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Chapter Text

Goosefeather let out an annoyed and prickly sigh. The medicine cat was mostly annoyed by the high-pitched wail that Brindlekit let out as he removed a thorn from her paw pad.

Robinwing sat nearby, comforting the kit. “It’ll be over soon, dear.”

“It’d been over ages ago if your daughter had stopped whining.” Goosefeather grumbled.

Robinwing’s ears flicked, and Featherwhisker padded over to soothe her by placing his soft and plumy tail onto her shoulder.

“Don’t mind him,” Featherwhisker murmured. “He’s always grumpy. He doesn’t mean it.”

I meant it. Goosefeather angrily thought to himself.

The medicine cat had always loathed when his apprentice would stuff words into his mouth. Goosefeather didn’t care if he come off as rude; a bad reputation was not as important as saving lives.

Robinwing pulled Brindlekit closer, lapping at her head. “Thank you, Goosefeather.” 

Goosefeather dipped his head. “Frostkit wouldn’t have done that, you know. She’s always been the sensible one.”

“Kits get thorns in their pads all the time,” Featherwhisker mewed quickly, shouldering past Goosefeather. The elderly tom frowned, his tired blue eyes narrowing. 

Robinwing nodded, smiling at her kit. Brindlekit’s green eyes were wide, and soft with tears. She let out a low mewl of pain.

“If you want to be like that, Featherwhisker,” Goosefeather whipped around and began to slowly pad over to the other cave. He turned his head. “Then how about you finish the job for me, hm?”

Featherwhisker frowned, and nodded solemnly. He soon forced a smile, and turned back to face Robinwing. Goosefeather rolled his eyes.

The elderly tom made his way through the narrow cleft, and laid down on a moss nest. He allowed his blue gaze to soften, as he let out a yawn.

He curled up, his tail tickling his nose. The medicine cat could feel his age slowly catching up with him within each and every moon.

Goosefeather knew that the clan would be free to call him useless once he retired. Heck, he doubted he’d even retire with his own consent.

They’ve always despised him. He knew that they did.

Goosefeather had always had one special phrase buried at the back of his brain. A phrase which he wished he could scream to the silverpelt forevermore.

Burn the stars.

He’d burn them all if he could. He’d burn them so he didn’t have to be watched anymore.

But StarClan knows that won’t happen. They always know.

He’s sick of them knowing.

Goosefeather raised his head as someone suddenly padded inside the cave. It was a grey tabby tom, with brown spots dappled across his chest and belly. He stared down at Goosefeather, his amber gaze narrowed.

“Tawnyspots,” Goosefeather dipped his head. “Here for your daily check-up, I presume?”

Tawnyspots nodded. “Make it quick for today. I have patrols to send out.” 

“Right,” Goosefeather got to his paws as ThunderClan’s deputy curled up in a nest nearby. The medicine cat padded back to the main area of the medicine den to grab some catmint from the herbs cleft. He returned to Tawnyspots, and placed the catmint down.

“How’s your stomach been?” Goosefeather sat down and watched as Tawnyspots swallowed the herbs. 

“Moderate.” Tawnyspots replied calmly.

Goosefeather scanned his clanmate’s bodily movements. “You seem worried.”

Tawnyspots self-consciously narrowed his eyes. “I am. My stomach’s gotten worse. Way worse. It’s beginning to hinder my own daily life.”

Goosefeather nodded. “Indeed. I suppose it’s a good thing that you’re here, then.”

Tawnyspots’s head tilted. “How so?”

Goosefeather sighed. “Tawnyspots,” he sat down. “You have a tumor.”

The deputy’s eyes widened, and his fur begin to bristle. “That’s mouse-dung! Surely you’re joking?” He scoffed.

“Why would I joke about that?” Goosefeather retorted with a snort.

Tawnyspots hesitated, and his tufted ears flicked. “I-I er…” he stared down at his paws. “I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything, but i’ll say this much; your days as our deputy may be ending soon.” Goosefeather mewed, shaking his scruffy-furred head.

Tawnyspots’s fur began to bristle. “How long do I have?”

“You’ll live for the next three years at most, but I suggest you get your affairs in order.” Goosefeather dipped his head.

Goosefeather had recently been chastised by Featherwhisker for being too blunt towards his patients. The medicine cat didn’t care; bluntness was often the biggest part of honesty.

“Don’t worry,” Goosefeather rolled his eyes. “I’ll probably end up retiring soon. Except, unlike you, everyone will be yowling praises to StarClan once I pass on.”

Tawnyspots’s expression became oddly unreadable, and he nodded. “Should I inform Sunstar?”

Goosefeather nodded. Tawnyspots got to his paws, and began to pad off.

Goosefeather went to curl back into his nest, as he drifted asleep.

—————————————————————

Goosefeather awoke, except there was no soft and warm nest underneath his paws.

Instead, he was surrounded by StarClan cats, each one murmuring to one another with expressions of alarm across their faces.

Goosefeather’s gaze narrowed and he stood up. “What do you want now?”

He received no answer. Goosefeather had to stop himself from baring his teeth.

Cryptic. As always.

A few cats stepped forth, each one’s starry pelts seemed to glimmer.

The first was Beetail, a former ThunderClan deputy who had died fighting for his clan in a border ambush.

The second was Birchface, a ThunderClan warrior who had drowned.

And the third was Cloudberry, who had once been Goosefeather’s mentor.

The white she-cat flicked her plumy tail, and went to touch noses with her apprentice. Goosefeather reluctantly accepted the movement.

“So, am I dead yet?” Goosefeather questioned.

“No.” Birchface mewed. 

Great. Goosefeather thought with a roll of his eyes.

“So, why am I here?” Goosefeather questioned. 

“There’s something that you must know, Goosefeather,” Beetail’s eyes narrowed. “Something quite grave.”

“As per usual.” Goosefeather snarled.

“Don’t act that way, Goosefeather. It’s impolite.” Cloudberry warned.

“Whatever.” He retorted.

“Something is coming to the clans,” Birchface stepped forth. “And if ThunderClan wishes to survive, then it must allow it inside.”

Goosefeather’s head tilted. “What?”

The three cats began to back away, before whipping around and dashing off. Goosefeather let out a gasp and quickly gave chase.

He followed them, but slowly stopped as the world turned dark around him.

Everything was pitch-black.

Goosefeather sat down, and tried to make out something in the shadows.

And then, something shot out from the ground. The area became clear to Goosefeather. He was in a cave, made from pure snow and ice.

He shuddered, stepping back. His small ears suddenly perked up, as he turned to stare at his paws. 

He let out a gasp of horror as he realized that the snow was slowly rising.

Goosefeather let out a grunt as he forced himself to trudge forwards towards the entrance of the cave. The entrance was covered by a thick slate of ice.

He tried to push it away with his paws, but it wouldn’t budge. However, when Goosefeather pulled it with his teeth, it came loose. The medicine cat pulled it forwards and placed it onto the snow.

After a struggle, he leapt up to stand on top of the slate.

Goosefeather gasped. Is this a prophecy?

Suddenly, he heard something, a spark of sorts.

There was a patch of fire standing at the entrance. 

Goosefeather knew what he had to do. He used the slate as a vehicle of sorts, as he dipped his paws into the rising snow and pushed forth. 

He made it to the cave’s entrance yet again, and let out a wince as he pulled the fire forth with his paws. 

Despite the fact that he knew this wasn’t real, he could still feel the burning pain on his paws. 

As the snow and ice melted, Goosefeather found himself backed into the corner of the cave. He felt something whispering to him.

“Beastly claws and darkened berries shall try to rule the clans; however, they can be stopped, by the collaboration of flames and frost.”

And then, Goosefeather awoke. 

He sat up, his fur bristling.

Something is coming. 

Chapter Text

“Dinner time!”

Tiny raised his head at the sound of his mother’s voice, standing up in his bed. 

Food!

However, before the small tom-kit could pad forth, Ruby and Socks barged past him.

“Move it, Tiny!” Ruby snapped. 

“Yeah, we’re hungry!” Socks added.

Tiny’s head lowered. He didn’t dare reply. He simply followed them.

The crimson-red carpet felt odd beneath his paws. Yet again, it was much softer than the cold wooden floors, so he supposed it was preferable.

The couch was a dark beige color, and the walls were mint-green.

Tiny made his way towards the food bowls, which were beside the entrance to what the housefolk supposedly called “the kitchen”. 

Quince sat nearby, grooming herself while Ruby and Socks hungrily scarfed down each pellet in their respective bowls.

Tiny was a lot neater and slower when he ate his food. Probably because there was less of it.

Ruby and Socks were greedy cats; he knew for a fact that they’d probably stolen some pellets from his bowl while Quince wasn’t looking.

Tiny would’ve snitched on them, if it wasn’t for the fact that they’d done it many, many, many times before this one.

So, he’d just stopped trying.

Quince let out a yawn, padding off to presumably continue lazing around on the couch. 

Quince did that a lot. Tiny wouldn’t call her neglectful, of course. She was a good mother, but she seemed to take more time sleeping than raising them.

Tiny understood why; they were getting older now, after-all. All three of Quince’s kits were only five moons old.

Tiny stared down at his paws. 

Perhaps one day, I’ll grow out of this collar. I’ll be big enough to take up the whole couch someday! 

However, Tiny’s ice-blue eyes narrowed with annoyance.

But then my name won’t make sense. They’ll tease me for that, too.

Tiny had always envied his siblings for their names, though he’d never said it aloud.

Ruby’s name was elegant and cute, Socks’s name was adorable and unique.

But Tiny? It just meant that he was small, nothing more.

Eventually, the tom-kit had finished his food, and began to pad away.

“Hey, Tiny,” Ruby suddenly mewed.

Tiny stopped and turned to face her. 

“If you’re going to go and snitch on us, think again.” Socks hissed, and bared his teeth.

Tiny nodded. “I won’t.”

“Good,” Ruby grinned. “And don’t start sobbing! We’ll give you something to sob about, if you do.”

The small black tom let out a wince of terror, bounding away to leap onto the couch. He had to stop himself from getting upset, especially after he heard his sibling’s purrs of joy.

Tiny let out a sigh. 

One day I’ll be bigger than you.

Just you wait.

But even Tiny knew that someday, he’d have to stop waiting.

Because it would never happen.

Tiny padded over to Quince. He tried to curl up beside her, but she nudged him away with her hind-leg.

“Go sleep somewhere else, Tiny.” Quince mewed softly, with a yawn. “You’re old enough now.”

Tiny frowned, and turned away. He stared over at the garden, which was only accessible through an odd, sliding contraption. 

Tiny leapt down from the couch and made his way over, using his head to try and push it to the side.

It worked, and Tiny padded outside and into the brightness of the garden.

The kittypet had always preferred being outside rather than indoors. The sun was bright in the sky, and it beamed down across his jet-black fur.

There was a great oak-tree near the fence, alongside an odd box of sand in the corner. 

Tiny wished he could leap over the fence, but he knew it wouldn’t work, even if he’d tried. 

Tiny laid down and curled up on the grass. 

It was needless to say that Tiny despised his life.

The tom had always felt either belittled, or ignored. His mother was lazy, and his siblings were horrid.

He’d always felt just like his namesake; Tiny.

Small, insignificant, one of the many small specs in a world that hated him.

Whenever Tiny was alone, he’d daydream about being someone else. Someone who was far away from this pathetic life of his.

His mother had always told him stories about the wild cats who lived in the nearby woods. They were vicious, yet brave. 

Apparently Quince had been told about them from Tiny’s father, who had apparently died only a moon after Tiny’s birth.

There were four clans, each one equally as confident as the others. They had rules, leaders, and even religions.

Tiny always thought about what his life would be like if he was a prideful (and extremely bulky and tall) wild cat that hunted and fought for his life with each day.

Perhaps he would have a better name than Tiny. His mother had once told him that some of the wild cats were considered scourge’s on the names of all cats.

Perhaps he’d name himself Scourge, then?

No, that wouldn’t work. Too odd.

Tiny found himself sinking deeply into his imagination again.

He laid there for a while, making up stories about his heroic endeavors as a faithful wild cat.

Tiny practically prayed that those stories would become reality one day, but he doubted it.

And then, Tiny heard an odd sound. A yawn.

But it certainly wasn’t Quince’s.

Tiny got to his paws and opened his eyes, staring around the garden.

“Shouldn’t you be inside? With your mother?”

The voice sounded old, and gruff. A tom, for sure.

Tiny turned to face the right side of the fence, and his eyes went wide with pure awe.

Sat on the fence, was a huge tom.

He was reddish-brown, with broad shoulders and tired dark green eyes. His face was scarred in an X-like pattern, and he looked like less of a cat and more like a miniature lion.

He was definitely a house cat though, based on his dark green collar. His scent was certainly that of a kittypet, too.

“Who are you?” Tiny mewed shakily.

The tom shrugged and bounced down. Tiny backed away.

“Just a cat from across the thunderpath,” the tom lapped at his paw. “Nothing more.”

“You mean the road?” Tiny’s head tilted.

The tom looked conflicted, but he nodded anyways. “Ah, yes, the road. Correct.”

Tiny didn’t know why, but there was something about this tom that felt odd.

Too odd.

And he wanted to know more.

Chapter Text

Tiny asked his question again. “Who are you?”

“Pine.” The tom finally gave him an answer.

Tiny had heard about this cat before, from his mother. Apparently he lived closer to the woods.

She’d said some other things about him, but Tiny considered them to be profanities.

“Just Pine?” Tiny’s head tilted. 

“Yes,” Pine nodded. “Just Pine.”

“That’s an odd name!” Tiny mewed.

Yet again, better than Tiny.

“I didn’t choose it.” Pine’s eyes narrowed. “Anyways, aren’t you Quince’s son?”

Tiny nodded. 

“Hm.” Pine shook out his fur. “You know, I knew your father.”

Tiny’s eyes widened. “You did?”

Pine nodded. “Jake was his name. I remember him quite fondly. I wouldn’t have become a kitty-erm, a house cat, if it wasn’t for him, and his mother, Crystal.”

Tiny’s mouth widened in awe. That explains why he’s so big; he used to be a wild cat!

“What was it like in the wild?” Tiny questioned.

Pine let out a rumbling purr. “Oh, you wouldn’t be interested in those stories. They’re much too boring for a humble house cat like yourself.”

“No! Please tell me! Please!” Tiny mewed, his tail wagging.

“Alright, alright, settle down.” Pine mewed. 

Tiny sat down, smiling widely. 

“In those woods, there are four groups. We call them clans.” Pine explained. “There’s RiverClan, WindClan, ShadowClan and my former clan; ThunderClan.”

Tiny gasped. “Woah…”

“Woah, indeed,” Pine purred. “They each fight for territory, and hunt for their own prey. They also pray to StarClan, which is where noble and good cats go once they die.”

“Will I go to StarClan?” Tiny questioned, tilting his head.

“Heh, I’m afraid not. Perhaps someday, maybe, if you’re lucky.” Pine smiled warmly.

Pine’s expression held more warmth than any other expression that Tiny had seen in his life.

And he’s only just met him.

Tiny had sat there for many moments longer, listening carefully as Pine told him tales from the clan's pasts. 

Tiny had been told of how the clans were formed, how the code was created over time, and of course; how the clans worked.

Each sentence would pull Tiny in further. If the conversation was a lake, Tiny would’ve drowned by now.

There was something about how the tales were told that sucked him in. These cats seemed heroic, truthful, and pure.

Nothing like the other lazy house cats that had surrounded Tiny for all of his life.

However, the conversation would suddenly come to a close, as a loud hiss sounded from the garden entrance.

Tiny turned to see Quince, her amber gaze wide with horror. “Tiny! What’re you doing?”

“Pine’s telling me about the wild cats!” Tiny smiled at his mother.

Quince let out a gasp and bounded forth, grabbing Tiny and holding him by his collar. She growled, glaring at Pine.

The large tom sat down, and lapped at his paw. “Clan cats is the proper term, young kit.”

“You. You’re that mangy clan cat from down the road, aren’t you?” Quince placed Tiny down and stood in front of him defensively. 

Pine nodded. He didn’t seem offended. Was he used to being called that sort of thing?

“Hmph. I don’t know why you even bother coming around this part of the Twolegplace! Well, other than visiting Crystal.” Quince hissed. 

“What’s wrong with me being here, exactly?” Pine questioned. “Your son looked miserable before I caught his attention.”

“What?” Quince’s head tilted. “Are you implying that I’m a bad mother?”

Pine shrugged. “I’m not saying anything.”

“Whatever! You’ll be dead soon enough, considering you’re nothing but a blood-colored bag of bones.” Quince snarled and bared her teeth, her solid grey fur bristling.

“Mother, stop!” Tiny mewed, his blue gaze widening.

Quince whipped around. “You! Go inside with your siblings! I don’t want to see you speaking with this cat again!”

“B-But…” Tiny mumbled. He couldn’t quite get the words to exit his throat.

“No excuses! Get in, now!” Quince snapped.

Tiny nodded profusely, dashing over to run inside the house. He almost head-butted the couch, but instead found himself instantly curling up in his bed.

The young tom-kit felt as if he was going to burst into a pool of sadness. For the first time, the tom had felt happy around another house cat, and the world had taken it away as usual.

Tiny sank his face into his paws and sobbed. He could hear Ruby and Socks snickering nearby, but he didn’t dare look up to face them.

However, the young tom felt something inside him. Something that burnt like a thousand embers.

He had to get out of here. Out of this den. Out of this family.

His mother would probably be fine with two kittens rather than him.

At least, Tiny hoped that was the case. Maybe then he could try and push back the guilt that came alongside such a thought.

But Tiny knew for a fact that living in the wild would be one-hundred times better than living in a place where your siblings despised you. 

He knew what he had to do. He’d sneak out at sundown, and run off into the woods.

Perhaps if he was lucky, he’d find a clan cat.

Goodness, he hoped he would.

Tiny was only a few seconds away from drifting into another daydream, until he felt his body being nudged by a paw.

He lifted his head, staring up at Quince. The tom-kit frowned.

“Tiny, what have I told you about wild cats?” Quince’s tone was soft, yet disappointed.

Tiny lowered his head. “I’m sorry, mother.”

Quince didn’t give him any reassurance. She simply smiled, nodded, and went to curl up on the couch.

Tiny narrowed his eyes. She hates wild cats enough to teach us to despise them, but she doesn’t love us enough to keep us from hating each-other. 

Huh.

That.

That was what cemented Tiny’s decision to leave.

The young tom-kit stared down at his paws.

I’m going to leave this place, even if it’s the last thing I do.

Tiny puffed out his chest, forcing himself to be confident.

And if anyone tries to stop me, I’ll make them wish they never did.

Chapter Text

Tiny awoke. His siblings were curled up beside one-another on a far side of the bed, and Quince was snoozing away on the couch. 

It was time.

Tiny stood up slowly, and carefully stepped out of the bed. He had to do this as swiftly and quietly as he could.

He had to get out.

Tiny stared at his collar, and the golden bell which was attached to it. He had to be really focused, or else the jingling would alert his mother.

The tom-kit crouched down and began to sneakily crawl across the cold wooden floor. He was getting closer and closer to the garden entrance.

Once he’d made it, he pressed his forehead against the odd forcefield of sorts (which he’d heard was supposedly called “glass”) and slid it to the right.

Tiny smiled slightly at the cold night breeze that seemed to blow through his fur. He puffed out his chest, and leapt onto the grass.

He bounded forth, and sat in front of the fence.

But his joy faded as he realized that there was no way that he could ever make the jump he needed to escape.

Tiny’s heart sank. He was breathless.

His heart seemed to pound in and out of his chest, his fur bristling with a mixture of fear and fury.

I have to do this. I have to find a way!

Tiny scanned the fence with his gaze, trying to find some sort of escape route. 

And then, he found it. There was a loose tile in the fence; a tile that could be moved to allow him to squeeze through.

Tiny instantly used this to his advantage. 

After squeezing out of the fence, he made a run for it. He dashed into the forest and hid in a bush for a few moments.

Tiny’s small claws seemed to sheathe and unsheathe themselves, and Tiny’s ears were pinned against his head.

He’d done it. He was free.

The owls were hooting. The crickets were chirping. All that was left was for Tiny to finally step out into the open.

And so, he did.

Tiny took in the amazing scents, sounds and sights of the forest. His mouth was left agape with shock and awe. A fresh scent filled the air. An amazing, beautiful scent.

It smelt like food, but it was nothing like the stale pellets that Tiny would usually gobble up each day.

He had to investigate. 

The tom-kit began to pad forth, staring around as he did. Everything that Pine had said about how beautiful the forest was had been correct. 

Tiny hoped that the things he’d heard about clan cats were true, too.

And then, he heard something rustling in the bushes nearby. He turned to stare over, feeling the same scent wash over him yet again.

Tiny grinned and bounded over, only to see a mouse running out of the bushes. Tiny chased after it, but he couldn’t quite match its speed.

He stopped, panting. How could something that small be so fast?

Tiny grumbled as the scent of the mouse seemed to flutter away from his nostrils. He sat down, staring at his paws.

I need to find those clan cats tonight. I’m getting hungry. Too hungry.

Tiny sat there for a few moments longer.

And then, another rustling sounded from the bushes. But this time, a different scent flowed through Tiny’s nostrils. It smelt foul, yet oddly distinct in a way.

However, before Tiny could even consider running into the bushes, a cat stepped out.

They were a large, prickly-furred and broad-shouldered tom. His fur was a messy mixture of grey, black and white. His eyes were like a wildfire, and his ears were pinned against his head angrily.

Another cat leapt out to crouch angrily beside him. He was smaller than the first tom, but bigger than Tiny. His fur was dark brown, and covered in stripes. His eyes were amber, and his claws looked unusually sharp. 

And then, a third cat stepped out, though she didn’t look as angry as the other two. Her fur was solid grey, but it almost looked blue. She had a small yet noticeable scar across her shoulder, too. Her eyes gleamed like a sweeping river, and one of her ears was nicked.

And then, the first cat spoke.

“What are you doing here?” His voice came out like a rumbling earth quake. “This is ThunderClan’s territory.”

ThunderClan! I’m in the right place.

The she-cat’s gaze narrowed. “Thistleclaw, he’s only a kit. He doesn’t pose any sort of threat to us.”

Tiny felt frozen with shock. However, he did narrow his eyes slightly at the sound of the grey tom’s violent name.

Thistleclaw turned to her, his tail flicking. “An intruder is an intruder, Bluefur. You’re only saying that because he’s a kittypet. You’ve always been too soft on them.”

Kittypet?

Bluefur’s head tilted, and she stepped back slightly. Meanwhile, Thistleclaw’s gaze returned to stare at Tiny. 

“Let’s put this up to my apprentice,” Thistleclaw grinned and turned to the dark tabby tom. “How should we handle this, Tigerpaw?”

“I think the kittypet should be taught a lesson. One he’ll remember.” Tigerpaw’s nose was scrunched with anger, as his claws slid further out of his paws.

Thistleclaw smiled. “So be it, then.”

Bluefur let out a gasp and stepped forth. “Now hold on, there’s no need for this-“

But before the she-cat could utter another word, Tigerpaw had already pounced forth with his claws outstretched.

Tiny wanted to run, hide, or even blink. But the young tom-kit was frozen to the spot.

Tigerpaw landed beside him, and knocked into his side. Tiny was practically flung aside with a loud yowl of pain.

When Tiny landed on the grass nearby, Tigerpaw had already sprang forth to slash at him. Tiny’s bell had been cut off from his collar, and the young tom began to feel an unspeakable amount of pain in his right ear.

Tiny was pinned onto his back, as Tigerpaw sank his teeth into his chest fur. “Say goodbye, kittypet.”

And then, as Tigerpaw lifted him up and then suddenly slammed him into the ground, the world went black.

Chapter Text

Tiny had expected to find himself wandering the afterlife. He’d thought he was dead. Done for.

But instead, Tiny awoke in an odd nest of sorts, in a place that he didn’t recognize.

He raised his head, wearily scanning the area. He was in a den, which was practically filled with the same scent that reeked off of the ThunderClan cats.

Is this their camp? Tiny wondered.

Another scent seemed to go alongside it, something fresher. Tiny couldn’t quite determine what it was, though.

Tiny got to his paws, staring at his neck. He gasped, leaping back as he realized that his collar had vanished.

Hmph. I didn’t even like it anyways.  

Though, some part of Tiny seemed to miss it.

“Hey, are you alright in there?”

Tiny froze at the sound of a new voice. They were a tom. Presumably a young adult of sorts.

“Erm…” Tiny didn’t know what to say. “Maybe?”

He heard the sound of pawsteps coming closer to the den, and the face of another cat had suddenly greeted Tiny.

They were a soft-furred tom with solid grey fur and bright, beaming golden eyes. He looked a lot friendlier than the previous wild cats had been.

“How’s your ear feeling?” The tom asked with a tilt of his head.

Tiny shrugged. “It still hurts a little bit, but…wait, who are you?”

“My name is Featherwhisker,” the tom purred. “Welcome to ThunderClan.”

Tiny gasped. I’m here! I’m in ThunderClan’s camp!

…Now what?

Tiny stared at his paws awkwardly.

“What’s your name?” Featherwhisker sat down and curled his plumy tail over his paws.

“Tiny.” Tiny mewed, sitting down. Something about Featherwhisker made Tiny feel oddly calm and at peace. He was nothing like Thistleclaw and Tigerpaw.

“What happened?” Tiny questioned.

“Well, one of our apprentices attacked you. If it wasn’t for Bluefur, you would’ve been left to die. That ear nick could’ve given you a very nasty infection, Tiny.” Featherwhisker’s tone was soft, like a nice and warm carpet.

“Why don’t you look as scary as the other cats?” Tiny questioned.

Featherwhisker looked taken aback, but it was soon replaced by a soft purr. “That’s because I’m a medicine cat. We heal other cats, and make them feel better. Just like you.”

“Oh.” Tiny mewed. 

“So, why were you out in the forest in the first place?” Featherwhisker mewed. Tiny noticed how the medicine cat seemed to be using a child-like tone, and seemed to be keeping eye contact with him at all times.

Tiny reluctantly stared at his paws.

Featherwhisker seemed to understand, as he nodded. “I see.”

“Oi!” A new voice growled from the outside. “Is that kittypet awake yet?”

Featherwhisker whipped around. “Yes, Goosefeather!”

Tiny’s head tilted. Goosefeather? That’s a weird name.

Suddenly, another cat poked his head into the den. He was large, with long bushy fur and a flat snout. His eyes were wide, and blue like the gleaming sky. His fur was grey, with a darker overcoat and a lighter belly. Tiny swore that he could see a few leaves stuck in the tom’s thick pelt.

The tom sat down and narrowed his eyes. “So, this is the kittypet that Tigerpaw injured?”

That’s the same voice from earlier. This must be Goosefeather.

“Yes,” Featherwhisker nodded.

Goosefeather gave Tiny an odd expression. It was a mixture of intrigue, and frustration. 

“Well, I apologize on behalf of Tigerpaw. He can be a handful, especially with that mentor of his.” Goosefeather explained.

“Mentor?” Tiny’s head tilted. Pine had told him about the apprentice system, but he’d been told very little about mentors.

“Yes, Thistleclaw. They’re both as rowdy as one-another. You’d think they were kits sometimes, honestly.” Goosefeather’s eyes rolled. “Anyways, we’ll take you back to your Twoleg den once we think you’re ready.”

Tiny stared at his paws. His first encounter with a clan cat had ended violently.

But it was still better than his own home.

Tiny stared up at Goosefeather. “I don’t really want to go home.”

Goosefeather’s head tilted. “What?” 

“I left because of some bad things that were happening with my family. I don’t want to go home, I never want to go home.” Tiny explained.

Goosefeather snorted. “Tough luck!”

“Now, hold on.” Featherwhisker padded over. “So, you don’t want to leave? Most kittypet’s try to scamper out of our territory as soon as they can.”

Tiny shook his head. Featherwhisker looked surprised. 

Goosefeather shared a glance with Featherwhisker. “Can we talk for a moment?”

Featherwhisker nodded, and the two tom’s padded out. Tiny tried to make out their conversation, but he couldn’t.

Tiny sighed and curled up in the nest. He wondered if ThunderClan would accept him if he joined. 

He hoped that they would, if he ended up doing so. However, the worry that they would send him back to Quince remained fierce and strong within him.

Tiny shook his head. He had to stop worrying.

After a few more moments, Goosefeather padded back inside and stared down at Tiny.

He didn’t say a word. He simply nodded, and left yet again.

Tiny didn’t exactly know what that nod meant, but he hoped that it meant something good.

Tiny laid down and curled up, his gaze narrowed drowsily. 

Featherwhisker re-entered the den yet again, with a worried expression. He sat down, staring over at Tiny. “Tiny?”

“Hm?” Tiny lifted his head. 

“If you had the option to join our clan, if it was given to you, would you take it?” Featherwhisker questioned.

Tiny nodded profusely. Featherwhisker, yet again, was taken aback. However, the medicine cat nodded.

“I’ll see what I can do.” Featherwhisker mewed. “But remember! It won’t be as easy as your kittypet life, Tiny.”

“I’ll do anything to join this clan, anything!” Tiny mewed, eagerly sitting up.

Featherwhisker nervously purred. “You’re surprisingly rowdy, you know.”

Tiny grinned. He’d never been described as rowdy before. He liked that word.

Tiny felt a resolute feeling overcome him, as pride and glory filled his veins. 

He was going to join the clan, no matter the odds.

ThunderClan! Here I come!

Chapter Text

It’d been a day after he’d awoken in the medicine den. He felt a lot less scared than he’d been during that time. Now, he felt eager and joyful. He felt as if his stomach was filled with butterflies.

Featherwhisker was in the main side of the den, where patients of a lesser priority were healed. At least, that’s what Tiny assumed was the reason as to why the medicine den had two dens within it.

Tiny sat down, and stared around. Hold on; how am I going to join ThunderClan in the first place?

Tiny’s gaze widened; he didn’t think of that.

Based on Thistleclaw’s reaction to him when they first met, he doubted that there wouldn’t be any other ThunderClan cats that disapproved of his existence.

Tiny puffed out his chest. I’ll stick it to them! They’ll see how brave I can be!

Suddenly, Goosefeather poked his head into the den. Tiny felt a little jolt of shock rush through him, before sighing with relief.

“Sunstar wishes to see you.” Goosefeather mewed. 

Tiny’s blood ran cold. “Is he your leader?”

Goosefeather nodded, and Tiny smiled widely.

Goosefeather entered the den and sat in the corner, as another cat entered.

They were a large, broad-shouldered tom. His fur was bright ginger, with a few lighter splotches on his pelt. His eyes were a bright golden color, like the sun itself. His fur was long and bushy, but it looked a lot more elegant than Goosefeather’s. He had a ring of lion-like fur around his neck, and his right ear was shredded and torn.

That must be Sunstar.

“I’ve heard about you, kittypet. Tiny, isn’t it?” Sunstar mewed and dipped his head, his expression unreadable.

Tiny nodded. He felt as if his words were trapped in his throat.

“Hm.” Sunstar observed Tiny, his golden gaze narrowing. “Well, you seem fit enough. A lot of good warriors are short, so we won’t need to work on your size.”

Tiny had to force himself not to smile. His size had never been referred to as a good thing before!

“So, how old are you?” Sunstar questioned.

“Five moons.” Tiny answered quickly.

“So, that’s one moon until you can join us. Can you wait that long, Tiny?” Sunstar straightened himself up, and Tiny did the same.

Tiny nodded. “I can.”

Sunstar smiled, but only slightly. He turned to exit the den, followed by Goosefeather. 

Tiny had to stop himself from yowling his joy to the entire world. He’d won! He was going to get his wish of joining the clan!

But first, he needed to explore.

Tiny got to his paws and padded to the other part of the den, where Featherwhisker was sorting through herbs. The tom looked over at Tiny, surprised.

“Oh! Why’re you out of your nest?” He questioned with a slight tilt of his head.

“I’d like to explore the camp.” Tiny answered.

Featherwhisker looked reluctant, but nodded. Tiny sped out of the medicine den with a wide grin.

And then, he found himself staring around with pure awe. ThunderClan’s camp was gorgeous.

It was a large hollow, filled with other dens. At the front, there was a large rock. It had a smaller rock beside it.

“Would you like me to tell you who’s who?” Featherwhisker padded over from behind him.

Tiny nodded, and Featherwhisker smiled warmly.

“The old and sickly cat over there is Tawnyspots, he’s our deputy.” Featherwhisker pointed his tail at a nearby cat who was lazing in the sunlight.

They were a slim and sickly-looking tom. His fur was grey-and-white, with pale brown spots dappled across it. His ears were large with small tufts on the ends, and his eyes were a bright fire-like color.

Near a large den, three cats were chatting. The first was a dark bluish-grey tom with very distinct features. His eyes were a radiant ocean-blue, and his tail was quite long.

The second cat was a mottled dark brown tom with golden eyes. His fur was wild and bushy, and his ears were tufted.

The third cat was a plump, tortoiseshell she-cat with bright amber eyes. She looked very soft.

“Those three are Stormtail, Adderfang, and Dappletail.” Featherwhisker mewed.

Near another den, two cats were sharing tongues. The first was a dark brown tabby tom with golden eyes. He was missing patches of fur, and half of his tail appeared to be missing.

The cat beside him was a pale grey-and-white she-cat with golden eyes. However, one of these eyes was quite clouded.

“That’s Halftail and his mate, White-eye.” Featherwhisker purred. “They’ve loved each-other for years, now.”

Two other cats padded over to the two, and Halftail greeted them politely.

The first of these new cats was a pale ginger she-cat with messy fur. She was covered in darker spots, and her gaze was a bright amber color. Beside her, was a pale, sandy-grey tom with folded ears and amber eyes.

“Oh, that’s Speckletail and Smallear,” Featherwhisker mewed. “Speckletail and White-eye are siblings.”

Near a pile of prey, sat about five cats. 

The first was a prickly, jet-black tom with lime-green eyes. The second was a fluffy, grey-and-white tabby tom with pale green eyes. The third was a dark ginger tabby she-cat with a white-tipped tail and amber eyes. The fourth was a white tom with a black overcoat and golden eyes. The fifth was a sandy-grey tom with a white chest and green eyes. 

“Those are Fuzzypelt, Windflight, Poppydawn, Patchpelt and Thrushpelt by the fresh-kill pile. That’s where we put our prey once we finish hunting.” Featherwhisker explained.

Tiny stared over at a nearby den, instantly recognizing Bluefur and Thistleclaw. They appeared to be talking, but Tiny couldn’t hear what was being said.

“You already know them, I assume.” Featherwhisker mewed.

Tiny nodded.

A she-cat padded over to join the conversation. She was a grey-and-white she-cat with a dark ginger tail. Her eyes were light green.

“Ah, that’s Thistleclaw’s sister, Rosetail.” Featherwhisker smiled. “She’s a kind cat; you’d hardly ever believe that she was related to someone like Thistleclaw, honestly.

Tiny purred. 

“I’d tell you about Lionheart, Goldenflower and Leopardfoot, but they’ve gone hunting.” Featherwhisker explained with a twitch of his nose. “There’s also the elders; Weedwhisker, Mumblefoot, and Larksong.”

Tiny listened in carefully as Featherwhisker told him about the other cats within ThunderClan.

Soon, I’ll be one of them.

And I can’t wait.

Chapter Text

It had been about a week after Tiny had joined ThunderClan, and he’d just turned six moons. Until Sunstar was ready to perform the ceremony, Tiny could either lie around in the medicine den or try to interact with the cats that would soon be his fellow apprentices.

Speaking of, he hadn’t even met them yet. He’d observed a few of them, but he hadn’t properly met them.

Tiny puffed out his chest and padded out of the medicine den. Okay, Tiny. Let’s make a good first impression.

He padded over to the fresh-kill pile, where three apprentices were curled up chatting.

The first was a tortoiseshell-and-white she-cat with amber eyes. Featherwhisker had spoken about her before, and apparently her name was Spottedpaw. Tiny’s nose twitched; the she-cat had a lovely scent to her fur.

The second was a tortoiseshell tom with a bushy tail, tufted ears and a white chest. His eyes were amber. He’d been told that his name was Redpaw.

However, the third cat was a little different. There was something about her that made Tiny slightly anxious to greet her.

She was a pale grey she-cat with deep blue eyes. There was something graceful about the way her soft and fluffy fur seemed to blow in the breeze.

Her name was beautiful too; Willowpaw.

Tiny was absolutely mesmerized by her beauty.

Redpaw looked over at Tiny. “Oh! You must be that kittypet that Halftail was talking about.” 

Spottedpaw stared over as-well. “Hm, you’re quite small, aren’t you?”

Tiny self-consciously stared at his paws.

“Not that there’s anything wrong with that!” Spottedpaw added quickly, and awkwardly. “Redpaw’s pretty short, too.”

“Oi!” Redpaw purred, batting her over the ear playfully.

Willowpaw purred and shook her head. “Calm down, you two.” The she-cat smiled and turned to Tiny. “So, what’s your name?”

“Tiny, but it won’t be that for much longer.” Tiny mewed.

“Hm. Well, I wish you luck.” Willowpaw’s head tilted.

Tiny was about to speak again, until a yowl sounded from the high-rock. It was Tawnyspots, alerting the clan for a meeting.

“I’ll talk with you later, alright?” Willowpaw smiled.

Tiny nodded and went to sit down at the corner of the gathering crowd of cats. Willowpaw went to sit with Redpaw and Adderfang, while Spottedpaw went to sit next to Featherwhisker. Tiny thought it was quite odd. Yet again, Spottedpaw had always enjoyed coming to the medicine den to visit the medicine cat.

Sunstar was sat upon the high-rock, with Tawnyspots laid down on the smaller rock beside it. The ginger tom cleared his throat.

“As you are all aware, we brought a kittypet into our clan last moon. This was no mistake, I assure you,” Sunstar explained. “I have decided to allow him into our clan. If anyone has any objections, then I am happy to explain my motives.”

Tiny spotted a few angry expressions from Thistleclaw, Adderfang and Tigerpaw. Everyone else seemed neutral about Tiny joining them.

“I believe that ThunderClan is a prosperous and noble clan. We should all have the ability to see beyond our borders, and give chances to other cats. Pride and humility often go paw-in-paw, and that is why we shall be holding this ceremony today.” Sunstar announced.

“Tiny, step forth.” Sunstar mewed.

The clan’s gaze seemed to instinctively turn on Tiny as he began to approach the rock. He stood there, confidently and anxiously puffing out his chest.

“Tiny, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to not only be apprenticed, but to join ThunderClan. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Icepaw. Your mentor will be Rosetail. I hope Rosetail will pass down all she knows onto you.” Sunstar dipped his head, and Rosetail padded forth with an eager smile.

“Rosetail, you are ready to take on an apprentice. You have received excellent training from Tawnyspots, and you have shown yourself to be intelligent and loyal. You will be the mentor of Icepaw, and I expect you to pass on all you know to Icepaw.”

The she-cat nodded. “I’ll do my best, Sunstar.”

Sunstar smiled as Rosetail padded towards Icepaw. She stared at him with warmth in her green gaze.

“I’ll teach you the best I can, Icepaw.” Rosetail mewed softly.

Rosetail touched noses with him, and Icepaw felt a jolt of anticipation rush through his body. He could hear the clan beginning to call out his name.

“Icepaw! Icepaw! Icepaw!”

Sunstar halted the cheers with a flick of his tail, as he leapt down. Rosetail backed away.

“To signify your entry into our clan, I shall now remove the only thing left that is binding you to your former life as a kittypet.” Sunstar mewed.

Icepaw looked down at his purple collar, realizing that he was still wearing it. He nodded.

Sunstar bent down and grasped the collar in his teeth. He pulled, and pulled, and pulled…

Until it finally snapped off.

The purple collar went flying, landing on the grass. 

Icepaw felt the breeze on his neck for the first time. It felt amazing.

The clan continued their cheers, and Icepaw stared up at the sky.

You hear that, Ruby? You hear that, Socks? Do you hear it too, mother? I’ve won! I’m not Tiny anymore! I’m Icepaw!

Do you hear me? Icepaw!

I’m Icepaw!

“Clan dismissed.” Sunstar dipped his head and padded off into his den, followed by Tawnyspots and Goosefeather.

Icepaw bounded over to Rosetail. “When will we begin our training?”

“Well, how does a tour of the territory at sunhigh sound?” Rosetail grinned.

Icepaw nodded profusely with a wide smile.

Rosetail padded off to join her mother, Poppydawn, in the warriors den. 

Icepaw was about to go to the apprentice’s den, until he felt someone breathing on his neck. He turned around, nearly feeling his heart leap out of his chest as Tigerpaw glared at him angrily.

“Just because you’ve not got that fancy collar on anymore doesn’t mean that you’re one of us. You’ll be mewling for your mother within the next few days, kittypet.” Tigerpaw bared his teeth.

“We’ll see about that.” Icepaw mewed cockily.

Tigerpaw grumbled and turned around, padding off to chat with his mentor, Thistleclaw.

Icepaw felt a distinct feeling in his chest. I don’t care what he says, I’m a ThunderClan apprentice now! Through and through!

Chapter Text

Icepaw awoke with a yawn. He swiftly got to his paws, stretching the sleep away from his limbs. He looked outside and noticed that the sun had just risen.

The apprentice's den was empty. The others must’ve woken up already. He thought as he padded out of the den, taking in the fresh morning air. He was getting used to the Thunderclan scent.

"Icepaw!"

Icepaw padded over to Rosetail, who smiled at him with a flick of her dark ginger tail. He sat down, curling his tail over his paws.

"Alright, I’ve decided to have the other apprentices come along with their mentors, as it’ll be a good opportunity to have you all bond. Collaboration is key, after all!" Rosetail mewed.

"What she means is that she stole the idea from her mother," Poppydawn purred jokingly, padding over as her apprentice, Willowpaw, followed close behind. "Have you no shame?"

Rosetail grinned at her mother. Soon, they were joined by Thrushpelt and Halftail, each being followed by their own apprentices, Spottedpaw and Redpaw.

Icepaw had to force himself not to look upset once Tigerpaw and Thistleclaw arrived. The two toms were looking quite unfriendly. However, Thistleclaw’s angry scowl turned into a slight smile at the sight of Poppydawn, Rosetail, and Spottedpaw.

Icepaw’s head tilted. He could understand why he smiled at Poppydawn and Rosetail, but why Spottedpaw?

Something about it felt odd, but he forced the feeling away.

Finally, they were joined by Patchpelt and Whitepaw. Surprisingly, Icepaw hadn’t interacted with Whitepaw yet because the white apprentice was always around Thistleclaw. Not like he’d ever admire that out loud though.

Thistleclaw padded over to Whitepaw, and the two touched noses. Icepaw remembered Featherwhisker saying something about the two being father and son.

Not like you’d ever be able to tell, he thought quizzically. Unlike his gray-and-white tabby father, Whitepaw was a thin, snowy-white tom with narrow golden eyes. His ears were large and tufted, and he had a grey marking on his forehead. It would seem like the only thing Whitepaw inherited from his father was his eye color.

"Well?" Thistleclaw mewed. "Let’s get to it."

The group began to make their way out of camp, leaving through the camp's entrance. They traveled through the woods and mostly began to chatter with one another. Whitepaw, Redpaw, and Tigerpaw appeared to be talking with one another. However, Icepaw noticed how Spottedpaw appeared to be talking with Thistleclaw.

Once again, Icepaw felt uneasy. There was something he didn’t like about Thistleclaw, and there was certainly something odd about his relationship with Spottedpaw.

Icepaw shook the thought away. Their relationship was none of his business, no matter how strange it was.

He felt his fur brush against someone, and his heart lurched when he noticed Willowpaw padding beside him.

"We never got the chance to talk more yesterday," Willowpaw mewed. "So, what was it like when you were a kittypet?"

Icepaw smiled anxiously. "Oh? W-Well, I lived with my mom and siblings. We essentially just lazed around all day. It wasn’t too special." Of course, he purposefully left out the fact that his siblings relentlessly bullied him. He didn’t want to bum Willowpaw out.

Willowpaw’s blue gaze went wide with awe. "That’s quite interesting! Honestly, I’d give anything to sleep all day myself." She mewed.

"It gets boring after a while." Icepaw purred. "I prefer the woods more."

Willowpaw smiled, and Icepaw returned the expression.

"Alright, first stop!" Patchpelt halted suddenly, and the group followed suit. They stood in a large and sandy area, filled with logs and odd creatures, one of which was a huge, sharp-edged creature with a hard, shiny pelt.

"This is Tallpines. Twolegs enjoy resting their monsters here, like that one, for example. Don’t worry, it won’t hurt us. They stay on the thunderpath." Rosetail explained.

"Has a monster ever been off the Thunderpath?" Icepaw questioned.

"Not yet," Rosetail meowed. "And let’s hope it stays that way, eh?"

"Alright, let’s keep moving." Poppydawn meowed as the group continued along the grassy forest.

Icepaw padded over to join Redpaw. The tortoiseshell tom acknowledged him with a friendly nod. Thankfully, Tigerpaw and Whitepaw had gone off to chat with Patchpelt, leaving the two alone.

"So, what was it like when you wore a collar?" Redpaw asked.

"It felt cozy, but it used to have a bell attached to it. It’d ring a lot, and it was way too loud." Icepaw explained. "I’m thankful that it’s gone."

"Sounds like a fate worse than death." Redpaw winced. "I’d have run away from those twolegs immediately if they even thought about putting a collar on me!"

Icepaw smiled. "Honestly, I should’ve left sooner. Once you’ve eaten enough pellets and rested on enough couches, you realize just how boring life is."

"Well, on the bright side, you got to sleep all day during Leaf-bare." Redpaw chuckled.
Icepaw snorted with a grin before stopping as the group halted yet again.

They stood in front of a very large, very tall tree. It had long, thick branches and thick roots that twisted around its base before burrowing far into the earth.

Icepaw let out a gasp of awe.

"This is the Great Sycamore. It’s one of our territory’s best hunting spots," Rosetail explained.

"However, don’t try to climb it unless you’re being supervised." Thrushpelt added quickly. "You could get seriously hurt if you fell!"

The apprentices all nodded, and the group continued forth. Throughout the group’s journey, they saw each part of Thunderclan’s territory. The Owl Tree, Snakerocks, the Sandy Hollow, and, of course, the edge of Twolegplace. All that was left now was sunningrocks.

However, before they could even blink, the patrol found themselves gobsmacked as an entirely different group of cats lazed upon the stones.

Icepaw saw Thistleclaw and Tigerpaw snarling at them, while the other cats were more defensive. The young tom anxiously copied Tigerpaw’s snarling.

"Calm yourself, Icepaw." Patchpelt meowed from nearby. "These RiverClan cats won’t respond well to violence."

Icepaw nodded, feeling embarrassed as he straightened his shoulders. Will this be my first battle? He wondered. He hoped not; he hadn’t even learned how to swipe yet!

Halftail padded out, his amber gaze narrowing. "RiverClan! What’re you doing in our territory?"

Icepaw felt his paws shaking beneath him. He noticed Tigerclaw had an odd glint of satisfaction in his gaze. The young tom put on a brave face. He had to be brave. He couldn’t afford to look like a pathetic coward in front of Tigerpaw. He was no longer a scared little kit. He’ll show Tigerpaw that he was a strong, capable apprentice of ThunderClan.

Chapter Text

The RiverClan cats stared over at the ThunderClan cats, each one’s fur bristled intensely.

One of them, a long-haired jet-black tom, padded forth with a lashing tail. “This isn’t your territory anymore, ThunderClan.”

“Don’t make this harder than it has to be, Beetlenose.” Patchpelt warned.

“Or what?” Another black tom stepped forth. “This is a battle you can’t win. Keep in mind that we’re all warriors, and half of you appear to be apprentices.” He snarled.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Tigerpaw hissed. “We can still beat you!”

“I’d like to see you try.” The black tom grinned toothily.

“Don’t.” Poppydawn stopped Tigerpaw before he could even attempt to attack them. He lowered his head in frustration.

“I agree with the grey-pelt. Don’t.” A spotted, golden-brown she-cat stepped forth with a narrowed amber gaze. 

Poppydawn scoffed, and Thistleclaw straightened himself up defensively.

The other RiverClan warriors gathered around Sunningrocks, and the she-cat bared her teeth.

“Get out, or we’ll tear you to shreds.” She hissed.

Halftail’s fur bristled. “This isn’t over.”

The group began to pad away as the RiverClan cats casually and coldly returned to their resting positions underneath the sunlight.

“I can’t believe we’re letting them stay there,” Thistleclaw hissed. “We could take them.”

“You mustn't be so reckless, Thistleclaw.” Patchpelt mewed calmly, yet sternly. “There will come a time where we can avenge this defeat.”

Thistleclaw’s eyes rolled, and Tigerpaw grumbled. 

Willowpaw and Redpaw padded over to Icepaw, and he dipped his head politely.

“Do you think this’ll mean something bad for us?” Willowpaw questioned curiously.

“Most likely,” Redpaw answered with a shake of his head. “We’ll most likely get the rocks back, though.”

“Is it normal for those rocks to be taken so commonly?” Icepaw asked, bewildered.

“Believe it or not, yeah.” Willowpaw shrugged.

“So you all just fight over it? Endlessly?” Icepaw’s blue gaze widened.

Redpaw nodded. “It’s our way of life. Fighting and hunting are a core part of our lives.”

Icepaw winced. “I’ll have to get used to that, I suppose.”

—————————————————————

The group eventually returned to camp, and Halftail had gone off to tell Sunstar and Tawnyspots about what had occurred. 

Meanwhile, Icepaw was curled up beside the fresh-kill pile alongside Willowpaw, Redpaw and Spottedpaw.

“So, what do you think Sunstar’s going to do?” Icepaw broke the silence, swallowing a chunk of his mouse. 

“A battle patrol will most likely be sent out,” Redpaw explained. “I imagine they’ll send out Tigerpaw, considering how keen he was to attack them earlier.”

“It’s about time he earned his warrior name. He’s way older than us.” Spottedpaw nodded.

Icepaw’s nicked ear flicked. I doubt that.

Icepaw turned his head, watching as Sunstar slowly padded onto the high-rock and cleared his throat. 

“Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here beneath the Highrock for a Clan meeting!” He yowled, as Tawnyspots went to sit on the rock beside it.

ThunderClan gathered around the rock, and Icepaw went to sit beside Redpaw and Willowpaw. However, as Spottedpaw padded over to join them, she suddenly stopped and turned to look over at Thistleclaw and Tigerpaw. 

She sighed and padded over to sit with them instead. Icepaw was confused, and he could see a similar sense of confusion on Redpaw’s face.

What is it with her and Thistleclaw? Icepaw wondered.

“ThunderClan, I have horrible news.” Sunstar announced gravely with a flick of his bushy tail. “ RiverClan has taken Sunningrocks once again.”

Gasps and murmurs spread across the camp, with a few snarls mixed in.

“We have decided to wait a few days before reclaiming it,” Sunstar scanned the clearing with his distinctive amber gaze. “In order to prepare our apprentices.”

Icepaw saw a frustrated expression arise from Thistleclaw, and his blue gaze narrowed.

“If anyone has any objections to this, please speak now.” Sunstar mewed, his eyes narrowing.

Without any hesitation, Thistleclaw stepped forth. “I believe that we should attack as soon as possible.” He growled. “We’ll do just fine!”

“That’s too dangerous.” Bluefur mewed, padding over sternly. “Keep in mind that unlike Tigerpaw and Whitepaw, the other apprentices are quite young. It’d be like sending a mouse into snakerocks.”

Thistleclaw’s nose twitched. “They should know how to fight properly at this age!”

“We don’t train our apprentices in the same way that you do, Thistleclaw.” Bluefur retorted, her tone cold.

The two warriors glared at one-another. It was clear to practically everyone that they had some sort of unresolved conflict.

Whitepaw padded over and nudged Thistleclaw’s shoulder. The warrior turned to look at his son, and then at Bluefur. He grumbled, and sat down. 

“So, we’re all in agreement?” Sunstar stared around.

There were a few expressions from Adderfang, Stormtail and Swiftbreeze that said otherwise, but most of the clan seemed to be happy with the decision that Sunstar had come to.

Sunstar dipped his head. “I’d like all the mentors to spend the next few days training their apprentices in The Sandy Hollow. Clan dismissed.”

He leapt down from the rock and padded into his den, followed by Tawnyspots.

“Did you hear that, Whitepaw?” Tigerpaw padded towards the snowy-white tom with a grin. “If we win that fight, there’s a chance we could become warriors!”

“That’s great!” Whitepaw smiled at his friend, though Icepaw could sense something deeper behind it.

Icepaw felt Rosetail nudge his shoulder. “Come on, we should probably get started.” 

Icepaw turned to his mentor, nodding. He followed her to the entrance of camp, before halting suddenly as Halftail and Redpaw padded over. 

“Mind if we come along?” Halftail questioned, with a flick of his round ears.

Rosetail nodded, and Icepaw padded towards Redpaw with a grin.

“Can we come too?”

Two she-kits sped over to them, smiling widely with wagging tails. The first was a light grey she-kit with dark grey spots and green eyes. Her sister was a snowy-white she-kit with a grey tail-tip and deep blue eyes.

“Oh, no you don’t!” Robinwing padded over swiftly. “You two are much too young for battle training. Come on, back to the nursery.” 

“But mum , we really want to!” the grey she-kit whined. 

“Brindlekit, listen to your mother!” Robinwing’s mate, Fuzzypelt, padded over sternly.

Brindlekit rolled her eyes. “Come on, Frostkit.” She mewed to her sister.

They both sprang back towards the nursery, and Fuzzypelt shook his head. 

“Honestly, those kits are so stressful! I’ll have grey fur by the time they’re apprentices.” Fuzzypelt rolled his golden gaze.

“Well, if you retire, I’ll probably be joining you.” Robinwing purred, sitting down to intertwine her tail with his.

Icepaw smiled at the events that unfolded in front of him, before Redpaw nudged him. “Come on, let’s go!”

He followed his new friend into the bracken, ready to train.

Chapter Text

“Begin!”

Icepaw dashed forth, bringing his front paw down onto Redpaw’s head with his claws sheathed. The apprentice let out a hiss of distress, retaliating by gripping Icepaw’s shoulder fur in his teeth.

Icepaw let out a startled gasp as Redpaw pulled him to the ground, pinning him.

“Very good, Redpaw!” Halftail mewed from nearby. 

It had been a few days since Sunstar had ordered for all the apprentice’s to be trained for the upcoming attack on Sunningrocks. Icepaw felt as if he was learning a lot, and felt quite happy about it.

“Alright, that’ll be enough for you two,” Rosetail mewed, as Redpaw carefully got off of Icepaw.

Icepaw got to his paws and went to sit beside Willowpaw and Redpaw. The other apprentices were also present.

Tigerpaw and Whitepaw sat beside each-other, with their chins raised appropriately.

“Alright, next up, Tigerpaw and Spottedpaw.” Thistleclaw hissed.

Spottedpaw gulped and padded forth, followed by Tigerpaw. The tom began to circle her, his amber gaze narrowed angrily.

Thrushpelt looked worried, but Thistleclaw had a smirk on his face. 

Spottedpaw began to do the same thing as Tigerpaw, baring her teeth weakly.

“Begin!” Thistleclaw snarled loudly.

Tigerpaw sprang forth in an instant. He gripped Spottedpaw’s scruff in his teeth, and battered her sides with his large paws.

Spottedpaw let out a yowl and batted at Tigerpaw’s ears, but it was useless. Tigerpaw threw her down onto the grass and pinned her. 

Spottedpaw began to kick at his belly with her hind-legs. Tigerpaw bit back a hiss and backed away. Spottedpaw got to her paws and dashed forth to try and land a front-paw blow onto his forehead.

Tigerpaw crouched down, dodging the attack swiftly before leaping forth and bowling the she-cat over. Before she knew it, Spottedpaw was pinned down yet again.

Thrushpelt gave a nervous expression to Thistleclaw, but the tom didn’t say a word. In fact, he was grinning.

“Alright, that’s enough!” Poppydawn padded forth anxiously.

Tigerpaw got off of Spottedpaw, casually licking at his paw. Spottedpaw shakily got to her paws.

“You did great, Spottedpaw.” Thrushpelt assured his apprentice. “You’ll do better next time, I’m sure of it.”

“You were splendid, Tigerpaw.” Thistleclaw dipped his head with a smirk. 

Tigerpaw returned the expression, padding over to sit beside him as Thrushpelt did the same with his apprentice.

“I think that’ll be enough training for today,” Patchpelt stared up at the sky. “The sun’s going down.”

Halftail nodded. “Right then, off we go!”

The group made their way out of The Sandy Hollow and began to pad back to camp. Icepaw lingered near the back of the group to talk with Redpaw, Willowpaw and Spottedpaw as usual.

“Tigerpaw should’ve been more careful!” Willowpaw hissed. “You’re only small.”

Spottedpaw stared down at her paws self-consciously. “I’m not that small.”

Willowpaw saw the mistake she’d made, and frowned. “Look-it’s just-T-Tigerpaw should’ve gone easier on you. You aren’t as… bold as him.”

Spottedpaw looked as if that statement had made her feel even worse. Redpaw frowned at Willowpaw.

Icepaw’s nicked ear flicked. “Spottedpaw, is there something else that’s wrong?”

Spottedpaw’s gaze widened, but she sighed. “Well, I don’t think I’m fit for the life of a warrior.”

Redpaw’s eyes widened. “What?”

“It feels amazing to fight and hunt for the clan, but it just feels too violent. I don’t think I’m a skilled fighter, and I don’t think I ever will be.” Spottedpaw frowned, her ears pinned against her head.

“Nonsense! You’re just as good as us!” Icepaw tried to reassure her, but the tortoiseshell she-cat simply shook her head with a loud sigh.

“Well, I don’t really care. This isn’t anyone’s fault, I just want a different life. I’m going to ask Featherwhisker and Goosefeather about becoming a medicine apprentice tonight.” Spottedpaw explained.

Willowpaw frowned. “Are you sure about this, Spottedpaw?”

Spottedpaw nodded. 

“Well, we’ll respect your decision.” Icepaw nodded. “This decision may be a life-changer, but if it’s what you feel comfortable with doing, then go for it.” 

Spottedpaw smiled slightly, and Icepaw smiled back. 

The group eventually returned to camp, and the apprentice’s made their way around the fresh-kill pile. Redpaw went to sit beside his father, Adderfang, while Spottedpaw went to sit beside her older siblings, Patchpelt and Leopardfoot.

Willowpaw had gone to sit next to Icepaw. She let out a sigh.

“I’m worried about her,” Willowpaw mewed softly. “Something’s definitely going on that’s made Spottedpaw decide to do this.”

“Hey, it’s her choice.” Icepaw replied. “Being a medicine cat is just as honorable as being a warrior.”

“I know, I know.” Willowpaw frowned. “But she was always so eager to become a warrior.”

“Cats change, and so has she.” Icepaw shrugged.

“I suppose you’re right.” Willowpaw shook her head. “I just hope that she knows what she’s doing.”

Icepaw felt his heart skip a beat as Willowpaw solemnly rested her round head on his shoulder. Icepaw forced back a purr.

“Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here beneath the Highrock for a Clan meeting!”

Sunstar’s yowl rang throughout the camp, and Icepaw went to sit down near the Highrock alongside Willowpaw and Redpaw.

“Tonight, we shall finally send out the patrol to regain Sunningrocks. I shall decide on who joins the patrol now. However, before I do that, I have another announcement to make.” Sunstar explained.

The cats began to murmur in confusion, but Icepaw had a feeling about what it would be about.

“Spottedpaw has decided to change her path, and wishes to become a medicine cat apprentice.” Sunstar announced.

Gasps and murmurs rang throughout the camp as Spottedpaw padded forth to stand beside Goosefeather and Featherwhisker.

Icepaw spotted a hasty glare from Thistleclaw, almost as if he was disappointed to see her change paths.

It was creepy, to say the least.

“Are you sure about this, Spottedpaw?” Thrushpelt padded forth with concern.

“I’m afraid so.” Spottedpaw nodded.

“Then be it so.” Sunstar’s tail flicked. “Spottedpaw shall now be mentored by our medicine cats.”

The clan began to cheer her name as Spottedpaw and Featherwhisker touched noses.

Sunstar silenced the cheers as he made his bushy tail go erect. “Now, as for the patrol, here’s the cats that I have selected.”

Icepaw leaned forward slightly.

“All of the warrior apprentices shall be joining us, as we’ll need all the power we can get. As for warriors, we shall have; Rosetail, Thistleclaw, Bluefur, Lionheart and Smallear.” Sunstar meowed.

The five warriors padded forth, each one ready for the upcoming fight.

Icepaw and the other apprentices (minus Spottedpaw, of course) padded forth to join them. Icepaw puffed out his chest eagerly with a flick of his ears.

I’m going to make ThunderClan proud.

Chapter Text

The ThunderClan patrol slowly traversed the forest, their gazes narrowed with confidence and pride.

Icepaw lingered near the back of the group, beside Willowpaw and Redpaw. He observed them cautiously.

Redpaw looked ready to battle, while Willowpaw had a more defensive expression.

Icepaw decided to go for a mixture of both, unsheathing his claws while also stiffening his shoulders.

Eventually, the group halted. Sunstar stood at the front, peering into the bushes. 

“When I say attack, all of you will show no mercy.” Sunstar hissed quietly.

Icepaw nodded, crouching down. 

After a few short moments of silence, Sunstar let out one of the most ear-splitting yowls that Icepaw had ever heard.

“Attack!” He screeched.

The ThunderClan cats sprang out of the bushes, and Sunningrocks seemed to instantly become a bloodbath.

Icepaw padded out and stared around in horror at the carnage.

At first, the lazy RiverClan cats were groggily awakening. But then, they began to spring to their paws as they realized what was truly occurring.

Thistleclaw bounded towards a light grey tabby she-cat, who had only just awakened from her nap. He mercilessly slashed at her cheek, as she stood up with a loud yowl of pain.

Thistleclaw whipped around to bat a huge, light brown tabby tom in the face. Meanwhile, Tigerpaw sprang over to pin the tabby she-cat down, biting into her ear-tip as she desperately tried to escape his grasp.

Meanwhile, Rosetail pounced forth to pin down an oak-brown tom. Bluefur went to bowl into a dark brown tabby tom, biting into his back fur as she did. Lionheart had just pinned down a slim, dark grey tom.

Tigerpaw backed off from the grey tabby she-cat, but before she could stand, Thistleclaw bounded forth and bit into her scruff deeply. She let out a loud cry of pain.

Suddenly, two she-cat’s sped forth and pulled Thistleclaw back, one of them batting at his head as he did.

Icepaw let out a squeak of pain, turning around as a brown apprentice pinned him down from behind. He stared up at them, snarling with bared teeth.

He quickly kicked them off with his hind-legs before scrambling to his paws. He stared around, watching as Rosetail batted a solid grey she-cat in the face with her paw, before being bowled over by a mottled grey tom.

Icepaw let out a grunt of pain as the apprentice leapt at him with outstretched claws. As they tried to lock their claws around his neck, he bit into their scruff, causing them to howl out in pain.

They backed away, circling Icepaw whilst they hissed and spat. They sprang forth, pinning Icepaw onto the cold grass. Before he could even blink, they angrily batted at his chin.

Icepaw turned to see Redpaw preparing to come to his aid, only to have his hind-leg bitten by another RiverClan apprentice. He quickly kicked them away, and began to sprint forth.

He bowled the brown apprentice over, allowing Icepaw to scramble up. Redpaw had the apprentice pinned, and Icepaw padded over with a loud hiss. 

“Get away from him.”

The apprentice turned to see a muscular, mottled grey warrior glaring at him.

“I said get away !” He hissed, suddenly running forth and biting Redpaw’s scruff in his teeth, pulling him away from the apprentice and throwing him to the ground. 

Redpaw quickly got to his paws, and backed away as the warrior began to approach him. The RiverClan apprentice dashed off into the bushes, with fear in his eyes.

Icepaw gasped and crouched down, preparing a sneak attack.

But suddenly, Sunstar dashed forth and bowled the warrior over. He was soon followed by Smallear.

“Get away from that apprentice, Shellheart.” Sunstar spat. “These rocks are ours.”

“No they aren’t!” Shellheart growled.

“Oh, yes they are.” Smallear retorted.

Shellheart dug his claws into Sunstar’s shoulders, to no avail. Smallear padded forth and dug his claws into the RiverClan warrior’s head.

However, suddenly, a grey tom burst through the ferns and bowled Sunstar over. Smallear gasped and began to attack Shellheart yet again, but Icepaw and Redpaw’s gazes were focused on Sunstar’s attacker.

He was a long-haired, mottled, grey-and-white tom with piercing golden eyes. He stared down at Sunstar as if he was a piece of fox dung.

Sunstar angrily tried to get up. Pressing his unsheathed claws down onto the tom’s head, but it was of no use.

The tom prepared to perform a killing bite onto the ThunderClan leader’s throat, until Thistleclaw suddenly thrust into him and pinned him to the ground, holding his face down with his claws.

“How dare you try to kill our leader, Hailstar!” Thistleclaw snarled, as Sunstar slowly got to his paws.

“It was for a good reason,” Hailstar mumbled through the large paw that was pressed against his cheek. “You’re trying to steal our territory!”

“Trying?” Thistleclaw barked out a loud fit of laughter that made Icepaw’s blood run cold. “We don’t have to try, we’ve done it!”

Hailstar’s golden gaze flickered around the clearing, narrowing with anger as he realized just how outnumbered his clan was. However, Icepaw could see how determined he was to keep Sunningrocks.

But as soon as Hailstar tried to get to his paws, Thistleclaw lunged down and sank his teeth into the tom’s throat.

Hailstar let out a choked gasp, before slowly going limp. Thistleclaw backed away, smirking as he lapped blood off of his jaws.

Icepaw felt his fur bristling with fear at how cruel Thistleclaw was. But then, Icepaw saw Hailstar’s neck begin to heal itself. The tom stood up weakly, with a gasp. He stared at Thistleclaw, his eyes wide with horror.

Thistleclaw took one of his lives! Icepaw remembered when Pine had told him about how a leader had nine lives, and how carefully they were meant to be used.

But Thistleclaw had carelessly taken Hailstar’s life anyways. Icepaw had a sickening realization; the realization that Hailstar was RiverClan’s leader.

“RiverClan, retreat!” Hailstar yowled, dashing into the bushes. His clan soon followed him. Thistleclaw sprang onto the top of Sunningrocks and let out a yowl of victory. The rest of the clan soon joined him.

Icepaw stared around. Something wasn’t right. Shellheart was gone.

And then, Icepaw felt his heart drop into his stomach as a cat began to creep up on Sunstar.

“Sunstar, watch out!” He screeched, but it was too late.

Shellheart leapt out and bit into Sunstar’s scruff, slashing his throat open with his claws. The ThunderClan let out a shocked gasp before falling limp. Shellheart quickly dashed into the bushes before anyone could apprehend him.

“No!” Bluefur screeched, dashing towards the dying leader. 

Thankfully, Sunstar’s throat began to heal, and the leader weakly staggered to his paws.

“He might’ve taken a life,” Sunstar shook out his fur. “But we’ve taken Sunningrocks. That’s all that matters. Thistleclaw, get these cats back to camp at once. I’ll be with you shortly.”

The warrior nodded, and sprang onto the stones. “Alright, let’s get back to camp.”

Icepaw, still filled with shock, anxiously began to follow his Clanmates into the bushes.

Chapter Text

“There we go! How do you feel?” Featherwhisker mewed as he placed one last strand of cobweb onto Icepaw’s shoulder wound.

“Great!” Icepaw replied. “Thank you.”

Featherwhisker dipped his head, and Icepaw began to pad out of the medicine den.

He heard a loud cough erupt from Sunstar. The leader, despite having survived his wounds, had still been heavily damaged from Shellheart’s attack. 

Icepaw felt his ears becoming pinned against his head. He felt bad for his leader.

He padded out from the medicine den, and went to sit beside Redpaw. The tortoiseshell tom regarded him with a swift dip of his head.

“So, how was the attack?” Goldenflower questioned as she went to curl up beside the pile. Her brother, Lionheart, sat beside her. The two warriors didn’t acknowledge the apprentice’s, so Icepaw decided to listen in as he bit into his squirrel.

“It wasn’t easy. I nearly got my scruff bitten off, honestly.” The golden-furred warrior replied.

Goldenflower licked his ear, causing it to flick. “At least you’re alright now.”

“Let’s hope so. RiverClan will certainly give our clan an earful at the next gathering.” Lionheart sighed.

“If anything, they’ll scrutinize us for having that kittypet around!” Swiftbreeze padded over to stand nearby, a frown across her face.

Icepaw had to stop himself from bushing out his tail. Frustration pricked through his veins as he dug his paws into the grass. 

“He’s not a kittypet anymore, Swiftbreeze,” Lionheart licked his paw. “He fought quite well, believe it or not.”

Swiftbreeze scoffed. “According to Thistleclaw, he could hardly beat an apprentice.” 

“You know what Thistleclaw can be  like,” Goldenflower snorted. “He’s a show-off who makes other cats look bad just so he can’t look mousebrained.”

Swiftbreeze rolled her eyes. “I just don’t think this is a good idea, alright? I’m not the only one, either. Why, me and Adderfang were talking about it only a few days ago!”

Redpaw looked embarrassed by his mother’s words, and averted his amber gaze. Icepaw felt bad for him.

“Ignore them,” Icepaw mewed quietly. “Let’s focus on each-other. 

Redpaw smiled slightly, nodding.

“What did Featherwhisker say about your wounds?” Icepaw questioned, staring at the patch of cobwebs that were neatly stuck to his scruff, and hind-leg.

“The scruff wound won’t be permanent, but he’s not sure about the bite on my leg,” Redpaw replied. “He’s suggesting that I avoid walking on it for a bit.”

Icepaw nodded. “At least we won, right?”

Redpaw chuckled. “Yeah, I guess that makes up for it.”

Icepaw looked over at the medicine den as Goosefeather padded out with a yawn. Sunstar soon appeared beside him, nodding politely at the elderly medicine cat.

Sunstar made his way to the rock, and Tawnyspots went to sit nearby. 

Icepaw got to his paws. “Come on, let’s find a good spot to sit.” 

With a flick of his dark ginger tail, Redpaw got to his paws and followed Icepaw. The two cats sat down beside Willowpaw, who calmly gave them a nod. She had a small scar on her nose from the fight, but Icepaw thought it made her look even more mesmerizing than she already was.

Sunstar cleared his throat. “ThunderClan, we have managed to reclaim what is rightfully ours. We now officially own Sunningrocks!”

The clan broke out into a fit of cheering and purring. The loudest purrs seemed to erupt from Thistleclaw, Tigerpaw and Weedwhisker.

Sunstar’s bushy tail went erect, and the clan became silent. “Of course, this is not my only noteworthy announcement. Tigerpaw, Whitepaw, step forth at once.”

The two apprentice’s padded forth. Leopardfoot padded over quickly to touch noses with Tigerpaw, before returning to the crowd to sit beside her brother, Patchpelt.

“I, Sunstar, leader of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as warriors in their turn.” Sunstar said.

Tigerpaw grinned toothily, eagerly digging his paws into the dirt beneath him. Whitepaw, however, looked a lot calmer.

Icepaw envied the snowy-white tom’s ability to keep still. If he was in Whitepaw’s position, he’d be springing across the camp.

“Tigerpaw and Whitepaw,” Sunstar mewed. “Do you both promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?”

“Yes, Sunstar.” Tigerpaw nodded. Icepaw soon noticed that the dark tabby tom’s right ear appeared to have been sliced during the battle. 

Whitepaw nodded, and Sunstar shook out his pelt with satisfaction.

“Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior names. Tigerpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Tigerclaw. StarClan honors your courage and skill at fighting, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan.” Sunstar mewed.

Tigerpaw puffed out his chest, straightening his broad shoulders. Whitepaw dipped his head at the newly-made warrior.

“Whitepaw, from this moment on you will be known as Whitestorm. StarClan honors your wisdom and loyalty, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan.” Sunstar added.

The clan began to cheer the warrior’s names.

“Tigerclaw! Whitestorm! Tigerclaw! Whitestorm!” 

Tigerclaw looked around proudly with a smirk, while Whitestorm smiled warmly at the cats around him.

Icepaw felt pride rise through his chest. He felt glad that his clanmates had finally risen through the ranks, even if he wasn’t too fond of Tigerclaw.

Leopardfoot dashed over and smiled at her son. They touched their noses together softly.

Thistleclaw padded over to Whitestorm. They didn’t say a word to one another, and simply nodded. Bluefur, however, padded over and touched her forehead to Whitestorm’s shoulder with a warm smile.

Whitestorm returned the expression, and the two cats padded off to chat with one-another. Thistleclaw frowned, his teeth bared as Tigerclaw padded over to his former mentor. Thistleclaw looked over at Tigerclaw, nodding with a toothy grin.

If you were an outsider, you’d almost think that Tigerclaw was Thistleclaw’s true son.

Icepaw felt slightly uncomfortable as he stared into Tigerclaw’s amber gaze. There was something that glinted within his eyes that shook Icepaw to his very core. 

And Icepaw felt determined to make sure that his fire-like expression would never hinder his training. 

Chapter Text

The moon twinkled brightly across the silverpelt, and Icepaw felt entranced by the beauty of the stars that danced alongside it.

He followed his clanmates across the woodlands, excitement prickling through his black pelt.

Redpaw nudged him from nearby. “Cmon, be a bit more eager, won’t you? This’ll be your first gathering, after-all.”

Icepaw purred. “I know, it’s just a little bit nerve-racking. The clans won’t be thrilled by having someone like me at the gathering.”

“If it makes you feel any better, I’m happy to give any cat that thinks you’re weak a lovely bat over the ears!” Willowpaw mewed, grinning.

“Thanks,” Icepaw sighed. “I suppose it’ll be fine.”

I hope it is, anyway.

“What’re gatherings like?” Icepaw asked. He might as-well prepare himself. 

“A gathering is when all four clans come together to report all sorts of things,” Rosetail, Icepaw’s mentor, padded over with a flick of her dark ginger tail. “Such as odd scents, border disputes, ceremonies, etcetera, etcetera.” 

Icepaw nodded. “Do we get to speak with cats from the other clans?”

“Indeed,” Rosetail. “One of the best parts of the gathering is its peaceful aura. Cats from other clans are able to speak with one-another without the bindings of the warrior code.”

“But be warned, Icepaw,” Halftail, Redpaw’s mentor, padded over quickly with a frown. “Never give up valuable information to a cat from another clan. We must trust them, yes, but we can never be too trusting.”

Icepaw nodded, dipping his head respectfully with a flick of his nicked ear.

“You’ve gotten taller recently,” Icepaw turned to Willowpaw.

“Indeed!” Willowpaw smiled. “Soon enough, I’ll be the size of a warrior.”

“You aren’t too short yourself, Icepaw.” Redpaw chimed in. 

It was true; Icepaw had noticed that he’d grown a few inches during the last few weeks. 

“We’re almost there!” Rosetail meowed, smiling eagerly.

Icepaw stared forth with a gasp. In front of them was a drawbridge, and beside it was a huge gorge.

The group had decided to pass through RiverClan’s territory, since it was the closest way to Fourtrees. Rosetail had spoken about the gorge earlier that day, but Icepaw hadn’t expected it to be this huge.

“Careful, everyone!” Tawnyspots called out from up ahead. “I don’t want to see any of you try your luck on those stepping stones; this bridge is sturdy enough for everyone!”

ThunderClan continued forth, crossing the bridge with relative ease. The sounds of the sweeping waters within the gargantuan gorge were a calm yet thrilling sound to Icepaw’s ears.

And if that sight wasn’t amazing enough, Icepaw’s eyes soon laid upon Fourtrees up ahead.

It was a relatively large hollow, with four pine trees surrounding it. Stones and sticks cascaded the edges. ThunderClan slowly padded inside, and Icepaw’s awe soon increased by a huge length.

Thousands upon thousands of cats were huddled together, speaking to one-another. Scents of all kinds were scrambled across the clearing, and Icepaw could barely make anything out among them. Soon enough, the clan dispersed into their own separate groups.

Icepaw followed Redpaw and Willowpaw, joining them as they began to meet up with a group of apprentice’s.

The first cat that Icepaw’s attention became drawn to was a short-haired, broad-shouldered, and large-pawed snowy-white tom with jet-black paws. His hind-legs were the same color as his paws, but his tail-tip was white. His eyes were narrow, and burned like the embers of a wildfire. His left ear had a small nick, and he had a minuscule yet noticeable scar above his left eye. There was another scar above his muzzle, only inches away from his nose. 

He regarded Icepaw with a respectful dip of his head. “Blackpaw.”

“Hm?” Icepaw sat down with a confused head tilt.

“My name is Blackpaw.” The apprentice replied.

“Oh, I see,” Icepaw nodded. “I’m Icepaw.”

Blackpaw looked him up and down again, and nodded.

The cat that sat beside Blackpaw was a long-haired, pale brown she-cat with a grey tabby overcoat and a white left paw. Her eyes were golden, and she wore a snarky grin across her snout. 

“I’m Tanglepaw,” she mewed. “You look kinda new, is he?” Tanglepaw turned to Redpaw, who gave her a swift nod.

“What clans are you from?” Icepaw asked curiously.

“ShadowClan, duh!” Tanglepaw replied. “You probably don’t know your scents yet.”

Icepaw was offended, but did his best to hide that fact.

“Anyways, good to see you.” Tanglepaw grinned with a quick flick of her bushy tail. 

Icepaw nodded, dipping his head. He decided to go and explore the area, padding off. Icepaw stared around, and watched as Sunstar approached a small group of cats who sat near a humongous rock.

The first cat was Hailstar, RiverClan’s leader. He gave Sunstar an odd glare, but dipped his head respectfully anyways.

The second cat was a long-haired, scruffy, dark grey tom with a white chest, and underbelly. His left paw was white, and his snout was clearly grey with age. His eyes were narrowed and amber, and he was covered with scars.

The third (and final) cat was a short-haired, long-legged, and large-eared black-and-white tom with amber eyes and a black heart-shaped marking on his chest.

Sunstar, Hailstar and the other two tom’s began to lumber onto the stone, scanning the clearing as they sat down. Icepaw assumed that this was where the leader’s sat.

Four cats gathered in front of the rock. The first was Tawnyspots, and the second was Shellheart.

This must be where the deputies sit. Icepaw realized.

The third cat was a huge, long-haired, and broad-shouldered dark brown tabby tom with amber eyes and a nicked right ear.

The fourth cat was a short-haired and slim jet-black tom with a lighter face, amber eyes, and an oddly twisted paw.

“Those are Raggedpelt and Deadfoot,” Willowpaw appeared from behind Icepaw. “They’re the deputies of ShadowClan and WindClan.”

“Deadfoot feels like a cruel name.” Icepaw frowned.

Willowpaw shrugged. “I agree.”

“Who’re they, then?” Icepaw looked up at the two other leaders.

“Cedarstar and Tallstar,” Willowpaw replied calmly. “They’re the leaders of ShadowClan and WindClan.”

Icepaw nodded thankfully. He looked over at Goosefeather, Featherwhisker, and Spottedpaw as they went to sit beside a group of other cats.

The first of these cats was a long-haired and flat-faced dark grey she-cat with amber eyes and a scarred nose. Beside her sat an apprentice-sized and short-haired white tom with grey patches, amber eyes, and a snotty nose. 

“That’s Yellowfang and her apprentice, Runningpaw.” Willowpaw answered Icepaw’s question before it had even been asked. “They’re the ShadowClan medicine cats.”

Willowpaw’s blue gaze suddenly narrowed. “That’s weird.”

“What’s weird?” Icepaw asked her calmly.

“There’s supposed to be a third medicine cat, her name is Sagewhisker,” Willowpaw replied. “But she isn’t here.”

Icepaw frowned. I wonder if she’s alright.

Beside the ShadowClan medicine cats sat a short-haired, dark brown tom with a darker face, legs, and tail. He had a stumpy tail, and golden eyes, which looked tired with exhaustion.

“That’s Barkface, WindClan’s medicine cat.” Willowpaw mewed. “There’s another medicine cat, Hawkheart, but he doesn’t seem to be here either.”

Icepaw nodded. There was a fourth cat, of course. They were a short-haired, snowy-white she-cat who was covered with black spots. Her eyes were a deep blue, and she had a soft and plumy tail.

“That’s Brambleberry, RiverClan’s medicine cat.” Willowpaw smiled.

Suddenly, Sunstar padded forth and let out a loud yowl. The gathering had finally begun.

Chapter Text

Icepaw made his way over to Redpaw, alongside Willowpaw. Blackpaw and Tanglepaw were also sat nearby, though Icepaw didn’t really mind.

He actually found himself quite interested in Blackpaw. He seemed stoic, yet strong.

“Everyone, welcome to the gathering.” Sunstar mewed boldly with a flick of his tail. “I shall allow Tallstar to begin.”

Tallstar dipped his head and padded to the front of the rock. “WindClan is doing quite well. Newleaf has provided us with better hunting, and prosperous strength. However, our clan is not without loss.”

Tallstar sighed, and stared at his paws. “Hawkheart is dead.”

Gasps rang out from the clearing. Icepaw frowned. I wonder what he was like.

“We are terribly sorry for your loss,” Hailstar comforted the WindClan leader with a sorrowful expression. “How did he die?”

“He was killed by a dog that was wandering the moorland. He died a hero’s death, as he saved the life of one of our warriors; Stagleap.” Tallstar explained sadly.

Tallstar cleared his throat. “We shall move onwards with Barkface as our sole medicine cat. WindClan shall mourn, but we shall not allow our mourning to break our spirits.”

Tallstar stepped back, and Cedarstar came forth with a pridefully puffed out chest.

“ShadowClan is doing as well as anyone could ever expect!” He meowed with a grin. “We have managed to drive out a small group of ferrets from our hunting grounds.”

Blackpaw and Tanglepaw puffed out their chests, though it was clear that one of them looked more prideful than the other.

Cedarstar sighed. “However, we too have lost a cat that was very dear to us. Sagewhisker had a heart attack, and lost her life.”

Icepaw gasped, remembering when Willowpaw had mentioned her name. 

“However, just as Tallstar said earlier, we shall not allow ourselves to be drawn back by this loss!” Cedarstar stomped his paw down. “Sunstar! You may speak.”

Sunstar padded forth with a thankful dip of his head before clearing his throat. “ThunderClan is doing quite well. During the past moon, we have gained a new apprentice. His name is Icepaw.” 

Icepaw felt a gulp rise in his throat as unsure murmurs spread through the hollow.

“Did that name come up during the last few gatherings?”

“I don’t think so. Adopted, d’you think?”

“Maybe, maybe…”

Sunstar puffed out his chest. “Icepaw was formerly a kittypet, but we have decided to take him in so that he may learn our ways.” 

Murmurs and yowls of protest spread like wildfire moments after Sunstar had finished speaking.

“A kittypet? He’ll never be a warrior!”

“Oh! So he was adopted, then?”

“I don’t think that’s the point, but okay.”

“Silence!” Sunstar yowled. “Look at yourselves! What makes you think that this apprentice could do any worse than a regular clan cat?”

“The warrior code forbids it,” Raggedpelt, ShadowClan’s deputy, stared up at the rock with bated teeth. “Kittypet’s are unworthy of ever knowing our ways. They’ll just be lazy, and cowardly, until they eventually leave all of their hopes and dreams to return to their soft and happy lives.”

“That’s not true.” Lionheart padded out from the crowd and glared at Raggedpelt scornfully. “I’ve seen that apprentice fight in a battle. He was fierce, and you would’ve hardly believed that he was ever a kittypet at all.”

“He’s simply trying to make himself look good now, so that you won’t criticize him once he shows his true nature.” Raggedpelt retorted.

“True nature?” Lionheart scoffed, his green gaze wide. “I sincerely doubt that.”

“Raggedpelt, come off of it!” A cat stepped out from the crowd, her gaze narrowed with fury. She was a short-haired and scruffy dark ginger she-cat with pale green eyes. 

“Russetfur,” Raggedpelt frowned. “Stay out of this.”

“I don’t think I will.” Russetfur hissed. “You should know better than any cat about how terrible it is to underestimate those beyond our borders.”

Raggedpelt’s eyes narrowed. “Give me an example.”

Russetfur bared her teeth, her fur bristling. “You’re looking at it.”

Raggedpelt let out a bark of laughter. “You’re only an exception because you worked with much scruffier cats during your days in the Twolegplace.”

“And remind me what those scruffy cats were, Raggedpelt.” Russetfur spat.

Raggedpelt rolled his eyes. “Kittypet’s.”

“See?” Russetfur hissed. “This is the problem with cats like you!”

“All of you, end this nonsensical argument at once.” Cedarstar hissed.

Russetfur stared up at him, dipping her head and returning to the crowd. Lionheart did the same as Raggedpelt sat down, defeated.

“We have also reclaimed Sunningrocks.” Sunstar hissed, stepping back as Hailstar padded forth.

“We have not been doing our best. Yes, we have thankfully lacked any losses, but we have also lost Sunningrocks. We pray that our hunting shall remain untouched.” Hailstar mewed.

Hailstar backed away. “The gathering is at an end.”

Icepaw stared up at the sky, watching as a set of clouds began to drift upon the moon, covering it.

The clans began to return to their own groups. Raggedpelt gave Icepaw a hasty glare as he padded by, with a similar expression given to him by Blackpaw and Tanglepaw as they followed their deputy.

Clan cats really do change once they figure out you’re not truly one of them. Icepaw thought to himself, frowning.

“Come on, Icepaw! We’ve got to get back to camp.” Willowpaw smiled at him, though Icepaw could see the worry which reflected across her blue gaze.

Icepaw nodded and padded after her, though he remained uncertain. What if he was exiled? What if the reactions of the other clans had convinced him to let go of his silly experiment? 

No, that won’t happen. Icepaw forced the thought to enter his brain, though he knew that it simply went through one ear and out through the other. He felt horrible, and the place he had thought he’d earnt when he became an apprentice felt like a mere fraudulent accident.

I should start thinking of what to say to Quince when I go home. Icepaw remembered his cold and lazy mother with a shudder. When? No, that’s an if. Not a when. Right?

Right?

Chapter Text

Icepaw stalked through the grass with a sniff. It’d been about a moon since the gathering, and the words that Raggedpelt had said still plagued his mind. 

They were plaguing him so much, that Icepaw found himself going face-first onto the grass. He was distracted, and had tried to pounce onto a sparrow too early. The bird had flown into a tree, and stared down at him with a tilted head. It almost looked like it was mocking him.

Icepaw grumbled and scrambled to his paws. His mentor, Rosetail, padded out from the bushes with a sigh.

“What’s wrong with you?” She questioned with a narrowed pale green stare. “You were like this yesterday, too!”

“Nothing,” Icepaw insisted with a roll of his cold-blue eyes. He sat down, curling his tail over his paws.

Rosetail sat down beside him. “It’s about what Raggedpelt said, isn’t it?”

Icepaw averted his gaze with a twitch of his nose. Rosetail frowned.

“Don’t listen to him. It’s normal for a ShadowClan cat to act that way. Plus, it’s not like you were left defenseless. Russetfur defended you.” Rosetail’s words made Icepaw feel embarrassed, like he was being scolded by an angry parent.

“But I understand if you’re still upset. I’d be upset, too.” Rosetail changed her tone, trying to reassure him. It wasn’t working.

Icepaw simply stared at his paws once more, his ears bent down in defeat.

Rosetail stared around the clearing and raised her head to gaze at the sky. Not a single cloud floated past. “The weather’s looking nice. Greenleaf has given us good offerings.” 

Icepaw sighed, not wishing to participate in his mentor’s attempts at making small talk. Rosetail smiled warmly at him.

“You know, me and Thistleclaw aren’t exactly pure-blooded ThunderClan cats ourselves.” Rosetail winked.

Icepaw raised his head to stare at her, his interest piqued. “Really?”

“Yep.” Rosetail grinned. “Our father, Windflight, is a half-clan cat. His mother was born here in ThunderClan, but his father was born in WindClan and came here to live with us in ThunderClan. They’re both dead now, but they lived long enough to have our father. And then, our father had us with Poppydawn.” 

Icepaw’s mouth was agape with awe. “Woah!”

“Well, it wasn’t just us, technically. We had a sister.” Rosetail suddenly frowned. “But she died when we were apprentice’s. She ate poisoned prey.” 

Icepaw frowned, comforting her by pressing his head against her shoulder. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay,” Rosetail smiled. “We all have to go to StarClan someday. Some cats just have to go earlier than others. It’s not fun, but that’s how life is, you know?” 

“Yeah, you’re right.” Icepaw nodded calmly. 

The two cats shared a thoughtful look. Icepaw was glad to have such a calming and friendly car as his mentor. He shuddered, wondering what the horrors of having a cat like Thistleclaw as his mentor would’ve been like.

“Watch out!” 

Icepaw turned around, and let out a gasp. He and Rosetail leapt out of the way, as Frostpaw suddenly pounced out from the bushes and landed face-first into a tree. She landed on the grass, scrambling to her paws wildly.

Icepaw rolled his eyes at the antics of the younger apprentice. “How’d you do that?”

“I tried to catch a mouse,” Frostpaw mewed dizzily, shaking out her snowy-white pelt. “But it didn’t go too well.”

Rosetail let out a good-humored purr, and Icepaw joined in. Frostpaw and her sister, Brindlepaw, had recently become the apprentice’s of Bluefur and Stormtail. 

Speaking of the blue-pelted she-cat, Bluefur appeared from the undergrowth with a heavy sigh. “Frostpaw, are you alright?”

“Yep!” Frostpaw grinned widely. “I’m all good!”

“Good,” Bluefur mewed. “I don’t want to have to take you to the medicine den for a broken skull now, do I?”

“That won’t happen!” Frostpaw purred playfully, amused.

“Let’s hope not,” Bluefur smiled and turned to look at Rosetail. “Rosetail, hi! How are things?”

“I’m doing great, just doing some hunting with Icepaw.” Rosetail replied, looking over at her apprentice.

Icepaw respectfully dipped his head at Bluefur. He owed her after-all, since she saved him from being killed by Tigerclaw and by extension, Thistleclaw.

Bluefur returned the head dip. “You’re getting quite strong, aren’t you?”

Icepaw replied with a nod and a small smile. He stared down at his legs, which were now quite long and hefty.

“You’ll be taller than Windflight someday, I can feel it!” Bluefur purred. She turned to look at Frostpaw. “Alright, that’s enough head-bumping for one day. Let’s go and hunt at Sunningrocks, eh?”

“Okay, Bluefur!” Frostpaw smiled and followed her mentor as the two cats padded off into the bushes.

“That goes for us, too,” Rosetail looked over at Icepaw as she got to her paws. “Let’s go to the owl tree and see what we can gather.”

“Sounds good to me.” Icepaw stood up and padded after her with a huge smile across his snout.

The apprentice finally felt glad about himself after what felt like days of sulking. It didn’t matter what Raggedpelt, or Thistleclaw, or anyone said about him. What mattered was that he put himself first.

After a good few hours of hunting, Icepaw and Rosetail returned to camp with a plump mouse and a particularly juicy squirrel. 

“I’ll be over there with Thistleclaw and Adderfang; you just go and eat your catch, alright? You’ve earned it.” Rosetail mewed.

“Okay, thanks Rosetail!” Icepaw replied, dashing over to the fresh-kill pile and gratefully sinking his teeth into his squirrel. Redpaw sat beside him with a heavy sigh.

“Today was tiring,” Redpaw mewed with a hoarse yawn. “Halftail made me practice a ton of battle cries; now my throat is all sore.”

“Try drinking some water, maybe?” Icepaw suggested. “I could get you some moss now, actually-“

“No, no, don’t worry about it!” Redpaw coughed slightly as he spoke. “I’m fine.”

“Oh, okay.” Icepaw shrugged and continued to consume his prey.

“Icepaw!” Spottedpaw appeared from the medicine den and bounded over to him.

“Yeah?” Icepaw raised his head curiously.

“I know this is a bit much, but could you supervise me while I’m herb-hunting? Featherwhisker’s busy treating a thorn in Brindlepaw’s paw.” Spottedpaw questioned.

What is it with that cat and thorns? Icepaw wondered to himself with a shrug. “Sure.”

“Thanks! I’ll wait for you to finish your squirrel.” Spottedpaw nodded thankfully, padding off.

“Is it just me, or was she acting odd?” Redpaw asked with a flick of his tufted ears.

“I wouldn’t worry about it.” Icepaw sat up, licking his snowy-white paw. “It’s just a little herb-hunting, that’s all.”

“You’ll tell me if she says anything weird, right?” Redpaw turned to Icepaw with a narrowed amber gaze. “She’s my sister, I want to make sure she stays safe.”

“Will do.” Icepaw got to his paws. “Could you take this to Willowpaw? I’ve had enough of this for today.” He nudged the rest of his squirrel over to Redpaw.

“Eh, an eye for an eye.” He mumbled in response through the fur in his snout as he picked up the piece of prey and padded over to greet his sister.

Icepaw padded over to the medicine den, and followed Spottedpaw as she began to make her way towards the camp entrance.  

Chapter Text

Icepaw had to stop himself from coughing as the acrid scent of catmint filled his lungs. He had to hold the dreadful herbs in his mouth whilst Spottedpaw picked the rest of them from the bush they’d been picked from in the first place.

Icepaw felt quite nervous. They were close to the twolegplace, the same twolegplace that Icepaw had escaped all those moons ago. 

What if Quince sees me? Icepaw thinks to himself. What will she think?

Icepaw shook his head. No. Don’t think about her. She’s not your problem anymore.

“How long until we get back to camp?” Icepaw asked, though it came out muffled.

“Hm?” Spottedpaw turned around with a confused look.

“I said-“ Icepaw coughed out the leaves. “How long until we get back to camp?“

“Not too long,” Spottedpaw yawned. “I just need a few more of these.”

Icepaw nodded, though he was still quite bored. He filled his head with thoughts of Willowpelt to try and make himself feel happier, which worked only slightly. 

Icepaw began to feel quite curious about Spottedpaw. Her movements suggested that she was nervous. Her paws seemed to shuffle, as if she was itching to do something.

Did she have different intentions when it came to this herb-hunting session? And if so, what were they? Why did they involve him?

“Spottedpaw,” Icepaw got to his paws with a narrowed gaze. “Is there something you want to tell me?”

Spottedpaw whipped around, her round amber eyes wide with an expression that Icepaw couldn’t quite read. She padded over, sighing. “Yes. Yes, there is.”

Icepaw sat down. “What’s wrong?”

Spottedpaw stared from side-to-side. “There’s another reason as to why I changed roles.”

Icepaw was taken aback. “Like what?”

Spottedpaw shuffled her paws. She looked as if her heart was beating out of her chest. “I’m going to tell Willowpaw and Redpaw eventually, but I don’t want you to say a word of this to them, okay?” 

“Spottedpaw, if the thing you’re going to say is possibly endangering your life, then I’m going to have to tell Redpaw. I made a promise.” Icepaw frowned, shaking his head.

Spottedpaw’s nose twitched, her fur bristling. “You can’t! Please!”

“Spottedpaw, calm down-“ Icepaw backed away as the medicine apprentice crumpled to the ground with a sourly depressing expression.

“You can’t! Please!” She sobbed. Whatever this was, it was clearly having a terrible effect on her mental state.

“Spottedpaw, calm down!” He padded over and helped her to her paws. “Take deep breaths, okay? Deep ones, like this.” 

Icepaw began to help Spottedpaw with some breathing exercises that he’d overheard Redpaw giving to her a few moons prior.

She has some horrible anxiety. Icepaw realized. Poor thing.

“Now,” Icepaw sighed. “I promise to only tell Redpaw and Willowpaw, nobody else. Alright?” 

Spottedpaw sniffled, and then nodded. 

“Okay, tell me everything, from start to finish.” Icepaw lifted his head calmly, frowning.

Spottedpaw sighed. “When I was just starting out as Thrushpelt’s apprentice, I was really close with Thistleclaw.”

Icepaw remembered the odd looks and interactions that the two cats had had a few moons back. 

“We were very close,” Spottedpaw winced. “W-We were mates, in secret. He told me not to tell anyone. I was a dumb kit, and I listened.” Her lip wobbled with sorrow.

Icepaw felt his fur bristling with shock, as his face felt red with anger. He could’ve stopped this. He saw the signs, and he could’ve helped her there and then, but he didn’t. Guilt tore at his chest.

“Keep going,” Icepaw beckoned her, even though he didn’t want to hear anymore.

“I broke up with him a few moons before RiverClan took Sunningrocks. He was furious, and said he’d find a way to get me back, because he loved me.” Spottedpaw continued, sniffling as her nose twitched. “When Tigerpaw attacked me during that training session, I knew that Thistleclaw would’ve told him to do something worse if it wasn’t for Poppydawn stepping in.” 

Icepaw glared at his paws. He was going to kill Thistleclaw for what he did. He’d tear his throat open. He’d make him suffer.

“So I became a medicine cat, so he’d never be able to be my mate at all.” Spottedpaw finished. “And that’s the truth.” 

“I’m going to make him pay.” Icepaw snarled, his teeth bared.

“No!” Spottedpaw got to her paws. 

“No?” Icepaw got to his paws, his tail lashing as his claws went in and out of their sheathes. “He deserves all the pain in the world!”

“Yes, he does,” Spottedpaw replied. “But he doesn’t deserve it for now! If he’s going to get revenge, he’ll either get it when you’re strong enough for it, or not at all.” 

Icepaw sat down. She was right; fighting Thistleclaw was like digging your own grave.

“So, what do we do, then?” Icepaw asked.

“We’ll wait until we’re strong enough to fight him.” Spottedpaw replied.

“And you’ll tell your siblings about this?” Icepaw added.

“I’ll tell them tonight.” Spottedpaw sighed and padded over to Icepaw, burying her nose into his shoulder fur. “Thank you, Icepaw.”

“It’s the best I could do for a friend,” Icepaw mewed softly. He wanted to hug her for moons, to give her comfort after all the pain that she’s gone through.

And then suddenly, a loud yowl of pain sounded from nearby. 

Spottedpaw backed away, whipping around to stare at the source of the sound. Icepaw narrowed his eyes, before widening them completely. He sprang forth to defensively stand in front of Spottedpaw.

He recognized that yowl. He’d recognize it anywhere.

Two cats revealed themselves from the undergrowth. The first cat was an almost-solid grey she-cat with a white chin and dark green eyes. The cat that stood beside her was a black-and-white tom with green eyes. They were panting, with wide eyes.

“Ruby,” Icepaw frowned, greeting his sister. “Socks.” He turned to his brother.

“You know these cats?” Spottedpaw murmured, straightening herself.

“All too well,” Icepaw replied sourly. “What’re you doing on ThunderClan’s territory?”

“Please, we need help!” Ruby meowed hoarsely. She sounded as if she hadn’t drank in days, and her ribcage was barely visible beneath her scruffy pelt. Socks let out a wince of pain.

“With what?” Icepaw questioned. He searched his siblings eyes for some sort of recognition, but all he saw was caution and fear.

Do they know it’s me? Have I changed that much? Icepaw wondered.

“My brother is injured,” Ruby explained. “He was attacked by an ugly cat with prickly fur!” 

“Why should we help you?” Icepaw questioned. “Why shouldn’t I drive you out, here and now?”

“We haven’t done anything to you!” Socks grunted despite his pain. “We don’t even know who you are.”

Icepaw gasped, frowning deeply. “You don’t remember me?”

“Of course not!” Ruby hissed. “Now help my brother, please!”

Icefoot prepared to send them running as he unsheathed his claws, but he felt Spottedpaw lay her tail onto his back.

“We have to help them,” Spottedpaw murmured. “You’d be no better than Thistleclaw.”

Icepaw sighed, she was right. “Follow us.”

Chapter Text

Icepaw padded into ThunderClan’s camp, as Spottedpaw appeared beside him. Ruby and Socks entered, panting. Ruby spotted the fresh-kill pile, and licked her lips.

“That’s not for you.” Icepaw warned her, with a narrowed gaze. She rolled her eyes.

Soon enough, half of ThunderClan was staring over at Icepaw and the other cats with confusion and shock. Sunstar sped over.

“Icepaw, who are they?” Sunstar questioned, puffing out his chest.

“Socks and Ruby,” Icepaw explained. “I don’t have time to explain anything else, except that Socks is injured and needs help immediately.”

Sunstar didn’t beckon him further. He nodded silently and sped off into the medicine den. Goosefeather made his way over with a snort. “Alright, get in here, you two.” He hissed, as the two kittypet’s followed him. 

Spottedpaw turned to face Icepaw. “Is there something that you’re not telling me about those two?”

Icepaw sighed. Willowpaw and Redpaw were already padding over. 

“Who were they?” Redpaw asked. “They looked like they hadn’t eaten in years!”

Icepaw sat down. “They were my siblings.”

Willowpaw gasped. “Really?”

“Yes, really,” Icepaw replied. “But they used to torment me back when I was a kittypet. My mother barely did anything to stop them.”

Icepaw began to explain everything that had happened before he became apart of ThunderClan, from his meetings with Pine to his eventual escape.

Redpaw looked bewildered. “Pine? As in, that elderly kittypet who lives by the fence?” 

Icepaw nodded. “Do you know him?”

The three apprentice’s looked at one-another. Was there something that they knew about Pine that he didn’t?

“You were talking to Pinestar,” Redpaw revealed. “Nobody ever goes near him. He’s a traitor.”

Icepaw gasped. “What? What did he do?”

“He left the clan to become a kittypet,” Willowpaw explained. “He left behind his mate, Leopardfoot, and his son, Tigerkit.”

Icepaw was taken aback. “Pinestar is Tigerclaw’s father?”

Spottedpaw nodded. “I thought that was common knowledge.”

“Not to me!” Icepaw felt as if he was about to faint. That’s the third most shocking thing he’s heard today. First there was Rosetail technically being half-clan, then there was Spottedpaw and Thistleclaw, and now he’s found out that his old kittypet friend was the father of the cat who gave Icepaw his nicked ear.

The four cats sat around talking for a while, mostly about what Icefoot thought about his siblings suddenly returning. Three words; anger, shock, and guilt.

Soon enough, Goosefeather padded out from the medicine den. “Icepaw! They’re ready to see you.”

Icepaw nodded, dipped his head at his friends, and began to pad over to the medicine den. Ruby and Socks were curled up on the moss beds, and they stared up at Icefoot as he sat down in front of them. Socks’s hind-leg was covered with cobwebs and yarrow.

“How’s your leg?” Icepaw questioned casually.

“Better question,” Socks narrowed his green gaze. “Who are you, and how do you know our names?”

“My name is Icepaw,” Icepaw answered him rudely. “I’m a ThunderClan apprentice.”

“Ugh, it’s that weird clan that elderly cat keeps whining about!” Ruby complained. “It stinks in here!”

“Shut up, would you?” White-eye hissed from the other den. “Some cats are trying to get their ears bandaged over here!”

Ruby rolled her eyes. “Can’t wait to get out of here.”

“Hmph. You should be more grateful. I just saved your life.” Icepaw spat.

“So what?” Socks grinned. “I’d have been fine without your help.”

“So you’d rather I’d have just left you to die?” Icepaw hissed bluntly.

“Better than being in this filthy dump.” Ruby snickered.

“Here’s a good question; why are you in this filthy dump? Why aren’t you in your Twoleg den?” Icepaw asked.

“Housefolk is the correct term,” Ruby rolled her eyes snarkily. “And for your information; we were adopted a few moons ago, but they tried to dump us in some lake after we accidentally knocked over some stupid object that they liked. We escaped, and we’ve been starving in the streets for weeks.” 

“Why didn’t you try going to Quince?” Icepaw beckoned.

“She said we were old enough to find our own homes,” Socks replied. “And she started hissing at us whenever we tried to climb back into her garden!” 

Icepaw frowned. It seems like they weren’t her favorite’s after-all.

“Hang on,” Ruby narrowed her eyes with a twitch of her nose. “How do you know who our mother is? How do you even know who we are?”

Icepaw unsheathed his claws. “Haven’t you realized by now? Look at me! Do I ring any bells?”

“Ah, bells!” Ruby purred. “I remember when we wore those.”

“Yeah,” Socks sighed. “And we were all soft, and warm, and pretty, and well-fed, and-“

“It’s me!” Icepaw snarled. “It’s me, your brother, Tiny!”

Ruby and Socks froze, turning to one-another. They began to purr and laugh. Icepaw’s eyes widened with shock and anger. Do they think I’m joking?

“Nice try, clan cat,” Ruby snickered. “Our brother died in the woods. Quince said so.”

She didn’t even try to find me? Icepaw thought, anger rising in his chest. 

“Plus, even if you were our brother, you’d be all small and weird-looking.” Socks grinned.

“Well guess what?” Icepaw yelled angrily, his large ears pinned against his head. “If you didn’t ruin everything and get yourselves drowned, you’d be all pretty and happy, you stupid, mousebrained, dung-eating, fox-hearted, kits of scruffy queens!” 

The two loners looked at each-other, genuinely shocked. At this point, they seemed to have realized that Icepaw was indeed right. 

Icepaw didn’t dignify them with another response, he simply shouldered past Featherwhisker as he was padding in and dashed over to the bushes. He dove his head in, letting out a muffled screech of frustration into the undergrowth. He padded out from the bush, and looked over at a very confused and bewildered Whitestorm. Icepaw gave the warrior a scowl.

“I’ll come back later.” Whitestorm averted his golden gaze and awkwardly padded off.

Icepaw felt embarrassed by his words. He allowed his siblings to get the best of his emotions yet again. He felt like a stubborn kit. 

He ran out of camp, barely looking where he was going. He narrowly avoided colliding with a tree, and eventually stopped as he reached the sandy hollow. He leapt in, and crouched down. He began to sob loudly, burying his face into the dirt.

He tried to remember what Rosetail had said, but this wasn’t like that. These cats didn’t hate him because he had been a kittypet, they hated him for simply existing.

And now, he had to go through the agony of dealing with them again.

Chapter Text

“Are you alright?”

Icepaw scrambled to his paws at the blissful sound of Willowpaw’s voice. He turned around to face her, still sobbing. She looked taken aback, but she sighed anyways.

“I overheard you from the den, you must’ve been really angry.” Willowpaw frowned.

Icepaw wiped at his tears with his tail. “Yeah, I was.”

“What did they say to you?” Willowpaw questioned, sitting down beside him. 

“They made me look like a fool.” Icepaw snarled. “They didn’t even remember that I existed. My mother had lied to them, she told them that I was dead. All these moons, I’ve been nothing but a memory to them.” 

“Oh.” Willowpaw averted her eyes. “Oh dear.”

Icepaw sat down. “My mother didn’t even think twice before telling them that. She didn’t even bother to look. After I disobeyed her, I was dead to her. Psychically, and mentally.”

“You’re not dead to us , Icepaw.” Willowpaw assured him. “Why, you’re the most not-dead cat that I know!”

“Exactly!” Icepaw spat, causing Willowpaw to back away. “I’ve been out here for moons, trying to prove her wrong, but she didn’t even bother to find out if I had! All of this, all of this was for nothing!”

“Icepaw!” Willowpaw hissed. “You’re acting like a stubborn kit!”

Icepaw looked at her, bewildered. She angrily sighed.

“Icepaw, don’t you realize what those cats are like?” Willowpaw mewed in a softer tone. “They don’t care about your hard work, because they’ve never known about hard work! They won’t survive a day outside of our camp. They’ll be picked off by a snake, or killed over a border scuffle at best.” 

Icepaw sighed. She was right. “I’m sorry.”

“No, no, don’t be sorry.” Willowpaw padded over to him. “You were upset. We can’t control our emotions. It’s my fault for lashing out at you like that.”

“But I lashed out too!” Icepaw mewed with a twitch of his nose. “I deserve to apologize.”

“Let’s just both apologize, okay?” Willowpaw rolled her deep blue eyes with a soft smile. Icepaw returned the expression as he laid one of his paws onto hers. She purred, leaning against him with a flick of her tail.

“Willowpaw? Icepaw?” Redpaw’s voice suddenly rang out from the bushes. “Where are you?”

“Over here!” Willowpaw turned to pad over as the tortoiseshell tom made his way out of the undergrowth. Icepaw sighed, missing the feeling of her touch.

“Finally! Listen, I need help stealing some of that kittypet mush that they eat.” Redpaw explained.

“What?” Icepaw tilted his head, bewildered. “Why?”

“It’s the only thing that those two scruffs will eat!” Redpaw groaned. “They nearly batted me over the head when I offered them a finch.”

Icepaw scoffed. How dare his siblings treat his friends like that!

Suddenly, an idea entered Icepaw’s head. Perhaps he could find a way to fix his siblings? To make them understand what hard work truly means? 

“Redpaw, don’t.” Icepaw mewed, smiling. Redpaw looked over with a confused amber gaze.

“We’re gonna go back to camp, and we’ll force them to eat some prey if we have to,” Icepaw grinned.

“You seem a bit too eager to do that,” Willowpaw observed. “Are you okay?”

“Yes,” Icepaw assured her. “Absolutely fine! Now come on!”

The long-legged apprentice began to bound back to camp, with Willowpaw and Redpaw following him from behind. 

They eventually returned, and Icepaw made a mad dash to take a plump mouse from the fresh-kill pile. He sped into the medicine den, nearly trampling onto Goosefeather’s tail.

“Sorry!” Icepaw meowed quickly as the elderly medicine cat simply shrugged and shouldered past him. 

Icepaw entered the den and stared over at Ruby and Socks as they snickered something to one-another.

“Welcome back, Tiny ,” Ruby grinned. “Has that tortoiseshell clan-dung come back with our kibble yet?”

“No,” Icepaw hissed through his mouthful of prey. “And he won’t be.”

He dropped the mouse, nudging it over to his siblings. They glared at him as if he’d just killed their family.

“What is this?” Socks hissed.

“A mouse.” Icepaw sat down, curling his tail over his paws. 

Ruby let out a loud and mocking purr. “Yeah, we aren’t eating this. Go and bring us some kibble.”

“And don’t go sobbing to your leader. We could beat him up. You wouldn’t want that, would you?” Socks added with a toothy grin.

Icepaw held his ground. These cats are pathetic. Don’t let them get a hold of you.

“You’re going to eat this mouse,” he hissed. “And you’re going to like it.”

Ruby and Socks stared him down, and Icepaw stared back. After a few moments of intense staring, they finally backed off.

“Well, it can’t be that bad, can it?” Socks shrugged. 

“What? No! Ask him for kibble!” Ruby hissed, batting him over the ear.

Socks rubbed at his ear. “But Ruby , we haven’t eaten in weeks !” 

“So what? I’m not resorting to clan food! Yuck!” Ruby faked a cough.

Socks groaned. “You are such a kit sometimes!” 

“Me? You’re the one who’s a kit! You’re eating what’s essentially fox-dung!” Ruby retorted.

Icepaw rolled his eyes. It was fun, watching them argue amongst themselves.

Socks hissed at her, and began to eat the mouse. He took one bite, swallowed it, and raised his head. He looked like he’d just seen the edge of StarClan.

“Ruby,” he mewed softly. “You need to try this.”

“What? No wa-“ Socks forced the rest of the prey into her snout, forcing her to swallow it.

“Ew!” Ruby hissed. “What is wrong with you-“

She paused, taking in the taste of what she’d eaten. Ruby smiled, purring.

“How was it?” Icepaw questioned.

“That was the best thing I’ve ever eaten!” Ruby grinned.

“Same here!” Socks smiled. “Thanks!”

“I said you’d like it,” Icepaw shrugged. “Do you still want your kibble?”

“No way!” Ruby licked her lips. “Your stuff is way better.”

“Just remember, someday you’ll have to hunt for this stuff yourself.” Icepaw replied. “We do that everyday here in ThunderClan.”

“So, you get to eat whatever you want, whenever?” Socks asked.

“Well, sometimes prey is hard to find during leafbare.” Icepaw explained. “Clan life is filled with challenges, though the rewards are very much grand.” 

“So, how easy would it be to join this clan?” Ruby questioned.

Icepaw was taken aback. Was it a good idea to have his siblings here? 

We do need more apprentice’s. Me and the others will be warriors soon enough. Icepaw thought to himself.

“Well, you’d have to ask Sunstar.” Icepaw explained. “Then you’ll get your name, and a mentor. In fact, I think you should ask one of the injured warriors about this when they come in. They’re a lot more experienced than me.”

“Well, alrighty then.” Socks smiled. “We’ll see you later, Icepaw.”

“See you later, Socks.” Icepaw returned the expression, awkwardly, as he exited the medicine den.

Chapter Text

Icepaw couldn’t believe that any of this was actually happening.

Somehow, by some odd miracle, Sunstar had decided to give Ruby and Socks a chance. The glares that Icepaw spotted from Thistleclaw and Tigerclaw were enough to describe the clan’s opinions on the matter.

Sunstar had given them a moon to prepare, and during that moon it had become leaf-fall. Not just that, but White-eye had just given birth to a litter of two kits with Halftail. Icepaw thought that their names, Mousekit and Runningkit, were quite cute.

Sunstar sat upon the main rock, with Tawnyspots sat nearby. “Ruby, and Socks, come forth.”

The two young cats made their way towards the rock, sitting down proudly. Thistleclaw gave Ruby an odd glare, and she returned it with a snarky smile. Icepaw chortled at the sight.

“Ruby and Socks, you have both decided to join ThunderClan, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior names, you will be known as Roachpaw and Skunkpaw. Your mentors will be Speckletail and Leopardfoot. I hope that both of these warriors will pass on all that they know down onto you both.” Sunstar dipped his head.

Speckletail and Leopardfoot padded out from the crowd, and touched noses with their new apprentice’s.

“Speckletail, you are ready to take on an apprentice. You have received excellent training from Windflight, and you have shown yourself to be wise and honest. You will be the mentor of Roachpaw, and I expect you to pass on all you know to Roachpaw.” Sunstar explained.

Speckletail flicked her tail and stared down at Roachpaw, who was wiggling her tail with excitement. “I’ll do my best.”

Sunstar dipped his head, before turning to Leopardfoot. “Leopardfoot, you are ready to take on an apprentice. You have received excellent training from Robinwing, and you have shown yourself to be committed and independent. You will be the mentor of Skunkpaw, and I expect you to pass on all you know to Skunkpaw.”

Leopardfoot smiled warmly at her leader. “I shall teach him as well as I can.” 

Tigerclaw rolled his eyes, almost embarrassed. Icepaw assumed that he didn’t enjoy the fact that his own mother would be mentoring a former kittypet.

“Clan dismissed,” Sunstar yawned, turning to leap down from the stone and go into his den with Tawnyspots. 

Icepaw padded over to his siblings. “So, are you excited for your first day here?”

“Mhm!” Skunkpaw grinned. “That weird prickly cat gave me a weird glare though.”

“Don’t mind him,” Icepaw shook his head with a flick of his nicked ear. “He’s always like that.” 

Skunkpaw shrugged, and turned to follow Leopardfoot. Roachpaw did the same, padding after Speckletail with a bit of pep in her step. 

Icepaw sighed. That’s the end of that, then. I wonder how long they’ll last?

“Hey, Icepaw!” Redpaw padded over. “Want to go hunting?”

“Gladly,” Icepaw grinned. “I’m hungry.”

“Come on then!” Redpaw purred. “Last one to get to the owl tree is a rotten mouse!”

“Oh, you’re on.” Icepaw chuckled, following Redpaw out of camp.

The two apprentice’s chased each-other around the territory, more focused on having fun than actually finding prey. 

They eventually stopped, and Icepaw rolled into the tortoiseshell tom. He got off of him, and they both sat up with a loud purr. 

“That was fun!” Redpaw mewed through his laughter. “Now, let’s try and catch some-“

Redpaw froze suddenly, and Icepaw tilted his head. The tortoiseshell tom’s fur bristled, and his tail became bushed out.

“What?” Icepaw asked.

“Look out!” Redpaw pounced on him, as a loud shriek filled the air. The two apprentice’s landed in a bush.

“What was that for-“ Icepaw looked up at the sky, watching as a hawk circled through the air. 

“Oh.” Icepaw murmured quietly. “What do we do?”

“On my count, we’ll make a mad dash to camp, got it?” Redpaw questioned.

Icepaw nodded, anxiously shuffling his paws. 

“One, two…” Redpaw whispered.

“Three!” Redpaw blindly charged forth, and Icepaw went after him. Icepaw turned to look back at the hawk as it began swooping straight for them. Icepaw gasped and knocked Redpaw aside. The hawk barely missed him, and flew off into the clouds before swooping back down. Icepaw crouched and narrowly avoided it. 

Redpaw managed to leap forth and sink his teeth into the hawk’s neck as it tried to lunge for Icepaw again. The bird sank it’s talons into his cheek, but Redpaw didn’t care. He just kept biting until the bird finally went limp.

He dropped the bird, and the two apprentice’s stood there with shocked expressions. 

“That was close,” Icepaw murmured. “Too close.”

“Yeah, we should head back to camp.” Redpaw sighed. 

Icepaw stared up at the sky, and let out a gasp as another hawk began to make its way towards them. “Redpaw, move!”

Redpaw looked up at the sky, and became frozen to the spot. However, before the bird could attack him, a brown tabby shape charged out from the bushes and killed it in an instant. 

“Tigerclaw!” Icepaw gasped. “You saved us!”

Tigerclaw got to his paws, and dropped the dead bird. “Mhm.”

“T-Thank you.” Redpaw mewed, shuddering slightly.

“No problem,” Tigerclaw hissed. “Now get back to camp.” 

Icepaw nodded, and instantly sped off. Redpaw followed him soon after. It was hard to run, especially since there was a hawk in his jaws.

They made it into camp, and placed their kill onto the pile. Redpaw and Icepaw sat beside one-another as Rosetail and Halftail made their way over.

“Did you catch that by yourselves?” Rosetail questioned, with a wide green gaze.

Icepaw nodded. “It was hard, though.”

Halftail smiled proudly. “I think this calls for a warrior ceremony, don’t you think?”

“Mhm.” Rosetail grinned. “You’re old enough.”

Icepaw’s eyes went wide. I’m going to be a warrior!

He watched as the two warrior’s stalked towards Sunstar, and murmured something to him. The leader nodded and pridefully leapt onto the rock. “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here beneath the Highrock for a Clan meeting!”

Chapter Text

The clan was gathered around, murmuring things to one-another.

“Icepaw and Redpaw, step forth.” Sunstar ordered.

Icepaw heard a scoff erupt from Roachpaw as she sat with the other apprentice’s. 

“How come he gets to be a warrior early?” She asked.

“Because he’s older than us.” Brindlepaw mewed. “And more experienced.”

“Whatever,” Skunkpaw mewed. He murmured something to Roachpaw, and they both snickered slightly.

Icepaw rolled his eyes and followed Redpaw. They sat down, curling their tails over their paws neatly.

“Rosetail and Halftail, have your apprentices, Icepaw and Redpaw, learned the skills of a warrior? Do they both understand the importance of the warrior code?” Sunstar questioned the two warriors.

“They have.” Halftail grinned, purring. 

“Indeed, they’ve learnt so much.” Rosetail added.

“Then I, Sunstar, leader of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as warriors in their turn,” Sunstar announced, proudly puffing out his chest. “Redpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?”

“I do.” Redpaw replied, straightening his shoulders.

“Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Redpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Redtail. StarClan honors your bravery and your loyalty, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan.” Sunstar leapt down from the rock and touched his snout to Redtail’s shoulder.

The leader raised his head, shaking out his pelt as he turned to stare at Icepaw.

“Icepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?” Sunstar questioned.

“Yes, Sunstar,” Icepaw nodded confidently. “I do.”

“Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Icepaw, from this moment on you will be known as Icefoot. StarClan honors your intelligence and your courage, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan.” Sunstar dipped his head and buried his nose into Icefoot’s shoulder, before stepping back entirely.

“Icefoot! Redtail! Icefoot! Redtail!” Cheers erupted from their clanmates.

Adderfang and Swiftbreeze padded over to congratulate Redtail, alongside Spottedpaw and Willowpaw. Willowpaw turned to face Icefoot, burying her nose into his shoulder fur. Icefoot smiled at her gleefully.

“That was boring,” Roachpaw complained from nearby, before turning to Skunkpaw. “Let’s go and find some mice by the pile.”

“Not so fast, you two!” Leopardfoot stopped them with a purr. “We’ve got a hunting lesson to get onto.”

The two cats rolled their eyes and followed their mentors out of camp. “How about we have our own hunting session?” Willowpaw questioned softly.

“That would be an honor.” Icefoot replied.

—————————————————————

It was the middle of the night, and Icefoot was by the fresh-kill pile. It was getting late, and many cats were already on their way to their dens.

“Want to get to sleep, then?” Redtail questioned, raising his head as he gulped down his final bite of a vole.

“Sounds good to me.” Icefoot replied. He followed his friend into the warrior’s den. Redtail curled up in a moss bed beside Adderfang’s, whilst Icefoot curled up in a bed beside Rosetail’s.

“Goodnight,” Redtail whispered, as he curled his tail over his nose softly.

“Goodnight,” Icefoot replied quietly. Icefoot’s nest was beside the entrance to the warrior’s den, so he could see into the camp. 

Icefoot began to drift asleep, snoring calmly.

However, when he awoke, he found himself in a Twoleg den, trapped in a cage. He got to his paws in an instant, with wide ice-blue eyes.

What? Icefoot thought to himself. How did I get here?

“What a stupid kittypet, eh?” 

Icefoot watched as Quince revealed herself from behind a staircase, grinning sinisterly. 

“You’ll always be my son,” Quince snarled. “You’ll never be a warrior!”

“No, that’s not true!” Icefoot spat, quivering slightly.

Quince began to laugh loudly, as her pelt became a deep shade of blood-red. She began to make her way towards him, unsheathing her claws until they were sharper than a dog’s teeth.

Icefoot began to try and escape his cage to no avail. As Quince leapt towards him, he awoke.

Icefoot panted, staring at his paws. Just a dream. He told himself.

“Icefoot? Are you alright?”

Icefoot looked up, seeing that Bluefur was standing right in front of him.

“Uh, yeah.” Icefoot replied. “Just had a bad dream, that’s all.”

“Alright,” Bluefur looked oddly awkward. “Well, I suggest that you get back to sleep.”

“Okay?” Icefoot mewed, lowering his head. He closed his eyes and waited for her to pad off. He opened them, and peeked outside of the den. Bluefur was padding out of camp, sneaking off into the night.

Icefoot wondered what she was up to. Perhaps she’s just going for a late-night hunting trip? Yeah, that’s it. 

Icefoot trusted Bluefur. He knew that she wouldn’t be doing anything different. After-all, Bluefur was the reason that he was able to have any part of the life that he was currently leading.

Icefoot laid his head down onto his paws and drifted asleep.

—————————————————————

“Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Willowpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Willowpelt. StarClan honors your willingness to learn and your cleverness, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan.” Sunstar announced.

The leader leapt down from the rock and buried his snout into the shoulder of the former apprentice, before she padded off to greet Icefoot.

It had been about six moons since Icefoot and Redtail became warrior’s, and a lot had gone on. Bluefur had given birth to a three kit litter with Thrushpelt, for one thing. It was quite a lovely occurrence, and Icefoot was happy for her.

However, one thing that wasn’t so happy was that Tawnyspots had recently passed away shortly after retiring. Adderfang was currently the temporary deputy until Sunstar could make a decision. On the bright side of things, Spottedpaw had become Spottedleaf and gained her full medicine cat title. 

In other words; a lot of things have occurred as of recently. Including today, which was Willowpelt’s warrior ceremony.

“So, shall we go and get some hunting done, then?” Willowpelt purred and licked Icefoot’s ear, startling him slightly. 

“Of course!” Icefoot replied. 

And so, they padded out of camp.

Chapter Text

Icefoot felt at peace with the world. He had a good clan, a good role, and the cat he loved beside him. They’d been resting in Sunningrocks for almost the entire day, snoozing with their heads laid on one-another for comfort. Willowpelt looked quite blissful like this.

“So, I suppose we’re mates now, then?” Willowpelt questioned. Icefoot’s eyes went wide, but he soon became overjoyed.

“Yeah, we are.” He replied, with a rumbling purr rising from his throat.

The two cats simply stared up at the clouds for a moment, watching as a butterfly slowly flew past. The sun was beginning to lower, but the air remained warm. Though it was quite clear that leafbare would be starting soon. Goosefeather had claimed that the first snowfall would occur tonight.

Icefoot loved Willowpelt. That was the one thing that the warrior knew he’d never doubt.

Icefoot raised his head as the sounds of purring filled them. Redtail and Spottedleaf appeared from the bushes, smiling.

“How are you two lovebird’s doing?” Spottedleaf questioned playfully. 

“We’re doing quite well,” Icefoot replied calmly, smiling at his friends. “I think we’ll be doing well for a long time.”

“Are you guys going to be heading back to camp soon?” Redtail questioned. “It’s getting late. Goosefeather said that there might even be a snowstorm tonight.”

“Sounds cold.” Willowpelt quivered. “But I think that one of us is already equipped for the start of the cold season, right, Ice foot?” 

Icefoot purred. “Alright, let’s get back.”

The four friends began to venture back towards the hollow, entering ThunderClan’s camp and immediately making their way towards the fresh-kill pile. 

Icefoot picked up a squirrel. “I’m going to take this to Bluefur for her kits, alright?”

The three cats nodded as Icefoot began to pad towards the nursery. Icefoot entered and tried to avoid bumping into Mousekit and Runningkit as they playfully scrambled around the nursery.

“Nice try, BlunderClan warrior!” Runningkit mewed. “I’m gonna hurt those kits, and you won’t be able to stop me, ha!”

“Oh no you don’t, because I, Mousestar of ThunderClan, will stop you!” Mousekit grinned, crouching down and pinning her brother. 

“Take it outside, you two!” White-eye complained from her nest with a warm smile.

“Sorry!” Mousekit mewed, as she followed her brother out of the nursery speedily.

“Those kits are such a handful, honestly.” White-eye sighed. “I love them for it.”

Icefoot smiled and turned to look at Bluefur. The she-cat had three kits; first there was Mistykit, a dark bluish-grey tabby she-kit with bright blue eyes. Secondly there was Stonekit, who was a  light bluish-grey tom-kit with a striped tail and bright blue eyes. Finally and thirdly, there was Mosskit, who was a snowy-white she-kit with grey patches and ice-blue eyes. 

“They look quite strong,” Icefoot grinned at Bluefur. “They’ll enjoy this once they wake up.” 

He placed the squirrel in front of Bluefur, who gave him a tired yet thankful nod.

“Thrushpelt must be stoked.” Icefoot purred. “He’ll make a good father, he’s always been a soft one when it comes to kits.” 

“Yes, yes, indeed.” Bluefur’s words came out in an awkward tone. Icefoot’s head tilted.

“Are you alright?” Icefoot inquired.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Bluefur replied. “Go and talk with your friends, or something.”

Icefoot frowned, but put on a small and awkward smile as he turned to leave the nursery. He sat down by the pile with his friends, watching as Halftail played with Mousekit and Runningkit nearby.

“Boom!” Mousekit meowed as she landed on Halftail’s back. “I got you! I got you! I win!”

“Well done, sweetie!” Halftail replied, purring proudly. “You’re going to be such a good fighter when you’re older!”

“What about me?” Runningkit questioned as he ran around him. “Am I strong too, dad?”

“The strongest, son.” Halftail responded warmly.

“Do you think we’ll have kits someday?” Willowpelt’s sudden words made Icefoot jump slightly, as he turned to face her.

“Absolutely!” He replied quickly.

“You’d be a good father.” Willowpelt purred. “I just know it.”

Icefoot stared at Mousekit and Runningkit, imagining himself playing with his own kits. They’d be smart and swift like him, but they’d also be soft and caring like their beautiful mother. He sighed wistfully.

However, Icefoot suddenly felt himself jolt slightly as a snowflake drifted onto his nose. He stared up at the sky, watching as snow slowly drifted onto the grass.

“Leafbare has begun,” Spottedleaf mewed from nearby.

“Wow!” Runningkit gazed up at the sky, his lime-green eyes wide. 

Mousekit immediately stuck out her tongue to try and catch some of the falling snow. She eventually did, and she licked her lips in response. “It’s like water, but food!”

Icefoot turned to the camp entrance and watched as Roachpaw and Skunkpaw walked into camp alongside their mentors. They began to pad over to Icefoot, dipping their heads respectfully.

“How are things?” Icefoot questioned them politely.

“Eh, things are going fine,” Roachpaw shrugged. “I’ve been so bored though! We did nothing but practice battle moves all day.”

“Don’t complain,” Speckletail gave her apprentice a scowl as she padded by. “You’ll need those moves someday.”

“Ugh,” Skunkpaw groaned. “Whatever.”

“Aren’t you grateful?” Icefoot questioned. “In some alternative universe, you’d be starving right now.”

“We already are.” Roachpaw mewed, before taking a bite out of a sparrow.

Icefoot rolled his eyes with a yawn. “I’ll probably be falling asleep soon, anyways.” 

“Same here,” Willowpelt mewed softly. “I’m quite tired.”

Skunkpaw nodded. “I’m hoping that those moss beds aren’t cold tonight.”

“You and me both,” Roachpaw added, shivering from the cold breeze.

Icefoot turned to Willowpelt. “I think I know a name for one of our kits, when we have them.”

“What is it?” Willowpelt inquired.

“Darkkit,” Icefoot answered. “They’ll most likely have a dark pelt, like me.”

“That sounds perfect,” Willowpelt purred, leaning closer to him. “They’d be a good warrior. I can see it now. I can see Darkpaw, coming back to camp after the best hunting trip he’s ever had. We’ll congratulate him, and tell him how proud we are of him. He’ll be our little ray of sunshine.”

Icefoot laid his head on Willowpelt’s back. He couldn’t wait to meet Darkkit someday. He knew that day would come soon.

Chapter Text

“My kits! My kits are gone!”

Icefoot awoke to the sound of a startling yowl from Bluefur. He scrambled to his paws and dashed out of the warrior’s den. He entered the nursery, as Bluefur stared around frantically.

“What’s going on in there?” Sunstar quickly shouldered past him and stared at Bluefur.

“My kits aren’t here! T-They’ve vanished!” She screeched.

Icefoot gasped, and he heard a gasp erupt from Willowpelt as she appeared beside him. 

“Don’t worry,” Sunstar said quickly, before turning to face Adderfang, who had padded over a few moments prior. “Gather a patrol, we need to find them before the snowstorm gets even worse.”

Adderfang nodded and went into the warrior’s den to wake up the rest of ThunderClan. Eventually, everyone had gathered in the center of the camp. 

“Alright, I’ll need Icefoot, Whitestorm, and Poppydawn to join me for this.” Adderfang ordered swiftly.

“On it,” Whitestorm nodded. The three cats quickly padded out of the hollow and began to search through the snowy woods. They searched everywhere; By the owl tree, in the sandy hollow, and even by the twolegplace fence, but there was no sign of them having been there.

“I hate this snow!” Adderfang spat. “We’d have found them hours ago if it wasn’t for this powdery filth!”

“Have patience,” Poppydawn assured him. “We’ll find them.” The elderly she-cat scented the air, and her amber eyes went wide. “I can smell Mosskit!”

“Really? Where?” Icefoot inquired.

“Over there!” Poppydawn suddenly sprang forth, and the patrol dashed after her. 

They eventually stopped at a tree. Poppydawn scented the air. “She’s around here somewhere; the scent is fresh.”

The group began to search the area. Icefoot padded behind a nearby stone, but the kit wasn’t there.

Icefoot turned to Whitestorm as the warrior sighed loudly. “I hope she’s alright.”

“She’ll be okay,” Poppydawn padded over to her grandson with a warm smile. “I’ve seen her playing with her siblings, she’s the strongest kit among her litter.”

“Really?” Whitestorm’s frown remained plastered across his snout.

“Yes, really!” Poppydawn mewed. “She’s got her cousin’s strength, after-all.”

Icefoot remembered hearing from a conversation between Weedwhisker and Larksong that Whitestorm was Bluefur’s nephew, since her now-dead sister, Snowfur, was his mother. Icefoot felt bad for Whitestorm, and became twice as resolute to find the lost kits.

She’ll be hard to find. She’s got white fur afterall-

Icefoot’s paws bumped into something small. He stared down at a lump of snow near a tree. Cautiously, and shakily, he crouched down to nudge off some of the snow with his paws. He gasped, leaping back as a limp body became visible. He let out a loud yowl of horror.

“Icefoot, what’s going-“ Adderfang froze, staring at Mosskit’s body. Whitestorm and Poppydawn made their way over, their eyes wide with nothing but pure petrification.

“Oh my StarClan.” Poppydawn whispered, her tortoiseshell pelt bristling.

Icefoot mournfully gripped Mosskit’s cold scruff in his teeth. “We should return to camp. I don’t think the other kits are alive either.” 

“I agree,” Adderfang sighed. “A fox must’ve taken their bodies, considering that I can scent them around here too.” 

The four cats made their way back to camp, eventually returning. Icefoot wordlessly placed Mosskit’s body in front of Sunstar. 

Sunstar sighed, and slowly walked into the nursery. Bluefur sped out with a loud wail, burying her snout into her daughter’s pelt.

“It should’ve been me!” Bluefur howled.

Whitestorm sat beside her, joining the vigil. Stormtail and Rosetail soon joined in, followed by Sunstar and Thrushpelt.

The vigil lasted for the next few hours, as the clan sat around to mourn the lost kit’s lives. Willowpelt sat beside Icefoot, with her head laid sadly on his shoulder. Icefoot shuddered, remembering how horrible it was to find Mosskit’s corpse. The worst part was how fresh it looked, as if she’d died only a few moments before Bluefur alarmed the rest of the clan.

Perhaps they could’ve saved her, if Bluefur hadn’t woken up at the wrong time. 

Icefoot began to think about the thoughts he’d had earlier in the day. What if he lost his own kits like this? What if Willowpelt was the one screaming into the night, desperately trying to find out where her kits went? 

Icefoot shuddered at the thought. What if he wasn’t as good of a father as he thought he was going to be?

Icefoot lowered his head, and turned around to pad over to the lonesome fresh-kill pile. Willowpelt followed him calmly, and they laid down together.

“You did your best,” Willowpelt sighed. “It wasn’t your fault that she died. It was the coldness of the season that ended her life.”

“That’s not the only reason that I’m upset.” Icefoot mewed coldly. 

Willowpelt’s head tilted curiously, with a confused frown across her snout.

“I can’t stop imagining if our kits may suffer the same fate,” Icefoot revealed. “What if I'm out on patrol, and I come back to find out that our kits were kidnapped by a fox? Or even worse, a hawk!”

Willowpelt shook her head. “Our camp is well-protected, our kits will be fine.”

“But what if ShadowClan attacks, and steals them?” Icefoot questioned.

“That won’t happen, either.” Willowpelt mewed softly.

“But what if-“ Icefoot held back a sneeze as Willowpelt flicked her tail over his nose. 

“They will be fine, and we’ll make sure of it.” Willowpelt told him. “Stop worrying, alright?”

Icefoot rolled his eyes. “Alright.”

“Good,” Willowpelt sighed. “I’m not even pregnant, and you’re already worrying about our kit’s futures. That’s what I love about you.”

“You love my anxiety?” Icefoot questioned, confused.

“No,” Willowpelt purred. “You worry about other cats more than yourself. You’re the most selfless cat I know.”

“You’re way more selfless than I am,” Icefoot rolled his gaze. “And prettier. And smarter. And stronger-“

“Could you say one nice thing about yourself for once?” Willowpelt complained playfully.

“Well, I suppose I have…long legs?” Icefoot awkwardly mewed.

“And big lovely ears, and glittery eyes, and a soft and cuddly pelt.” Willowpelt leaned into him.

The two warrior’s laid beside each-other, knowing that whatever dangers tried to plague their future kits, they’d defend them from.

Chapter Text

“Brindlepaw, Frostpaw, Roachpaw, and Skunkpaw, step forth.” Sunstar said calmly, his bushy tail curled neatly over his large paws.

The four apprentice’s began to pad forth, with pride beaming in their eyes. 

It had been about 19 moons since the death of Mosskit, and Bluefur was healing well. In fact, Bluefur had recently become ThunderClan’s new deputy. 

Frostpaw and Brindlepaw sat down with polite smiles, whilst Roachpaw and Skunkpaw snickered something to one-another. 

“They’ll always be immature, you know.” Icefoot whispered to his mate.

“It’s better than having bullies, right?” Willowpelt whispered back, before giving him an affectionate lick on the ear.

“I, Sunstar, leader of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as warriors in their turns.” Sunstar announced, staring up at the sky. “Brindlepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?” 

“I do,” Brindlepaw replied with a small nod of her head.

“Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Brindlepaw, from this moment on you will be known as Brindleface. StarClan honors your honesty and your loyalty, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan.” Sunstar leapt down from the rock to touch his snout to her shoulder, before turning to Frostpaw.

“Frostpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?” Sunstar inquired.

“I do!” Frostpaw got to her paws eagerly.

“Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Frostpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Frostfur, in honor of your mentor, Bluefur. StarClan honors your compassion and your dedication, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan.” Sunstar pressed his nose to her forehead, before turning to Roachpaw.

“Roachpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?” Sunstar asked.

“I do.” Roachpaw dipped her head.

“Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Roachpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Roachwing. StarClan honors your fighting skill and your energy, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan.” Sunstar placed his muzzle on top of her head, before finally turning to face Skunkpaw.

“Skunkpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?” Sunstar queried. 

“I do.” Skunkpaw nodded.

“Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Skunkpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Skunktail. StarClan honors your courage and your strength, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan.” As Sunstar laid his muzzle onto Skunktail’s head, the clan broke out into cheers.

“Brindleface! Frostfur! Roachwing! Skunktail!” They chanted.

Icefoot padded over to his siblings. “Congratulations.”

“Eh, it was easy.” Roachwing grinned. “Anyways, I’m gonna go hunting.”

“You mean we’re gonna go hunting?” Skunktail gave her a playful nudge.

“Yeah, we’re!” Roachwing batted him over the head and dashed out of camp as Skunktail gave chase. Willowpelt let out a rumbling purr at the sight of their antics.

Icefoot sighed, laying down. The gathering would be occurring tonight, and he was quite excited for it as usual. Willowpelt laid beside him, resting her head on his back. Icefoot watched as Mousekit and Runningkit played nearby, alongside Redtail. The warrior had quite a skill when it came to taking care of kits. He’d be a good father someday.

Icefoot looked over at Weedwhisker, Mumblefoot, and Larksong as the elderly cats discussed something near their den. Goosefeather padded out from behind them, and they each gave him a scowl. Goosefeather simply rolled his eyes.

Icefoot winced, remembering the former medicine cat’s recent retirement. Apparently Bluefur had negotiated the event with Sunstar, which led to Goosefeather being dropped from his rank. 

Goosefeather seemed to keep giving every cat around him a hateful and scornful glare. Sometimes he’d just stop and glare at nothing, even.

Some other recent retirements included those of Windflight, Poppydawn, Swiftbreeze, Adderfang, Smallear, and Halftail. White-eye had decided not to retire until her kits became apprentice’s, unlike Halftail. Speckletail had decided to do the same, except she wouldn't retire at all until she’d served her final breath. 

Icefoot shrugged and continued resting with Willowpelt. The she-cat raised her head and leaned in closely to his ear.

“I’m pregnant,” she whispered.

Icefoot sprang to his paws, backing away. “Huh?”

“You heard me,” Willowpelt smiled softly. “I’m pregnant. We’re going to have kits!”

Icefoot looked around. “A-Are you sure?”

“Yes, Spottedleaf told me this morning.” Willowpelt replied with a warm smile.

Icefoot grinned widely and crouched down to affectionately nuzzle against his mate. 

“Do you know how big the litter will be?” Icefoot queried.

Willowpelt shook her head. “I’m not psychic. I can’t predict the future.”

“Alright, we should settle some things first,” Icefoot quickly padded around in circles with a mixture of excitement and stress. “Go and tell Redtail that you’re pregnant, alongside your parents. After that, go to the nursery and rest while I go and find you some prey, got it?”

“Sounds good to me.” Willowpelt purred. 

Icefoot nodded and padded over to Bluefur, who was assigning some patrols.

“Dappletail, Speckletail, and Patchpelt, i need you to take out a border patrol near the ShadowClan border.” Bluefur mewed. The three warriors nodded and began to pad out of camp. 

“Bluefur,” Icefoot caught the attention of the bluish-grey she-cat. “May I join the hunting patrol?”

Bluefur nodded. “Rosetail, please lead a hunting patrol near Sunningrocks with Icefoot and Lionheart.”

Rosetail dipped her head, turning to Icefoot and Lionheart. “Ready?”

“Ready,” Lionheart dipped his head. “But we should be careful, RiverClan could attempt an ambush at any moment.” 

The three cats began to pad out of camp, though Icefoot’s main goal was clear; to return home with some fresh prey for his mate.

Chapter Text

THUNDERCLAN

LEADER

Sunstar: huge, long-haired, bright ginger tom with a bulky head, broad shoulders, huge paws, and golden eyes.

DEPUTY

Bluefur: tall, short-haired, bluish-grey she-cat with large ears (one of which is nicked), a scarred shoulder, a long and plumy tail, and bright blue eyes.

MEDICINE CATS

Featherwhisker: plump, long-haired, pale grey tom with a flat snout, tufted ears, a bushy tail, and amber eyes.

Spottedleaf: small, medium-haired, tortoiseshell-and-white she-cat with leaf-ridden fur and amber eyes.

WARRIORS

Stormtail: muscular, short-haired, dark bluish-grey tom with deep blue eyes.

Dappletail: medium-haired, tortoiseshell-and-white she-cat with white spots and blue eyes.

Speckletail: elderly, medium-haired, pale ginger spotted she-cat with weak legs and amber eyes.

Patchpelt: muscular, medium-haired, snowy-white tom with black patches and golden eyes.

Thrushpelt: thin, medium-haired, sandy-brown tom with white markings, darker spots, and lime-green eyes.

Thistleclaw: huge, long-haired, grey-and-white tom with scruffy fur, tufted ears (one of which is nicked), a heavily scarred pelt, sharp claws, and amber eyes.

Rosetail: sweet-scented, long-haired, grey-and-cream she-cat with a bushy dark ginger tail, dark ginger face markings, and light green eyes.

Lionheart: huge, long-haired, golden tom with a flat snout, a thick ring of fur around his neck, bent tufted ears, a bushy tail, and dark lime-green eyes.

Goldenflower: beautiful, medium-haired, pale ginger she-cat with soft fur, a long tail, and golden eyes.

Leopardfoot: thin, short-haired, dark grey she-cat with black spots, tufted ears, a long tail, and lime-green eyes.

Robinwing: short, medium-haired, tortoiseshell she-cat with a white chin, a bushy tail, tufted ears, and golden eyes.

Tigerclaw: a towering, medium-haired, dark brown tabby tom with a scarred pelt, pointy ears, oddly-sharp claws, a bushy tail, and bright amber eyes.

Whitestorm: tall, medium-haired, snowy-white tom with grey ear-tips, tufted ears, a grey forehead marking, a bushy tail, small paws, and golden eyes.

Redtail: short, medium-haired, tortoiseshell-and-white tom with a bushy tail, small tufted ears, and amber eyes.

Icefoot: long-legged, short-haired, jet-black tom with one snowy-white paw, large ears (one of which is nicked), a long tail, and ice-blue eyes.

Roachwing: prickly-furred, long-haired, grey she-cat with a white chin, sharp claws, and grass-green eyes.

Skunktail: prickly-furred, medium-haired, black-and-white tom with a scarred hind-leg, a bushy tail, and grass-green eyes.

Brindleface: plump, medium-haired, dark grey spotted tabby she-cat with a bushy tail, small paws, and green eyes.

Frostfur: small, medium-haired, snowy-white she-cat with a grey tail-tip and deep blue eyes.

QUEENS

White-eye: sickly, medium-haired, light grey she-cat with bent ears (one of which is nicked), messy fur, and golden eyes. (Mother of Mousekit and Runningkit)

Willowpelt: beautfiul, long-haired, pale grey she-cat with deep blue eyes. 

ELDERS

Weedwhisker: slim, medium-haired, pale ginger tom with white spots, scruffy and messy fur, and golden eyes.

Mumblefoot: plump, long-haired, pale brown tom with a darker tail, a lighter face and chest, and amber eyes.

Larksong: thin, medium-haired, dark tortoiseshell-and-white she-cat with messy fur and green eyes.

Windflight: huge, long-haired, grey-and-white tabby tom with tufted ears and light green eyes.

Fuzzypelt: skinny, medium-haired, solid black tom with prickly fur and lime-green eyes.

Poppydawn: plump, medium-haired, dark ginger tabby she-cat with white markings, a bushy tail, and golden-brown eyes.

Swiftbreeze: slim, long-haired, snowy-white she-cat with brown tabby patches and golden eyes.

Adderfang: muscular, long-haired, dark brown mottled tom with scruffy fur, tufted ears (one of which is nicked), and dark yellow eyes.

Halftail: scruffy, medium-haired, pale brown mottled tom with a torn tail, a nicked ear, a heavily torn pelt, a grey snout, and amber eyes.

Smallear: plump, medium-haired, sandy-grey tom with folded ears, a flat snout, and dark amber eyes.

Goosefeather: huge, long-haired, spotted grey tom with wild, leaf-ridden fur, a flat snout, a bushy tail, huge paws, sharp claws, and wide bright blue eyes.

Chapter Text

Icefoot pounced forth, and caught a plump vole in his teeth. He bit down, causing the piece of prey to go limp. He raised his head, turning over to look at Lionheart. 

“Have you found anything yet?” Icefoot questioned with a quaint tilt of his head.

Lionheart shook his head. “Not yet. I nearly caught a finch, but it must’ve heard me.”

“Strange,” Rosetail remarked, sitting on the stones with a confused look. “Sunningrocks should be bustling with prey, especially during Newleaf.”

Icefoot nodded. “Perhaps something has been driving off prey? Like a dog?” 

Lionheart scented the air for a moment, his lime-green gaze narrowing. “Or someone.” He murmured.

Icefoot prepared to speak, but hesitated as Lionheart’s tail went erect. The golden warrior’s tail rippled, and the patrol began to crouch and creep into the nearby undergrowth. 

Icefoot felt himself recoil at the sudden smell of WindClan cats within their territory.

Icefoot lifted his head only slightly, to try and see if he could hear anything.

“Are you sure about this, Aspenfall?” A voice murmured from nearby. “We could always try hunting for rabbits on the farther side of the moorland.”

“Are you stupid, Cloudrunner?” Another voice replied, cruelly. “We won’t catch anything over there! Besides, even if they do scent us, I hardly doubt they’ll do anything.”

“I agree with Cloudrunner,” a voice spat. “If Sunstar finds out, he would-“

Rosetail’s tail kinked over her back, and the patrol exited from the bushes. They saw three cats; a snowy-white tom with grey tabby patches, a pale, almost-white grey tom with white spots,  and a light grey-and-cream spotted Tom. 

“WindClan,” Rosetail began with a hint of venom in her tone. “Explain yourself; why are you in our territory?”

“We’re lost,” Aspenfall mewed quickly. “That’s all.”

“A likely story,” Rosetail said coldly. “Why do I smell fresh-kill beneath that bush behind you?” 

Cloudrunner groaned, turning to Aspenfall. “I told you that it wouldn’t work!”

“Zip it, Cloudrunner!” Aspenfall spat, before turning to the grey spotted tom. “And that goes for you too, Stagleap.”

Stagleap rolled his eyes. “Look, we’ll be out of your way, alright?”

“Hand over the prey first.” Icefoot hissed. “Or there’s going to be consequences.”

The patrol looked at one-another. Without any warning, Aspenfall sprang forth to attack with his claws outstretched.

However, the warrior missed, landing behind the patrol. Icefoot quickly whipped around and leapt onto his back, biting his hind-leg. Cloudrunner sped forth to defend Aspenfall, digging his claws into Icefoot’s shoulders. With a yowl, Icefoot was bowled over. Aspenfall pinned him before he could even think about standing up. 

Icefoot watched the chaos unfold.

Lionheart bravely charged towards Stagleap, but the WindClan warrior skillfully dug his claws into his chest to push him back, using his other paw to dig his claws into Lionheart’s forehead. Cloudrunner dashed over and bit Lionheart’s shoulder. However, the golden warrior kept fighting.

Rosetail sped forth to aid Lionheart, only to have Cloudrunner slash at her ear with his left paw. Blinded by blood, Rosetail was too distracted as Cloudrunner quickly bowled her over and clawed at her continuously. 

Stagleap slashed at Lionheart’s cheek. Soon enough, Rosetail and Lionheart had been cornered against the stones. Aspenfall sank his teeth into Icefoot’s scruff, throwing him down with them. 

“We’ll be taking that prey, if you don’t mind.” Aspenfall spat. “Now go back to camp.”

Rosetail let out a hiss, but Icefoot defensively stood in front of her.

“We can’t win this fight,” Icefoot murmured to his former mentor. “There will come a time where we may avenge this defeat.”

Rosetail was reluctant, but nodded anyway. The patrol turned away, slowly retreating into the undergrowth.

Icefoot felt terrible. The only piece of prey that the patrol had returned with was the plump vole that he’d caught earlier. He was surprised that he’d managed to find it before Aspenfall and his patrol did.

When the group returned to camp, Rosetail and Lionheart had decided to go and inform Sunstar about what had occurred. Icefoot, meanwhile, was allowed to go and bring his fresh-kill to Willowpelt. 

However, before he did, he found himself staring over at Dappletail, Speckletail, and Patchpelt as they chatted by the pile. Icefoot found himself eavesdropping on their conversation.

“I’m not saying that we should alarm the clan,” Patchpelt mewed cautiously. “But that badger scent might be a big issue.”

“It was only faint,” Dappletail replied with a shrug. “The badger probably just passed through and crossed the path. It’s not a big deal.”

Patchpelt sighed, concerned. “You’d better be right, or else you might just be responsible for a future badger attack.” 

“Ha!” Speckletail purred. “I doubt that.”

Patchpelt scoffed, padding off with his tail held high. Dappletail shrugged and simply started gossiping with Speckletail about something embarrassing that Stormtail had said to her the day before.

Icefoot shrugged and padded into the nursery. Willowpelt was curled up near the back of the den with a warm smile plastered across her face. White-eye was asleep nearby whilst Mousekit and Runningkit carefully laid on top of her, as if they were climbing a mountain.

Willowpelt raised her head to look at Icefoot, before her eyes went wide. “What happened?”

Icefoot awkwardly placed the prey down in front of her. “The patrol was attacked by some WindClan cats.”

“That’s terrible!” Willowpelt frowned.

“Hey, don’t worry about me,” Icefoot calmed her down, sitting beside her with his tail placed nearly onto her back. “I’ll be okay. For now, let’s worry about how hungry that little guy is inside you.” He poked his nose into her belly fur playfully.

Willowfur let out a rumbling purr. “Alright, alright.” She mewed, as she sank her teeth into the vole. 

Icefoot padded out, and made his way into the medicine den. Featherwhisker turned to look at him, and silently nodded.

Icefoot took that as a signal to lay down onto one of the nests. Featherwhisker padded over with some yarrow, beginning to cover his shoulder wound with it. Icefoot winced, gritting his teeth together painfully.

“Spottedleaf,” Featherwhisker mewed, turning to look at the tortoiseshell she-cat as she exited from behind the other den. “Fetch me some cobweb from the storage, won’t you?” 

Spottedleaf nodded, digging into the herbs cleft to pull out some stringy cobweb. She padded over, placing it down for Featherwhisker to pick up and plaster over the shoulder wound.

“Thank you.” Featherwhisker murmured.

Spottedleaf nodded, padding off.

Icefoot didn’t even feel too bad about his wounds, considering that he was going to be a father in a few moons.

What did worry him, however, was how the clan would react to the sudden attack.

Chapter Text

In all honesty, Icefoot didn’t wish for any harm to come to WindClan. Tallstar was a good leader, he’d never send out a patrol to steal prey.

Would he?

Icefoot was sat beside Redtail as Sunstar let out a yowl for the clan to gather for a meeting. Icefoot knew what it would be about.

“One of our hunting patrols was attacked by WindClan cats,” Sunstar announced sternly. “Therefore, we must decide what to do about it before tonight’s gathering.” 

“I say that we raid their camp before it’s too late!” Thistleclaw padded forth, hissing. “If they want to attack our innocent cats, then it’s only fair that we return the favor.”

“Have you got a mouse in your brain?” Speckletail spat sharply, with a lashing tail. “We can’t just do that!”

Thistleclaw glared at her. “And why can’t we? Don’t you know the warrior code?” He glanced at his clanmates, and Icefoot spotted a few nods. “They trespassed on our territory. We should trespass on theirs.”

Goldenflower padded beside her mother, her ears pricking. “All of that will result in a cycle of violence. Do you even hear yourself?”

“Hmph,” Thistleclaw let out an annoyed snort. 

“ThunderClan is a strong and prideful clan,” Goldenflower told him. “If we are to keep our honor intact, we mustn’t resort to a rogue’s ways.”

Thistleclaw scowled at her. “So what? Do we just sit back, and allow them to treat us like fresh-kill?”

Stormtail cleared his throat. “Thistleclaw’s right. WindClan should know better than to make fools out of us.” He said coldly, with a flick of his tail.

Icefoot anxiously shuffled his paws. Thistleclaw, what are you doing?

Thistleclaw grinned smugly. “ThunderClan is prideful, Goldenflower. However, we are also glorious. Glorious in battle, especially.”

“Here’s an idea, how about you zip it? I think ThunderClan has enough issues right now, and a war with WindClan won’t settle any of them!” Roachwing spoke up, lifting her chin defiantly.

Roachwing, stop. Icefoot said silently to himself. He stared around, hoping someone would stop the ongoing argument. But nobody seemed to speak up.

Skunktail stood beside his sister, with a smug look on his face. The argument was about to get worse, and there weren't any doubts about it.

“Roachwing’s right. You’re both acting like kits.” Skunktail spat, rolling his eyes. Thistleclaw shot a glare at the younger warrior, but neither of Icefoot’s siblings even flinched.

Redtail defensively stood beside Roachwing. “Stand down, Thistleclaw.”

Thistleclaw let out a snort, curling his claws into the grass. It was clear that he didn’t plan on losing an argument so easily. “I won’t allow my clan to be attacked by the filthy cats that we refer to as WindClan warriors.” He snarled, baring his teeth.

Tigerclaw stood beside his former mentor, his shoulders rippling. “You’re cowards!” He spat. “We can’t stand down!”

Thistleclaw gave him an approving nod. Speckletail narrowed her eyes at him, frowning. “You’re a disrespectful fool. That goes for all three of you.”

Stormtail glared at her, scoffing.

Roachwing let out a mocking scoff with a sharp flick of her prickly tail. “While I’d love to tear the pelt off of the cats who harmed my brother, I don’t think that we should be so careless.”

Icefoot felt shocked by how shocked he was at his sister’s statement. She’d never have said that if we were still kits. Has she truly changed? 

Thistleclaw lifted his chin, narrowing his eyes. “Don’t call me careless, considering that you’re only here because your brother got himself clawed by the wrong cat.”

Skunktail’s fur bristled. “That’s not true!”

Tigerclaw chuckled. “You’re not even a real warrior! You’d be dead if it wasn’t for Icefoot! I’m surprised that you don’t treat him as if he was StarClan’s leader.”

“Don’t you dare say that!” Icefoot snapped angrily, his large ears pinned against his head.

 “It’s true, though. Don’t deny it.” Tigerclaw grinned toothily.

Icefoot felt anger rushing through his veins, as he and Tigerclaw glared into one-another’s gazes with a fiery intensity.

After a few moments, Bluefur finally stepped in. “That’s enough, all of you!”

Icefoot straightened himself, relieved that the argument had ended before it could get worse. Bluefur looked up at Sunstar expectantly. 

Sunstar dipped his head. “I’ll discuss things with Tallstar tonight. Clan dismissed.”

The clan dispersed, though tension lingered over the camp for many moments after like a thick breeze. Icefoot padded over to the pile, and caught sight of a finch. However, before he could even consider taking it, Tigerclaw sprinted forth to slam his paw onto it. 

“Eat something else, Tiny.” Tigerclaw murmured quietly, and coldly. He lowered his head, glaring at Icefoot. 

Icefoot stood his ground, shouldering past Tigerclaw to instead pick up a mouse. He laid down, ignoring Tigerclaw’s hasty glare. 

Icefoot raised his head as Redtail came over. The tortoiseshell gave him a quaint nod and a warm smile before sitting beside him.

“Want to share?” Icefoot questioned.

“Sure!” Redtail nodded. “All of that drama can really make a cat hungry.” 

Redtail curled up, tearing off a chunk of the mouse and chewing on it.

“I’m worried about Roachwing and Skunktail,” Icefoot whispered to him. “What if Thistleclaw tries to hurt them?”

“He wouldn’t dare,” Redtail replied. “And if he does, then that’ll give us more of a reason to rip off his pelt.”

Icefoot averted his gaze. “Do you know about-“

“I know about Spottedleaf.” Redtail replied sharply, with a slight but very much apparent hint of a venomous edge in his tone. 

“What do you plan to do?” Icefoot questioned. 

“I’ve been planning for a while, now.” Redtail replied. “But I can’t tell you yet. Not until the time is right.”

Icefoot nodded, deciding to avoid beckoning him any further. 

“Congratulations, by the way.” Redtail said quickly. “I’m sure that you and Willowpelt will make great parents.”

“Thanks,” Icefoot smiled. “Do you plan on having kits with anyone?”

Redtail shook his head. “That life just isn’t for me.”

Icefoot was surprised, but nodded anyways. He stared up at the sky, worried for what the gathering would bring.

Chapter Text

Icefoot padded through the forest, following his clanmates. It was time for the gathering, and anxiety pricked at his paw pads like an annoying wasp. 

It felt wrong, being unable to walk alongside Willowpelt. We’ll be able to journey to the gathering together soon. Just not now. He assured himself. However, the stone-like butterflies that rumbled through his belly just wouldn’t budge.

Luckily, he had Redtail beside him instead. There was always something calming about Redtail. He had a sweet scent, as if he spent his days rolling around in flowers. His pelt was bright, like a sparking patch of flames. His bright amber eyes could rival the brightest of stars with their radiance.

Icefoot had no doubt that his best friend would go on to do amazing things someday. 

Perhaps that was why he was keen on getting close with White-eye’s kits? Icefoot thought with a smile. He must want to have one of them as his apprentice.

Eventually, ThunderClan crossed the gorge bridge and padded into fourtrees. The clan dispersed, going off to talk and mingle with the other clans. Icefoot padded after Redtail, and sat down beside some ShadowClan warriors. Icefoot recognized them as Blackfoot and Brokentail. He hadn’t spoken to Brokentail much, but Icefoot knew Blackfoot very well.

“Blackfoot, Brokentail.” Redtail dipped his head. “How are things?”

“We’re doing quite well.” Blackfoot replied. “Tangleburr was unable to come tonight, as she recently gained an injury.” 

“Poor thing,” Icefoot sighed. “I hope she gets better.”

“I’m sure she will.” Blackfoot nodded. “Yellowfang and Runningnose are very faithful medicine cats.”

As Redtail and Blackfoot began to talk to one-another about gossip and prey, Icefoot found himself anxiously staring at Brokentail. The warrior had an odd aura of fear around him, as if he’d leap out and attack any cat at any moment. 

Brokentail’s dark brown tabby pelt was wild and messy, like a bramble bush. His claws were unusually sharp, like jagged stones. His tail was bent, hence his name. His amber eyes were wide and anger-ridden at all times, no matter his mood.

“Ah, Sunstar!” Raggedstar’s voice rang out from nearby. Icefoot turned to look at the other clan leaders as they beckoned Sunstar towards them. Raggedstar had only recently become ShadowClan’s leader, with Cloudpelt as his deputy. RiverClan’s leader was Crookedstar, after the tragic death of Hailstar. His deputy was Oakheart. 

The four leaders made their way onto the main rock, as their deputies gathered beneath it. Crookedstar cleared his throat, before letting out a yowl. The clans were silenced, as they began to gather around the rock. Icefoot sat down, his slim tail curled neatly over his paws. Redtail and Blackfoot sat beside him calmly.

“The gathering has begun,” Crookedstar mewed. “I shall begin. RiverClan is doing well, and we have recently gained two new apprentice’s. Mistypaw and Stonepaw.” 

“Mistypaw! Stonepaw! Mistypaw! Stonepaw!” Cheers rang out across the hollow.

“That’s all for now, I shall now move onto ShadowClan.” Crookedstar stepped back, allowing Raggedstar to pad forth.

“ShadowClan is also doing quite well! Runningnose has earned his medicine cat name, and we have now gained Cloudpelt as our new deputy after the death of Foxheart.” Raggedstar announced, raising his chin proudly.

Cheers rang out across the hollow as Cloudpelt straightened himself pridefully.

“As for WindClan, we have been doing fine. We have no news to report.” Tallstar explained.

“Then I suppose that leaves only me.” Sunstar murmured. “ThunderClan is doing great. We have gained a new deputy in the form of Bluefur. We have also gained four new warriors; Roachwing, Skunktail, Brindleface, and Frostfur.” 

Cheers rang out, before Sunstar quickly silenced them with his tail. Sunstar cleared his throat, raising his chin indignantly and glancing at Tallstar. The WindClan leader’s head tilted.

“A WindClan patrol attacked one of our patrols near Sunningrocks, and stole some prey from our land. Do you have anything to say for yourself, Tallstar?”

Gasps and murmurs, alongside yowls of protest, rang out across the hollow. Icefoot anxiously lowered his head.

“What?” Tallstar snapped. “I’d never send out a patrol to do that! We have enough prey here in WindClan as it is.”

“Then explain why my warriors were attacked, you old fool.” Sunstar hissed coldly, puffing out his chest.

“Both of you, calm yourselves.” Crookedstar ordered. “Senselessness will get us nowhere.”

“Tell that to your warriors, Tallstar.” Sunstar grumbled. “Otherwise they might end up being attacked by mine.”

“I’m sorry for what happened, Sunstar. I promise you that I knew nothing of what these warriors did.” Tallstar sighed, shaking his head. “And I will do whatever I can to make it up to you.”

“I have something in mind.” Sunstar raised his chin. “I’m giving you one moon to bring our clan some prey as a sign of forgiveness. If you fail to do this, then I shall have no choice but to raid your camp. Do we have a deal?” 

Tallstar frowned, his large ears pinned against his head. “That’s preposterous!”

“Then so be it.” Sunstar hissed. “Prepare for battle, Tallstar. We won’t be merciful.”

The hollow became a mess of howls and argument’s, and Icefoot instinctively shoved his paws over his ears. He stared up as clouds began to cover the moon. Crookedstar let out a yowl.

“This gathering is over!” Crookedstar yelled, his green eyes wide with fury.

The clans began to make their way out of the hollow. Icefoot dipped his head at Blackfoot, before leaving with Redtail. 

“This can’t be good.” Redtail mewed.

“Agreed.” Icefoot replied. “And all of this is happening because of three mousebrained WindClan warriors.”

“I’m more frustrated with Sunstar.” Redtail sighed. “Knowing what some cats in our clan are like, that battle’s going to be a field day for them.” He said, glancing over at Thistleclaw and Tigerclaw. 

“On the bright side, Thistleclaw might die. I hope that’s the case, genuinely.” Icefoot mewed.

“Probably not,” Redtail shook his head. “He’ll be the one killing other cats, if anything.”

“What matters is that we’ll be in this together.” Icefoot turned to his friend, forcing on a determined grin. “Right?”

“Yeah, right.” Redtail smiled slightly.

Chapter Text

The moon was high in the sky. It had been a moon, and not one piece of prey had been delivered to ThunderClan’s camp. Therefore, the time for a battle was now nigh.

Icefoot slowly crept across the open moorland, with Robinwing and Redtail nearby. Sunstar and Bluefur were in the lead, with Thistleclaw and Tigerclaw behind them. Roachwing and Skunktail were beside each-other, flanking the group whilst Goldenflower and Stormtail kept up the rear.

“Whatever happens on this night,” Sunstar whispered. “We shall face it with honor and confidence. Show nothing but strength and pride.” 

They continued forth, as the smell of WindClan warriors became twice as apparent with each step. Eventually, they were overlooking the hollow that was WindClan’s camp. 

The group held still for a moment. They stood up. WindClan’s warriors saw them. Tallstar was sat upon a rock, glaring at them, almost as if he was daring them to enter.

Sunstar wordlessly unsheathed his claws as his tail kinked. the group ran into WindClan’s camp like a swarm of angry wasps. The area instantly became nothing but chaos and claws. 

Sunstar barreled into Tallstar with his claws outstretched, pinning him. Tallstar hissed, whacking at his cheek. Sunstar grunted from the pain, and held his paw down. Deadfoot, WindClan’s deputy, barged into Sunstar to bowl him over. The ThunderClan leader quickly scrambled to his paws, and tried to swipe at Deadfoot’s face. The deputy ducked, and kicked him with his hind-leg. Sunstar fell down, but got up and pounced forth. However, he missed, and Deadfoot took the opportunity to bite his hind-paw. Sunstar yowled, and fell to the ground as Deadfoot pinned him. 

Meanwhile, Goldenflower leapt forth to bite a warrior, who Icefoot knew as Mudclaw, on his back. Tornear, another WindClan warrior, swiftly sped over to drag Goldenflower off of Mudclaw.

Robinwing was trying to batter a warrior with her claws, but the WindClan she-cat simply pushed her back with her paws while another cat bit into Robinwing’s side. The tortoiseshell she-cat tried to back away, before the cat smacked her across the face with her paw.

Goldenflower had been pinned down by Mudclaw, and he prepared to sink his teeth into her throat, before a WindClan queen dashed over to hiss at him. Mudclaw reluctantly stepped off, and Goldenflower dashed off to attack another cat.

Skunktail had a golden tabby she-cat pinned down, and she angrily tried to wrestle him off. Roachwing, meanwhile, had been pinned by a golden-brown tom. Skunktail angrily nipped and bit at the she-cat’s scruff, while the golden-brown tom tried to latch at Roachwing’s throat. Stormtail rushed over, bowling the golden-brown tom off of her. Roachwing got to her paws as the bluish-grey tom angrily spat at the WindClan cat.

They dug one of their claws into his back, but Stormtail wasn’t deterred. 

Meanwhile in another part of the camp, Tigerclaw leapt forth and battered a spotted she-cat’s cheek. From beside him, Thistleclaw wrestled with a patchy brown tom whilst Tigerclaw pinned the spotted she-cat down.

“Take this, you good for nothing piece of fox dung!” Thistleclaw grunted, as he pinned the tom down. A brown tabby she-cat dashed over to try and bowl him over, but Thistleclaw quickly grabbed her scruff in his teeth. Another cat tried to attack him from behind, so he quickly kicked them in the cheek with his hind-leg.

Redtail pinned down a solid grey tom, and Bluefur kicked a tortoiseshell she-cat off of her. Nearby, Icefoot smacked a dark ginger Tom’s cheek. The solid grey tom tried to stand up, but Redtail clamped his paws around the warrior’s back and bit into the back of his neck. Bluefur pinned the tortoiseshell she-cat down with a loud snarl.

Icefoot found himself angrily wrestling with the dark ginger tom, hissing and spitting at him like a rabid animal. 

“Get away from him!”

Bluefur’s yowl distracted Icefoot, and the dark ginger tom suddenly pinned him. Icefoot wearily opened his eyes, turning to look at Bluefur. She was staring at Stormtail, who had been pinned down by Aspenfall.

“No!” Bluefur tried to charge forth, but she was pulled back and thrown to the ground by the tortoiseshell she-cat.

Stormtail swiped at Aspenfall’s ear, and angrily tried to wrestle out of his grip, but it failed. The grey-patched tom let out a loud snarl, before lowering his head and sinking his teeth into Stormtail’s throat. Stormtail began to writhe, angrily kicking and slashing at Aspenfall. However, the warrior refused to let go. He twisted Stormtail’s neck, and the ThunderClan tom went limp.

“No!” Bluefur screeched, and threw the tortoiseshell off of her. She began to angrily attack them, driven mad by the death of her father.

Icefoot rolled around, and pinned the dark ginger tom. He got off as they dashed off into the bushes. Eventually, after a few more minutes of fighting, WindClan was backed into a corner in their own camp. Tallstar was at the front of the gathered cats, glaring at the ThunderClan warriors as they growled and spat at him.

“You’ve failed, Tallstar.” Sunstar flicked his tail with a cough. Icefoot stared at the hasty wound that the ThunderClan leader had across his throat. It was clear that he’d lost a life during the fight. “From now on, never hunt on ThunderClan’s territory again.”

Tallstar nodded, defeated. He raised his chin. “Same to you.” 

Sunstar nodded and turned to his clanmates. “Retreat. I shall carry Stormtail’s body to camp.”

The group began to exit WindClan’s camp, covered in wounds. Bluefur looked grief-stricken, her fur bristled and her gaze wide. Icefoot looked over at Roachwing, who was limping beside Skunktail. He quickly padded towards her, and he gasped upon seeing the scar across her left eye. 

“She’s not blind, don’t worry.” Skunktail mewed quickly. “She should be fine, hopefully.”

Icefoot sighed. “Let’s hope so. I don’t want to lose any of you.”

“We’ll be fine.” Roachwing raised her head. “Plus, this scar makes me look cooler.”

Icefoot sighed. He stared up at the sky, uncertainly.

Stormtail is dead. What have we done?

Chapter Text

“The kits are coming!”

Icefoot awoke to the sound of Willowpelt screaming into his ears during the night.

He shot to his paws, staring around frantically at the awakening ThunderClan warriors. Leopardfoot ran towards Willowpelt, grabbing her scruff in her teeth.

“Help me get her to the medicine den, now!” Leopardfoot ordered through the fur in her jaws.

Icefoot nodded and stood on Willowpelt’s other side, helping to heave her to her paws. As he and Leopardfoot quickly made their way out of the den, Icefoot wondered why she was so eager to assist her.

Maybe it’s because of Nightkit and Mistkit? Icefoot thought, remembering hearing how the spotted she-cat had once lost two kits to a difficult birth.

“What’s going on?” Featherwhisker questioned as he groggily padded out from the medicine den.

“Willowpelt’s kits are coming!” Leopardfoot hissed, barging past him and carefully settling Willowpelt down into a nest. “Now help her!”

Featherwhisker’s golden eyes widened, and he nodded. “Spottedleaf! Wake up! Icefoot? Get out!”

“But I-“

“You heard me! Out!” The usually calm medicine cat thrusted Icefoot out of the den with a head-butt. Icefoot slid across the snowy ground, his ice-blue gaze wide.

He gulped. I hope Willowpelt’s alright.

Icefoot turned around as Redtail dashed over to him, nearly knocking him over. “I heard everything, is Willowpelt doing alright?”

Icefoot shook his head. “I’m not sure.”

Redtail sighed. “This clan needs more cats than ever after Stormtail’s death.”

Icefoot sighed. It had been a moon since the senior warrior’s demise, yet everyone still felt his absence. Whitestorm, who had been his grandson, had even forgotten that the warrior wasn’t with them one morning when he asked if he’d be up soon.

Icefoot was practically praying that he’d get to meet his kits tonight. He didn’t want to lose Willowpelt. She was the light of his life.

Redtail sat beside Icefoot, comfortingly placing a paw on his own paw. “Spottedleaf and Featherwhisker are amazing at their job. They’ll make sure that she’s alright.”

Icefoot sighed. “I know, I know. It’s just…what if I’m not a good father?”

“Of course you’ll be a good father!” Redtail tilted his head as he spoke. “You shouldn’t be so horrible to yourself, Icefoot.”

Icefoot sighed. Redtail was right. Yet again, the bad parts of clan life were a constant reminder of how horrible the world could be.

But of course, Icefoot would never go back to Quince. This was his life now, and he’d never give it up for a mother who didn’t even love him.

“Great StarClan, what’s going on out here?” Adderfang padded out from the elders den, with a narrowed yellow gaze.

“Didn’t you hear? Willowpelt’s started her kitting!” Larksong appeared from beside him, with a warm smile.

“Ah, I see. That explains all the yelling.” Adderfang grumbled. “I’ll be trying to stuff moss in my ears if you need me.” He added, as he grumpily retreated into the den once more.

————————————————————————

“Icefoot?”

Icefoot grumbled. He didn’t want to wake up.

“Icefoot, congratulations. You’re a father.”

Icefoot immediately shot up to stare at Spottedleaf. His eyes lit up with joy, and he pressed his head into her shoulder but dashing into the medicine den.

He whipped around to face Willowpelt. She looked tired, but healthy. She had a warm smile across her snout.

“How many kits have you had?” Icefoot questioned, grinning.

“One,” Willowpelt mewed softly, lowering her head. 

Icefoot looked down and felt as if his heart was about to explode once he caught sight of a small tom-kit nestled by her belly.

He had dark grey fur, with darker tabby stripes. His small ears were pointy, and his face was round like his mother’s face.

“Oh, look at him.” Willowpelt purred as Icefoot laid down beside her. “Our little Darkkit.”

Icefoot let out a rumbling purr, as he laid his head on her. “Yes, our little Darkkit.”

My beautiful son.

————————————————————————

“Oh no! I’m dead! Agh!”

Icefoot let’s out a rumbling purr as Darkkit flips over onto his back with Runningkit standing over him.

“Ugh, you’ve defeated me, BlunderClan warrior!” Darkkit mews, before letting out a fake choking noise.

It’s been only a moon since Darkkit’s birth, and he’s already one of the most playful kits in the nursery. Whenever he isn’t patrolling, Icefoot finds himself resting beside Willowpelt to watch his son play.

He’s already so adventurous! Icefoot thought to himself with a warm smile.

“You know, Icefoot,” Roachwing approaches Icefoot with a teasing grin. “You really should have named him Tinykit.”

“Oh, shut up, you!” Icefoot purrs.

Roachwing shrugged. “Eh, whatever. It’s cool to have a nephew either way.”

“Where’s Skunktail? You two are usually side-by-side.” Willowpelt queried with a friendly smile.

“Oh, he keeps spending time with Robinwing.” Roachwing replied. “After she and Fuzzypelt broke up, he won’t stop padding after her.”

Icefoot let out a low hum. “Skunktail and Robinwing, who’d have thought that they’d be a couple?”

“Nobody, that’s who.” Roachwing groaned. “I’ll never find a mate, end of story.”

“You do you,” Willowpelt grinned. “But it’s worked out well for your brothers.”

“Indeed it has.” Icefoot smiled, giving Willowpelt a quick lick on the ear.

“Dad! Dad!”

Darkkit sped towards Icefoot with a wide smile, his tail lashing swiftly. “Runningkit told me that you used to be a kittypet! Is that true?”

Icefoot’s gaze widened. “Well! Er-“

“He did! Thistleclaw said so!” Runningkit dashed over, almost barging into Darkkit.

“Did not!” Darkkit hissed back. “My dad would never be a gross kittypet!”

“Thistleclaw’s right, I’m afraid.” Roachwing shrugged.

“What?” Darkkit mewed, his yellow eyes widening.

“But that was a long time ago. He’s grown into a fine warrior, and an even better father.” Willowpelt mewed, pulling her son closer with her tail. “Don’t listen to Thistleclaw. Between you and me? He’s a fleabrain.”

“Alright,” Darkkit mewed, his gaze softening.

Icefoot looked over at Roachwing with a frown. She simply shrugged at him, before padding off. He felt a sense of fear at the thought of Thistleclaw being around his son.

I won’t let him anywhere near Darkkit, no matter what. Icefoot promised.

Chapter Text

Icefoot found himself rolling his eyes again as Runningpaw stumbled to the ground after failing to do a front-paw blow.

“Runningpaw, you need to make sure that your body is pulling equal weight.” Icefoot explained. “You can’t put all of your force into your paws.”

“Sorry!” Runningpaw mewed, scrambling to his paws.

“Don’t worry, you’re only young! You’ll get it right eventually.” Icefoot assured him.

It had been only a moon since Runningpaw had been apprenticed to Icefoot, and Icefoot felt happy to have his first apprentice. Mousepaw, meanwhile, had been apprenticed to Redtail, who was equally as eager.

“Let’s try again later, alright?” Icefoot suggested. “Let’s get back to camp, for now.”

Runningpaw nodded, and eagerly ran into the bushes. Icefoot gasped, worried. This cat’s too fast for his own good!

“Wait for me!” Icefoot called after him, chasing after his apprentice.

Icefoot bounded across ThunderClan’s territory, his tail trailing behind like a dark banner in the wind. Runningpaw darted through the underbrush, skillfully navigating the terrain. He weaved between trees, his movements fluid and precise.

As they raced through the forest, leaves crunched under their paws, and the air carried the scent of pine and damp earth. Sunlight dappled the forest floor, casting playful shadows on their sleek fur. Icefoot's large ears swiveled, alert to every sound, while Runningpaw's golden eyes glimmered with excitement and determination.

Their playful chase continued for what felt like an eternity, each feline taking turns as the chaser and the chased. The bond between the mentor and apprentice strengthened with each exhilarating moment, a silent understanding passing between them.

Finally, they reached the edge of a clear, rushing stream. Icefoot, with his long legs, leaped effortlessly across the water, landing gracefully on the other side. Runningpaw followed, his nimble form keeping up with his mentor's pace.

As they emerged from the forest into a small clearing, they slowed to a stop, their chests heaving with excitement and exertion. Icefoot's ice-blue eyes locked with Runningpaw's golden gaze, and a sense of pride and camaraderie filled the air between them.

“You’re probably-“ Icefoot hesitated, gasping for air with exhaustion. “You’re probably the fastest cat in ThunderClan.”

Runningpaw proudly puffed out his chest with an eager grin. “It’s where I get my name from!”

Icefoot was about to reply, when a huffing noise filled the air. He froze, his ears perking up. His tail lifted, stiff with fear. Runningpaw shared his bewilderment, his pelt bristling with anxiety.

And then, as Icefoot had feared, a large dog burst into the clearing.

It was a Rottweiler, twice their size, and it approached them with a deep growl, its teeth bared and its hackles raised. Icefoot positioned himself protectively in front of Runningpaw, his muscles tensed for a fight. Runningpaw stood close to his mentor, his eyes wide with fear but filled with determination.

As the Rottweiler lunged, Icefoot sprang into action, dodging its attack with agility and striking back with a powerful swipe. He managed to land a few hits on the canine's muzzle, but the Rottweiler's strength and size made it a formidable opponent. Runningpaw backed up his mentor, slashing at the Rottweiler's hind legs with his claws, trying to distract and weaken the aggressive dog.

“Runningpaw, run back to camp and get help! I’ll hold it off!” Icefoot yelled out.

“But what if you die?” Runningpaw yowled back.

“I don’t care! Go!” Icefoot screeched, as he slashed at the dog’s cheek.

His apprentice shakily nodded, dashing off into the ferns as Icefoot circled the large dog.

Icefoot kept his eyes focused on the larger animal. With adrenaline pumping through his veins, he braced himself for the impending attack. The Rottweiler lunged with ferocity, and despite Icefoot's efforts to dodge, the dog's sheer force overwhelmed him.

The impact of the Rottweiler's charge sent Icefoot tumbling backward, his body colliding with the hard ground. Pain surged through his bones as he struggled to regain his footing. The dog growled menacingly, and before Icefoot could react, it lunged again, its powerful jaws snapping dangerously close to his face.

Icefoot found himself silently praying to StarClan as he attempted to counter, but he was disoriented and unable to mount a strong defense. The Rottweiler's massive paws bore down on him, pinning him to the ground. Each attempt to escape only seemed to tighten the grip around him, and his vision blurred as the world spun around him.

With the Rottweiler's hot breath on his face, Icefoot summoned the last of his strength and managed to rake his claws against the dog's snout, eliciting a pained yelp. But it wasn't enough. The Rottweiler's relentless attack continued, and Icefoot could feel his strength waning.

However, just as Icefoot believed that his fate was sealed, an orange blur shot out from the bushes. 

Sunstar!

Sunstar, the wise and noble leader of ThunderClan, had appeared out of nowhere, putting himself between Icefoot and the Rottweiler. The dog simply got to its paws with a growl, charging towards the noble leader.  With a fierce determination in his eyes, Sunstar braced himself for the inevitable impact.

The Rottweiler lunged at the courageous leader, its jaws inches away from Sunstar's face. But in that critical moment, Sunstar acted swiftly, delivering a powerful swipe to the dog's snout, forcing it to veer off course.

As the two clashed, Icefoot watched in awe as Sunstar fought with selfless determination, putting his own life on the line to protect him. The sound of their growls and snarls echoed through the forest, as the fierce battle continued.

Sunstar's strength and experience as a leader were evident in every move he made. He matched the Rottweiler's power with grace and skill, but Icefoot could also see that the leader was taking a heavy toll. He was fighting for Icefoot's life, and the sacrifice was evident in the pain etched across Sunstar's face.

Despite the leader's best efforts, the Rottweiler's ferocity seemed unmatched. Icefoot could see that Sunstar was tiring, and his heart sank with the realization that this could be Sunstar’s final battle.

But then, with a burst of courage and determination, Sunstar managed to land a crucial blow on the Rottweiler, causing it to stagger and momentarily lose its balance. It was the opportunity Sunstar needed. He swiftly maneuvered, pushing the Rottweiler away, and with a commanding presence, he gave a warning growl that sent the dog retreating into the woods.

Icefoot cheered, staggering to his paws. “Sunstar, thank you! I-“

The ginger tom fell to the ground. Limp.

Pain, sorrow, and shock ran through Icefoot’s body. The world felt cold around him.

“Sunstar?”

No reply.

“Sunstar!”

Chapter Text

“Bluestar! Bluestar! Bluestar!”

Cheers rang out across the camp as the new ThunderClan leader returned from her nine lives ceremony, followed by Featherwhisker and Spottedleaf.

Icefoot and Willowpelt watched with pride as the bluish-grey she-cat leapt upon the high-rock, clearing her throat and puffing out her chest.

“Thank you, everyone,” Bluestar said calmly. “This means everything to me. I promise to make sure that Sunstar’s era is not forgotten, and I promise to make sure that this clan is as prosperous as it usually is.”

The clan erupted into cheers once more, though Bluestar soon quelled them with a sharp flick of her tail. “Of course,” she went on. “I can’t do that without a deputy.”

The air grew tense. There was one question on every cat’s mind. Who would it be?

Bluestar’s ocean-blue eyes scanned the hollow as several cats murmured among one another. Icefoot spotted Thistleclaw puffing out his chest expectantly.

As if she’d ever choose you! Icefoot thought to himself with a scowl.

“I have made my decision,” Bluestar sighed. “I say these words before StarClan, so that the spirits of our warrior ancestors, or Sunstar, may hear and approve of my choice. The new deputy of ThunderClan is Redtail.”

In an instant, Icefoot yowled out the new deputy’s name. The clan began to cheer Redtail’s name as the tortoiseshell tom padded towards Bluestar.

“I know that you shall serve me well,” Bluestar purred, pressing her nose to his forehead.

“I shall.” Redtail replied softly.

Swiftbreeze and Adderfang dashed towards their son, burying their noses into his shoulders. “Oh, I can't believe it! Our son, the deputy!” Swiftbreeze mewed, her yellow eyes softening with pride.

“Mum, dad!” Redtail complained.

Willowpelt, Spottedleaf, and Icefoot padded over to congratulate him as Swiftbreeze and Adderfang padded away. “Congratulations!” Willowpelt purred.

“T-Thanks,” Redtail replied shakily. “I er…didn’t really expect to be chosen.”

“Don’t get used to it.”

The group turned to face Thistleclaw and Tigerclaw, who both had deep frowns across their faces. Icefoot narrowed his ice-blue eyes, defensively placing a paw in front of Willowpelt.

“You’re short and weak, you tubby little mouseheart.” Thistleclaw snorted. “You’ll end up dead within a week.”

Redtail bared his teeth. “Is that a threat?”

Thistleclaw looked over at Redtail, and then his amber eyes suddenly ended up on Spottedleaf. “You tell me.”

The medicine cat gulped, and Redtail’s tail bushed out. Thistleclaw and Tigerclaw padded off, snickering to one another.

I won’t let Thistleclaw or Tigerclaw lay a single paw on Spottedleaf. No matter what.

————————————————————————

“Dad! Dad!”

Icefoot slowly awoke from his nap, raising his head. It had been yet another moon since Redtail was chosen as the deputy, and Darkkit was growing bigger with each passing day. 

“Yeah?” Icefoot mewed groggily, with a small smile.

Darkkit had the wing of a butterfly in his teeth. “I caught a butterfly! All by myself!”

“Wow! Really?” Icefoot forced himself to sound enthused despite his tiredness, as he slowly heaved himself to his paws. “All by yourself?”

“Yeah! I’m gonna be a good hunter, just like you!” Darkkit purred.

“Indeed you are!” Icefoot grinned.

Darkkit’s joyful look seemed to falter slightly. “Hey, dad?”

“Yes, Darkkit?” Icefoot’s head tilted curiously.

“Can I go and play with Tigerclaw?”

Those words made Icefoot’s blood run cold. “No.” He said bluntly, his smile fading in an instant.

“Why not?” Darkkit whined. “I’m the only kit in the nursery, and he said that he’ll play with me!”

“Tigerclaw’s not a very nice cat-“

“How would you know? Tigerclaw told me that you used to be a kittypet, and the clan accepted you! Why can’t you accept me playing with him?” Darkkit snapped back.

Icefoot felt torn. He didn’t like Tigerclaw, yet he didn’t want his son to feel lonely.

He sighed. He wouldn’t break the promise that he made to himself.

“I’m sorry, but the answer is no.” Icefoot sighed. “You’ll understand when you’re older.”

Darkkit let out an angry grunt, before dashing off. Icefoot wanted to run after him, but he knew that it would be useless.

Oh, StarClan. Maybe I’m not going to be a good father after-all?

————————————————————————

“Hey, Icefoot?”

Icefoot slowly raised his head. The moon was high in the clouds, yet Spottedleaf stood in front of him with a worried look in her amber gaze.

“Spottedleaf? What’re you doing here? Isn’t a bit late for you to ask someone to help with herb-finding-“

“Goosefeather’s gone.”

Icefoot hesitated, raising to his paws. “What?”

“I went to try and give him some prey because I saw that he hadn’t eaten anything today,” Spottedleaf explained. “But he’s nowhere to be found.”

Icefoot gulped. “That can’t be good. Goosefeather’s not exactly the type of cat that can be trusted to be alone.”

“I need you to help me find him,” Spottedleaf mewed. “There’s no telling of what could happen if we don’t.”

Icefoot sighed, and then nodded. “Of course.”

The two cats quietly and stealthily snuck out of camp, and into the forest. 

Amidst the dense forest of ThunderClan’s territory, Icefoot and Spottedleaf moved stealthily, their senses attuned to every rustle and whisper of the foliage. The tall, ebony tom with the distinct white paw and striking ice-blue eyes led the way, his long-legged strides effortlessly covering ground, while the petite, tortoiseshell she-cat with leaf-patterned fur followed closely, her amber eyes keenly scanning their surroundings.

Their determination was evident as they wove through the undergrowth, communicating through subtle glances and flicks of their tails. Icefoot's large ears swiveled, catching the faintest sounds, while Spottedleaf's medium-haired coat camouflaged her perfectly within the dappled shadows.

Eventually, they stopped at the sudden noise of a yowl. It came from far away, yet Icefoot knew they’d make it if they ran.

The two ThunderClan cats raced towards Sunningrocks and crossed into RiverClan’s territory. They followed the river, until they eventually came across the gorge. 

Standing by the drawbridge, his pelt frazzled and ruffled, was Goosefeather. His body shuddered, and his claws shakily poked out from their slits.

“Goosefeather?” Spottedleaf mewed shakily. “Why’re you on RiverClan’s territory? And why are you so close to the gorge?”

Goosefeather turned to look at them, huffing and puffing. Icefoot saw a crazed look in his eyes, as a manic grin suddenly spread across his face.

“StarClan, send me to the dark forest for this. Bless their souls, but neglect mine. I don’t need your pity anymore.” He murmured.

“W-What?”

Before anyone could react, Goosefeather reared up and leapt into the gorge with a loud cheer.

And the forest became silent once more.

Chapter Text

It had been three moons since Goosefeather’s suicide, and tensions remained high in the air. ThunderClan felt torn, and the sudden event had left everyone frazzled. Featherwhisker had been the most affected by Goosefeather’s death, as he’d rarely left the den since the news had been revealed.

Icefoot hadn’t been feeling so good either. He found himself becoming quieter and more resigned. The only cats he’d speak to were Willowpelt, Redtail, Rosetail, and Spottedleaf. 

Darkkit would’ve been on that list if he didn’t keep spending time with Thistleclaw and Tigerclaw.

He felt as if he couldn’t even look at Darkkit anymore. Icefoot believed that he’d never be a good father.

He’d failed to keep his son safe.

Icefoot found himself lingering near Sunningrocks, trying to catch some mice. 

It was Darkkit’s apprentice ceremony today, so Icefoot had decided to go and hunt some prey for him once it began. Of course, Icefoot had to hunt alone. He didn’t feel like interacting with anybody else.

“Oi! Tinyfoot!”

Great.

Icefoot slowly turned to face Roachwing and Skunktail as they approached him from the bushes. “Willowpelt said we’d find you here.”

“Well, now that you’ve found me, you can go back to camp.” Icefoot growled, turning away with a grimace.

“And leave our little brother to mope? No way!” Skunktail grinned, leaping in front of him to block his way.

Icefoot whipped around, only to be blocked by Roachwing. “Look, Icefoot, I know what you’re thinking. Goosefeather wasn’t even that good of a cat anyway!”

Icefoot turned again, but Skunktail remained in his way. “What she meant to say was that we’d like to hunt with you, so we can make you feel better.”

“Buzz off.” Icefoot hissed.

“Nah! I don’t think so.” Roachwing purred.

I am SO going to claw their ears off-

“Tag! You’re it!” Skunktail batted Icefoot across the ears and sped off into the bushes, followed by Roachwing.

“Hey! Get back here!” Icefoot ran after them, gritting his teeth.

Icefoot's whiskers twitched with annoyance as he found himself amidst the playful antics of his siblings. His long-legged, jet-black frame stood out in contrast to their grey and black-and-white coats as they frolicked through the sunlit glade.

He reluctantly joined their game of tag, his heart not fully into it. The memory of a recent scar on Skunktail’s hind-leg made him hesitant, but he didn't want to dampen their spirits. Roachwing's sharp claws and Skunktail's bushy tail were perfect for this game, but Icefoot felt like the odd one out with his short-haired paws and long tail.

As Roachwing chased Skunktail, her tail bristling with excitement, Icefoot sighed inwardly. His eyes followed their swift movements, and he found himself drifting into his thoughts, momentarily forgetting the game.

But then, Skunktail playfully bumped into him, breaking him out of his reverie. A spark of joy glimmered in his ice-blue eyes as he realized the fun in their wild chase. His long legs effortlessly carried him as he dashed away, relishing the thrill of the chase.

His reluctance faded away, replaced by genuine happiness. With each bound and twist through the glade, Icefoot felt a connection with his siblings, a bond that transcended their differences. He grinned, his ears twitching with excitement.

For once, Icefoot truly believed that Roachwing and Skunktail were no longer the cruel and bratty kits that they once were. They were strong warriors who just happened to be extremely annoying.

It was better than nothing.

The trio raced through the glade, laughter echoing through the woods. Icefoot's heart leaped with newfound joy, feeling the warmth of his siblings' presence, realizing that their differences only made their bond stronger.

As the day wore on, the setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, casting a warm glow over the reunited trio. Icefoot's icy gaze softened as he looked at Roachwing and Skunktail, a genuine smile spreading across his face. In that wordless moment, he knew he had found his place among them, and the reluctant tag game had transformed into a cherished memory of sibling camaraderie.

“Welp, let’s head back to camp then! We don’t want to miss your son’s ceremony, do we?” Roachwing purred.

Icefoot’s gaze widened. “Mouse dung! The ceremony!”

He dashed through the forest, as his siblings raced alongside him with cheeky grins across their faces. Thankfully, the trio had managed to make it into ThunderClan’s camp, and Icefoot nearly bumped into Willowpelt as he tried to sit next to her.

“You look excited!” Willowpelt purred. “It’s good to see you happy again.”

Icefoot replied with a wordless lick to her ears, and she let out a snicker. The two warriors’ turned their attention to the center of the hollow, where Bluestar and Redtail sat.

In front of them, oddly cold-looking, was Darkkit.

“Darkkit, you have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Darkpaw. Your mentor will be Tigerclaw. I hope that Tigerclaw will pass down all he knows on to you.” Bluestar puffed out her chest as she spoke.

Icefoot felt his heart sink. Tigerclaw? His mentor’s going to be Tigerclaw?

Tigerclaw shouldered his way into the center of the hollow to stand beside Darkpaw. He had a stoic expression, flexing his shoulder muscles.

“Tigerclaw, you are ready to take on an apprentice. You have received excellent training from Thistleclaw, and you have shown yourself to be courageous and skilled at fighting. You will be the mentor of Darkpaw, and I expect you to pass on all you know to Darkpaw.” Bluestar went on.

Tigerclaw and Darkpaw turned to face one another, silently touching noses as the crowd cheered Darkpaw’s name.

“Darkpaw! Darkpaw! Darkpaw!”

Icefoot found himself unable to join in. He and Willowpelt shared looks of horror. Even Redtail looked slightly confused. Roachwing and Skunktail huddled together with skeptical scowls.

StarClan, have mercy on us. StarClan, have mercy on my son.

Chapter Text

THUNDERCLAN

LEADER

Bluestar: tall, short-haired, bluish-grey she-cat with large ears (one of which is nicked), a scarred shoulder, a long and plumy tail, and bright blue eyes.

DEPUTY 

Redtail: short, medium-haired, tortoiseshell-and-white tom with a bushy tail, small tufted ears, and amber eyes.

Apprentice: Mousepaw

MEDICINE CATS

Featherwhisker: plump, long-haired, pale grey tom with a flat snout, tufted ears, a bushy tail, and amber eyes.

Spottedleaf: small, medium-haired, tortoiseshell-and-white she-cat with leaf-ridden fur and amber eyes.

WARRIORS

Dappletail: medium-haired, tortoiseshell-and-white she-cat with white spots and blue eyes.

Speckletail: elderly, medium-haired, pale ginger spotted she-cat with weak legs and amber eyes.

Patchpelt: muscular, medium-haired, snowy-white tom with black patches and golden eyes.

Thrushpelt: thin, medium-haired, sandy-brown tom with white markings, darker spots, and lime-green eyes.

Thistleclaw: huge, long-haired, grey-and-white tom with scruffy fur, tufted ears (one of which is nicked), a heavily scarred pelt, sharp claws, and amber eyes.

Rosetail: sweet-scented, long-haired, grey-and-cream she-cat with a bushy dark ginger tail, dark ginger face markings, and light green eyes.

Lionheart: huge, long-haired, golden tom with a flat snout, a thick ring of fur around his neck, bent tufted ears, a bushy tail, and dark lime-green eyes.

Goldenflower: beautiful, medium-haired, pale ginger she-cat with soft fur, a long tail, and golden eyes.

Leopardfoot: thin, short-haired, dark grey she-cat with black spots, tufted ears, a long tail, and lime-green eyes.

Robinwing: short, medium-haired, tortoiseshell she-cat with a white chin, a bushy tail, tufted ears, and golden eyes.

Tigerclaw: a towering, medium-haired, dark brown tabby tom with a scarred pelt, pointy ears, oddly-sharp claws, a bushy tail, and bright amber eyes.

Apprentice: Darkpaw

Whitestorm: tall, medium-haired, snowy-white tom with grey ear-tips, tufted ears, a grey forehead marking, a bushy tail, small paws, and golden eyes.

Willowpelt: beautfiul, long-haired, pale grey she-cat with deep blue eyes. 

Icefoot: long-legged, short-haired, jet-black tom with one snowy-white paw, large ears (one of which is nicked), a long tail, and ice-blue eyes.

Apprentice: Runningpaw

Roachwing: prickly-furred, long-haired, grey she-cat with a white chin, sharp claws, and grass-green eyes.

Skunktail: prickly-furred, medium-haired, black-and-white tom with a scarred hind-leg, a bushy tail, and grass-green eyes.

Brindleface: plump, medium-haired, dark grey spotted tabby she-cat with a bushy tail, small paws, and green eyes.

Frostfur: small, medium-haired, snowy-white she-cat with a grey tail-tip and deep blue eyes.

ELDERS

Weedwhisker: slim, medium-haired, pale ginger tom with white spots, scruffy and messy fur, and golden eyes.

Mumblefoot: plump, long-haired, pale brown tom with a darker tail, a lighter face and chest, and amber eyes.

Larksong: thin, medium-haired, dark tortoiseshell-and-white she-cat with messy fur and green eyes.

Windflight: huge, long-haired, grey-and-white tabby tom with tufted ears and light green eyes.

Fuzzypelt: skinny, medium-haired, solid black tom with prickly fur and lime-green eyes.

Poppydawn: plump, medium-haired, dark ginger tabby she-cat with white markings, a bushy tail, and golden-brown eyes.

Swiftbreeze: slim, long-haired, snowy-white she-cat with brown tabby patches and golden eyes.

Adderfang: muscular, long-haired, dark brown mottled tom with scruffy fur, tufted ears (one of which is nicked), and dark yellow eyes.

Halftail: scruffy, medium-haired, pale brown mottled tom with a torn tail, a nicked ear, a heavily torn pelt, a grey snout, and amber eyes.

Smallear: plump, medium-haired, sandy-grey tom with folded ears, a flat snout, and dark amber eyes.

One-eye: sickly, medium-haired, light grey she-cat with bent ears (one of which is nicked), messy fur, and golden eyes.