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doritopaw101 · 4 years ago

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Arc1, book 2: Chapter: 10

It had been two weeks since the death of Brokenstar and the exile of his followers. Shadowclan was rebuilding, they weren't completely back to normal but they were doing their best. Best they could considering the circumstances.

'Once they are at their best, they'll be back to picking fights with us in no time' Icefire thought. They remembered hearing the news that Marshshadow had went to the moonstone and was grated nine lives and became Marshstar making Blazefang her deputy.

It was more shocking when they came to see his kits, Badgerfang in tow:

-Flashback-

"How do you feel sweetie?" Icefire said softly, keeping his kit nicly wrapped in his warmth

"My chest hurts" Bearkit whimpered

Icefire licked his daughter softly "I know dear, I wish I can take it away and make it better"

Bearkit nuzzled into his fur "I love you"

Icefire felt his heart warm "I love you too my little cub"

"Icefire" Thymeroot mewed "That's enough" the black tom looked just as sad as Icefire did

He gave Bearkit one last lick "Get some rest dear"

Thymeroot brushed herself against his flank as he left, it was a comforting as she could in this situation. Icefire quickly made their way to the nursery but was suprised when he bumped into Graystripe, even more so when he caught the faint scent of Silverstream and Silvertide.

"What did I say about the scent?" Icefire lowly hissed. Only relaxing when he figured Willowpelt was asleep. The Riverclan scent was faint but Icefire was not taking chances.

"Silverstream distracted me" Graystripe replied, lashing her thick tail

"Mouse-brain, even pregnant he has that on the brain" Icefire rolled his eyes "We're having a talk later" he pulled a mewling Flamekit closer to his belly to nurse.

"You're not any better"

"Shut it" he grabbed some lavender from his nest that Nettlemist left "Here, wear it"

Graystripe did just that. She perked up "Uh...Icefire?"

Icefire drew his tongue away from Violetkit "What?"

"I smell Shadowclan"

Icefire shot up, his tail wrapping around his litter.

Nettlemist and Embereyes poked their heads in. "Icefire?" Nettlemist looked hesitant

"Why do I smell Shadowclan?"

"Marshshadow, Blazefang, and Badgerfang are here for you and your...kits" Embereyes replied "They'd like to enter the nursery but would rather you come out to them"

Icefire curled his lip and was about to demand they come here but he glanced at Goldenflower and Frostbite. Goldenflower was protectively hovering over Waspkit and Hornetkit and Frostbite looked ready to kill anyone who'd dare harm her newborns, Snowykit, Whitekit, and Lightkit.

"Fine," he nosed his kits upward "Help me carry them, Goldenflower could you watch Sunnykit, Rosekit, and Shrikekit?"

Goldenflower nodded "Of course"

Icefire picked up Violetkit while Embereyes grabbed Flamekit and Nettlemist grabbed Cloudkit. He spotted the three Shadowclan cats near the leader's den, Bluestar and Redtail close by with Yellowfang not to far off looking like she was making small talk with his daughters and grandson.

He set Violetkit firmly between his paws "Hello Marshshadow" no point in trying to be nice in his opinion

"Marshstar" she corrected "I've gotten my nine lives from Starclan and Blazefang is my deputy, you look well Icebelly"

Icefire nodded "It's Icefire now" he only really moving his tail when Flamekit and Cloudkit were sent down in it.

"They're adorable Icefire" Badgerfang commented

"Isn't one missing?" Blazefang asked "Cubkit was it?"

"Bearkit and she's ill and why does that matter?" Icefire growled, he glanced at Marshshadow's chest "What's with the necklage?"

Marshshadow glanced at Bluestar "Did you not teach him the necklace traditions of the clans? The golden ones? The flower ones?"

"I understand the golden and flower ones" Icefire snapped "What's with the vine with the rock in the middle?"

"It's a piece of the moonstone Icefire, I wear it for two moons after I receive my lives from Starclan" Marshstar's tone was fierce whether she meant to or not

"Whatever, all collars to me" Icefire replied with a roll of his eyes "Why are you here and not dealing with your clan and fixing it back up?"

"I've been doing checks on all of Brokentail's offspring, he's being held away from our camp, blind, and heavily guarded" she lowered her head slightly "they are my kin too Icefire"

"I'm well aware Marshstar, Flamekit looks just like Blazefang" Icefire drawled "Why don't you say what you're really here for and not waste time?"

Marshstar sighed "I worry for the kits sired by Brokentail here in Thunderclan, maybe it would be best if they were raised in Shadowclan with their kin"

"So you want to take my kits from me?" he hissed, pulling his kits closer to his belly "I blind and take one of the basturd's lives and this is the thanks I get" he flashed his golden tooth a bit

"That's not what we're saying Icefire" Badgerfang mewed softly "We're concerned for their well-being"

"We don't think Thunderclan is right for them especially the two kits that take after Brokenstar in appearance from what I'm told are Bearkit and Violetkit" Blazefang said bluntly, her gaze was on the kits

He glanced at Yellowfang who wore an emotionless look. Icefire then glanced at Bluestar and Redtail "And you two agree with this?"

"Until proved otherwise Icefire, this is your call and only yours" Bluestar stated, tail-tip twitching "I'll stand by the whatever choice you make"

"Yellowfang?"

"Make your choice kit, not my say" the older molly said, her voice calm

"Redtail?"

"Laws for half-clan kits state that the dam's clan gets priority especially for cases where rape was involved" Redtail said, his ginger tail lashing "It was designed to protect the victim" Redtail stared down at Marshstar "Is there something you're trying to say about the law Marshstar?"

Marshstar bared her fangs "I approve the law of protecting the victims Redtail" she stated firmly "However, cats can be short-sighted and no kits should suffer because of the sins of the parent" she took a small step "Dewflare had another litter before she left and even for the litter she had before, I'm doing my best to make sure they won't be blamed for what their parents did"

Icefire thought of how Beepaw, Roachpaw, and Flypaw were adjusting to this new life style after having the clan at their paws before. They had Dewflare's love, attention and care, what he never got, what he got was being misgendered, raped and insulted. He knew he shouldn't resent them but at the same time, what did they have they he didn't to even Dewflare's love.

"They are still nursing"

"We have some queens who'll nurse them, Fernshade has offered"

"No" Icefire lashed his tail "They are my kits, they aren't leaving me just because of your pathetic concerns"

"Icefire" Blazefang barked "This isn't about you and what you want, it's about the kits and what they need to live normal lives"

"They are too young, how about you let them decide when they're older" Icefire growled

"How old?" Marshstar questioned

"Four or five moons is the standard" Redtail stated "They'll be sent for a moon and see how they fair there"

"One moon in our camp can compare to the other moons here?" Blazefang countered

"Like the laws say, the dam gets priority" Redtail replied, seemingly bored of the conversation "You act like they kits sire was this great cat that should equal chance and not the monster that raped an apprentice"

Blazefang growled but Badgerfang nudged her "Don't"

"You didn't do the standard" Marshstar mewed, her gaze on Bluestar "You gave them up to Riverclan when they were three moons correct?"

"It was a harsh leaf-bare with little food, Stonefur and Mistyfoot would have died otherwise, this is leaf-bare as well, quite honestly Marshstar they shouldn't leave til there apprentice age"

"Why'd you give them to Riverclan then?"

"I don't have to explain any of my choices to you" Bluestar replied, her voice cool "You're on the way of being chased from my camp with your tails between your legs"

"Marshstar stop" Badgerfang advised "It's better than nothing, take it cause I'm assuming that's all Icefire's offering, right?"

Icefire nodded "Glad to see you know me well Badgerfang"

-Flashback ends-

He had time to calm down, sparing with Bluestar did wonders. It would be at four moons they would go to Shadowclan and at six moons, they would decide.

He's honestly just fine knowing Brokentail was overthrown and wouldn't hurt anyone ever again. He felt more free than he'd ever been. His name change fit him honestly. It helped the fierce feeling he held since taking down Brokentail and Clawface. It the moment he requested for a golden tooth and was granted.

Larkpaw and Seedpaw received their warrior names the day after the battle: Larkwing and Seedspots. Lichenpaw and Smokepaw had showed enough skill to earn their warrior names: Lichenstrike and Smokefur. It was honestly amusing watching Lichenstrike try to beat Sandstorm, she managed after a while. He's pretty sure Chestnutclaw only went easy because Bluestar was watching.

Marigoldpaw's training was given over to Sandstorm since Nettlemist expressed that with more warriors, he wasn't needed and Marigoldpaw deserved better training, Sandstorm was all too happy to gain another apprentice especially her little cousin.

Icefire carried his rabbit over to the fresh-kill pile, Lichenstrike carrying her shrew.

"How's Cinderpaw?" the golden molly asked as she dropped her catch

"Doing well the last I heard from Deadfoot" Icefire replied "They're improving well, should be back soon but it'll take time"

Lichenstrike smiled "I'm glad"

"As am I" the voice was of a cat he'd been avoiding since Cinderpaw's accident, Mossthorn. He didn't want to face their wrath, using any excuse to not be in camp.

Icefire kept his eyes on the ground, his nerves growing knowing Mossthorn's stare was on him.

"Lichenstrike, why don't you go find Sandstorm or Smokefur?"

Lichenstrike sounded nervous but obeyed "Okay"

Icefire refused to lift their head, Mossthorn did it for him "I'm not mad at you Icefire"

he snorted plainly "You should be"

"Did you push Cinderpaw on the Thunderpath?" they asked

"Of course not!"

"Then I have no right to be mad at you"

Icefire finally met Mossthorn's gaze, there was nothing but calmness and concern.

"They've been doing alright, it could've been alot worse"

"I know" Icefire mewed

"How's Bearkit?"

Icefire sighed "Not any better, Tulipkit's joined her, they need food"

Mossthorn rested their tail on his back in comfort

"I'm scared" he admitted "What if she..."

"Do you trust your healers?"

"With my life, I just don't want to lose her, I'm trying so hard to be better than Dewflare and here I am dumping them on Brindleface cause I just couldn't sit still"

"They love you Icefire" Mossthorn mewed "They've said so proudly, Brindleface doesn't mind from what I've seen"

Icefire flicked his tail "Don't know why they're proud of me"

"You're doing great and I'm sure Goldenflower or Frostbite would've told you if you did something wrong in parenting"

"Like what Robinwing does?"

"Especially that" Willowpelt hissed "I had to nurse Ravenkit when Rosetail couldn't"

Icefire snorted "Thanks Willowpelt"

"Anytime" the pale gray queen replied "You're doing fine Icefire, better than I did when I had Darkstripe"

"Is he a kit of Leopardstorm or Tiger-roar?"

Willowpelt shook her head "Archeye of Shadowclan, not the first time the clan disapporved of me, if it wasn't my blood it was my choice of mate"

"Blood?"

"I'm not clanborn, raised alongside Redtail and Spottedleaf by Ambershine and Torndust, blood means nothing"

"Ain't that the truth" Icefire smirked

A sudden yowl made Icefire, Willowpelt, and Mossthorn jump. The yowl came from the nursery, Brindleface's yowl.

Icefire rushed over to the nursery entrance "Brindleface, what's wrong?"

"Ashkit, Fernkit, and Cloudkit are missing!" they said franticly

Icefire's heart dropped "What?" he looked around "Where did they go?"

"I don't know" Brindleface replied "I had them all down for a nap and closed my eyes for a bit then they were gone"

Icefire looked around the den, he spotted a kit sized hole near his nest "They left through here" he called "We have to find them"

"What's going on?" Brackenpaw mewed

"I heard yelling" Lynxpaw added

"Cloudkit, Fernkit, and Ashkit are missing, can you two help me find them?"

Brackenpaw and Lynxpaw nodded

He and the apprentices quickly headed for the entrance to camp, knocking past Robinwing and Larkwing.

"Icefire!" Sandstorm called "Wait up, I want to find them too"

"Keep up slug" they snapped "It's snowing"

The snow was getting thicker and thicker as they trud through it. Icefire ignored the snow pushing into his face, he had to find the kits.

"Why would they leave in the first place?" Brackenpaw asked

"I don't know" Sandstorm said "Why did they have to chose now to go missing"

"And Cloudkit's white so it'll be even harder to find him" Lynxpaw realized "I can barely see you Icefire"

"Focus on any moment" he said "Anything"

He felt his pads scarp rocks, he ignored the inevitable blood. He had to stop for a moment to get his barings. He spotted movement near a tree, a vole. A sudden ball of white pounced on it.

"Cloudkit!" he called rushing over to his son

"Icefire, badger!" He ignored Sandstorm's yowl, his kit was the only thought in his mind. The badger, large for one appeared out of no where and rush at Cloudkit. He slammed into the badger head on, taking the bite meant for his son.

"Lynxpaw!" he hissed as he tried to free himself from the badger's hold

"I got him" she replied

He saw Sandstorm leap on the badger's back, biting with enough force that the badger opened its jaws. Icefire struck the badger across the muzzle as soon as he was free, Brackenpaw rush forward and bit into the badger's neck. The badger roared with pain from all sides, the black and white creature bucked up suddenly throwing Sandstorm off and threw a swing at Brackenpaw earning a painful yowl from the golden brown tom.

The badger seems to have enough and ran for it, shoving past a bleeding Brackenpaw.

Icefire rushed over to the injured apprentice "Brackenpaw? Are okay? Can you walk?"

"My paw hurts" he replied, he slowly go to his paws "I think I can walk?"

"Lynxpaw?" Sandstorm called

"I'm with the kits" The golden and black apprentice replied, the three kits safely under her, Cloudkit had the vole in his mouth

"Good" Icefire mewed as he padded over "Are you three injured?"

The kits shook their heads.

"Let's get you three back to camp" he glanced at Sandstorm "Sandstorm, help me carry them. Lynxpaw, help Brackenpaw"

Lynxpaw nodded and padded over and help her fellow peer stand up.

"Cloudkit, cling to my pelt" Icefire mewed

His son nodded, his jaws shut to keep his vole from falling. Icefire picked up Ashkit while Sandstorm picked up Fernkit. The group quietly made their way back to camp.

"Ashkit! Fernkit!" Brindleface cried as they ran over "I was so worried"

"Papa!" Icefire heard his other kits mew

He placed Ashkit down and let Cloudkit climb down to his sisters.

Bluestar padded forward, a stern expression on her face "Why did you three leave camp? Did you know how worried you drove your parnets?"

"We wanted to help Bearkit and Tulipkit" Fernkit mewed

"They needed food" Cloudkit added, holding up his vole "We got it"

Bluestar sighed "You three had good intentions but you worried the clan when you disappeared and you could have frozen to death" she glanced at the vole "You did well catching this and I'll allow you to give it to Bearkit and Tulipkit however you three will take care of the elders for a while"

"Okay" they said

"Brackenpaw!" Lionheart rushed over to nuzzle his son "What happened to your paw?"

"It's fine dad" the apprentice growled "The badger got me while I was helping Icefire and Sandstorm"

Lionheart rounded on Icefire "Badger?"

"Lionheart" Bluestar warned

Icefire fought not to flinch with that intense stare "We found the kits, turns out we got there just i time"

"Who's idea was it to go out in the first place?" Lionheart asked

"Mine" Cloudkit mewed proudly "Papa taught us to follow our gut when helping others"

"How fitting" Lionheart sneered, he whipped back at Icefire "So this all your fault"

Icefire gaped "How is this my fault?"

"Who taught this roach that 'follow your gut' was a good idea? Certainly not Brindleface"

"Don't call my son a roach" Icefire hissed "and I never told him to go out of camp"

"Might as well have and you just had to take my son and niece with you"

"I never forced them to go with me" Icefire hissed

"It's true, me and Lynxpaw wanted to help" Brackenpaw added

"Don't defend this curse Brackenpaw, this cat should've never been allowed in the clan to begin with"

"Lionheart" Bluestar growled

"I'm right Bluestar" Lionheart retorted "Ever since he came here, we've lost Thrushpelt, Featherwhisker, Sweetheart, Rosetail, Spottedleaf, Cricketsong, Dappletail, Adderkit, Leapkit, and why did Palepaw die?" he hissed "Because Brokenstar wanted the kits Icefire bore-"

"I didn't-"

"Quiet" Lionheart hissed

"Lionheart" Leoaprdstorm growled "Stop talking"

"No and I'm not the only one who thinks this. He's nothing but a curse with the death he brings and the brood his kitted"

"Lionheart" Bluestar hissed even louder than before

"No, he's an awful cursed little worm who attacked Graystripe the night before he entered the clan and his a horrible father, pawning his kits on poor Brindleface, news flash Icepaw if you didn't want to care for them you should've gave them to Marshstar"

"Give kits to the clan of the sire who raped him?" Mossthorn snapped

"Spottedleaf was killed because of him, in my opinion he deserved-" Lionheart was cut off when Tiger-roar hit him across the face

"Take a walk you heartless mouse-heart"

"Are we taking it back or just passing by?" Icefire asked Redtail. This was the frist patrol he had been on in the last three days. He gave Brindleface a break despite their protests. He only really left camp because Tiger-roar convinced him, the older tom had been one of the only cats to keep him sane.

"Leaf-bare is almost over but it isn't gone, we need as much prey as possible" Redtail replied "No more skin and bones"

"Those fish-faces don't deserve it if they are just going to lay on it all day" Amberpaw added

"They just waste it honestly" Ebonypaw mewed

"Let's make this quick and simple" Tiger-roar advised, tail-tip twitching "We don't want more death"

"Or look like cowards" Nightshade growled "Not like Thrushpelt, at least Rosetail could get things done" She spat out Thushpelt's name like bile.

"Of course not" Amberpaw mewed, rolling her eyes "Redtail knows what he's doing"

Redtail raised his ginger tail for silence. Icefire saw a Riverclan patrol coming over. Oakjaw was leading it, he saw Suneyes, Leopardclaw, Mudbelly, Condorpaw, Lakepaw, Vixentail,Grasswhisker, and Frogleap.

Redtail padded to the edge of the slope they were standing on. "These lands belong to Thunderclan" he spoke loud and proud, no sign of fear.

"That's a laugh" Suneyes cackled

"R..Redtail we're outnumbered" Smokypaw stuttered

Redtail seemed to ignore all replies "Stand down it will not end well for you"

Oakjaw's ears were pinned to his head "Never" he hissed

"Death is their wish" Amberpaw drawled

Redtail walked to the patrol, they made way for him. The tortie stopped and turned back and hissed "Thunderclan attack!"

They all obeyed.

Icefire bit into Grasswhisker's shoulder and dug his claws into the tabby's shoulder. He tossed the fish-dung like bones. Sending the tom tumbling to the side, sliding with the mud. Amberpaw pounced, Grasswhisker bit the tortioseshell molly's ear and began another brawl.

While his sense of hearing went through the sky with horrid ringing sounds, his sense of feel didn't change. He stepped to the side, Condorpaw hit the ground face first, his upper half skidding with the mud with his lower half in the air.

Icefire smirked as he pinned the fellow albino down. "Not bad" Icefire chuckled "But you'll have to do better than that Condorpaw"

Condorpaw coughed "Not my fault my eyes were acting up" the younger tom was slashing his back legs with his lower claws. He didn't really hurt.

"Excuses Excuses" he purred, he'll admit he likes to toy with his opponents, Condorpaw was no different. He got off him "Go"

Condorpaw nodded and dashed away into the fray. Vixentail was fighting Ebonypawpaw. Leopardclaw and Nightshade were locked. Tiger-roar was in a brawl with Lakepaw Suneyes, and Mudbelly.

Icebelly spotted Redtail and Oakjaw dooking it out. Oakjaw had Redtail pinned down at one point "Give up Redtail"

"Never" the tortie tom spat

"Just as stubborn as your leader" Oakjaw growled

As Icefire struck Frogleap across the nose, he noticed a large rock start to fall towards the deputies. He rushed as fast as he could to warn them but it seemed Oakjaw noticed as well. The gray tom's throat had been slashed open but with the last of his energy she shoved Redtail out of the way. The loud screech of pain and crack of bones rang through the clearing.

Icefire went to Redtail's side, the tortie's wounds looked deep. "Redtail?"

Redtail stared at the rocks that had Oakjaw buried underneath. "I cut through his throat and yet he-". Redtail stood up with a jolt "We're ending this now"

Icefire followed Redtail as the deputy leaped up on a smooth but long rock. "Oakjaw is dead!"

The Riverclan cats froze at the news. "Retreat!" Leopardclaw called

The patrol cheered as they watched Riverclan retreat.

"Everyone head back to camp" Redtail mewed, he was still on the rocks, close to the water. His paw looked broken

"I'll help him to camp" Tiger-roar sighed

"You'll need the help with that stuborn cat" Nightshade added

"We should have a feast" Amberpaw purred

"I get the squirrels" Ebonypaw laughed racing the tortie back to camp. Most of the patrol following. He followed close behind the apprentices eager to return to his kits but Icefire had a feeling, Raveneye wasn't with them and seeing Goosefeather gazing to the direction of Sunningrocks definitely added to that. He doubled back to Sunningrocks, well as fast as he could with a limp leg.

He saw Redtail but he also saw Tiger-roar and Nightshade, they said they were going to help him. It remined him all too well of Thrushpelt's death, he wouldn't put it past Suneyes to have been the one to kill him.

He spotted Raveneye close by but said nothing.

"That was awesome, didn't need help either" Redtail purred

"Only because you had me,Icefire, and Tiger-roar to back ya'll up" Nightshade hissed, she wasn't exactly wrong. Tiger-roar and Nightshade were Thunderclan's best warriors beside their sister, Chestnutclaw, and Icefire apparently. Some cats could argue he was giving Tiger-roar a run for his name.

"That was reckless Redtail how could you even agree that was a good idea when we were outnumbered and the apprentices could have died" Tiger-roar's lip curled in a snarl.

"We won but at the cost of death" Redtail replied "Oakjaw, he saved my life"

Nightshade unsheathed her claws, her green eyes narrowed "What a waste"

"Tiger-roar? Nightshade? what is this?" Redtail growled

"Just as the stars told" Goosefeather mewed in his ear

"You plague this clan, too soft" Nightshade spat the last part like a hairball

"I'm the true leader of this clan, I won't make it soft" Tiger-roar added, his long front claws out "You get a choice, leave or fight"

Icefire's felt his heart drop, another cat with lies, how could he have been so stupid?

"Leave?" Redtail said like these two cats were crazy

"I'll get Pouncepaw, Amberpaw, and Lightpaw for you Redtail, just leave and don't come back" Nightshade mewed, she was closer to the tortie.

"Make your move Redtail" Tiger-roar said simply "I will become deputy of this clan, by any means nessasary"

Redtail seemed to be realizing something when his amber eyes widen in shock and horror "You two planned Thrushpelt and Rosetail's deaths didn't you?"

"Smart"

Redtail's eyes narrowed "He was your brother! He helped raise you as did Rosetail"

"Prices have to be made for greatness" Tiger-roar said, he started circling the tortie tom "Come on Redtail, you know you won't win"

"What will happen?"

"The deputy spot in free and I or Nightshade will be picked"

"And if Bluestar chooses someone else?"

"They will be 'dealt' with" Nightshade sneered "Tick tock Redtail, wouldn't want to end up like Thushpelt or Featherwhisker"

"What do you mean by that he killed himse... you two killed him with a snake?!"

Tiger-roar laughed "I applaud you Redatail"

Redtail noticed Icefire and Raveneye for a moment but said nothing about it. "Starclan may take me but you will never win" Icefire knew Redtail was telling him and Raveneye to avenge his death. Redtail launched himself at Tiger-roar. Leaping onto the great tabby's back, going for the neck. Nightshade bit into the tortie's leg and threw Redtail off. The dark brown tabby grabbed the tortie with one powerful arm, dragging Redtail across the rocks. He slashed Redtail's throat with ease.

Redtail wheezed as blood gushed out but then something more rotten happened.

Nightshade shoved Redtail off the rocks causing Redtail to fall into the river. He heard Redtail's low screech as he was being washed away. He hoped Redtail died from his throat wound before he hit any rocks. He knew why Nightshade did that, no blame could be placed if Redtail fell into the river.

Icefire had flicked a bush with his tail in his panic. Tiger-roar raised his head, Raveneye slammed Icefire down. The two crouched low and began moving, as soon as they could they ran as fast as they could back to camp.

Blackfoot saw the rise and fall of Russetfur's pelt as she breathed. He slowly padded into the nursery, it looking clean and soothing than it had in the past moons under Brokentail's rule, it took him back of his own kithood. He saw Dawncloud curled up with Ratkit and Snowkit resting near her head and Cloudykit and Hemlock-kit asleep in her tail.

His eldest, Foggyclaw was already dozing off. Her belly plump with one of the last litters Brokenstar would sire. Aside from her, Goldenmint, Marshstar, Blossomhaze, were the last cats to bare any of Brokenstar's kits, the clan only really knew that because Blossomhaze had been keeping track. Dewflare's new litter: Adderkit and Fangkit were being nursed by Fernshade with her own kit, Ravenkit.

He knew Blazefang would rather forget that her own brother had no problem mating with her but she had the evidence forever with the birth of her son, Timberkit. The tom was small for a kit, he was missing a front leg and was sickly. Not like Marshstar could forget either, still expecting and dreading the birth.

He didn't think he'd have kits again since bringing Elderpaw to the clan but things happen. He had a new litter to worry about. His and Russetfur's. He slowly rested a dark paw on her side "How are you?"

"Sore from being on rat duty" She replied, her nicked ear twitched "Your daughter and son have been causing a ruckus, glad I had Darkflower and Dawncloud to help"

He looked and saw two kits who looked just like their mother, Rowankit and Cedarkit, two moons old and causing chaos for all. "Little monsters they are" she mewed, licking his cheek, he flinched slightly which Russetfur noticed.

"My bad"

Blackfoot sighed "It's fine, it's just.." he trailed off

"That's the tamest reaction I've seen when someone likes the Broken scar"

This thing on his left cheek, it would forever follow him and make him remember the lowest point in Shadowclan's history.

"Whitethroat still feels bad for hissing at Crowcloud and the chicks"

"She already forgave him" Russetfur replied "Should've saw it, she refused to let him sleep by himself had to drag Littlecloud over"

He curled up with Russetfur, grooming her ears softly. "A new era for us all" she mewed sleepily

"It will be good" he replied letting sleep take him

Blackfoot yawned as he woke. He crept out so he wouldn't wake anyone. His eyes stung as they felt the sun's rays. He gazed at the fresh-kill pile that looked more full that than it had in seasons. Blackfoot grabbed a toad and sat near the warrior's den. He felt at peace and less destructive than he had ever been.

Things in Shadowclan had been somewhat peaceful.

The clan was somewhat smaller since the clan was mostly made up of Brokenstar's elite. Pineshadow and Crowcloud had a choice to leave the clan but they chose to stay. Crowcloud had her litter of three: Garlickit, Sloekit, and Twilightkit and Pineshadow also had her litter of two: Foxkit and Larchkit.

Clawface's body wasn't taken to the grave yard. Marshstar had the body run over by monsters then they buried the remains. In Shadowclan burying the dead was deemed a big dishonor but when it was a vile cat it was the rule to do so, he was dishonorable in life so he will be dishonored in death.

Cats wanted to be renamed: Marigoldcloud took on the name Goldenmint in honor of her brother Mintkit and Hollowheart took the name Darkhollow.

He felt a tail rest on his shoulder, he turned his head to see his sister.

"You're up early" Fernshade's tired mew called. He heard a yawn from Whisperleaf, Lizardstripe had gotten her good in the right eye.

"Yeah, my body thought I should be awake" He nudged his toad at the two mollies. Whisperleaf snatched it and began to eat.

"Shadowclan honestly seems better" Fernshade muttered leaning against him

"Let's hope it sticks" Blackfoot replied

He spotted Slatepaw, Sootpaw, Copperpelt, and Elderpaw padding out of the warriors den. His son, Slatepaw, and Sootpaw were usually a night owls like the rest of the clan but they had their moments like everyone else. Copperpelt honestly preferred to do stuff in the day time. He wasn't the only one: Littlecloud and Goldendusk preferred to do things in the day time.

Speaking of Goldendusk, he felt the golden tom rubbing himself against him.

"Missed you last night" Goldendusk purred softly

Blackfoot rubbed his check against the golden tom's "I was with Russetfur and the kits"

"How are they?" Fernshade asked, licking her paws

"Great" he replied

"More kits for our smaller clan" Goldendusk added

Marshstar was changing Shadowclan for the better but there was one thing she wasn't going to get rid of, which was understandable. Marshstar had her own elite, it wasn't necessary but Shadowclan had founded this rank and it was rare that a Shadowclan leader didn't have one.

Raggedstar didn't have an elite, thought it was unnecessary and looked how that worked out.

Marshstar's elite was small but the clan had gone down since the exile of Brokenstar's followers, she had: Tangleburr, Russetfur, Fernshade, Badgerfang, and Blackfoot. He was a little surprised that she chose him but didn't decline the offer.

He felt Goldendusk nip his ear gently, he smirked at the golden tom. He looked to the right and saw Blazefang padding over. They bowed to their deputy.

Blazefang flicked her thick tail to the camp entrance, she made the signal for five cats, she then made a straight line on the ground. She wanted a patrol near the Thunderpath.

Blackfoot nodded, he signed [I'll join]

Goldendusk and Fernshade did the same thing. Whisperleaf shook her head, the torbie yawned.

Blazefang let out a low hiss at Cinderfur and Sootmask, they padded over. Today would be good.

The night of the gathering was as chilly as always, the cooler it was the more calming it was for Icefire as strange as it was considering what had happened. Tiger-roar had said that Redtail had fallen into the stream and they've been looking for the body but needed help. They did find Redtail's body, the tortie had been caught between some rocks.

Sandstorm, and the rest of Redtail's family had been understandably heartbroken.

-Flashback-

Icefire flicked the last of the mud from his paws. He watched Tiger-roar drag the tortie's body as they made their way back to camp. He and Raveneye joined the search party so they wouldn't look suspicious. He did notice Nightshade wasn't around.

He ducked his head as they walked through the gorse tunnel. The rain was just now starting to clear up but the mud was still there of course. The clan turned their attention to the arriving cats.

Raveneye was glued to his side, he'd been more silent than ever.

Tiger-roar tossed Redtail's body close to where the highrock was.

Sandstorm, Birchstep, Brindleface, Lightpaw, Amberpaw, Leopardstorm, and Pouncepaw dashed to Redtail's body. Lightpaw, Amberpaw, and Pouncepaw were sobbing in Redtail's fur. Sandstorm was crying a paw-step away, Birchstep holding her close. White-eye and Willowpelt walked over to her.

"A..auntie...Gr..grandma" Sandstorm murmured

White-eye pulled Sandstorm and Birchstep close. Willowpelt hugged Lightpaw and Pouncepaw. Redtail had appeared beside Icefire, not speaking but just gazing at his family mourning him.

He felt Raveneye gripping his tail, the black tom's own tail was flicking back and forth. He didn't glance over to Tiger-roar, worried the older warrior would suspect him or Raveneye.

He noticed that unlike the others, Redtail's wounds weren't healed.

"Bluestar" Robinwing called "Who'll be deputy now?"

"His body isn't even cold yet" Sandstorm hissed. Featherears got in-between the two mollies.

"A deputy needs to be named" Smallear said

Bluestar didn't look up from Redtail's body "Tiger-roar will be the new deputy of Thunderclan"

Icefire shared Redtail's outrage but felt more awful knowing he was the only one hearing Redtail's screeching.

-Flashback ends-

Riverclan and Shadowclan hadn't arrived yet, but Windclan was already there. Duskstar gave Bluestar a respectable nod, Deadfoot seemed to engage in conversation with Bluestar like old friends.

Tiger-roar took his place on the deputy rock, proud and regal.

Icefire spotted Weaselwhisker and bounded over to meet him. "Hey Weaselwhisker" he mewed, he yearned to nuzzle the brown tabby but he remembered that this was a gathering. Raveneye almost didn't want him to leave and was sticking to the medicine den.

"Hey Icefire" Weaselwhisker replied "How are you? How's your family?"

"I'm alright, Violetkit, Flamekit, Sunnykit, Rosekit, Shrikekit are okay, Cloudkit gave me a scare and Bearkit...has greencough"

"Oh I'm so sorry to hear that" Weaselwhisker seemed to want to show affected too.

"How's Cinderpaw doing in Windclan? Your family okay?" Icefire asked, changing the subject

Weaselwhisker chuckled "They're a easy learner that's for sure, Deadfoot kinda has his paws full though, Stagleap and Wrenflight are fine, Wrenflight's new litter are doing well"

Icefire smiled "How's being a big brother treatin ya?"

"They bite my tail if they can't find Wrenflight's" Weaselwhisker replied "Harekit is kinda glued to Cinderpaw and Poppykit had to be removed from my leg so I could come to the gathering, Dandelionkit's kinda shy"

"Cinderpaw has plenty to tell me when their back, anyway how's Morningflower and the kits?"

Weaselwhisker chuckled "Morningflower's alright, the kits are getting hectic"

Icefire chuckled "Really now?"

The brown tabby sighed "Brairkit's the ring leader of their antics"

Icefire purred with amusement

Rabbitwhisker toke a risk, he lifted the white tom's chin with his paw "She said she wants to see you though, after the gathering"

Icefire smiled "I will, it's been awhile"

"Also Juniperleaf brought some kits to camp"

"He did what?"

"Yeah"

Icefire was trying to calm the shock when two different smells hit his nose, Shadowclan and Riverclan.

"Finally" Weaselwhisker growled "I thought I was gonna freeze"

Icefire did his best to calm and shrugged "I prefer the cold"

"That's because you have fluffy long fur" Wetfoot called "Not like us short-furred cats"

"Though that fur must be a pain in green-leaf" Appletooth added

"It would, feeling hot all the time" Badgerfang finished

The three Shadowclan cats were as snappy as ever but looked happier and more fed than they did in Brokenstar's time.

"How have you three been?"

"Great" Appletooth smiled, her longer canines made it hard for her to show emotion but she managed to make it work "Taking care of Snakekit is work but I love him"

"How do you Shadowclan cats mange to eat and talk with those teeth?" Weaselwhisker asked in pure curiosity

Wetfoot chuckled, he traced his own fangs with a claw "Make sure they don't get too long to the point where you can't eat or talk, some have longer fangs than others though like Apple and Badger here"

"Runs good in my family" Badgerfang shrugged "How are you Icefire?"

"I'm fine Badgerfang, it's fine" he said stiffly 'soon they'll leave'

Icefire felt a pelt brush past him "Hello, Frogtail right?, Darkflower's brother?"

The black tom nodded, he then signed [Badgerfang is right, your eyes are beautiful]

Icefire smirked [Why thank you kind cat of the night]

"He's just like Blossomhaze" a black molly with ginger markings added "Looks just as attractive as a snowy crow"

"Excuse me?" he said baffled, out of all the insults he's been called, a crow has never been one.

"Oh right sorry need to explain in Thunderclan: crows and ravens are viewed as very beautiful birds in Shadowclan, I was complimenting you not insulting you"

"Flirting more like Turtleshell" Appletooth mewed gruffly "Stick to basics"

Marshstar let out a yowl for attention, the moonstone necklace still around her neck. The gathering had started.

"Duskstar you wanted to speak first" Marshstar mewed, stepping back and letting the older leader speak.

"Thank you Duskstar, Windclan has been alright these past moons, leaf-bare is fading and new-leaf begins which I'm sure we're all thankful for" Duskstar mewed

The cats mewed in agreement. No more hunger, greencough, or shivering pelts.

"Windclan has been blessed with kits: Marigoldwing has given birth to Bristleclaw's kits: Graykit, Grasskit, and Rock-kit , Appledawn has given birth to two kits: Dawnkit and Sunkit. Rabbit-tail and Sorrelflight has also given birth to: Birdkit, Windykit, and Hollykit. Also five kits were brought to Windclan and have been named Flowerkit, Softkit, Pinekit, Crystalkit, and Blossomkit"

"Those five are the kits Juniperleaf brought" Weaselwhisker mewed

"I have more siblings" Icefire sighed 'Better from him than Dewflare, at least I know he won't fuck them up, we are certainly having a talk next time I catch him'

The cats of Windclan cheered the new kits.

"Stormstar" Duskstar backed away "You may go"

The gray tabby tom padded forward, he looked tired but tried to wave it off. Icebelly hadn't been to Riverclan in a while and honestly it was for the better considering what happened recently and Riverclan's fish problem, he doubted he'd be safe around the camp with cats like Blackclaw and Suneyes around.

"The fish is flowing well in Riverclan" Stormstar began "Our nursery has new additions: Flameshell, Greenflower, and Sliverstream are expecting, Mistyfoot has recently that their litter of three: Primrosekit, Pikekit, and Perchkit, as well as having a new warrior in Shadepelt"

Icefire's jaw dropped 'Why wasn't I told? What is it with my sisters not not telling me shit'

Stormstar bowed his head "We also mourn the deaths of Cedarpelt, Lakeshine, Echomist, and Oakjaw, may Starclan welcome them"

A brief silence went through the clearing in mourning.

"Marshstar" Stormstar backed up

Marshstar padded forward, her head high showing her scared right side which revealed more teeth and her scared eye that left her half-blind. "Shadowclan has been well these moons, we have new warriors in Prickleback, Batwhisker, Copperpelt, Lizardswipe, and Muddyclaw"

Shadowclan cheered the new warriors.

"We have nothing else to report other than we sighted a fox on our territory and chased it off, from what I'm told it went into your territory Bluestar"

Bluestar understandably didn't look pleased with this news "Perfect" his leader said through gritted teeth. Bluestar padded forward, her blue eyes showing nothing.

"Redtail has died, Tiger-roar has taken his place as deputy" Bluestar mewed, Stormstar looked ready to spit something but Bluestar beat him to it "Riverclan had nothing to do with it, Redtail had lost too much blood and fell into the river"

That shut Stormstar up.

"My patrols have been picking up the scents of Brokentail's followers, I shouldn't have to tell you all to be cautious"

Marshstar's ears were pulled back "Bluestar, if you'll allow me I could send some of my warriors to help track them down"

Bluestar glanced at Marshstar, it wasn't a furious look but it wasn't a thankful one either. "One or two Marshstar, if your warriors take any prey there will be consequences"

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