Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Rusty fled from the forest, blood dripping from his ear as he ran with wide eyes.

He ended up outside his friend Smudge's den. Shaking out his fur, he quickly jumped onto the fence and jumped into the black and white tom's yard.

Smudge quickly trotted out, meeting the ginger with wide eyes. "Rusty! What happened? You're covered in blood!"

Shaking out his pelt, the ginger stared at his friend for a moment. "You.. Those stories were right. They were so aggressive!"

Tilting his head, the tom frowned. "Oh no.. I shouldn't have let you go in the first place.. Are you going to go back to your housefolk?"

Hesitating, Rusty shook his head. "No.. I made my choice.. I don't want to be a house cat anymore." He thought for a moment, brows furrowed, before looking at his friend with a wide smile. "Let's make our own!"

Smudge blinked, confused. "Our own what?"

The ginger bounced up, his eyes lit up. "Our own group! Or, clan or whatever they called it. We can do it our own way. Smudge I tasted freedom, and mouse, and it's so much better than just lazing around all day! Come with me! We'll ask Princess too, and maybe Tiny if he's still around."

The bicolored tom frowned, glancing away. "I.. I don't know Rusty. Running away? Where would we even go? The wild cats already have the forest."

Rusty thought for a moment, tail twitching. "Hmm.. OH! The farm, on the other side of the field! There's a forest just past it near some other housefolk dens. It'll be away from these wild cats and near other house cats."

Smudge took a breath, giving the ginger a curt nod. "Alright. I'll come with you Rusty. But.." He paused, staring the tom down. "I want to be able to leave at any time. I don't want to be trapped in the wild."

Tilting his head, the firey tom nodded. "Deal. C'mon, let's go tell Princess about it!"

The two toms jumped out of the yard, Smudge sending one last look at his den before they began to trot towards Princess's. Jumping into the she-cat's yard, they called out for her to come out.

She ducked out of the den, eyes bright. "Smudge! Rusty! What brings you by today?"

Rusty grinned, bounding over to his sister. "You remember all the stories of groups of wild cats? We're making our own group! We're gonna ask Tiny to come too. We're going to the forest on the far side of the farm."

Princess blinked, gaping a little. "You're.. leaving?"

He paused, eyes wide. "Er.. Kinda? But we want you to come too!"

She took a step back, concern lighting her eyes. "In.. the wild? I dunno.."

Smudge smiled, his tail still twitching with uncertainty. "We can leave anytime we like, Princess. If you ever want to come back to your home, you can."

The she-cat sent him a grateful look, glancing back at her brother. "Well.. I'll try it. I'll at least help you set up where you'll live."

Rusty dipped his head gratefully. "You'll both see! It'll be great! C'mon, let's ask Tiny then get going."

Princess took a moment to look around her yard, taking a deep breath before nodding and following the toms.

The trio made their way quickly towards Tiny's home.

Ruby and Socks played in the yard, looking up as the trio arrived.

Ruby bounded over, grinning. "Hi! What are you guys doing here?"

Rusty looked down at the she-cat, barely hiding his distain for the bully. "We're looking for Tiny."

Socks frowned, snorting. "Why? He's no fun. Besides, he ran away earlier today. Couldn't handle a little joke."

The littermates giggled, clearly reveling in their cruelty.

Smudge growled, glaring at the pair. "Fine. We'll go find him."

Princess glared at the two for a moment before leaping down on the other side of the fence and beginning to search for Tiny's scent.

The two toms joined her, eventually finding a scent trail from earlier that day.

Following it, they slowly entered the forest with prickling fur.

Rusty heard it first.

Tiny was yowling, begging for help.

The ginger raced ahead, a snarl written on his face as he burst into the clearing where Tiny was.

Longtail, the tom Rusty had fought that morning.

The warrior sneered, looking the tom up and down as he stood above the small black house cat. "You again? I thought I got rid of you."

Rusty's fur bushed up, eyes wild with fury. "Step away from him."

Cackling, the warrior dug his claws further into the small cat's pelt. "Oh? Step away from this trespassing scrap of fur? I don't think so."

Smudge and Princess quickly entered the clearing, both glaring at the pale tabby.

Tiny looked relieved, but still terrified.

Rusty snarled, staring the warrior down. "You won this morning, sure. But I won't lose now." Racing forward, the smaller tom barreled into the warrior and drove him away from his half-brother. Standing between the downed tom and warrior, the ginger glared as the larger cat stood back up.

Not giving any more down time, the ginger raced forward again as Princess and Smudge tended to Tiny. Leaping high into the air, Rusty stretched out his claws and caught the warrior across the face. Digging in, his claws gouged at one of the warrior's eyes, tearing it to shreds.

Longtail screeched, his good eye blown open wide with pain and horror. He fled, screeching in pain.

Panting, the ginger turned back to the three other cats, slowly padding over.

Tiny slowly stood up, albeit shakily. "Th-thanks.."

Princess nudged him closer, letting the wounded tom lean against her side. "C'mon. We can talk in safer territory."

The group traveled in silence until they returned to the housefolk dens. Settling by a fence, they laid down for a rest.

Rusty looked at his half-brother, tail twitching. "We're making our own wild cat group. Away from these aggressive ones."

Smudge gave the black tom a concerned look. "Why did you run away? Was it Ruby and Socks?"

Nodding, Tiny frowned. "They... they chased me from the yard this morning.." He looked at the three others with wide, hopeful eyes. "Can I join your group?.. I have nowhere else to go.."

Rusty smiled, nodding. "That's what we came to ask. We're going to the forest past the farm. We can rest for now and leave tomorrow."

The four cats nodded, curling into a pile and sleeping pressed against each other.

Chapter Text

Rusty blinked, looking around in confusion as he opened his eyes to see a field with his friends nowhere to be found.

Looking around, he spotted a light grey tom approaching.

The tom looked him up and down, his eyes dark and seeming to be mourning. He lifted his chin, eyes flashing with determination. "Greetings, young tom. You may call me Skystar."

Tilting his head, the ginger looked the larger tom over. "Skystar.. Like Bluestar? Are you a clan leader?"

Skystar smiled, a small sad thing. "Yes. Of a clan lost to time. Rusty, I have watched the descendants of my clan lose their heritage and live as kittypets for many, many moons. You, one of SkyClan's lost descendants, are now choosing to return to your birthright. However, you have no training."

Gaping, the ginger stared at the leader. "SkyClan.. So those ThunderClan cats were wrong? I do have warrior blood?"

The leader tilted his head, brow furrowed slightly. "The clans were founded from cats from far away and from kittypets and loners. They may have generations, but any cat can be a warrior. Rusty, if you would allow me, I would like to train you. You and your friends will need a helping paw, and I will extend mine. Please, humor an old fool's request, restore SkyClan."

Rusty thought for a moment, his tail twitching. "I'll do my best."

Smiling, the gray tom dipped his head. "Thank you, Rusty." He looked up, eyes flashing with pride. "Once your training is complete, if you'll allow me, I will give you the name of a true warrior." He nodded to the young tom, a soft smile gracing his features. "I will visit again tomorrow night, Rusty. Until then, keep your friends safe."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Rusty yawned, slowly opening his eyes and looking around.

The other three cats were waking up as well, slowly getting up from the pile.

Tiny hissed, his wounds stinging as he stood up.

Smudge quickly moved to let the smaller tom lean against his side.

Princess looked at Rusty, tail twitching. "We should go. The faster we get there, the faster we can settle and let Tiny heal."

Nodding, the ginger decided not to tell his friends about Skystar yet. For now, all they needed was to get to a safe place.

The group all got up and began to walk around the edges of the forest, intent on avoiding encountering any clan cats.

The trees began to thin out as they passed marshland. The scent of reeds filled their noses as they jumped over creeks and passed the territory.

Moving past the marsh, they began to travel around the edges of the moors. Open land met their eyes, the smell of heather lingering in their noses.

Once the sun was beginning to lower from its perch in the sky, they could see the farm.

Rusty's eyes lit up as it came into view, turning to grin at his companions. "We're almost there! C'mon, just a little more."

Princess frowned, glancing at Tiny as the tom struggled to walk. "Rusty, maybe we should find somewhere to sleep for the night? Or at least rest. We're not used to this much walking."

The ginger hesitated, eager to get to their destination, but nodded. "The barn at the farm should work, right? It'll be warm."

Smudge nodded, glancing at Tiny. "That good with you? It's not too much farther."

The black tom nodded, smiling through his pain. "Sounds good. Let's go."

The group began to walk again, adjusting their course to head to the barn.

As they got closer, a sour scent hit the ginger's nose.

Eyes wide, Rusty snarled as a rat ran towards them. Leaping in a large arc, he landed squarely on the rodent's back and snapped its neck.

Turning to his friends, the ginger frowned. "Rats can make bites go bad. We should hurry."

They picked up speed, trotting towards the close-by barn.

Smudge glanced at his friend, curious. "How do you know rat bites go bad?"

Rusty tilted his head, blinking. "Henry, I think? He said something about a friend that had to go to the cutter because of a rat bite."

Nodding, the black and white tom returned to his task of helping Tiny walk.

They paused as the scent of a cat hit their noses.

On edge, Rusty called out. "I can smell you. Who's there?"

A black and white tom pushed through some tall grass, an easygoing smile on his face. "Hey. What's a group of young cats like you doing out here?"

Princess lifted her chin, tail flicking. "We're going to the barn. We need a safe place to spend the night."

Nodding, the older tom glanced between them. "Got it. I'm currently the barn's only resident, so that won't be a problem at all. You all can call me Barley."

Rusty smiled, eyes bright at the tom's friendliness. "I'm Rusty! This is Princess, Smudge, and Tiny!"

Barley turned, motioning for them to follow. "Let's go then."

They quickly joined the older tom, letting him lead them to the barn.

Looking around the barn, they wandered.

Barley sat on a hay bale, his tail draped over the edge. "Anyone care to hunt? There's plenty of mice."

Smudge glanced away awkwardly, his ear twitching. "We don't.. really know how to hunt?"

The older tom blinked, seeming to expect the tom to correct myself. "You four.. are leaving kittypet homes to go to the wild.. and you don't know how to hunt?"

Rusty lifted his chin, tail flicking. "Skystar was going to teach me. He's.. I guess a dead cat I met in my dream?" He glanced at his confused friends, smiling apologetically. "I'll tell you guys about it later."

Barley looked at him in surprise, jumping down and trotting over. "An ancestor of the clans spoke to you in a dream?"

The ginger nodded, a little nervous.

The black and white tom smiled, looking the ginger over. "Rusty, yeah? C'mon. I'll teach you to hunt first. Your friends can rest for now."

The two toms ducked out of the barn, beginning to walk to the outer side of it.

Barley paused, motioning for the younger tom to do the same. "We should work on your form before you try to hunt. Show me a hunting crouch."

Nodding, Rusty dropped down. His tail waved as he waited for the older tom's assessment.

Looking over the ginger, Barley chuckled. "It's not.. horrible? Tuck your paws closer to your body, lower your haunches, and keep your tail low."

Adjusting, the tom nodded.

Barley moved around to his other side, tilting his head. "Better. Now, the most important thing you need to know when hunting mice is to make sure you're walking softly. Mice will feel your pawsteps as you approach if you're too heavy with your steps. Try it."

Rusty slowly stalked forward, his ears swiveled towards his front as he gently moved forward. As he moved, he caught the scent of mouse just past a patch of tall grass. Smirking, he bunched his haunches and leapt, soaring high into the air and twisting, claws extended as he landed on the rodent's back, snapping its spine.

The older tom grinned, trotting over. "Great! C'mon then, lets go get a couple more and bring them back for your friends."

The toms exchanged a smile.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Rusty waved goodbye with his tail before turning towards their goal.

The group resumed their journey, heading for the twolegplace.

Now that they were rested and Barley had treated Tiny, it took only another half day to reach the forest.

Slowly entering the woods, they walked for a short bit before reaching the edge of a large gorge.

Looking down, Rusty's eyes lit up as he spotted holes in the wall. Opening his mouth, he found no animal scent. Glancing back at his friends, he grinned. "We can use those abandoned dens! It's perfect."

Princess peeked over the edge, eyes flashing with curiosity. "We should make sure they're abandoned closer up, though. How do we get down there?"

Rusty nodded to a path leading down, bounding over to it. "This'll do. Let's go!"

Smudge gently took Tiny's scruff, struggling to carry him as he walked down the steep path.

Rusty jumped down from a tail-length off the ground, bounding towards the empty dens.

Poking his head in and smelling, he was satisfied to find practically no animal scent at all. Calling back out to his companions, his voice carried across the gorge. "Entirely abandoned!"

The group quickly found a large enough den for all of them, curling up together and settling to rest.

Chapter Text

Rusty smiled as he found himself once again in StarClan.

Looking around, he quickly spotted Skystar trotting over.

The leader gave him a quick smile, his tail twitching. "You have good instincts. You picked up on fighting and hunting fairly quickly, that'll help." He gave the young tom a sly look smirking. "Plus, you certainly inherited one of SkyClan's major traits."

Blinking, the ginger tilted his head. "What trait?"

To emphasize it, the tom bunched his muscles and leapt high into the air as he called out. "Our leap!"

Eyes wide, the younger tom watched as the leader soared over him.

Landing, the leader smirked back at him. "We used to hunt and attack by waiting in the trees and falling onto our prey. It's not necessary for now, so we'll focus on something a little more vital. Fighting." He trotted back over to the ginger, eyeing him. "Do you plan on keeping that collar? It provides a way to hinder your movements."

Rusty blinked, feeling the collar with a paw. "Oh.. I suppose not, then." He thought for a moment, considering his options. "I think I'll keep it with my nest, though. It's a part of me."

Skystar dipped his head. "Very well. Let's spar, for now. It'll give me a sense of what to correct you on and how to teach you."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Rusty panted as he struggled to stand back up, shaking dust from his pelt.

The leader nodded, tail flicking. "Better. I believe it's about time for you to wake up. I'll see you again tomorrow night."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Blinking, the ginger felt his side being prodded. Looking, he startled as an unfamiliar face greeted him.

The other cat jumped back, also surprised. She brightened up quickly and smiled. "Hello. I'm Leaf. May I ask why you four are in here?"

Poking his friends awake, Rusty awkwardly smiled. "We were.. planning on making our home here. I'm sorry, was this your den?"

Leaf chuckled, shaking her head. "Oh no. I mostly wander. You four are awfully young, kittypets too, to be on your own."

Rusty lifted his head, eyes narrowed. "We're more than capable! And we're not kittypets anymore." To prove his point, he quickly scrabbled at his collar until it slipped off. "We're remaking SkyClan."

She blinked, tilting her head at this. "SkyClan? I've heard of a few clans before, not terribly far from here, but that one doesn't ring a bell." She eyed the four skeptically. "You four aren't much of a clan, though. You really don't have anyone else with you?"

Shaking his head, the ginger began to shake his friends violently to get them up. "Nope! It's just us. We can take you on, though!" He glared at the she-cat.

Nodding to herself, the loner smiled softly. "I planned on sticking around for a while anyways. You four wouldn't mind me staying in the same gorge as you, would you? I'd take another den, of course."

Blinking, the tom tilted his head. "Oh. I guess?"

Smudge slowly woke up, finally, and noticed their guest. "Ack!" He scrambled back, surprised. "Who's this??"

Rusty smiled, glancing at his, now very awake, friends. "This is Leaf. She's going to stay with us in the gorge for a while!"

Leaf dipped her head, tail flicking. "I can help catch food, if you'd like."

Princess slowly smiled, eyes bright. "Yes, please. That'd be helpful. We can set up nests that way."

Tiny nodded, shakily looking at the she-cat. "Sure."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Rusty bounded over to where Leaf was, eyes bright.

She nodded as he arrived. "Alright. We're all here, yes? Let's begin, then." 

Leaf had agreed to train them, relieving some pressure from both Rusty and Skystar.

The loner showed them some basic fighting techniques, correcting each cat on them.

Princess was fairly off-put by fighting, preferring hunting or preparing dens. She had attended a couple of these lessons but opted to skip out on this one and was currently in one of the dens getting it cleaned up.

Tiny was agile and took to fighting well, using his speed and size as an advantage.

Smudge was larger and used it accordingly, using his weight to put power behind his attacks.

Rusty was a mix. He was taller than Smudge and heavier than Princess. That left him with a decent speed and enough power to back it up. Adding what Skystar called his 'warrior instinct' to that and it left Rusty as the best fighter of his friends.

Leaf had moons of experience on him, of course, and always beat him but he was still learning well.

The she-cat shook out her pelt after Smudge and Rusty had managed to knock her over. Grinning, she nodded. "Great! That was amazing, guys. I think we can call it a wrap for today. Tiny, care to join me for hunting?"

The black tom perked up, nodding and following her out of camp.

Smudge glanced at his ginger friend, eyes bright. "She's a pretty good teacher, huh?"

Rusty nodded, grinning. "Leaf's great! I think.." He glanced at his friend, tail flicking. "I think we should ask her to join SkyClan. We could use the help and having an older cat around would be nice."

The tom nodded, watching her go happily. "Tonight. We should ask Princess and Tiny just in case, but we should ask her to join tonight."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Princess and Tiny agreed, quite energetically actually.

So, the four of them approached the she-cat as she was getting ready to go to bed.

Leaf looked up at them, blinking as she tilted her head curiously. "Hey guys. What's up?"

Rusty looked up at her, smiling. "Leaf, you've been a big help to us and we wanted to say thanks and.. ask something."

She blinked at him, tail flicking. "Oh? Did you want more lessons or something? I'd be happy to-"

"No." Rusty shook his head, purring. "Leaf, would you consider joining SkyClan officially? We'd like it if you stayed."

Leaf sucked in a breath, eyes wide with surprise. She hesitated before nodded, smiling softly. "I didn't want to intrude. I would've asked myself, but you four clearly have a bond. I didn't want to push my presence onto you. I'd love to stay."

They cheered, moving to press against her as all five cats purred.

That night, they all slept in the largest den together.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Skystar was smiling as he joined the dreaming tom. "If you hadn't asked, I think I would've myself. She's a good cat."

Rusty nodded, eyes bright. "Our first member! Other than the four of us, of course."

Nodding, the leader flicked his tail. "I think she should receive a proper name. I'll name you and your friends once you're ready, but until you have an actual leader I'm the only one that can give you all proper warrior names. You'll need to travel to Highstones. Go back to the farm, Barley will show you how to get there."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Rusty grinned as he padded beside Leaf.

To keep their new camp in good shape, Princess, Smudge, and Tiny stayed behind.

They'd met with Barley the night before, spending the night in the barn, before setting out the next morning to head to Highstones.

Leaf's fur prickled nervously. Rusty had explained why they were going, but the idea of a dead cat giving her a new name was foreign to say the least.

Just after sun-high, they reached their destination.

The open maw of the cave greeted them, rocks dripping from the top of the entrance like teeth.

Nodding at his companion reassuringly, the ginger led them inside.

In the main chamber, they waited. Silent, they remained until moon-high.

Rusty got up first, encouraging Leaf to do the same, then did as Skystar instructed.

He and Leaf lay in front of the Moonstone, gently touching their noses to it.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Satisfaction glittered in Rusty's eyes as they awoke in StarClan's hunting grounds.

Skystar greeted them with a welcoming smile. He looked to Leaf, his eyes kind. "Rusty told you of me. I am Skystar, the first leader of SkyClan. With your permission, I would be honored to truly begin the restoration of my lost clan by giving you a proper clan name."

Leaf hesitantly nodded, glancing at her comrade for reassurance.

The leader nodded, clearing his throat. "Leaf, is it your wish to join SkyClan as a warrior?"

She dipped her head. "It is."

Skystar smiled, his heart aching with joy. "Then I name you Leafdapple. You will be mentor to Smudge, Princess, and Tiny. I will continue training Rusty at night. Once they all are ready, return here so I may name them. Do the same with any new cats."

Leafdapple touched noses with the leader, smiling warmly.

Rusty watched on, giddy with excitement and pride.

Chapter Text

Rusty pounced at Tiny, cursing as the smaller tom ducked beneath him and dodged. Spinning, he decided to wait for the tom to come at him.

Tiny, glaring, hesitated before racing forward and feigning an attack at the last moment, instead dodging to the side and trying to get onto Rusty's back.

Anticipating the false attack, Rusty spun and intercepted Tiny's jump, throwing him to the ground and pinning him.

Huffing, the tom went limp and admitted defeat.

Leafdapple called out with a smile. "Good job! Tiny, do you know why you lost?"

The black tom snorted, getting up as his brother got off. "Because Rusty gets a dead cat mentor at night?"

She tilted her head, one brow raised questioningly.

Rolling his eyes, Tiny let a small smile slip. "I was too obvious with my moves, I guess?"

Rusty piped up with a grin. "You let me catch you, too. Getting on my back wouldn't have worked either, I'd have squished you."

The older she-cat nodded, looking back at Tiny. "Both of you are right. Alright, I think that wraps up training for today. You two are on hunting duty tomorrow while I train Princess and Smudge, alright?"

The two toms nodded, trotting to pad beside her on the way back to the camp.

Rusty ran ahead to meet Smudge and Princess down in the gorge.

He stopped an odd smell hit his nose. 

Leafdapple caught up, fur bristling as she caught the scent as well. Eyes wide, she looked at the two younger cats. "There's a fox nearby. Tiny, join the others in the gorge, Rusty come with me."

Nodding, the ginger quickly followed her towards the other side of the gorge.

Following the scent, they happened upon a young fox and a she-cat engaged in deadly combat.

Leafdapple snarled, racing forward and leaping at the surprised vixen.

Rusty followed behind, checking on the she-cat before looking to see the fox running off, Leafdapple glaring after it.

The warrior turned back to them, trotting over with a concerned look. "Are you alright?"

Hissing in pain, the she-cat lifted a wounded paw. "It bit hard on my paw before you came.."

Glancing at his companion, the ginger smiled at the newcomer. "We have a safe place not far from here if you'd like to stay for a bit while you heal? I'm Rusty, by the way, and this is Leafdapple."

Blinking gratefully, the she-cat heaved herself onto her other three paws. "That'd be good, thanks. I'm Echo."

As they walked back, the tom noticed something around her neck. "You're a house cat?"

Echo glanced at him, nodding. "Yeah. Is there a problem with that?"

Smiling, he shook his head. "No, just asking. I was a house cat once, so were our other friends. What were you doing so far from the housefolk dens?"

She glanced away, ears going down a bit. "Oh, just a dream I had about this area. I just wanted to see... I guess I really shouldn't have."

Rusty thought for a moment, eyes widening. "Wait, a dream? Was there another cat?"

Echo looked back with wide eyes, nodding. "Yeah, a light gray tom. I think his name was Sky or something?"

The ginger grinned, stopping. "Skystar! I have dreams with him too. He brought us here to make our clan!"

She stopped with him, eyes shining with curiosity. "Really? He kept saying stuff about SkyClan and some other clans."

Leafdapple smiled, her tail flicking. "Echo, our group is SkyClan. We're restoring Skystar's lost clan."

They continued walking, Echo asking about the clan and such.

Rusty perked up as they reached the gorge. "We're here! The others will be so excited to meet you!"

He led the way down the steep path, Leafdapple helping the injured cat down.

Tiny, Princess, and Smudge met them at the bottom, curiosity lighting their eyes.

Smudge nodded to the newcomer. "Hello. Who are you?"

Princess's eyes widened as she looked the she-cat over. "She's injured! Let's get her to a nest, quickly!"

Leafdapple nodded to Echo as a comfort before leading her to their main den.

Once the house cat settled in a nest, she looked at Rusty. "Skystar showed this gorge to me once. If it was the same, I have something to show you once I've rested."

Rusty nodded, curious, and left the she-cat to rest with a mouse to eat.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Rusty's fur prickled as Echo led them through a cave.

She whispered as they reached a spot where a pool of water sat, stars glittering on its surface despite the lack of a skylight. A faint glow emanated from it, lighting the room. "This is it.. He called it the Whispering Cave."

The ginger crept towards it, understanding nearly immediately. "Do what I do, okay Echo?"

She nodded, joining him beside the pool of water.

Leaning in, he touched his nose to the water and felt a shiver of cold pass through his body.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Skystar greeted them with bright eyes, nodding to the two cats.

Echo brightened up, dipping her head to the tom.

The leader smiled, eyes bright with hope. "Echo, I've been sending you signs and messages to draw you and Rusty together. You, a cat that avoids conflict and kind to all, are the perfect choice to be SkyClan's medicine cat."

She blinked, eyes wide. "You.. told me what that is.. I'd take care of the entire clan?"

Skystar nodded, his tail flicking. "Indeed. If you are willing, my own medicine cat will be here to train you. He nodded to a tom as he approached."

Smiling, the dark ginger tom dipped his head. "Echo, I am Acorn Fur."

Echo glanced at Rusty, seeming to ask permission.

Rusty smiled up at her, tail flicking. "We'd be glad to have you."

Taking a deep breath, she nodded to the two cats. "I accept."

Acorn Fur nodded to his leader before stepping forward. "Then I, as a medicine cat, offer you this oath. Do you swear to abide by the medicine cat code and to do everything in your power to heal those who have been hurt?"

Echo smiled, thought it was tight from nervousness. "Yes, I swear."

Grinning, Acorn Fur nodded. "Then, until the day you are ready and receive your full name, you will remain as Echo. I will train you in your dreams until you are ready."

Echo let out a soft breath, eyes wide and bright.

Skystar looked at his own apprentice with a smile. "Very soon, you and your friends will become warriors. When that time comes, Echo will bring you here."

Acorn Fur glanced at Echo, tail twitching. "There is one more matter to be addressed."

The leader nodded, lifting his head as he looked at the new medic. "Bring the clan this message."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Leafdapple, Rusty, Princess, Smudge, Tiny, and Echo all stood around the pool, leaning together to touch their noses to the water.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Skystar and Acorn Fur greeted them, both with wide smiles.

The leader stepped forward. "Leafdapple, you will become SkyClan's first leader in many, many moons. Are you prepared for this?"

She nodded, dipping her head.

He returned the gesture, continuing. "Then, by the power vested in me by StarClan, I give you your first life. I give it to you for pride. Be proud of your growing clan and the cats in it."

They touched noses, a strong, burning feeling ripping through Leafdapple's body.

Acorn Fur stepped forward next, his ears pointed forward. "I give you your second life for compassion. You were accepted into the clan by Rusty and the others, use that compassion to then accept others."

This time, the wave of emotion was warm and gave the she-cat strength.

A new cat joined them as Acorn Fur stepped back. "I am Grey Wing. Skystar is my brother, but we did not live in the same clan. I will give you your third life for family. While you may not agree with all they do, they are still your kin. Your clan is your kin now, remember that."

Leafdapple gulped as she anticipated this life, but instead of a wave of emotion she felt the brushing of fur along her sides. She stiffened as the familiar scent of her littermates hit her nose.

Grey Wing left, replaced by a she-cat.

She smiled, though it was sad. "I am Slate, Grey Wing's mate. I give you your fourth life, Leafdapple, for love. Love is strong and wonderful, but it can be sad and entirely break you. Your kin are your greatest ally, love them will all your heart and they will return it."

Leafdapple sucked in a sharp breath as this life coursed through her. It was warm and caring, but at the same time sharp and cold.

A white tom replaced her, his eyes sharp. "I am Cloudstar. I was the last leader before SkyClan's destruction. I give you this fifth life for leadership. Lead your clan well and they will follow."

She braced against the life, eyes widening as the leader's grief rushed through her body.

A tall dark she-cat approached, offering a nod to Skystar. "I am Shadowstar, the first leader of ShadowClan. I came with Skystar and many others to create the clans. I give you a life for resilience. Despite what your clan may face, you can always get through it."

Gasping, the she-cat's muscles were invigorated as she touched noses with the she-cat.

A ginger arrived next, his expression somber. "I am Thunderstar, first leader of ThunderClan. I give you the seventh life for consequence. All actions have consequences and it's your job to enforce that."

This life was painful, as if punishing the she-cat for everything she'd ever done.

Next was a brown cat, lanky in stature. "I am Windstar, first leader of WindClan. I give you the eighth life for strength. Both your physical and mental strength will aid you and your clan."

Leafdapple expected strength to invigorate her, but was instead met with weakness. The absence of strength graced this life.

Finally, a gray tom arrived, his fur long and feathery. "I, young one, am Riverstar. I was the first leader of RiverClan and give you this, your last life, for freedom. You are never confined to one place, nor are your cats."

She felt a breeze pass, begging her to follow and explore the green hills.

Skystar returned to the front with a soft smile. "Now, I give you your name. Leafdapple, with your nine lives, you are now Leafstar of SkyClan." He turned to the five others watching, beckoning four of them forward.

Rusty, Smudge, Princess, and Tiny approached.

Skystar motioned for Leafstar to stand beside him. "I shall show you how to perform the warrior ceremony. Rusty, Smudge, Princess, and Tiny, step forward. Do you all swear to follow the warrior code and protect your clan, even at the cost of your lives?"

They all nodded.

Dipping his head, the late leader continued. "Then Smudge, I name you Smudgespot. Princess, I name you Heatherstripe. Tiny, I name you Ravenflight. And you, Rusty, I name Firesky. You four have proved yourself to be worthy of these names. Follow your leader, protect each other."

Acorn Fur beckoned Echo forward with a smile, nodding to her. "You have more to learn, but I've taught you enough to heal your companions. Echo, do you swear to uphold the medicine cat code and to protect your clan?"

She dipped her head, nodding.

He smiled, head tilting to the side a bit. "Then, I name you Echosong."

Skystar sighed, a weight lifted off his shoulders after moons of waiting. "SkyClan has returned."

Chapter Text

Firesky stretched, quietly leaving the den as he trotted into the camp.

Leafstar spotted him as she left her own den and smiled, dipping her head.

He trotted over, tail twitching. "I think I'll go hunting."

She nodded, glancing up the gorge. "There are a few loners that live around here. Most are friendly, just try not to agitate them."

Nodding, he headed for the steep path up, bunching his muscles before leaping high onto the path, climbing the rest of the way.

Drinking in the scents, he headed for the nearby forest to practice the ambush hunting tactic Skystar had shown him.

Leaping into an oak, he settled above leaf litter with some nuts scattered around.

Waiting, he silently watched the ground below.

Eventually, a few birds began to peck at the nuts, flitting about as they betrayed their nervousness.

Letting out a quiet breath, the ginger warrior leapt down and instantly killed a wood pigeon and a finch, snapping their spines.

He watched for a moment as the other two birds fled to the sky, his tail twitching.

A noise caught his attention. A huff of annoyance.

Looking, Firesky spotted a dark ginger tom looking at him, irritation clear in his eyes.

The ginger stalked over, scowling. "Haven't seen you around here, tree-cat."

The warrior blinked, smiling a little. "Oh, yeah. I've only been here a couple moons now. My friends and I formed a group called SkyClan. We live in the gorge, not far from here."

Nodding, the tom glanced at the prey. "Was hoping to get one or two of those birds myself for some food."

Firesky glanced at his cats, pushing the plump wood pigeon towards the other tom. "Here, take it. I didn't mean to take your catch. I'd just been waiting in the tree for prey to come by, is all."

Blinking, the tom hesitantly nodded thanks, dragging the prey closer. "Thanks. I'm Scratch, by the way."

"Firesky." The warrior smiled.

Scratch chuckled, tilting his head. "Right, that's why the name sounded so odd, yet familiar. SkyClan, was it? You're one of those groups of cats with funny names."

The younger tom chuckled a little, tail flicking good-naturedly. "I suppose the names are a bit odd at first, but it's tradition. If you don't have a nest to return to, you could probably stay the night with us, if you like? I'm sure Leafs-"

"Leaf?" Scratch interrupted, surprised. "Leaf is with you? Haven't seen her in moons."

Smiling, he nodded. "She goes by Leafstar now. She's the leader of SkyClan."

The tom thought for a moment before nodding. "Very well. May as well bring more prey back, then. Why don't I help you hunt for a bit, then we'll go."

Firesky nodded, eyes bright. "Sounds good!"

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Scratch nodded approvingly at the younger tom, both cats carrying a load of prey. "You're a pretty good hunter. Guess that tree-fall tactic works better than I thought."

Firesky brightened from the praise as they reached the gorge. He led the way down easily, leaping down the final fox-length and landing with a thud.

Leafstar looked over, eyes wide as she saw the cat following her clanmate. "Scratch?"

The loner smirked, setting down his load of prey. "Hey. Ran into Firesky while he was hunting. He offered a place to sleep for the night, figured I'd take it."

The leader glanced at the prey they carried with an amused look. "You seem to have done more than just accept a warm nest, Scratch."

He shrugged, snorting. "Well, figured I'd be allowed to stay easier if I brought back some food."

Heatherstripe trotted over, glancing at the tom before smiling at her brother. "Hey Firesky! Who's this?"

Leafstar answered. "This is Scratch, an old friend of mine. He's going to stay the night."

Ravenflight nodded approvingly at the prey. "Fine by me. He caught my favorite, pigeon."

Scratch blinked and leaned down, tossing the wood pigeon over. "Here, kid."

The small warrior blinked thanks, taking the prey and trotting off.

Firesky glanced at him as he left before looking back at the leader. "Where's Smudgespot?"

She looked over her shoulder, nodding at one end of the gorge. "He's exploring the camp a little, seeing what other dens there may be that can be used."

The loner yawned, stretching. "If you lot don't mind, I think I'll eat something and take a nap."

Leafstar nodded. "Sure. I'd like to talk after, catch up, if you don't mind?"

He dipped his head to her with a smirk. "Sure."

The ginger tom took a mouse to one side of the camp, settling to eat.

Firesky bent down to pick his load back up, Heatherstripe taking the other pieces, and they took it to the prey pile.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Leafstar and Scratch sat in the sun, sharing prey as they chatted.

Firesky looked over curiously, wondering if the tom had any interest in joining, before joining Ravenflight in their den to sleep.

Before even being able to settle into the nest, they heard a screech from outside.

Leafstar was calling for them.

Racing into the clearing, they saw the leader, Scratch, and an unfamiliar she-cat huddled together.

Echosong raced past with a bundle of herbs.

Firesky and Ravenflight exchanged a glance before running over, slowing down a few tail-lengths away.

Scratch looked over, his brow furrowed. "This is Creek. She asked for shelter and began kitting as soon as she got down into the gorge. We can't move her, but she can be made more comfortable. Firesky, get some moss soaked in water. Ravenflight, get her some bedding."

The two younger toms nodded, racing off to complete their tasks.

Firesky went for Echosong's den, taking a bundle of moss and soaking it in a nearby puddle. He ran back to the kitting queen and placed it near her face.

The medicine cat nodded before returning her focus to the queen. "It's alright! I've helped a queen kit before back in the twolegplace. Just breathe, you'll be alright."

The she-cat, a cream-colored cat with some darker spots, nodded and tried to even out her breathing. She was cut off, yowling, as a contraction laced her body.

Leafstar called from the other end. "One is out!"

Scratch took it under Echosong's order, lapping at it.

Echosong nodded to the queen. "One more. Just push."

Fireky blinked as he was pushed next to Scratch, ready to take the second kit.

He was given a small wet bundle and began to lap at it, getting the blood flowing.

He and Scratch carefully placed their kits by the queen's belly.

The two little ones latched on quickly, beginning to drink.

Echosong smiled softly, stepping away. "We'll let you rest for a bit, then we can move you into a more comfortable den."

The queen gave a weak smile, looking at her kits with pride. "They're lovely.."

Leafstar nodded, sitting by the queen's side. "Do you have names for them?"

Blinking, the she-cat looked at the two.

One was a she-kit, fully cream without spots. The other was white tom with spots and cream-tipped ears and paws.

Smiling, the queen looked at them. "The she-cat will be Heather, and the tom will be Leopard."

Echosong purred. "Those are wonderful names, Creek. How do you feel?"

Creek huffed, blinking slowly. "I'm a bit tired, but mostly alright. I could get to a den now, if I need to."

The medic nodded. "That would be best. Firesky and Scratch here can carry Heather and Leopard, Leafstar and I will help you to the nearest den."

Firesky exchanged a glance with Scratch, each tom taking one kit carefully in their jaws.

They followed behind the three she-cats closely to a ground-level den.

Ravenflight and Heatherstripe prepared a nest for the three, moving out of the way to let the queen settle.

The two toms set the kits by her belly, stepping back.

Creek looked at Leafstar with a soft smile. "Thank you, Leafstar."

The leader dipped her head, smiling gently. "Of course. You're welcome here as long as you need."

Chapter Text

Firesky purred as Leafstar leapt onto the Sky Rock.

Creek and her kits, now one moon old, and Scratch stood near the front.

Leafstar smiled down at them, her tail flicking happily. "Creek, Leopard, Heather, Scratch. Is it your wish to join SkyClan and take a clan name?"

The two adult cats nodded, each answering with a verbal 'I do' while the kits nodded their heads.

Purring, the leader nodded and continued. "Then, by the power given to me from StarClan, I will give you your names. Creek, from this day forth you will be known as Creekflower. Scratch, you will be known as Sharpclaw. Leopard, Heather, you two will be known as Leopardkit and Gorsekit until you are six moons old, when you will be given your apprentice names and mentors. Creekflower will be excused from vigil to care for her kits. Sharpclaw, you will watch over the camp in silence for the night."

Jumping down, the leader touched noses with each cat.

Once dismissed, the other cats happily crowded their newly-named clanmates.

Sharpclaw smirked, his head lifted as he basked in the congratulations and welcome.

Creekflower purred, standing over her kits as they began to doze off.

Firesky glanced at Leafstar, his head tilted curiously. "Why did you change Heather's name?"

The leader ducked her head, slightly embarrassed as she murmured back. "I thought it may be confusing to have two heathers in the clan."

Blinking, he chuckled. "Got it."

The queen gently picked up Leopardkit, Sharpclaw getting Gorsekit, and carried him to the nursery.

Heatherstripe perked up, her tail waving as she smiled. "I think I'll go get some fresh moss for the nests." She nodded to Leafstar and trotted off.

Ravenflight jumped up from where he sat, trotting off behind her.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Firesky stretched as he stepped out of the den, the morning sun lighting his pelt. Glancing around camp, he spotted Sharpclaw returning from a hunt.

The large tom glanced over, tail waving an invitation as he set down the prey on the pile.

Bounding over, the ginger smiled and took a mouse, nodding his thanks before settling in a soft patch of grass.

Sharpclaw took a thrush, padding over to join the younger tom for a meal.

The rest of the clan woke up soon after. 

Leafstar took Smudgespot out and brought back bedding, the two of them changing out the nursery nests. 

Heatherstripe and Ravenflight sat in a warm patch of sun, sharing tongues.

Creekflower sat near the gorge wall, watching as her kits, now four moons old, raced around camp playing.

Yawning, Firesky stook and shook grass scraps from his pelt. 

Each cat took turns with chores. Since they only had so many paws available, all cats pitched in to help. Creekflower and the kits dealt with old moss, clearing it from dens. Tomorrow, Firesky and Sharpclaw would be getting fresh bedding. Echosong got her herbs and helped with den maintenance most days. Leafstar switched between hunting and nest work. Heatherstripe and Ravenflight typically worked together, checking on the makeshift borders they'd begun to set in place. Smudgespot simply helped where he felt he was needed, with the kits or with other chores around camp. All the cats in the clan could hunt, of course, and they sent out two cats a day to get food.

Sharpclaw was the one that insisted on borders. He never had them as a loner, but to feed a clan they'd need their own hunting territory.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Leafstar purred as she called the clan together, her tail draped over the edge of the stone. "Today, it is my great pleasure to give two young cats their new names. Leopardkit, Gorsekit, step forward." 

Skystar had taught her the different ceremonies and now was her first chance for the apprentices'. 

The two kits bounded forward, Creekflower watching with a soft smile.

Nodding, the leader continued. "Do you two swear to learn and follow the ways of SkyClan, even at the cost of your blood?" 

The clan followed slightly different rules than Cloudstar had before the clan fell apart, so they changed a few words from the ceremonies.

Both kits cheered their affirmative answers.

Smiling, the she-cat dipped her head. "Then, from this day forth, you two will be known as Leopardpaw and Gorsepaw. Leopardpaw, you will be trained by Sharpclaw. Gorsepaw, your mentor will be Firesky. I trust these two toms to teach you well in the ways of the clan."

Firesky blinked in surprise, quickly breaking into a purr as he stood to meet Gorsepaw halfway, touching his nose to the young she-cat.

The apprentice looked at him with wide eyes and a large grin. "When do we get to train?" 

Hesitating, the warrior chuckled. "We could go out tomorrow? I think it'd be good for you to learn the territory before you begin to hunt on it."

Sharpclaw glanced over, nodding. "Sounds good. Let's all go out together. Heatherstripe and Ravenflight can take over hunting for tomorrow since we can check over the borders."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Firesky smiled as Gorsepaw padded by his side. Sharpclaw and Leopardpaw were on the ginger's other side.

The two apprentices were bounding around, brimming with energy and excitement.

Sharpclaw grunted, calling out to the two young cats. "Save your energy. We have a lot of ground to cover."

Gorsepaw nodded, slowing down and falling back into line with the two warriors.

Leopardpaw huffed, grumbling as he rejoined his mentor.

Soon enough, they reached one of the edges of the territory.

Firesky nodded to himself, smiling at the younger cats. "Alright, this is the edge of our territory. We didn't claim a terrible lot of land, just what we need for hunting. As the clan grows, we'll expand, but for now this land supports us. Echosong goes past the border often to gather herbs, but other than her we don't really go past. We'll travel along the border today, marking as we go."

They walked mostly in silence, each warrior pointing things out as they went.

Once they'd returned to their starting point, it was a bit past sun-high.

Firesky glanced at the older tom, his tail flicking. "If you two still have energy, we could try some light training?"

Sharpclaw nodded, ears turning towards the apprentices. "Well? Think you're up for it."

Leopardpaw perked up, grinning. "Yes! Finally some real training!"

Gorsepaw blinked, tilting his head. "Sure."

Nodding, the two warriors exchanged a glance.

Huffing, Sharpclaw flexed his claws. "How about a mock battle? We can get an idea of what will work well for each of you and what needs improvement."

Smiling, the ginger agreed. "How about the both of you against one of us? It won't be so skewed against you then."

Leopardpaw grinned widely, his tail flicking to and fro. "Finally! Some real training!"

Firesky bounded a few tail-lengths away, looking back at the other three. "I'll go against you two first. Leopardpaw, Gorsepaw, get into position."

The two apprentices quickly moved to face the ginger, bunching their muscles as they prepared for the exercise.

Sharpclaw nodded, moving to the side as he sat. "Right. On my mark, begin." He paused, eyes narrowing. "Go."

The apprentices leapt forward, eager, and raced towards the warrior.

Smirking, the ginger waited a moment, then leapt high over the younger cats and landed past them, spinning to attack from behind. He leapt onto Leopardpaw as the tom struggled to turn in time. Firesky grabbed the apprentice by the leg, stepping off as he turned and flung the apprentice away.

Gorsepaw hesitated to attack, her eyes widening as her littermate was flung to the side.

Firesky turned on her, snarling, and raced forward. Lowering his head, he rammed into her shoulder and she was thrown back, rolling away.

Sharpclaw huffed, standing and calling out. "Alright, that's enough. Come back over and we can talk about it."

The three other cats regrouped, shaking off dust from the fight.

Tilting his head, the dark ginger eyed the apprentices. "What are your first thoughts?"

Leopardpaw grumbled, his tail flicking. "Firesky overpowered us.."

Rolling his eyes, the older warrior looked at the ginger. "Firesky, mind sharing your thoughts?"

Nodding, the young warrior looked at the apprentices. "Right. Leopardpaw, you were too obvious. You eyed exactly where you were planning on striking the entire time you ran. Once I had you, you tried to overpower me to get me off instead of trying to free yourself. I am much larger than you. You need to remember your advantages and disadvantages. Gorsepaw, while you were also obvious, you were the opposite of your brother. Instead of bold and eager, you were meek and overthought every move you made. As soon as I was done with Leopardpaw, I was able to take you out. You must let go of your nerves and learn to fight on instinct."

Sharpclaw gave the younger tom a nod, shifting his gaze back to the apprentices. "Firesky said about all that I observed. One more thing, however. You need to work together. In our small clan, teamwork is key. You two are littermates. Use that bond to sync your movements. If you'd attacked at the same time, Firesky would've had a much harder time facing you."

The apprentices nodded, taking in the advice.

As the sun began to dip, the group headed back to the gorge to rest.

Chapter Text

Firesky hissed quietly to Sharpclaw ducking into the tall grass. "Do you smell that?"

Growling lowly, Sharpclaw nodded. "Cats. Lots of them."

Turning to the apprentices, the younger warrior narrowed his eyes. "Run back to camp. Get everyone and tell them to come, now. We'll see what they want."

Gorsepaw and Leopardpaw exchanged a quick glance before nodded, pelting back the way they came.

Taking a deep breath, Firesky stood back up and looked towards where the scent came from.

Sharpclaw began to stalk towards the hills that blocked their view of the cats, hissing under his breath. "We want them as far away from the gorge as possible. Let's go to them."

Nodding, the two toms sped up and raced to the top of the hill.

A lanky black and white cat looked up at them, eyes widening in surprise at their sudden appearance.

The rest of the cats following the bicolored tom seemed suspicious and worried.

Firesky stiffened as the stronger scent hit his nose, finding it horribly familiar. Snarling, he glared at the cats below. "You! You're clan cats, aren't you? The ones from the moor."

Taken aback, the front tom blinked. "How do you know that?"

Huffing, the young ginger sneered. "I smelled your border when we went to the Moonstone. What are clan cats doing this far past the clan territories?"

Collecting himself, the tom lifted his chin. "We have been driven from our land and are leaving to find a new home. Who are you, rouges?"

Glaring, Firesky's tail lashed. "We're not rogues. We are warriors of a clan separate from the ones you know. I am Firesky, this is Sharpclaw. We are from SkyClan. Who are you?"

Tilting his head, surprise lit the tom's eyes. "Another clan? I am Tallstar, leader of WindClan. Tell me, if you've been to the Moonstone, do you share tongues with StarClan?"

Sharpclaw huffed, glaring at the cats. "Yes. We speak with the spirits of SkyClan."

Firesky perked up as a more welcoming scent reached his nose, turning, he smiled. "Leafstar!"

The leader stalked slowly past the two warriors, Heatherstripe and Ravenflight following behind to stand with the other warriors. "Firesky, Sharpclaw, what's going on?"

The deputy answered, his dark ginger fur bristled. "Apparently these cats are from one of the clans back from where Firesky and the others used to live. The tom in front is Tallstar, WindClan's leader."

Nodding, she stepped forward to meet the tom. "Tallstar. What brings you to SkyClan territory?"

Tallstar dipped his head in respect to the she-cat. "As I told your warriors, we were driven from our home and need to heal and eat."

Considering his words, Leafstar offered a comforting smile. "We have large open territory and plenty of room. If only for a short while, I'd like to offer you and your clan sanctuary. You will abide by our rules, but you will have shelter, nests, herbs, and food."

A brown tom approached, his eyes wide and hopeful. He looked to the leader, smiling. "Tallstar, we cannot refuse such an offer."

Dipping his head, the leader nodded. "I agree, Barkface. Thank you, Leafstar. We accept. If you don't mind, would you bring us back to your camp? We have a queen with a kit and many injured warriors."

Leafstar smiled, nodding. "Come. Heatherstripe, Ravenflight, run ahead and warn those back at camp. After that, take Smudgespot and go hunting. We have many more mouths to feed now."

The two warriors nodded, pelting across the open land towards the gorge.

Leafstar and Sharpclaw took the front with Tallstar, leading the clan.

Firesky fell back towards the back of the group, walking beside a queen carrying a light ginger tom. "Let me. You must be tired."

She glared at him for a moment, distrust evident on her face, before slowly setting him down and nodding. Her eyes reflected her exhaustion. "Thank you."

Nodding, the warrior carefully took the kit in his jaws, walking beside the queen silently.

Once they reached the bottom of the gorge, the ginger slowly lowered the kit to the ground.

The queen dipped her head in thanks, guiding the small tom towards the rest of her clan.

Leafstar jumped onto the meeting rock, sitting with Tallstar standing below. "SkyClan are more than happy to provide shelter, but we ask that WindClan assists with the day to day tasks as you recover. We have no battles to be fought, but you all need prey. The injured, young, and queens may take what we already have. My warriors are already hunting, but we'll send more patrols out. Our own medicine cat, Echosong, will help Barkface with your injuries. Sharpclaw and Firesky will show you around camp and settle you in."

Tallstar stood before any cat could speak. "We give SkyClan our thanks for sheltering us. Please, treat Leafstar as you would myself and the SkyClan cats as your clanmates. We must not forget that we are intruding on their territory. Morningflower, Gorsekit, Tornear, and Runningpaw please go with Echosong and get treated. Barkface you go as well to begin getting set up with Echosong. Onewhisker, Mudclaw, please go with Sharpclaw. Webpaw, Whitepaw, Ashfoot, please go with Firesky."

Firesky waved the apprentices and queen over, smiling. "We have an apprentice den already set up, so you two and Runningpaw will be easy to accommodate. Ashfoot, I'll show you the nursery after. I'll also introduce you to our own apprentices and queen."

He led them over to where Gorsepaw and Leopardpaw were huddled in conversation outside their den. They perked up as they saw him approach.

Leopardpaw looked over the two new apprentice, brows furrowed. "They smell like rabbit and heather. Do we have to share our den with them?"

Firesky huffed, amused. "Yes you do. These are Webpaw and Whitepaw. Runningpaw will be along shortly after he's checked over." He turned to the WindClan apprentices, tail flicking. "This is Leopardpaw, don't mind his attitude. He's nicer than he tries to act. The other one is Gorsepaw. She's my apprentice. Leopardpaw is being trained by Sharpclaw. Gorsepaw, would you and Leopardpaw mind showing them the den and helping them settle in? Ashfoot, let's go."

He left the apprentices to them, leading the queen towards the other den beside the warriors'. He dipped his head to the SkyClan queen as she poked her head out. "Creekflower, this is Ashfoot. She'll be staying with you until WindClan leave. Morningflower and Gorsekit will also be joining you."

Creekflower purred, her eyes lighting up. "Another kit? Wonderful! Leave them to me, Firesky."

Nodding, he turned and trotted over to where Sharpclaw was speaking with Mudclaw.

The WindClan tom glanced at the young ginger, his whiskers quivering. "Firesky, right? Would you mind showing me around the territory? I'd like to do a bit of hunting."

Firesky glanced at the deputy for permission. Getting a nod, he looked back to the warrior with a smile. "I'd be happy to. Follow me."

He lead the way back up the steep path out of the gorge, glancing back a couple times to check on the older tom.

He padded beside Mudclaw, glancing at the tom curiously. "WindClan mostly hunt rabbits, right?"

Mudclaw looked over, a brow raised. "Yes. Why?"

Grinning, Firesky began to bound towards the more open part of their territory. "C'mon!"

The WindClan tom had no trouble keeping up, pelting beside the ginger.

They stopped at the edge of the forest, looking out over a large field. 

Firesky smiled up at the warrior, his tail waving happily. "We have rabbits here too. Maybe this'll make your clanmates more comfortable while they're here!"

Mudclaw paused, looking out at the land, before nodding to the younger warrior with a smirk. "Thanks."

Before the ginger could respond, the brown tom was already pelting across the stretch of land towards a white blob in the near distance.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Firesky smiled as he carried his catch back beside Mudclaw. He'd stalked through the tall grass for mice while Mudclaw stretched his legs chasing rabbits. He'd gotten four mice and the WindClan tom had caught three rabbits.

He'd helped catch the third one.

Satisfied with the hunt, the pair descended back into the gorge.

Mudclaw laid his catches on the fresh-kill pile, stocked by Heatherstripe and the others previously, and left to mingle with his clanmates.

Firesky carried his to the medicine den, ducking his head in.

Barkface was looking over Morningflower while Echosong applied a poultice to a wound on Runningpaw's shoulder.

The warrior dropped the mice at the entrance, calling in. "I brought some fresh prey. Figured you all could use a good meal."

Morningflower glanced over, brightening a bit when she recognized the tom. She dipped her head in thanks before murmuring something to the kit at her paws. looking up, she offered a small smile. "Firesky, could you take Gorsekit to Ashfoot? He's already been checked over."

The ginger grinned, nodding. "Sure!" He gently picked the kit up from the scruff after he waddled over. 

Leaving the den, he made a beeline for the nursery, not wanting to overwhelm the kit.

He stepped into the den, setting Gorsekit down and nudging him towards the gray queen. "Morningflower asked me to bring him to you while she was getting checked over."

Ashfoot nodded, curling up around the tiny tom.

Creekflower perked up, her eyes softening as she spotted the light ginger kit. "He's beautiful! So close to Gorsepaw in color too." She suddenly grinned, looking at the warrior still standing nearby. "Would you ask Gorsepaw to come over? Maybe the little one would like to meet his namesake?"

Chuckling, Firesky nodded. "Sure."

He trotted out of the den, looking around before spotting his apprentice talking to a WindClan cat, Tornear he believed. Walking over, he dipped his head to the WindClan tom in greeting before looking at his apprentice. "Creekflower asked for you. She wanted you to come meet the WindClan kit, Gorsekit."

Gorsepaw smiled brightly, getting up. "Alright!" She glanced at the warrior she'd been speaking to, dipping her head. "Thanks for the story, Tornear!"

The warrior offered her a smile before getting up and wandering off.

Firesky led the apprentice back to the nursery, letting her go in first.

Creekflower purred, drawing her daughter close with her tail. "He looks just like you, doesn't he?"

The apprentice looked at the kit in wonder, an awestruck look in her eyes as she looked at the kit. "She does.."

Ashfoot chuckled, unwrapping her tail from the kit as she spoke to him. "Gorsekit, look. This is Gorsepaw."

The little kit slowly turned, his green eyes wide as he stared back at the apprentice.

Firesky purred as he watched, his heart aching with happiness.

Chapter Text

Firesky took large gulps of air as he pelted across the moor, the wind rushing through his fur as he tried to keep pace with Mudclaw.

The warrior chuckled as he easily kept ahead of the younger tom. He pulled ahead farther, calling back to the ginger tom. "This is how WindClan hunt!" He somehow sped up even more, leaping high in the air and landing squarely on the back of a large hare, snapping its back.

The ginger panted as he came to a halt, his chest heaving from the effort. He wheezed as he spoke. "How do you have that much stamina?!"

Mudclaw chuckled, his tail flicking as he stretched. "WindClan warriors are trained that way. We've been running the moors for generations. You've honestly got the build for it, you just haven't trained your stamina as we have."

Now mostly recovered, Firesky perked up. "Could you share some of that training with me? Hares like this make for good prey but they're hard to catch."

Gorsepaw caught up a moment later, looking even more worse for wear than his mentor.

Glancing at the apprentice, the large warrior nodded, his eyes dark as he thought. "Sure. Your apprentice can learn as well."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Firesky watched as the ginger of his apprentice disappeared into the tall grass as the young tom raced away.

Mudclaw sat by the SkyClan warrior, his tail flicking over the edge of the rock they sat upon. He looked thoughtful, eyeing the ginger. "Y'know, SkyClan aren't all too different from WindClan. We both live by the moor, leading our cats to be fast and stealthy. The other clans rely on their territories for their advantages, ShadowClan in their dark marsh, RiverClan with their abundance of water, ThunderClan with their thick foliage, but WindClan and SkyClan have adapted to all." He nods to the forest in the distance. "We are smart enough to live anywhere." He tilted his head, reminiscing. "Tallstar told me once of how WindClan used to be. We welcomed rogues, loners, and kittypets as our friends and allies. At one point, we had networks of tunnels to hunt for rabbits in. I don't see why that couldn't happen again."

The ginger looked at the tabby, curious as to where he was going with the conversation. 

Chuckling to himself, the large tom swept his gaze across SkyClan's territory. "ThunderClan drove you out, yes? That is why you formed this lost clan?" He didn't wait for an answer, instead looking at the ginger with a smile. "Perhaps you should have come to us first. WindClan would've welcomed strong, young cats like you and your friends." His eyes darkened slightly as he returned to looking at the moor. "Together, WindClan combined with SkyClan, we'd be the strongest clan by far." He shook his head slightly, getting up to stretch as Gorsepaw re-entered their view. "Just a thought, I suppose. I think I'll be heading back to camp now. Will you be coming?"

Spotting the hare clutched in his apprentice's jaws, he nodded. His pelt prickled slightly with unease as the tabby's tone, but he followed the older tom back to camp regardless. 

Gorsepaw split off immediately, taking his catch to the prey pile.

Mudclaw paused for a moment, giving Firesky a curious look before dipping his head and leaving to speak with some other cats.

Firesky watched him go for a second, thinking on the dark tabby's words. Off put by them, he shook his pelt and left to speak with Heatherstripe.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Leafstar and Sharpclaw huddled in conversation as the ginger padded by.

The leader perked up and waved him over.

Firesky blinked, a little surprised, but trotted over and sat to join the huddle.

The she-cat glanced around before speaking. "Firesky, what do you think of WindClan?"

Tilting his head, the ginger thought for a moment before answering. "They're fine, I suppose. They certainly earn their keep with the rabbits they catch and they don't shy away from helping around camp."

Sharpclaw narrowed his eyes, tail flicking. "Do any cats stand out to you? For any reason?"

A certain interaction came to the front of his mind. "Mudclaw." He paused before continuing. "He seems... ambitious? He's strong and loyal, but he speaks of power and land."

Leafstar nodded, brows furrowed as she thought on the younger warrior's words. "I see. Sharpclaw said something similar." She glanced at the warrior, head tilted. "Do you see him as a threat to SkyClan, Firesky?"

Stiffening slightly, the tom thought back to the dark look in the tabby's eyes as he spoke to Firesky the day prior. "I'm... not sure. I don't think he'll try anything, though."

Nodding, the she-cat sat up a bit. "I'll be speaking to Tallstar tonight. WindClan seem healthy enough that they may be able to return to their home soon. I'll be offering SkyClan's assistance should ShadowClan try anything."

The small group dispersed. Sharpclaw and Firesky both went to the prey pile to get their meals for the night, taking them to separate places in camp.

Firesky took three mice and a vole, carrying the mice to the nursery after he finished his own meal.

Creekflower looked up at him, smiling when she recognized the tom. "Firesky. Did you need something?"

He shook his head, setting the prey in a small pile between the nursery nests. "I was just bringing some food by. Are Morningflower, Ashfoot, and Gorsekit settling in well?"

The SkyClan queen nodded, her plumed tail curling around her paws as she sat up. "They make for good company. Gorsekit is rather well behaved for a kit."

Sighing slightly, the ginger glanced away. "He's been through a lot for being so young. He's growing up faster than he should have to." He shook off the somber tone, looking back at the queen with a smile. "Anyways, thank you for being so welcoming to them. Not all cats would appreciate their space being taken up on such short notice like you have."

She dipped her head, purring. "It's no problem at all. I'm glad to have them."

Dipping his head, the warrior left without another word.

Chapter Text

Firesky looked up as a shadow appeared over his paws.

Mudclaw smiled down at him, his tail flicking happily. 

The younger warrior dipped his head, sitting up. "Did you need something Mudclaw?"

Chuckling, the brown tom shook his head. "Not particularly. I just wanted to ask if you'd like to come hunt with me."

Tilting his head, the ginger shrugged. "Sure. I'll get Gorsepaw and we can-"

"No." Mudclaw interrupted, frowning. "Just us."

Blinking in surprise, Firesky stood up. "Oh. Sure?"

Nodding, the WindClan tom led the way up and out of camp, heading for the nearby moors.

The brown tom perched on a rock, lifting his nose to smell the wind with a contented sigh.

Firesky looked at him, amusement lighting his gaze. "Camp fever?"

Blinking, the older tom chuckled. "Maybe some." He jumped down to stand in front of the ginger, smirking down at the tom. "But can't I want to spend some time alone with a friend?"

Glancing away, Firesky spotted movement. "Oh!" He lowered his voice, tail twitching in excitement. "A rabbit!"

Mudclaw seemed a bit disappointed, frowning slightly, before looking in the same direction and finding the prey. "How about you give it a try? WindClan style."

Grinning at the tom, the ginger nodded, stalking into the tall grass to get a good starting point.

As Firesky stalked slowly towards the rabbit, his ears picked up on rustling nearby. Blinking, focused on the new noise for a moment. Startled, he realized it was heading for him. Before the tom could move, he felt something crash into him threw him against a stone. He let out a screech as white-hot pain laced up his hind leg.

The attacker didn't relent, jumping onto the tom again and tearing at his side with sharp claws.

Before the ginger could defend himself, his assaulter was thrown off.

Mudclaw snarled, leaping again at the loner and slashed his paws over the tom's nose. 

The loner gave him a surprised look before glaring and racing away.

Turning back to the younger tom, Mudclaw looked over the bleeding wounds with wide eyes. "Are you okay? Let's get you back to camp. Can you walk?"

Firesky took a moment to attempt to get to his paws. The moment he tried moving his hind leg, the pain restarted with a fiery burn. He hissed, clenching his teeth from the pain.

Giving the ginger a concerned look, Mudclaw looked around. "I can't leave you to bring anyone here. The loner may come back... I'll have to carry you." He paused, eyeing the tom's wounds again. "You leg might get jostled, but it's the safest way. If I get you a stick to bite onto, do you think you could handle it?"

Hesitating, the ginger gave Mudclaw a shaky nod.

Nodding in return, the warrior looked around for something sturdy enough. He bounded away, returning a moment later with a large stick clamped in his jaws. He placed it at the ginger's paws, moving around to his side. "Go ahead and bite it, I'm going to pick you up on three."

Firesky took the wood into his jaws, teeth digging into the wood.

"One" Mudclaw began, leaning down. "Two." He took the ginger's scruff in his jaws. "Three."

Firesky bit down hard into the wood as he was thrown onto the brown tom's back, the stick splintering in his jaws as his teeth clamped tightly around it.

The warrior paused for a moment, letting the ginger get used to being on his back. "Are you ready to move?"

With a shaky breath, the ginger nodded.

Returning the nod, Mudclaw began quickly trotting towards the gorge, keeping his movements as smooth as possible to avoid hurting his cargo further.

The tom quickly got them back to camp, carefully making his way down the slope and into the main clearing.

Leafstar and Tallstar met them immediately, eyes wide with horror at the sight of the young tom.

Leafstar glared at the warrior, snarling. "What happened?" She demanded, her fur fluffed out.

Mudclaw brushed past them, calling over. "He was attacked by a loner while we were hunting. He was already injured before I could reach him, but I drove the mange-pelt away."

He quickly made his way to the medicine den, ducking in to see Echosong and Barkface sorting herbs.

Both medics perked up, smelling the blood on the young tom.

Echosong leapt into action first, bounding over in a single leap to inspect the injured cat.

Barface followed quickly behind, being the first of the two to spot the worst of it. With a surprised hiss, his eyes went wide. "Echosong, his leg is broken."

The she-cat stiffened, looking over at the leg the other medic was looking at. 

Mudclaw glanced over his shoulder at the tom worriedly. "He got ambushed by a loner. I'm not entirely sure what happened, but I drove the fox-heart away once I heard Firesky cry out."

The two medicine cats carefully worked together to move the ginger to a nest.

Firesky spat out the stick, face taut with pain. "Do you think.. I could get some poppy seeds?" He murmured, his eyelids drooping.

Barkface frowned, tail flicking with uncertainty. "Well.. we can't give you too many, but you can have a couple to ease the pain."

Nodding her agreement, the other medic turned to get the seeds from the herb store.

She returned a moment later with the poppy head, shaking a couple seeds onto the ground in front of Firesky.

The tom graciously lapped them up, chewing them slowly before sighing and tucking his head into his nest to sleep.

As the medics got to work treating the tom's wounds, Echosong called over her shoulder to the observer. "You may go, Mudclaw. He's in good paws."

The tom shook his head, merely settling in a nearby nest. "I'd like to keep him company, if that's alright with you both."

Barkface huffed. "Fine. But if anyone else needs our help, you'll have to go. It'll get too crowded otherwise."

Nodding, Mudclaw curled up to rest.

Chapter Text

Firesky smiled as a mouse rabbit was dropped at his paws.

Mudclaw grinned, sitting by the younger tom's nest. "I'm sure you're hungry. Share?"

Nodding, the ginger leaned in for the first bite.

They took turns taking bites until the prey was finished.

Mudclaw flicked his tail, tilting his head. "How's the leg?"

Firesky shrugged, poking it gently with a paw. "It's alright. Doesn't hurt too much anymore. Echosong said it was just fractured, so it should heal fine."

Nodding, the older warrior purred, leaning closer. "I'm glad. I'd hate for something worse to have happened under my watch."

Huffing, the ginger grumbled as his tail flicked with irritation. "I'm already getting restless all cooped up in here.. I wish I could just go for a run."

Chuckling, Mudclaw stood and stretched. "How about once you're a little better, and Barkface gives the okay, I'll carry you out to one of the nice flat rocks on the moor and we can sunbathe?"

Smiling softly, the younger tom nodded. "Sounds good."

Over his shoulder, the tabby called back. "I'll visit again later. I've got a border patrol."

Nodding, the ginger watched the brown tom go with a huff, curling into himself slightly as he tried to sleep.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Firesky purred as the sun washed over his fur. He huffed as he was set down on the smooth rock with a small thud.

Mudclaw carefully positioned the ginger's injured leg according to the medicine cats' instruction, settling beside the younger tom with a smile.

Drinking in the scents, the ginger sighed happily. "Much better."

Chuckling, the brown tabby leaned over and began carefully grooming the ginger's injured leg, cleaning away some dried up poultice.

Firesky blinked, a little surprised. He smiled, a little awkwardly, and turned back to looking out at the moor.

A voice caught their attention, breaking the silence. 

"Firesky!" Heatherstripe and Smudgespot bounded over, the she-cat having called out her brother's name.

Smudgespot glanced at the WindClan tom, a little perturbed, but turned to his friend. "Echosong said we'd find you out here. How are you feeling?"

The ginger purred, greeting his clanmates with a nod to each. "I'm doing a lot better, thanks! Mudclaw carried me out here so I could get some fresh air."

Heatherstripe glared at the tom, huffing. "You've been spending a lot of time together. We appreciate your help around camp Mudclaw, but we can take care of our own clanmates."

Mudclaw sat up, looking at the two younger cats with indifference. "Firesky is allowed to choose his friends. Just because I'm outside his clan, doesn't mean we can't spend time together." He narrowed his eyes, sneering. "I thought both our leaders ordered us to play nice? WindClan are your guests after all."

Scoffing, the she-cat turned back to her brother. "Leafstar and Tallstar are going to call a meeting soon. We came to bring you back to camp."

Perking up, the ginger grinned. "Oh! Alright, let's go." He moved to stand before remembering his injury. Scowling, he turned to the older tom with an apologetic look. "Would you mind helping me back to camp, Mudclaw?"

The warrior purred, moving towards the ginger. "Of course."

Once Firesky was safely on the tabby's back, they walked back.

Mudclaw gently set the tom down and sat beside him for the meeting.

Leafstar and Tallstar stood together on the meeting rock, calling the two clans together.

Leafstar began lifting her head high as she smiled. "Tallstar and I have been keeping a close eye on WindClan's recovery, and we have good news."

Tallstar grinned, his eyes bright as he looked at his cats. "In half a moon, we will return home. Most of SkyClan will be making the journey with us. We will arrive for the gathering and introduce SkyClan to the other clans."

Nodding, the she-cat continued. "SkyClan have already offered our aid to protect WindClan's territory. That offer still stands, especially while Brokenstar is still in power in ShadowClan. Until it no longer benefits either clan, WindClan and SkyClan will share tongues and territory. We will not hunt on each other's land, but we will regularly have our cats visiting their camp and vice versa."

Lifting his chin, the black and white tom finished the meeting. "Until then, we will send small patrols to begin preparing our camp for our return. Sharpclaw and Deadfoot will begin organizing those patrols. Dismissed."

Leaning against Mudclaw, Firesky managed to limp back to the medicine den and lay in his nest.

Mudclaw shuffled a bit, smiling awkwardly. "Would you mind if I slept beside you tonight, Firesky? It's getting colder."

The ginger blinked, a little off-put. "Oh.. I don't know.."

The tabby frowned, nodding. "Right.. I understand. I just thought, with all I've done to help you out recently.. It's alright."

Eyes widening, Firesky shook his head. "Oh! I'm sorry! Of course you can, Mudclaw. I didn't mean.."

The warrior purred, a smile spreading across his face. "Thank you, Firesky."

The tabby curled up beside the ginger, their fur brushing.

Firesky frowned slightly before drifting off to sleep.

Chapter Text

Firesky felt his fur prickle as he woke up, feeling fur brush against his. Looking over, he frowned to see Mudclaw still laying beside him.

Carefully, the tom dragged himself out of the nest, his injured leg lifted.

Glancing back at the tabby, the SkyClan tom sighed, slipping out of the den without a word. 

Leafstar looked up as the sunlight hit his fur, waving him over.

Trotting over, he tilted his head. "Leafstar? Did you need something?"

Smiling, the leader gestured to his leg. "How are you feeling? Any pain?"

Shaking his head, Firesky smiled. "Nah, it's a bit stiff but it's healing well."

Leafstar looked past him, frowning slightly. "Mudclaw's been spending a lot of time with you lately. I appreciate him helping with your recovery, but.."

Glancing over his shoulder, he spotted the warrior heading up the trail out of camp.

Flicking his tail, the ginger sighed. "I.. think I'm going to go talk to him about that actually. It's been a bit much lately." Dipping his head to the leader, he smiled. "I'll see you later Leafstar."

Standing, the she-cat frowned. "Are you sure you'll be alright? I don't want anything to happen."

Starting to leave, the tom called back over his shoulder. "I'll be alright. I'll just catch up to Mudclaw."

Scrambling up the gorge, the warrior spotted Mudclaw in the distance.

Stretching for a moment, Firesky quickly trotted towards the older tom.

It took a moment, but the ginger finally closed most of the distance.

Ready to call out, the tom opened his mouth and stiffened as the scent of blood hit his nose. Eyes widening, he quickly raced towards the tom, shoving through the tall grass.

Firesky froze as he took in the sight before him.

Mudclaw stood over a bloody tom, glaring with disgust at the form beneath his bloody claws. His ear flicked as he heard the younger tom approach. Glancing his way, the tabby grinned, his eyes brightening as he spotted the ginger. "Firesky! What are you doing out here?"

Recoiling, the ginger's eyes flew open. "Mudclaw.. what..? Is he dead?"

Frowning, the WindClan tom shot an irritated glance at the bloody cat. "Yes. He deserved it."

Firesky gagged as the scent of blood choked him, turning away. "How? How did he deserve to die, Mudclaw?"

"He hurt you." 

Freezing, the ginger slowly turned his head towards the warrior. His voice was small. "What..?"

Mudclaw purred, stalking closer as he spoke softly. "This was the loner that attacked you, Firesky. He hurt you." Nuzzling close to the ginger, the dark tabby ignored the younger tom's flinch. "I made him pay for it."

Firesky pulled away, much to Mudclaw's disappointment. "I.. never wanted this.. I would never want this.."

A smile returning to his face, the tabby curled around the ginger, his tail tightly wrapped around the tom's body. "Shhh. It's alright now. This was for the best. He hurt what was mine." Mudclaw's deep voice rumbled in the ginger's ear. "Nothing will hurt you again." Nudging the ginger to his paws, Mudclaw led him away. "C'mon. Let's get cleaned up."

Numbly, the ginger nodded, allowing himself to be guided away as the tom's words looped in his mind.

Mudclaw led him to a small stream, the tabby stepping into it to wash off his paws and muzzle. Glancing back over, he gave the ginger a smile. "Are you really still worked up about that? Firesky, relax. So long as you don't tell anyone, you're fine."

Snapping to attention, the ginger stared at the tom with wide eyes, backing up a little. "Is.. that a threat?" He nearly whispered, still in shock.

Frowning, Mudclaw stepped out of the creek and towards the ginger. "Of course not. I just meant, I killed him for you after all, you wouldn't exactly go unpunished."

Ears flattening against his head, Firesky's fur prickled. "W-what?"

Offering a comforting smile, the tabby stalked closer to the tom, curling around him and murmuring into his ear. "Shh, shh. I'm here. I won't let them hurt you."

"They'd hurt me?" He wimpered, curling in on himself.

Shushing the ginger again, Mudclaw shook his head sadly. "I'm afraid the punishment would be brutal, but I'd kill any of them if they tried to lay a claw on you." His deep voice rumbled in the quiet, his tone offering no argument. "I'd steal you away to keep you safe, Firesky."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Firesky limped into camp, ducking his head to avoid curious glances sent his way. 

He headed for the prey pile, picking a mouse and carrying it to a secluded corner of camp. 

As he settled, he lifted his head and searched the camp. Once he found who he was looking for, he beckoned him with his tail.

Gorsepaw trotted over, smiling brightly. "Firesky! How are you feeling?"

Smiling warmly, the ginger dipped his head in greeting. "I'm doing better. Gorsepaw, I appreciate Sharpclaw's help this past moon but I will return to training you. Tomorrow morning, wake up at sun-up. We'll practice battle moves."

Perking up, the apprentice nodded vigorously. "Okay!"

Chuckling, the warrior dismissed his apprentice with a flick of his tail. 

Scanning the camp again, he spotted Mudclaw sitting against the opposite wall of the gorge from where he sat. The brown tom was chatting with Onewhisker while sending quick glances the ginger's way.

Sighing, Firesky lowered his head, slowly eating his mouse in small bites.

Once he was done, he stood and stretched, careful not to overdo it on his healing leg. 

Shaking out his pelt, he moved towards the warriors' den, intending on taking a nap.

Mudclaw seemed to notice and trotted over, giving the tom a smile as the ginger stopped walking. "Taking a nap? Mind if I join?"

Firesky recoiled a bit, giving the tabby a shaky smile in return. "Oh, no, I was just going to replace my nest with some fresh moss."

Frowning, the older tom huffed. "Oh." Shaking off the sudden mood change, he returned the smile to his face. "I'll help."

Shaking his head, the ginger backed up a little. "No, that's alright Mudclaw. I can do it. Besides, Heatherstripe actually asked if she could go." He lied, hoping it wouldn't show.

Dejected, the tabby dipped his head. "Oh, alright then. I'll see you later."

The ginger sagged with relief as the tabby left, quickly heading towards where Heatherstripe was sitting with Smudgespot. Smiling awkwardly, he looked to his sister. "Hey Heatherstripe, mind coming with me to get some fresh moss for my nest?"

She looked at him, reading his face for a moment before nodding, quickly leading the way out of camp.

Pausing at the top of the gorge, she whispered to him with narrowed eyes. "What happened earlier when you came back with Mudclaw? You looked really shaken up."

Stiffening slightly, he forced a smile onto his face and shook his head. "Oh, it wasn't anything. I just got startled from seeing a loner. It was.. Barley. From the barn, remember?"

Not quite believing him, Heatherstripe nodded slowly, her tail flicking slightly. "Yeah, I remember him. Any reason he was here?"

Firesky grinned, the smile not quite reaching his eyes. "He wanted to ask about WindClan. He smelled them go by his barn and decided to check on them."

Sighing, she nodded, letting the matter drop.

They spent the rest of the trip in silence, gathering the moss and taking it back to camp.

Chapter Text

Firesky stretched his leg, only wincing once it was fully stretched out.

Echosong nodded. “So long as you don’t do anything to hurt it again, you should be fine.”

Tilting his head, the warrior smiled. “So, I can go with the patrol today?”

Chuckling, the she-cat nodded. “Yeah, you should be fine to do that. Tell Leafstar I gave the okay.”

Nodding, the warrior quickly left the medicine den, making his way over to where Leafstar and Tallstar were sitting.

The SkyClan leader smiled, her eyes bright. “Firesky, what did Echosong say?”

Grinning, the ginger purred. “She said I’d be fine to come with the patrol today.”

Nodding, the leader stood. “The patrol is all ready to go. Tallstar? Would you do the honors?”

Dipping his head, the leader smiled. “Gladly, thank you.” He lifted his chin, his voice clearly ringing across the camp. “WindClan! The time has come for our return home. Gather together so we may leave.”

Leafstar stood, her tail flicking. “Sharpclaw, Firesky, Heatherstripe, Smudgespot, Gorsepaw, Leopardpaw, and Echosong will be coming. Creekflower and Ravenflight will stay to keep watch over the camp. It’s time to go.”

The two leaders led the way up the gorge wall, the deputies and medics following with the rest of the two clans following behind.

Once they were out of the gorge, the clans mingled as they walked, the two leaders still heading up the group.

Firesky walked with Gorsepaw, glancing down at the apprentice. “Remember, we’ll be meeting the other clans tonight. Be on your best behavior, alright?”

Nodding, the apprentice beamed up at the ginger. “I know! You don’t have to worry about me, Firesky.”

Smiling, the warrior flicked his apprentice’s shoulder with his tail. “Good. Why don’t you go talk with some of WindClan and ask what the Gathering will be like.”

Giving the warrior a nod, Gorsepaw ran off to talk with the WindClan apprentices.

Firesky stiffened slightly as Mudclaw’s fur brushed against his.

The tom smiled, intertwining his tail with the ginger’s. “Excited?”

Shrugging, the ginger carefully moved his tail away from Mudclaw’s. “Nervous. I suspect a couple cats will recognise me from when I tried to join ThunderClan.”

Humming, the WindClan tom side-eyed him. “Do you know their names?”

Tilting his head, the younger tom shrugged. “Not really. I remember Bluestar and Lionheart and Graypaw, but they weren’t the ones that attacked me. It was a pale tabby tom and a dark gray tabby.”

Growling, Mudclaw huffed. “Longtail and Darkstripe.”

Glancing at the tabby, Firesky nodded. “Yeah, I remember someone calling him Longtail.”

Nodding, the warrior went silent.

They walked in silence most of the way.

Tallstar and Leafstar stopped next to WindClan’s camp, turning to address the clans.

Tallstar called out, his tail waving high. “Morningflower, Gorsekit, Tornear, Runningpaw, Ashfoot, and Onewhisker will stay in the camp to settle back in. Everyone else will continue on towards Fourtrees for the Gathering.

Onewhisker led the named cats away, heading down into the clearing after saying a quick farewell to Smudgespot.

Leafstar nodded, smiling. “Let’s continue. We’re almost there.”

The group continued speeding up a bit now that the queens, kit, and elder weren’t with them.

The moon had just begun to show its face when they reached the edge of the territory, the clearing just out of sight.

Nodding to his SkyClan counterpart, Tallstar led the way in, Leafstar just a pawstep behind him.

Firesky’s gut clenched as the scents of the other clans hit his nose. He nodded to Mudclaw and split off, joining Smudgespot, Heatherstripe, and Ravenflight beside the WindClan group at the edge of the clearing.

Tallstar and Leafstar leapt onto the Great Rock, Sharpclaw and Deadfoot settling at the base with three other unfamiliar cats.

Bluestar looked shocked, eyes narrowing at the SkyClan leader with a hiss. “Who is this? Why have WindClan returned?”

Lifting his chin to respond, the WindClan leader stepped forward to address the gathered cats. “ShadowClan, nearly three moons ago, drove us from our land. In our journey for new land, we found Leafstar and her new clan. Past the barn, past Highstones, SkyClan has made their home. They speak with ancestors we did not know existed. SkyClan once held land here, beside our clans, until they too were driven out and eventually died.” He nodded to Leafstar to continue.

The she-cat stepped forward, her eyes narrowed and voice clear. “One of my warriors, Firesky, received a visit from Skystar, the first leader of SkyClan. I was given the nine lives of a leader and they were then given their names. My deputy is Sharpclaw, my medicine cat is Echosong. We, until they have fully been restored to their home, are in alliance with WindClan. We have been accepted by a clan by StarClan and will, from now on, be here every moon for the Gathering.”

A light brown tabby stepped forward, dipping his head to the she-cat. “I am Crookedstar, leader of RiverClan. I would like to welcome you, Leafstar, and all your cats. We regretted deeply when Brokenstar and his cats drove WindClan away, and are glad they found friends. Brokenstar has since been killed and his closest followers driven away. WindClan will be welcomed back in full.”

A gray tom nodded, giving Tallstar an apologetic look. “After Brokenstar and Blackfoot left, I was named leader.” To Leafstar, he continued. “I am Cinderstar, ShadowClan’s new leader. I’d like to give ShadowClan a better reputation after the previous leader’s actions. I hope we will have good relations.”

Leafstar, pleasantly surprised by the reception, nodded to the two toms. “Thank you both.” Glancing at the other she-cat leader, she tilted her head. “And you?”

Scowling, Bluestar glared at the SkyClan leader. “Firesky, you said? Was he a kittypet before forming your clan?”

Blinking, Leafstar’s expression hardened. “I don’t see how that matters. He is now a warrior.”

Scoffing, the ThunderClan leader turned to scan the crowd as she spoke. “He came to us first and ran after Longtail scratched him. He was a coward. If he received a dream visit from StarClan, should he not have just been a medicine cat?”

Leafstar snarled at the she-cat, her tail beginning to lash. “Firesky is one of my strongest warriors. From what he told me, he tore out ‘Longtail’s’ eye protecting his brother just a little while later.”

Recoiling in fury, Bluestar spat, her fur rising. “Longtail was defending our territory and they intruded.” Flicking her tail dismissively, she scoffed at the SkyClan leader. “My new deputy after the battle with ShadowClan is Tigerclaw. ThunderClan is done here.” She shot one last mocking look towards Firesky in the crowd. “When SkyClan proves too weak to survive, Firesky is welcome to crawl back to us on his belly.” She jumped down, leading her cats out of the clearing.

A dark tabby trotted after her for a moment, muttering something in her ear before turning back and jumping to join the leaders. He offered Leafstar a nod, his tail flicking. “I apologize for Bluestar, she just lost two cats very close to her. I am Tigerclaw, ThunderClan’s deputy. I hope that we can form a good relationship with SkyClan.” Giving her a respectful nod, he jumped down and followed after his clan.

Tallstar glanced at Leafstar, sighing. “It must’ve been a bad battle for her to act like that. Bluestar is usually very level headed.”

Shrugging, the she-cat chuckled. “That’s the reception I actually expected. Hopefully Tigerclaw is right and our relationship with ThunderClan will improve.”

Crookedstar nodded, his tail flicking. “We weren’t expecting WindClan, so we’d already gotten through most of our business before you arrived.”

Tallstar dipped his head, smiling. “Then this Gathering is over. Cinderstar, congratulations on becoming leader. Farewell.”

The four leaders jumped down, ShadowClan and RiverClan splitting to head to their territories while WindClan and SkyClan walked back together.

Firesky walked beside Sharpclaw, his fur still prickling.

Glancing at the younger ginger, Sharpclaw nudged him. “Hey, you alright?”

Looking at the deputy, the tom sighed. “It’s just what Bluestar was saying. I guess it got to me.”

Humming, the dark ginger nodded. “I see.” Side eyeing the tom, Sharpclaw huffed. “She’s wrong, of course.”

Firesky looked at him, blinking. “What?”

Chuckling, Sharpclaw shook his head lightly. “Bluestar couldn’t be further from the truth. The first day we met I could tell what kind of cat you were. You’re smart, quick, and strong enough to back those up. Nah, ThunderClan isn’t good enough for you. SkyClan’s just right for a cat like you, Firesky.”

Slowly smiling, the young warrior pressed against the deputy. “Thanks.” He murmured, purring.

Chapter Text

Firesky flicked his tail, eyes narrowed at his apprentice as the younger tom dropped into a fighting stance. “Ready?”

Gorsepaw nodded, tail flicking to and fro.

Lifting his chin, the warrior gave him a curt nod. “Good. Wherever you’re ready.”

The apprentice launched forward, his hind legs kicking up dirt behind him.

Firesky hissed as the tom approached, bunching his muscles and leaping high over the tom’s head. He spun in mid-air, landing facing towards the tom and immediately launching at the tom.

Gorsepaw tried to quickly slow down and turn, but was knocked off his paws by the faster warrior. He rolled, springing to his paws as he turned back to face the lanky ginger, eyes narrowing.

The warrior huffed, standing taller as he scowled at the apprentice. “Too slow. We trained with WindClan. We’ll be the second fastest clan after them. Act like it. I expect faster reactions this time.” He paused before softening his tone. “I know you can do better than that. Is something on your mind?”

The apprentice fiddled with his paw, dragging a claw in the dirt. “No, no. I’m alright, really. Let’s keep going.”

Tilting his head, the warrior nodded. “Alright. Back to the sides then.”

The two toms separated, standing on opposite sides of each other.

Firesky nodded, giving the apprentice the go-ahead.

Gorsepaw took a deep breath, eyes narrowing as he looked at his mentor. Quickly, he bolted from his spot and raced towards the warrior. He watched as the ginger scowled and bunched his muscles to leap again. Smirking a little to himself, he sprung into the air at the same time as the warrior, heading towards the tom’s belly to knock him off course.

His eyes lighting with approval, the older tom shifted and grabbed onto the apprentice, the both of them flying backwards as Firesky spun so that Gorsepaw took the brunt of their fall.

Stepping off his apprentice, the ginger nodded his approval. “That was better. You tried to anticipate my moves based on our previous battles.” Watching the tom catch his breath, the warrior chuckled. “I’m still more experienced, however. You fought well. Think you’re up for one more?”

Panting heavily as he tried to recover, the apprentice quickly nodded, grinning from the praise. “Yes!”

Smiling warmly, the warrior nodded and flicked his tail towards the other side of their training spot. “Get in place then. I’ll start the attack this time. Try to defend yourself.”

Giving him a quick nod, Gorsepaw quickly raced to the other end of the flattened grass clearing.

Firesky stood tall on his end, baring his teeth. “Ready or not, here I come.” He instantly bolted forwards, making long strides towards the apprentice as he rapidly approached the younger tom.

Eyes widening as the lanky tom cleared the distance almost instantly, the apprentice leapt to the side, narrowly avoiding the warrior’s strike, and quickly spun, leaping back at the warrior and clamping his jaws tightly around his recovering leg, clinging onto the warrior’s back with his front paws.

Screeching with rage, the warrior turned and took the apprentice by the scruff, flinging him away.

Gorsepaw spun in the air, clumsily landing on his paws as he faced the warrior.

Baring his teeth, Firesky leapt forwards, aiming to land directly on the tom.

Narrowing his eyes, Gorsepaw ran forwards under the jump. He bunched his muscles and jumped straight up, ramming into the older cat’s belly and throwing him off course.

Firesky wheezed as his breath was knocked out, getting to his paws as he panted.

Gorsepaw rushed the ginger, jumping in a wide arch to land on his back.

Snarling, the warrior reared up and swatted the smaller tom down, pinning him quickly with a paw to the throat.

Frustration darkening the apprentice’s gaze, he thumped his tail twice to give in.

Firesky nodded, stepping off the tom and sitting, giving his fur a quick lick to straighten it.

The apprentice sat up, digging his claws into the grass in frustration.

Tilting his head, the warrior eyed the tom for a moment before speaking. “That was much better. You actually almost won.”

Scowling, Gorsepaw huffed. “But I didn’t.”

Narrowing his eyes slightly, Firesky tilted his head. “Why does that matter?”

Looking up in surprise, the apprentice looked confused. “I’m training to be a warrior! If I was really better, I’d have won against you by now!”

Scoffing, the warrior snorted. “You’re moons younger than I am. I’ve had experience, even though it may be less than other cats have had. Besides, I’m your mentor. I know your moves, your tactics. If you were doing poorly, I’d let you know.” Pausing, the tom hummed. “I’d wager you could beat Leopardpaw.” Thinking for a moment, he added. “You could probably beat Ravenflight actually.”

Rolling his eyes, the apprentice waved him off. “Please, anyone could beat Ravenflight. He’s smaller than I am!”

Eyes narrowing, the warrior smirked. “Care to wager, then?”

Perking up, Gorsepaw nodded. “Sure! If I beat Ravenflight, I don’t have to do any apprentice duties for a moon!”

Chuckling, Firesky shrugged. “Sure. And if you lose, you’ll do Leopardpaw’s as well as your own for a moon.”

Grinning, the apprentice nodded. “Deal.”

Flicking his tail, the warrior beckoned for the younger tom to follow as he led the way back to the gorge. “Deal. I’ll tell Ravenflight he has a battle tomorrow then.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Firesky sat between Sharpclaw and Heatherstripe, his tail tip twitching with amusement as he nodded to his apprentice to get into position.

Ravenflight already stood on his end of the clearing, looking at the apprentice with a calculating gaze.

Gorsepaw grinned, his tail flicking happily as he dropped into a fighting stance.

Calling out to the opposing cats, the ginger nodded to each. “Are you both ready?”

Ravenflight huffed, eyes narrowing. “Yes.”

The apprentice blinked a bit at the tom’s confidence, but shrugged it off with a lopsided grin. “Yeah.”

Nodding, Firesky thumped the ground with his tail. “Begin.”

Gorsepaw rushed forward, zipping back and forth as he sprinted towards the warrior.

Baring his teeth, the black tom matched the apprentice’s run, meeting the surprised tom partway and shoving him to the side.

Rolling, the apprentice quickly bounced back onto his paws with a small scowl. He spun, looking around for the tom. He yelped as he was landed on, knocking him off his paws again as Ravenflight pushed off to leap away.

The warrior landed with ease, turning to strike again as he darted around the younger tom before the apprentice could react.

Gorsepaw screeched with rage, quickly returning to his paws before racing away from the warrior, spinning to look back and face the tom. Clenching his jaw, he bunched his muscles before running back at the black cat.

Ravenflight narrowed his eyes, waiting until the last moment before springing high into the air, landing directly on the apprentice and knocking the breath out of the tom.

Wheezing, the apprentice struggled under the warrior’s hold before he felt a paw press into his throat.

Firesky called out, amusement clear in his voice. “Enough. Ravenflight wins.”

Stepping off the apprentice, the small warrior chuckled. “I would certainly hope so.”

Gorsepaw stood up, his brows tight with frustration.

Walking over to his apprentice, the ginger tilted his head. “Well?”

Looking at his mentor, the younger tom’s eyes lit with confusion. “But.. I’m almost bigger than he is! I should’ve been able to beat him, no problem.”

Frowning slightly, the warrior shook his head. “Gorsepaw, Ravenflight completed his warrior training moons ago and sparred with seasoned WindClan warriors. You underestimated him, like many others do. He uses his size to his advantage. You need to learn to do the same until you’re grown. I hope you learned something, since you’ll have less time for training this next moon.”

Tilting his head, the apprentice’s brows furrowed. “What? Why?”

Smirking, Firesky chuckled. “Don’t you remember our deal? You’ll be doing Leopardpaw’s chores for the next moon.”

Wilting, the apprentice groaned. “Noooo!” He flopped over dramatically, paws flailing.

Grabbing him by the scruff, Firesky dragged the tom over to Ravenflight, dropping him at the warrior’s paws. “I think I’ll have Ravenflight teach you a little something too. For now though, you can tell him what you learned by fighting him.”

Gorsepaw looked at the black tom for a moment before sighing. “I underestimated you, like Firesky said. I won’t do it again.”

Eyeing the apprentice, Ravenflight huffed. “Good. What about other opponents? Will you underestimate them too?”

Shaking his head, Gorsepaw sighed. “No. I won’t.” Looking over his shoulder, the apprentice brightened up. “Can we go back to the gorge now? I’m starving and I saw a big mouse on the pile when we left!”

Smiling, the ginger nodded. “Sure. Let’s go.” Nodding to Ravenflight, the warrior chuckled. “Thanks for teaching him a lesson.”

A smile spreading across his face, the warrior dipped his head. “Happy to anytime.” Looking at Sharpclaw, he snickered. “Want me to do the same for Leopardpaw?”

Sharpclaw gave an amused huff, his tail twitching amiably. “Maybe. Might do him some good.”

Firesky stretched, nudging his apprentice up. “Alright, let’s go.”

Gorsepaw jumped up, shaking dust from his pelt before happily following his mentor back home.

Chapter Text

Firesky stretched in the sun, blinking away his grogginess as he woke up. Shaking out moss scraps from his fur, he looked around.

Leafstar was talking with Heatherstripe in the center of the clearing, looking up as they spotted him come out of his den. The leader waved him over.

Sitting beside his sister, he tilted his head curiously. “Did you need something, Leafstar?”

She nodded, curling her tail around her paws. “I’d like you two to go to WindClan for a couple days to help them rebuild their camp.” Nodding to the ginger, she glanced past him at her deputy who sat nearby. “Sharpclaw will have Gorsepaw train with his brother while you’re gone, Firesky.”

The ginger dipped his head. “Okay. Should we leave now?”

Leafstar tilted her head, giving him a nod. “Yes, if you’re both ready. You should hunt on the way and eat before you get there.”

Heatherstripe stood up, dipping her head. “We’ll leave right away.” Glancing at her brother, she smiled. “You ready?”

Standing, he returned her smile. “Yeah, let’s go.”

The two young warriors quickly traveled up the gorge wall, heading for the border facing the other clans.

They walked without pause until they reached the barn, exchanging a glance before they veered off their course to enter the twoleg building.

Firesky sniffed the air, scenting the barn’s resident nearby. “Barley? Hello?”

After a moment, the loner appeared from behind a block of dried grass, a leisurely smile on his face. “Rusty, Princess. It’s good to see you young’uns again.”

The ginger returned the smile, tail flicking happily. “It’s actually Firesky now, Barley.”

Heatherstripe dipped her head. “And I’ve been named Heatherstripe.”

The tom’s eyes brightened. “You were successful, then? You’ve made your clan?”

Firesky nodded, purring. “SkyClan have grown in numbers as well. There are eleven of us now.”

The loner chuckled, sitting and curling his tail around his paws. “That’s wonderful. I’ve actually got a new barn-mate myself.” He looked over his shoulder, calling out. “Ravenpaw, they’re friends of mine. Come say hello.”

A lanky tom about the same age as Firesky and Heatherstripe appeared out of the shadows, ducking his head nervously. He looked at the two strangers before locking eyes with the ginger, eyes widening. “You’re that kittypet that tried to join ThunderClan, aren’t you?”

Frowning, Firesky huffed. “That was a while ago. I’m not a kittypet. I belong to SkyClan.”

Ravenpaw stood a little taller, looking more relaxed. “The new clan that WindClan introduced? I’ve heard of you. You live near the barn, then?”

Heatherstripe nodded, flicking her tail in the general direction of the gorge. “We live in a gorge a little ways away from here. It’s not too far.” Hesitating, she tilted her head. “Ravenpaw is a clan name. Why are you here in the gorge with Barley?”

The black tom’s eyes darkened as he looked away, tail tucking closer to himself. “I was ThunderClan, but it… wasn’t safe for me to be there anymore. Barley was kind enough to let me come stay with him, though.”

The older loner purred, giving the tom a fond look. “I’m glad to have you. It’s been nice, having company.”

Tilting his head, the ginger looked the lanky tom over. “Why didn’t you try joining one of the other clans? You look like you’d make a good WindClan cat.”

Ravenpaw grit his teeth, glancing away. “None of the clans were safe for me to be in.”

Firesky and Heatherstripe exchanged a glance before the she-cat spoke up.

“I’m sorry to change the subject, but we were wondering if we could hunt for a couple mice? We’re on our way to see WindClan but we haven’t eaten yet.” She smiled apologetically.

Barley chuckled, stretching. “Sure, plenty to go around. Knock yourselves out.”

Giving the loner their thanks, they split off to hunt for a short bit, meeting up after. Each of them carried a single mouse, not wanting to take more than their share.

Firesky lay on a patch of dried grass, happily tucking into the warm prey.

His sister sat beside him, fur brushing against his.

Once they finished eating, they found the two loners to say their goodbyes.

Firesky dipped his head to both, smiling warmly. “Thank you for your hospitality. We’ll get out of your fur now.”

Barley waved him off, his eyes kind. “Think nothin’ of it. Why don’t you stop by on your way back too? You can tell us all about what you plan on getting up to with WindClan.”

Purring, Heatherstripe nodded to him. “I think we’ll take you up on that.”

Glancing at the black tom, the ginger tilted his head. “Y’know, SkyClan is pretty disconnected from the other clans. Other than the gathering, we don’t really see any of them other than WindClan. If the threat was from ThunderClan, you’d be just as safe with us as with Barley.”

Ravenpaw gave him a thoughtful look, tail flicking with unease as he hesitated to respond. “I’ll… think about that.” Pausing, he gave his companion a look. “I like it here with Barley. It’s a… calmer life, than with a clan.”

A small smile spread across the ginger’s face. “Alright then. We’ll see you in a couple of days when we come back.”

The two SkyClan cats gave them one last goodbye before leaving, heading towards WindClan territory.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Tallstar and Deadfoot met them at the border, leading them back to the camp.

Following the leader and deputy in, the two warriors looked around at the camp.

Ashfoot and Gorsekit were weaving brambles around the camp edge to make what seemed to be the nursery.

Mudclaw and Onewhisker were on the opposite end of camp, working on a larger den, likely the warriors’ den.

Morningflower, Runningpaw, and Tornear were sharing tongues in the sun, bramble scraps littering their pelts.

Firesky glanced at the leader, tail twitching happily. “We can stay to help for two or three days.”

Nodding agreement, Heatherstripe smiled. “How can we help?”

Tallstar sent them a grateful look. “Go relieve Ashfoot and Gorsepaw.”

The ginger gave him a surprised look. “Gorsekit is an apprentice?”

Tilting his head, the leader chuckled. “Ah, right. Yes, a few days ago he had his ceremony. I’m mentoring him myself. Runningpaw also had his warrior ceremony. He’s called Runningleap now.”

Dipping her head, Heatherstripe purred. “We’ll be sure to give them our congratulations then.”

The two SkyClan cats split off from the leader and deputy, heading to where the queen and apprentice were.

Ashfoot looked up, eyes bright as she greeted the young warriors. “Firesky, Heatherstripe. It’s good to see you.”

Flicking his tail happily, the ginger smiled warmly. “Likewise. We’re gonna take over the nursery for a bit. Go get some prey and rest.”

Gorsepaw perked up, excitement lighting his gaze. “Yes! Tallstar said we’d train once I was done here!” The apprentice quickly scampered off, joining the leader and deputy by the Highledge.

Ashfoot watched him go fondly before nodding to the warriors. “I’ll leave you to it then. All our brambles are in a pile on the other side.” She left to join Morningflower in the sun, laying beside the other she-cat.

Stretching, Firesky chuckled. “Guess we’d better get to it.”

They moved to different sides of the den, beginning to weave more brambles into the protective wall of the nursery.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Firesky flopped over, exhausted. He pulled a vole close, greedily gulping down the prey. Once he was done eating, he let out a contented sigh.

Deadfoot joined him after a moment, the deputy calmly sitting across from the ginger as he slowly ate a mouse. Once he was done eating, he gave the warrior a thoughtful look. “Firesky.”

Looking up, the tom blinked. “Yes?” He felt his fur prickle with nervousness, wondering if he’d accidentally done something to offend the deputy.

Silent for a moment, the black tom tilted his head curiously. “You are technically the one that founded SkyClan, yes?”

Blinking, he hummed. “Technically, I guess. Skystar visited me in my dreams to send me to do it, but it was really me, Heatherstripe, Smudgespot, and Ravenflight that did it together. Then Leafstar joined us, then Echosong, then Sharpclaw, and Creekflower, Leopardpaw, and Gorsepaw joined last.”

Nodding, Deadfoot paused before speaking again. “How old were you?”

Firesky gave him a surprised look, chuckling awkwardly. “Why does it matter?”

Eyes narrowing, the deputy straightened up a little. “Firesky how old were you and your friends?:

Glancing away, the ginger answered awkwardly. “A little over six moons.”

The deputy was silent for a moment before sitting up, his eyes dark. “I see.” He stared at the ginger for a moment before huffing. “I mean no disrespect, Firesky, but Skystar had no business sending kits off to start a clan. He should’ve waited longer or had you come train with us. You’re very lucky Leafdapple was there for you.”

Firesky frowned, meeting the tom’s gaze. “I disagree.”

Deadfoot eyed the ginger for a moment before giving him a curt nod. “Very well. But I believe, should you hold any resentment towards him, you’d be correct in doing so.” Pausing, he flicked his tail. “We already prepared nests for you and Heatherstripe in the warriors’ den. You’re free to go to bed whenever you want.” He stood, walking to the other side of the clearing where Tallstar was speaking with Onewhisker.

The ginger took a moment to think before standing, shaking out dust from his pelt before heading for the warriors’ den. Ducking his head in, he tried to figure out which nest might be for him.

Tornear looked up from his nest, sleepily nodding to two nests on one end of the den before resting his head again, going back to sleep.

Blinking gratefully at the tom, Firesky curled up in one of the nests he pointed to and sighed, letting the tension melt from his body as he got ready to sleep.

As he was falling asleep, he felt fur brush against him. Quickly lifting his head to look, he realized Mudclaw had curled up beside him in the nest. His ears moved back a bit, a little uncomfortable. “Mudclaw? What are you doing?”

The warrior glanced at him, ear flicking dismissively. “Sleeping.” He yawned, giving the ginger a quick smile before setting his head down and murmuring. “You should too. Long day tomorrow.”

The ginger looked at him for a moment before slowly resting his head, fur prickling with discomfort.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Firesky and Heatherstripe dipped their heads to Tallstar and Mudclaw at the edge of the border.

Heatherstripe gave him a friendly smile. “We’ll be just fine from here. Thank you again for having us, Tallstar.”

Chuckling, the leader flicked his tail dismissively. “I should be thanking you. We got a lot of work done thanks to your help.”

Mudclaw walked to stand in front of Firesky, murmuring to the tom. “Come visit sometime soon. I’ll stop by the border every couple nights to wait for you.”

The ginger gave him a forced smile, nodding. “Sure.” Stepping towards Heatherstripe, he dipped his head again to the leader. “We should get going.”

Exchanging a nod, the two pairs of cats split to head back to their respective clans.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Firesky felt his fur prickle as he looked around, wind whipping past his ears as he waited on the border.

After a moment longer, Mudclaw appeared out of the tall grass, his ears pressed against his head to protect against the wind. The tom purred, stalking close to the younger tom. “It’s been too long.”

The ginger glanced away, wincing against the sharp wind. “It’s only been half a moon.”

Huffing, the tabby moved closer, using a paw to turn the younger cat’s face towards him. “That’s still too long for my liking. I’ve missed you.”

Meeting the tom’s gaze for a moment, the SkyClan tom gave him a nervous smile. “I’m coming with the patrol tomorrow to check on WindClan’s recovery.”

Mudclaw paused as the wind seemed to die down, humming with satisfaction before turning his attention back to the ginger. “You should reconsider my offer. Tallstar would be glad to have you.” He leaned in, purring. “You already know I would be.”

The ginger flinched back, looking away again as his tail flicked unhappily. “My place is with SkyClan, Mudclaw. I’m not going to join WindClan.”

Frowning, the warrior grumbled. “Fine. I want to meet more often, then.”

Firesky nodded softly. “Sure… Fine.”

A small smile spread across the tom’s face as he tilted his head, eyeing the younger tom. “If you really wanted me to, I could be convinced to come join SkyClan with you.”

The ginger stiffened, giving the tom a quick panicked look. “No!” He blinked, pausing before calming down a bit. “No, your place is with WindClan. They’re your family, just as SkyClan is mine.”

Mudclaw’s smile fell and he sighed, looking down as he poked at the dirt with a claw. “Mates shouldn’t be in separate clans, Firesky.”

Firesky’s breath caught in his throat as he processed the tabby’s words, ears pressing against his head as he looked up. “We… we’re not mates though.”

Chuckling, the tabby looked back up at him, pity in his eyes as he tilted his head condescendingly at the ginger. “Oh Firesky, do you really think that? Cats don't share a nest when they’re ‘just friends.’ Goodness, I knew you were oblivious but really? Come now dear, think about it.”

His hackles rose slightly as he listened to the warrior speak, eyes widening as his legs nearly gave out beneath him. “We’re… mates?”

Mudclaw purred, winding around the ginger and gently guiding him to lay down. “Shh, it’s alright. Perhaps I should’ve told you directly. Clan cats don’t really need to do that though, we just know.” He curled his tail around the ginger, his deep voice ringing in the younger cat’s ear. “You’re my mate, Firesky. We’ll be together until we join StarClan, then we won’t be separated by borders ever again.”

Chapter Text

Firesky quietly slipped back into camp, the moon high in the sky above him, Silverpelt bright as ever as it shined down on the gorge. He landed at the base of the gorge wall with a muted thump, shaking dust from his pelt as he looked up to head to his nest.

Heatherstripe glared at him, sitting in the shadows beneath a tree. “Where were you?”

He recoiled, surprised. “Wh-? Why are you still up?”

Flicking her tail, she scowled. “I was waiting for you. Now answer the question.”

Firesky glanced away, tail twitching nervously. “I was just taking a walk.” He tried to duck past her, head lowered. “I’m gonna go to sleep now, I’m tired.”

She blocked his way, eyes narrowed. “No. I can smell him all over you.” Her gaze softened, tilting her head at him. “Why did you lie about being out with Mudclaw? Did something happen?”

He winced, using a claw to fiddle with the dirt. “I know how you get about him, you don’t trust him. I just… thought you’d worry more if you knew.”

Heatherstripe sighed, sitting down and wrapping her paws in her tail. “He’s… Mudclaw is a very aggressive tom. I just worry that if you disagree on something, he’ll…”

Gritting his teeth, the ginger huffed. “Attack me? You think he’d hurt me?”

She lifted her chin, eyes narrowing at his defensive tone. “Hurt someone else. That’s just it, Firesky, he wouldn’t hurt you directly, he’d just attack something or someone you care about to get to you. I’m glad you’re smart enough not to go to WindClan with him. If you did, I couldn’t look out for you.”

Firesky stood, growling. “I don’t need you to look out for me! We’re the same age, Heatherstripe, so stop acting like you’re older than me. I was chosen to rebuild SkyClan and you know what?” He glanced away, scowling. “SkyClan is rebuilt. Maybe I’m done here.”

Heatherstripe’s eyes widened. “What..?”

He glared at her, nose wrinkled in annoyance. “Mudclaw offered me a place in WindClan. Maybe I should take it. After all, mates shouldn’t be separated by borders.”

She blinked, her fur slowly rising. “Mates..?” Shaking her head, she snarled. “Let me guess, Mudclaw told you that too?”

He shoved past her, tail lashing as he growled over his shoulder. “Maybe he did.”

Heatherstripe watched him go, ears dropping as she realized where he was going. Running after him, she tried to block his way up the gorge wall. “Wait. Please, just think about this.”

Firesky looked at her for a moment before spitting, his eyes dark with anger. “Tell Leafstar where I’ve gone.” He leapt over her head, digging his claws into the wall before pulling himself onto the path up, quickly leaving the camp and heading for the four clans’ territory.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Firesky slowly walked past SkyClan’s border, pausing as he looked up at Silverpelt. Sighing, he decided to sleep before going to WindClan. Gathering some grass together, he settled in a nest under a small bush, allowing himself to drift to sleep.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The ginger blinked, opening his eyes to see StarClan’s hunting ground spread out before him.

Skystar looked down at him, eyes dark with thought. “Firesky.”

The warrior looked away, tail twitching as he scowled. “I just want to be with my mate, is that wrong?”

Tilting his head, the leader regarded him sadly. “Is he your mate?”

Blinking, Firesky looked up at him with surprise. “What? Of course he is, he said it himself.”

Sighing, the leader sat, fur rustling from a light breeze. “But do you want to be his mate? He cannot simply declare himself your mate without your acceptance.”

Slowly sitting, the ginger looked thoughtfully at his paws. “But… he said that clan cats don’t even have to say it out loud…”

Skystar snarled, looking away with anger. “He is a liar, Firesky. Clan cats always ask their partner to be mates.” Relaxing his gaze, he gave the tom a sad look. “Think hard about how Mudclaw has treated you, what he’s said to you. It is not my place to tell you who to love, Firesky, but you must ask yourself if you actually love him. Ask yourself if you value him over your clan.”

The warrior’s vision faded, sending him back to the waking world.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Firesky slowly roused, stretching before leaving his now-damp nest. He sat for a while, looking at the grass bending in the wind as he thought to himself, considering his choices.

A nearby rustle caught his attention, a mouse nibbling on a seed.

Happy to take the distraction, he dropped into a hunting crouch, paws steady as he stalked the prey. Swiftly, he bunched his muscles and leapt onto the mouse, killing it with a quick bite to the spine.

He licked his chops, quickly eating the mouse in a few bites.

Satisfied with the food, he made a decision.

Shaking grass from his pelt, he headed for WindClan territory to talk with Mudclaw about the night before.

As he neared the border, he heard talking. Blinking, he ducked into the tall grass, listening intently as he silently crept closer.

Heatherstripe snarled, her voice loud with anger. “Don’t you think my brother is a bit young for you, Mudclaw?”

Mudclaw scoffed, his tone condescending. “Hardly. It’s a matter of moons. In a few seasons, that difference will be even less meaningful.”

Leafstar spoke up, keeping her voice calm despite clear annoyance. “We know Firesky left for WindClan last night. Where is he?”

Growling, the tabby tom huffed. “I told you before, I haven’t seen him since our meeting last night.”

Heatherstripe snarled, her eyes narrowed with fury. “LIAR! Where is my brother?”

Leafstar flicked her tail over the she-cat’s shoulder. “I’ll go speak with Tallstar. Try to find his scent trail.” She bounded past the WindClan tom, heading into the heart of WindClan’s territory.

Firesky watched her go for a moment before returning his attention to the two arguing cats.

Mudclaw scowled down at her, eyes dark. “Back off, mouse-heart. I don’t know where he is. Even if I did, I wouldn’t let you anywhere near him. Clearly, you’ve already driven him off.”

Heatherstripe snarled, tail lashing wildly with her fury. “You snake-tongued fox-heart!”

He narrowed his eyes, claws sliding out as he growled deeply. “You’re crow-food, rabbit-brain.”

Firesky’s eyes widened as the tabby lunged forward. He bolted from his hiding place, leaping at the warrior with his claws stretched out. Snarling, he rammed into the older tom, the two of them rolling away from the she-cat.

Mudclaw lashed out, catching the tom’s shoulder with his long claws before he realized who’d attacked him. He frowned, retracting his claws.

Firesky winced at the wound, blood dripping down his shoulder as he held the tabby in place.

Mudclaw glared up at him, relaxing in the ginger’s grip as he growled. “What are you doing?”

Slowly, the tom stepped off the tabby, glaring at him. “You were going to attack my sister.”

Heatherstipe bounded over, her eyes wide. “Firesky! How long were you there?”

He flicked his tail dismissively, still glaring at Mudclaw. “Long enough.” Taking a step towards the WindClan cat, the ginger scowled. “I decided this morning that I’d come talk to you before making any decisions about changing clans. Skystar told me clan cats do ask the other cat if they want to be mates. You’ve been trying to control me from the start.” Hesitating, he lifted his chin. “You even killed that loner so you could hold it over my head.”

Mudclaw panted heavily, slowly rising to his paws as he towered over the younger cats. “You’ll regret leaving me, Firesky. We would’ve ruled the clans together, you and I. Should you reconsider, let me know.” He eyed the she-cat for a moment before turning, stalking back into WindClan territory and vanishing into a patch of tall grass.

Leafstar came from a different direction, spotting Firesky and speeding up, bounding over to the siblings. “Firesky, what happened? Why did you leave?”

The ginger glanced away, glaring at his paws. “I needed to talk to Mudclaw.” He paused, eyes darkening before he continued. “I spoke with him. I’m ready to come back.”

She hesitated, eyeing the wound on his side before nodding. “Let’s get you back to camp then and get that wound checked out.”

Nodding, he silently followed the leader back to their territory, feeling a weight lift from his chest as he walked further and further from WindClan territory

Chapter Text

Firesky purred as Gorsepaw rolled away, the apprentice panting heavily. “You’re tired, we’ve been training all day. Let’s get some rest and pick back up tomorrow.”

Sharpclaw lifted a brow, amused. “Aren’t you forgetting something?”

Blinking, the warrior perked up. “Oh! Right, of course.” He chuckled, turning to the apprentices. “Sharpclaw and I agreed to tell you today. You’ll be taking your assessment in two days. Tomorrow, you can either train with us or rest. It’s your choice.”

Leopardpaw immediately puffed out his chest, eyes narrowed. “I want to train. I’ll be as ready as possible.”

Gorsepaw rolled his eyes, but agreed. “I’d like to train tomorrow too.”

Chuckling, the warrior nodded. “Alright then. We’ll wake up early and hunt, eat, then do battle training until it’s almost Sun-Down, sound good?”

The apprentices nodded, racing back to camp so they could eat and sleep.

Sharpclaw and Firesky followed slowly behind, both toms amused at the apprentices’ excitement.

Sharpclaw eyed the other tom for a moment, sighing. “Heard about Mudclaw.” Pausing, he moved his gaze forward. “You doin’ alright?”

Firesky hesitated, stopping for a moment before he continued walking. “Yeah. Better now, I think.” Pausing, he narrowed his eyes. “It’s a weight off my shoulders, that’s for sure. I’m not sure how it’ll affect SkyClan’s relationship with WindClan, but I’m glad to be rid of him.” He growled, digging his claws into the dirt as he stopped, staring at his claws. “I wish I could just claw his fur off. I can’t believe I was stupid enough to let him manipulate me like that.”

Sharpclaw rested his tail on the younger tom’s shoulders reassuringly. “You figured it out, that’s what matters. Now, we can move on from it. Perhaps in time your resentment will fade and you’ll be on good terms with him again. For now, let’s just focus on our apprentices.”

Nodding, the warrior began walking again.

The two toms returned to camp to eat and sleep, settling in for the night.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Firesky watched Gorsepaw hunt from the high branches of a tree, silent and careful to not allow the apprentice to locate him.

Gorsepaw mainly stalked his prey below, hiding in tall grass or bushes, but attempted the SkyClan-unique tree-fall tactic a few times, catching two pigeons with it.

By the time it was nearing Sun-High, the apprentice had managed to catch two mice, a squirrel, and three pigeons.

Firesky jumped down to meet the apprentice, nodding approvingly at the prey pile. “Well done. You hunted like a true warrior.” Flicking his tail, he nodded to the apprentice. “C’mon, we’ll head back to camp and you can brag about your catches to Leopardpaw.”

The warrior carried the birds, the apprentice carrying his other catches as they returned to camp.

After dropping off the prey, Gorsepaw bounded over to his brother with a mouse, sitting beside his littermate and tucking in happily, chatting animatedly with the tom.

The ginger watched him for a moment before taking one of Leopardpaw’s catches, a shrew, and heading over to where Leafstar and Sharpclaw sat, dipping his head before sitting with them to eat.

Leafstar smiled warmly, looking at the apprentices. “How did Gorsepaw do? It looked like he caught quite a bit.”

Gulping down a bite, the warrior purred. “He was very skilled. Caught every bit of prey he attempted to.”

Flicking her tail, she blinked happily. “I look forward to watching them do their battle assessment. Have you picked their opponents?”

Sharpclaw piped up, grumbling despite his eyes shining with pride. “We’re facing each other’s apprentices. I’ll be facing Gorsepaw-”

“And I’ll be talking Leopardpaw.” Firesky finished, smiling.

Humming, the leader nodded. “Well, should everything go to plan, they’ll have their ceremony tonight then stand vigil.”

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Firesky narrowed his eyes, tail twitching with anticipation as he faced the apprentice.

Leopardpaw’s tail tip twitched nervously, but his eyes sparkled with determination. He made the first move, leaping forward and racing at the warrior.

His gaze darkening, the warrior bunched his muscles and leapt high into the air, jumping over the apprentice and twisting mid-air to land facing the younger tom, skidding on the dirt and pushing off towards the apprentice.

Eyes widening, the spotted tom spun to face the warrior, sliding under his belly as he approached and quickly turning to jump onto his back, clinging tightly as he bit onto the tom’s scruff.

Snarling, Firesky rolled, squashing the apprentice beneath him before jumping off, turning to face the tom before realizing he’d already gotten up and moved.

Quickly, Leopardpaw dashed around his front end, ramming into him from the side and knocking him over.

Firesky got to his paws, facing off with the apprentice with a snarl.

Leafstar flicked her tail, calling out. “That’s enough. Leopardpaw has proven his skill. Sharpclaw?”

The deputy dipped his head, trying to hide the pride in his voice. “Leopardpaw, you did well. You will receive your warrior name tonight.”

The apprentice lit up, bounding over to his mentor with his tail held high.

The warrior shook dirt from his pelt, chuckling. “You’re fast, Leopardpaw. You’ll make an excellent warrior.” He sat beside Leafstar, nodding to Gorsepaw for the apprentice to step into the dirt clearing.

Sharpclaw stretched before stepping in as well, the large warrior standing on one end, facing the younger tom.

Leafstar waited for a moment, then called out for the two toms to begin.

Sharpclaw remained in his spot, eyes narrowed as he waited for the apprentice to make a move.

Gorsepaw bunched his muscles, eyes blazing with determination as he launched towards the warrior.

Sharpclaw mimicked Firesky’s first move, bunching his muscles to leap over the apprentice.

The apprentice smirked, having anticipated him to make that move. He leapt at the warrior, knocking him off course and sending both toms rolling in the dirt.

Gorsepaw ended up on top of the warrior. Knowing he couldn’t pin the larger cat down, he jumped in the air and landed on the deputy’s chest, winding him, before leaping off.

Sharpclaw huffed, struggling to his paws before turning to face the apprentice, breathing heavily as he tried to recover.

Grinning, the apprentice ran towards him, tail waving like a flag behind him.

The warrior reared up, snarling as he prepared to swat the tom away.

Ducking his head, the apprentice pumped his muscles to run faster before ramming right into the warrior’s stomach and sending him falling backwards.

Sharpclaw spun to catch himself, but Leafstar called off the fight before he could retaliate.

The leader nodded approvingly, smiling. “Well done. You’ve proven your skill. Firesky?”

The ginger purred, eyes shining with pride for his apprentice. “You use your speed excellently and you understand your disadvantages. You’re ready.”

Leafstar stood, holding her head high as she purred. “Then, we name two new warriors tonight. Come, let us welcome you as warriors into the clan.”

She led the others back to camp, their clanmates meeting them in the clearing with excitement.

Creekflower ran to her kits, purring loudly as she began licking them with fervor. She started grooming the dirt from Leopardpaw’s pelt, doting on him. “My daughter is becoming a warrior, how wonderful!” She purred, eyes bright.

Leopardpaw ducked away, snarling. “I told you, I’m a tom now, Mom.”

She hesitated, nodding softly. “Right, I’m sorry dear. My sons are becoming warriors. “She corrected herself, giving him one last lick on the head before switching to grooming Gorsepaw.

Leafstar leapt onto the Highrock, calling the clan together with a yowl. “Let all cats old enough to leap the gorge gather for a clan meeting. Leopardpaw, Gorsepaw, step forward.” She waited for a moment while they moved to the front. “I ask StarClan to look upon these apprentices. They’ve trained hard to learn your noble code and I commend them to you in turn. Leopardpaw, do you swear to protect your clan and uphold the warrior code, even at the cost of your life?”

The apprentice puffed out his chest, giving her a sharp nod. “I do.”

Returning the nod, she turned to his brother. “And do you, Gorsepaw, swear to protect your clan and uphold the warrior code, even at the cost of your life?”

Nodding, the apprentice beamed. “I do!”

Lifting her chin, she purred. “Then, Leopardpaw, from this day forth you shall be known as Leopardstreak for your swift speed and strategy.” Turning, she continued. “Gorsepaw, from this day forward you shall be known as Gorsefall for your skill in hunting and lanky stature.” She jumped down, touching noses with both newly named warriors. “These two warriors will hold a silent vigil overnight. Clan dismissed.”

Firesky nodded to his apprentice, purring. “It suits you. Have a good night, we’ll speak in the morning.”

Gorsefall and Leopardstreak sat in the center of camp, backs to each other as they kept an eye on the two gorge walls.

Firesky looked at them for a moment before retiring to his nest, satisfied with the day.

Chapter Text

Firesky stepped into the daylight, an unfamiliar cat’s scent hitting his nose. Blinking in surprise, he looked around, spotting a ginger tom with a white belly and markings being hissed at by Gorsefall and Leopardstreak.

Leafstar intervened quickly, seeming familiar with the stranger as she greeted him.

Curious, Firesky trotted over, dipping his head in greeting to Leafstar. “Do you know this tom, Leafstar?”

The leader ducked her head, chuckling lightly. “Yes. He’s actually come to join us. We’ve been talking and… Well, allow me to explain this to everyone at once.” She turned, leaping onto the meeting rock as she called the clan together.

Firesky gave the new tom a quick glance before sitting for the meeting, the two new warriors sitting beside him.

Leafstar waited for everyone to settle before speaking, eyes bright with joy. “You may notice an unfamiliar face among us today. This is Billy, a housecat who lives nearby. I’ve seen him a few times during border patrols and he’d expressed an interest in our clan. Yesterday, he informed me he’d like to join but in a way… new to the clans. We are not like the four clans that live past the barn. We are accepting and welcome cats from all ways of life. I believe that we can also run our clan in a way that allows us to welcome more cats into our ranks. That is why, with Billy as the first example, I’d like to introduce Daylight Warriors into our clan. During the day, he will come to train and hunt with us. Then, at night, he will return to his home as a housecat. He has expressed that he may join as a full warrior one day, but he will be joining us in this new role.” She turned her head, smiling warmly to Billy. “Billy, do you swear to learn the ways of the clan, to train and fight, and to uphold the warrior code, even at the cost of your life?”

The tom gave her a lopsided grin, tail flicking happily. “I do.”

Nodding, she purred. “Then, from this day forth, you shall be known as Billystorm. You will, until you are accustomed to the clan, train with myself and Sharpclaw.” She jumped down, touching noses with the tom before rubbing her cheek against his, turning to the clan with an embarrassed expression. “Ah, and I forgot to mention. I’ve taken Billystorm as my mate.”

Firesky nearly fell back in surprise, eyes wide as he regarded the new warrior in a new light, chuckling to himself before standing to greet his new clanmate.

The leader pressed against him, her eyes warm. “We’re not certain yet, but…”

Billystorm finished her thought, purring loudly. “We think she’s expecting kits.”

Sharpclaw blinked, chuckling. “Congratulations.”

Ravenflight and Smudgespot exchanged a happy look, giving the leader their congratulations as well.

Leafstar ducked her head, whiskers quivering with excitement. “Thank you all.”

Billystorm intertwined his tail with hers, eyes soft with love. “Once the kits come, I may join as a full warrior to help take care of them. I want to be a good father to them.”

Leafstar flicked her tail, giving the tom a fond headbutt before nodding to Sharpclaw. “I’m going to check in with Echosong. Would you take Billystorm out to hunt?”

The deputy dipped his head, nodding to the new warrior to follow him. “C’mon, let’s see what you can do.”

Leopardstreak bounded over, glancing at the new tom before smirking at his mentor. “I’ll come out too. We haven’t had a hunting patrol today.”

Sharpclaw eyed him for a moment before agreeing, leading the small patrol out of the gorge. He glanced over his shoulder as he prepared to leap onto the gorge wall path. “Fireky, take Ravenflight and go mark the border by twolegplace.”

Firesky blinked, nodding. He glanced at his half-brother, grinning before the two toms raced out of camp, the smaller tom pulling ahead as they reached the top of the gorge.

They exchanged a glance before bolting again, racing towards the far border by the housefolk nests.

Ravenflight got there first, hiding in a bush as the ginger approached.

Firesky blinked, looking around, before he was ambushed by the black tom.

The two warriors rolled in the grass for a minute before Firesky eventually came out on top, the ginger purring as he stood over the black tom.

Ravenflight huffed, shoving the tom off before getting up. “Alright alright, let’s actually do our job now.”

The ginger swiped playfully at him, grinning. “You’re just saying that ‘cuz if we kept going, I’d win.”

Snickering, Ravenflight bounded towards the border, flicking his tail at his brother. “Sure. Tell yourself that.”

Rolling his eyes, Firesky joined him in marking the border, occasionally jabbing at him with a paw.

When they were nearly done, Ravenflight perked up, sniffing the air. He narrowed his eyes, glancing at the other warrior. “Smell that?”

Furrowing his brows, the ginger lifted his nose, trying to smell what the black tom had noticed. He hummed as he caught wind of a couple kittypets nearby. Glancing at his brother, the ginger shrugged. “House cats. Shouldn’t be much trouble, even if they crossed the border.”

Nodding, the black tom led the way, creeping through undergrowth towards the scent.

The two toms huddled in the brush, watching a pair of kittypets playing in the grass.

Firesky relaxed a bit, stepping out from their hiding place with a pleasant smile. “Hey there.”

One of the kittypets, a tortoiseshell she-cat, looked over at him, immediately hissing and standing in front of her friend. “Stay back! We know how to fight!”

He titled his head, chuckling. “Oh? Do you want to fight?”

The other cat, a brown tom, spat at him. “It’s two on one! We’ll beat you easily!”

Flicking his tail, the ginger glanced over his shoulder as Ravenflight joined him in the open, the small warrior smirking at the two young cats.

The she-cat blinked, clearly uneasy. “We’ll still beat you! He’s hardly larger than a rabbit.”

Ravenflight snickered, giving them an easygoing smile. “I’m much older and better trained than you, though.”

Firesky huffed, nudging the tom. “C’mon, I’m trying not to scare them.” Nodding to the toms, he grinned. “I’m Firesky, this is Ravenflight. What’re your names?”

The brown tom seemed to relax a bit, realizing the two strangers meant no harm. “I’m Boris, this is my sister Cherry.”

She shot him a glare, clearly unhappy at being introduced, but turned to the two warriors and puffed out her chest. “We’re the toughest cats around.”

Firesky tilted his head, lifting a brow. “Oh really? Well, consider me frightened.” He purred, whiskers twitching with amusement. “What’re two kits like you doing out here? You can’t be older than five moons.”

Cherry looked away, huffing. “We were looking for our friend. He said he was going to see some cats but he’d be back to hang out with us.”

Boris looked down, ears drooping. “He’s been gone the entire morning.”

The two warriors exchanged a glance, Ravenflight shooting the kits a surprised look. “Is his name Billy?”

They perked up, eyes wide.

Boris gaped, ears swiveling forward. “Yes! Did you see him?”

Firesky gave him a soft smile, tail flicking. “He’s with our clanmates. He’s a SkyClan warrior as of today, but he’ll be coming back here at night.”

Cherry looked crestfallen, looking at her paws. “Oh… he got tired of playing with us, didn’t he?”

Boris frowned, looking away angrily, his tail flicking with irritation.

The ginger tilted his head, blinking at them. “What makes you think that?”

She wrinkled her nose, looking up at him with a sharp glare. “Because everyone always says we’re too rough or don’t play right.”

Boris nodded his agreement, eyes dark. “None of the other house cats our age want to play with us anymore.”

Ravenflight gave him a sympathetic look, taking a step towards him. “Well, if you like, you could come and wait in our camp. Billystorm will be back in a little bit.”

The two littermates exchanged a glance.

Cherry cautiously nodded. “Okay. Is it far?”

Firesky perked up, giving her a reassuring smile. “Not terribly so. You two shouldn’t have much trouble getting there, nor will you get lost on your way back. Plus, Billystorm can help you back to twolegplace tonight.”

Ravenflight flicked his tail, gesturing for the two young cats to follow. “C’mon then. If we go now we should be there about the time Billystorm will be off his patrol.”

Firesky and Ravenflight led the way, the two littermates quickly following behind.

Cherry sped up to walk beside Firesky, glancing at him with curiosity. “You keep calling Billy Billystorm. Why?”

Glancing at the she-cat, the warrior smiled amiably. “This morning, he was welcomed into our group, SkyClan, as a warrior. He’s a new kind of warrior, one that is a clan cat in the day and a house cat at night. I don’t doubt he’ll be loyal, though. He’s taken our leader as his mate and they;re expecting kits.”

Boris blinked, eyes wide. “Billy is having kits?”

Chuckling, the black tom nodded. “They believe so. It won’t be a few moons though, and a couple more past that until you could play with them.”

The group passed the edge of the forest, speeding up their pace as they entered the large stretch of grassland.

They walked without conversation the rest of the way.

Firesky broke the silence once they’d reached the gorge edge, nodding to the younger cats before leading the way down. “Careful now. If you’re unfamiliar with it, the path can be treacherous.”

Ravenflight hung back, letting the two littermates head down first so he could watch them.

Cherry and Boris scrambled carefully down the gorge wall, jumping the last tail-length to land beside Firesky.

Ravenflight, satisfied they;d made it down safely, quickly jumped from one ledge to the other before he jumped the last fox-length to the ground, landing with a soft thud.

Heatherstripe and Leafstar greeted them at the base of the wall curiously.

Leafstar gave the two young cats an amiable smile. “Hello there.” She glanced at Ravenflight, tilting her head. “Who are these two?”

Ravenflight dipped his head, smiling. “Cherry and Boris. They’re friends of Billystorm, wanted to see him. Is his patrol back yet?”

Heatherstripe shook her head, flicking her tail. “Nah, not yet. Should be soon, though.”

Leafstar looked back at their guests, smiling warmly. “Well, we’ll need to be hospitable then, won’t we? Would you two care for a tour?”

The kittypets exchanged an excited glance, both nodding vigorously at the leader.

Smiling, she dipped her head. “Very well then. I’ll show you around myself. Before that, however, shall we do introductions?”

Heatherstripe perked up, eyes bright. “Oh! I’m Heatherstripe. I’m Firesky’s littermate and Ravenflight’s half sister.”

Gorsefall had trotted over at some point and piped up, smiling brightly. “I’m Gorsefall!”

Creekflower purred, standing beside her son. “My name is Creekflower. I’m Gorsefall and Leopardstrike’s mother.” She paused before adding, “Leopardstrike is out with Billystorm and Sharpclaw right now.”

Leafstar nodded her thanks to the two cats for introducing themselves. “I am Leafstar, SkyClan’s leader and Billystorm’s mate. Sharpclaw is my deputy and will be helping me train Billystorm in the ways of the clan.” She glanced at her nearby warriors before settling her gaze on the queen. “Creekflower, would you show them around? Gorsefall can help you.”

The queen dipped her head, turning to their guests with a motherly smile. “Come along then. Once we’re done, you two can pick out some fresh-kill to eat.”

Cherry and Boris exchanged an excited glance, eyes bright as they followed the queen further into camp.

Firesky watched them go, thoughtful as his tail twitched to and fro.

The leader glanced at him, blinking. “Something on your mind, Firesky?”

He gave her a quick look, smiling. “Ah, nothing important.”

She smirked, flicking him with her tail. “You think they’d make good clanmates, don’t you?”

Ducking his head, he glanced away. “They’re curious, agile, and energetic. They’d fit in well.”

Leafstar nodded, turning her head to look at the two young cats. “I agree.”

Glancing over at her, the ginger blinked in surprise. “Really?”

Nodding, the leader smiled. “Yes. I may bring it up to Billystorm so he can talk to them about it.” Nodding to herself, she dipped her head to the warrior. “I’m getting something to eat. You and Ravenflight should do the same.” She trotted away, tail waving.

Firesky watched her go for a moment before movement caught his eye. Looking up, he spotted Sharpclaw leading Leopardstreak and Billystorm down the wall, each cat carrying a mouthful of prey.

Once they’d reached the bottom, Leafstar moved to greet them, rubbing against her mate happily.

The patrol dropped off their prey, each cat taking a piece to eat before splitting.

Leafstar and Billystorm carried off a rabbit to share, heading towards a sunny patch of grass near Leafstar’s den.

Firesky bounded over to the prey, selecting a vole for himself before trotting over to a smooth stone, curling up on the cool, comfortable surface to eat.

He watched silently as their guests were shown the different ends of camp and the different dens.

Once they’d seen the entire camp, the two kittypets cautiously sniffed at the prey pile, hesitantly taking a mouse to share.

They settled off to the side, huddled around the mouse as they stared down at it.

Firesky chuckled, licking his maw before calling out. “It’s good. Just try it.”

They shot him a quick look before Cherry leaned in towards the prey, shutting her eyes as he slowly took a bite from the mouse.

After a moment, she perked up, eyes sparkling with delight as she ate the prey. She swallowed quickly, turning to her brother. “It’s fantastic!”

Boris blinked, slowly taking a bite before reflecting her excitement.

The two cats quickly tore into the prey, finishing it in moments.

When they’d finished, they trotted over to where Leafstar and Billystorm were sitting, joining the two older cats in conversation for a bit.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Firesky dipped his head to the three cats, purring. “See you tomorrow Billystorm.” He nodded to the two younger cats, eyes bright. “I hope to see you two again.”

Cherry and Boris gave him a tired goodbye, tuckered out from the day.

Billystorm dipped his head in farewell, leading his young friends out of the camp, the trio vanishing over the edge of the gorge.

Chapter Text

Firesky poked his head out of his den, perking up when he spotted their newest clanmate coming down the gorge wall.

Jumping out of the slightly elevated den, the ginger trotted over to meet the Daylight Warrior.

Billystorm greeted him happily, smiling as his tail flicked. “Is Leafstar awake yet?”

Glancing at the she-cat’s den, the warrior hummed. “Not sure. She usually wakes up around now though.”

As if on cue, the leader stepped out of her lichen-covered den, stretching before spotting the two toms and bounding over, rubbing her cheek against her mate’s in greeting as she purred.

Firesky looked past the older tom, realizing he’d brought the two younger kittypets from before. Smiling, he dipped his head to the littermates. “Good morning Cherry, Boris. What brings you back here?”

The two cats shared a look before Cherry puffed out her chest, eyes shining. “We wanna train like Billy too!”

Glancing over, Billystorm chuckled. “I told you guys, it’s Billystorm now.” He gave Leafstar an apologetic smile. “They insisted on coming.”

Leafstar purred, dipping her head in greeting to the young kittypets. “I’m glad to see you again. So, you want to train to be Daylight Warriors like Billystorm?”

Boris nodded softly, his eyes bright. “We told Firesky and Ravenfall yesterday that we had too much energy for our house cat friends.”

“Ravenflight.” Cherry corrected her brother before nodding to the leader. “But we don’t wanna be Daylight Warriors. We want to join SkyClan fully!”

Billystorm looked a bit taken aback, leaning towards the two young cats. “Wait, are you sure? Your housefolk will miss you terribly.”

Puffing out her chest, the she-cat nodded. “We’re sure! We talked about it all night!”

Leafstar eyed the two littermates for a moment before nodding softly. “Well, if you’re certain, I see no issue with it.” Tilting her head, she flicked her tail, the tip brushing against her collar. “You may choose to keep your collar on if you like, though the other clans will likely look down on you for it. Firesky and a couple others keep their collars by their nests to remember where they came from.” Turning, she beckoned them while talking over her shoulder. “It is your choice, of course. I must ask, are you attached to your kittypet names?”

Cherry shrugged. “I don’t really care.”

Boris stuck out his tongue, brows furrowing. “I’ve never really liked my name. It’s odd.”

Glancing at her brother, Cherry agreed. “He’s complained about it since he could speak.” She purred, nudging him.

Chuckling, the leader nodded. “Understood.” She bunched her muscles and leapt onto the meeting stone, turning to face the clan as she yowled. “All cats old enough to climb the gorge, gather below me for a clan meeting.” Waiting for the stragglers to join them, she dipped her head. “Cherry and Boris have returned to us with a desire to become warriors. We will welcome them with open hearts. Cherry, Boris, step forward.” As they did, she smiled warmly. “Do you both swear to learn and uphold the warrior code, and to protect the clan even at the cost of you lives?”

Boris spoke first, his eyes narrowed. “I do.”

Cherry nudged her brother, purring. “I do!”

Nodding to each, the leader continued. “Then, from this day forth, Cherry shall be known as Cherrypaw, and Boris shall be known as Sparrowpaw. Cherrypaw will be mentored by Firesky. Firesky, your apprentice only just became a warrior, but I believe Cherrypaw will do best in your care. Sparrowpaw will be mentored by Smudgespot. I believe You two will find common ground and will work well together. Clan dismissed.”

She jumped down, smiling at the new apprentices. “You will train for a few moons to grow and learn the ways of our clan before you are given your warrior names.”

Sparrowpaw looked pleased with his new name, touching noses with his mentor before giving his sister an excited look.

Firesky touched his nose to Cherrypaw’s, a bit nervous but pleased to have another apprentice. He glanced at Smudgespot. “I think I’ll take Cherrypaw for a tour of the territory. Would you like to join with Sparrowpaw?”

Smudgespot nodded, seeming a bit relieved. “Yeah, thanks Firesky.” He smiled at his apprentice nervously. “C’mon then. I’m sure you’re full of energy.”

The four cats quickly made their way out of the gorge, choosing to start over by the twolegplace.

As they neared the border, Firesky nodded to his apprentice. “You’re both a bit more familiar with this part of the territory, so we won’t dwell too long on it.” He led them away, heading towards the border that faced the other clans.

Cherrypaw wrinkled her nose as they walked. “Bleh. Something smells… sour.”

Blinking, the two warriors exchanged a glance and raised their noses, sniffing the air.

Eyes narrowing, Firesky tracked the scent towards a spot just beyond the border, pushing aside tall grass to reveal a half-eaten rotting mouse carcass. He scowled, quickly burying the rotting prey before joining the patrol back on their side of the border. “There’s likely a loner that was passing through.” Glaring over his shoulder, he huffed. “No respect for the prey they catch though.”

Smudgespot hummed, tail flicking. “We’ll tell Leafstar about it then. C’mon, we still have a lot of ground to cover.”

Nodding, the ginger returned to the front and led them further down the border until they’d almost gone around the entire perimeter.

Firesky opened his mouth to speak before a scent hit the roof of his mouth. He furrowed his brows, sniffing the air. Lowering his voice, he hissed softly. “There’s a cat nearby. Stay with Smudgespot, I’ll check it out.”

Smudgespot nodded, drawing the apprentices closer.

Firesky tracked the scent further towards the forest, spotting a tortoiseshell she-cat inside the border. Standing taller, he walked closer. “Who are you?”

She yelped, clearly not realizing the tom was nearby. Giving her chest a quick lick, she quickly composed herself. “I’m Deer. I’m looking for Sky… something. A group of cats.”

Tilting his head, the ginger relaxed slightly. “SkyClan?”

Perking up, she nodded. “Yes! Do you know where they are?”

Chuckling, he dipped his head. “I’m a SkyClan warrior.” Looking at the she-cat, his eyes were drawn to her swollen belly. Eyes widening, he looked up at her. “You’re pregnant?”

Deer ducked her head, nodding softly. “I was told that SkyClan would be a safe place for my kits.”

Giving her a quick nod, he flicked his tail. “We’d be happy to have you. Stay here for a moment so I can get the rest of my patrol and we’ll take you back to our camp.”

She wilted with relief, rubbing her cheek against his quickly. “Thank you.”

Giving her a warm smile, he bounded back to where his companions were waiting.

Smudgespot relaxed a bit at his friend’s calm expression. “Not a threat then?”

Shaking his head, the ginger smiled. “A pregnant queen looking for a safe place to stay. Head back to camp, I’m going to lead her back. Let Leafstar know about the rotting prey and to expect a new guest.”

Cherrypaw frowned. “Aww, I wanted to hunt after the tour…”

Chuckling, Firesky nudged his apprentice towards her littermate. “We’ll hunt tomorrow, alright? Don’t you want this queen to have a safe nest for her kits?”

Huffing, she nodded, following Smudgespot and Sparrowpaw back to camp.

The ginger quickly returned to where he left Deer, dipping his head. “Sorry to have to leave you for a moment. They’ll be meeting us at the camp. You ready?”

Deer smiled softly nodding.

Eyeing her as they walked, Firesky realized she was rather small. Blinking, he tilted his head. “How old are you?”

She ducked her head, eyes darkening as she murmured. “I’m… ten moons old…”

He stopped. Staring at her for a moment, he looked at her carefully. “Ten moons? And you’re expecting kits?”

Deer looked away, hissing quietly. “It wasn’t by choice.”

He sucked in a breath, understanding dawning on him. Quickly offering her a smile, he continued walking. “Right. Well, Your kits will have a safe home in SkyClan, I promise. We have plenty of warriors to help protect them.” He glanced her way, eyes softening. “And you.”

She looked at him for a moment before giving him a curt nod, walking silently.

Sighing, he flicked her gently with his tail. “We’re here. Watch your step, it’s a bit steep.”

She looked over the edge of the gorge, wincing. “Ah… could you help me down?’

Firesky smiled gently, nodding. “Sure.” He pressed against her, leading the way down.

Slowly, they made their way down the wall. At one point, Firesky caught Deer by the scruff as she started to slide, but the trip down was otherwise successful.

He let her lean against him as she caught her breath, nodding to Leafstar as she approached them.

Leafstar’s eyes scanned the queen. She quickly put on a soft smile. “I’ll take it from here, Firesky. I believe I have a lot to discuss with our guest.”

He glanced at the queen for a moment before nodding, giving the she-cat a comforting nudge before splitting away to join Smudgespot and the apprentices over by the fresh-kill pile.

Chapter Text

Firesky led his apprentice out of camp, glancing back at her to make sure she was keeping up.

Her eyes were bright, filled with excitement as they headed out for their first day of real training.

The weather was perfect for hunting, bright and sunny. A breeze carried the soft scent of grass past their noses.

The warrior stopped once they’d reached the sandy clearing the clan used for training. He nodded to his apprentice, smiling warmly. “Alright. Before you go try to hunt, we need to work on technique. Show me a hunting crouch.”

Cherrypaw nodded, dropping into a sloppy crouch. Her tail flicked to and fro, her stance wide.

Tilting his head, the ginger hummed. “It’s a start.” He circled her, inspecting the stance. “Keep your tail still. If it’s flicking, it’ll make noise and alert your prey.”

She nodded, forcing her tail to lie still, hovering a mouse-length over the ground.

Firesky smiled. “Good. Now, bring your paws closer in. Your paws should be right under your shoulders.”

Furrowing her brow, she drew her paws closer, wobbling a bit as she struggled to maintain the stance.

He nodded, using a paw to draw one of her back legs further back. “Bring your hind legs further back. It’ll help you balance.”

Nodding, she carefully moved her other hind leg back, crouched low to the ground in a now-balanced stance.

Smiling, he nodded approvingly. “Much better. I want you to stay in that position as long as you can. It’ll take time to get used to this position, so you need to relax your body into it before we start stalking.”

She took quick breaths, her breathing a bit awkward in her pose.

Tilting his head, he pushed her head down gently. “You’re having trouble breathing because you’re keeping your head too high. You squish your airways like that. Keep your head low and breathing will be easier.”

Cherrypaw gave him a small nod, taking a deep breath as she settled back into position.

Firesky circled his apprentice, his gaze shifting over her as different muscles twitched in their positions. He stopped in front of her after a short while, giving her a curt nod. “That’ll do for now. Go ahead and rest.”

She let out a small sigh of relief, loosening her muscles and sitting, panting a bit.

The ginger gave her a small smile. “Alright. When you’re ready, we’ll try stalking.”

Cherrypaw perked up, jumping to her paws. “I’m ready!”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “Rest for a bit longer. It’ll be harder to move in the hunting position. You’ll want to have your energy replenished.”

Frowning, she huffed, sitting with a small scowl.

He nudged her with a paw, raising a brow. “Or we could just practice the crouch instead?”

Blinking, she shook her head rapidly. “No!”

Giving her a smile, the warrior stood. “C’mon, let’s start.”

She grinned, following him to one end of the clearing. She slid out her claws, eyes bright. “Alright! How do I start?”

He shot her a look, raising a brow. “You start with the proper position.”

She groaned, reluctantly dropping into the hunting crouch.

Nodding, he nudged her paw with his. “And sheathe your claws. You’ll make noise and disturb the ground with your claws out.”

Cherrypaw rolled her eyes but retracted her claws, huffing. “Can I try it now?”

Inspecting her stance again, he nodded. “Fine. For now, just stalk across the clearing and we’ll go from there.”

She grinned, rolling her shoulders before she slowly began to creep forward, the tip of her tail twitching from excitement.

As she neared the end of the clearing she set down a paw, flinching as a leaf crackled under her pads.

Firesky gave her an apologetic smile. “Stop there for now. Can you tell me what you think you can improve?”

Scowling, she trudged back over to him, sitting with an aggravated thud. Her ear twitched with annoyance as she grumbled. “There was a leaf and I didn’t see it.” She spat.

He gave her a light cuff over an ear, raising a brow. “What’s got your tail in a twist, Cherrypaw? I thought you were excited to learn how to hunt?”

She flexed her claws, looking longingly out at their territory. “Yeah! Hunting, not stalking.”

Snorting, he tilted his head. “Fine, you want to hunt so badly?” He looked up, squinting at the sun. “We’re about halfway through the morning.” Giving her a look, he narrowed his eyes. “You have until Sun-High to prove you’re ready to hunt properly. Catch one piece of prey and I’ll have our hunting training focused more on hunting than technique.”

Cherrypaw perked up, bouncing on her paws. “Really? You won’t go back on your word?”

He shook his head, his tail flicking. “That’s right. That means the same for you though.” Fixing her in a hard stare, he huffed. “If you don’t catch anything, we go back to working on technique. Without complaint.”

Brows furrowing, she hesitantly nodded. “Fine. Okay.”

Tilting his head, he gave her an amused smile. “You’d better get going then. Time’s ticking.”

Her eyes widened as she shot a quick look at the sky, quickly bounding away as she tried to scent for prey.

Firesky watched her go for a moment before following, stalking silently behind her as he kept her tail tip in his eyesight.

They reached the edge of the forest on their territory as the sun rose higher in the sky.

The ginger leapt silently into a tree, keeping a closer eye on his apprentice as she stalked through the grassy undergrowth.

Cherrypaw’s eyes were bright as she crept across the forest floor, her mouth wide open as she tracked down prey.

Giving the air a quick sniff, Firesky scented mice nearby as well as birds flitting through the leaf litter.

The apprentice seemed to finally lock in on a scent, heading towards a mouse on the other side of a bush. She dropped into a sloppy hunting crouch, her tail flicking and paws too wide despite that morning’s lesson.

The ginger narrowed his eyes as he assessed her stance, shaking his head softly as he made a mental note to talk about her crouch when her test was over.

Cherrypaw wiggled her haunches, eyes narrowing to slits as she bunched her muscles and leapt, claws tearing grass as she left the ground.

The mouse perked up, quickly scurrying away as the apprentice landed a few mouse-lengths away from where the prey had been.

She scowled, quickly getting to her paws and shaking out her pelt before looking up, deciding she had time for one more try. Sniffing at the air, she locked onto the nearby birds.

Carefully, she crept around a bush, spotting a pair of sparrows pecking through leaf litter. Silently taking a deep breath, she slowly dropped into her hunting crouch, taking a few pawsteps towards the prey.

A leaf brushed against her paw, making enough noise to alert the prey to her position, allowing them to take off to safety.

Firesky huffed, descending onto one of the birds. He landed, snapping the sparrow’s spine under his paw before looking at his apprentice. “Your time is up.”

She deflated, staring at her paws as she sulked.

Picking up his prey, he spoke around the feathers. “C’mon. Back to technique training.”

Sulking, she slowly followed behind her mentor as he led her back to the training clearing.

Dropping the sparrow, he nudged it towards her with a paw. “Eat. You just used a lot of energy and we’ve been training all morning. We’ll pick back up once you’re done.”

Cherrypaw brightened up a bit, drawing the bird closer as she began to pluck the feathers, tossing them away before tucking into the warm meal.

He sat silently, watching her eat for a moment before flicking his tail. “I think you’ll do better with battle training than this. Tomorrow, we’ll work on fighting.”

She blinked up at him, a small smile spreading across her face. “Really?”

Nodding, Firesky flicked his tail. “Yes. For today, I’ll give you a choice. Regardless, we will be returning to this lesson, but you may choose to go back to camp and do other apprentice duties instead of training. This lesson is very important for hunting, as you experienced, but I have no problem with taking a break from it.”

Furrowing her brow, she looked down at her paws for a moment before looking back up at her mentor, eyes shining brightly. “I want to keep going!”

He tilted his head, giving her a small smile. “I’m very happy to hear that, Cherrypaw.”

Puffing out her chest, she grinned. “If I’m gonna be the best SkyClan warrior ever, I can’t just give up on the first lesson!” She quickly gulped down the rest of her prey before leaping to her paws, tail flicking happily. “I’m ready!”

“Perhaps you two could help me, hmm?” A deep, rough voice spoke up from behind them.

Firesky spun, his claws sliding out as he moved to block his apprentice from the newcomer. He eyed the cat with suspicion, baring his teeth. “Who are you?”

The cat, a long-furred tan tom flicked his tail. “Call me Spade.” He gave the tabby a sharp grin, his large fangs out on display. “I figure you two might know, since you seem to live here.”

The warrior scowled, tail tip flicking with aggravation as his apprentice moved to stand beside him. “Know what?”

Spade tilted his head, eyeing the apprentice for a moment before returning his attention to the warrior. “If a she-cat passed through here. Goes by Deer.”

The ginger forced himself not to react, flicking his apprentice with his tail as he hoped she’d do the same. “I’m not sure. Cats pass through often. Why are you looking for her?” He forced curiosity into his voice, keeping his gaze calm and friendly.

The loner narrowed his eyes at the ginger before chuffing, tail flicking. “She’s my mate, you see. She’s carrying our kits but she wandered off trying to find a safe nesting place while I was out hunting. I’m worried she’ll get hurt or give birth without me there to help.”

Firesky forced his body to relax, giving the sandy-colored tom a light nod. “If we see her, we’ll let her know you’re looking for her.”

Spade seemed to frown slightly at that, but nodded. “Sure. I’ll stay on this side of your border. Come get me if you find her.” He dipped his head, turning. “Sorry to intrude.” He stalked off towards the border, vanishing into the tall grass.

The warrior spun, nudging his apprentice forward. “We need to report this to Leafstar. I’m sorry Cherrypaw, but training will have to wait.”

She nodded, her eyes slightly fearful as she followed her mentor. “I understand.”

Shooting her an appreciative look, he broke into a sprint, tail whipping in the wind behind him as he called out. “Follow me, quickly! You know the way back if you lose me”

He streaked across the territory, slowing as he neared the gorge. Not wanting to lose momentum, he allowed himself to leap over the edge of the cliffside at one end of the gorge, narrower than their main camp. He flew across the gap, digging his claws into the wall on the other side and carefully slid down. Racing into camp, he spotted his apprentice coming down the normal path.

Firesky quickly spotted Leafstar and Deer sharing tongues together, racing towards the two she-cats. He skidded to a stop in front of them, panting lightly. “Leafstar.”

She looked up, surprised. “Firesky? What’s the matter?” The leader sat up, brows furrowing in worry.

The ginger dipped his head, eyes dark with worry. “Cherrypaw and I encountered a loner in the training clearing. He called himself Spade, said-”

“Spade?!” Deer screeched, her eyes widening with fear as her fur began to bristle.

Firesky sent her an apologetic look. “He was looking for you. We told him we hadn’t seen you, but he plans to linger outside the territory.”

Leafstar snarled, her eyes narrowing. “Then we will drive him away.”

Blinking, the ginger glanced at his apprentice for a moment as she reached his side. “That might not be the best plan, Leafstar.”

The she-cat frowned, snarling. “Excuse me? What do you propose we do? Let him stay to torment Deer?”

Lifting his chin, the warrior hissed. “We attack and he’ll know she’s here.” He glanced at their guest, softening his tone and expression. “Does he have any allies you know of? Friends that would fight for him?”

Looking away, Deer nodded softly. “He has three cats that’d follow him to the ends of the earth.”

He gave her a nod, looking back at the leader with a glare. “Do we want the injuries that come with battle? It may come to fighting regardless, but do you want to initiate that? What if one of our clanmates dies? Are you prepared for that?”

Leafstar recoiled, glancing away with a snarl.

Firesky softened his tone, drawing his apprentice close. “If we keep telling Spade that Deer isn’t here, he may simply move on. We must be careful not to carry her scent, but we can keep him from knowing.”

Deer looked up hopefully, glancing at Leafstar. “It’ll be safer for all of you. He and his friends are large and fight well. I don’t want you getting hurt on my behalf.”

Leafstar took a deep breath and sighed, nodding. “Yes. We’ll keep your presence from him.” She shot Firesky a look, flicking her tail. “I apologize for my anger, Firesky. Deer and I have become good friends and I want to help her.”

Dipping his head, the ginger smiled. “It’s alright. I understand the feeling.” He glanced towards his apprentice, his gaze distant.

Chapter Text

Firesky felt a prickle of unease run down his spine as he led his apprentice out of camp. The idea that Spade could be nearby, trying to find Deer, sent him on edge.

Cherrypaw shot him a concerned look, her tail twitching nervously. "Are you okay, Firesky?" Hesitating, she tilted her head. "Is it 'cause of... Spade?" Lifting her chin, she forced a wide grin. "Don't worry. i'll protect you from him if he shows up again."

Amused, he ruffled her head with a paw. "Thanks, Cherrypaw." Pausing, he glanced at the forest. "Say, how would you like to learn SkyClan's signature hunting style?" He looked back at her with a lopsided grin, a bit excited. "You can get some real hunting practice without the need of the full hunting crouch, and this strategy doubles as an ambush method."

She perked up, eyes shining brightly as she seemed to vibrate with excitement. "Really?! Yes!" She bounded towards the woods a few fox-lengths before looking back at him, bouncing in place. "Come on!"

Chuckling softly, he quickly followed after her, his strides easily matching her own as they sped towards the shady oak forest that bordered their territory.

Once they'd reached the thicker undergrowth of the forest, Firesky slowed down.

Noticing his slowed pace, the apprentice turned, blinking in confusion. "Why'd you stop?"

Smirking, the warrior winked before bunching his muscles, leaping high up before latching his claws onto a low branch, pulling himself up before looking back down at the she-cat.

Her eyes were wide, tail flicking with excitement. "Do I get to do that?"

Letting out an amused snort, the warrior nodded. "You need to be in a tree for this technique. C'mon up."

Cherrypaw let out a shrill chirp of excitement, scrambling up the tree trunk to reach her mentor's branch.

Giving her a moment to catch her breath, he gave the air a quick sniff. "We'll track prey down from up here. You need to be extra cautious with your stalking since a thinner branch may bend under your weight and make the leaves shake, scaring off whatever you may be tracking."

She gave him a quick nod, mimicking him as she scented the air for prey. Perking up, she nodded towards a clearing in the trees just a bit further in. Speaking in a hushed voice, she beamed. "There are birds over there!"

Giving her an approving nod, he began to lead the way, each pawstep carefully placed as he stalked across thicker branches. He paused a couple times to direct his apprentice, assisting her in making it to one of the larger trees bordering the small grassy clearing. Below them, three sparrows flitted through the leaf litter in search of seeds.

Firesky was silent, beckoning Cherrypaw to his side as he prepared to ambush the prey. Nudging her to ensure she was watching him, he crouched, eyes locking onto the birds, before he silently dropped over the side of the branch, falling onto the birds with claws extended and mouth wide. He landed on one, killing it instantly, before swiping another out of the air and bunching his muscles to leap. A fox-length in the air, his claws caught the third sparrow's wing, sending it tumbling back down.

Cherrypaw cheered, sliding down the tree trunk to join him as he finished off the two stunned birds. "That was great! You got three sparrows!"

Pulling the prey into a small pile, he began to bury them as he chuckled. "You may not be able to grab every piece of prey you ambush yet, but you'll be able to catch more birds this way than stalking so long as you're quiet in the trees."

Puffing out her chest, her eyes were bright with anticipation. "Can I try it now? Please?"

Giving her an amused look, he nodded curtly. "You may. Remember, the crouch isn't as important to this technique, you just need to remember to be quiet and careful."

Grinning, she gave him a nod to acknowledge his instructions before launching herself at a nearby tree, hauling herself onto its lowest branch with a good bit of effort. Before long, she'd vanished into the treetops.

Trusting her to hunt on her own for a moment, the warrior finished burying the sparrows before following her scent further into the forest. He was careful to remain quiet, not wanting to startle any prey she may be stalking, but made quick work of catching up to her. 

As he followed behind his apprentice from the ground, a rustle caught his ear. Quickly turning, he spotted Spade and a few other large toms pushing through the undergrowth, each cat carrying prey.

The group of rogues settled, beginning to eat, unaware they were being observed.

Firesky's fur prickled. He looked up, searching the trees for a moment before he spotted his apprentice heading in the opposite direction of the rogues. Satisfied with her safety for the moment, he took a deep breath and turned towards Spade and his friends. He forced a lazy smile onto his face before approaching them, clearing his throat to avoid startling them.

Spade glared for a moment before recognizing the tom and letting out a small chuckle, giving his allies an approving nod. "Leave him be. He's no threat."

The three other toms, having been prepared to fight, gave the rogue a curt nod before settling back down with their prey.

One of them, a light gray tabby, gave the ginger a curious look. "You by yourself?"

Flicking his tail, the warrior calmly sat, ear twitching nervously. "That's right. I was just taking a walk. I was on the way back to my clan's camp when I saw you."

Another of the rogues, a white and gray speckled tom, pushed a mouse forward. His golden eyes were dark and  thoughtful. "Would you care to join us for a meal? We have plenty."

A twinge of worry agitated Firesky's belly as he eyed the prey. "Ah, about that. I believe I mentioned this to Spade before, but our clan is rather protective of our territory. We have young cats to feed and need to preserve what prey run through our land. From my understanding, you are all just passing through, but we'd appreciate if you'd avoid hunting in our territory."

The last of the rouges, a solid black tom, sat up a bit, his blue eyes dark and menacing. "Oh? What do you plan on doing should we... ignore your suggestion?" He growled, his expression practically begging for the ginger to aggravate him.

Before the warrior could respond, Spade spoke up, chuckling. "Ah, Crow. There's no need to threaten our friend here." Eyeing the ginger, Spade gave his friends a lopsided grin. "We wouldn't want to scare him off, would we?" His voice velvety smooth, he stood, walking over to and curling around an increasingly uncomfortable Firesky. "This is the tom I was telling you all of after all. He's young, but he looks like he'll be a decent fighter, eh?"

Crow continued staring at the ginger for a moment before letting out an amused chuff. "Perhaps you'd explain to him what you're getting at. The poor kit looks like he's about to bolt."

Spade flicked his tail, nodding agreeingly before he continued. "Ah, yes. I suppose he's out of the loop, hmm?" Rejoining his friends sitting across from the ginger, the rouge let his grin spread further on his face. "You see, Firesky. When I met you and your little friend, I was rather impressed with your... physique. I bet if we fought, you'd put up a fairly good fight."

The gray tabby spoke up, practically purring. "We're always looking out for... promising young cats."

Firesky's expression grew taut as he listened, his bad feeling worsening with each word these cats spoke. "If you would, just get to the point."

Chuckling, Spade nodded. "Of course." Eyeing the ginger, he smiled. "We'd like you to join our little group."

Gulping silently, the ginger stood. "I was afraid that's where you were going with this." Lifting his chin, he frowned. "I'll have to decline. I'm loyal to SkyClan."

The speckled rogue stood, looking a bit disappointed. "Are you sure? You look fun to spar with, at least."

Standing taller, his ears facing forward, the ginger wrinkled his nose. "I'm rather certain. I apologize, but I'll have to ask you to leave."

Spade sighed, seeming disappointed as he shook his head lightly. "I'm sorry to hear that." Flicking his tail dismissively, he fixed the ginger in a sharp glare. "Then we'll take Deer and go."

Firesky's stomach clenched as he mentioned the young queen, recoiling slightly. "I told you before, we don't know where she is."

Taking a step forward, the rogue leader's claws slid out. "We both know that's a lie, Firesky." He lifted his chin, glaring down at the tom for a moment before continuing. "However, since you seem intent on 'protecting' her, I'll give you a choice. You may either hand Deer over to us and we'll be on our way, or you may give yourself up in her place." He paused, sneering. "Fair enough for you?"

The warrior lifted his chin to meet the rogue's gaze. "I will meet you where we first met here tomorrow with an answer." He turned, staking into the woods. As he left their line of sight, he began to sprint, eyes widening as he tried to find his apprentice quickly. 

Cherrypaw stood over a finch, looking happy with herself as her mentor approached. She was about to speak when she noticed his expression, her fur beginning to rise. "Firesky? What's wrong?"

Firesky quickly nudged her in the direction of camp, hissing quietly. "We must go, now. Spade and his friends are here and they've given me a... message to deliver."

Both cats quickly bolt from the forest, streaking through their territory until they returned to camp.

As they entered, Firesky met Leafstar's worried expression, his own face grave with the ultimatum they'd face.

Chapter Text

Leafstar snarled, her tail lashing. "Absolutely not! Does he think we'll just bend over backwards for him?" She spat, pacing angrily. "He's got another thing coming if that's what he believes!"

Deer ducked her head, eyes glittering sadly as she watched the older she-cat. "I can just go-"

"No." Firesky growled, cutting her off. "You're not going anywhere you don't want to." Looking back at the leader, he huffed. "We have two options here, Leafstar. It's your call."

Turning, the leader narrowed her eyes. "Two? We have one option and only one."

Narrowing his eyes, the ginger snorted. "I'd gladly go if it meant nobody got hurt. Leafstar these are large, battle-worn cats. If we fight them, someone may..." He trailed off, leaving the rest unsaid.

Leafstar unsheathed her claws. "You will go nowhere, Firesky. We have strong, trained warriors. Let them try to take us all on at once."

He met her sharp gaze for a moment before relenting, sighing. "Fine. If that's what you think is best. However." Lifting his chin, he hissed. "The apprentices will be nowhere near the fight."

She nodded, flicking her tail. "I completely agree. Cherrypaw and Sparrowpaw will stay in camp with Creekflower, Echosong, and Deer. Everyone else will come and fight."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Firesky felt his fur prickle in anticipation as he followed behind Leafstar and Sharpclaw. Heatherstripe and Ravenflight were on either side of him while Smudgespot, Billystorm, Gorsefall, and Leopardstreak trailed behind.

The sky was dark with stormy clouds as wind whipped through their fur. Cold rain began to drip from the sky as they left camp, leaving their fur damp as they slowly stalked to the meeting place.

As they approached the place they'd undoubtedly fight Spade and his friends, Firesky took the lead. His clanmates slowed their pace, allowing the ginger to get a large lead ahead of them.

The rain worsened as they walked, the cold drops almost painful as they were whipped into the cats' sides. 

Finally, Firesky saw the large tom ahead, his eyes narrowing.

Spade, only seeing the ginger, grinned. "You've made your choice, then?" He purred, his eyes glittering with amusement.

Lifting his chin, the young warrior called out over the harsh storm. "I have. I don't think you'll like it though."

On cue, Leafstar let out a loud yowl. She bolted past the ginger, the rest of their clanmates quickly following behind.

Surprised, Spade hissed, calling for his own allies. "Attack!" He screeched, eyes widening slightly at the number of cats streaming towards him.

Firesky let out his own battle cry, his claws sliding out as he burst forward. His eyes were sharp, though narrowed against the wind and rain. His pelt was battered with rain as he leapt onto Spade, digging his claws into the tom's side as he spat. "You'll be leaving alone, I'm afraid." He snapped his jaws on the tom's ear, ripping his head back as he tore the tom's ear, blood staining his muzzle as it dripped down the rouge's face.

Spade screeched with rage, rolling to squash the ginger beneath him. Now freed from the warrior's claws, he snarled, leaping onto the ginger's back to pin him, slashing his claws over the younger tom's shoulder.

Wincing, the ginger struggled under the burly tom's weight, his hind legs tearing thin scratches into the rouge's belly.

Suddenly, Spade was knocked away, the tom rolling after being charged.

Gorsefall and Leopardstreak stood in his place, their eyes narrowed as they hissed at the older cat.

Gorsefall looked down at his mentor, stepping away to allow the warrior to stand.

Leopardstreak gave the ginger a curt nod before leaping at the rouge once more, weaving around his attacks as he darted in with quick jabs.

Firesky quickly rose to his paws, giving his former apprentice a quick smile before they both joined Leopardstreak, overwhelming the rogue with their attacks.

Movement caught Firesky's gaze through the pouring rain. 

The speckled rogue crept towards the still-fighting trio, preparing to attack Gorsefall.

Snarling, the ginger bolted towards the rogue, ramming him in the side and sending him rolling in the mud. 

His fur was wild, smeared with blood and mud as he rose to face the ginger, a snarl curled on his lip.

Firesky spat, lunging for the cat's belly. At the last moment, he moved upwards, snapping his jaws around the tom's scruff as he leapt over, dragging the rogue to the ground as he dug claws into the larger tom's shoulder. Sneering in the rogue's ear, he spat. "Do I still seem fun to fight?" He scowled, digging his claws in further.

Screeching furiously, the speckled tom lashed out wildly, his eyes wide with rage as he thrashed. A few of his hits connected, leaving small scratches, but not enough to free himself.

A flash of cold blue eyes caught the ginger's attention through the pouring rain, warning him a moment before Crow slammed into his side.

Likely having been fighting the black tom before, Sharpclaw and Heatherstripe followed quickly after, knocking the black tom away.

Quickly rising to his paws, they regrouped, facing off with the two rogues.

Shooting a quick glance at his allies provided the ginger with an unpleasant look at how the battle seemed to be going. Sharpclaw stood strong, though he had plenty of shallow wounds scattering his pelt. Heatherstripe was doing worse. She sported similar shallow wounds, but one large gash across her back bled freely, the crimson liquid mixing with the rain as it streamed down the she-cat's back.

Firesky hissed quietly, returning his gaze to their enemies as Ravenflight joined their group, Crow's eyes flicking to the smaller tom as he approached.

Crow moved to attack Ravenflight, his eyes glittering hungrily as he leapt forward.

Snarling, the ginger quickly rammed into the leaping tom's side, sending Crow tumbling into the mud as the two warriors moved to attack.

Heatherstripe and Sharpclaw engaged with the speckled tom behind them.

Firesky dig his claws into the rouge's side, tearing gashes in his pelt as he snarled. 

Crow let out a stifled yelp, his eyes widening as he began to flail, forcing the warriors away as he scrambled to his paws, rage and fear lighting his eyes as he blinked away blood and rain.

Ravenflight hissed, landing a slash on the tom's muzzle, his white paw looking like a strike of lighting in the storm.

Letting out an enraged shriek, the rogue shot both warriors a scathing look, the glare not having its intended purpose portrayed after the rouge turned tail and fled, vanishing into the heavy rainfall.

Sharpclaw's cry caught their attention, his voice radiating fury. "And stay away you fox-hearted mouse-dung!" He spat, tail lashing as he stood over his clanmate.

Firesky and Ravenflight exchanged a glance, recognizing the she-cat he stood over even from their spot further away. They rushed over as the deputy stepped away from their clanmate, his angry gaze melting into somber regret.

Heatherstripe's breathing was shallow, her eyes already dulled as she squinted through the rain to look at her brothers.

The ginger bit back a cry, giving her a soft lick on the cheek. "It's alright... we'll get you back to Echosong, you'll be okay." He murmured, eyes wide.

Ravenflight was silent, his gaze steeled as he stared at his paws.

She wheezed, a bit of blood spraying from her mouth as she did. Looking up at them, she gave them a small smile. 

Tears pricking at his eyes, the ginger leaned in closer.

Purring softly, Heatherstripe murmured. "I'm glad... I could be part of SkyClan... with you all..." Taking a shuddering breath, she set her head down, eyes slowly shutting as her sides fell, unmoving. 

Firesky pressed his muzzle into her fur, his tears mixing with the water streaming down her side. 

After a long moment, he slowly stood. His eyes were dark as he turned, ears pricked as he listened for the remaining bits of the fight. In a quick movement, he sprang from his place at his sister's side and streaked to where Spade fought with Gorsefall, Leopardstreak, and Leafstar. Snarling viciously, he leapt into the fight, landing squarely on the rouge as he sent the both of them tumbling away from the others. Firesky snarled at the rogue, not speaking a word as he buried his teeth in the tom's chest, tearing out a chunk of fur and flesh as warm blood soaked his fur. 

Spade screeched, his paws flailing desperately as he quickly lost blood, he threw the ginger away, quickly sprinting away as his form vanished into the dark storm. 

The ginger lay where he'd ended up for a moment before slowly rising to his paws, blood mixed with rain dribbled from his chin as his clanmates slowly joined him.

Sharpclaw carried Heatherstripe's body over, Ravenflight following quietly behind. Leafstar somberly led Gorsefall and Leopardstreak over, giving the ginger a small berth. Smudgespot and Billystorm arrived soon after.

Without a word, Firesky began to walk in the direction of camp. The rest of the clan followed silently.

After a short walk, they began to carefully descend into camp.

In the pouring rain, they gathered in the center of the gorge. Sharpclaw lay Heatherstripe down in the middle of the group, stepping back to dip his head respectfully to the she-cat.

Deer, Echosong, Cherrypaw, and Sparrowpaw joined them quickly. Cherrypaw and Sparrowpaw fled to their mentors, pressing into their sides as they hid their faces from view.

Deer moved to stand beside Leafstar, giving the leader a bit of comfort, while Echosong moved to lay a small bundle of lavender on the fallen warrior's body, stepping away after murmuring a few quiet words.

Firesky looked down at his apprentice, his heart clenching as he studied her rain-soaked pelt. She seemed so small now, pressed into his side. He returned his gaze to his sister's body, curling his tail protectively around his apprentice's body as he stared. As water streamed down his cheeks, he found he couldn't tell if he was crying, the cold rain plastering his fur to his skin.

Chapter Text

SkyClan
Leader:
Leafstar (mottled cream and brown she-cat, amber eyes)
Deputy:
Sharpclaw (dark ginger tabby tom, green eyes)
Medicine Cat:
Echosong (silver tabby she-cat with a white chest, green eyes)
Warriors:
Firesky (long furred ginger tabby tom with light ginger underbelly, green eyes)
Smudgespot (black and white tom, amber eyes)
Ravenflight (small black tom with a single white paw, icy blue eyes)
Gorsefall (light ginger tom, green eyes)
Leopardstreak (spotted cream colored tom, amber eyes)
Daylight Warriors:
Billystorm (ginger and white tom, green eyes)
Queens:
Creekflower (cream she-cat with dark spots, amber eyes)
Deer (light tortoiseshell she-cat, yellow eyes)
Apprentices:
Cherrypaw (Mentored by Firesky) (tortoiseshell and white she-cat, green eyes)
Sparrowpaw (Mentored by Smudgespot) (dark brown tabby tom, yellow eyes)

WindClan
Leader:
Tallstar (black and white tom, amber eyes, long tail)
Deputy:
Deadfoot (black tom, yellow eyes, twisted paw)
Medicine Cat:
Barkface (dark brown tom, yellow eyes)
Warriors:
Mudclaw (dark brown tabby tom, amber eyes)
Tornear (gray tabby tom, yellow eyes)
Onewhisker (pale brown tabby tom, yellow eyes)
Webmask (dark gray tabby tom, yellow eyes)
Runningleap (light gray tabby she-cat, light green eyes)
Whitejaw (white she-cat, light green eyes)
Queens:
Morningflower (tortoiseshell she-cat, amber eyes)
Apprentices:
Gorsepaw (Mentored by Tornear) (ginger tabby tom, green eyes)
Elders:
Ashfoot (gray she-cat, blue eyes)

ThunderClan
Leader:
Bluestar (blue-gray she-cat, blue eyes)
Deputy:
Tigerclaw (dark brown tabby tom, amber eyes)
Medicine Cat:
Spottedleaf 
Brightpaw (white she-cat with ginger patches, blue eyes)
Warriors:
Darkstripe (dark gray tabby, yellow eyes)
Longtail (pale brown tom with black tabby stripes, green eyes, long tail)
Runningwind (light brown tabby tom, light green eyes)
Dustpelt (dark brown tabby tom, amber eyes)
Sandstorm (pale ginger she-cat with light tabby stripes, green eyes)
Graystripe (gray tabby tom, blue eyes)
Willowpelt (silver-gray she-cat, blue eyes)
Mousefur (light brown she-cat, light blue eyes)
Queens:
Brindleface (pale gray tabby, green eyes)
Goldenflower (light ginger tabby she-cat, yellow eyes)
Speckletail (pale golden tabby, amber eyes)
Apprentices:
Swiftpaw (Mentored by Longtail) (black and white tom, pale amber eyes)
Thornpaw (Mentored by Sandstorm) (golden-brown tabby tom, light blue eyes)
Brackenpaw (Mentored by Graystripe) (golden-brown tabby tom, amber eyes)
Cinderpaw (Mentored by Mousefur) (dark gray she-cat, light blue eyes)
Elders:
One-eye (pale gray she-cat, cloudy blue eyes)
Patchpelt (black and white tom, amber eyes)
Dappletail (dappled tortoiseshell she-cat, amber eyes)

RiverClan
Leader:
Crookedstar (light brown tabby tom, green eyes, twisted jaw)
Deputy:
Leopardfur (golden she-cat with spots, amber eyes)
Medicine Cat:
Mudfur (light brown tom, golden eyes)
Warriors:
Whiteclaw (dark brown tom with white paws, amber eyes)
Blackclaw (black tom orange eyes)
Stonefur (blue-gray tom, blue eyes)
Loudbelly (dark brown tom, yellow eyes)
Silverstream (silver tabby she-cat, blue eyes)
Mistyfoot (blue-gray she-cat, blue eyes)
Apprentices:
Reedpaw (Mentored by Blackclaw) (black tom, gray eyes)
Primrosepaw (Mentored by Stonefur) (pale cream-brown she-cat with white paws, amber eyes)
Pikepaw (Mentored by Loudbelly) (dark gray mottled tom, blue eyes)
Elders:
Graypool (pale gray she-cat, pale yellow eyes)

ShadowClan
Leader:
Cinderstar (light gray tom, orange eyes)
Deputy:
Russetfur (dark ginger tabby she-cat, green eyes)
Medicine Cat:
Runningnose (gray and white tom, pale yellow eyes)
Marshpaw (brown tom with light brown patches, orange eyes)
Warriors:
Tallpoppy (light brown tabby she-cat, green eyes)
Stumpytail (dark brown tabby tom, light green eyes, stump tail)
Wetfoot (gray tabby tom, blue eyes)
Littlecloud (brown tabby tom, blue eyes)
Queens:
Darkflower (black she-cat, blue eyes)
Dawncloud (pale ginger she-cat, blue eyes)
Apprentices:
Brownpaw (Mentored by Stumpytail) (brown tom, amber eyes)
Oakpaw (Mentored by Tallpoppy) (light brown tom, green eyes)
Applepaw (Mentored by Russetfur) (mottled brown she-cat, green eyes)
Toadpaw (Mentored by Wetfoot) (dark brown tom, light green eyes)

Chapter Text

As Ravenflight and Smudgespot dug a grave on the far end of the gorge, Firesky moved to his den.

He stared down at his nest before pulling it away from the stone floor, revealing his old blue collar beneath, the bell beginning to rust.

Firesky stared at his collar for a moment before gently picking it up and stalking out of the den, moving towards the grave.

The ginger stared into the hole for a moment before he gently tossed the collar in, his eyes dark.

Smudgespot stared at him with wide eyes. "I thought you were keeping yours? We all did."

Flicking his tail, the warrior sighed, his green eyes glittering darkly. "I have no need to hold onto the past." He paused before looking away, ears drooping. "We should bury her collar with her."

Ravenflight nodded, vnaishing for a moment before he returned with the pink collar, the faded tag still reading Princess. Gently, he placed it in the grave beside Firesky's. "We're SkyClan. Our beginning is a part of us, but... we don't need to hold onto it." The small tom had apparently grabbed his and Smudgespot's collars as well. He took his own, purple, and tossed it in before offering Smudgespot his yellow collar.

The black and white warrior stared at it for a moment before shaking his head. "I think I'd like to hold onto it for a while longer." He took it, stashing it to the side for now.

Firesky flicked his tail, bowing his head. "Leafstar gave us the okay, as did Echosong. It's time."

The three toms silently placed Heatherstripe's body into the grave before beginning to cover it with dirt. When she was entirely buried, they patted down the spot and placed a large flat stone over the spot, marking it.

They sat together for a moment, silent.

Smudgespot was first to leave, dipping his head to his friends before heading to their shared den.

Ravenflight took a while longer, but eventually left as well.

Firesky let out a somber sigh, standing. He lowered his head towards the grave, touching his nose to the dirt. "I will see you in StarClan, my dear sister." He murmured before lifting his muzzle, turning and heading back to the camp.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Looking out from his den, the ginger could see Leafstar pacing outside the Nursery.

He watched from his place across the camp, his tail flicking impatiently.

Eventually, Creekflower left the den, her eyes bright as she called out. "Three healthy kits!"

A small smile spread on the ginger's face. He moved from his spot to head to where the rest of the clan now gathered.

Leafstar wilted with relief, her tail still twitching nervously. "Deer is alright then?"

Purring, the queen nodded. "She's doing just fine. Echosong is checking her over, then she'll likely sleep for the rest of the day and through the night. She's a strong young cat, so I'm sure she'll be ready for visitors tomorrow."

The leader nodded slowly, giving the queen an appreciative blink before she slowly moved towards her den, Billystorm helping her over.

Firesky watched her go with a frown. Since the battle, she'd seemed frail and on edge. The leader had even asked Echosong to meet in her den a few times. Furrowing his brow, he gave Creekflower a quick nod and followed after the leader. 

Sharpclaw joined him, murmuring. "You noticed as well?"

The ginger hummed, tail flicking nervously. "Hard not to."

The deputy ducked his head into the leader's den, dipping his head respectfully. "Leafstar. May Firesky and I have a word?"

Leafstar blinked, seeming tired. She nodded softly. "Yes, come in. Billystorm will be staying, though."

Ducking in after the deputy, Firesky nodded. "That's fine." He sat closest to the entrance, curling his tail over his paws. He exchanged a quick glance with Sharpclaw before speaking. "We're worried about you, Leafstar. Since the battle, you've seemed..." He trailed off.

Sharpclaw continued the thought, stone-faced as he spoke. "Off. Frail. You act as though one jab will send you toppling."

Billystorm looked a bit agitated at his bluntness, opening his mouth to speak.

Leafstar rested her paw on his, cutting him off as she softly shook her head. "It's alright." Looking at her warriors, she sighed. "I didn't tell anyone other than Billystorm yet... I lost a life during the battle."

Sharpclaw recoiled, screeching. "What?!"

She quickly shushed him, narrowing her eyes. "I want to keep it between us for a few more days."

Tilting his head, Firesky frowned. "Is that why you keep having Echosong come to your den?"

Looking away, the leader nodded. "I was... having her check my kits."

Billystorm curled his tail around her before speaking up. "We're certain she's expecting, but we're concerned losing a life may have affected them."

slowly nodding, the deputy frowned. "I see."

Firesky gave the leader an apologetic look. "I'm sorry we made you tell us before you wanted. I'm sure this is scary for you."

Leafstar numbly nodded, pressing into her mate as she murmured. "Echosong says they're okay, but... I will not take part in any battles until they are born and weaned."

Sharpclaw nodded solemnly, lifting his chin. "I hope we prevent any unnecessary bloodshed, but should the need arise, I will lead our clan into battle."

The she-cat gave him an appreciative look before letting out a deep sigh. "If you wouldn't mind, I'd like to sleep. I've been fretting over Deer all day and I'm tired."

The two toms quickly stood, giving her their goodbyes before slipping quietly out of the den.

Sharpclaw and Firesky exchanged a quick look before splitting off, the deputy moving to eat something while the warrior headed towards his apprentice.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Firesky fur prickled nervously.

After Leafstar had seen the new kits, she'd come out saying Deer had requested Firesky visit next.

Taking a deep breath, the ginger quietly padded into the den, his eyes taking a moment to adjust to the light.

Deer lay on a large cushy nest against the back wall of the den, two bundles of fur pressed against her belly.

Echosong sat nearby, supervising for now.

The young queen smiled warmly, beckoning the warrior closer. 

The ginger's nerves melted away as he set eyes on the kits. His heart sang with warmth as he sat, leaning in to get a better look. He spoke softly, still staring at the kits. "I was surprised you asked me to come." 

Deer purred, looking up at him. "You were willing to do so much for me and my kits, Firesky. I wanted to thank you."

He met her soft gaze, a purr of his own rumbling in his throat. "Of course." He curled his tail over his paws, tilting his head curiously. "What are their names?"

Nodding, the queen pointed to the first, a light brown she-kit that matched her mother. "This is Mousekit." She then pointed to the second, a tan she-kit with gray stripes. "And this is Beekit."

Looking up at the she-cat, Firesky blinked. "Clan names?"

Ducking her head, Deer purred. "Leafstar said I was welcome. She said she'd give me my own warrior name tomorrow."

Giving the queen a quick nuzzle, the warrior purred. "That's wonderful! Welcome to SkyClan, Deer."

Chapter Text

Firesky settled for the meeting, Ravenflight and Smudgespot sitting nearby.

They'd gathered outside the Nursery so Deer wouldn't have to get up and leave her kits for the ceremony.

Leafstar purred, sitting beside the queen. "Deer, is it your wish to join SkyClan and life the life of a warrior, to honor and uphold the warrior code and to protect your clanmates?"

The queen looked up at the leader, her eyes soft and warm. "It is."

Nodding, the dappled she-cat smiled. "Then, by the power vested in me by StarClan, I name you Deerspring. Welcome to SkyClan." She leaned down, nuzzling the queen before standing, dismissing the clan as she headed towards the fresh-kill pile.

Sharpclaw suddenly snapped to attention, his fur bristling as he looked up the gorge wall. Snarling, he called out. "Intruders!"

Following the tom's gaze, Firesky spotted a dark tabby and a golden tom at the top of the gorge. Squinting, he blinked. "It's Tigerclaw, ThunderClan's deputy."

The deputy relaxed a little, but still glared up at the ThunderClan cats.

Leafstar looked up, her eyes narrowed as the two cats made their way down the wall. "What business do you bring, Tigerclaw? I do hope Bluestar didn't send you here to cause trouble."

Dipping his head, the tabby smiled. "Not at all." Exchanging a glance with his clanmate, Tigerclaw sighed. "Unfortunately, Bluestar has passed on. A few nights ago I took my name and place as ThunderClan's leader."

Her eyes widening, the leader frowned. "Ah. I apologize then, Tigerstar. You must be mourning her."

A flicker of amusement passed over the new leader's amber eyes before it was quickly covered by sorrow. "Yes. It was a terrible loss."

The golden tom the tabby had brought seemed slightly uncomfortable, his tail flicking nervously. "If I may, Tigerstar, perhaps we should get to the point?"

Giving his clanmate a curt nod, Tigerstar hummed. "Ah, you're right Lionheart." Looking back to the SkyClan leader, he smiled. "Leafstar, I've come to propose an... alliance of sorts. If you would allow it, perhaps we could discuss it privately in your den?"

Leafstar paused, thinking a moment before lifting her chin. "No. I understand the other clans do it differently, but we are a united front here. Whatever you wish to discuss, we may do it in front of my clan."

Tigerstar frowned at her before sighing, giving her a curt nod. "Very well." Tilting his head, he gave her an friendly smile. "Perhaps there's a better place then?" Looking around, he nodded to a tree towards one end of the camp, its trunk surrounded by soft green grass. "Would over there be alright?"

Relaxing slightly, the she-cat nodded. "That's alright." Turning to her clanmates, she smiled. "You're welcome to join us, though you don't have to." Nodding to the tabby, she led the other leader over.

Sharpclaw, Billystorm, Firesky, Ravenflight, Leopardstreak, and Echosong followed. The rest of the clan continued with their daily tasks.

Firesky sat beside the deputy, exchanging a glance with the dark ginger before focusing on the leaders' conversation.

Tigerstar sat tall, his eyes glittering with pride as he began to speak. "Ever since I was an apprentice, I developed an idea for an... improved clan system. For generations, the clans have been separated by borders and rules, but it has caused nothing but hardship and hatred. In times of great struggle, the clans have come together to face danger. If we were joined together permanently, we'd be able to defend against any opposing group, any danger." Nodding to Echosong, he smirked. "Any disease." Flicking his tail, he tilted his head. "Leafstar, you and your clan are... new. You all are impartial to the moons of rules the clans have lived under. Through your alliance with WindClan you must be able to see how this could benefit everyone, right?"

Thinking for a moment, Leafstar gave the tabby a thoughtful look. "That was a nice speech, Tigerstar, but how do you plan to go through with this?" Eyeing Lionheart, she tilted her head. "You've seemed uncomfortable the entire time you've been here, Lionheart, why is that?"

Frowning, Tigerstar huffed, nodding to his deputy for the tom to respond.

Shooting the leader a look, the golden tom let out a deep sigh. "I admit I am still... unused to Tigerstar's idea, but I am his deputy and will support him."

Looking satisfied with his deputy's response, the tabby smirked. "There you go." Lifting a paw, he looked down at his extended claws, his eyes shining with glee. "No unneccesary fighting, no deaths, nothing." Looking up, he relaxed his features, giving the she-cat an easy grin. "A safe place for your kits to grow up in."

Leafstar recoiled, her eyes darkening as she hissed. "How did you know I was expecting?"

Tilting his head, Tigerstar chuckled. "Apologies. I've simply seen my fair share of pregnant queens. I was merely able to see the signs." Standing, he dipped his head. "Please, take time to think about it. If you have any questions, please feel free to send a messenger my way. I'd be more than happy to come speak with you again." Dipping his head, he flicked his tail. "For now, we must leave. Our camp is busy and we are needed back home." Giving her his farewells, he nodded to his deputy and led the golden tom out of the camp.

Watching the tabby go, the ginger hummed. "That was... something."

Sharpclaw nodded, his brow furrowed. He turned to Leafstar, his ear twitching. "What are your thoughts, Leafstar?"

The leader looked bothered. She was silent for a moment before standing. "I must think about this. I'll be in my den." Nodding to her clanmates, she slowly padded to her den.

Firesky stood, dipping his head to Sharpclaw. "I think I'll take Cherrypaw out for a bit. We'll be sure to bring back some prey." Flicking his tail, he left the deputy and found his apprentice sitting with her brother. "Cherrypaw, how would you like to go hunting for a bit?"

Perking up, the apprentice nodded. "Yes please!" Glancing at her brother, she tilted her head. "Can Sparrowpaw come too?"

Humming, the ginger shook his head. "I believe Smudgespot had a training plan for Sparrowpaw today. Perhaps later today I'll ask about a joint training session, alright?"

Drooping a little, the apprentices nodded. 

Cherrypaw nudged her brother playfully. "Bet I'll be a better hunter than you!" She grinned as she followed her mentor, beginning to walk away.

Sparrowpaw stuck out his tongue, laughing. "Bet I'll be better at fighting!"

Rolling his eyes with amusement, the warrior chuckled. "That's enough." Leading his apprentice up the gorge wall, he smiled down at her. "We're going hunting. Our previous lesson on SkyClan's hunting style was... interrupted, so we'll start there."

The two cats made their way to SkyClan's forest, heading deep into the dense undergrowth before stopping.

Firesky flicked his tail, nodding to his apprentice. "We'll start with an assessment so I know where you can improve. If you do well today, we'll focus on fighting for the next moon or so."

Perking up, the she-cat beamed. "Got it!"

Gesturing to the forest, the ginger chuckled. "You have until..." Looking up, he squinted at the sun. It was just about sun-high. "Let's say sun-down. Depending on how you do we may spend tomorrow on improvements but otherwise I think we'll be able to do battle training for a while."

Taking a deep breath, Cherrypaw gave him a quick nod and bounded into the forest.

Quickly leaping into the air and pulling himself into a tree, he began to follow his apprentice from behind.

Cherrypaw made her way into a tree before beginning to scent for prey. She leapt carefully from tree to tree as she followed her nose, searching for her first catch.

Before long, both cats had spotted a pair of thrush flitting through the leaf litter below tree. Cherrypaw silently made her way into the tree, looking down with excited eyes. Taking a quick breath, she pushed off and aimed towards the larger of the two birds. her eyes lit up as her claws connected with the thrush. Pulling it in, she bit down on its throat to kill it. The apprentice watched the second bird fly away, looking a bit annoyed but satisfied with her catch. She quickly buried her prey before lifting her nose to find another target.

A nearby squirrel caught her attention. She quickly dropped into a hunting crouch. It was a miracle the rodent hadn't spotted the apprentice when she'd made her first kill. Stalking as close as she could, the she-cat prepared to made her move. Bunching her muscles, she leapt towards the prey. Her eyes widened as she fell short, landing just a couple mouse-lengths from the startled prey. Quickly, she attempted to chase it as it bolted into a tree, but was unable to catch it.

Firesky, who'd been in the tree the squirrel ran for, quickly killed the prey and jumped down to bury it. Nodding to his apprentice, he gestured for her to continue. "No use letting prey get away if I can catch it. Go ahead and continue, I'll be along shortly."

Cherrypaw looked a bit surprised, not realizing her mentor was so close, but nodded and trotted into the ferns.

Quickly covering his squirrel with dirt, the ginger returned to the trees and caught up with the she-cat.

While he'd been burying his catch, the apprentice had caught a mouse and was now burying it.

Checking the sky, the ginger nodded to himself. The exercise was almost over, but he was fairly satisfied with her catches so far. As long as she caught one more bit of prey, he'd allow them to start battle training first thing tomorrow.

Cherrypaw found a low branch on a tree to climb into, hauling herself onto a higher branch from there before she stalked something from the trees.

Curious as to what she was now tracking, the ginger sniffed the air. A bitter, nasty scent hit his nose faintly. His eyes widened quickly as he sped across branches as if he himself were a squirrel, leaping from branch to branch until he grabbed his apprentice by the scruff, holding her down with his tail over her mouth. His eyes were narrowed towards the forest floor as he hissed quietly. "Shhh... That's not prey you were tracking." He murmured, pointing towards something emerging from a bush.

Spooked, the apprentice looked down, stiffening as a young fox entered the small clearing below them. The vixen sniffed around for a moment before trotting back the way it came.

They waited silently for a moment before Firesky slowly rose up, letting his apprentice go. "Quietly," he murmured, "let's quickly grab our prey and go back to camp. We'll report the fox to Leafstar."

Silently nodding, the she-cat followed her mentor across the trees until they loomed over one of their buried catches.

Giving Cherrypaw a stern look, the warrior flicked his tail. "Stay here, even if the fox comes. I'll grab the mouse and bring it up for you to carry. Got it?"

Cherrypaw gave him a quick nod.

Returning the gesture, the ginger quickly jumped down from the tree, digging up the mouse before digging his claws into the tree trunk and hauling himself back up. He handed over the prey before huffing. "We'll grab the other two the same way. C'mon."

They went to the other spots they'd buried prey until they had everything. They continued in the trees until they reached the edge of the forest. Both cats leapt down, quickly heading towards the camp.

Chapter Text

Leafstar called the clan together, looking down with thoughtful eyes.

Firesky settled beside his apprentice, Echosong on his left.

The leader flicked her tail, lifting her chin as she began. "The first order of business for today is something Firesky and Cherrypaw brought to my attention. They discovered a fox in the forest in our territory. Sharpclaw, send a patrol of at least three warriors to inspect. If it has left the territory, there's no need to fight. However, if it is staying in our territory, report back immediately. We will have all our warriors face it."

Sharpclaw gave her a curt nod in response.

Continuing, the dappled she-cat gave her clan a small smile. "After careful thought, I have decided that it would be best to accept Tigerstar's offer. Our alliance with WindClan has been beneficial for both clans, and becoming allies with ThunderClan will strengthen us further. ThunderClan and WindClan are closest to our borders. Without the alliances, they would be our largest threats. If you have concerns, please come speak to me, but I have decided this path will be best for the clan. In three nights, we will announce the alliance at the Gathering." She dismissed the clan, leaping from her perch to speak with her deputy.

After a moment, Sharpclaw turned to the still-gathered cats and called out. "Ravenflight, Firesky, and Billystorm. We'll be handling the fox patrol."

Firesky gave the deputy a quick nod before turning to Smudgespot. "Cherrypaw will be handling some chores around camp. If you find time or if Sparrowpaw needs a sparring partner, she's welcome to join you for training."

The spotted tom nodded, summoning his own apprentice to his side before walking off with the young tom.

Turning to his own apprentice, the ginger smiled gently. "I assume you heard me? Just change out some of the nests. Do the nursery and Leafstar's nests first."

Huffing, Cherrypaw gave him an annoyed nod before trotting to the nursery to begin her task.

Firesky stretched before joining Sharpclaw and the other members of the patrol as they left camp.

Sharpclaw led the way, bounding in great strides across the grassy field as he headed for the forest.

They slowed to a stop as they reached the tree line, lifting their noses to sniff the air. 

Glancing at the young ginger, the deputy flicked his tail. "Lead the way from here. Take us closer to where you spotted it."

Giving him a nod, the ginger bunched his muscles to leap into a low-hanging tree branch. He looked over his shoulder, eyes dark. "It's safer to stay in the trees. Even if it spots us, we'll be out of reach."

After waiting for the other patrol members to find a perch, Firesky bounded easily between tree branches as he led them further into the forest.

Firesky slowed as he reached the clearing he'd spotted the fox in. Glaring down at the grassy forest floor below, he flicked his tail. "Down there is where it was." He spat with disdain.

Sharpclaw narrowed his eyes, gesturing with his tail for the patrol to stay put as he leapt down onto the forest floor.

The deputy sniffed around the area for a while before looking back up, giving them a nod.

Joining the deputy, the patrol continued scenting the area, marking the territory to ward the predator away should it return.

Once they'd just about finished, they regrouped in the clearing to head back to camp.

Sharpclaw huffed, rolling his neck to relieve stiffness. "That'll do it. Let's head home."

Billystorm flicked his tail, looking disturbed. "Are we sure this'll be enough?"

Frowning, Firesky sighed. "Not really. It may come back, it may not. It's hard to guess. Until then, Sharpclaw and I decided nobody other than warriors will hunt here for half a moon."

Nodding, the deputy beckoned the patrol. "Right. Come on then. Let's hunt a little before getting back to camp." Narrowing his eyes, he frowned. "Back towards the fields. The scent is still too fresh to believe the fox is far."

Following the dark ginger tom, the patrol headed back further into their territory.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Leading his apprentice out of camp, Firesky sighed. "I don't like the idea of a fox in our territory one bit. I'm going to go over fighting predators today."

Eyes wide, Cherrypaw blinked. "How many predators are there?"

Tilting his head, the ginger hummed. "Too many. Foxes, badgers, dogs, hawks, owls, rats, and twolegs are the largest threats. I've heard tales of massive cats, easily ten times our sizes, that'd hunt us as well." He stopped in the center of a grassy clearing, turning to his apprentice as he began to lecture. "Dogs, twolegs, and rats are found closer to twolegplace, so they'd be a larger threat in the forest since that's the closest part of our territory to twolegplace. Owls come out at night, but they're silent. That's one reason we avoid training at night. It'd be all too easy for an owl to snatch up an apprentice in training."

Cherrypaw flopped to the ground, listening but clearly annoyed she'd set the tom off on a lecture. "Uh huh."

Continuing, the ginger let out a slightly amused chuff at her annoyance. "There are wild dogs as well, but they're less common. Badgers are massive, burly creatures that can snap a cat in two with one slash. They're extremely dangerous." Narrowing his eyes, he growled. "Never fight one alone unless there is no other option. Very few warriors are skilled enough to survive that alone. That's not an invitation to try, either. Even the most skilled warriors would be foolish to try fighting a badger alone." He spat, leaning forward,  his voice deep and serious. 

Eyes wide, the apprentice nodded apprehensively. "And... the foxes?"

Leaning back again, he nodded. "Our largest threat other than other cats. Foxes are nimble, intelligent, and deadly. They easily match the strength and skill of the average warrior, then some. The only place to run to is the trees. They are similar to dogs in that they cannot climb well. They are faster than many cats, larger than any of us, and they view us as prey. They hunt us as if we were mice. An apprentice like you has no chance of surviving an encounter alone without StarClan's blessing." Leaning close, he hissed. "Do not try."

Nodding vigorously, the she-cat's fur prickled. "R-right!"

Letting out a small sigh, Firesky flicked his tail. "Alright. We'll do a quick review of the best ways to face the others, but we'll be spending the most time on foxes today."

Cherrypaw jumped to her paws, eyes brightening. "Let's start!"

Chuckling, the ginger stood, shaking out his pelt. "We'll do twolegs, hawks, owls, dogs, rats, badgers, then foxes." Looking her in the eye, the warrior frowned. "IF you encounter a twoleg, run. If it tries to touch you, claw the paws. If it holds you, try to claw where the paws meet the legs. As a last resort, aim for the eyes. Understood?"

Giving him a small nod, she obediently smiled. "Run or claw vulnerable spots."

Smirking, he ruffled her head with a paw. "Right. Now, hawks. They'll grab you from behind most of the time, so you need to be able to claw at the closest thing to reach. If they grab you from behind, it'll either be the chest and head or the wings when they go down on a flap. If you can think fast enough, the wings would be best to go for first. If you can stop it from taking you into the air, another cat nearby can help bring it all the way down. If you're in the air, go for the chest or head but don't kill it. If it starts falling, you start falling. If you weaken it, it will lose height without plummeting."

Giving her a moment to process the information, he flicked his tail. "I'm going to lay on my back. You will lay upside down on my belly. I'll hold you from falling off while we do it. Try to reach for my chin first."

She looked a little confused at the exercise but nodded.

Firesky rolled onto his back, waiting for her to get into position.

Awkwardly, she climbed onto him and carefully rolled onto her back.

The warrior pressed his hind legs against her sides to hold her in place securely. Chuckling, he nodded. "Alright, go for it."

Furrowing her brow, she struggled to reach her paw past her head, gently brushing at the tips of his fur with her paw. Grunting, she stretched further and pressed lightly into his chin.

His chest rumbled as he laughed. "Good. That'll do." He stretched a paw to the side, smiling. "Now try to reach for my leg and pull it close."

She reached towards the leg, letting out a huff of frustration as she pulled against her mentor, a small growl tugging at her throat as she struggled.

Nodding, he rolled to his side, letting the apprentice roll off. "Right. That's enough for now."

Huffing, she stood and shook out her pelt, sticking out her tongue. 

Chuckling, the ginger stretched, shaking the dust from his fur before speaking. "Owls are the same to escape from, but you'll have no warning they're coming. Their wings allow them to fly silently. It's best to avoid them entirely, but if you're caught use the same methods as the hawk."

Giving him a quick nod, she grinned. "Got it!"

Firesky smiled warmly at his apprentice, purring at her eager energy before continuing. "Next up are dogs." Frowning, he flicked his tail. "They come in many shapes and sizes. Even the small ones will try to attack, so don't underestimate them. Now, dogs will mainly use their teeth to attack, so it's best to attack from behind. Some dogs will try to rear up and bat at you with their paws, but we're fast enough to use that to our advantage. If they do that, get under them and attack their belly. Don't get hit by their paws. They're strong and can easily wind you with one blow." Making sure she got all that, he smiled. "They're usually slow, so they're not as much of a threat as some other creatures. The largest threats are the largest dogs, they're big enough to take a few good hits before they're really injured."

Glancing up at the sky, the ginger frowned. "We don't have time to mock fight all these predators, so we'll move on for now. Next up are rats."

Furrowing her brow, Cherrypaw tilted her head. "But, aren't they prey? Why would they be a threat?"

Narrowing his eyes down at her, he growled. "Rats are not like mice, Cherrypaw, do not underestimate them. They are larger, faster, and far more dangerous. While they resemble prey, they have better intellect than most of what we hunt. They are fast and their bites carry deadly disease. Just one rat bite can be enough to down a warrior as strong as Sharpclaw. The worst part is, they come in swarms. You will never find just one rat. Where there is one, there are dozens." Eyeing his apprentice, he seemed satisfied at the worry in her eyes. "We'd only encounter them in places with twolegs. With any luck, you'll never even need to see a rat."

She hesitantly nodded, flicking her ear nervously. "Badgers are next, right?"

Firesky nodded approvingly. "That's right. They're larger than the burliest warrior and stronger too. They have thick hides that prevent us from doing much damage, and they have sharp claws that can tear into your pelt easily." Frowning, he sighed. "It's really just best to avoid conflict with them." Straightening up a bit, he growled. "Now. Foxes."

Cherrypaw recoiled a bit, remembering the lanky, sharp predator that'd almost gotten her.

He nodded, hissing. "You've seen one for yourself. You know what they're like. Stealthy, sly, and vicious. Unless you are near trees, you cannot run. Turning your back to those creatures is an invitation to be chased and killed. Attack from behind, dodge their attacks, and pray you have a patrol nearby." Lifting his chin, he bared his teeth. "If you are alone, you should always go for vital points. Aim to kill, otherwise it will kill you first. The throat, eyes, or belly are your targets."

Her eyes dark and serious, the apprentice nodded curtly. "Right."

He was a bit impressed by how seriously she was taking it. The ginger had noticed his apprentice to act kittish often and had expected more jokes during the lesson. He smiled warmly at her, standing. "I will play your fox. I will not attack with my paws, but I will be aiming to subdue you. If I pin you, I win. You need to reach two of my vital spots to win. The combination doesn't matter, but if you go for my eyes I will close them."

She nodded, flexing her paws into the dirt.

Firesky narrowed his eyes, tail twitching. "I will not show you mercy, but I will avoid serious damage. No claws, but i will use my teeth as best I can without breaking skin." Moving to one end of the clearing, he glanced over his shoulder. "And I will begin outside the clearing, hidden in the grass. The spar begins as soon as I'm out of sight."

Her eyes widened as her mentor vanished into the tall grass.

The warrior wove through the strands of blond grass effortlessly, his pawsteps silent as he circled the clearing. His light ginger fur melted easily into the warm colors of the leaf-fall grass. After a moment, he faced the apprentice's side. Bunching his muscles, he pelted towards her. 

She startled, eyes wide as she desperately leapt forward to avoid the blow.

Firesky's paws kicked up dirt as he came to a stop where the apprentice had been, quickly pushing off to launch towards her with bared teeth.

Cherrypaw dove to the side, turning to try attacking him as he passed.

Snarling, the tom spun easily and rammed into her side, sending the apprentice rolling. He followed quickly after and closed his jaws gently around her throat, a paw on her shoulder to pin her. Releasing her throat, he frowned. "You're dead." Stepping off, he allowed her to recover. "Do you understand where you went wrong?"

Staring at her paws with a frustrated expression, she curled her tail over her paws in slight embarrassment. "I.. I was afraid. You caught me off guard and I was on the defensive from that point forward."

Nodding approvingly, he smiled. "That's right. You dodged well, though. For being so startled, you did well in reacting. Let's try it again."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Firesky stalked around the clearing. This was their last spar for the day. Narrowing his eyes, he watched his apprentice move on a constant swivel as she prepared for her mentor to appear. Smirking a bit, he waited for her to turn away before lunging towards her.

Cherrypaw's ear twitched as the grass revealed the ginger's ambush. Leaping to the side, she quickly turned and faced him, snarling.

The ginger spun, charging the apprentice with widened jaws.

She waited until the last moment before lunging towards him, sliding beneath him as she pressed a paw to his belly.

He let out an enraged yowl, snapping his jaws around her tail as he thrust her back in front of him.

Surprised, she hissed and darted around his side, running a paw along his ribs as she passed.

Narrowing his eyes, the warrior spun, teeth snapping at her heels as she fled.

Smirking, the apprentice suddenly spun and leapt at the tom's face.

Eyes widening, he quickly reared, trying to bat the she-cat away.

Cherrypaw let out a victorious screech as she landed squarely on the tom's face, pressing her paws against his eyes as they went toppling backwards.

Firesky let out a huff as his back hit the dirt, winded for a moment as his apprentice jumped off. He caught his breath before letting out a cheerful laugh, getting to his paws as he looked at his apprentice approvingly. "Well done! That was wonderful, Cherrypaw." Shaking dust from his fur, he chuckled lightheartedly.

Cherrypaw beamed with pride, her eyes bright as she gave herself a quick groom.

The ginger purred, stretching. "Let's head back to camp. You'll want to get plenty of rest before tomorrow. We have morning patrol then the gathering tomorrow night."

Perking up, the apprentice followed her mentor happily back to camp.

Chapter Text

Firesky padded just behind Leafstar and Sharpclaw as they made their way towards the other clans for the gathering.

Cherrypaw padded happily beside him, her eyes bright with excitement.

Glancing at his apprentice, the ginger tilted his head. "Oh, that's right, it's your first gathering, yes? Leafstar certainly has a few new faces to introduce tonight."

Nodding, the she-cat purred. "I can't wait! How many other apprentices do you think there'll be?"

Humming, the warrior thought for a moment. "Likely around ten. Each clan usually brings at least two apprentices, but some may have more or less young cats than the other clans. WindClan only had Gorsepaw last we saw them and chances are he'll be announced as a warrior tonight." Smiling warmly, he thought of his own clanmates. "Let's see... you and your brother, Billystorm, Deerspring, Mousekit, Beekit..." He trailed off, his eyes darkening. Murmuring, he let out a soft sigh. "And she'll announce Heatherstripe."

Giving her mentor a sad look, the apprentice pressed against his side to comfort him, rubbing her cheek to his shoulder.

Nudging her, he gave her a small smile. "Thank you." Looking forward, he perked up. "Ah, we're nearly there."

They'd made it to the WindClan border, Runningleap meeting them to guide them to where the WindClan patrol were waiting.

After a bit more of walking, the two patrols made it to Fourtrees, streaming into the clearing.

Leafstar and Tallstar, along with their deputies, split off to head to the large stone.

Firesky nudged his apprentice with a chuckle. "They won't start for a short bit. Go meet some other apprentices."

Cherrypaw gave him a grin before bounding into the crowd.

The ginger looked around for a moment before he noticed a tom approaching him. Scowling, he glared at the tom. "Mudclaw. What do you want."

The tom had a lazy smile, purring as he neared the ginger. "I can't just say hello? I know we left off on a... bad note, but I hold no resentment."

Anger flickered in the younger tom's eyes as he hissed at the tabby. "Of course you hold no resentment, you have nothing to resent! I protected my sister and stood up for myself." Collecting himself for a moment, he lifted his chin. "Leave me be, Mudclaw. I do not want to speak with you right now." He shoved past the older tom, not wanting to wait around for a response.

Firesky grumbled under his breath as he sat with Ravenflight, the gathering finally starting.

Tallstar was the first to go. He announced Gorsepaw's warrior name, Gorseheart. That was all the news he had to share. At least, it was all the ginger heard.

Firesky's ears were still roaring with blood, still frustrated with Mudclaw. Letting out a deep sigh, he tried to focus on the gathering.

Crookedstar was next. With a calm smile, he purred as he spoke. "Silverstream has given birth to two new kits, Stormkit and Featherkit." He stepped back, allowing the next leader to take the front.

Cinderstar padded forward, his tail twitching as he called out. "Brownpaw and Oakpaw have become warriors. They are now Brownleaf and Oakthorn. We have scented rogues on our border, close to the one we share with ThunderClan, but we believe they've passed." Stepping back he nodded to Leafstar.

The she-cat stepped up, her eyes bright. "SkyClan are growing. Gorsepaw and Leopardpaw recieved their warrior names and are now Gorsefall and Leopardstreak. We also have new clanmates. Billystorm, Deerspring, Cherrypaw, and Sparrowpaw have joined us. Cherrypaw is being mentored by Firesky, and Sparrowpaw by Smudgespot. Deerspring also gave birth to two new kits, Beekit and Mousekit. We scented a fox on our territory, but believe it has moved on." Pausing, her expression darkened. "We had a group of rogues intrude on our territory. In our battle, we lost Heatherstripe. These cats are formidable, but I believe they've moved on."

Tigerstar was the last to make his announcements. His amber eyes glittered ambitiously as he addressed the clans, his deep voice calling the cats below to listen. "I have spoken to each of your leaders individually, but now I address every one of you. It has been my dream since I was a young kit to end the fighting and death between our clans. Now, I am finally able to bring those dreams to reality. TigerClan, after the clans of old, would be nothing but beneficial to the clans. Each of us have strengths and weaknesses that are different from the others. ThunderClan have plentiful prey and herbs, but in leaf-bare we suffer. WindClan have prey, but sparse herbs. ShadowClan are prone to sickness and outside threats. Joined together, our weaknesses would be nullified by the strength of another clan. WindClan would be able to get herbs in leaf-bare, and they have prey they could share with RiverClan when the river freezes over."

The tabby paused to allow the clans to think before he continued. "I will not go into the details now, for we only have so much time together, but I ask that each of you considers joining TigerClan. We'd be larger, stronger, and healthier than any other group of cats to exist! Leaders, I ask you to consider my proposal. If you truly wish the best for your cats, this is the way forward." He stepped back, his eyes gleaming with pride as he listened to the cats below delve into murmurs.

Leafstar padded forward, her chin lifted as she addressed the clans. "I have thought carefully about this since Tigerstar first proposed the idea to me, and I have made my decision. As a fairly newly formed clan, SkyClan are outside the quarrels that have plagued the other clans for moons. We can see the value in such an idea, and we accept. SkyClan will join Tigerstar in his plan." She stepped back, keeping her chin raised.

Cinderstar spoke next, his eyes dark. "Brokenstar opened ShadowClan's eyes up to the evils that can truly exist in the world. While an alliance may be beneficial to prevent such things, the idea of TigerClan is extreme. My clan has undergone too much change is the past moons. We will continue to consider the idea, but for now we decline."

Crookedstar nodded slowly. "I agree with Cinderstar. Your plan is extreme, Tigerstar. RiverClan will have no part in it."

Tallstar looked thoughtfully at Leafstar before turning to the cats below. "WindClan decline as well. We will keep our good relationship with SkyClan if they allow it, but we have no desire to join TigerClan."

Tigerstar frowned slightly, his eyes darkening, but nodded. "I understand your worries. Leafstar, thank you for trusting in the future I have planned. As for ShadowClan, RiverClan, and WindClan. While I understand, I am disappointed. If you reconsider, we will welcome you openly. I believe this gathering is over." He dipped his head to Leafstar, murmuring to her that he'd visit soon, before leaping down to lead his clan out.

Leafstar dipped her head in return before looking at Tallstar. "We would be happy to keep up our alliance with you, Tallstar." Saying farewell, she leapt down.

Firesky quickly stood, joining his clan as they left the clearing.

Cherrypaw returned to his side shortly, her eyes thoughtful as she stared ahead.

Looking down at the she-cat, the ginger tilted his head. "What's on your mind?"

Hesitating, she glanced up at him, concern lighting her gaze. "Why did none of the other clans want to join TigerClan?"

Frowning, the warrior sighed. "Tigerstar warned that the other clans would have reservations about his idea. They've lived in separation for generations. It may be difficult for them to allow change so freely. SkyClan is new. Gorsefall, Leopardstreak, Beekit, and Mousekit are the only ones who have spent their entire lives in the clan. We're open to changes, since we're still forming our rules ourselves. Give them time, I believe they may come around."

Nodding softly, the apprentice went quiet.

Resting his tail across her shoulders, he reassured the young she-cat. "Chin up, Cherrypaw. Everything will work out."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ 

Firesky woke up to commotion outside the den. Stretching, the ginger poked his head out, drearily blinking as he tried to find the source of the noise. 

Leafstar and Tigerstar sat together near the meeting spot, their deputies nearby.

Along with the leader and deputy, there were also a few other ThunderClan cats around camp.

Surprised, Firesky padded out of the den and headed for where Sharpclaw and Lionheart were sitting together. Dipping his head to the two older toms, he tilted his head. "What's going on? What're ThunderClan doing here?" 

Sharpclaw chuckled at the tom's confusion, nodding to his ThunderClan counterpart to answer.

Lionheart gave the ginger a friendly smile, his tail curled over his paws. "Tigerstar wants us to become familiar with each other. He's speaking with Leafstar right now about having a few SkyClan cats come to ThunderClan's camp for a few days and vice versa." Frowning slightly, he sighed. "Longtail was one of the cats he brought over." The golden warrior glanced past the younger tom to where Longtail sat seething with Darkstripe. "I suggested you come to ThunderClan's camp. I know you and Longtail have... history."

Scowling, the ginger huffed. "That's certainly one way to put it."

Leafstar yowled, calling the clan together. "Everyone! Please gather around."

Glancing towards the leader, Firesky trotted over, settling near the front of the group.

To his annoyance, Longtail decided to sit right beside him, casting a sideways glare at the ginger.

Holding back a snarl, the ginger met his glare with an icy stare of his own.

Leafstar, choosing to ignore the two brooding toms, smiled warmly. "Tigerstar has proposed that we exchange a few cats for a few days, to become familiar with each other and our territories. We did this with WindClan, and I believe it will be beneficial here as well. I've decided Firesky, Leopardstreak, and Cherrypaw will be the ones to go."

Tigerstar's tail twitched, his eyes hiding any emotion. "Longtail, Darkstripe, and Swiftpaw will be staying here in SkyClan." Standing, he nodded to Leafstar. "We'll be going now. We should make the most of this. Lionheart, let's go." he headed for the path out of the gorge, his deputy following behind.

Hesitating, Firesky quickly followed behind the tabby leader, dipping his head to Leafstar as he left.

She returned the nod before turning to address the ThunderClan cats.

Cherrypaw and Leopardstreak quickly bounded over to join Firesky, walking on either side of the ginger as they followed the ThunderClan leader and deputy.

Once out of the gorge, Leopardstreak scowled, muttering. "I don't expect a warm welcome. WindClan was indebted to us. ThunderClan are probably just gonna feel like they can order us around."

Firesky sighed, tail flicking. "You're not wrong. I'm... concerned about Longtail being left in our camp, but we need to think about our own survival for now. ThunderClan weren't welcoming the last time I was in their camp."

Cherrypaw was silent, but she stuck close to her mentor, her twitching ears betraying her nervousness. 

Chapter Text

Firesky felt his fur prickle with discomfort as they passed through the ThunderClan camp entrance, Leopardstreak and Cherrypaw following close behind.

Tigerstar moved to his meeting spot, calling the clan together as his deputy settled below.

Exchanging a quick glance with his clanmates, the three SkyClan cats moved to sit to the side as ThunderClan gathered.

The burly tabby looked down at his clan with a smug smile, his tail flicking happily. "As you can see, we have returned from SkyClan with a few of our new friends. Firesky, Leopardstreak, and Cherrypaw will be with us for half a moon before they return to SkyClan. I expect them to be treated well. Lionheart, make sure they're shown around before being put on any patrols. I'd also like Firesky and Cherrypaw to work with some of our mentors and apprentices. Dismissed." He leapt down, moving to speak to a few of his other senior warriors.

Lionheart nodded to the three SkyClan cats. "Wait here a moment." He turned, calling out to a few other cats. "Sandstorm, Willowpelt, and Thornpaw. Would you three take Leopardstreak out for a border patrol?" Looking around, he called out again. "Graystripe, take Brackenpaw and show Firesky and Cherrypaw around camp. When Sandstorm's patrol returns, take yours out and show them the territory. Sandstorm, show Leopardstreak around here when you return."

Dipping her head, Sandstorm flicked her tail at Leopardstreak. "You heard him. Let's go." 

The young warrior gave Firesky a quick glance before following the she-cat.

Graystripe trotted over as Lionheart left to attend other matters, an awkward grin on his face as he nodded to the ginger. "It's uh... been a while, huh kittypet? You've certainly been busy."

Narrowing his eyes, Firesky's tail twitched in irritation. "I'm not a kittypet." 

Cherrypaw pressed against his leg, glaring up at the gray tom. "Yeah! He's SkyClan's strongest warrior!" She beamed smugly, puffing out her chest.

Glancing down at his apprentice, the ginger huffed. "Don't go saying things like that, Cherrypaw. What have I told you about boasting?" 

Huffing, she dragged a paw across the ground, tail drooping. "I know, I know." She sighed. "Still true though." She added on, murmuring.

Graystripe turned, his ear twitching as he beckoned them to follow. "Well, warrior or kittypet, it's still been a while since we've spoken."

Brackenpaw met them at the Apprentices' Den, bounding over to walk beside Cherrypaw. "Hi! I'm Brackenpaw. You're Cherrypaw, right?"

She blinked, a bit shy as she smiled. "That's right. How far in your training are you?"

Grinning, the young tom puffed out his chest, eyes sparkling. "Graystripe says I should be a warrior in about a moon if everything goes well!" While young, the little tabby was rather lanky for a ThunderClan cat and was already close to the size of most young warriors, just a little shorter than Leopardstreak. 

Cherrypaw, about at the tom's cheek in height, stared at him in awe. "Really? Maybe you can teach me some ThunderClan moves! Firesky said I'll be training with you and the other apprentices while I'm here!"

Tuning the two apprentices out, Firesky glanced back at the other warrior as they were shown the Medicine Den. "Brackenpaw is your first apprentice, right?"

Looking a bit annoyed, he nodded. "Yeah." Lifting his chin, the gray tom shot the other cat a slightly smug look. "Cherrypaw's your first too, huh? Since Brackenpaw is older, I guess I got an apprentice first. Makes sense. You were probably too busy trying to get cats to join your clan."

Eyes narrowing slightly, Firesky scowled, sneering at the tabby warrior. "Actually, Gorsefall was my first. He was a bit more well behaved than Cherrypaw tends to be, but he was born to the clan after all. Cherrypaw needed time to adapt, especially since she started her training a bit later than most clan apprentices, but I'd say she's ahead of her brother."

Stopping near the fresh-kill pile, Graystripe's tail lashed. "Oh is that so? Maybe we should see how she does against a proper apprentice then, hm? Tomorrow, during training. We'll have them spar."

Lifting his nose, the ginger scoffed. "Cherrypaw is a plenty proper apprentice." Leaning in, he narrowed his eyes. "And I have no interest in pitting her against another apprentice for the sake of my ego." Flicking an ear, he scoffed. "Tomorrow, if she wants to and only if she wants to, she has my full support in sparring with your apprentice." Snorting, he met the other warrior's gaze. "And if she chooses to do so, I promise I won't hold it over your head when she wins." He called out to his apprentice, the she-cat having fallen back on their tour while talking with Brackenpaw. "Cherrypaw. Sandstorm's patrol just returned. We'll be heading out for our tour of the territory now." He trotted over to her, glancing back with a small smirk towards the flabbergasted tabby. "Isn't that right?"

Blinking, Graystripe quickly shook away his shock, bounding over with a scowl. "Yeah." Looking down at his apprentice, he flicked his tail in annoyance. "I expect you to keep up this time, Brackenpaw."

Ducking his head, the apprentice glanced away, embarrassed. "Sorry..."

Frowning, Cherrypaw gave him a reassuring look before the group set out.

This tour was a lot quieter, an air of tension around the patrol.

As Firesky leapt over a log, he called back to Cherrypaw. "Graystripe brought up an interesting notion earlier, Cherrypaw. Tomorrow, if you'd like, you could do some sparring with some of ThunderClan's apprentices."

Not noticing the glare Graystripe shot back at them, she perked up. "Really? Will Brackenpaw be there?"

Chuckling lightly, he nodded. "Brackenpaw will be there for sure. I'm not sure how many others though."

Grinning, Cherrypaw beamed. "Yes! Let's do it!" She nudged the other apprentice, giving him a teasing look. "Bet I'll win more matches than you!"

Gasping in fake shock, he snickered. "Oh yeah? My littermates and I are older than you! Plus I know how they fight better. I'll win for sure."

Smiling warmly, the ginger laughed lightheartedly. "Glad to see you two have some sportsmanship. You'll be credits to your clans, I'm sure."

Thanking him, the apprentices delved into teasing whispers about tomorrow.

Once back at camp, they split up, Brackenpaw leaving with his mentor to train for a bit while Firesky and Cherrypaw met back up with Leopardstreak with some prey.

Settling with a mouse, the ginger smiled at the younger warrior, curling his tail around his paws. "How was your patrol, Leopardstreak? Sandstorm and the others were cordial to you, I hope?"

He nodded, offering the warrior a small smile. "Yeah, they were nice. Thornpaw said he liked my pelt markings." He chuckled, thinking about the encounter with the apprentice.

Humming, Firesky swallowed a bite of his prey. "Well I'm glad your patrol went better than mine. Graystripe ended up challenging us to some sort of competition tomorrow. I think he didn't like that I've had more apprentices than him or something."

Cherrypaw blinked up at her mentor, tilting her head. "Oh, is that why you two seemed so tense? I thought that patrol seemed a little stuffy. Well, competing or not I'm glad I get to train with Brackenpaw tomorrow!" She beamed.

Leopardstreak shot her a look, snickering as he teased the apprentice. "Oh? Did you make a friend already?"

Sticking her tongue out at the warrior, she looked away, her ear-tips heating up in embarrassment.

The two warriors laughed, earning glares from the young she-cat.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Firesky leaned down as he padded beside his apprentice, murmuring so only she could hear. "You don't have to make this a competition if you don't want to, Cherrypaw. Graystripe was just trying to get a rise out of me yesterday. While I trust you to hold your own, these apprentices are older than you."

Frowning, she glanced up at him. "I know but... I'm gonna face opponents that are bigger than me, right? Plus, Brackenpaw and I are friends now! And I like sparring! I'll be fine."

Nodding, he gave her a small nuzzle. "If you say so. Do you best and remember, against a larger enemy, use your size to your advantage, alright?"

Grinning, she gave him a curt nod. "Right!"

Entering the clearing behind Sandstorm and Thornpaw, they spotted Graystripe and Brackenpaw already in the training hollow.

The gray warrior looked up, his eyes darkening slightly as the SkyClan cats arrived. Looking down at his apprentice, he hissed something in the tom's ear, causing the apprentice to straighten up with wide eyes.

Sandstorm gave her clanmate a weird look before glancing back at the ginger. "Graystripe filled me in on the whole sparring thing. It's fine by me, so we should start with that then later on we can train based on what we notice. Thornpaw and Brackenpaw should go first. I'm not sure if SkyClan spar differently, so this way Cherrypaw can get an idea of what to expect and what to do."

Flicking his tail, Firesky sat across the clearing from Graystripe. "Fine by me." Looking at his apprentice, he smiled warmly. "Watch carefully, alright? You face off with both of them before we're done."

Sending her apprentice into the sandy clearing, Sandstorm settled on one end of the clearing, curling her tail neatly around her paws before calling out. "Thornpaw, Brackenpaw, are you both ready?"

The two littermates called out with matching grins. "We're ready!"

Nodding, Sandstorm chuckled. "Then... Go!" She called, eyes narrowing slightly as she gave them the go ahead.

Instantly, the two young toms leapt into action, barreling towards each other with reckless abandon and giddy smiles.

At the last moment, Brackenpaw bunched his muscles, leaping over his brother. Unfortunately, he landed on a paw awkwardly and rolled to the side before quickly trying to get to his paws.

Taking quick advantage of his brother's blunder, Thornpaw spun, racing over and ramming into Brackenpaw's side, sending the tom tumbling.

Snarling, Brackenpaw braced himself as his brother tried to ram into him again, sidestepping and causing Thornpaw to stumble past. Grinning, he leapt onto Thornpaw's back, leading to the two toms rolling through the sand together, locked in their wrestle as they exchanged blows. 

After a moment of wrestling, they broke apart. Brackenpaw managed to recover faster and leapt back onto his brother, winding Thornpaw and allowing him to pin the tom long enough for Sandstorm to declare him the winner.

Stepping off, Brackenpaw helped Thornpaw to his feet before trotting over to his mentor.

Graystripe gave his apprentice a curt nod, though he quietly scolded him for his mistake leaping at the start of the battle.

Sandstorm smiled at her apprentice, ruffling his fur with a paw and sending him to the stream by the clearing to get a drink of water. Looking back at the other warriors, she flicked her tail. "We'll play by King of the Hill rules, alright? Brackenpaw will fight Cherrypaw next and the winner will stay in from there and so on."

Nodding, Graystripe huffed before giving his apprentice a stern look.

Rolling his eyes slightly, Firesky glanced at his own apprentice with a soft smile. "You'll do great." Lowering his voice so the others couldn't hear him, he murmured to her. "It isn't sprained, but the paw he landed on will still be sore." Sitting back up, he sent her in. "Remember your training and you'll do just fine."

She bounded over to her spot, her tail waving excitedly.

Brackenpaw moved to his spot, shaking a bit of dust from his pelt before dropping into a better stance.

As Thornpaw settled by her side, Sandstorm called out to make sure they were ready, getting hearty responses from both. "Ready... Go!" 

Cherrypaw narrowed her eyes, remaining in place for a moment as her opponent rushed forward. As he neared her, she bunched her muscles and leapt high into the air.

Brackenpaw, seeing her prepare to jump, leapt at the last moment, intending to intercept her leap. With wide eyes, he realized he'd underestimated her jump and went tumbling into the sand as she landed neatly on her paws.

Grinning, she spun to intercept him as he tried to get to his paws, ramming his shoulder to knock him back down before moving to pin him in an awkward position so he couldn't overpower her.

Unfortunately, Brackenpaw had been caught in positions like these before and rolled out from under her grip, rolling to his paws before turning to face off against her.

Both apprentices bared their teeth, circling each other as they prepared to make another move.

Cherrypaw noticed his stance change slightly and ducked under a swipe, though she missed a second and was cuffed over an ear. Spitting, she responded by bunching her muscles to leap again. 

Brackenpaw, narrowing his eyes, anticipated her high leap, preparing to match her height.

The she-cat smirked, her bunched muscles only a bluff as she feigned movement, causing the tom to jump and allowing her to ram his belly, clinging to him as she tussled with the winded tabby in the sand.

The two apprentices were locked in combat, though Brackenpaw was wearing out quickly, unable to get enough air to fuel his attacks.

Before long, Cherrypaw managed to pin the older apprentice once again, pressing on his shoulder to ensure he couldn't move easily.

Sandstorm nodded, calling out. "That's enough. Cherrypaw wins."

Stepping off, Cherrypaw purred, her eyes bright. "That was great! You're so strong, I almost lost even when I had you pinned!"

Brackenpaw quickly got to his feet, panting as he shook dust from his pelt. He looked up at the she-cat with wide eyes, shining in awe. "That was incredible, Cherrypaw! How can you jump so high? I'm older, stronger, and lankier and I can't even jump that high!"

Chuckling, Firesky trotted over. "It's a SkyClan trait. We like to hunt in the trees. Jumping high lets us access higher branches for better vantage points." Nudging his apprentice, he nodded towards the far end of the clearing. "Take your place. You'll need to defend your title against Thornpaw next." Nodding to Brackenpaw, he smiled warmly. "Well done. You should get some water before it's your turn again."

Growling softly, Graystripe called out. "Report to me first, Brackenpaw. We need to go over your performance." The older tabby was clearly not please, glowering at his apprentice with an agitated tail.

Firesky rolled his eyes slightly, returning to his place on the outskirts of the arena before the next match began.

In the end, Thornpaw won three, Brackenpaw won four, and Cherrypaw won three. Graystripe was in a better mood by the end, praising his apprentice smugly for winning overall.

Flicking her ear to get her attention, Firesky smiled at his apprentice. "You did well today. Get some prey and wash up. You've earned your rest."

Grinning brightly, she raced off, Brackenpaw on her heels as they ran for the fresh-kill pile.

Chapter Text

Firesky nudged his apprentice towards where the ThunderClan apprentices were playing in the camp, encouraging her to join them.

They'd been with ThunderClan for a while now, only a few days left until they'd return to SkyClan.

Cherrypaw beamed at him before racing towards Brackenpaw and Thornpaw, joining their game of mossball.

The ginger watched her for a moment before moving to sit beside Leopardstreak, giving the younger warrior a smile. "How were patrols today?"

Leopardstreak's tail twitched as a small smile formed on his face. "They were fine. We had a debate about the best prey."

Lifting a brow, Firesky chuckled. "Oh? What did you end up picking?"

Tilting his head slightly, the spotted tom huffed. "It ended up a draw. Mouse and pigeon."

Ear flicking, the ginger hummed. "Always was partial to vole myself."

Sticking out his tongue, the warrior snorted. "Always a bit rich for me."

As both toms laughed at the comment, Tigerstar trotted over with a thoughtful expression.

Quieting down, Firesky looked up at the tabby with a slight frown before dipping his head. "Tigerstar. Did you need something?"

Tilting his head, the leader hummed. "A word. You're not in trouble, I just have something to... bring to your attention." Glancing at Leopardstreak, he tipped his head apologetically. "In private."

Blinking, Firesky stood, tail flicking. He glanced at his clanmate with a shrug. "I'll be back in a bit. You should eat." He looked back at the tabby, nodding for him to go ahead.

Turning, the leader led the SkyClan warrior towards his den, ducking into the lichen-curtained den and settling against one of the walls.

Settling across from the larger tom, the ginger curled his tail around his paws, waiting for the leader to begin speaking.

Eyeing the ginger for a moment, Tigerstar cleared his throat a bit. "Before I get to what I wish to discuss, I would like to make something clear. Before you attempted to join ThunderClan, I'd seen you on occasion outside your twoleg nest, perched on the fence and staring into the forest." Tilting his head, he furrowed his brow thoughtfully. "You seemed out of place. Like a warrior barred from the wild." Chuckling slightly, his tail flicked. "I'd planned to talk to you at some point, see what your heart yearned for. I thought you'd make an excellent warrior." He frowned, eyes darkening a bit. "I apologize for Longtail's actions. Had he not driven you away, I would've been proud to have you as a clanmate, perhaps even train you myself." Lifting his chin, he offered the ginger a wide, toothy grin. "Firesky, I'm terribly glad we're allies now."

Firesky blinked for a moment before hesitantly dipping his head. "I... thank you, Tigerstar. That is... kind of you to say."

Nodding, the tabby straightened up a bit. "Of course, that isn't what I asked you to talk about today. It seems I was not the only one who saw your destiny to become a warrior. StarClan too saw your potential moons ago. They send a message to Spottedleaf, who in turn informed Bluestar of it. That is why she allowed you to try joining the clan. However, when Longtail drove you off, she resented you for what she believed to be cowardice. In truth, it was only her own fault that it had happened. You were untrained and inexperienced. Spottedleaf nor I could convince her to try finding you to bring you back here."

The ginger sat still, his brow furrowed as he listened to the tabby's words. "A message from StarClan? StarClan gave me a message after that day, when Skystar led me to reform SkyClan."

Tigerstar seemed to frown a bit at that, but flicked an ear dismissively. "That was StarClan's only true option to keep you in the wild after what Bluestar allowed Longtail to do. Otherwise, you may have returned to Twolegplace or died. In truth, it was always StarClan's desire to have you here, in ThunderClan. Bluestar told me, on her deathbed, the message she was given. 'Fire alone can save the clan.'"

Firesky frowned, his fur prickling lightly with unease as he stared at the tabby. "Could that not have been about SkyClan?"

Shaking his head lightly, the leader sighed. "I thought as much for a while, but no. If that were true, there would be no need to send the message to ThunderClan. SkyClan brought the message to us, to Spottedleaf and myself, because ThunderClan are the ones you were always meant to join."

Biting back a hiss, the ginger stood. "I need to speak with Spottedleaf about this. I apologize, Tigerstar, but even if you are being entirely honest, I need to hear this prophecy from the closest mouth I can to StarClan, and you said she was the one who received the vision."

The tabby seemed slightly irritated for a moment, but dipped his head. "Fear not, Firesky. When you come to realize the true intentions of StarClan, you will not be ripped from your friends and family in SkyClan. TigerClan brings us all together in a way not previously possible. You will be able to serve your true clan, even if you keep a paw in SkyClan."

Firesky stared at the leader with a small frown before dipping his head, turning to leave.

Tigerstar flicked his tail, purring. "Please allow me to speak with Spottedleaf before you do. I want to warn her that you already know of the prophecy. Best not to spring it on her."

Still turned away, the ginger hesitated before giving the older tom a curt nod and leaving.

What the SkyClan warrior couldn't see, what he desperately wanted to avoid seeing again in a tom of such similar tabby pattern, was the hungry look of power that trailed after him.

Hadn't Mudclaw talked about uniting two clans together moons ago?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Firesky had insisted Tigerstar not be there when he spoke with Spottedleaf, too wary of the leader's intentions to allow his looming presence.

The she-cat smiled gently, her expression inviting as her apprentice peered around her side.

Brightpaw seemed to be a curious young she-cat, with the wide eyes of an owl and the intelligence to match.

Spottedleaf curled her plumed tail around her paws, kneading the ground. "I'm glad Tigerstar told you of the prophecy." Hesitating, her eyes narrowed ever so slightly. "He spoke with me some, but I'd like to ask you directly. What exactly did Tigerstar say? I'd like to ensure we don't have any... arguments about this later."

Hesitant, the ginger glanced at the apprentice.

Flicking an ear dismissively, the tortoiseshell huffed. "She already knows. As my apprentice, it'll be good experience for her to learn about this."

Firesky considered her words before giving her a quick nod. "Alright. Basically, Tigerstar informed me of the prophecy and his beliefs about the meaning. He said StarClan intended for me to be here, in ThunderClan."

Her brows furrowed slightly, but she nodded. "He's not wrong. ThunderClan was meant to be your home. However, when you were driven out, your destiny, the destiny of the clans, it all changed. That prophecy may not even still be in motion. I think..." Looking up to meet his gaze, she smiled apologetically. "I'm afraid I need to ask a favor of you."

Hesitantly curious, the ginger nodded. "What is it?"

Spottedleaf sighed, grateful for the tom's understanding in the moment. "I will ask StarClan about the prophecy during the next half-moon meeting, but that's in almost an entire moon. You have a strong connection with StarClan. If you weren't practically destined to be a leader, I'd argue your path was meant to be a medicine cat. In your dreams, try to speak with StarClan yourself. I know you've spoken with cats like Skystar. Perhaps, even if he doesn't know much, he can ask the rest of StarClan about it."

Firesky looked at her for a moment, his mind racing with possibilities of why she'd be so uncertain when Tigerstar seemed so confident. Letting out a small sigh, he dipped his head. "Very well. I'll try to get in contact with him. Thank you for speaking with me about this, Spottedleaf, I'm sorry to have taken up your time."

Purring, she waved him off with a paw. "Nonsense. I'm always glad to talk, especially when it's as important as this. Have a good day, Firesky. Take care."

Standing, he dipped his head, unable to stop himself from smiling at the she-cat's cheery demeanor. "And you as well." Glancing at the apprentice, he smiled gently. "I hope your training goes well, Brightpaw. You have an excellent mentor." Dipping his head to both she-cats again, he slipped out of the den.

Lionheart's voice called away his attention, summoning the ginger for a patrol.

Perking up, the ginger trotted over, the conversation pushed to the back of his mind for now.

Chapter Text

Firesky couldn't help from smiling as the patrol crossed into SkyClan territory.

He relished in the familiar, comforting scents of the grassy hills.

Leopardstreak looked like he was itching to race past the group, to run the moorland freely.

Tigerstar laughed, shooting the young warrior an amused look. "You'll be back on patrols here soon enough. I'm sure you can wait a bit longer."

The spotted warrior seemed a bit annoyed at his words, but dipped his head and fell back to walk in pace with his clanmates.

Cherrypaw seemed a bit downtrodden, looking down at her paws as she walked.

Flicking her with his tail, the ginger chuckled. "Missing your new friends already?"

Ignoring his teasing tone, she nodded, her tail drooping.

Returning his gaze forward, his whiskers twitched. "Don't worry. I'm sure we'll be seeing plenty of ThunderClan. Besides, you need to focus on training. I'd say, with enough focus and work, you could get your warrior ceremony in a moon."

Perking up, her sadness seemed to vanish as her eyes widened. "Really?!"

Smiling warmly, Firesky nudged her playfully. "Positive."

Puffing out her chest, her eyes sparkled. "I wonder what my name will be... Maybe Cherryfang or Cherryslash!" She grinned, pausing in her walk to swipe at the air with her claws.

Stopping to turn and look at her, he fondly rolled his eyes. "Maybe Cherrysnail if we're late. C'mon, your brother probably misses you too, y'know."

Pinning her ears back, Cherrypaw bounded to catch up with him, a bit embarrassed.

Slowing down to match pace, Tigerstar gave the apprentice an amused look. "From what I hear, your skills excel in hunting, little 'paw. Cherrypounce or Cherrybranch have nice rings to them, don't you think?"

Firesky glanced at the leader, a small prickle of mistrust running down his spine before he forced a strained smile. "Whatever it is, it will suit her just fine."

The tabby glanced his way, his expression unreadable for a moment before he smirked, dipping his head in agreement before moving back to the front of the group.

Finally, they reached the edge of the gorge, beginning to climb down the cliffside one at a time.

Leafstar greeted them with a strained smile, her stomach far more swollen than it had been when they left.

Billystorm pressed against her, supporting her wait with a neutral expression.

Longtail, Darkstripe, and Swiftpaw were sat nearby, the two warriors looking irritated.

Swiftpaw had a big smile, Sparrowpaw sitting beside him as the two apprentices huddled in conversation.

Longtail shot his apprentice a few annoyed looks, but said nothing.

Lionheart trotted over to his clanmates while the leader and the rest of the patrol moved to greet Leafstar.

Tigerstar's tail flicked as he tilted his head, purring. "You look healthy, Leafstar. They must be due any day now."

Lifting her chin, she looked irritated at the tabby once again commenting on her pregnancy. "They are. They'll be strong." Relaxing slightly, she turned to her clanmates with a smile. "Welcome home. I'll be interested to hear how it went. I know things were... strained on our end." Nodding to the leader, she huffed. "Despite what happened, I'll trust Longtail and Darkstripe to relay that information to you. I'm sure you need to return to your clan."

The tabby's expression darkened slightly, but he dipped his head respectfully. "Very well. Lionheart and I will be returning soon to discuss the future of TigerClan, but we should allow our clanmates to rest." 

Lionheart and the ThunderClan cats padded over, signaling to Tigerstar they were ready to leave.

Nodding to his deputy, Tigerstar sighed. "We'll be off, then." Turning, he glanced towards Firesky, giving the ginger a sharp-toothed grin. "Until next time." 

The ThunderClan leader walked past his cats, leading them back up the cliff and out of sight.

Glancing around, Firesky's tail twitched, blinking in confusion. "Hey, wait... Where's Sharpclaw? I would've figured he'd be here for the switch off."

Leafstar's ears drooped. "He fell ill a few days ago. Echosong says it's not deadly, but it's taken a lot out of him. If I had to guess, I'd say he's sleeping right now."

Billystorm pressed against her, nosing her cheek gently. "You're supposed to be resting too, love." He spoke softly, fondly. "Why don't you go to your den and I'll bring you some prey."

Sighing, she nodded softly. "Fine. But only if you'll share it with me." She flicked him playfully with her tail as she walked towards her den.

Looking back towards the others, the daylight warrior smiled apologetically. "I'm sorry she can't fill you in at the moment. Why don't you go to Smudgespot? He and Sparrowpaw were right in the mix." Giving them a quick nod, he trotted past them towards the prey pile.

Exchanging a glance with Leopardstreak and Cherrypaw, Firesky shrugged and looked around for his friend and the other apprentice.

Gorsefall trotted over, headbutting his brother with a grin. "Leopardstreak! How was it? Did anything happen?"

The young spotted warrior returned the energy with a swipe over the young ginger's ears, snorting in amusement. "Just wait a bit and you can hear all about it when we tell the others." 

Sticking out his tongue, Gorsefall huffed. "Fine, fine." Glancing at his mentor, he grinned. "Did you get to spar with them? Did you win?"

Rolling his eyes fondly, Firesky cuffed his former apprentice lightly. "What did your brother just tell you?" Glancing around, the older warrior hummed. "Where are Smudgespot and Sparrowpaw?"

Stretching, the younger ginger yawned. "Out training. They'll be back soon, though. They went out pretty early this morning."

Nodding, Firesky tilted his head in thought. "Well, we'll wait until they get back to talk about the swap. Leopardstreak, Cherrypaw, why don't you two grab some prey? We haven't eaten today, after all."

Perking up, the two young cats nodded before bounding over to the prey pile.

Giving his former apprentice a thoughtful look, the older warrior lowered his voice. "Gorsefall. Did the ThunderClan cats cause any real trouble while they were here? A fight or something of that nature?"

Blinking in surprise, Gorsefall frowned slightly. "Well... On the first day, there was one thing that happened..."

Narrowing his eyes, Firesky's tail began to twitch. "Elaborate."

Nodding, the younger tom tilted his head as he thought about his words. "Well, once your patrol left, Leafstar asked Sharpclaw to show the ThunderClan cats around camp. I don't know all the details, but when they got to the Nursery, Longtail made a comment about Deerspring smelling like a rogue and Sharpclaw told him to be quiet. Longtail didn't like that and... They ended up fighting for a moment before Billystorm and Echosong broke them up."

Humming thoughtfully, Firesky sighed. "I see." Dipping his head to the ginger, he thanked him. "We'll discuss that more later, once the others return. For now, I'd like to check on Deerspring and her kits."

Walking over to the nursery, the ginger ducked his head inside, spotting the queen curled protectively around her kits, her eyes glaring sharply at him.

Her gaze softened when she recognized the tom, letting out a small sigh before smiling. "Firesky. If you're back, does that mean they're gone?" She spat, clearly agitated.

Stepping in to sit by her, the warrior nodded. "They left just a short bit ago." Hesitating, he looked down at the kits, the two bundles of fur fast asleep. "Gorsefall told me a bit about what happened. Are you alright?"

Deerspring glanced down at Mousekit and Beekit, her tail curling closer to them. "I don't like this 'TigerClan' idea anymore. Not if those are the cats we're allying with."

He rested his tail over her flank comfortingly. "I think Leafstar is beginning to feel the same. Don't worry. No matter what happens, we'll keep you and your kits safe."

The queen was silent for a moment before narrowing her eyes, looking back at him sharply. "When they grow a bit more, enough to be alone for a small bit, I want to learn to fight. I don't plan on hiding in the nursery if anything happens."

From outside, they could hear Leafstar call for a clan meeting.

Chuckling, the ginger glanced back at the queen. "Well, we'll see what she thinks of all this. Want some help moving to the entrance so you can hear?"

Purring, the queen nodded. She gently picked up Mousekit by the scruff, slowly standing.

Picking up Beekit, he padded over to where she was now sitting just outside the den, placing the kit at her belly. 

Giving the she-cat a quick nod, he trotted over to join the rest of the gathering clan in the center of camp.

Leafstar's expression was dark, her lip curled in a scowl. "I'm sure you can all assume why I called this meeting. Before I begin, I would like to hear the opinions of our clanmates that went to live among ThunderClan. Leopardstreak, would you please tell us your thoughts?"

The young warrior perked up, nodding. "I think the exchange went alright on my end. Nothing went wrong, at least."

Nodding, the leader looked at one of the other warriors. "Firesky. What about you?"

His eyes narrowed slightly as he lifted his chin to speak. "Some of the cats there created issues based on our origins. While it was not spoken blatantly, it was clear they think less of us."

Leafstar's eyes sharpened at his words, nodding curtly before turning to the apprentices. "Cherrypaw, what are your thoughts?"

Perking up, she glanced at her mentor before looking back up at the leader. "Well, the ThunderClan apprentices were really friendly. They were really welcoming and liked training with me."

Nodding softly, the leader thought for a moment before letting out a sharp sigh. "As most of you know, the ThunderClan cats we allowed to stay in our camp caused their fair share of issues. Harassing Deerspring and her kits, refusing to hunt by our rules or try to learn anything from us, and picking fights in camp. Even Tigerstar pushes his authority upon us and tries to make his power known. This is not what SkyClan was based on, and it is not something we will stand for. TigerClan is clearly an excuse for Tigerstar and ThunderClan to gain power over other clans. We will have no part in it. When Tigerstar returns next, we will tell him this decision."

Chapter Text

Firesky's fur bristled lightly in anticipation.

Tigerstar would be returning today, expecting SkyClan to be happy to continue the arrangement or completely give in to the tabby's rule.

He wouldn't find that.

Echosong, Creekflower, Deerspring, and the kits all hid in the nursery.

Leafstar stood with her chin raised, glaring at the top edge of the gorge wall.

Billystorm stood beside her, pressed to support the leader.

Sharpclaw stood on her other side, his face contorted in a scowl as he glared at the top.

The rest of the clan stood behind the trio, watching in silence for when the ThunderClan cats would appear.

They didn't have to wait long.

Tigerstar appeared, his amber eyes glittering in the sun.

He led Longtail and Sandstorm down, a smirk settled on his features.

Reaching the bottom, the tabby narrowed his eyes, eyeing the tense clan. "Is something the matter? You look as though you're facing a fox." He scowled, clearly unamused.

Leafstar wrinkled her nose, narrowing her eyes. "I have come to a decision, Tigerstar." Letting out a deep breath, she scowled. "Whether it was intended or not, your clan have lorded over mine both in your camp and in mine. You and your cats act as though SkyClan are second to ThunderClan, that my power is second to yours, Tigerstar." Lifting her chin, she looked down at him. "I will not stand for that. We do not need you, nor will I have you thinking we do. I apologize, Tigerstar, but we will not be joining Tigerclan."

Tigerstar's eyes narrowed, his tail twitching in irritation. "I see." Tilting his head, he snorted. "I would've thought you would want more protection for your kits, Leafstar, not less."

Scowling, she hissed. "I think it's best you leave."

Humming, he shrugged, flicking his tail. "Very well. If that is what you wish." He scanned the crowd, his gaze meeting Firesky's for a moment. "Any of you are welcome to come to ThunderClan, should you desire to." Turning, he led his cats back towards the gorge.

Longtail looked satisfied with himself, shooting a sneer at the SkyClan cats before following his leader up the wall.

The three cats vanished over the edge, allowing the clan to relieve some tension.

There was a moment of quiet before a startled gasp caught everyone's attention.

Leafstar crumpled to the ground, her breathing becoming erratic as she looked up at her mate with wide eyes. "They're coming!" She breathed, fur prickling with fear.

Billystorm nodded curtly, looking to the others. "Sharpclaw, please get Echosong. Firesky, help me get her to our den. Gorsefall, please go find a sturdy stick for her to bite down on."

Firesky leapt forward, giving the soon-to-be father a curt nod.

Sharpclaw and Gorsefall darted off to complete their respective tasks.

Carefully, the two toms supported the queen, guiding her to the leader's den and helping her settle on the nest.

Firesky quickly slipped out as Echosong arrived with a small bundle of herbs.

The ginger sat near the den with Sharpclaw, waiting in case something else was needed.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Echosong stepped out, a content smile on her face. Glancing over, she spotted the two toms. "Three perfectly healthy kits. Billystorm is with her now while she rests. When she wakes up, she'll probably be okay with visitors." The medic then headed for her own den.

Sharpclaw stood, stretching. "Right, then. Suppose we should get on with the usual duties. Leafstar wouldn't want us to be hungry just because she had her kits. Firesky, could you grab a couple cats and go hunting? See if you can't find a nice rabbit. It's Leafstar's favorite. I'm sure she'd appreciate having one to wake up to."

Chuckling, the ginger stood, dipping his head. "Sure, Sharpclaw." Trotting over to where a few cats were basking in the sun, he flicked his tail. "Leopardstreak, Cherrypaw. C'mon, we're gonna go hunting." Pausing, he gave the young warrior a mildly amused smirk. "We're hunting in the moorland today, if that makes you any happier about it."

Leopardstreak stood, stretching with a big yawn. Flicking an ear, a lopsided grin spread on his face. "Works for me. I'll be the chaser today, if that's fine with you, Firesky."

Flicking his tail against the younger warrior's shoulder playfully, Firesky led them out of camp. "That's fine." Looking at his apprentice, he smirked. "That puts you on interference, then. Think you're ready?"

Cherrypaw's eyes sparkled with excitement, grinning. "Yeah! I'll catch all the rabbits the moor has to offer!"

Rolling his eyes fondly, the mentor nudged her. "We can't even eat all the rabbits the moor homes. Let's try for three, alright?"

The trio reached the crest of a hill, a light breeze sending ripples through the tall green grass as they looked out over their territory.

Firesky nosed Leopardstreak as the younger tom began to scent the air. "Let's let Cherrypaw find the first one. Get her some practice."

Shrugging, the lanky tom began to stretch, preparing to chase the prey down.

Turning to his apprentice, the ginger smiled. "Alright. Go ahead."

Nodding, she lifted her nose, parting her jaws to take in the scents of the moor. Closing her eyes, her brows furrowed, concentrating as she tried to track down a catch.

After a moment, she perked up, eyes flying open. "There!" She hissed quietly, dropping into a crouch as she pointed a claw to the next hill over to the right. "Close by, right over there."

Giving her an approving nod, Firesky glanced at Leopardstreak. "Alright. Herd it to the base of this hill, Leopardstreak. Cherrypaw, you get in position to catch it. I'll be watching to make sure nothing goes wrong."

Both younger cats nodded, slipping into the cover of the grass to prepare for their respective tasks.

Firesky crouched, watching his apprentice huddle in the tall grass, her eyes wide with anticipation. Sweeping his gaze back over to the other hill where he could just about make out Leopardstreak's figure circling around to the backside of where the rabbit must've been.

In a swift movement, Leopardstreak spooked the prey out of its hiding place, bounding swiftly alongside the rabbit as he herded it back towards the rest of the patrol.

As the rabbit began to gain distance, the warrior snapped at it once more before veering away, slowing down as he left the rest to the others.

Cherrypaw heard its paws thumping agaisnt the ground, her ears pricked up and her shoulders hunched in anticipation.

The moment the two creatures locked eyes, it became a scramble for life.

The rabbit, in a panic, attempted to quickly change direction, moving to go up the hill towards where the ginger hid in anticipation.

Cherrypaw, her eyes now locked onto the rabbit, leapt towards it. She landed barely a tail-length behind it and quickly recovered from missing, cursing quietly as she gave chase.

Firesky watched as the prey gained distance, his eyes sharpening as the rabbit continued up the hill. Bunching his muscles, he leapt down the hill, landing squarely on the rabbit and quickly biting down, its spine crunching between his teeth.

Stepping off, the ginger saw his apprentice slow down as she approached, her eyes dark with disappointment.

Shaking his pelt out lightly, Firesky gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry too much about missing it, Cherrypaw. We still caught it. You did well, it was unlucky, that was all."

Quickly burying the prey for later, the group moved to a new spot to search for a new catch.

Getting into position around a new target, keeping the same roles, the cats prepared for another chase.

Firesky crouched, the flat ground in their new area not allowing him to watch his clanmates as he could before.

Leopardstreak pounced, startling both the target and himself, apparently, as the young tom let out a shocked yelp.

Ears flicking, the ginger could hear the tom rustling in one spot for a moment before he moved, giving chase.

After a short moment, Cherrypaw could be heard leaving her spot, bursting through the grass with a triumphant cheer.

Standing, Firesky quickly trotted over to his clanmates, pushing through the grass until he saw the two cats standing on either side of the downed prey.

Looking over, Cherrypaw grinned, her eyes bright. "I got it!:

Chuckling, he ruffled her head with a paw affectionately. "I can see that." Glancing at the other tom, the ginger tilted his head. "What happened at the start there? I heard a commotion."

Flicking his tail, the young warrior ducked his head in a small bit of embarrassment. "There was a burrow I wasn't expecting. Nearly twisted my paw." Perking up, he flicked his tail. "There was a second rabbit, though. My paw landed on it, so I was able to kill it before chasing down the other one."

Nodding in approval, the ginger stretched. "Well done. Go grab it. We can head back."

Gathering up their catches, the trio returned to camp.

Firesky took the smallest of the three rabbits from the pile, heading for Leafstar's den.

As he approached, Billystorm slipped out.

Glancing at the ginger, Billystorm perked up. "Ah, Firesky, just who I was looking for. Leafstar wanted you to meet the kits next. Sharpclaw already saw them.

Eyes bright, Firesky dipped his head in response, heading into the den carefully.

Looking up with tired eyes, the leader purred softly. "Firesky. Come in, please. Meet our newest clanmates."

Carefully placing the prey by her head, the warrior sat nearby, giving the queen a respectful berth. 

At her belly, three little bundles of fur curled up.

Leafstar nosed one closer as it tried to wriggle away, laughing softly. "Thank you for the prey." Leaning back a bit, she tilted her head, gazing at the kits lovingly. "Two she-kits and a tom."

His voice soft, the warrior leaned closer. "They're lovely. Have you named them?"

Nodding, she let out a breathy, satisfied sigh. "I have. Billystorm named the little brown tom Harrykit. The gray she-kit is Stormkit, and the ginger she-kit is Flickerkit."

Firesky looked at the kits in silence for a moment, his chest swelling with warmth as he stared at his new little clanmates.

Leafstar's purr rumbled softly as she stared adoringly at her kits. "Perhaps it's a sign. Warm wishes from StarClan, now that Tigerstar's presence has left our camp."

Glancing up at her for a moment, a twinge of anxiety bit at the tom's belly.

The camp, perhaps, was free of him.

Firesky suspected he wouldn't be so lucky.

Chapter Text

SkyClan
Leader:
Leafstar (mottled cream and brown she-cat, amber eyes)
Deputy:
Sharpclaw (dark ginger tabby tom, green eyes)
Medicine Cat:
Echosong (silver tabby she-cat with a white chest, green eyes)
Warriors:
Firesky (long furred ginger tabby tom with light ginger underbelly, green eyes)
Smudgespot (black and white tom, amber eyes)
Ravenflight (small black tom with a single white paw, icy blue eyes)
Gorsefall (light ginger tom, green eyes)
Leopardstreak (spotted cream colored tom, amber eyes)
Daylight Warriors:
Billystorm (ginger and white tom, green eyes)
Queens:
Creekflower (cream she-cat with dark spots, amber eyes)
Deerspring (light tortoiseshell she-cat, yellow eyes)
Apprentices:
Cherrypaw (Mentored by Firesky) (tortoiseshell and white she-cat, green eyes)
Sparrowpaw (Mentored by Smudgespot) (dark brown tabby tom, yellow eyes)
Kits:
(Deerspring's)
Mousekit (light brown she-kit, yellow eyes)
Beekit (tan with light gray stripes, she-kit, amber eyes)
(Leafstar's)
Harrykit (brown tom, green eyes)
Stormkit (gray she-kit, amber eyes)
Flickerkit (ginger she-kit, amber eyes)

WindClan
Leader:
Tallstar (black and white tom, amber eyes, long tail)
Deputy:
Deadfoot (black tom, yellow eyes, twisted paw)
Medicine Cat:
Barkface (dark brown tom, yellow eyes)
Warriors:
Mudclaw (dark brown tabby tom, amber eyes)
Tornear (gray tabby tom, yellow eyes)
Onewhisker (pale brown tabby tom, yellow eyes)
Webmask (dark gray tabby tom, yellow eyes)
Runningleap (light gray tabby she-cat, light green eyes)
Whitejaw (white she-cat, light green eyes)
Gorseheart (ginger tabby tom, green eyes)
Queens:
Morningflower (tortoiseshell she-cat, amber eyes)
Elders:
Ashfoot (gray she-cat, blue eyes)

ThunderClan
Leader:
Tigerstar (dark brown tabby tom, amber eyes)
Deputy:
Lionheart (golden tabby tom with bushy fur around his neck and chest, green eyes)
Medicine Cat:
Spottedleaf 
Brightpaw (white she-cat with ginger patches, blue eyes)
Warriors:
Darkstripe (dark gray tabby, yellow eyes)
Longtail (pale brown tom with black tabby stripes, green eyes, long tail)
Runningwind (light brown tabby tom, light green eyes)
Dustpelt (dark brown tabby tom, amber eyes)
Sandstorm (pale ginger she-cat with light tabby stripes, green eyes)
Graystripe (gray tabby tom, blue eyes)
Willowpelt (silver-gray she-cat, blue eyes)
Mousefur (light brown she-cat, light blue eyes)
Queens:
Brindleface (pale gray tabby, green eyes)
Goldenflower (light ginger tabby she-cat, yellow eyes)
Speckletail (pale golden tabby, amber eyes)
Apprentices:
Swiftpaw (Mentored by Longtail) (black and white tom, pale amber eyes)
Thornpaw (Mentored by Sandstorm) (golden-brown tabby tom, light blue eyes)
Brackenpaw (Mentored by Graystripe) (golden-brown tabby tom, amber eyes)
Cinderpaw (Mentored by Mousefur) (dark gray she-cat, light blue eyes)
Elders:
One-eye (pale gray she-cat, cloudy blue eyes)
Patchpelt (black and white tom, amber eyes)
Dappletail (dappled tortoiseshell she-cat, amber eyes)

RiverClan
Leader:
Crookedstar (light brown tabby tom, green eyes, twisted jaw)
Deputy:
Leopardfur (golden she-cat with spots, amber eyes)
Medicine Cat:
Mudfur (light brown tom, golden eyes)
Warriors:
Whiteclaw (dark brown tom with white paws, amber eyes)
Blackclaw (black tom orange eyes)
Stonefur (blue-gray tom, blue eyes)
Loudbelly (dark brown tom, yellow eyes)
Mistyfoot (blue-gray she-cat, blue eyes)
Queens:
Silverstream (silver tabby she-cat, blue eyes)
Apprentices:
Reedpaw (Mentored by Blackclaw) (black tom, gray eyes)
Primrosepaw (Mentored by Stonefur) (pale cream-brown she-cat with white paws, amber eyes)
Pikepaw (Mentored by Loudbelly) (dark gray mottled tom, blue eyes)
Kits:
(Silverstream's)
Stormkit (gray tom, blue eyes)
Featherkit (gray tabby she-cat, blue eyes)
Elders:
Graypool (pale gray she-cat, pale yellow eyes)

ShadowClan
Leader:
Cinderstar (light gray tom, orange eyes)
Deputy:
Russetfur (dark ginger tabby she-cat, green eyes)
Medicine Cat:
Runningnose (gray and white tom, pale yellow eyes)
Marshpaw (brown tom with light brown patches, orange eyes)
Warriors:
Tallpoppy (light brown tabby she-cat, green eyes)
Stumpytail (dark brown tabby tom, light green eyes, stump tail)
Wetfoot (gray tabby tom, blue eyes)
Littlecloud (brown tabby tom, blue eyes)
Brownleaf (brown tom, amber eyes)
Oakthorn (light brown tom, green eyes)
Queens:
Darkflower (black she-cat, blue eyes)
Dawncloud (pale ginger she-cat, blue eyes)
Apprentices:
Applepaw (Mentored by Russetfur) (mottled brown she-cat, green eyes)
Toadpaw (Mentored by Wetfoot) (dark brown tom, light green eyes)

Chapter Text

Firesky chuckled as Beekit tripped over his tail, tumbling over.

The kit quickly got back up, shaking out her pelt before continuing to chase her littermate across camp.

Deerspring trotted after them, frowning. "Beekit! Apologize to Firesky."

Pausing, the tabby kit glanced back, her eyes bright as she called out. "Sorry, Firesky!"

Smiling warmly, the ginger nodded to the queen. "It's alright, I don't mind. It's good having more energetic cats around camp."

The young queen huffed, her plumed tail flicking. "Energetic is right. It feels like they never wear out."

Stretching, Firesky hummed. "You could ask Cherrypaw to play with them. She'd certainly match their energy. Not to mention I gave her the day off."

Smiling, Deerspring nodded thanks. "That'd be a big help. Might even give me time to eat something."

Shaking out his pelt, the warrior nodded. "I think I'll sunbathe for a bit. You're welcome to join me." Dipping his head to the tortoiseshell she-cat, heading towards a sunny patch of grass in the camp.

Stretching out in the warm patch of grass, the ginger let out a content sigh, closing his eyes to enjoy the warmth for a bit before his patrol that evening.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Firesky gave Sharpclaw a concerned look. "Are you sure you're okay to be hunting? I know Echosong gave you the okay to leave camp, but you could take another couple days to rest."

The deputy huffed, his tail twitching. "I'm fine. It's just hunting, anyways."

Gorsefall chuckled, his whiskers twitching. "No rabbits today, then."

Rolling his eyes, Sharpclaw let out an amused chuff. "You two are acting like I'm an elder. Fine, no rabbits. Can we get to hunting now?"

Shaking his head fondly, Firesky chuckled. "Right. The forest? It's been plenty long and no signs of the fox."

Agreeing, the deputy led the way, veering to the East side of their territory towards the forest and twolegplace.

Gorsefall and Sharpclaw stalked through the undergrowth while Firesky took to the trees, bounding effortlessly across branches.

Veering away from the others, Firesky slowed in his movements, carefully sniffing the air as he searched for prey.

Catching the scent of a flock of birds, the ginger headed towards one of the older oaks.

The massive, lush tree came into sight shortly, a small flock of sparrows flitting among the branches.

Slitted eyes narrowing, the warrior bunched his muscles before rushing forwards, gliding across branches as the birds began to flee, dodging around leaves to try to get away.

Firesky reached them before they could escape, his jaws snapping around one bird before he leapt, swatting another out of the air before killing it with a well placed nip to the spine.

Taking his prey, he carefully leapt down from the tree's lowest branch, beginning to dig to store the prey.

A sound caught his ear, the surprised screech of one of his clanmates.

Eyes widening and ears perking, Firesky leapt into motion, abandoning the prey in favor of pelting through the forest towards the sound.

The ginger sped forward, his fur bristling as he burst through the undergrowth to see Gorsefall writhing beneath four ragged-looking rogues.

Sharpclaw appeared a moment later, his eyes narrowed and his gaze furious.

The two gingers leapt into motion instantly upon seeing the scene before them, tearing the cats off of their clanmate.

No longer pinned, Gorsefall jumped from his place on the forest floor, retaliating against his attackers with an enraged yowl.

Firesky pounced onto the largest of the enemies, digging his claws deep into the tom's back as he closed his jaws around the tom's ear, tearing half of it off, leaving a bubbling waterfall of blood in its wake.

The tom screeched, his eyes blown wide open as he began to buck wildly in an attempt to remove the cat from his back.

Snarling, Firesky dug his teeth into the cat's back, biting harder when he felt the tom's spine against his fangs. Ripping his head back, he pulled flesh and fur from the rogue's back, blood splattering across his muzzle.

The rogue yowled, rolling onto his back to dislocate his attacker before fleeing wildly into the forest, leaving splatters of blood behind.

Quickly getting up, the warrior looked around.

Gorsefall was handling himself well against a slightly larger opponent, despite his precarious position from before.

Sharpclaw, however, was wearing out fast against two opponents, despite both being smaller.

Narrowing his eyes, Firesky moved to assist the deputy, ramming into the side of a she-cat with an old, tattered collar. 

Spitting furiously, the warrior and rogue circled each other for a moment before they came crashing together, writhing on the floor in a death lock.

Firesky gripped her scruff tight, drawing blood, his claws raking at her belly.

She clamped down on his shoulder, her paws pushing against his stomach as she tried to pull away.

The ginger let out a pained snarl as she tore away from his grip, taking his fur with her. Rising to his paws, he leapt at her, digging his claws into her hind leg as he bit down on her tail, feeling the bone crunch between his jaws.

She let out a screech of pain, tearing herself from his grip before fleeing into the undergrowth.

From the sound of it, Gorsefall had sent his opponent scrambling as well.

The two warriors turned to help the deputy.

The rouge stood over the pinned tom, his teeth dug into the weakly struggling deputy's throat.

Eyes widening, Firesky hissed, racing to help the older tom. Lip curled, the ginger clamped his jaws around the rouge's hind leg, the tom screeching in surprise, letting go of the deputy's throat.

Growling, Firesky tugged, dragging the rogue off as Gorsefall joined him, knocking the tom over before raking his claws over the rouge's throat.

Scrambling, the rogue struggled against Firesky's grip for a moment before fleeing, following his allies into the forest towards twolegplace.

Spitting out fur, the two warriors quickly moved to check on the deputy.

Sharpclaw was terribly wounded, his throat and stomach bleeding heavily, both torn open with large wounds.

Cursing, Firesky thought quickly, tearing moss from the forest floor to press agaisnt the deputy's stomach. "Stay calm, Sharpclaw, you'll be okay! We'll stop the bleeding, we'll..." He trailed off, desperate as he put his weight into pressing against the wound.

Gorsefall quickly imitated his mentor, pressing against the dark ginger's throat with a clump of moss.

Sharpclaw's breathing was shallow, his eyes glazed as he let out a wheeze, his voice strained as he spoke. "Firesky... Listen to me..."

Firesky's heart pounded in his chest as he swallowed dryly, speaking softly as he nodded. "I'm... I'm listening, Sharpclaw."

The deputy's breathing was shallow, he took a moment to breathe before speaking again. "We all know... you'll be deputy next..." Pausing again to breathe, the deputy winced. "Stay strong... for the clan... they'll need you..." He trailed off, his breathing slowing. His eyes moved to look up, looking past the treetops to the sky. His voice was barely audible as he murmured. "The stars..." He breathed. "The stars have come out... to greet me."

Slowly, Sharpclaw's eyes slipped shut, his head going limp as his chest fell and did not rise again.

Tears dripped from Firesky's face as he pressed harder gritting his teeth. "No..." He whispered, shutting his eyes tightly. 

Gorsefall was silent, tears dribbling down his face as he looked away from the fallen deputy and his mentor, his tail limp against the grass.

They remained there for a while, pressing against the tom's wounds in desperation even though they knew it did nothing.

Only when the sun began to dip from the sky did Firesky move. Only then did he silently pull the deputy onto his shoulders with Gorsefall's help. Only then did they began to trudge back to camp with their heads hung.

The stars began to dot the sky as they reached the gorge.

Firesky kept his gaze down, Silverpelt above feeling like nothing more than a mocking reminder of the body across his shoulders and the blood dripping down his sides.

As soon as the clan smelled the scent of blood, they rushed to meet the patrol.

Shocked, fearful voices called out.

Dark green eyes silenced them.

Firesky slowly lifted his head, crouching in the center of the camp to allow Sharpclaw's body to slide from his back. Turning, he lifted his chin, his voice catching in his throat for a moment as he tried to speak. "Sharpclaw... Sharpclaw has fallen." Pausing, he took a deep breath, steeling himself." A group of rouges ambushed our hunting patrol in the forest. Sharpclaw died fighting them."

Leafstar, who'd pulled herself from her den, was the first to approach the body. She crouched, pressing her muzzle to her deputy's, muttering softly. "Thank you, my friend. My old friend. Your memory will remain with all of us." 

The leader remained there for a moment before standing dipping her head to the body before lifting her chin. "I apologize to do this so quickly, but I must return to my kits. A great tom has fallen today. While he will always be remembered, I must name a new deputy. I suspect none will be surprised at my choice." Her eyes met Firesky's. "Firesky. You, StarClan's chosen to bring SkyClan together. You who has done nothing but serve this clan since the day it was formed. I would be honored to have you serve beside me as my deputy."

Dipping his head to the leader, the ginger shut his eyes, ears pinned back. He took a moment before responding, his voice strong and clear. "I accept. I look forward to serving our clan."

Leafstar nodded, touching her nose to his before she made her way back to her den to return to her kits.

Firesky moved to sit beside Sharpclaw's body, his head hung and eyes close as he settled into place, prepared to sit vigil for the tom.

Echosong moved beside him, applying a poultice and cobwebs to the ginger's shoulder without a word.

Gorsefall sat on the new deputy's other side, his tail resting across his mentor's.

Firesky breathed deeply, his eyes dry as he sat vigil for his friend.

Chapter Text

Firesky woke up slowly, his eyelids heavy.

When, the morning after Sharpclaw's death, Leafstar found the ginger still sitting by the tom's body, she forced him to one of the more private dens, telling him she'd handle the morning patrols herself.

Slowly stretching, the deputy peered out from the den, squinting up at the sky as he gauged the time. 

He felt a bit better about sleeping when he realized it was only sun-high.

Stepping out of the den, Firesky glanced around with dark eyes, spotting his apprentice.

Trotting over, he gave Cherrypaw a small nod. "Would you happen to know the patrols Leafstar already sent out today?"

Cherrypaw perked up for a moment as she blinked up at her mentor, nodding quickly. "She sent out a hunting and a border patrol. I was on the hunting patrol with Smudgespot and Leopardstreak. Billystorm took Sparrowpaw and Creekflower out for the border patrol."

Ruffling her head fondly, he offered a small smile. "Thank you. Go rest. We'll... we'll pause training, just for today."

She blinked up at him with a small frown before nodding, nuzzling the tom for a moment before trotting away.

Firesky let out a small sigh as she left, his tail flicking lightly.

Echosong padded over to him from the other end of camp, sitting beside the new deputy. She was silent for a long moment before speaking, her voice quiet. "How are you?"

The ginger stopped himself from scowling, his tail twitching faster as he let out a sigh. "Fine. I'm fine. How's Gorsefall?"

She looked forwards, scanning the camp. "He'll be just fine. You and Sharpclaw got to him before the rogues could do much." Pausing, she glanced his way, frowning. "You should let me take a closer look at your wounds. They could easily get infected."

Firesky sat a little taller as Leopardstreak padded by, his eyes dark. "Your herbs would be better spent on our clanmates. I didn't get hurt too badly. I'll be fine."

Fed up with his attitude, the medicine cat stood, her eyes narrowed in annoyance. "You can't just pretend you're okay, Firesky. I know what you're trying to do, but you are not that stoic cat that Sharpclaw was. You don't need to be that kind of cat to be deputy. He's dead. You're deputy. You're going to have to accept that." She snorted, stalking back towards her den.

Gaping, the deputy watched her go. A bit dumbfounded, he staggered to his paws, his mouth dry as he walked towards the path out of the gorge. As he passed Ravenflight, he muttered under his breath, "I'm going for a walk."

Climbing out of the gorge, the ginger sniffed the air, going the opposite direction of the border patrol Leafstar sent out. 

Letting his paws carry him, he found himself heading towards the WindClan border.

Firesky slowed down as he neared the border, finding a smooth rock to lay upon as the light moor breeze ruffled his fur and passed the scents of grass and prey past his nose.

The sun warmed his pelt, though he still felt cold. 

As the ginger let his eyes close, his mind drifted past conversations and encounters of the past.

His thoughts soured as he recalled something Deadfoot had said moons ago, back when WindClan were still rebuilding.

"Skystar had no business sending kits off to start a clan. He should’ve waited longer or had you come train with us," was what the WindClan deputy had said. 

His eyes opening to focus on his paws, Firesky hummed softly. He regretted disagreeing so quickly with the older tom. 

Letting out a small huff, the SkyClan tom flexed his claws. 

Deadfoot had a point. Firesky and his friends may be grown now, but had one of their enemies like Spade or the rogues that killed Sharpclaw appeared back when they were still in training, it would have been a far different story.

Firesky's expression soured as he shook his head, clearing the thoughts. He found he did hold a bit of resentment for Skystar, but...

In the end, Echosong was right. What's happened already happened. Nothing can be done by sulking.

Taking in a deep breath, the ginger stood, preparing to return to camp.

Grass rustled nearby, a cat poking his head out from the tall blades.

Eyes narrowing, Firesky scowled at the tabby.

Mudclaw's tail flicked as he stepped out of the grass and into the small clearing, tilting his head slightly. "Firesky. Long time no see." His tail twitched as he looked the ginger over. "Something's wrong." It wasn't a question, the WindClan tom fixing the ginger in a concerned expression.

Sitting up, the SkyClan tom snarled, his tail twitching in agitation. "Leave me be, Mudclaw. You might just be the last cat I want to see right now."

The WindClan tabby sat a few fox-lengths from the ginger, curling his tail over his paws. "I understand your feelings towards me, but you're not the kind of cat to come out on your own like this without reason. I don't mind if you want to screech at me, if it'd help you with whatever's going on."

Firesky glared coldly at the tabby for a long moment before letting out a defeated huff, sitting back down as he glowered at the tabby. His voice was quiet, but icy. "Sharpclaw was killed by a rogue patrol."

Mudclaw straightened up a bit, his eyes widening with concern. "Are they still around? You shouldn't be out alone."

Baring his teeth, the ginger snarled. "I'm no kit, Mudclaw. They were driven away, or I wouldn't be out by myself."

Nodding softly, the tabby tilted his head, his gaze thoughtful for a moment before something seemed to click. "You're SkyClan's deputy now, aren't you?" His expression was hidden, hiding any pity the tabby knew the ginger would despise.

Staring past the WindClan tom, Firesky nodded.

Hesitating for a moment, Mudclaw stood, moving closer as he pressed against the stiff ginger. He was silent, his breathing even as he looked away from the other tom, his tail resting over the ginger's shoulders.

The SkyClan deputy was stiff for a moment, but slowly relaxed, leaning into the touch a bit as he closed his eyes, muttering. "I don't know how I'm supposed to just move on, Mudclaw. How can I just push past everything so soon? I was there when he died. I could have done something... fought harder..."

Mudclaw remained silent, simply pressing a bit harder into the ginger's side.

Sucking in a deep breath, the ginger stood again, jumping down from his perch before turning to eye the tabby. He was silent as he stared before he huffed, lifting his chin as his eyes seemed to search the tabby's expression for something. "What you did to me... that wasn't right."

Sitting a bit taller, the WindClan warrior's amber eyes dark, somber. "I... have been made aware of that, yes." 

A bit surprised, Firesky narrowed his eyes, staring at the tabby for a short time before nodding curtly, turning and padding back towards camp.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Slipping back into camp, Firesky looked around, finding his apprentices sitting together.

Gorsefall noticed the ginger first, perking up and nudging Cherrypaw as the deputy approached.

Dipping his head, the deputy's tail twtiched as he addressed the she-cat. "We'll resume training tomorrow morning once I'm done sending out patrols." His voice was the strongest it had been all day.

Perking up, Cherrypaw nodded, her eyes bright. "Right!" she chirps, a bit of relief in her gaze as she looks happily at her mentor.

"Firesky!" A voice called out from across the clearing.

Glancing over his shoulder, the ginger spotted Billystorm trotting over. Giving his apprentices a curt nod, he met the daylight warrior halfway.

The older tom smiled, though it seemed a bit strained. "If you're not busy at the moment, Leafstar wants a word."

Blinking, a bit surprised, Firesky nodded. "Sure." 

Billystorm led the deputy to the leader's den, pausing outside as he lowered his voice to a murmur. "She's... Try to comfort her, if you can... Everything that's happened has... well, she's scared for our kits, Firesky."

Looking thoughtfully at the older tom, the ginger nodded, stepping into Leafstar's den without a word.

The leader looked up from where she was curled around her kits, her eyes lighting up a bit when she saw him. "Firesky, are you feeling any better? Rested, I hope?"

Dipping his head, the deputy settled near the she-cat, looking down at her kits as his gaze softened a bit. "Yes, thank you." Hesitating, he added, "Billystorm said you wanted to speak with me?"

Leafstar's expression dropped a bit as she glanced at her kits, nodding. "We need to discuss Tigerstar."

The tabby's name sent a jolt through the ginger, though he hid it. His expression hardened as he nodded curtly. "You expect him to retaliate in some way."

She met the deputy's gaze, her eyes searching his own for something she couldn't seem to find. "I'm certain he will. Cats like that... they don't give up, and after Sharpclaw..." She trailed off, looking away.

Swallowing the quickly forming lump in his throat, Firesky hummed. "He'll likely try to find support outside the clans, if none of the clans back him up. There are many rogues around the clan territories. It's far from unlikely."

Leafstar seemed to stiffen, her eyes seeming wetter as she blinked fearfully at the ginger. "Those rogues... the ones that..." 

"No." He quickly interrupted. His tone was insistent, though he wasn't sure if he was trying to reassure Leafstar or himself with it. "They couldn't have come from him. It's too soon." He eyed the leader for a moment before he offered her a small smile. This was what he was good at. He wasn't the rock that Sharpclaw was, but he was often an emotional tether to his clanmates. His voice softened, becoming reassuring in a way he didn't quite believe, but ensured she would. "Tigerstar couldn't have organized anything that soon. Not outside his clan."

The leader seemed to relax, just a bit, at his words, nodding. "Yes... you're right. Still, it's something that may happen soon."

Firesky searched her gaze as she looked down at her kits, his posture straightening subconsciously. "I'll be right beside you to deal with it, Leafstar. WindClan will help us should we need it and none of the other clans have agreed to his plans. SkyClan will get through this. I promise."

Leafstar blinked up at him, staring for a moment before she seemed to catch herself, her own posture straightening as her voice carried more authority. "Of course we will. That is all, Firesky." She nodded, hesitating before calling after him as he turned to leave. "Try not to worry our clanmates about this."

Glancing over his shoulder, the ginger dipped his head, giving her another reassuring smile before stepping back out of her den.

Chapter Text

Firesky stared down at his apprentice with a scrutinizing gaze, an ear flicking as he hummed. "You're doing very well, Cherrypaw. It's all about fine tuning now." He circled her, thinking carefully. "You and your brother... I think it's time to begin preparation for your warrior assessments."

Cherrypaw stiffened, looking at him with wide, questioning eyes, her mouth agape.

Nodding curtly, he stopped in front of her, looking down with narrowed eyes. "You'll need to work hard, but I think it's best you two become warriors before any... conflict can happen with Tigerstar. We'll end training for today, but the next half-moon will only grow more intense. I'll speak with Leafstar and Smudgespot. If all goes well, you and your brother should be named warriors around the full moon."

Turning, he flicked his tail for her to follow, leading the apprentice back towards camp.

Quickly running after him, she fell into step beside her mentor, staring down as she lost herself in thought.

Firesky shot her a couple glances, but remained silent. As they reached the camp, he dismissed her to eat and split off to check on patrols.

Billystorm glanced over, moving to join the ginger. "Firesky, training go well?"

Dipping his head in greeting, the deputy flicked his tail. "Very. Cherrypaw is growing quickly, and her skills have been improving even faster. With Leafstar's permission, I'm going to prepare her for her warrior ceremony."

Purring, the tom nodded. "That's great! I'm sure Leafstar will agree to it. More warriors is never a bad thing."

Humming, the ginger gave Billystorm a small nod. "I should speak with her now, I still need to send out the evening patrol afterwards."

Billystorm chuckled, nodding amiably. "Of course, don't let me hold you up."

Slipping by the older tom, Firesky poked his head into the Leader's den, his gaze landing on the trio of kits at the leader's belly.

Purring, the she-cat looked up. "Firesky, please come in."

Dipping his head respectfully, the ginger trotted in, sitting away from the she-cat to give her some space. "I wanted to speak with you about the apprentices' training. I'll speak with Smudgespot later about Sparrowpaw, but I believe Cherrypaw is ready to begin the final step of her training, preparing for her warrior ceremony."

Her eyes brightening, Leafstar's purr grew louder. "Firesky that's wonderful! I trust you to know when it's time. Why don't you do an official assessment for both the apprentices tomorrow? I think it'll be a good baseline before their actual assessment."

Nodding, the deputy smiled softly. "It's a plan." Eyeing the sleeping kits, he tilted his head. "How are they?"

Looking down at the little ones, the mother's smile softened, her gaze warm. "Echosong says they're perfectly healthy. They should be opening their eyes very soon." More to herself, she murmured, "I hope they have Billystorm's eyes." 

Standing, Firesky hummed. "You know, in just a few moons we'll have quite a few apprentices running around. Gorsefall, Leopardstreak, Cherrypaw, and Sparrowpaw would do well as mentors by then, don't you agree? Perhaps Billystorm as well."

Glancing up, Leafstar's eyes sparkled. "Our clan is growing so quickly, Firesky." 

Chuckling warmly, the ginger nodded. "It is." Letting out a soft sigh, he dipped his head. "I should go, I have duties to attend to. I'll let you know how the assessments go tomorrow." Excusing himself, the deputy ducked out of the leader's den, looking around camp for his oldest friend.

Smudgespot was just returning with Sparrowpaw, the two chattering animatedly about their hunt, abundant prey dangling from their jaws.

Letting them put their prey in the pile first, the deputy called the two toms over.

Dipping his head respectfully, the warrior tilted his head. "Is something the matter, Firesky?"

Shaking his head, the ginger smiled. "The opposite, actually. Tell me, how is Sparrowpaw's training going?"

Glancing at his apprentice, Smudgespot smirked. "I think he's shaping up to be quite the little hunter."

Puffing his chest out proudly, the apprentice's eyes sparkled. "I managed to catch a rabbit all by myself!"

Blinking in surprise, Firesky gave him an approving nod. "Very impressive, Sparrowpaw." Looking back at the spotted warrior, the deputy's expression became more serious. "Tomorrow, you and I will take our apprentices out for an assessment. Hunting and fighting. If they do well enough, I believe they should take their actual assessment in half a moon."

Smudgespot hummed, glancing down at his apprentice thoughtfully. His brow furrowed as he thought carefully, before glancing back at the ginger, nodding curtly. "I agree. Sparrowpaw is ready, and I imagine you wouldn't be bringing this up if Cherrypaw weren't."

A smile tugged at the deputy's lips. "Tomorrow morning then, right after I assign patrols for the day, we'll take them for their assessment. We'll start with hunting in the morning as the hunting patrol, then after sun-high we'll have them spar with each other, then against us." Nodding to the apprentice, the ginger flicked an ear. "Why don't you go eat while I speak with your mentor more?"

Blinking, Sparrowpaw glanced between them for a moment before shrugging and trotting back towards the prey pile.

Watching him go, Firesky frowned. "It'll be safer for them."

Brow furrowing, Smudgespot hummed. "How so?"

The deputy huffed, lifting his chin. "If they're named warriors, they'll have more confidence in their abilities. Confidence that they can succeed and survive. With whatever Tigerstar is planning, they'll need that confidence. We need to encourage them as best we can while we still can. If a battle breaks out, if they lost their mentor as apprentices, it'll set them back for moons. They'll be stronger, safer, as warriors."

Searching his friend's gaze, the warrior let out a long, deep sigh. "And if something does happen? Someone else, maybe not even us, dies?"

Firesky's eyes narrowed, his lip curling into a scowl. "Then SkyClan will be getting a lot more involved very quickly."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Leading the small patrol out, Firesky smiled brightly, pleased with the sunny, warm weather of the day in the middle of leaf-fall. "Alright. We'll start with rabbit hunting, since they'll be more active now, then we'll head to the forest for treetop hunting after. You two will be without our help for both parts. We'll be following, but you'll need to do all the hunting yourself."

The apprentices were uncharacteristically quiet, following the older cats with serious expressions.

Glancing over his shoulder at the pair, the ginger offered a reassuring smile. "This isn't your real assessment, 'paws. Just stick to what you know and you'll be fine. No shame in having fun with it today, alright?"

A frown tugged at Cherrypaw's face, but she nodded, seeming to relax a little. 

Reaching the moors of their territory, the two warriors fell back, nodding to the apprentices to take the lead as they slipped back into the cover of the tall grass.

Cherrypaw and Sparrowpaw exchanged a glance, the latter narrowing his eyes in determination. "Alright. I'll take chaser, you take the kill?"

Nodding curtly, the she-cat agreed. "Last time I was out for rabbit hunting, there was a burrow right by the sun-slab. Let's check there first."

A plan formed, the apprentices quickly and quietly made their way to the large, smooth stone that sat in the field, scenting for prey as they padded along.

Stopping quickly, Sparrowpaw used his tail to stop his sister, nodding towards movement across from them.

A pair of brown rabbits were munching on something, turned away from the apprentices even as they occasionally stopped to look around.

Nodding to her brother, Cherrypaw split off to work her way around the prey, leaving the other apprentice to prepare for the chase.

Waiting a bit for his sister to get to her spot, Sparrowpaw glanced between the rabbits, trying to pick one for the chase.

Narrowing his eyes, the young tom bunched his muscles, a sly grin spreading on his face as he burst from his spot, yowling as he ran down the rabbits, chasing them back towards his sister.

Chirping excitedly as they got closer, Cherrypaw leapt from her hiding place, ramming into the side of one of the rabbits as they ran past.

Pressing his ears down, Sparrowpaw's grin widened. He'd kept the older rabbit further from his sister, leaving it available as his catch. 

Speeding up, the apprentice's paws thumped against the ground, gaining on the prey as it tried to escape.

Finally, the rabbit seemed to slow, forced to make a turn as rocks blocked its path.

Baring his teeth, Sparrowpaw made the leap, landing firmly on the rabbit and stunning it before he bit down on its throat, killing it quickly.

"Well done, both of you." Firesky called out, stepping out beside the apprentice from the tall grass, nodding approvingly at the younger tom just as Cherrypaw trotted over with her catch, Smudgespot close behind.

Blinking in surprise, the apprentice flicked his tail. "Were you... right there the entire time?"

Chuckling, the deputy gestured for the apprentices to follow. "I had to keep close to assess you, didn't I? C'mon you two, we still have another part of the hunting assessment to finish before sun-high."

Shaking off his surprise, Sparrowpaw grabbed his catch, giving his sister a bright smile as she came up beside him with the other rabbit.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Firesky narrowed his eyes as he looked down at the apprentices, his tail twitching as he eyed each of them. "You will spar once more, then Smudgespot will spar Cherrypaw and I will face Sparrowpaw. Once that is done, we'll be returning home to discuss with Leafstar. We'll let you know the results tomorrow. Understood?"

Straightening their backs, the apprentices gave identical nods, a mixture of nervousness and excitement lighting both their eyes. 

Nodding, the ginger stepped back, sitting on the sidelines of the clearing, Smudgespot doing the same.

The two apprentices split apart, facing each other at either end of the clearing.

Lifting his chin, the deputy narrowed his eyes. "You may begin when you're ready."

There was a moment without movement, the two young cats staring at each other as they internally dared the other to make the first move.

A shift, and the spar began.

Bursting from his spot, Sparrowpaw snarled, his eyes narrowed as he raced towards his sister.

A grin quickly split the she-cat's face as she bunched her muscles, leaping long and high over her brother and landing just behind him, quickly spinning and snapping her jaws at his tail.

Quickly pulling away, the tom hissed, swiping at her as she tried to bite at him again.

Recoiling back from the swipe, Cherrypaw sneered, jumping right at him as he regained his footing from his swipe.

Crashing into the tom, the two apprentices tumbled across the dirt, latched onto each other as they fought for control of the situation.

When nobody was able to come out on top, both apprentices pushed off from each other, splitting off.

Cherrypaw managed to kick his stomach on her way out, winding her brother temporarily and allowing her to round on him, jumping onto his back.

Scowling, he instantly dropped to his belly, rolling onto his back and squishing her beneath him.

Huffing, the she-cat latched her jaws onto his scruff, trying to roll over as she wrapped her paws around her brother.

Sparrowpaw slammed his head backwards, feeling the back of his head hit his sister's. Feeling her grip loosen, he wriggled from her grasp, spinning to pin her as she tried to recover.

Cherrypaw struggled beneath her brother for a moment before letting out a sharp sigh, groaning as she tapped out. 

The she-cat got to her paws, shaking her head a bit to clear it as she stood. 

Firesky glanced over, frowning as a bit of crimson dripped from her nose. Trotting over, he tilted his head as he looked down at his apprentice. "Cherrypaw, are you alright?"

Looking up at him, she furrowed her brow in confusion. "What? It was just a spar, Firesky, I'm fine."

Huffing in amusement, the deputy relaxed. "Your nose is bleeding, Cherrypaw."

Blinking in surprise, she rubbed the back of her paw against her nose, looking down at it with curious eyes as she inspected the streak of blood. "Oh, I didn't notice."

Sniffing at it, Sparrowpaw frowned, looking guilty. "Sorry, I think that was when I slammed my head into yours."

Nodding, Smudgespot stifled a laugh. "You think? I could hear your heads make connection from where I was watching."

Ruffling Sparrowpaw's head with a paw, Firesky chuckled. "Don't worry about it, 'paw. It's just a nosebleed, nothing serious. You and I can do our spar first while she takes a bit to let the bleeding stop."

Stretching, Smudgespot nodded. "Come sit with me, Cherrypaw, you can watch while you wait for our spar."

Firesky made his way across the clearing, making sure the warrior and apprentice were on the sidelines before he faced his opponent. "Sparrowpaw, you ready?"

Nodding curtly, the younger tom narrowed his eyes. "Ready."

Lifting his chin, the ginger narrowed his eyes, green slits eyeing his sparring partner carefully. "Whenever you're ready, then."

Sparrowpaw stood his ground, his flicking tail silently taunting the older cat.

A small smirk tugged at Firesky's lips as he rolled his shoulders, teeth baring in a malicious grin as he leapt forwards, racing towards the smaller tom.

The apprentice tensed, a hint of nervousness lighting his gaze as the older, larger tom came racing towards him. Narrowing his eyes, he bolted forwards at the last moment, ducking beneath the ginger and spinning around from behind.

Rather than trying to spin on the spot, to the apprentice's surprise the ginger kept running, making a wider turn as he put distance between himself and his opponent and coming back around for another go.

Firesky sneered as he got closer, ducking his head so the apprentice couldn't try the same truck again. As he got closer, he jumped, smirking at the surprise in the younger tom's eyes as he tried to jump over the deputy.

Sparrowpaw wheezed as large paws slammed into his chest, gritting his teeth as he forced himself and the warrior to spin midair, landing on the ginger as he landed on the ground.

Wheezing, Firesky huffed, winded badly as he tried to kick the apprentice off.

Dodging the kicks, the apprentice moved to the warrior's side, holding his throat in his jaws loosely.

Eyeing the younger cat out of the corner of his eye, the ginger relaxed, his tail flicking.

Narrowing his eyes, the apprentice didn't move, waiting for the deputy to tap out.

Smirking, the deputy had an approving look, but batted the apprentice away all the same, turning the tables in an instant as he pinned the apprentice to the ground, a paw pressed firmly on his throat.

A muffled groan escaped Sparrowpaw's mouth as he tapped out, his tail flicking in annoyance as he was let up. "Come on! I totally had you, Firesky!"

Cuffing the apprentice lightly and playfully, Firesky huffed. "I was able to get out of your grip, so no you did not. So long as you don't draw blood, you should be making contact with your teeth during a spar, Sparrowpaw."

Frowning, the young tom stared down at his paws silently.

Giving him a light nudge as he walked over towards their other clanmates, the ginger hummed. "You still did very well, 'paw."

Smudgespot nodded, standing and nudging the apprentice beside him to do the same. "I agree. That was a very good spar, Sparrowpaw. We can talk more about it tonight, but it's time for Cherrypaw and I to spar now."

Firesky settled on the edge of the clearing, watching his apprentice carefully as the others got into position.

Sparrowpaw settled beside him, watching his sister curiously.

Smudgespot turned to face the she-cat, his whiskers twitching thoughtfully. "Are you ready?"

Cherrypaw grinned. "You bet I am!" she chirped, tail swishing in excitement.

Chuckling, the spotted tom nodded. "Your move then."

Eyes narrowing, her grin widened as she adjusted her stance. After a moment, she burst forwards, following the curve of the clearing as she raced at the tom.

Smudgespot turned to face her, holding his ground in a wide, sturdy stance as he lowered his head and narrowed his eyes.

A lopsided grin remained on her face as she made a sharp turn, dodging around the warrior and circling him, her tail streaming behind her as she ran circles around the tom.

Scowling, the warrior tried to keep track of her, loosening his stance as he tried to keep eyes on the she-cat.

Slowly, Cherrypaw tightened her circle, waiting for a moment when the warrior was flipping his head around to leap onto his back, gripping his scruff with her jaws as tightly as she could without drawing blood, back legs kicking into his back to emulate scratches.

Scowling, the warrior recovered from his confusion, flipping onto his back as he tried to squash the smaller cat beneath him.

Eyes lighting with satisfaction, the she-cat quickly let go and jumped off, leaping back towards him as she aimed at his newly-exposed belly.

Smudgespot eyed her, quickly wrapping his paws around her as she leapt onto his belly, keeping her secured as he shifted so she was beneath him, his legs caging her in as she struggled underneath.

Cherrypaw twisted beneath him as best she could, nose wrinkling as she gripped one of his legs tightly in her jaws, glaring up at him out of the corner of her eye.

Firesky called out, tail flicking. "I think that's about as much of a draw as we can get in a spar. Let's call it there, yeah?"

Glancing down at the apprentice, the warrior let out an amused huff. "Mind letting go of my leg, 'paw?"

Blinking, the apprentice realized she still had his leg in her jaws and quickly let go, licking fur out of her mouth as her ears heated up in embarrassment.

Stepping off, the warrior trotted over to join the deputy and other apprentice, the she-cat quickly following behind.

Nodding approvingly at his apprentice, the ginger smiled warmly. "You did very well, Cherrypaw. Let's head home. Smudgespot and I have a lot to discuss with Leafstar tonight."

Eyes widening, the two apprentices stared up at the deputy hopefully. "Do you mean...?"

Snorting, Firesky cuffed each of them playfully. "Leafstar will make that decision. You'll find out soon enough."

Turning, the deputy led them back towards the gorge.

Chapter Text

Firesky's eyes sparkled with pride as he settled beside the leader's perch, watching the clan gather around.

Leafstar had made her way atop her perch for the ceremony, Billystorm resting at the other side of the base of the perch with the kits. She lifted her chin, smiling down at her clan. "SkyClan, today we name two young cats as fully grown members of the clan. Would Cherrypaw and Sparrowpaw please step forward."

The two apprentices bounded forward, skidding to a halt as they nearly went too far forwards. Craning their necks, they stared up at the leader with wide, hopeful eyes.

Cherrypaw snuck a glance at her mentor, giving the ginger a nervous smile.

Giving her a reassuring nod, he purred.

Looking back up at the leader, the apprentice blinked hopefully, her tail tip twitching betraying her remaining nervousness.

Smiling warmly at the pair, the dappled she-cat dipped her head. "These two apprentices have trained in our ways for moons, and have been tested on their abilities. Smudgespot, how did Sparrowpaw do?"

Lifting his chin, the black and white tom called out. "He was efficient and careful in battle, and silent as he hunted. He passed."

Nodding to the warrior, the leader looked down at the ginger, her smile brightening a bit. "Firesky, how did Cherrypaw perform?"

Puffing out his chest, Firesky felt a purr rumble in his chest as he spoke loudly. "Cherrypaw's jump is unmatched in height and distance both in battle and hunting, she uses it tactically and effectively. She is a formidable opponent and an excellent hunter. She passed."

Leafstar nodded, blinking happily down at the apprentices. "Then, I say this before StarClan so they may hear my words and approve. Sparrowpaw, step forward."

The tom swallowed, padding a couple paces forwards. 

Tilting her head slightly, the leader regarded the apprentice thoughtfully. "Sparrowpaw, you've shown yourself to be an intelligent, resourceful cat. I name you Sparrowshade, for your stealth and cunning." Shifting her gaze, she nodded to the she-cat. "Cherrypaw, step forward."

The she-cat strode forwards, her fur brushing her brother's as she lifted her chin. The littermates' tails intertwined.

"Cherrypaw, you are an athletic cat with the heritage of the original SkyClan behind you. I name you Cherryswoop, for the way you descend on prey and enemies alike like a hawk." Leafstar purred, making her way down from her perch to touch noses with each of the new warriors. "You two will hold silent vigil tonight over the camp, but first allow us to receive you, our newest warriors."

Firesky stood, his voice first as he called out, cheering the warriors' names, pride welling up in his throat.

The rest of the clan soon joined in, even the kits voices joining the chorus beneath their parents' paws.

Once the cheers quieted and the clan began to disperse, the ginger padded over to the new warriors as they settled for their vigil.

He didn't speak, but he touched noses with each of them. Smiling warmly before he left for his den.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Firesky's eyes shot open as yowling filled the air. 

Bursting from his den, he spotted Cherryswoop and Sparrowshade screeching, hissing and spitting as a figure loomed above the gorge.

Snarling, the deputy pushed past the warriors, hissing under his breath to the new warriors. "Cherryswoop, go protect Leafstar and her kits. Sparrowshade, help the queens guard the nursery." Lifting his chin, his gaze met piercing amber eyes. His voice called out, louder than the two warriors had been. "SkyClan, with me!" He roared as ThunderClan cats began to stream over the edge of the wall, racing down into the camp.

Thundering paws behind the deputy assured him his clanmates were with him as he surged forwards. Snarling, he ran past the warriors that entered the camp, dragging himself up the wall towards the tabby leading the assault.

Launching himself over the edge and forwards, Firesky snarled, his claws unsheathed as he lifted his chin, his tail lashing as he faced the leader. "You. You're a coward and fox-heart, Tigerstar."

Tigerstar sneered, his tail flicking as he looked down on the ginger, looking far too relaxed for the deputy's taste. "Say what you will, Firesky, but after tonight I will be your leader. SkyClan will submit themselves to me." Unsheathing his claws, he leaned forwards, his breath hot on the seething ginger's nose. "And I look forward to removing you from this camp. You will be taken to the ThunderClan camp, and the rest of your troop of kittypets and rogues can stay here."

A surge of anger burned beneath Firesky's skin as he snarled, lunging forwards and slashing the tom across the nose. "This ends here and now, Tigerstar! I am SkyClan's deputy, and I refuse to let you harm my clan!" He ducked an angered swipe from the tabby, ducking to the side before sinking his teeth into the tom's foreleg.

Enraged, Tigerstar reared up, dragging the deputy higher with him before slamming a paw onto his skull, sending the ginger crashing to the ground.

His head pounded as he found his paws, baring his teeth as he and the tabby began to circle one another, each tom's gaze dark with suspicion. 

Tigerstar moved first, leaping towards the younger tom and sneering when his teeth clacked together on open air. 

Having leapt to the side, Firesky closed the distance himself, extending his claws as far as they'd go before stabbing them into the tabby's thigh and dragging them down.

Roaring, Tigerstar slammed his jaws shut on the ginger's scruff, tearing him away and throwing him against the ground. Not leaving a second to breathe, he scowled, pinning the ginger beneath him.

Firesky stilled for a moment, his piercing green eyes glittering with disgust as he looked up at the ThunderClan leader's. His voice was low, loathing. "Even if you best us here, today, you cannot expect us to surrender our wills to the likes of you. The moment you leave the camp, the moment WindClan hears word of this, ThunderClan will be driven from our land."

Tigerstar looked a bit annoyed, but his scowl slowly melted into a sneer as he leaned closer to the ginger under his paws. "Perhaps you're right. I cannot expect an entire clan to conform to my will in a night."

Blinking, the ginger hesitantly nodded. "For once you're speaking cat, Tigerstar. You'd do best to remove your warriors and leave."

Chuckling, the tabby shook his head, peering down at the deputy with a thoughtful, hungry gaze. He spoke as though Firesky hadn't said a word. "Not without proper motivation." Tossing his head back, the leader let out a yowl. "Darkstripe, Longtail, with me!" He called towards the battle in the gorge below.

Stiffening under the leader's paws, the deputy began to struggle, his eyes narrowing. "You're a foolish tyrant, Tigerstar! Heed my warning, you'll gain power all right! Then you'll just get killed by the next tyrant who comes along!"

Darkstripe and Longtail made it over the edge of the gorge, stalking over to where the pair of toms were, blood dripping from their wounds.

Tigerstar eyed them, his tail flicking. "Hold him down."

Firesky snarled, struggling and slashing when he could get his paws free. He snapped at them until Darkstripe pressed a paw against his muzzle, pressing his nose against the ground.

Stalking over to the edge of the cliff, the leader peered down at the battle with cold contempt. His voice was loud, deep, and menacing as he called out. "ThunderClan, halt your attack and return to my side." He paused, allowing his cats to begin separating, watching hope grow in the SkyClan cats' eyes for a moment before he spoke again. "Firesky will be returning to ThunderClan as our prisoner." He sneered, his tail raised high, proud. "I highly encourage you consider your options. I will send a patrol soon for your decision on how our clans will proceed."

Firesky's blood ran cold as he processed Tigerstar's ultimatum. He was numb as he was practically dragged by the scruff to ThunderClan, the journey feeling both moons long and an instant simultaneously. 

Tigerstar dug his claws into the ginger's chin, forcing the SkyClan tom to meet his gaze as he sneered. "You'll stay in the warriors' den, in the centermost nest. I do hope you'll find your accommodations... fitting." He chuckled before turning, calling to his warriors over his shoulder. "At least two cats with him at a time, and he's not to leave the camp."

Chapter Text

Firesky sat in a secluded corner of the ThunderClan camp, crouched stiffly on the ground with his tail wound tight around him. 

He glared out as the ThunderClan cats milled around their camp, the fur along his spine raising higher each time someone sent a look his way, be it contempt or suspicion. 

He bared his teeth when they looked with pity.

Of course, he noticed the moment a certain tabby's gaze returned to looking at him, keen amber eyes glittering with unhidden ambition.

The ginger was not pleased when the tabby decided to start walking his way.

Rising from his crouch, Firesky bared his teeth, a growl rumbling deep in his throat as the leader approached.

Tigerstar had the nerve to look amused. The tabby tilted his head as though he were looking down at some mischievous kit and not the deputy of another clan.

Lifting his chin, Firesky met the tom's gaze for a moment before hissing, spit spraying the leader's face as the ginger scowled.

Slowly, deliberately, the tabby lifted one of his massive paws to wipe his muzzle.

Then promptly slammed the paw onto the ginger's head.

Deprived of food, courtesy of his host, the ginger didn't have the strength to resist crashing to the ground, weakly struggling as the tabby pinned him with an unsheathed paw pressed firmly on his skull.

Tigerstar leaned down, sneering. "I do believe that's enough. Such behavior is unbecoming of a deputy, wouldn't you agree?"

Firesky's tail thumped against the ground, lashing in fury as he glared up into the tabby's eyes with unhidden contempt. "It's no worse than how you behave as a leader. Perhaps it's to be expected though, as we're both sons of kittypets." He sneered, able to find a bit of humor in that bit of gossip he'd picked up on during his last stay in ThunderClan's camp.

Recoiling, the tabby hissed, removing his paw. "Your disrespect has gone on long enough, pest." Regaining a bit of composure, the leader glared down as the ginger shakily rose to his paws. "Leafstar has no choice but to surrender her clan to me, and when that happens you will be the first thing they expect to see." Leaning closer, the dark tabby loomed over the SkyClan deputy. "When that time comes, I promise you they'll see a broken, submissive tom who has sworn loyalty to me." He hissed in the ginger's ear. "You choose when the torture stops, Firesky."

Barking out a sharp laugh, the ginger took a step back, lifting his chin to look down on the leader. "Torture? Is depriving me of food for a few days what you call torture? I am loyal to SkyClan and SkyClan alone, Tigerstar."

Chuckling darkly, the amusement returned to the tabby's gaze, amber eyes lighting with anticipation. "Oh? You underestimate me." Lunging forwards before the ginger could react, the tabby pinned him to the ground, slowly taking one of the ginger's ears between his jaws and biting down. His teeth tore at flesh, but the sharp pull as he reared back is what tore most of the ginger's ear from his skull. Spitting out the mouthful of blood and cartilage, the tabby looked stepped off, his tail flicking as he seemed to appraise the younger tom. "I have no qualms with hurting you. I do hope you'll reconsider before our next conversation." 

Tigerstar strode back across the camp, licking blood from his lips in satisfaction.

Firesky stared after him with wide eyes, crouched low to the ground as blood poured down the side of his head. He couldn't quite help his legs from shaking beneath him.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Firesky lifted his chin, his strength failing him when he tried to stand, ultimately deciding to remain seated.

Tigerstar looked down at him, tail flicking as he appraised the ginger.

Blood caked the side of the tom's face, clotted blood hiding the worst of the damage to his ear.

His eyes were slightly dulled as he met the malicious amber eyes.

Tigerstar hummed, flicking an ear almost mockingly. "And how is my guest today?"

Scowling, Firesky glared at the tabby, his fur bristling along his spine. 

The leader's smile dropped, an unimpressed look in his eyes. "Your pride will be the death of you, Firesky." Thinking for a moment, he lifted his chin. "I have an offer for you. A temporary one. All you have to do is dip your head to me, nothing more, and I will allow Spottedleaf and Brightpaw to take a look at that ear. I may even give you a mouse."

Gritting his teeth, the ginger hissed. "Eat rabbit droppings, Tigerstar."

A massive paw slammed into the SkyClan tom's cheek, sending the deputy tumbling a tail length from where he sat.

Stalking over, Tigerstar seethed, his nose wrinkling with disdain. "You are bringing yourself nothing but pain and suffering, Firesky." 

As Firesky lifted his chin to retort, a heavy paw interrupting him as it crashed into his head, slamming it back against the ground.

Stars danced in the ginger's eyes as the dark shape loomed over him.

Snarling, Tigerstar dragged the ginger under him with extended claws digging into his side, slowly taking the tom's uninjured ear in his jaws and slowly digging his fangs into them. 

The tabby's nose wrinkled in distaste as he pulled back, slowly and deliberately tearing the ginger's ear in half, bracing against his skull with a paw, claws digging into his face as he did.

With one final tug, Tigerstar tore the top half of his prisoner's ear off, spitting it out with a splat, blood speckling his muzzle and the dirt beneath both toms. 

Firesky's face screwed up in pain, but he refused to make a sound other than a growl, his fur puffed out in a mix of fear and anger.

Tigerstar sneered, the scent of blood hot on his breath as he spoke into the ginger's bleeding ear. "I do hope you'll have a better answer for me tomorrow." Batting the ginger away with a paw, the tabby turned, stalking back across the camp.

Firesky's breathing was shallow as he lay on the dirt, struggling to lift his paw to press it to his ear to stop the bleeding as much as he could.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Curled up tight, his tail wrapped to protect his belly, Firesky glared as the leader approached.

Chuckling, the tabby shook his head, clicking his tongue. "Come now, Firesky. This is beneath you. I'll allow you the same offer as yesterday. Dip your head to me, and you will receive prey and care." Tilting his head, he narrowed his eyes. "SkyClan sent a message. They wanted to know your condition. You wouldn't want them to worry, would you? Poor Leafstar, leading the clan all on her own. You don't want her to have to spend time away from her kits, would you?" He smirked, looking down on the ginger as his tail flicked.

Firesky's stomach clenched, far past the point of growling in hunger. His mouth was dry as he thought. Even if he wanted to do something, to resist...

Bile rose in the deputy's throat as he slowly lifted his head, regarding the tabby for a moment before letting his eyes slip shut, lowering his muzzle and dipping his head to the ThunderClan leader.

He wanted to hurl.

Surprise flashed in Tigerstar's eyes for a short moment before a purr rumbled in his throat, his voice silky smooth and sweet as honey when he next spoke. "I'm glad you're thinking clearly, Firesky. I'll send Spottedleaf over with some prey. Perhaps we'll even share prey later tonight if you're still behaving." He chuckled to himself, immensely pleased as he turned to trot to where the medicine den was.

Firesky watched him go, his chest feeling hollow.

Spottedleaf rushed towards him a moment later, Brightpaw on her heels with a bundle of herbs.

The medicine cat fussed over his ears, eyes wide as she spoke in a hushed voice. "Firesky, I'm so sorry about this. I told him not to do this, not to starve you, not to injure you like this, and certainly not to let you go without my care if he did." Shaking her head she glanced at her apprentice. "Brightpaw, please leave those next to me and fetch Firesky two mice, quickly."

Nodding curtly, the apprentice turned and bolted towards the fresh-kill pile, concerned determination lighting her gaze.

Firesky tried to hold still for the she-cat, his tail curled tighter around himself as she checked his mangled ears. He rasped, not having had water in days. "Not... your fault."

The medicine cat paused for a moment before promptly continuing her work, her voice taking on more of an edge. "It's Tigerstar's fault, we both know that." Letting out a soft sigh, she seemed relieved. "Neither ear is infected, thank StarClan." 

Going quiet for a moment, the she-cat gently ran her tongue over the ginger's ear, washing away the caked on blood.

Brightpaw returned, gently placing the prey near the ginger's paws before stepping back, glancing at her mentor before shuffling her paws, her voice uncertain as she spoke. "Spottedleaf, may I fetch him water? I don't think Tigerstar's let him have any."

Blinking, Spottedleaf gave her apprentice a sharp nod. "That's an excellent idea. Please be quick about it, I'm sure Firesky is very thirsty."

Perking up a little, she gave both older cats a quick nod before rushing off again. 

Spottedleaf began to apply a poultice to the ginger's ears, letting a stiff, if not comfortable, silence grow between them.

Firesky stared blankly down, his vision feeling blurry and yet all too clear at the same time. 

Moss pushed into his vision drew his attention.

Brightpaw gave him a hesitant smile, stepping back to give the ginger room.

Letting a small smile spread on his face, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Thank you, Brightpaw." He rasped, drawing the moss a bit closer before he began to drink from it. 

After taking a long drink, and drying out the moss, the ginger hesitantly drew one of the mice closer with a paw, staring down at him for a moment.

Brightpaw hesitantly stepped closer, pawing at the moss. "Would you... like more?"

Blinking, the ginger looked up, he hesitated before giving her a small nod.

Giving him a bright smile, she picked the moss back up, bounding away with it again.

Firesky looked back down, taking a careful bite of the prey.

Stepping away, Spottedleaf sat nearby. "Your ears should heal fine. You just need rest and food." 

The ginger chewed, looking down as he did. The prey tasted like sand in his mouth.

Glancing away, the medicine cat frowned, hesitating before she spoke again. "Firesky, Tigerstar won't stop this. I hate to suggest this but..."

Turning sharply towards her, with all his remaining strength, he hissed. "I bought myself time. I will not give in."

Spottedleaf recoiled, blinking in surprise before slowly nodding. She stood, turning to go. "Brightpaw will be back soon with more water. Please send her my way after she does." 

The medicine cat padded away, heading back to her den.

Firesky watched her go for a moment before turning back to his prey, eating the rest of the mouse quickly.

Two sets of paws padded into view.

Looking up, the ginger was surprised to see Brackenpaw with the medicine cat apprentice.

The young tabby tom looked sheepish, though he carried a second bundle of soaked moss.

The two apprentices each set a bundle of moss in front of the ginger.

Brightpaw dipped her head. "I should get back to Spottedleaf." She glanced over the ginger for a quick moment before dipping her head again and bounding towards the medicine den.

Brackenpaw scuffed the ground with a paw, looking hesitant to speak.

Eyeing the apprentice while he drank, he chuckled softly, lifting his head. "You were friends with Cherryswoop during our time here, right?"

Perking up, Brackenpaw nodded. "She's a warrior now?"

A small, warm smile reached his face, bringing a small light to his eyes. "Yep. The uh..." Glancing away, his smile fell. "Her ceremony was the day before... I was brought here."

The apprentice ducked his head, staring at his paws. "Graystripe says I'm not ready to be a warrior yet... I don't think he liked that I was friends with her."

Eyeing the smaller tabby, the deputy hummed. "That's unfortunate." His whiskers twitched as he thought. "Would you care to join me for a bit? I could use friendly company."

Brackenpaw perked up, his eyes bright as he nodded, settling near the tom and looking up at him with wide, curious eyes.

Taking another drink of water, the ginger sighed, allowing himself to relax, even if just for a moment.

Chapter Text

Forcing his eyes to meet Tigerstar's, Firesky stiffened slightly as the tabby approached.

Looking down on the ginger, the leader smirked, his gaze glittering with satisfaction. "How's my guest feeling this morning? Well, I hope, after Spottedleaf treated your wounds."

Dipping his head, a spark of resentment flickered in his chest but he kept it from his voice, knowing the consequence well. "I'm doing better, Tigerstar, thank you."

Huffing, from amusement or from disappointment the SkyClan tom couldn't tell, the leader sat. "I believe we've finally reached an... understanding, don't you?"

For a moment, the ginger's eyes flicked past the leader to look at the other cats milling about the camp.

Very few were brave enough to look his way. Most of those who did had pity darkening their gazes.

Brackenpaw looked angry. That was new, though certainly not unwelcome.

Glancing back at Tigerstar, Firesky responded quietly. "Yes, Tigerstar, we have." 

The leader began grooming, running a paw over his ear as he spoke, clearly unbothered by the conversation unlike his prisoner. "The time has come for you to swear your loyalty, Firesky. I suspect SkyClan will surrender themselves in, oh, three days, give or take. You'd like to be able to see them, wouldn't you?"

Firesky latched onto his words. Three days. Tigerstar sounded so sure, so confident in that date. Gritting his teeth, the ginger nodded. "Yes, I would."

Purring, Tigerstar's voice was dripping with fake kindness, his voice turning to poisoned honey. "Tomorrow morning, then. You'll swear your loyalty to me and to TigerClan. Does that sound good to you, Firesky?" 

His chest burned at the thought, but he dipped his head, eyes shut tight as he forced out a response. "Yes, Tigerstar."

Standing, Tigerstar looked down for a moment, appraising the tom. "Good. I'll send Spottedleaf by to check you over and bring you more prey. I look forward to tomorrow." 

Firesky watched him walk away, bile rising up his throat.

True to his word, Spottedleaf, Brightpaw, and Brackenpaw arrived at his side soon after.

The medicine cat and her apprentice got to work applying new dressings to his wounds, the warrior apprentice setting some soaked moss and a vole by him before starting to groom him, removing dirt and dust from his pelt that the ginger simply hadn't had the energy to get.

Spottedleaf and Brightpaw finished quickly, giving the ginger their well wishes before leaving as soon as they'd come, likely on Tigerstar's orders.

Brackenpaw paused, glancing up at the ginger. "Firesky?"

The ginger was staring blankly ahead, his gaze darkened with thought.

Frowning, the small tabby nudged the SkyClan tom gently. "Firesky?"

Blinking slowly, Firesky's glaze drifted down to meet the apprentice's. His expression softened a bit, giving the apprentice a small smile. "Brackenpaw. How's training?" He drew the vole closer as he spoke, eating while he waited for a response.

Brackenpaw hesitated, the ginger clearly still a bit out of it, but began talking. He didn't speak about anything in particular, jumping from topic to topic, but the ginger was content to listen all the same.

Eventually, Graystripe called the apprentice away.

Brackenpaw was hesitant to leave, promising the deputy he'd return later.

Firesky watched him go, swallowing the last of his meal.

His gaze drifted down to the ground, darkening as he wandered back into the fog of his mind.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Brackenpaw walked over to the ginger, a bit of panic in his movements and fear in his gaze.

Firesky sat up slowly as he approached, quickly looking the apprentice over for wounds. "What's the matter?" He spoke softly, hoping not to spook the apprentice out of his fur any more than he already was.

Swallowing, the younger tom sat beside the ginger, curling his tail tightly around his paws as he leaned against the deputy.

Firesky was a bit surprised, but wrapped his tail around the apprentice, concern dancing in his vision. 

They remained like that for a bit, silent.

Brackenpaw eventually spoke, his voice quiet and fearful. "Do... do you think SkyClan would take me, if something... happened?"

Stiffening, the ginger's voice took a sharp edge, protectiveness taking precedence over his own pain and fear. "Has something happened?"

Looking down at his paws, the tabby whispered. "I don't think Tigerstar would like it if I said it."

Firesky drew the apprentice closer with a paw, forcing a purr to comfort the apprentice as he spoke quietly. "SkyClan would take you, Brackenpaw. They'd do it anyways, but they wouldn't resist if I vouched for you. What happened?"

Tigerstar's voice cut across the camp, calling the clan together.

Brackenpaw looked up with wide, fearful eyes.

A pit settled deep in the ginger's stomach as he stood, murmuring in the apprentice's ear. "Please tell me when you feel you can. I promise, I'll do everything in my power to protect you from whatever consequences there are for telling me." 

Lifting his chin, the SkyClan deputy moved, he stalked forwards. The cats that had been gathering parted for him as he made his way to the front of the meeting, his eyes lit with a fire that had been dampened for days, newly reignited. 

Tigerstar looked down with a sneer, his tail flicking. "Today, TigerClan, we celebrate the next step in our goals. Firesky will swear his loyalty, and will prove to the other clans that this is the only way forwards. Firesky, step forward."

Each step felt like claws raking over his back, the effort to lift his nose to look up at the TigerClan leader feeling as though he lifted an entire tree. 

Amber eyes glittered ambitiously as they looked down at the ginger, the leader's voice ringing out again. "Firesky. Do you swear your loyalty to me, and to Tigerclan, as long as you live and with all your strength?"

His eyes narrowed. It was a small change, unnoticeable. Even here, the tabby's ego prevailed. Loyalty to the leader, above even the clan. 

Regardless, it was not the time nor place to argue. "I do. I, Firesky, pledge my loyalty to you, Tigerstar, and to TigerClan for the rest of my days." He wished he'd drop dead then and there.

Fangs glinted in the morning light as the leader grinned. "Excellent." He lifted his chin, calling to the entire clan now. "In two days, we will journey to SkyClan's camp with Firesky as one of our own. They will either join us, or face the consequences. Dismissed."

Firesky stalked back to his corner of the camp, tail flicking behind him as the crowd once again parted for him.

Tentative voices congratulated him, but they knew the truth.

He was not happy to be here, and most of them weren't happy he was here either.

One still seemed happy for his presence.

Brackenpaw rushed after him, helping him down into a comfortable position before settling beside him, staring at his paws.

Glancing at the apprentice, the ginger slowly wrapped his tail around the younger tom, his voice feeling foreign now as he spoke softly. "Will you tell me?"

Swallowing, Brackenpaw nodded, his voice hardly even a whisper, so quiet nobody other than Firesky would even think he was trying to say anything. "It's... tomorrow. The reason Tigerstar is so sure of SkyClan joining in two days..."

Firesky stiffened. He took a deep breath, calming himself as best he could before speaking quietly. "He's planning something. Something to force them to join." It wasn't a question.

Nodding, the apprentice pressed closer. "At the edge of our territory for the past moon, there's been a dog pack. we drove them away, but last night I overheard something while I was getting water." He drew a deep, shuddering breath as he pressed his forehead to the ginger's chest, eyes shut tight. "It's being set up right now, it's.... He's laying a trail of prey to SkyClan, right to their camp. He..." The apprentice pulled away to stare at the ginger with wide-fearful eyes. "Firesky he killed one of the elders last night to use as bait. He... he said they were ill this morning and he'd buried them overnight to prevent it from spreading but he lied!" 

Firesky could do nothing but stare, his chest burned with hate, with fear.

Shaking his head, the apprentice screwed his eyes shut. "It was to give them a taste for cat, he said... Firesky, he wants them to murder your family, then come in the next day to help them pick up the pieces of what's left! It's..."

Gritting his teeth, the ginger took a deep breath, his eyes shut. "Brackenpaw. I need to ask a favor of you."

Eyes widening, the apprentice hesitantly nodded, still looking spooked out of his fur.

Slowly opening his eyes and meeting the younger tom's gaze with a chillingly cold stare, Firesky narrowed his eyes. "When do they finish this bait trail?"

"Sun-Down." The apprentice replied quickly.

Nodding, the ginger's fur began to raise in anger but he forced it to lie flat. "Tonight, I need you to help me sneak out of camp. When we're out, take me to part of the trail. Once I'm at the bait trail, I need you to run to SkyClan, as fast as you can, and warn them. They need to evacuate. WindClan will take them until it's safe, but they can't be there when Tigerstar plans to visit. Do you understand?"

Brackenpaw stared for a moment, his voice meek. "But... what about you? What are you going to do at the trail?"

"I'm going to make sure those dogs don't get anywhere near my family."

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Firesky was silent, a cold determination lighting his gaze as he followed the apprentice out of the camp.

Brackenpaw's fur was on end, his eyes wide, jaws parted, and ears pricked for any sign of resistance to their escape.

The apprentice led the ginger towards the ThunderClan-WindClan border, his steps hesitant the closer they got to the trail.

Firesky brushed past the apprentice as a scent hit his nose. Eyes narrowing, he looked down, his gaze locking on a mouse, torn open so the blood-scent would spread further.

Stepping up beside the ginger, the tabby looked sick, glancing up at the tom for reassurance.

Meeting the apprentice's gaze, the ginger moved so his body blocked the younger tom's sight of the bait. "You know what to do, right?"

Nodding curtly, Brackenpaw swallowed. "Run to SkyClan, get them to evacuate to WindClan." He hesitated, paws shifting nervously. "And don't let them send you help."

Firesky nodded softly, giving the apprentice a comforting ruffle. "It's for the best. I plan to outrun them, not fight them. If there are more cats, it'll be harder for me to keep safe since I'll be making sure they stay safe too. You understand, don't you."

Biting his lip, the tabby shook his head. "No... I don't... Why not at least ask for Leopardstreak? He's super fast, right?"

Sighing softly, Firesky offered the apprentice a gentle smile. "He's young and bull-headed at times. He'd want to fight them. Just do as I told you, alright? Get them to WindClan, and make sure they stay there. Deputy's orders." The last words felt foreign in his mouth. 

Screwing his eyes shut, Brackenpaw nodded curtly, pressing close against the larger tom. "And you'll be back before Moon-High, right?"

Nodding, the ginger agreed. "Back before Moon-High."

He lied.

Brackenpaw nodded, slowly pulling away to look up at the SkyClan deputy before turning, racing towards the SkyClan camp.

Firesky watched him go.

He knew he wouldn't see the apprentice again.

It didn't matter. Turning back to the bait, Firesky set his jaw, his eyes narrowing as he began to follow the path back towards the far side of ThunderClan's territory.

The path was fairly straight, likely to prevent the dogs from straying from it into ThunderClan land, and was easy to follow.

A foul scent caught the ginger's attention.

The fur along his spine rose as the scent of dog drifted past his nose. He lifted his head from the trail, sharp eyes, sharper than they'd been in a moon, looked out into the dark forest.

Death stared back.

With an excited bark and a whimper, the first of the massive beasts emerged, its tail wagging and tongue lolling. 

Firesky turned and he ran. He could hear them grow even more excited behind him, dozens of pawsteps shaking the earth beneath him as he ran. 

He had to circle around, he couldn't risk the pack making it back to clan territory so he had to take them back the way they'd been coming from. 

Reaching a massive dead sycamore, he leapt.

Digging his claws into the decaying bark, Firesky pulled himself onto a low branch, just out of their reach.

They whimpered beneath him, lunging to snap at the cat-scented air beneath him.

Hissing, he slashed as one snapped their jaws near his tail, raking them across the nose.

The dog growled, his brows furrowing as excitement became anger.

Good, he thought. They wouldn't stop giving chase.

Bunching his muscles, he leapt from his perch, nearly toppling as his muscles sought to remind him of his malnourishment. Gritting his teeth, he regained his footing and began to sprint back the way they'd come, heading towards the far end of ThunderClan land and towards rogue and loner lands.

The dogs gave chase behind him, vicious snarls and barks filling the ginger's ears.

His muscles burned but he was far from done. He hadn't even left ThunderClan land yet, and he'd have to take them much further than that.

He had one thought in his mind as he ran, and that thought was only the urgency to keep moving.

Firesky dodged roots and rocks that tried to trip him.

He ducked branches of brambles and throngs of thorns the tried to trap him in place.

Finally, he smelled the border of ThunderClan as he rushed past it, swallowing dryly as he narrowed his eyes, a new wave of energy empowering him as he surged forwards.

The dogs were closing in, and he still had leagues to go.

Hot breath on his heels urged him forwards, his paws slamming into the ground and propelling him onwards.

Moon-High came, and he was still running.

Jaws closed on his heel.

Firesky screeched as he was ripped from his sprint, tossed backwards like a toy.

The cold sunk into his bones as he struggled to his paws, hissing and spitting as the dogs circled him, anger returning to excitement as they knew they'd caught their prey.

One lunged forwards to nip at his lashing tail.

Another tried for a taste of his throat.

He ducked and weaved the best he knew how, dodging the worst of the attempts, blood splattering the frozen ground from the ones that landed.

Dark, heavy clouds moved to cover the moon.

Silverpelt wasn't with him, they too had respected his wishes for aid to go to SkyClan.

He was alone.

He'd ordered it to be this way.

For the last moon, this is what he knew.

So he did what he'd learned.

He went limp. He laid as still as he could on the hard, frozen dirt, and he let his eyes shut.

The dogs were confused at first, one nosing him and whimpering at the loss of their entertainment, another growled at the last dog that'd landed a hit.

Then one trotted away, bored and seeking something new for its attention.

Then another.

Then the rest of the pack wandered off, the thrill of the chase gone and their prey laying dead on the ground.

It may as well have been that way.

Firesky's breathing was shallow. He'd been surviving on nothing but adrenaline for the entire night.

Blood pooled beneath him from bites and scratches.

He would die before the sun came out. 

He struggled to his paws regardless.

With all his strength, he began to walk.

He thought it was towards home, but he wasn't sure.

His trail was too shrouded by the scent of blood.

Each step sent pains through his body, but he took another each time.

But his strength couldn't last.

He took another step, his breath leaving him in a huff of white smoke as his legs crumpled beneath him.

Firesky lay on his side, staring at the trees in the far distance, his breathing growing slower. He felt, with each weakening throb of his heart, blood drip from his wounds.

"You're going to bleed out soon." 

The ginger blinked, a hazy figure settling down beside him. "Pardon?" He rasped, trying to get a clear view of the newcomer.

"Your wounds, Firesky. You're going to bleed out." Skystar stared down at the ginger, his expression soft and remorseful.

"Ah." The ginger breathed. He could hardly recall he had wounds, at this point. The pain had faded to a numbness as the warmth left him. "Could we... change that to something nicer?"

Skystar blinked slowly, tilting his head. "Nicer?"

Emerald green eyes began to glaze over. "Fresh-kill. Pretend Sharpclaw is bringing me a nice piece of fresh-kill."

Glancing away, the StarClan tom nodded solemnly. "Sharpclaw... Sharpclaw will be here soon with your fresh-kill, Firesky."

A hoarse purr rumbled weakly in the ginger's throat. "Lovely... What... what kind of fresh-kill?"

"A vole." The tom murmured. 

Flecks of white floated down past the deputy's blurry view. "Stars..." He whispered, his eyes widening. "The stars have come out to greet me." He breathed out, his eyes slowly slipping closed.

The StarClan tom watched quietly.

Snowflakes drifted past his nose, whirling through the air with the breeze before they settled on ginger fur.

Stars speckled ginger fur as morning came.