Chapter 15

Several cats hung around a giant oak, ears poised for the quiet paw steps of clan cats night hunting. But the night was quiet, the only thing that was heard was an eerie hoot of an owl. A slight breeze brushed past the tom's face, the scent of mouse. The lake gleamed under the moon's light, a bright silver without a cloud in the sky. His paws dragged across the stony shore, a gentle whisper of the water lapping at the pebbly beach, the stars shimmering silently in the sky, it all angered him.
"Its nearly Greenleaf," A velvety voice murmured behind him. The tom quietly turned around and gazed at the she-cat's green eyes glancing at the opposite shore, the soft willow trees dancing over the lake, their branch's draping protectively over it's shoreline. He could sense the longing in her stare.
"Once the clans are secured, we'll move to the Willows," He assured her, draping his tail over her tortoiseshell pelt. She glanced at him and blinked, though he could hear the scrabbling of a mock fight going on behind him. He circled around his mate to face the other direction, two toms were scuffling on the shore line, close to the water's edge while a slender tabby watching them with cold contempt. He enjoyed the way Cristy had grown so close to the regime so their plan would be a success.
"Stop it, do want to draw sleeping cats into the forest with your noise?" He growled, the two toms sprung away from each other, fur bristling. "All we need is Dovepelt to come running out here, who knows how far her senses spread," The black and white tom's ears twitched.
"What are we doing out here anyway, I thought the plans were done," The gray and black tom lashed his tail fitfully.
"Planning is done when Tinder says its done, besides, we haven't even begun," Cristy objected, glancing at Tinder, he nodded.
"Cristy is right, we haven't even started talking to the clan leaders about staying together," Tinder reminded,"We need Jayfeather too, and in two nights Sarah will be out with him and the plan will start,"
"So what are we doing tonight then?" Raccoon persisted. Tinder rolled his eyes.
"More planning,"

This is a really short chapter, but all chapters with Tinder's POV will be. 

Chapter 14

The patrol of four approached Thunderclan's home, Lionblaze watched Cinderpelt limp into the thorn barrier. He didn't understand why she wasn't asking questions about this when she didn't even know where they were or why they were here. Maybe she thought this was a sign from Starclan, and medicine cats didn't ask questions. Lionblaze didn't know, he would never be a medicine cat.

Bluestar padded into the camp, as usual there wasn't enough room in the dens for everyone and many cats were asleep outside, but tonight wasn't too bad this time in Newleaf.

"Remember, this is Cinderheart's dream so other cats can't see us," Honeyfern whispered in Lionblaze's ear. Lionblaze nodded and saw his own pelt amongst the ones laying in the camp. He followed Bluestar and Honeyfern into the medicine den where Cinderheart was fast asleep next to Jayfeather, their deep breathing was a sign they were both sleeping. Odd she would be dreaming of her self sleeping... Lionblaze thought to himself.
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Lionblaze and the others swarmed down through the tall grasses of Starclan. Cinderheart's fur touched his, it was quaking in fear like it had been for the past couple moons. On his other side was Cinderpelt, her rhythmic limp timing the speed of the gallop through Starclan only moments after they had asked Cinderherat to join them. Honeyfern was pressed close to Cinderheart's other side, but Bluestar was the only one in front of the group, leading them through the tangling grasses, Lionblaze could hear a soft hum of a river up ahead. They had past a few cats he had seen a few moons ago before the Great Battle, Firefoot, Cherrynose, Nightcloud, and Thornclaw. But now it seemed as if Starclan cats had left this part of the forest all to the patrol.
"We'll stop here," Bluestar murmured, settling down  in the tall grass. Honeyfern joined her at the blue she-cat's side, whisker poised and fur slicked back carefully. Cindereart and Cinderpelt wedged Lionblaze between them. Bluestar wasted no time,"Cinderpelt do you remember the night when the badgers invaded the Thunderclan camp?" Lionblaze glanced at the small gray she-cat.
She nodded,"I remember being with Sorreltail while she delivered her kits," Lionblaze hadn't been alive then, he had no idea how bad the badger attack was.
"Cinderheart was one of Sorreltail's kits," Bluestar touched her tail tip to Lionblaze's mate,"She was named after you,"
"I knew that, because Cinderpelt died saving me and Honeyfern and our other siblings," Cinderheart put in, Lionblaze glanced at Honeyfern, who nodded solemnly.
Cinderpelt's eyes widened, her tail started twitching wildly,"Then, then I'm dead?" Lionblaze flicked his ears. The wind rustled quietly near the group.
"Yes," Bluestar nodded,"You have been dead for many moons," The wind seemed to stop as she spoke, but her steady gaze made agitation crack like lightning around the group. Honeyfern's fur was prickling slightly, Lionblaze could smell fear, though he wasn't sure where it was coming from.
"Then why can't I remember being in Starclan," Cinderpelt objected quietly, her eyes sparkling. Bluestar blinked.
"Because you weren't," Bluestar replied, flicking an ear casually.
"You have to tell them more," Lionblaze pleaded gently, why was Bluestar being so casual about this? As far as Lionblaze was concerned, there was no way this could be a nonchalant  meeting with Starclan!
"What's going on?" Cinderheart demanded, now her tail was lashing too. Lionblaze could feel this was escalating dangerously if Bluestar didn't answer more clearly.
Bluestar blinked again,"There is something you both must know,"She drew her tongue over her paw and over one ear,"But you must not ask any questions until I'm done," Lionblaze looked from Cinderheart to Cinderpelt, they both nodded quickly. Bluestar sighed evenly, as if drawing in the coolness of the day,"Cinderpelt, Starclan told you of the day you would die. We trusted with you that you would not tell another soul, even when Leafpool had abandoned her clan. You died when a badger tried to kill Sorreltail. You were a gifted medicine cat, you know, but that was never your destiny. The day that monster hit you, all of Starclan was stunned. You would've been a gifted warrior. So when you kept that secret, well, a secret, Starclan did something amazing." Bluestar glanced at Cinderheart. Cinderheart stared blankly at Bluestar, tail twitching only mildly. Honeyfern started to sob wildly, Lionblaze suspected she already knew, but Honeyfern knew her sister would be upset when she realized what was going on.
"Then why am I here?" Cinderheart stood,"To tell Cinderpelt I have the same name as her? I'm no medicine cat, Bluestar, but I don't think that warrants a trip to Starclan when I could be dreaming in my den," She turned around as if to leave, but where would she go? She was in Starclan! Lionblaze stood with her though, trying to guide her back to the group with his tail.
Bluestar spoke again,"Do you two remember coming to the moonpool tonight?" The wind whipped across the moor. Everyone was silent until Cinderpelt spoke,"I remember being there, Honeypaw was having her medicine cat apprentice ceremony," Lionblaze let Cinderheart turn around and sit back next to Cinderpelt, leaving Lionblaze alone.
Bluestar narrowed her eyes,"But how could you? You've been dead for many moons," she mewed evenly. Lionblaze could tell she was trying to draw the realization out of the two she-cats instead of coming out and saying it directly.
"Maybe I was in spirit-" Cinderpelt was interrupted by a shrill wailing.
The fur along Cinderheart's spine rose quickly,"You're her! You're the she-cat I see in my head! When I attacked Jayfeather!" Lionblaze glanced at Honeyfern, her face was buried in her sister's shoulder.
Bluestar glanced at Cinderpelt, eyes resting on her with respect and confidence.
"Cinderheart is right, but Cinderpelt you have always been with Cinderheart, you two are one in the same," Bluestar explained carefully,"Cinderpelt when you kept the secret, Starclan awarded you with a new life, where you could be a warrior," Lionblaze looked at his mate, resting his tail over her back.
"What does this all mean?" Cinderheart demanded, eyes wide and tail lashing. Her claws scraped at the moorland grasses, the wind wrapping them around her paws.
"Cinderpelt was reborn, as Sorreltail's fourth kit," Bluestar mewed,"You Cinderheart, are Cinderpelt. You two have always been one, do you know why you know so much of medicine herbs with no medicine cat training?" Bluestar didn't wait for an answer,"But during the Great Battle in Thunderclan's camp, you saw your son, Mountainpaw fight against too many warriors than he could handle. You rushed in, but they overpowered the both of you. Mountainpaw's back leg snapped didn't it? You knew how that felt, your own leg had broke, one falling from a tree and once as Cinderpelt," Bluestar stepped forward, nose to nose with Cinderheart. Cinderheart's back was arched and her eyes were shut as memories swamped through her mind, Lionblaze wished he could read her mind like Jayfeather, then he might be able to comfort her. All he could do was press as close as he could to her.
"The memories of Cinderpelt's life overcame you, she took over. But you were both in a panic now, the only thing either of you do was run," Bluestar's eyes were so hard and cold Lionblaze didn't know if this was the same she-cat he had heard about all his life about being calm and thoughtful. "So you did, and you've lived your lives split, but Thunderclan need it's deputy, which means whenever Cinderpelt is active she must act the same as Cinderheart. Lionblaze will help you learn about your clanmates Cinderpelt but Cinderherat you should be fine." Bluestar touched noses with Cinderpelt and Cinderheart. Lionblaze twitched his nose, cat scent drifted across the moor, though he hesitated to turn his head.
"Do you both understand?" Bluestar stood up, stretching her spine luxuriously and pulling her ears the back of her head as she yawned. She glanced at the younger she-cats. Honeyfern licked her sister's head and sat next to the old gray blue she-cat.
"I-I think so," Cinderheart mumbled, leaning on Lionblaze's golden tabby fur. It was good to be with Cinderherat again, even under these circumstances.
"Yes Bluestar," Cinderpelt dipped her head. Lionblaze felt the moor drift away into haze, slowly the sky was darkening until he opened his eyes. He was back at the moonpool.

Chapter 13

Lionblaze settled next to Jayfeather, their fur touching. It had been a long time since he had slept next to is brother, Lionblaze thought it had seemed as though the last time he had had a good nights sleep was the many moons ago in the nursery with Jayfetaher and Hollyleaf. He felt a stab of grief, so many cats were alive then, life was good. He could still remember envying Berrynose for his hunting crouch and pestering Purdy, Mousefur, and Longtail for a story. Cinderheart was no more than an apprentice and Squirrelflight and Brambleclaw were his parents. He could hear Graystripe chuckling softly with Dustpelt and Firestar about a joke he had told with Cloudtail at his sidLionblaze settled next to Jayfeather, their fur touching. It had been a long time since he had slept next to is brother, Lionblaze thought it had seemed as though the last time he had had a good nights sleep was the many moons ago in the nursery with Jayfeather and Hollyleaf. He felt a stab of grief, so many cats were alive then, life was good. He could still remember envying Berrynose for his hunting crouch and pestering Purdy, Mousefur, and Longtail for a story. Cinderheart was no more than an apprentice and Squirrelflight and Brambleclaw were his parents. He could hear Graystripe chuckling softly with Dustpelt and Firestar about a joke he had told with Cloudtail at his side. Tigerstar was no more than a nursery tail and... and Hollyleaf was his trusted sister. Who he could count on to help him keep an eye on Jayfeather so he wouldn't get in trouble. She was the smartest cat he knew, and the kindest.

Lionblaze flicked his tail, shivering as a breeze blew down his spine. There was nothing to think about now except Cinderheart. He rested his nose in the Moonpool, hesitating for a moment to let Jayfeather welcome Honeypaw into the medicine cat world.

The world was cold for a moment, then Lionblaze opened his eyes. Lush green grass surrounded a barrier of thorns. He was atop of ravine, below him a bustling camp. He climbed down and looked for the entrance. He could tell by the smell this was Thunderclan, but where were his clanmates?

"These are your clanmates," A voice murmured behind him. Lionblaze turned around, Firestar, a blue gray she-cat, Whitestorm, and an ugly gray she-cat stood in front of him. Firestar spoke again,"Well, they were,"

"Where's Cinderheart?" Lionblaze asked, taking in his new surroundings. It looked exactly as Squirrelflight and Ferncloud had described it to him as a kit.

"In Yellowfang's den, in her dream she is Cinderpelt, Yellowfang's apprentice," The blue gray she-cat pointed out, Lionblaze realized this must be Bluestar. He nodded, then the flat faced elder with battle ridden scars across her face must be Yellowfang. He followed Bluestar down into the camp, noticing that Dustpelt was young and speaking to an even younger Ferncloud.

"They can't see us," Whitestorm murmured into Lionblaze's tabby ear fur,"Since this is Cinderpelt's dream she's the only one who can speak to them," Lionblaze nodded and looked around the camp. He couldn't see the familiar pelts of his clanmates and he felt like an outsider. Instead of seeing Leafpool coming out of the nursery with Lakekit, a pale ginger queen stepped out with two kits, probably Brambleclaw and Tawnypelt as kits. The soft pebbly earth underneath him was something like the floor of the camp at home, though there were less large rocks and the fact there was no large tree trunk sitting in the middle. There were however two stony outcroppings in front and back of the camp, one was leaning upward toward the sky with a small cave underneath and the other was as if some twoleg had tried to stack a third stone brick on two others creating a large den. After a few more pawsteps, the group was walking into the den, the sour scent of herbs filling Lionblaze's nose. It smelled more sour here than in Jayfeather's den.

"Cinderpelt," Yellowfang rasped, a few moments later a small gray she-cat with bright blue eyes scurried out of a second part of the den.

"Yellowfang," She dipped her head to her mentor, then to Bluestar. She looked past Whitestorm's shoulder and saw Lionblaze. "Who's this?" 

"Come with us, theres much to speak about," Yellowfang murmured, gesturing with her tail for the apprentice to follow. Cinderpelt nodded warily and limped after her mentor and her other clanmates. Lionblaze winced at her limping gait, but saw her glance his way and forced himself not to notice. Cinderpelt stepped back to join his side.
"You're a strange cat," Cinderpelt murmured in his ear. Lionblaze thought back, can she tell I'm not from here?
"I mean, you don't smell like the other clans or rogue, but you smell like all four clans," Cinderpelt rumbled.
"Come on Cinderpelt," Yellowfang rasped from the front of the patrol. Lionblaze gazed around him, the forest was not much different than the lake territory. The grass under paw became springier and star dust rained down upon them.
"Where are we going?" Cinderpelt murmured, eyes round and wide.
"Starclan," Firestar answered. Cinderpelt didn't speak. The world opened up and new cats appeared from the bracken though none approached. Their furry pelts were studded with stars and glittering path traced the floors. Lionblaze felt his own fur looked ragged and greasy here, but even Purdy, who he could now see sunbathing next to a group of elders, his fur looked shiny and clean. They passed Sandstorm weaving through a group of cats, Cloudtail, Kestrelflight, and Mothwing. A glittering stream was in front of him quicker than a flash, but instead of swimming, they crossed over a group of gray stones. A beautiful golden tabby she-cat stepped out of the bracken, Honeyfern.
"Welcome Honeyfern," Bluestar murmured, Honeyfern dipped her head and joined Lionblaze at his side.
"Hello Lionblaze," Honeyfern murmured formally. Lionblaze looked at her and nudged her flank affectionately.
"Honeyfern!" Lionblaze purred, though he wouldn't admit it now, when he was an apprentice, he had a little crush on her and her sisters. Honeyfern purred and nuzzled him back. The group continued on towards a small dot in the sky, they were almost just skimming the ground, their paws barely touching the ground. They seamed to be floating away from Starclan and descending to the lake from the sky. 

Lionblaze gasped in surprise, the lake looked like a sparkling star in the night sky. He could see all four territories and even small dots that looked like rabbits running through Windclan's old camp. He glanced to Shadowclan and he couldn't see much through the thick pine trees but he could see an owl flying from the treetops with some prey hidden in it's dagger like talons. Even search ing into Riverclan territory he could see the Willow trees swaying as if welcoming cats to come and live under their billowing branches.
"Where are we going now?" Lionblaze  called up, noticing that it was only him, Cinderheart, Bluestar, and Honeyfern gliding over the lake shoreline now.
"Thunderclan's camp," Bluestar hollered back over her shoulder, Lionblaze glanced at Cinderpelt. Her brow furrowed but she didn't say anything, just limped onward.

Chapter 12

Jayfeather slunk down against the cold pale stones of the moonpool, exhaustion claiming his body like a hawk claiming its kill. Tortoiseshell fur slid down next to him, Honeypaw was eagerly awaiting her first visit with her warrior ancestors. Willowshine sat at his other side, Lionblaze's golden tabby fur stood rigid at the edge of the pool, Cinderheart's gray fur twitched in agitation. Finally, Jayfeather stood in front of the other cats and cleared his throat.
"Honeypaw, is it your wish to enter the mysteries of Starclan as a medicine cat?" Jayfeather mewed proudly to Dovepelt's kit and his own apprentice.
Honeypaw's voice quivered,"It is,"
"Then come forward," He felt Honeypaw's fur brush against his own as she stepped forward,"Warriors of Starclan, I present to you this apprentice, she has chosen the path of a medicine cat. Grant her the wisdom and insight so that she may understand your ways and heal her clan in accordance to your will. Now lay down next to the pool,"  Jayfeather felt her dip her nose into the pool and fall sleep instantly into the blackness of dreams. He turned back to Lionblaze,"You may join us," Lionblaze padded forward and dipped his nose in as well; he would have to join Cinderheart in Starclan. He could tell by the breathing of Willowshine and Cinderheart they had already fallen asleep. For Honeypaw's sake, he couldn't go with Lionblaze into Cinderheart's dreams, and who knows what Willowshine would see. He lapped at the cold water, his eyes closing instantly. He didn't mind the cold, deep blackness that tugged at his fur, he was used to it. He opened his eyes and breathed in the sweet scent of Starclan. Birds rustled in the trees around him, the leaves blew in the slight breeze that past. The tall grass came up to his belly fur as he ran through the thick forest, sunlight warming his pelt. He could see his apprentice up ahead, her bright amber eyes glistening in the daylight. He had never known what a pretty she-cat she was, her long flowing tail sweeping delicately across the ferns. Rows of cats stood in front of her, Bluestar, Firestar, and Yellowfang to name a few. Jayfeather joined her, sweeping his tail around her shoulders.
"Who are they Jayfeather?" She whispered in amazement, he remembered his own apprentice ceremony, and was still amazed by how many cats lived in Starclan. He nodded to Spottedleaf as she stepped forward and dipped her head gracefully.
"Greetings dear ones," Spottedleaf mewed, her voice thick and sweet as honey,"We've come to welcome to the ranks of medicine cats Honeypaw," Hundreds of cats stepped forward, all medicine cats from every clan. Kestrelflight, Flametail, Brambleberry, Yellowfang, Runningnose, Littlecloud, Featherwhisker, and the first medicine cat to join the ranks of Starclan, Mothflight. He even saw Mothwing, even though in life she did not believe in her warrior ancestors.
"Honeypaw, you have a great destiny in front of you, and we will all guide you," Spottedleaf purred sweetly, stepping backward to let another cat take her spot.
"I am Yellowfang, I will help you through the hardest decisions you may face as a medicine cat," the old gray she-cat stpped forward and touched noses with the younger she-cat. She stepped back and Brambleberry took a step to the front.
"My name is Brambleberry, you are a wise young she-cat already Honeypaw, but you have much to learn, I will be there to help you through the most stressful of days," Her whiskers twitched as she stepped forward and offered her nose to Honeypaw, who eagerly touched it to the old Riverclan medicine cat.
Flametail stepped forward, dipping his head,"Every clan rejoices when new apprentices are made, especially Starclan, I will help you unravel the tangled thoughts and dreams of your warrior ancestors," He touched his nose to hers and stepped back, letting Featherwhisker take his place.
"I was the medicine cat many moons ago, my name is Featherwhisker. Starclan honors you and approves of your wish to become a medicine cat, but there is nothing more important than listening to Jayfeather and learning what he can teach you. Though all of Starclan is here to help you, Jayfeather alone can help you decide what is best for your clan and all the clans. Do not depend on us more than yourself and your clanmates, they will help guide you through life. Good luck to you Honeypaw, Starclan gives you the best of wishes and will always be in the night sky, in every clan cats heart, and even in yours," Jayfeather sat there in awe, this was nothing like his own ceremony many moons ago with Leafpool. There were no glorious speeches by multiple cats of old. Honeypaw was granted the approval of all of Starclan, that was sure, and she was given the gift of knowing she had multiple cats to turn to. The shimmer of Starclan was fading quickly as Honeypaw rushed to Jayfeather's side.
"It was wonderful Jayfeather!" Honeypaw purred, her eyes closing as she leaned into his chest. He licked her forehead and waited for the chilling blackness and to be woken by the side of the pool once more. Finally it came like swift wave at the lake. He woke next to Willowshine, Honeypaw was already stretching and gearing to leave. Willowshine's body jerked as she woke next to Jayfeather, he tried to scan her mind, but all that was there was visions of starry cats in front of her. He got up and did a luxurious stretch of his back and flicked the dust off his ears. Cinderheart and Lionblaze were still asleep, there breathing slow and steady.
"Starclan must have a lot to say to them both," Honeypaw commented wearily. Willowshine finally stood next to them.
"Starclan has high moral, there were nothing but laughter and eager chatter during my visit." Willowshine purred, swiping a paw over her head.
"I noticed that as well," Jayfeather shifted his paws and twitched his tail impatiently. He wondered wahat was going on, and without a moments hesitation he dived into Lionblaze's dream.
He could see Bluestar and Honeyfern in front of Lionblaze, their fur twitching slowly. Wind blew across the moor they were sitting in. Next to Lionblaze were two gray she-cats. One was fluffy like Cinderheart and the other was a smaller, big blue-eyed she-cat with an old leg injury. That must've been Cinderpelt.
"Do you understand, the both of you?" Bluestar glanced at the two gray she-cats. They both looked at each other.
"Y-yes, I think so," Cinderheart nodded to the older blue gray she-cat.
"Yes Bluestar," Cinderpelt dipped her head. The two Starclan warriors nodded to both the she-cats and drifted away into the background, their starry pelts vanishing from sight. Jayfeather still didn't know what happened here, but he left Lionblaze's mind and traveled back to the darkness of the moonpool. Jayfeather shuffled his paws and waited for Lionblaze to stir once more. He could hear Lionblaze scrabbling at the water's edge and rushed forward to help his brother up.
"So, what happened?" Jayfeather murmured into his brother's ear. Lionblaze turned to him.
"Fine, I guess," He grumbled.
"Jayfeather? Lionblaze?" Cinderheart rasped, her voice confused as always.
"Cinderheart do you remember what you dreamed of?" Jayfeather tested Cinderheart's memory.
"I'm not Cinderheart," She rasped,"But, I'm in her body aren't I?" Jayfeather nodded solemnly. "And, and you're my mate, aren't you?" Cinderheart turned to Lionblaze, Jayfeather could feel apprehension buzzing around the moonpool.
"Yes, we have two kits together, Mountainpaw and Leopardkit," Lionblaze murmured, Jayfeather felt his brother step past him.
"Lets go back to the clans, it'll be better to talk there," Willowshine murmured, ushering the shocked Honeypaw out of the hollow. Jayfeather nodded and followed after, only waiting for Lioblaze to help Cinderheart out.
"I remember how to get back," Cinderheart murmured, pacing herself in front of Lionblaze and Jayfeather. Jayfeather almost went into her thoughts, but he didn't feel comfortable eaves dropping on such a fragile mind.
"How was Honeypaw's ceremony?" Lionblaze rumbled, though Jayfeather could feel new hope growing inside his chest. Jayfeather rolled his eyes.
"You know I can't tell you what goes on," Jayfeather growled, trying to keep up with Willowshine will trying to remember where to set his paws so he didn't trip over the moorland grasses tugging at his paws. The sun dappled on his pelt, the grasses where at his shoulder now, he could feel their lush stems tickling at his whiskers.
"Fine," Lionblaze sighed,"When do you think the other clans are going back to their homes? I was talking to Heathertail the other day, she said she didn't like sleeping under all these trees we have in the forest," He quickly changed the subject. Jayfeather felt his pelt prickle.
"Some cats don't want to go back," Jayfeather mumbled. He could feel his brother's eyes burning through him.
"Like who?" Lionblaze muttered.
"Just some cats," Jayfetaher tried to switch the focus off him. "What happened in your dream last night?"

Happy New Years!

 It's 12:58  here in Pennsylvania! Hope you have an awesome New Years! I'm hanging out at my friend's house at the moment, but I'm in an extra special mood, so I'm giving a special present. Comment a question and I *might* answer it! 

~Firefoot 

Merry Christmas Everyone!

I got a cat for Christmas!!!!!!!!! She's currently sitting next to me, rubbing her face on my desk. Her names is Toots and she's the prettiest girl! (Don't tell my other cat lol)

Rising Dawn

Just a one-shot I wrote a long time ago, read it if you want, doesn't matter or effect my regular story in any way...


   Leafpool paced around her den. Spasms ripped through her stomach, though she couldn't figure out why. It almost knocked the breath out of herwhen another spasm clenched through her insides. She was now in front of the den, the moonlight casting an ominous glow around the camp. She took a breath and stepped out, her fur brushing against the ferns that lined the path. The cool air brushed past her cheek, sending shivers down her spine. Another spasm rippled down her chest, her legs shook with pain. She looked up to the stars, but a wall of clouds blocked their glow. Leafpool blinked. Am I dying? She shook her head, StarClan couldn't abandon her now! Not after she gave up Crowfeather for them!

   A snowflake drifted down from the sky; it was strange for it to snow so late in leafbare when newly sprouted buds dotted the tree tops. She willed herself to take another step forward, toward the warriors' den. If she was dying, she wanted to spend it with her sister, her best friend. Another shock of pain rattled her mind, she fell to the ground, landing in a soft laying of snow. Her eyes wide with fear, what if the clan found her the next morning, dead? ThunderClan would be without a medicine cat! She willed the clouds to clear from the sky, and they did, a little, showing the same three stars. She didn't know who they were, but they were watching her. Leafpool glanced back at the warriors' den, the ferns around it rustled and a slender ginger she-cat padded out, her fur eerily glowing in the moonlight. She looked over at Leafpool, her green eyes widening in fear.

   "Leafpool," Squirrelflight ran over to her sister's body, her breath slow and ragged. "Leafpool, what happened, I could feel your pain," Squirrelflight whispered,

   Leafpool winced,"I don't know," Leafpool struggled to her paws, wincing as another pain shot up her spine.

   "Should I get Firestar?" Squirrelflight supported her sister with her shoulder, her breath visible on the cold night air. The cold breeze blew down to the camp and whistled through their ears.

   Leafpool shook her head,"No, I need herbs, they grow at the old twoleg nest," Leafpool took another step, eagerly trying to get to the entrance, then stopping. "Is there a guard tonight?" For some reason she didn't want other cats to know where she was going.

Squirrelflight shook her head,"Firestar said it was too cold tonight,"  Leafpool slowly padded towards the entrance, her fur rising with fear. Another spasms made bile rise in her throat. She coughed violently and spat out the bile.

   "You alright?" Squirrelflight pressed against her sister to share warmth. Leafpool nodded vigorously.

   "Come on," The two she-cats padded side by side through the forest, stopping when Leafpool needed to vomit or catch her breathe, but finally they arrived at the old twoleg nest. The dark cold walls seemed to welcome the two she-cats. 

   "Where are those herbs?" Squirrelfight mewed, letting Leafpool settle down under the twoleg roof.

   Leafpool cried out in pain, "It should be growing next to the fence,"

   Squirrelflight trotted outside the den and came back a moment later shaking her head,"There's nothing there,"

   Leafpool winced,"It must have died through the leaf bare,"

   "Is there anything else?" Squirrelfight queried.

   "Nothing I can think of," Leafpool murmured. Squirrelfight padded over to her sister and lay next to her, their fur brushing gently. Leafpool looked out the twoleg next, back up at the sky. The three stars seemed to shimmer gently, then another star appeared. The star grew bigger and bigger, seeming to swim down from the sky until the misty form of a tortoiseshell she-cat. Her amber eyes looked down at the two she-cats huddled together in the snow.

   "Spottedleaf?" Squirrelflight murmured. Leafpool looked over at her sister and wondered how she knew this starry cat as well.

   "Hello dears," Spottedleaf murmured,"Leafpool, I've come for you,"

   Leafpool began to shake,"I don't want to go to StarClan yet!"

   Spottedleaf shook her head,"I'm not here to take you to StarClan, I've come here to help you,"

   Leafpool gulped,"Help me with what?"

   Spottedleaf gestured her tail to the three shimmering stars,"Those three stars have not be revealed to you yet, but they will change your life forever,"

   "How?" Squirrelfight murmured, her eyes wide in curiosity.

   "Those are your kits, Leafpool," Spottedleaf whispered.

   Leafpool narrowed her eyes,"What?"

   "You're pregnant Leafpool," Spottedleaf stepped forward, stardust sprinkling off her paws.

Leafpool locked eyes with the pretty she-cat, this was no joke. But Leafpool still couldn't wrap her mind around it. "W-what?"

   "Two moons ago you and Crowfeather ran away together, you two mated, and now, you are going to bare his kits," Spottedleaf mewed gently, though her eyes betrayed her sorrow.

   "You mated with him?" Squirrelflight shouted to her sister, shock making her tone sound viscous. "You told me that you didn't!"

   Leafpool winced, both from her sister's words and from the blood chilling spasms. "What was I supposed to say? That I mated with a WindClan warrior! I ran away with him, thinking I would never be coming back, and we were going to start a family."

   Squirrelflight's eyes glazed over in betrayal, "What is the clan going to think about this," She snorted, "And you know what? Its not fair.Its just not fair. Me and Brambleclaw have been trying for two moons to have kits, and you two ran away once."

   "Squirrelfight, please," Leafpool pleaded to her sister.

   Squirrelflight ignored her,"I wanted kits Leafpool! You are a medicine cat, you knew from day one you could never have them, and I knew that if I was to become a warrior, I could have kits! Now when I try with Brambleclaw, I've seen no results! Its not fair!"

   "Dears, please," Spottedleaf silenced the two distressed she-cats,"The kits are coming now,"

Another spasm gripped Leafpool. She gasped and fell to her side. Spottedleaf ran to her side, along with Squirrelfight, even though her fur hadn't fallen and anger still glowed in her green eyes.

   "Alright Leafpool, I need you to push," Spottedleaf murmured, her starry paws rubbing the brown tabby she-cat's waist. Leafpool pushed the first kit out, she could feel the small bundle slip onto the ground beside her. Spottedleaf handed the golden tabby along to Squirrelflight, who began to nip off the sack and lick the kit gingerly. Another fresh wave ran down her spine.

   "The next one will come in a few," Spottedleaf promised. Squirrelflight placed the golden tabby next to Leafpool's side to let it suckle.

   "It's a tom," Squirrelflight nodded to the kit. Leafpool closed her eyes for a moment. A tom... She breathed a sigh of relief for a moment,

   "Push!" Spottedleaf urged, Leafpool held her breath and felt the next kit slide out. Spottedleaf sniffed the kit and placed it next to Squirrelflight. Squrrelflight licked it gingerly like the first, then started licking it faster and faster.

   "Spottedleaf!" Squirrelfight shrieked,"Its not breathing!" Spottedleaf turned and rushed over. Leafpool tried to raise her head to see what was going on. All she could see was a small black cat, almost identical to Crowfeather, Spottedleaf was licking its fur the wrong way. Finally the small kit opened its mouth in protest, the pinkness of its tongue bright against the dark twoleg nest. Spottedleaf placed the kit next to the other.

   "She-cat," Spottedleaf assured Leafpool. Leafpool sunk back down into her nest. Another spasm rippled through, she shreiked in protest.

   "One more," Spottedleaf murmured, eyes blinking in confidence. Leafpool groaned in agony as another side splitting pain seared down her insides. Panting, she pushed again but to no avail. She threw her head back into the ground and held her breath.

   "She needs water," Spottedleaf turned to Squirrelflight,"Get her moss and soak it in water, quickly,"

   Squirrelflight blinked and ran away through the forest.

   "Will she ever forgive me?" Leafpool groaned, watching her sister's bright ginger pelt disappear through the ferns.

   "She's your sister," Spottedleaf murmured gently, "She loves you,"

   "Would Willowpelt or Leopardfoot forgive you if they found out that you were having kits?" Leafpool groaned, pushing again in sheer agony. Spottedleaf turned to her, eyes clouded with emotion.

   "There are many things I don't know, Leafpool," She blinked, a single tear streaming down her face, "I know that you will need your sister," The two she-cats sat there for a few heartbeats, simply staring at each other sympathetically, when Squirrelflight ran back through the ferns, moss dripping under her chin. Leafpool screamed in a flash of pain, pushing the last kit out. She couldn't hear the shrill squealing of the kit, and she started to panic. Spottedleaf picked it up by the scruff and started licking it rhythmically.

   "Come on," Spottedleaf whispered,"You can do it," Leafpool watched the starry she-cat press her nose into its fur, trying to warm it. Leafpool wiggled forward to get a better glimpse, but her other two kits squeaked in protest, struggling to return to their mother's fluffy belly fur.

   Finally, the kit squeaked, Spottedleaf sighed in relief, placing the kits next to the others. Leafpool glanced up thankfully to the she-cat, but her form was fading fast.

   "Good-bye my dears," Spottedleaf whispered, her eyes no more than an outline against the twoleg walls. Leafpool turned back to her sister, crouched in the darkness glaring angrily at her sister.

   "Squirrelflight, can I have the moss?" Leafpool mewed, throat itching with thirst.

   "How dare you," Squirrelflight whispered, stepping out from among the shadows eyes glinting in moonlight. "How dare you betray the one and only cat who stayed by your side through everything," Squirrelflight shook her head, and for the first time, Leafpool felt scared. 

   "Squirrelflight please," Leafpool murmured, pressing herself against her kits, "I need you, the clans can't find out about this, I need your help,"

   Squirrelflight snorted, "What do you expect me to do? Give them to some rogue passing through?"

   Leafpool shook her head, "Of course not! I was thinking, more along the lines of, well, you saying they were your kits,"

   Squirrelflight narrowed her eyes, lowering her voice to no more than a whisper, "What about you?"

   Leafpool glanced down to the kits, heart twisting in more pain than she could've imagined, "I'll be fine," She lied. She forced herself to look optimistic.

   Squirrelflight glanced down, "No one can ever know I did this, not even Brambleclaw," Leafpool nodded. "The kits can never know that your their mother, or Crowfeather, you can't let anything slip," Squirrelflight warned, Leafpool was surprised by how mature her sister sounded. Leafpool nodded, Squirrelflight padded over to her sister and lay down pressing her fur against the kits. "We should go back in the morning, when you and the kits will be able to walk."
   The kits began to shiver as more snow fell around them, Squirrelflight pressed closer to the kits and wrapped her tail around the kits noses as they suckled. Leafpool blinked snow from her eye lid.
   I'm doing the right thing, aren't I? Squirrelflight is a good mother, Leafpool watched the four cats sleeping around her, like a family. She could never be apart of her kits lives, not like Squirrelflight would be, I'm not a good mother! I can never be their mother! She snuggled closer to her kits, relishing the time she had with them. She glanced over her shoulder, toward Windclan. Should I tell him? She remembered the starlit night she had ran away with Crowfeather. They told each other they were going to have a family, and he said he would always protect her. He had a right to know his kits, but not now. She hadn't talked or seen Crowfeather since those two moons ago, back at camp. She had told him they couldn't be together, because of Thunderclan. He had looked her in the eyes, told her he loved him, more than anything, but Leafpool had to hurt him, she had to let him know she couldn't be with him. So she laughed, she laughed at his face. Leafpool felt her heart twist in pain, but she couldn't let him know how much this was breaking her fragile heart. He just looked at her and walked away. Leafpool had watched his tail vanish behind the thorn barrier for the last time.
   Leafpool blinked back from her memories and imagined her kits growing, growing into strong warriors ready to give their own lives for the clans. Protecting the nursery with claws and teeth and hunting for those who couldn't. She imagined one of them becoming leader. She looked down to her biggest kit, his golden pelt sticking out like a brand of fire in the snow. He would be strong and confident, she knew it. She looked to the small she-cat who had barely survived, her chest gently rising and falling, ears twitching as snow landed on her head. Leafpool knew she would be the smartest, able to keep her brothers in line. Then Leafpool looked at hr tiny son, his gray tabby pelt barely moving as he took breaths. Leafpool didn't know anything about him, he was as a mystery as Starclan itself.
   Leafpool blinked, trying to stay wake, to watch her kits while she could. But she could not fight off the steadying drowsiness of the night. She lay her head on her sister's flank, the chill of the night vanishing around the cats like a bubble.
   Leafpool opened her eyes, no longer under the old twoleg nest. She was walking among faded cats, they weaved around her, they looked almost always identical, but they never interacted with each other.
   "Leafpool," A cat whispered in her tabby ear. Leafpool turned around, there was a pretty silver tabby, her fur smelled like water and fish and covered in starry dust. "I am Silverstream,"
   "You were Graystripe's mate, weren't you?" Leafpool stepped forward. Silverstream nodded. "Have you come here to punish me for having Crowfeather's kits?" She murmured.
   "No my love, I come with a message from Feathertail, and an explanation of these faded cats you see here now," Leafpool flinched, was Feathertail mad at her for stealing Crowfeather from her then breaking his heart? "Feathertail will watch over your kits like she would've watched over her own, she does not wish them an harm, dear Leafpool," Leafpool nodded thankfully.
   "What are those?" Leafpool watched a tabby walk around and squeeze between Silverstream and herself.
   "These are your memories," Silverstream answered calmly, eying two cats walking side by side beside them. Leafpool gasped, then she realized all the cats had the same tabby fur, except they differed in size, some were kits, some were apprentices, and some were medicine cats. Each one was doing something different, holding herbs, tumbling with another kit, or learning how to use herbs.
   "Where's Crowfeather?" Leafpool whispered, searching for more glimpses of his black pelt.
   "He's over there, with  you," Silverstream nodded to two cats  sitting across from each other. Leafpool could remember this, she had just thought about it before she had fallen asleep, she couldn't go through it again. She turned back to Silverstream but the silver tabby was gone. Leafpool couldn't watch her life again, it was too painful. All she could do was settle down among the grasses and hope that she would wake up next to her kits and Squirrelfight.

-
   "Come on my kits," Leafpool nudged her three kits. She stood on shaky legs with her sister by her side. "Its time to go home," One by one each kit opened their tiny eyes. The golden tabby's amber eyes blazed with confusion, the delicate she-kit's emerald green eyes gleamed, and the small gray tabby's ghostly blue eyes slightly made Leafpool twitch.
   "Follow us kits," Squirrelflight murmured, Leafpool followed from behind, the dawn sky rising steadily over the forest. She watched the kits fall into snowdrifts, fishing them out. A few times the kits stumbled and ran into things, but the smallest kit had fallen and ran into things more than his siblings. He had stopped multiple times and started to wail for Leafpool, she had decided to scoop him up and carry him through the snow. They had to get back to camp before they were missed.
   "Its cold!" The small she-kit complained, her paws covered in snow and her jaw chattering like a bird.
   "I know sweet," Squirrelflight grabbed her by the scruff and carried her, she glanced back to Leafpool,"Run ahead and get help, I'll stay with the kits," Leafpool nodded and placed the kit below her paws and went as fast as she could through the forest, her stomach still aching from labor. She ran throught eh forest, tail streamed out behind her. She turned and ran down the thorn barrier, running into her mother.
   "Leafpool! There you are! Where's Squirrelflight?" Her mother looked over Leafpool's shoulder.
   "Squirrelflight had kits last night, we were walking  through the forest, she went into labor," Leafpool gasped for breath.
   "She's still out there?" Sandstorm pressed, Leafpool nodded. Sandstorm whipped around and ran through the thorn barrier. Leafpool followed her. Sandstorm ran to Bambleclaw and Firestar who were huddled over the fresh kill pile. Leafpool ran next to them.
   "Leafpool says Squirrelfight had kits last night, they're in the forest and we need to find them now," Sandstorm explained quickly. Brambleclaw's ears pricked in interest.
   "Kits?" He gasped leaping to his paws.
   "Two toms and a she-kit," Leafpool nodded.
   "Sandstorm get Brightheart and Cloudtail to help and meet us outside of camp," Firestar ordered, Sandstorm ran past and vanished into the warriors' den.
   "Come on," Leafpool urged rushing out of the camp with Brambleclaw and Firestar behind her. Sandstorm, Brightheart and Cloudtail were behind them.
   "Where are they?" Brightheart asked Leafpool quickly.
   "This way, Leafpool took the lead and ran through the forest  and nearing where Squirrelflight was huddled around the kits. She found her sister and her kits underneath a bush sheltered from the wind.
   "Brambleclaw," Squirrelflight gasped when Brambleclaw rounded the corner with Firestar, Sandstorm, Brightheart, and Cloudtail.
   "Squirrelfight, why didn't you tell me you were pregnant," Brambleclaw sighed, helping her and the kits out of the bush.
   "I didn't know," Squirrelflight glanced at Leafpool. Leafpool felt her heart break, but she nodded slightly.
   "Lets get them all back to camp so Leafpool can have a proper look at them," Firestar padded over and picked up the large golden tom. Sandstorm picked up the she-kit and Brightheart an Cloudtail gathered the small gray tom in their jaws. Brambleclaw supported Squirrelfligh with his shoulder and Leafpool joined her on the other side.
   "Did you name them?" Brambleclaw whispered to his mate excitedly, Squirrelflight glanced at Leafpool.
   "Leafpool did, tell him Leafpool," Squirrelfight pressed. Leafpool wanted to cuff her over the ears, she hadn't even thought of names for her kits.
   "Er, the golden tabby is Lionkit," she thought back to the young she-cats green eyes reminding her of a holly leaf,"The black she-kit is Hollykit, and the gray tabby, his name is Jaykit,"
   "Beautiful," Brambleclaw whispered to himself, Leafpool watched his eyes sparkle with excitement. She felt sick to her stomach watching the clan cats be so happy about the kits.
   "Come on Leafpool," Squirrelflight whispered,"Lets get back to camp,"