfur just wanted to be a medicine cat. Her mentor, Ravenwind, has very different ideas on what that means- for her and for ShadowClan. With Ravenwind controlling her every move and more than willing to kill to keep it that way, Brightfur will need more than just luck to live to tell the tale.

Chapter Title: A Bite of Irony

…

In the days that pass, the air begins to warm. It's not Newleaf yet, but it's coming at a decently fast rate, as if the blood sprinkled across the snow has awoken the sun from its hibernation. Squirrels begin to move about, and some unfortunate voles and mice wake up a bit early; and to a starving ShadowClan, it's practically a feast. Brightfur felt stronger and sleeker than she had in moons as she quietly slipped past the training hollow, sparing a quick glance at the apprentices- Willowpaw versus Lionpaw, the golden tom bigger but the white and gray tabby far more enthusiastic. The flapping of wings draws her attention, and she slinks away.

Brightfur stopped to get a drink from a stream- and if there was one blessing that came from the cold, it was how cool and refreshing it made the water. Giggling caught her attention next. She peered through the trees to see Hawkflower and Maplenose chatting over a newly caught frog. It was a delicacy this time of season, prompting the two warriors to push it back and forth, laughing at their refusal to be the first to cave. The scene brought a smile, however bittersweet, to Brightfur's muzzle.

Brightfur, a voice whispered in her ear. It sounded like Flowerpaw. Hurry! It's getting away!

She spat a curse under her breath and took off in an unsteady trot. It was easy to get caught up in her melancholy now that Berryshade was gone and Hawkflower was busy. It wasn't either of their faults, of course- Berryshade was blackmailed, and Brightfur didn't doubt that she could walk up to the tom and ask for some company and he would happily have her along. He was a great friend like that.

Not today. Brightfur has a mission today.

A hoarse croak had her crouching close to the ground, working her claws into the snow. There, in the middle of the opening between some trees, was a raven. It was scrawny, underfed, and almost pitifully making noise, as if asking to be hunted.

Brightfur bunched up her muscles and leapt, claws out. She missed by a mouse-length. The raven squawked and tried to fly, but one quick hop and the back of the bird's throat was in her teeth. She set the fresh-kill down to catch her breath, fur fluffed out. She was torn between anxiety and a pure, flat anger.

Thank you, Flowerpaw, Brightfur prayed, tilting her head up. Won't be long now, and you'll be avenged.

Ravenwind is asleep when she returns. Brightfur gently placed the raven at the edge of her nest and left the medicine den all together, aimlessly wandering around the camp. She's not sure where she should be now, waiting for it to happen. Would it be suspicious to be close, or odd for her to be far? Eventually she ends up in the nursery of all places, taking a nap next to Grayfeather, whose nest has a half-shriveled juniper berry by it. She doesn't have to ask to know it's a memorial for Berryshade.

She woke to a commotion outside, and tried to keep herself looking neutral as he poked her head out. Brightfur expected yowling, maybe a bit of shock, but overall she expected quiet. She'd been to enough vigils to know.

This wasn't a vigil.

This was Huskfrost of RiverClan, standing strong in front of the Clanrock, tail high and ears pricked.

Brightfur didn't know whether she was more relieved or disappointed, but she sure felt something as she stumbled out to watch as Alderstar appeared from his den, tabby fur askew. Smokestripe had turned away, showcasing a very quiet but very poignant rebellion against the old leader.

"I waited to come," the RiverClan cat said. "I waited until Burnstar was cold and buried. I figured it was only fair."

Alderstar lowered his muzzle at the reminder. "I assume StarClan gave you your nine lives, then."

"They did. I'm Huskstar, now."

A low rumble of congratulations swept the clearing. Huskstar hardly seemed to notice, taking careful count of every warrior's face. She did a double-take before finally looking to Alderstar. "Where is Berryshade?"

"Huskstar-"

"She deserves punishment for what she's done, Alderstar."

"You said she would live."

"I said I wouldn't hurt her while she was pregnant." The new leader narrowed her eyes. "But that doesn't mean her crimes should go unpunished. She should come to RiverClan and hunt in his place until the kits come. Then we'll talk something more lasting."

Slatestep padded forward with a slow shake of her head. "You're too late, Huskstar. We banished Berryshade a few sunrises ago."

Her ears flattened. "I see."

"I know it wasn't ideal," Alderstar meowed, glancing at Smokestripe. "But ShadowClan won't house a murderer. You understand that, don't you?"

"I understand that you took justice into your own paws," Huskstar replied. "I understand that Burnstar is dead and gone and Berryshade lives with some scuffed ears. I understand that he was a raving mad tom, but he was a leader, and his death should be treated with proper respect." She took a pointed step closer. "I understand that RiverClan had no just reason to go to war with ShadowClan, but spitting on the grave of one of our own is more than enough of one."

Badgerthroat's scruff rose. "Are you threatening us, fish-breath?" she spat.

Huskstar's gaze never left Alderstar's. "You got your battle for Birchpaw, old man. What do I get?"

"I don't want a fight," he said. "I don't ever want to fight again."

"Then you know what must be done."

Alderstar slowly nodded. He raised his chin. "I know you don't want to do this, Huskstar. I hold no ill will towards you. And if this gives RiverClan peace, then so be it."

Huskstar's eyes flickered only a moment before hardening. Then, in front of ShadowClan and the stars, she sank her teeth into Alderstar's throat.

Brightfur didn't remember much after that. Huskstar left the camp unhindered as ShadowClan gathered around Alderstar, all in various stages of shock. Ravenwind attempted to follow her, only to return with a cut lip. And Brightfur pressed her paws against her grandfather's gaping wound and tried to save his life.

Eventually, they managed to move him into the medicine den. Ravenwind and Brightfur worked tirelessly on Alderstar. They spoke very little, only trading the odd glance. For all their differences, they both knew that Alderstar's health was fragile. His grief for Birchpaw had worked against him since Brightfur was just a kit, but never quite like this.

Brightfur didn't recall falling asleep, but she woke with her chin propped on Ravenwind's hip. She could distantly hear crickets chirping, though it was still cold for crickets. The raven sat in the corner, untouched.

"Don't you die on me," Ravenwind hissed, pressing spiderwebs to Alderstar's neck. "You don't get to go out like this. Not because you're too much of a coward to fight when some RiverClan mongrel raises a stink. You have to live to see what you've done to this Clan."

The glitter of starlight caught Brightfur's eye. She thought, for just a moment, she saw Birchpaw sitting or standing nearby, waiting for his father to come to him, but she couldn't be sure.

Alderstar was dead by dawn.

Author's Note: Bit of a shorter chapter here, but also a super important one. Huskstar was raised in an Eye For An Eye environment, and while she doesn't WANT to start a tussle she knows as a leader she has to defend her Clan's honor. It doesn't make her actions right, of course- nothing does.

-Mandaree1