Tigerstar's Betrayal~ {COMPLETED!}
Jan 5, 2017 18:23:01 GMT -5
✲ριкαƒυєу✲, phantomstar57, and 8 more like this
Post by Owlmoon on Jan 5, 2017 18:23:01 GMT -5
Hi,
This is a story about what I think would happen if Tigerheart and Ivypool rose to be leaders. After they rose to be leaders, they fell in love...
This story will be told by Whitewing's kits, Bumblestripe, and Tigerstar.
All cats will be the same after the DF battle. Let me know if you want to be on the fan list. I will be updating the polls.
Notice: No one has the right to copy my work without my permission. This for reading ONLY. If you are found copying my work you will be reported immediately.
Also: This is a pretty active fan fiction and you should expect a new chapter around every three days to a week.
Tigerstar's Betrayal Character Asks- wcrpforums.com/thread/23680/tigerstars-betrayal-character-asks
Fans: 13
-mintedstar/fur
- ☾ Cʀᴇsᴄᴇɴᴛ ☽
-⚔Thunderfire29⚔
-Bloodysnow
-craftxbox
-Vixenclaw
-Maplestone360
-Phantomstar57
-✲ριкαƒυєу✲
-splashycat
-Jackalstep
-raincloud33
-Quietstream
If you are on the fan list, know that you will also be in a message which will make sure you are up to date on your chapters and polls for this fic.
Reviews:
By Sapphire (Unrated)
Tigerstar’s Betrayal is shaping up to be a very promising read! We jump straight into the action, and events move at a good pace without seeming rushed. The author does a great job of communicating the characters’ emotions and relationships with each other - very important in a story that is largely character-driven - and the main characters are flawed but sympathetic, which makes the dilemmas they face all the more gripping. Tigerstar and Ivystar in particular read just like their canon selves, and although Dovewing’s actions surprised me at first, as the fic progresses you begin to understand her better. I would say that the main way this fic can improve is by the presentation; something as simple as double-spacing or indenting paragraphs would break up the “wall” of text and greatly improve legibility. For the same reason, I’d advise joining together some of the one-sentence paragraphs, as using too many tends to muddy the writing.
Credits:
Banners-Angelic Dreams & mintedstar/fur
Dividers- Angelic Dreams
Everything Else- Owlmoon
Fan Art:
(By Sweet Candy)
POVs: (Request and I will gladly make)
Bumblestripe's POV (Requested by no one)
Best read after Chapter 3
Falconkit, Mistkit, and Sunsetkit's POV (Requested by mintedstar/fur🦇
Best read after chapter 22.
Fogkit's POV (Requested by EthanTheAnnus )
Best Read After Chapter 22
This is a story about what I think would happen if Tigerheart and Ivypool rose to be leaders. After they rose to be leaders, they fell in love...
This story will be told by Whitewing's kits, Bumblestripe, and Tigerstar.
All cats will be the same after the DF battle. Let me know if you want to be on the fan list. I will be updating the polls.
Notice: No one has the right to copy my work without my permission. This for reading ONLY. If you are found copying my work you will be reported immediately.
Also: This is a pretty active fan fiction and you should expect a new chapter around every three days to a week.
Tigerstar's Betrayal Character Asks- wcrpforums.com/thread/23680/tigerstars-betrayal-character-asks
Fans: 13
-mintedstar/fur
- ☾ Cʀᴇsᴄᴇɴᴛ ☽
-⚔Thunderfire29⚔
-Bloodysnow
-craftxbox
-Vixenclaw
-Maplestone360
-Phantomstar57
-✲ριкαƒυєу✲
-splashycat
-Jackalstep
-raincloud33
-Quietstream
If you are on the fan list, know that you will also be in a message which will make sure you are up to date on your chapters and polls for this fic.
Reviews:
By Sapphire (Unrated)
Tigerstar’s Betrayal is shaping up to be a very promising read! We jump straight into the action, and events move at a good pace without seeming rushed. The author does a great job of communicating the characters’ emotions and relationships with each other - very important in a story that is largely character-driven - and the main characters are flawed but sympathetic, which makes the dilemmas they face all the more gripping. Tigerstar and Ivystar in particular read just like their canon selves, and although Dovewing’s actions surprised me at first, as the fic progresses you begin to understand her better. I would say that the main way this fic can improve is by the presentation; something as simple as double-spacing or indenting paragraphs would break up the “wall” of text and greatly improve legibility. For the same reason, I’d advise joining together some of the one-sentence paragraphs, as using too many tends to muddy the writing.
Credits:
Banners-Angelic Dreams & mintedstar/fur
Dividers- Angelic Dreams
Everything Else- Owlmoon
Fan Art:
(By Sweet Candy)
POVs: (Request and I will gladly make)
Bumblestripe's POV (Requested by no one)
Best read after Chapter 3
Sitting in the spot by the lake, the one he had shown to Dovewing so long ago, Bumblestripe gazed out onto the lake. Where is she? StarClan tell me where she is! Even though he and Dovewing weren’t mates, Bumblestripe still had feelings for her. He’d tried to contain them, but, yet, they were still all over the place. Bumblestripe had been worried about her. She hadn’t come back to camp last night. This morning, he had gone out looking. Bumblestripe had yowled, hoping to hear a returning yowl, but it had never come.
Paws suddenly pounded toward his spot. They stopped and approached cautiously. “Bumblestripe? I’m so sorry!” Dovewing! Bumblestripe was in disbelief. She was looking right at him.
“I know what you mean.” A bolt of hurt, pain, and anger shot through him.
“You do?” There was an undercurrent of hope in Dovewing’s voice.
Bumblestripe’s gaze hardened with anger. Dovewing has no idea! “I am sorry I ever had anything to do with you.” Bumblestripe turned to look at the lake. Out of the corner of his eye, he thought he saw Dovewing wince. “You have no idea what it feels like, being rejected like that.”
“You don’t love me?”
Bumblestripe visibly flinched, not wanting to ever hurt Dovewing. I still love her. Is she saying that she loves me right now?
“Do you love me?” Bumblestripe’s mew was barely more than a whisper. She is saying that!
Dovewing lifted her hopeful gaze to meet Bumblestripe’s eyes. “I do. It took me forever. I’m so sorry. Is it too late?”
Wanting to feel her warm pelt, Bumblestripe flicked his tail. “Come, sit.” Dovewing sat so close that their pelts brushed.
“I forgive you.” Bumblestripe breathed into her ear. He twined his tail with hers. Dovewing leaned into him, happiness blossoming in her eyes like a flower.
Paws suddenly pounded toward his spot. They stopped and approached cautiously. “Bumblestripe? I’m so sorry!” Dovewing! Bumblestripe was in disbelief. She was looking right at him.
“I know what you mean.” A bolt of hurt, pain, and anger shot through him.
“You do?” There was an undercurrent of hope in Dovewing’s voice.
Bumblestripe’s gaze hardened with anger. Dovewing has no idea! “I am sorry I ever had anything to do with you.” Bumblestripe turned to look at the lake. Out of the corner of his eye, he thought he saw Dovewing wince. “You have no idea what it feels like, being rejected like that.”
“You don’t love me?”
Bumblestripe visibly flinched, not wanting to ever hurt Dovewing. I still love her. Is she saying that she loves me right now?
“Do you love me?” Bumblestripe’s mew was barely more than a whisper. She is saying that!
Dovewing lifted her hopeful gaze to meet Bumblestripe’s eyes. “I do. It took me forever. I’m so sorry. Is it too late?”
Wanting to feel her warm pelt, Bumblestripe flicked his tail. “Come, sit.” Dovewing sat so close that their pelts brushed.
“I forgive you.” Bumblestripe breathed into her ear. He twined his tail with hers. Dovewing leaned into him, happiness blossoming in her eyes like a flower.
Falconkit, Mistkit, and Sunsetkit's POV (Requested by mintedstar/fur🦇
Best read after chapter 22.
Sunsetkit
Tomorrow we’ll be apprentices! Excitement bubbled up as her brother and sister stretched awake.
She shrank back, her shy side telling her not to do anything. After all, Falconkit hated to be woken up. Sunsetkit found that she preferred not being hit in the nose with his tail. The one time she had been hit with his tail, they’d been watching the apprentice ceremony of Maplekit and Crimsonkit. He’d been excited.
She watched quietly as Mistkit’s blue eyes blinked open. Her sister, as much as a drama queen she was, had been Sunsetkit’s loving sibling. The blue silver she-cat let out a yawn, then clambered out of her mother’s embrace where Sunsetkit watched.
Seeing this as a good idea, Sunsetkit followed her out of the nest. Ivystar slid out from beside Falconkit. The brown kit was still fast asleep. Typical Falconkit.
A familiar pitter-patter sound soaked the den. Sunsetkit groaned. It’s raining on our last day as kits! I wanted to go outside and play! She glared at Falconkit.
Fat drops of water rolled down bramble walls. A freezing chill swept the den, and Ivystar pulled Sunsetkit and Mistkit close to keep them warm. Falconkit was fine, as he was taking up an entire nest. The rain changed from a pitter-patter sound to a sound that described pouring rain. Sunsetkit watched in dismay as it came down hard, making puddles into mud.
A blaze of gold split the sky, Mistkit let out a whimper of fear. Lighting streaked the sky, nature’s natural light show at work. Another burst out of the clouds, the thunderclap so deafening that nearly fell over.
When the storm cleared up, Sunsetkit scanned the den, only to see her brother still snoring! A smile lit her lips and she let out a giggle. Mistkit whipped around, her fur on end. “What was that?” She hissed.
Sunsetkit continued to giggle. “Shh! Falconkit’s still asleep!”
Blue eyes stared in disbelief as they met brown pelt. Another mouth let out a laugh, and soon the two sisters were doubling over. Mistkit’s eyes watered. “I can’t believe he’s still asleep!” Laughter took over.
……………………………………………………………………………………
Falconkit
His ears twitched. He heard laughter. Yawning, he sat up, opening his eyes to see his two sisters…. laughing at him?
“What’s so funny?”
Sunsetkit giggled. A laugh escaped Mistkit’s lips. One look between them was all it took. They burst out laughing together, grinning happily.
“Tell me!” Falconkit glared. “What’s so funny?”
Sunsetkit finally found her breath. “You snored through a storm with thunder and lightning!”
Mistkit nodded. “It went boom! Everyone was awake except…”
“The snoring Falconkit!” They both started laughing again.
He felt his cheeks color as rage built up inside him. “I can’t help the way I work!”
Sunsetkit rolled her eyes. “You slept through a storm, Falconkit!”
This was the final straw. He let his rage spill out as he leaped at her, tiny claws unsheathed. I hate it when they tease me!
Sunsetkit let out a little shriek, and Mistkit watched in horror.
“Falconkit!” Ivystar’s firm gaze glared down at me. “Sheath those claws! Otherwise no more playing for you.”
At this, Falconkit sheathed his claws midair, Sunsetkit only getting a bit bruised. He growled.
Mistkit put her infamous smirk back on and threw it Falconkit’s way. He growled back.
……………………………………………………………………………………
Mistkit
“God, Falconkit, we were only teasing you! That was totally uncalled for.” The words came out of her mouth like a waterfall, too quick for her to stop. The words were too harsh, and Mistkit braced herself for his reaction.
Falconkit turned his back on his siblings. He went over to Dovewing’s kits and started to play with them.
Sunsetkit shrugged at Mistkit, and the both of us decided to play hide-and-seek with our mother. Ivystar was supposed to find us.
Mistkit found a stump in camp. It was the perfect spot to hide. Across the clearing, she spotted her sister hiding behind a bush.
Ivystar was supposed to come out after she had scratched tree bark until it hadn’t any bark left. Her mother prowled into the clearing, eyes scanning camp eagerly. Miskit saw her start off searching toward the medicine cat den.
Tomorrow we’ll be apprentices! Excitement bubbled up as her brother and sister stretched awake.
She shrank back, her shy side telling her not to do anything. After all, Falconkit hated to be woken up. Sunsetkit found that she preferred not being hit in the nose with his tail. The one time she had been hit with his tail, they’d been watching the apprentice ceremony of Maplekit and Crimsonkit. He’d been excited.
She watched quietly as Mistkit’s blue eyes blinked open. Her sister, as much as a drama queen she was, had been Sunsetkit’s loving sibling. The blue silver she-cat let out a yawn, then clambered out of her mother’s embrace where Sunsetkit watched.
Seeing this as a good idea, Sunsetkit followed her out of the nest. Ivystar slid out from beside Falconkit. The brown kit was still fast asleep. Typical Falconkit.
A familiar pitter-patter sound soaked the den. Sunsetkit groaned. It’s raining on our last day as kits! I wanted to go outside and play! She glared at Falconkit.
Fat drops of water rolled down bramble walls. A freezing chill swept the den, and Ivystar pulled Sunsetkit and Mistkit close to keep them warm. Falconkit was fine, as he was taking up an entire nest. The rain changed from a pitter-patter sound to a sound that described pouring rain. Sunsetkit watched in dismay as it came down hard, making puddles into mud.
A blaze of gold split the sky, Mistkit let out a whimper of fear. Lighting streaked the sky, nature’s natural light show at work. Another burst out of the clouds, the thunderclap so deafening that nearly fell over.
When the storm cleared up, Sunsetkit scanned the den, only to see her brother still snoring! A smile lit her lips and she let out a giggle. Mistkit whipped around, her fur on end. “What was that?” She hissed.
Sunsetkit continued to giggle. “Shh! Falconkit’s still asleep!”
Blue eyes stared in disbelief as they met brown pelt. Another mouth let out a laugh, and soon the two sisters were doubling over. Mistkit’s eyes watered. “I can’t believe he’s still asleep!” Laughter took over.
……………………………………………………………………………………
Falconkit
His ears twitched. He heard laughter. Yawning, he sat up, opening his eyes to see his two sisters…. laughing at him?
“What’s so funny?”
Sunsetkit giggled. A laugh escaped Mistkit’s lips. One look between them was all it took. They burst out laughing together, grinning happily.
“Tell me!” Falconkit glared. “What’s so funny?”
Sunsetkit finally found her breath. “You snored through a storm with thunder and lightning!”
Mistkit nodded. “It went boom! Everyone was awake except…”
“The snoring Falconkit!” They both started laughing again.
He felt his cheeks color as rage built up inside him. “I can’t help the way I work!”
Sunsetkit rolled her eyes. “You slept through a storm, Falconkit!”
This was the final straw. He let his rage spill out as he leaped at her, tiny claws unsheathed. I hate it when they tease me!
Sunsetkit let out a little shriek, and Mistkit watched in horror.
“Falconkit!” Ivystar’s firm gaze glared down at me. “Sheath those claws! Otherwise no more playing for you.”
At this, Falconkit sheathed his claws midair, Sunsetkit only getting a bit bruised. He growled.
Mistkit put her infamous smirk back on and threw it Falconkit’s way. He growled back.
……………………………………………………………………………………
Mistkit
“God, Falconkit, we were only teasing you! That was totally uncalled for.” The words came out of her mouth like a waterfall, too quick for her to stop. The words were too harsh, and Mistkit braced herself for his reaction.
Falconkit turned his back on his siblings. He went over to Dovewing’s kits and started to play with them.
Sunsetkit shrugged at Mistkit, and the both of us decided to play hide-and-seek with our mother. Ivystar was supposed to find us.
Mistkit found a stump in camp. It was the perfect spot to hide. Across the clearing, she spotted her sister hiding behind a bush.
Ivystar was supposed to come out after she had scratched tree bark until it hadn’t any bark left. Her mother prowled into the clearing, eyes scanning camp eagerly. Miskit saw her start off searching toward the medicine cat den.
Fogkit's POV (Requested by EthanTheAnnus )
Best Read After Chapter 22
Fogkit
It was an ordinary day. Fogkit saw his mother pull his father aside. Curiosity and excitement mingled together as he wondered what they were talking about.
Owlkit, his sister, came over. “Want to go and see what they’re talking about?” She nodded toward our parents. She had echoed his thoughts exactly.
Fogkit’s other sister, Moonkit, gulped. “You mean spy?” She was the shy one.
“What?” Owlkit looked back and forth between the two of us. “Are you guys scared?” Her taunt echoed in his ear, and Fogkit met it with defiance.
“No!” He puffed out his chest. “I’m not scared, let’s do it.”
Moonkit hesitated, then mewed, “I'm not scared, I just don't want to get in trouble.”
“And we won't.” Owlkit nudged her. “It's not like we'll get caught!”
“Fine.” Moonkit gave in.
A sense of dread was slowly building. “Owlkit, are you sure that this is a good idea?”
My sister rolled her eyes. “Look, we won't get caught, okay?”
Fogkit nodded, his paws turning clammy. Before he lost his courage, he padded forward, starting towards his parents.
Moonkit silently padded after him. Owlkit brought up the rear. The three of them crept into the bushes.
Fogkit sniffed the air hesitantly. Strong fear scent was coming from both of his parents. It strengthened his sense of dread. Soon, both of his siblings had passed him and he forced his paws to move.
Just as he had gotten close enough, he froze at the sob leaving his mother’s mouth to reach Bumblestripe’s pricked ears. “Fogkit isn’t your kit!”
Horror surged through him as he fought the urge to run away. Owlkit’s eyes were stretched wide, Moonkit’s were rounded in shock.
Fogkit stood, transfixed as Dovewing confessed something even worse.
“He looks just like Tigerstar!” What? I’m Tigerstar’s kit? Fogkit’s mind whirled as he realized what Dovewing was implying. His paws moved by themselves, and he realized they were moving backwards.
Fogkit swiveled, out of earshot now, his paws barely brushing the ground as the whole world became a blur. Spotting the gorse barrier leading to the forest, he raced towards it, pebbles scurrying down into the ravine behind him. Leaving behind some gray fur, Fogkit didn't even stop to be in awe of how huge the forest was.
Anger burned bright, Fogkit thought back on the moment when his life had been ruined. Owlkit! This was all her fault. She had been the one that forced them into this. She'd taunted them. It was all her fault.
Fogkit stopped, breathing hard, and felt his eyes widen at how big the forest was. Even though anger fueled him, Fogkit couldn't help, but recall all the stories of cats dying from foxes, badgers, and owls. A shiver went up his spine, and he turned back. Tracking his own scent, Fogkit crept back into the ravine.
Surprise struck him as he realized that no one had even noticed his absence. Fogkit curled up in a nest in the nursery and drifted off to sleep.
It was an ordinary day. Fogkit saw his mother pull his father aside. Curiosity and excitement mingled together as he wondered what they were talking about.
Owlkit, his sister, came over. “Want to go and see what they’re talking about?” She nodded toward our parents. She had echoed his thoughts exactly.
Fogkit’s other sister, Moonkit, gulped. “You mean spy?” She was the shy one.
“What?” Owlkit looked back and forth between the two of us. “Are you guys scared?” Her taunt echoed in his ear, and Fogkit met it with defiance.
“No!” He puffed out his chest. “I’m not scared, let’s do it.”
Moonkit hesitated, then mewed, “I'm not scared, I just don't want to get in trouble.”
“And we won't.” Owlkit nudged her. “It's not like we'll get caught!”
“Fine.” Moonkit gave in.
A sense of dread was slowly building. “Owlkit, are you sure that this is a good idea?”
My sister rolled her eyes. “Look, we won't get caught, okay?”
Fogkit nodded, his paws turning clammy. Before he lost his courage, he padded forward, starting towards his parents.
Moonkit silently padded after him. Owlkit brought up the rear. The three of them crept into the bushes.
Fogkit sniffed the air hesitantly. Strong fear scent was coming from both of his parents. It strengthened his sense of dread. Soon, both of his siblings had passed him and he forced his paws to move.
Just as he had gotten close enough, he froze at the sob leaving his mother’s mouth to reach Bumblestripe’s pricked ears. “Fogkit isn’t your kit!”
Horror surged through him as he fought the urge to run away. Owlkit’s eyes were stretched wide, Moonkit’s were rounded in shock.
Fogkit stood, transfixed as Dovewing confessed something even worse.
“He looks just like Tigerstar!” What? I’m Tigerstar’s kit? Fogkit’s mind whirled as he realized what Dovewing was implying. His paws moved by themselves, and he realized they were moving backwards.
Fogkit swiveled, out of earshot now, his paws barely brushing the ground as the whole world became a blur. Spotting the gorse barrier leading to the forest, he raced towards it, pebbles scurrying down into the ravine behind him. Leaving behind some gray fur, Fogkit didn't even stop to be in awe of how huge the forest was.
Anger burned bright, Fogkit thought back on the moment when his life had been ruined. Owlkit! This was all her fault. She had been the one that forced them into this. She'd taunted them. It was all her fault.
Fogkit stopped, breathing hard, and felt his eyes widen at how big the forest was. Even though anger fueled him, Fogkit couldn't help, but recall all the stories of cats dying from foxes, badgers, and owls. A shiver went up his spine, and he turned back. Tracking his own scent, Fogkit crept back into the ravine.
Surprise struck him as he realized that no one had even noticed his absence. Fogkit curled up in a nest in the nursery and drifted off to sleep.
Prologue
Dovewing
She had known. She knew it was coming. But, oh, why hadn't she tried to prevent it. Tigerstar, how could you do this to me...? Dovewing remebered the day he had caught her alone, waiting to speak to her. Her heart had leapt like a fish out of water. Her heart had been beating so hard, maybe he was finally ready to be in ThunderClan together with her. Maybe...
Maybe they could have kits.
..............................................................................................................................................................
Tigerstar looked at her so gently.
"Dovewing, its over between you and me." His eyes were full of love.
Her heart dropped like a stone. "What do you mean?"
"I love another." For the first time, she realized that his eyes were not shining with love for her.
"But, what about all the times we snuck out of our Clans to meet?" She felt memories rush past her like a river.
"Have you not noticed? " He gazed at her in disbelief. "Ivystar is expecting kits."
The truth dawned on her. "Oh, no. No, no, no. You can't be saying this...." She looked at him with pleading eyes.
"I love Ivystar."
She staggered away from him, narrowly missing a tree.
"Dovewing, wait, I can explain," He yowled, but watched as she raced away.
She turned, almost out of earshot. "How could you do this to me? You of all cats. WHY?!" She snarled with such rage, that he flinched.
"Back then, I was so immature. I had no idea what I was getting into. " Tigerstar looked at the ground with shame, but a hard coldness that he never used to have.
“You are a stranger that I know nothing of.” She glared at him fiercely. “I wish you were dead!”
Tigerstar’s eyes widened in hurt, as he glanced back with hurt in his eyes. Then they hardened.
“I wish you had never been kitted!” Dovewing trembled and for a second, she tried to get her anger under control. Then she let her lips form a snarl and her fur bristle until she was twice her size. She turned and ran like a pack of dogs were chasing her. “I HATE YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUU!!!!” She yowled at the top of her lungs and headed toward ThunderClan’s camp.
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
A single thought worked its way into her mind.
I will have my revenge.
Chapter 1:
Ivystar
Ivystar heard a yowl into the distance and recognized her sister’s voice. Oh, no. Now she knows…. Ivystar heard paw steps thudding towards camp. It was Dovewing.
“You! “She hurled herself at Ivystar with claws unsheathed, every part of her fur bristling.
Surprised by the attack, Ivystar backed up just in time to dodge the blow. I knew she wouldn’t like it, but I never expected her to be this mad. The thought crossed her mind as she jumped on Dovewing’s back. As soon as she was on her back, Dovewing attempted to shake her off. Normally, she would have been able to hang on. But with her belly so big, the added weight was more than she was used balancing with. Ivystar found herself, on the ground Dovewing ready to pounce. “Dovewing why?” She meowed desperately.
“You know perfectly well why!” Dovewing snarled, then went in for a frontal paw blow.
“No, Dovewing, if you kill me you’ll kill the kits. Please spare me.” Battered, Ivystar had no hope left for her life. Out in the forest, there was no other cat to help her. Dovewing went for the throat. Oh, StarClan, I would never regret anything. She braced herself, closing her eyes, waiting to die. Three moons seemed to pass by. Ivystar looked up. Tigerstar?
………………………………………………………………………………………
Dovewing
“Tigerstar?” A growl built in her throat. “Move.”
Tigerstar growled back. “You’re not touching her.”
Frustration and anger flowed through her mind. “You have no right to interfere!”
“I have every right!”
Dovewing glared at him one last time, then padded off, “I will be back.”
……………………………………………………………………………………
Tigerstar
She better not be hurt. But, sure enough, long claw marks were raked down her shoulder.Grunting, he attempted heaving her onto his back. Her belly is absolutely, enormous! He gave her a comforting lick. Nothing will ever happen to you….
………………………………………………………………………………………..
Ivystar
Am I in StarClan? Ivystar fought for consciousness as she slipped into the darkness. Please, StarClan, for the kits…… Blinking awake, Ivystar found herself in a den of woven bramble tendrils. Where am I? Her senses started returning and she felt exhausted.
A voice said “She’s awake”. Ivystar identified the scent as Leafpool’s.
She suddenly realized that her shoulder was burning. Huh? Ivystar suddenly recognized what had happened. She flashed back to Dovewing raking her claws across the shoulder. Oh, great. The pain probably just overloaded my nerves. Fantastic!
A tongue licked her ear to comfort her. “Oh, my sweet, sweet, kit. What happened?” Whitewing and Birchfall were at the entrance to the den. “When Tigerstar came with you, he said nothing about what had happened, only that you had a serious injury and needed to see Leafpool right away. Alderheart and Jayfeather have been building that nest around you. How Tigerstar carried you in, is unknown to me.” Tigerstar was here for me? I wish I had been conscious for that.
“Oof,” a sudden gasp escaped her, and if she had been standing, she would have staggered. A tiny foot kicked against her side.
“Ivystar? Is something the matter?” Concern lit her mother’s gaze.
Ivystar let out a moan.
Jayfeather hurried over. “Everybody out! She needs rest.”
Once again, she found herself slipping into unconsciousness.
StarClan, help me!
Chapter 2:
Tigerstar
As he went home, Tigerstar was deep in thought. What will happen when everyone finds out that we have had kits? Alarm shot through him. We just have to change the code. Two against two right? We have a pretty good chance….. But we would have to change the code twice… Oh, StarClan, what am I supposed to do? And how can I protect Ivystar? These thoughts were swimming around in his head as he bounded home hoping his Canmates had not noticed his disappearance. StarClan, help me!
………………………………………………………………………………………
Dovewing
Unsure whether she would be welcomed by her Clanmates back home, Dovewing padded farther into the forest. Exhausted, she found a mossy part of a tree and curled up. It’s been a long day….
When Dovewing awoke for a second and she forgot where she was. This isn’t ThunderClan camp…oh yeah.
Despite what had happened last night, she decided to blame it all on Tigerstar. I know what it feels like to be a she-cat that just wants someone to love her. Ivystar probably couldn’t resist. A dark thought crossed her mind. Just like I couldn’t. I won’t do anything else to her until she has gone through the pains of having her kits. I will replace her as a mother then. No, this was Tigerstar’s betrayal. Ivystar has nothing to do with this. Even though, she tried to unsuccessfully convince herself of her own words. She knew that she still loved her sister. StarClan, help me!
I will deal with Tigerstar first. Dovewing felt her heart breaking as she realized what she had become. I loved you once. StarClan, am I a monster?
A voice suddenly pierced her thoughts. “Dovewing?” It sounded concerned. “Where are you?”
………………………………………………………………………………………..
Ivystar
Ugh….
Ivystar woke up and instantly her belly rumbled.
“Looks like someone’s hungry,” Leafpool joked. “I see our patient needs something to eat….”
“Yes, please,” Ivystar licked her lips in anticipation.
“Alderheart, fetch Ivystar some fresh kill please.”
Alderheart dipped his head. “You’ll get the very best Ivystar!”
“Leafpool?” Ivystar mewed, “when can I return to my duties?” When can I finally sneak out to see Tigerstar?
“Hmm? Oh, possibly tomorrow, if you promise not to go on any patrols and hurt yourself again. You know” she said with a sly glance, “I would be interested in knowing what happened in the first place….”
“I want to get back out there! WindClan has been stealing our prey and RiverClan has that new deputy. I don’t like the looks of him….” She said all of this ignoring what Leafpool had said.
“Bumblestripe will take care of that. He is a reliable deputy you know. Also, your kits will be coming in about three moons so take it easy.” Noticing Ivystar’s look of surprise, she went on. “I’m not a rabbit-brained fool you know. I can tell when I see a pregnant queen when I see one. Who is the father? I knew you had something going on with Thornclaw…”
Embarrassment flooded through Ivystar. “Um, yeah, can I just get back out there today?”
“Ok, but no venturing out of camp….Ivystar?”
Pretending not to hear, Ivystar slipped out of camp, purring.
Oh, Tigerstar, our kits will be wonderful!
Chapter 3:
Tigerstar
“Tigerstar,” a voice hissed, “Tigerstar?” He recognized the voice and scent immediately.
“Ivystar, what are you doing here? You know what? Just meet me by the holly bush, you know by the border.” He hissed under his breath. Heading for the dirtplace tunnel, he was nearly bursting with curiosity. What is it Ivystar?
Soon he was at the holly bush by the border. “Ivystar, what did you want to talk about?” He asked, entwining his tail with hers.
“Tigerstar, the kits are coming in three moons! Isn’t that great?”
“Wait, how do you know that? Leafpool knows?”
“Well, yeah, she does, but” she added with a glance of mischief in her eyes, “she thinks I had them with Thornclaw. Ha! Like I would ever have kits with him!”
“Oh, Ivystar, don’t scare me like that.” Tigerstar ran his tail down her back. Ivystar only purred and leaned into him.
Tigerstar wished they could stay like this forever, tails twined, pelts brushing, just gazing up at the stars. But he knew that this would never be a reality.
……………………………………………………………………………………
Dovewing
Who’s that? Bumblestripe? She rushed toward the voice. Someone loves me! Bumblestripe was sitting by the lake in his favorite spot.
She approached cautiously. “Bumblestripe” she watched him for a moment. “I’m so sorry.”
Bumblestripe turned around and blinked. “I know what you mean.”
Her heart missed a beat. “You do?”
His gaze hardened. “I am sorry I ever had anything to do with you.” He turned back toward the lake. “You have no idea what it feels like, being rejected like that.”
Dovewing’s heart dropped like a stone. “You don’t love me?”
Bumblestripe flinched. “Do you love me?”
“I do. It took me forever. I’m so sorry. Is it too late?”
“Come sit.”
Dovewing sat so close that their pelts brushed.
“I forgive you.” Bumblestripe entwined his tail with hers.
Dovewing leaned into him, happy for once in a very long, long time.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Ivystar
Remembering what Leafpool had said earlier, she flashed back to what Thornclaw had said.
………………………………………………………………………………………
“Ivystar want to come hunting with me?” Thornclaw seemed eager to go.
“Uh, okay.” Not wanting to insult him, she had gone along with it. I hope he doesn’t think that I like him now. Thoughts bounced around in her mind.
Thornclaw had given her an awkward/embarrassed glance. “Ivystar?” He looked like he had just swallowed crowfood. “I really like you. The confidence you have. The great battle skills you have. How you turned around all the cats who trained in the Dark Forest (gives his own chest fur a lick) and got them to do the right thing in the end. I really admire you for that.”
Unsure how to respond, Ivystar had just given him an equally awkward glance and mewed, “Thanks Thornclaw, that was really nice of you….”
“Um, you’re welcome. Friends?”
“Uh, yeah, friends.” Just friends. Not more than that. Tigerstar must never know.
Purring, Thornclaw had picked up a mouse scent.
Tasting the air, Ivystar soon picked up the scent of a blackbird. Seeing it preening its feathers on a branch, she carefully stalked it, then pounced. Landing on a startled blackbird, she abruptly cut off its shriek with a bite to the throat.
By the time she and Thornclaw had returned, they had about five pieces of prey each. Making them go back into the forest to get the rest.
Shyly, Thornclaw glanced at Ivystar and meowed, “Maybe we could do this again sometime…”
“Yeah, maybe we could…” No thanks.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Thornclaw will never be my mate. Because Tigerstar is the best mate a she-cat could ever wish for.
Sneaking back into camp through a secret path she had made herself, Ivystar felt pains spasm throughout her belly.
Not now kits… “Leafpool,” she yowled. Instantly, Leafpool was by her side with Alderheart and Jayfeather on her tail. “Are they coming?”
“No.”
“Hold on,” Jayfeather said, “Ivystar is expecting kits?”
Alderheart’s eyes widened, but he didn’t comment.
Leafpool rolled her eyes. “Toms these days, so dense…”
“Yes, I am,” Ivystar supplied, answering Jayfeather’s question.
They will be the best kits ever.
Chapter 4:
Ivystar
“Ivystar,” It was Lionblaze. “I have something to say.”
“Ok, come into my den, and we can talk.” Curiosity surged up inside of Ivystar.
Lionblaze sat.
“Okay, I’m listening. You wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t important. Go on.” Ivystar gazed at him.
“I-I would like if Heathertail came to live with us in ThunderClan. I love her, and she is carrying my kits.” Lionblaze searched her gaze.
“Oh, Lionblaze, how do you expect me to respond to this?” I would have to discuss with the senior warriors.
“I expect you to consider my offer, then make your decision.” He stated this with confidence.
“That is what I will do then.” Ivystar mewed. “I will have my decision made, just after the next gathering.
………………………………………………………………………………………..
Tigerstar
“So we are doing this then?” He swallowed. We have a huge task ahead of us.
“We have no choice.” Ivystar’s white pelt glowed in the dark of the night. “I want to be with you. I know you feel the same. This the only way to make this feeling a reality.”
“I know. I just wish it wouldn’t be such a huge thing to accomplish.” Tigerstar sighed.
“Well, we might as well get it over with.” Ivystar pointed out the obvious, yet looked like she was faced with a huge challenge.
But we are facing a huge challenge. If we fail, we might lose everything. Be strong Tigerstar! “Alright, I am ready to proceed.”
………………………………………………………………………………………
Dovewing
“Hasn’t Rosepetal been staring at you lately?" Dovewing nudged Bumblestripe with a knowing look.
“I liked you so much better when you were hunting…” Bumblestripe complained.
“Okay, okay, jeez……” Dovewing muttered playfully. She added an eye roll. “It was just an observation.”
“Honestly, I get that Rosepetal likes me, but...I don’t like her in the same way. My heart always lied with you.” Bumblestripe twined his tail with hers. “At the same time, I don’t want to hurt her, not like you hurt me.” He gave her a pointed look.
“Okay, I got it. I’m sorry…” Dovewing felt embarrassed. She caught her breath. “Do you think we’ll have kits?”
Bumblestripe’s eyes sparkled. “I hope so. I always wanted to be a father…” His voice trailed off.
She pressed against his flank. “I hope so too…”
………………………………………………………………………………………
Ivystar
“Let all cats old enough to catch your own prey gather here for a Clan meeting!” Calling out the familiar summons calmed her fluttering stomach.
“Lilyheart, Dewnose, Graystripe, Blossomfall, , Bumblestripe, Rosepetal, Brambleclaw, Squirrilflight, Purdy, Daisy, Dustpelt, Petalpaw, Sweetpaw, Mintpaw…” Ivystar paused for a breath, “be ready for the gathering tonight. Get lots of rest.”
Choosing mostly levelheaded cats (and not Thornclaw), she hoped this gathering could go smoothly.
I will do this for the kits.
Chapter 5:
Ivystar
Marching confidently onto the island from the tree bridge, she gave Tigerstar a nod from across the clearing. Showing off her agility, she ran and sprang up into the tree onto the branch. Tigerstar, Mistystar, and Onestar did the same. Cats got quieter and looked towards the tree.
“I will go first.” Ivystar addressed all the Clans. “We have three new apprentices, Sweetpaw, Mintpaw, and Petalpaw. Also, brand new warriors have been named. Dewnose, Amberleaf, and Snowbush, we welcome you to full warrior status.” She paused waiting as the Clans chanted their names. “Prey has been running well. ThunderClan is strong.” Her warriors cheered. Butterflies stirred in her belly. “Also, I have one more thing to add, after the other Clans make their reports.”
All the cats exchanged confused glances. No backing down now. She stepped back to let the next leader speak.
Voices faded into the background as she thought about how to phrase her offer. Catching Lionblaze’s gaze, she gave him a small nod. Looking confused, Lionblaze raised an eyebrow. It was time.
Ivystar stepped forward again. “Cats of all Clans, I would like to suggest an amendment to the code.”
Roars drowned her out for a second.
“Silence!” Tigerstar roared the order and every cat fell silent. “A fellow leader is trying to say something that could affect the futures of all the Clans.” Tigerstar used his tail to beckon Ivystar to go on.
“Cats of any Clan can have a mate in another Clan as well as kits. Leaders and medicine cats are included. But if a medicine cat or leader is unable to care for kits and be equally devoted to her Clanmates, he or she may be removed from his or her duties.” Ivystar’s request caused an uproar.
She caught Lionblaze’s eye, and he stood up. Silence fell. “Speak warrior.” Ivystar commanded.
“I support this idea. It is silly to be divided. If you have kin in another Clan, it will help us band together when needed. It will tie the four Clans closer than ever before.” His eyes blazed. “We will be stronger because of this.”
The crowd of cats considered, Mistystar included. Onestar looked like he was about to blow.
Tigerstar stepped forward. “I support this motion.”
Mistystar gave a tiny nod. “Your arguments are very reasonable. It looks like you have been thinking very hard about this. I say we try it.”
Onestar looked outraged. “There is a reason that this rule has been in the code.” He paused then added, “But if my fellow leaders agree, I am outnumbered three to one. Let it be so….”
Cats cheered and yowled in outrage as all four leaders hopped down from the tree.
Lionblaze was the first to greet her. “Ivystar, thank you so much! Did you do this because of me?”
“I am expecting kits with Tigerstar. I did it for the good of my kits.” Ivystar replied.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Tigerstar
Racing over to Ivystar, he blurted out, “We did it!”
Twining his tail with hers, he blinked affectionately.
“I love you so much!”
Ivystar looked back at him, a happy blaze of love in her eyes. “I love you too.”
………………………………………………………………………………………
Dovewing
Ivystar tramped into camp. Dovewing had never seen her this happy.
Dovewing leaped up to greet her. “Did you, do it?”
Ivystar looked at her. “How did you know…?”
“Forgiven?”
“Absolutely.”
“I hope I have kits soon…”
“With Bumblestripe?”
“Yes.”
Ivystar sighed.
Dovewing nudged her flank. “You still have a duty to do…”
Instead of replying, Ivystar leaped up onto Highledge. “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here for a Clan meeting!”
Once every cat had gathered, Ivystar began. “I understand that you are curious about why I did what I did at the gathering.” Ivystar explained exactly what happened to cats who weren’t there. “I did it because…I am expecting kits.” Ivystar hesitated.
“With who?” A yowl came up from the crowd. Warriors stared at her in disbelief.
“With…Tigerstar.” Ivystar looked anxiously into the crowd.
Dovewing realized that she was looking at Lionblaze.
He stood up. “Heathertail is expecting my kits.”
Jayfeather, Alderheart, and the rest of the Clan stared. Slowly, every cat looked to Bumblestripe. The deputy sat towards the foot of Highledge, calmly taking it all in.
“I support our leader’s decision.” His eyes softened. “You did it for the future of kits. All of this would have been a secret our Clan kept for a very long time. Now the truth is up to us to embrace it."
Every cat considered what he said.
The whole Clan, (except some cats) cheered.
………………………………………………………………………………………..
Ivystar
Ivystar relaxed, relieved that her Clan had accepted the fact. “Meeting dismissed,” she yowled.
Bumblestripe bounded over to her. “So that’s where you have been sneaking off to lately…”
“Your mate knows.” Ivystar watched as Dovewing bounded over.
“But it was Ivystar’s news to tell.” Dovewing gave her mate an apologetic glance. “No more secrets.” Bumblestripe licked the top of her head.
…………………………………………………………………………………
Dovewing
Seeing weariness in Ivystar’s eyes, she took her tail and guided her to her nest. Sleep well, my sister. No more grudges.
“I have something very important to say.” Dovewing decided. Bumblestripe flicked an ear to show that he was listening. Dovewing told him everything, from how she had loved him (Tigerstar), to how he had betrayed her.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Ivystar
As she dozed off, Ivystar made a silent promise.
Anything for the kits.
Chapter 6:
Tigerstar
After dozing off last night, he decided that he would visit Ivystar today. Tigerstar wanted to do everything in his control to make sure his kits have a nice life. But before doing this he had news to share. Ivystar told her Clanmates. I should tell mine. Yet, every inch of his body was rejecting the idea. It’s been a secret for so long; why does that need to change? A tiny voice in his head seemed to say. Shaking himself, he got up and headed to the fresh kill pile.
“Hey Tigerstar!” Pinenose sidled up to him. Oh, great! Just, great! Pinenose liked him. A lot. She was always tagging along without being asked. She was always a burr in his pelt.
“Hi Pinenose.” Tigerstar sighed. “Look, I don’t like you okay?”
Pinenose’s gaze bored into his own. He could see a flash of hurt in her eyes. “Fine. Be that way.” She dashed off.
Tigerstar sighed. I might as well do it while she’s out of the way. I don’t want to hurt her, but I just don’t like her in that way… Tigerstar yowled. “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here for a Clan meeting!” Taking a deep breath, he scanned the crowd for Pinenose. Good. “Has every cat heard about what happened at the last gathering?”
A murmur passed through the crowd.
“Um, you deserve to know exactly why I supported Ivystar.” He began. “Ivystar is expecting my kits.”
“What?” A yowl rose above the clamor. Pinenose made herself known. “Is that why you refused?"
“Yes.” When had she gotten here?
Stoatfur stood up. “Tigerstar? I am having kits with Heronwing." Huh? Even he hadn’t expected this.
“Congratulations Stoatfur. I expect that you will be in the nursery?”
“Uh, yeah. Who will be Grasspaw’s mentor while I am in the nursery?” A note of concern edged her voice.
“Scorchfur.”
“You can count on me, Stoatfur.” A deep purr arose from the throat of Scorchfur.
Looking relieved, Stoatfur gave him a grateful nod. Tigerstar retreated to his nest.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Ivystar
Still exhausted, Ivystar dragged her paws away from her nest, jaws in a huge gaping yawn.
“Good morning Ivystar!” Dovewing chirped like a dove.
It had been three moons since the announcement. Dovewing and Bumblestripe had been getting very close… “Good morning.” Ivystar yawned.
“You won’t believe what I have to tell you!” Dovewing singsonged. She was practically exploding with energy. She was bouncing up and down. Dovewing’s belly seemed a bit bigger than normal, and she would know as Ivystar herself was only a moon away from kitting.
“Okay and…?” Ivystar was sure she knew the answer.
“I am expecting kits!” Dovewing squealed like a mouse and carefully cradled her belly. Her gaze was full of joy. She bounded off to tell some other cat.
“Oh, okay…. Goodnight…….” Ivystar collapsed and watched the world go black as Dovewing jumped up and down while telling another cat.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Dovewing
After telling Ivystar her news, she bounded across the clearing, this time to tell Bumblestripe.
“Bumblestripe! Bumblestripe!” She yowled with joy.
His head instantly whipped around. “What’s the matter? Someone attacking? Or….?” A sliver curiosity entered Bumblestripe’s eyes, a question shining in the depths.
“Yes!” She yowled even louder. “Yes!”
Eyes widening in amazement, Bumblestripe dipped his head to give her head a quick lick. “You are so amazing! This is such great news!”
“I know!” Dovewing gushed. “I can’t…” She trailed off as she saw Bumblestripe tense with alarm. Following his gaze, she turned to see her sister outside the warrior’s den in a heap of fur. Frozen in shock, she just stared at Ivystar as Bumblestripe bounded over to Ivystar. He turned and stared. “Come on!” He looked into her anxious eyes. “Get Leafpool!” The edge of urgency in his voice snapped her out of her shock. She bounded away, as fast as her paws would carry her. “Leafpool, Leafpool!” Fear edged her mew and worry deepened. Please let Ivystar be okay!
Chapter 7:
Dovewing
Glancing at Bumblestripe thoughtfully, she felt a need to speak.
“What do you want to name the kits?” Names popped into her head. “How about Firekit? Or maybe Flamekit? In honor of Firestar?”
“I sort of like Dawnkit.” He fixed his eyes on the sun going down.
“How about Moonkit?” Dovewing was relishing the new chance to name kits.
“I kind of like that name actually…” Bumblestripe showed his fangs. “Or Owlkit…”
“Ooh! Owlkit! I like it!” Dovewing liked how the word rolled across her tongue. Our kits will be the best kits ever! I will protect them with every beat of my heart… Leaning into Bumblestripe, Dovewing enjoyed just being here with him. Ordinary warriors, no prophecies, nothing.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Ivystar
“Leafpool! Get Leafpool now!” Ivystar panted heavily and glared at Rosepetal’s tail tip disappearing into the medicine cat den.
Dovewing appeared and made a beeline straight towards her. “Ivystar, you have to be strong for the kits…”
Fearing for her life—and the other lives about to begin—Ivystar looked at Bumblestripe who was just behind Dovewing. “Tigerstar! Now!” There was only one cat who could get her through this awful pain. Tigerstar, Tigerstar help!
………………………………………………………………………………………
Tigerstar
Hearing a pound of footsteps heading towards the border he was patrolling, Tigerstar spun around, ready to leap into action. It was Bumblestripe, looking panicked. “What’s wrong?” Tigerstar asked as Bumblestripe slowed to a halt, then took a moment to catch his breath.
“Ivystar, kits, hurry” He managed to pant out.
Tigerstar looked at him in shock for a second, panic flooding through. Shaking himself, he darted off in the direction of ThunderClan camp.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Dovewing
What do I do? What do I do?
Dovewing fought the urge to panic as Leafpool yowled orders at Alderheart and Jayfeather.
“Don’t just stand there! Get moss now!” This time Leafpool’s yowl was directed at her. Unfreezing herself, Dovewing bounded across the clearing as fast as she could go. Hold on Ivystar!
………………………………………………………………………………………
Ivystar
With each spasm, Ivystar grew weaker as she lay on the ground desperately trying to hang onto her life. No Clan leader had ever had kits before, (wrong, Leafstar) so no cat knew what happened if you lost a life while kitting. Would it endanger the kits? Ivystar thought to herself in a haze of pain.
Some cat shoved a stick into her jaws. Jayfeather? “Bite down on this.” His gruff mew brought her out of her thoughts.
Suddenly, making more of an effort to stay alive, Ivystar focused on his words. Managing a nod, Ivystar bit down hard on the stick, which nearly broke in half.
“Blossomfall, find a sturdy stick now!” Leafpool yowled. “Spiderleg, moss soaked in water!”
“The kits are coming,” Jayfeather breathed.
“Am I too late?” A familiar voice barricaded through the walls of the nursery.
“Tigerstar!” Ivystar let out a yowl, louder then she had ever in her life.
A shadow blocked the entrance to the nursery as Tigerstar moved in. “Shhh! Focus on the kits!” His gentle mew encouraged.
“I can’t! Help!” Ivystar was exhausted already, she didn’t know if she had enough strength left.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Tigerstar
Watching his mate struggle through her kitting, Tigerstar felt helpless. All he could offer were encouraging words. “Stay strong! You must do this! Think of the kits!” Words poured from his mouth like a never-ending stream.
Dovewing came through with a bundle of wet moss. “Here, drink!” She shoved the bundle at Tigerstar to give to Ivystar.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Ivystar
Dovewing had given Tigerstar wet moss. Ivystar wasn’t even sure that she had the strength to drink. Yet, somehow, she found enough strength to lap at the wet bundle. This is the best water in the world! Her thought was interrupted as a spasm came through. If she was not laying down already, it would have knocked her off her feet. A wet bundle slipped out.
“The first kit!” Tigerstar’s comment was cut off as another spasm delivered another heartbeat.
Another stick was shoved between her jaws as the last kit came. Leafpool and Alderheart were already licking the other kits. As the last kit came, Ivystar breathed a silent prayer with relief. Thank you StarClan!
………………………………………………………………………………………
Tigerstar
The last kit was shoved at him and he gazed down at it in wonder.
“Lick!” Jayfeather’s impatient mew interrupted his thoughts.
He licked the kit’s fur the wrong way to warm it.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Ivystar
Tigerstar glanced at her and mouthed amazing! She gave a small nod as her kits started to suckle. Shadows of cats retreated, leaving her and Tigerstar alone. “I’m so proud of you!” Tigerstar’s flank pressed against hers. “These are the most special cats in the world!”
Ivystar glanced down at the kits, then up into his amber eyes. “I love you!”
Chapter 8:
“What should we name them?” Ivystar directed the question at Tigerstar. It had been two days since her kitting.
“For the brown tabby tom, how about Falconkit?” Tigerstar had a little copy.
“Okay, maybe for this one’s white/blue pelt, we could name her Mistkit?” Ivystar gestured to the little cat suckling at her belly. This one had her pelt.
“Perfect!” Tigerstar looked thoughtful. “For the next kit, maybe Dawnkit?”
Ivystar considered. “I was thinking Sunsetkit. You know, for her mixed pelt. It has all different colors, just like the sunset!”
“But Dawn has different colors too!” Tigerstar argued.
“But I think—“ Ivystar’s argument was interrupted as Thornclaw entered the den. “You two sound like kits! Stop bickering already!” Ivystar noticed a flash of hurt enter his eyes as he looked at Tigerstar curled around her. Oh, Thornclaw, I never meant to hurt you!
………………………………………………………………………………………
Tigerstar
Was that hurt in his eyes? He was going to have to discuss with Ivystar. No one is taking my mate! She is mine and will always be!
Tigerstar suddenly realized he was growling. Ivystar was looking at him like he’d gone crazy. “Are you okay?” Awkward… Tigerstar then realized that what he’d said had sounded a bit barbaric. Thank StarClan no cat can read my mind.
Curling tighter around Ivystar and the kits, Tigerstar decided to settle down for a nap. Purring, he realized that he would always listen to his mate. Where she goes, I go. Sunsetkit it is.
............................................................................................
Ivystar
Ivystar prodded Tigerstar with her paw. “Wake up! Your Clanmates will be worried.” When that didn’t work, she decided to try something else. In her most frightened voice Ivystar mewed, “Fox! Someone save the kits!”
Instantly Tigerstar was on his feet, growling. “Fox where?”
“Shh! You’ll wake the kits.” Ivystar hissed.
Looking sheepish, Tigerstar mewed in a quiet voice, “Sorry…”
“I woke you up because your Clanmates will be worried silly! You’ve been here for half a day!” Ivystar pricked her ears for mewling from the sleeping bundles.
“Oh, yeah, I need to go. Rest assured, your kits are free to head into ShadowClan territory to see me. Anytime.” Giving her a meaningful glance, he brushed past the barrier, vanishing out of sight.
Seeing Bumblestripe nearby, Ivystar gestured to him with her tail, careful not to wake the kits.
“Could you act as leader for a little while? I can’t leave my kits when they are so young.” She said this in a hushed voice.
“You sure?” Bumblestripe glanced at her curiously.
“It will be a good test, just to see and feel how it is being leader. You can sleep in my den, pick cats to go to the Gathering, jump into the tall tree, and have a ‘deputy’. Just announce to the Clan that you’ll be taking my place for a moon and that you will need someone to act as you. It will be the best practice you can get, and if you need advice, you can come to me.” Ivystar urged him. Then taking a less serious tone she said, “I’m not dead yet!”
“Okay…” Bumblestripe sounded more confident. “I would choose for deputy, um…. Dovewing?”
“Harder than you thought? I don’t think my sister has an interest in being deputy.” Ivystar teased.
“Yeah. How about Cherryfall?” Bumblestripe looked unsure.
“She would make a pretty good deputy…” Ivystar considered.
Bumblestripe was already leaping onto Highledge. “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here for a Clan meeting!” His call pierced the air as cats crowded the foot of Highledge.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Dovewing
Why is Bumblestripe calling a Clan meeting? Ivystar hasn’t died yet… Dovewing wondered as she crossed the clearing. Then again, Ivystar is going to have trouble leading the Clan while her kits haven’t even opened their eyes… How is she going to do it?
Dovewing sat next to Blossomfall, Bumblestripe’s sister, and looked up at Bumblestripe.
“What do you think is going to happen now that Ivystar is in the nursery with her kits most of the time?” Blossomfall nudged her.
“What? Oh, yeah, I don’t know. Maybe Bumblestripe would run everything. But it would be hard doing it without someone to help him…” Dovewing trailed off. How are they going to do it?
Bumblestripe’s mew jerked her out of her thoughts. “…. Ivystar is going to be with her kits the next moon. But she has considered what will happen to the Clan. We cannot show weakness by showing up at a Gathering leaderless.” This caused a huge uproar from the crowd.
“What are we going to do about it then?” One of the young warriors, Stormcloud demanded. “ThunderClan is not weak!”
Signaling for silence with his tail, Bumblestripe made it clear that this would not be happening. “Ivystar has asked me to take over leader until she is sure her kits will not need her as much. This means, since I am taking her place, someone needs to take mine. You will have the privileged experience of acting as deputy and organizing patrols.”
The crowd was now looking interested.
“Cherrytail, step forward.” Bumblestripe commanded.
“Me?” Surprise and awe entered her face and she dipped her head to Bumblestripe.
“Cherrytail, from now until my act as leader is over, you may act as deputy.” Bumblestripe turned his intense gaze into hers. “Understood?”
“Yes.” Cherrytail had been a popular choice.
“Then Clan meeting dismissed.” Bumblestripe leaped down from Highledge to make sure of this. Heading over to Ivystar, he asked, “How did I do?”
“Great!” Her sister’s meow was filled with warmth.
Shaking herself out of her trance, she bounded over to Bumblestripe and pressed her flank against his. “She’s right, you know.”
Bumblestripe spun around. His fur was bristling so that he looked twice his size, his tail was bushed out, and he looked like a fox was about to scratch his face off. “Dovewing! You scared me out of my pelt!”
“Your pelt looks fine.” Dovewing observed.
“That wasn’t the point!” Bumblestripe rolled his eyes.
“Then what was?” There was a teasing edge to her voice.
Bumblestripe forced his fur to lie flat for a little bit. “Forget it.”
“That’s what I thought!” Dovewing purred and licked his ear. “You up for hunting?”
“Sure.” Bumblestripe’s cool mew stated.
“Yes!”
“Alright, let’s go!”
They bounded out of camp.
“I can’t wait until we have kits!” Dovewing squealed with certainty.
“Me too!”
“So, commanding leader of ThunderClan, where shall we head for the freshest prey?” Dovewing skipped along the forest floor.
Chapter 9:
Tigerstar
A moon had passed since Ivystar and Tigerstar had named the kits. (They had settled on Sunsetkit.) Even though Tigerstar went over to ThunderClan camp every day, he still worried about Ivystar and the kits. Every free moment of the day was: I wonder how Ivystar and the kits are. Maybe I should pop over for a visit…
The possibilities seemed endless.
They could have been killed by a fox, maybe a kit died of sickness, what if a badger found its way into camp?
Yet, every time Tigerstar walked over to see them, they were fine and happy. Nothing was wrong.
You’re worrying too much!
He kept telling himself, but that never seemed to stop him from worrying. Tigerstar often found himself distracted. His Clanmates would be staring at him, noticing that their leader wasn’t paying attention.
StarClan help me!
………………………………………………………………………………………
Ivystar
“Can we go to see if the elders will tell us a story?” The amber eyes of Falconkit stared up at her pleadingly.
“Can weeeee? Please?” Six eyes blinked innocently.
It had been half a moon since the kits had first opened their eyes. Falconkit had blinked awake first, amber eyes stretching as he comprehended the new view. Mistkit had been right beside him to open her blue ones half a second later. Sunsetkit had been the last, opening her eyes on sunset, so Ivystar had officially named her that. Her eyes had been a sharp yellow.
Ivystar sighed. “Do you promise not to bother the elders?”
Graystripe and Millie would be glad to welcome the little kits. Purdy would have some nice long story ready.
“Yes, Mama!” All three kits chorused in unison. “We promise!”
“Alright, run along now, if the elders don’t want to, then you come straight back to me.” Ivystar purred.
Mistkit’s blue eyes met hers. “Don’t worry we will!” Out of all the kits, Mistkit had been the prettiest. She was spoiled by the whole Clan, even more than her brothers. Toms eyed her out of the corner of their eye. Whether they had a love interest or wanted to have her as an apprentice, Ivystar was unsure of.
As the kits scampered off, Ivystar went to fetch some fresh kill from the pile.
Brambleclaw, one of the senior warriors, marched up. With a dip of his head to Ivystar, Brambleclaw took a thrush back to the bushes where Squirrelflight was waiting.
Heading back to the nursery, a tail flicked down her spine. “Hey Ivystar?”
“Yeah?” She whipped around. Bumblestripe nodded to Sparkfire.
“Well,” Sparkfire was nearly bouncing off her paws, “I am expecting kits!”
Ivystar widened her eyes. “With who?”
Sparkfire started chattering like a blackbird. “Snowbush! Leafpool says they are due in two moons.” Lowering her meow, she went on. “Dewnose and Fernsong are getting really close, by the way…”
Giving Ivystar a knowing look, Bumblestripe started edging her towards Snowbush. “Let’s go tell Snowbush!”
Ivystar watched as Snowbush groomed his fur. He noticed Sparkfire and was instantly on his feet. “Sparkfire!” He purred and pressed his flank against hers.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Dovewing
Blossomfall marched out of the nursery. She was almost past Dovewing when she staggered, about to fall. Dovewing quickly shoved her own shoulder under the pregnant queen’s.
“Thank you!” Blossomfall’s gasp burst out.
“Anytime!” Dovewing gave a flick of her tail. She suspected this wasn’t just any pain…
“Blossomfall!” Thornclaw twined his tail with hers. “Are you okay?”
“Just having pains in my belly…” Blossomfall sat down heavily.
Concern flashing in his eyes, Thornclaw bounded away, yowling over his shoulder, “I’m going to get Leafpool!”
A minute later, he had returned with Leafpool, Jayfeather, and Alderheart on his tail.
Leafpool felt her belly. “She’s kitting!”
Alderheart ran to find a stick, while Stormcloud returned with soaked moss.
Dovewing, knowing she was in the way, nudged Thornclaw. “C’mon, we’re getting in the way.” Carefully, she guided him towards the entrance of the nursery.
Jayfeather had her words. “She’s right.”
Blossomfall panted, and Thornclaw tensed with worry.
Dovewing bundled him out of the nursery as if he were a kit. “She’ll be okay.” Yellow eyes stared anxiously at her.
They sat and waited at the entrance. An abrupt screech cut through the air and Dovewing looked up. Thornclaw was trembling. He got up and paced the clearing worriedly.
A head popped out of the nursery. Leafpool’s. “She has two toms and two she-cats. Come look.”
Eyes filled with relief, and Thornclaw padded towards the nursery.
A sudden thought pierced Dovewing’s mind.
Will Bumblestripe be like that when I kit?
Chapter 10:
Dovewing
Kits! Ow!
It was quiet and Dovewing realized, again, that everyone else around her was a sleep. Lately, she hadn’t been able to get any good sleep. None. A foot kicked her in the side. Something in her stomach wriggled. Dovewing was sick of it. She hadn’t had a good sleep in moons. Fed up, Dovewing had gone to Leafpool, Daisy, Sorreltail, Millie, and every experienced queen in ThunderClan to ask for advice. None of it had helped. The only thing that was at all useful was Leafpool saying that her kits were going to be born soon. That doesn’t help me now! The thought had frustrated her. Dovewing was positive that she would go insane if she didn’t have the kits born soon. Dozing off again, Dovewing sank into her nest in the nursery. She watched the fall and rise of her sister’s flank. I bet Ivystar never had to go through this!
………………………………………………………………………………………
Tigerstar
Stoatfur’s kits were due any day now. Puddleshine had said that the kits were due any time now. Experienced queens were excited at the idea of new kits. Even elders were happy about it.
He’d heard a few gruff meows.
“I haven’t had claws in my tail in moons!”
“Nobody stops by for story anymore.”
“I miss having my tail chased.”
The Clan was badly in need for kits. There were no new arrivals and no one to do the elders’ ticks.
Probably the reason the elders want kits.
Tigerstar shook himself.
I wonder how my kits are doing…
………………………………………………………………………………………
Ivystar
Ugh…
All three of her kittens were snuggled by her belly. Curling her tail around them protectively, Ivystar looked up to see Tigerstar’s head poking in. “Good morning!”
“Shh! You’ll wake the kits!” Ivystar hissed, annoyed.
“Sorry!” Tigerstar looked down at the kits. “It’s too late anyway.”
Feeling the kits blink awake, Ivystar leaned down and nuzzled each of them on the cheek. “Tigerstar!”
“Huh?” Mistkit’s head popped out of a bundle of kit fluff. “Papa?”
Tigerstar came in and curled tightly around Ivystar and the kits. “I’m right here, Mistkit.”
“Papa!” Mistkit squealed.
“Shh!” Both Ivystar and Tigerstar hissed. “You’ll wake up your brother and sister!”
Sunsetkit’s head popped out. “What’s going on?” Her gaze rested on Tigerstar. “Papa?”
“Ughhhhhhh!” Falconkit lashed out with his tail, hitting Mistkit in the eye.
She squeaked in indignation. “Hey!”
Falconkit sat up. “Why are you up so early? You woke me up!” His mew was accusing.
“Th-that’s kind of my fault…” Tigerstar stuttered with an awkward glance at Ivystar.
Falconkit’s eyes widened. “Papa?”
“Let’s go outside.” Ivystar nudged all three kits out of the nursery, careful not to wake Dovewing or Sparkfire. “Try to be quiet.”
“Watch out for flying hedgehogs!” Bumblestripe called from across the clearing.
Twitching her whiskers in acknowledgement, Ivystar watched Tigerstar find a feather.
“Okay listen up. I got this feather and what you need to do is,” Tigerstar stopped abruptly, suddenly noticing that no one was paying attention to him. “Hey!”
Ivystar glanced up. “Sorry. They were hungry.” All three kits were suckling at her belly.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Tigerstar
Amusement made him stifle a purr. “Looks like they are.”
Ivystar showed her fangs.
As the kits finished, Tigerstar leaned down and gave each kit a lick. “I should head back to my camp now.”
Falconkit was on his feet. “But Papa!”
Mistkit leaped and pounced headfirst into Tigerstar’s tail. “You aren’t allowed to go!”
Sunsetkit glanced up with her best innocent, cute eyes.
“I am the leader of ShadowClan. I have to go.” Giving Ivystar a knowing look, Tigerstar disappeared into the undergrowth.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Dovewing
Groggily sitting up, Dovewing realized it was past dawn. Oops! I should be up by now. Quickly, giving her own fur a quick lick, Dovewing dragged her paws out of the den, jaws gaping in a yawn.
Sparkfire perked up as she came out of the den. “Hey, glad to see you up!” All three kits were in a play fight.
“Have you named the kits yet?”
She hesitated. “I am waiting until they open their eyes.”
“Okay. Sounds good.” Dovewing left Sparkfire to watch her kits while she went over to Bumblestripe. “Hey Bumblestripe!”
He had just finished sorting out patrols. “Yeah?”
Dovewing happily twined her tail with his. “How’s the leadership going?”
He looked up at her and she saw weariness in his eyes. “Great.”
Concerned now, Dovewing thrust her shoulder under his and guided him toward his nest. His pelt was warm. Halfway there, Bumblestripe nearly collapsed. Glad that she was there to support him, Dovewing called, “Leafpool!”
Brambleclaw, now gaping at Dovewing, who was struggling under the weight of Bumblestripe, snapped out of it and came over to help her. He got into a position so that Dovewing could lower Bumblestripe onto his back. Dovewing made sure that Bumblestripe stayed on Brambleclaw’s back as he was carried toward the medicine cat clearing.
Just as they reached the clearing, Jayfeather popped his head out. “What’s with the parade?”
“IT’S NOT A PARADE! BUMBLESTRIPE’S ILL!” Dovewing’s patience finally snapped.
Jayfeather was not fazed. “Jeez. Okay. Alderheart? Check him over.”
………………………………………………………………………………………..
Ivystar
“IT’S NOT A PARADE! BUMBLESTRIPE’S ILL!” Dovewing’s yowl echoed across the clearing.
What? Bumblestripe’s ILL?
Chapter 11:
Tigerstar
Puddleshine was ordering Dawnpelt in and out of the nursery. Stoatfur had been kitting since dawn. Heronwing had been worriedly pacing the clearing.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Puddleshine had burst into Tigerstar’s den at dawn. “It’s happening! Get Heronwing now!”
Tigerstar had blinked awake at the sound of thudding paw steps. “Okay. Make sure Tawnypelt is up and ready to take care of camp.”
He’d bounded out of the den as fast as his paws could carry him. Once on RiverClan territory, he had encountered a RiverClan patrol.
“Hurry!” He’d panted.
Mintfur, Minnowtail, and Mallownose had just stared.
“Need to get to camp now!” Tigerstar made his voice firm.
They had traveled swiftly, and Tigerstar was soon in the camp.
Looking at Mistystar he mewed, “Heronwing’s mate in ShadowClan is kitting! Stoatfur just started!” Taking a deep breath, he meowed loudly, “Hurry!”
Heronwing had bolted out of camp.
Tigerstar stood to catch his breath, then went after him.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Tigerstar let his gaze rest on Heronwing. “You will have fine kits.”
Obviously surprised by this compliment from Tigerstar, Heronwing blinked then stuttered, “I-I h-hope that they will live up to the potential you see in them.”
“I’m sure they will.” Tigerstar replied calmly.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Dovewing
If Bumblestripe doesn’t recover from the sickness, he’ll never see the kits.
The thought made Dovewing shiver.
How can I do it without him?
She watched Ivystar play happily with the kits.
Soon, I’ll be doing that with my own kits.
The thought warmed her fur.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Ivystar
“Mistkit! Falconkit! Sunsetkit!” Ivystar called.
All three kits stopped playing moss ball and looked at her.
Sweeping her tail to make sure the ground was clear of leaves, Ivystar announced, “I have a new game for you to play!”
Sunsetkit, the quiet one, said nothing as Falconkit sprang up. “Oooh! Oooh! What is it?”
“Come here!” Ivystar gestured with her tail. Lowering her voice to a whisper Ivystar meowed, “See those WindClan cats over there?” She let her gaze rest on the elders, who were resting nearby.
Mistkit’s eyes widened. “Oh, yes!”
“Well, they are on ThunderClan land! What are you going to do?”
Sunsetkit responded by launching herself at Millie, who was resting nearby. “You’re on ThunderClan land! Get off or we’ll make you!”
“That’s right!” Falconkit growled.
Mistkit gave them her most innocent looking eyes. “I won’t do you any harm. Could I come sit with you?”
Sandstorm bent her head. “Of course, Mistkit. I trust that you will not hurt us.”
Mistkit snuggled up next to Sandstorm. Her innocent gaze melted away. “You thought wrong!” Mistkit reared and gave Sandstorm a frontal paw blow on the nose. Ivystar doubted that it actually hurt Sandstorm. It was hardly more than a tap on the nose.
Sandstorm yelped. “Ow! You’re so fierce! We give up! You are the strongest in the forest! We will never venture on your land again!”
Millie flattened her fur. “Wow! You’re so strong!”
Graystripe joined in. “Would you like me to show you where the best mouse catching places are?”
“Sure!” Mistkit squealed.
He dabbed his tail playfully onto Mistkit’s nose. “The mouse is getting away!”
“Hey!” Mistkit pouted. “That’s not fair!”
Falconkit ran over and jumped right onto Graystripe’s tail. “Is too fair!”
“Is not!”
“Is too!”
“Is not!”
Sunsetkit came over. She glared at Mistkit. “He did catch the mouse…”
Mistkit scowled. The look did not suit her pretty face. “Why do you always side with him?”
Ivystar broke in. “Kits, it’s time for your nap.”
“Awww!” All three kits whined.
Her voice hardened. “Now.”
“Okay Mama.” The kits dragged themselves back to the nursery with ears drooping. Mistkit made sure that she had the warmest spot, then fell asleep.
They are so cute when they sleep like that. I remember doing that with Dovewing. It’s a shame that Tigerstar can’t be here.
As soon as she heard the kits’ snores, she gently eased herself out of her nest. Seeing Dovewing across the clearing, she started toward her. Dovewing’s tail and ears were drooping.
Oh, Bumblestripe. Ivystar, pay more attention. Ivystar had totally forgotten that Dovewing’s mate was sick. She nudged Dovewing, who looked up. “Come on. Let’s visit Bumblestripe. See how he’s doing.”
Bumblestripe, you must recover. For Dovewing, for me.
Chapter 12:
Dovewing
Dovewing dragged her paws and tail behind her as Ivystar guided her towards the medicine cat den.
Ivystar marched. Dovewing drooped.
Ivystar marched right up and demanded, “How’s my deputy?”
Leafpool glanced at Bumblestripe and chewed her lip. “Um…” She flicked her tail at Dovewing. “She needs to go back to her nest before I say it.”
The fur along Dovewing’s spine bristled. “Whatever you need to say, you can say it when I’m in here.”
Bumblestripe let out a feeble cough.
Leafpool gave in. “He has greencough.”
Dovewing and Ivystar exploded at the same time. “WHAT?” They both glared at her.
Ivystar hissed. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
Dovewing just lashed her tail and went straight to Bumblestripe’s side. “Bumblestripe, come on. You must recover. Do it for the kits!” A wail built in her throat. “StarClan why?”
Leafpool ushered her out of the medicine cat den. “That’s why, I didn’t want you to know!”
Dovewing’s eyes flashed accusingly. “That’s wrong! Keeping secrets is wrong!” As her own words washed over her, Dovewing realized the ring of truth.
I should never should’ve had a relationship with Tigerstar.
Ivystar seemed to shrink inside her own pelt.
Oh, Ivystar, I didn’t mean to suggest that you were a traitor!
………………………………………………………………………………………
Tigerstar
Stoatfur’s kitting had been successful. She had given birth to two males and a female.
As soon as they had opened their eyes, she and Heronwing had named them.
………………………………………………………………………………………..
The brown tabby suckling at her belly had green eyes.
Stoatfur’s eyes had softened, full of love.
“For the brown tabby she-cat, how about Pinekit?”
Stoatfur glanced at Heronwing with a gleam in her eyes.
“Sure.” Heronwing agreed. “For the striped white tom, how about Snowkit?”
“I love it!” Stoatfur examined the last kit. “What about the blue-grey pelt one?”
Heronwing had a suggestion. "How about Skykit?"
“Perfect!” Stoatfur gave Skykit a lick. “Tigerstar, come and see!”
He had then refused. “Sorry, I’m due for a patrol now. Maybe I could see them later?” He made sure his voice was light.
Stoatfur said, “Uh, sure.” She sounded flustered.
“Glad that you understand. See you later kits!” He called over his shoulder as he padded away.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Tigerstar
Just in case the kits are awake, I’ll be quiet.
He peeked into the nursery at the bundle of fur, tails and whiskers. He let out a soft purr. I remember when Dawnpelt, Flamepelt and I used to sleep like that! The white striped tabby tom was obviously Snowkit. He guessed the blue-grey pelt one was Skykit. Pinekit must be the last one!
The brown tabby she-kit lashed her tail and rolled over. Is she mad at me? No, she can’t be. Pinekit’s only a kit!
In the morning, Tigerstar told himself that he needed to tell Stoatfur what great kits they were turning out to be.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Ivystar
Slipping into her nest quietly, Ivystar silently willed Bumblestripe to get better. It looked like she might have to bring her kits with her to the Gathering. Or leave them behind. Yet they were so young, it tore her heart to pieces, to think about leaving them. Shaking herself, Ivystar curled tightly around the kits, dodging Falconkit’s waving tail. Sleep well kits!
………………………………………………………………………………………
Dovewing
Ow! She blinked open her eyes to say a black den. Dovewing stiffened. A pain was coming from her belly. Saving her strength, she flicked Sparkfire’s ears.
“Sparkfire! Get Leafpool!” She hissed.
“Huh? Whah?” Sparkfire’s ear twitched.
“I think the kits are coming!”
Sparkfire was wide awake now. “Why didn’t you say so?”
Sliding away from her own kits, Sparkfire padded softly across the clearing. The kits let out tiny mewls of protest, then settled.
Ivystar opened one eye. “What’s going on?”
“I think the kits might be coming.” Dovewing replied.
Sparkfire came back with Leafpool, Jayfeather, and Alderheart padding alongside her.
“Let me check her over.” Nudging the other queens away, Leafpool checked her over. Dovewing studied Leafpool’s face for any sign that the kits were coming now. Leafpool looked up. Her face was a mask of calm and no one knew what she was thinking. “Dovewing, you are…….” Dovewing pricked her ears. “Not having kits right now.”
Dovewing gave Leafpool a curious look. “Then why do I have pains in my belly?”
Worry showed in her eyes.
“You just caught Bumblestripe’s sickness.”
Chapter 13:
Ivystar
What? Maybe I didn’t hear Leafpool right.
Sparkfire looked like she was totally in shock.
The queens exchanged a look and curled their tails around their litters protectively.
StarClan, you can’t take Dovewing! She is going to have kits!
………………………………………………………………………………………
Dovewing
Dovewing looked at Leafpool with dismay. “How can that be possible?”
Leafpool nodded solemnly in acceptance. “It is.”
“But what about the kits?” Fear edged her mew, and Dovewing didn’t even try to stop it.
“You have to fight. Or all will be lost.” Jayfeather’s voice was a mask of calm.
Behind her, Dovewing noticed Ivystar looking on with a mix of anger and pity. Sparkfire let out a gasp of horror at the thought of what Jayfeather implied. If I don’t fight through this sickness, my kits will die with me.
Jayfeather wasn’t done yet. “Now all of you get to bed!”
Leafpool’s eyes were closed, almost as if she was witnessing a murder. Alderheart’s eyes were round with shock and horror. He turned around and padded back to the medicine cat den. Leafpool cast a sorrowful glance over her shoulder. Jayfeather gaped his jaws in a yawn. The medicine cat followed.
Dovewing curled up in her nest, dazed. Ivystar’s soft breathing told her that she was asleep. Sparkfire just stared into the distance. I wonder what she’s thinking. Dovewing tried to read Sparkfire’s face, but it gave away nothing.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Tigerstar
A ray of sunshine leaked through the branches of his den. Tigerstar gaped his jaws wide into a yawn, and stretched.
Deciding to visit Ivystar and the kits, Tigerstar padded into the warrior’s den. His mother’s breathing was soft and consistent. He almost regretted waking her. Tigerstar prodded her.
Tawnypelt lifted her head. “Huh?”
“I need you to watch camp. I’m going to visit ThunderClan camp.”
Tawnypelt nodded wearily. As one of the senior warriors, even without deputyship, she was respected.
Tigerstar left the den. I can’t wait to see Ivystar and the kits! I bet Sunsetkit is still as quiet as ever. Suddenly, not able to wait, Tigerstar ran, as fast as he could towards the ThunderClan camp.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Dovewing
A kit in her belly squirmed, alerting her that it was morning. She looked up to see Jayfeather walking past her den. Phew!
Unfortunately, Jayfeather turned around and noticed. “Hey! Dovewing, you can sleep in the medicine cat den tonight!”
Just great! Dovewing moaned. I thought he was gone!
Ivystar nudged her. “At least you get to sleep with Bumblestripe now.” Dovewing could tell that she was trying to sound upbeat. She gave Dovewing a weak smile.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Tigerstar
“Hello?” A voice called out. “Hello, anyone?”
Tigerstar slowed his pace and twitched his ears. “Where are you?”
“Thank you!” A bush rustled and a she-cat appeared. She looked around, as if she was searching for something.
“What are you looking for?” Tigerstar was mystified.
She glanced at him. “Rumor has it, that wild cats who eat bones live here.”
“Um, about that…”
She narrowed her eyes. “You aren’t one of them, are you?”
He shrugged. “We don’t actually eat bones. It’s some silly kittypet rumor.”
The she-cat looked horrified. “You-you aren’t going to eat me?”
“Not at all.” Tigerstar assured her. He somehow felt drawn to her.
“Oh, good.” The fur on her shoulders flattened.
“So, are you a rogue?”
It was her turn to shrug. “No, just a kittypet.”
“Why are you out here then?” Some cats would rip your fur off."
“I-I…” She seemed to lose her voice for a second. “I want to join you! I hate my life as a kittypet. There is absolutely no freedom!” She declared this with absolutely no fear.
Despite himself, Tigerstar gave her a sly glance of admiration. “You could come back to my camp. I am leader.”
The she-cat glanced at him. When she hesitated, he gave her a knowing look. “You do understand that other cats will judge you because of your life before, right?”
“I don’t know anymore. Can you let me have a bit of time to decide?”
“Yes, but first, would you like to see camp?”
An old flame sparkled in her eyes. “Sure.”
Flicked his tail to signal that she should follow him. They had only gone a tree length when he realized an important detail. Meeting her gaze evenly, Tigerstar was solemn. “What is your name, she-cat?”
She met his gaze evenly.
“My name is Shimmer.”
Chapter 14:
Dovewing
Grumbling, she transferred her nest into the medicine cat den. Why is it can’t I just make a new nest in the medicine cat den? But, Nooo! Jayfeather says. ‘We don’t have enough moss!’ This is a job for an apprentice. Dovewing glanced over at the apprentices den. It was empty.
But, then, we don’t have any apprentices. Probably because Jayfeather drives every queen out.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Ivystar
She grimaced as she watched Dovewing shift her own nest into the medicine cat den. Her sister coughed. She shouldn’t be doing that! Not when she’s so close to kitting! What is Jayfeather thinking? Bounding over, Ivystar flicked her tail under Dovewing’s chin. Her tail guided Dovewing’s face to look at Ivystar’s.
“What?” Dovewing snapped, cross.
Ivystar shrank back. “I only want to help you.”
Dovewing’s eyes softened. “Sorry. I just hate moving this over.” She glanced at her swollen belly. “This doesn’t help either. I would be glad to have the help.”
Side by side, the sisters moved bedding. Moss muffled their mews. Ivystar looked at her sister. “Remember those days when we were the apprentices?”
Dovewing’s tail lashed in annoyance. She let out a feeble cough. “Mousefur never said ‘thank you’ once!”
“And we had to do their ticks!”
“Don’t forget about the filthy bedding!”
“I remember that day when you slept in and forgot all about Mousefur’s ticks!” Ivystar traced her sister’s spine with her tail.
“I think The Tribe of Rushing Water heard her tell me off!”
It was great to just talk like this. I wish we could do it more often.
Dovewing’s meow cut into her paws. “What’s up?”
Ivystar tried to look puzzled.
“C’mon, I can tell when you’re upset about something. We are sisters after all.” Dovewing nudged her shoulder.
Ivystar sighed. Her sister was right. Even she hadn’t fully admitted to herself that she was missing something. “Tigerstar, he hasn’t visited in a moon.”
Her sister looked horrified. “I never noticed!”
“I know.” Ivystar’s meow was slowly growing hard.
“I’m sorry! There’s been so much going on lately. Bumblestripe getting sick, you having kits, everything!” Dovewing glanced up, troubled. “Forgiven?”
Ivystar pretended to consider. A teasing smile flashed over her face.
Her sister coughed again. She managed a weak smile.
Purposely changing the subject, Ivystar gave her sister a look. “This is for your own good, though.”
………………………………………………………………………………………
Tigerstar
Escorting Shimmer into camp, he admired how her silver pelt sparkled in the moonlight. She was naturally graceful, something he could never be. Her fur was bristling, he noticed.
“Hey,” he made sure his voice was soft and gentle. “I’ll always be here for you.”
She hesitated for a moment. “I know.”
Tigerstar pressed his pelt against hers. “It’s kind of cold out here.” He felt her pelt relax against his. She rested her head on his shoulders. Tigerstar tensed as they approached camp. He pulled away from Shimmer. I hope nobody saw us like this! Ivystar would be super angry.He softened as she gazed at him with hurt in her eyes. “Sorry,” he hissed, “but if anyone saw me with a kittypet leaning on my shoulder, I would be in trouble. I have a mate already and if word spreads, she will be mad.”
Shimmer’s eyes bored into his own. “I understand.”
He relaxed. “Good. We are approaching camp.”
Once they were in camp, cats eyed Shimmer. She was bristling.
Tawnypelt came up to him. “Everything is just as you left it. I didn’t expect you to be back so soon.” His mother noticed Shimmer. “Who’s this?”
“This is Shimmer. She is interested in joining ShadowClan.” He introduced them. “Shimmer, this is my mother and deputy. Her name is Tawnypelt.”
The she-cats eyed each other. “Hi.” Shimmer gave a cold greeting. What’s up with them? Tigerstar snapped his head around, only to see other toms gawking at Shimmer. Back off! The thought crossed his mind before he could stop it. She’s not your mate!He chided himself. “Come, Shimmer, I’ll show you around.” Shimmer padded after him.
She sidled up to him. “So…?”
“What’s up with you and my mother?” They walked into his den.
Shimmer blinked sweetly. “Tawnypelt was just naturally trying to check out her son’s future mate. Mother’s always do.”
Tigerstar felt his own pelt grow hot with embarrassment. “What?”
She sat down and put her head on her paws. “I’m not blind.”
Despite himself, he found himself stretching out beside her. “I never said you were.” Tigerstar’s voice was more high pitched than usual.
“I know you like me.” Shimmer stated it simply.
“I do not!” He tried to deny his feelings.
She got to her paws and flicked her tail. “Toms always say that. Every tom finds himself attracted to me.”
Tigerstar drew his paw over his ear.
“Why can’t I find someone who actually loves me?”
Tigerstar’s heart nearly shattered.
“Just someone who loves me for me. Just for my personality. Not my beauty.”
He licked her ears. “Shimmer, I get it. That’s not what I was thinking
“No you don’t!” Shimmer’s hiss was dangerously quiet. “You don’t understand.”
Tigerstar pressed his pelt to hers. “I do. I really do.” Shimmer nuzzled his cheek.He took in a breath of her sweet scent. Tigerstar meowed. “Go now, I need to think. Meet me by the holly bush at the border tomorrow at dawn.” He watched as she padded away. Turning his back, he sank into his thoughts. What if she’s cursed? It seemed likely. Why do I feel so drawn to her?
He had never been a disloyal cat. Tigerstar was bothered by the fact that she seemed to draw him in. I love Ivystar. Shimmer is not my mate. Curling up, Tigerstar put his tail over his nose. He felt warmth fill his pelt and let sleep overcome him.
Tomorrow is a new day…
Chapter 15:
Ivystar
Tigerstar normally comes to visit. Why isn’t he here now?
Her mate hadn’t come by for a few days. Ivystar was worried. Yet, she couldn’t go out now.
I’ll go find him in the morning.
Ivystar put her tail over her nose, curling around her tiny kits.
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Dovewing
Ow! Pains came, leaving her breathless. She kicked Bumblestripe. “The kits are coming!” She hissed loudly.
Her mate’s ear flicked. “The kits?”
“Get Leafpool!” Dovewing couldn’t believe that Bumblestripe wasn’t helping.
“Oh!” Bumblestripe’s silhouette got to his feet and padded over to Leafpool. “Kits!”
“Huh?” Leafpool’s eyes instantly flew open. “Kits where?”
“Dovewing’s kits are coming!”
Dovewing felt herself starting to pant. Spasms threatened to sweep her into darkness. She felt Leafpool sit down beside her. “Shh!” She soothed. “The first one’s coming!” Dovewing let out a feeble cough.
Leafpool grabbed an herb. She shoved it into Dovewing’s jaws. “Eat!”
She reluctantly swallowed the herb. Be strong! Do this for the kits. You have to work through this! She looked up to see Bumblestripe’s concerned eyes glancing down at her. He pressed his flank to hers, silently willing her on. The spasms grew stronger, and she clinged to the life she had. She felt a wet bundle push through. New life wriggled and Leafpool pushed it towards Bumblestripe.
“Lick its fur the wrong way!” She hissed. Bumblestripe licked the kit fiercely. Dovewing stared at him. He seemed almost as if he wasn’t sick. Bumblestripe turned away and let out a feeble cough. Or maybe not.
A new spasm yanked her out of her thoughts.
Leafpool held her breath. “Another one!” Leafpool looked at Dovewing with pity in her eyes. Huh? Bumblestripe saw it too. He glanced at her. “Is something wrong?” He demanded.
Leafpool hesitated. “No.” Dovewing could see the concern in his eyes. Leafpool predicted the spasm before Dovewing had it. “Push!” She pushed. A second wet bundle slid out onto the moss. Dovewing felt her energy slowly draining away. A flank pressed against hers. She jerked her head up to see Bumblestripe offering what little comfort he could. A sudden urge for her sister made blood roar in her ears. Leafpool put her paw on Dovewing’s belly. The medicine cat’s eyes suddenly widened in fear. Ivystar! If this was the time for final breaths, she wanted Ivystar with her. She looked imploringly at Bumblestripe who had vanished and brought back a stick for her to bite down on. “Ivystar!”
Bumblestripe pelted from the den.
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Ivystar
A paw prodded her in the side. She groaned. Who’s trying to wake me up now? It‘s the middle of the night! She blinked open her eyes to see Bumblestripe’s wide anxious eyes. “What—“
“Dovewing’s kitting!” He hissed quietly. “She asked for you.”
Sparkfire was still snoring. Ivystar stepped on her tail. “Can you watch my kits?”
Sparkfire twitched an ear to show that she’d heard. She opened her eyes and fixed her eyes on Ivystar’s kits.
Bumblestripe padded out of the den and with a reluctant glance at her kits, Ivystar followed.
The cold night air chilled Ivystar’s pelt, and she sped up, heading for the warm medicine den.
It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the dark. It was claw-moon. Ivystar relaxed as she neared the medicine cat den. Panting drifted into Ivystar’s ear as her sister’s scent touched her nose. Leafpool glanced at her for a second with pity in her eyes. Ivystar tensed. What is Leafpool hiding? She flicked her gaze over Dovewing. Her sister somehow seemed smaller. Dovewing’s fur was slicked down, and she was obviously exhausted. Shaking herself out of her thoughts, Ivystar raised an eyebrow and looked at Leafpool. “Why doesn’t she have water? Bumblestripe, get some water!” Ivystar couldn’t believe that they hadn’t thought of that already.
Hearing Bumblestripe’s footsteps fade out, she met Leafpool’s gaze. “Tell me what’s on your mind.” She gave the order to Leafpool, who met her gaze evenly.
“Not now. I can’t leave Dovewing.” Why can’t she tell me when Dovewing is around?
Bumblestripe appeared with a wad of dripping moss. He laid it down where Dovewing could drink.
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Dovewing
Ivystar! Thank StarClan! As her sister’s scent enveloped her, Dovewing felt safer. Another spasm wracked Dovewing with pain.
Leafpool’s eyes widened. “One more!” Dovewing focused on Leafpool’s words.
Bumblestripe leaned close to her ear. “You hear that? Only one more.” She leaned down and lapped at the moss that Bumblestripe had fetched. It flooded her jaws with deliciousness and it tasted like it was the best water in the world. The water gave her renewed strength and another bundle slid onto the moss. Panic froze Dovewing. The kit wasn’t moving. It had been stillborn. Sadness glazed her sister’s eyes as she sat up from licking it. Dovewing was still relieved. Leafpool had said this was the last kit. She tensed, waiting for the spasms to stop. But the waves just kept coming. How long can I keep this up? I’m already exhausted. Dovewing was close to panicking.
Ivystar put her paw on her Dovewing’s stomach. “What?”
She turned to Leafpool. “Is this some kind of problem?”
Leafpool glanced back and forth between the two sisters. “I think another kit is coming.” Ivystar visibly relaxed, and Dovewing braced herself for more agony. Two more spasms rippled through her belly and wracked Dovewing with pain. At last, the final bundle of life slid out. Bumblestripe nudged it to where the other two kits were suckling. Dovewing glanced down at her stillborn kit. I’m sorry I never met you. She looked up at the sky.
Thank you StarClan. Thank you for giving me three healthy kits.
Chapter 16:
Tigerstar
He woke up, his heart pounding hard. It was still dark out, and there wasn’t a sound in camp.
I promised to meet Shimmer today! He sank into his thoughts. They were full of the beautiful she-cat. He shook himself. I should meet Ivystar. I haven’t seen the kits in a while. He padded off towards the warriors’ den.
“Hello!”
He was so deep in his thoughts that he'd nearly run right into his mother.
“Looking for me I suppose?” Tawnypelt inquired.
He nodded. “I’m going to see how I can help Shimmer, then go visit my kits.”
The deputy nodded grimly. “You know that everything will be fine when you are away.”
With that, Tigerstar bounded away. Shimmer, I will help.
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Ivystar
Tigerstar, Tigerstar, Tigerstar. Where are you? She was almost desperate now. What if something’s happened to him? She gazed across the clearing for something else to distract her. Ivystar only saw Bumblestripe and Dovewing together, tails twined. It reminded her of Tigerstar. What if I go and see him? Despite how desperate she was, Ivystar admitted that she couldn’t leave her kits when they were so young. Ugh! She was going out of her mind with worry.
“Mama! Look at meeeeeeeeeeeee!” Sunsetkit was turning out to be more adventurous than she had expected. She’d started exploring on her own, and had almost become the boldest of Ivystar’s kits. Ivystar watched for a moment as Sunsetkit jumped onto Falconkit’s tail.
Falconkit whipped around instantly. He bared his teeth. “Mangy ShadowClan trespasser!”
Mistkit waltzed in. “I, Miststar, declare that you two need to cool it!” Bumblestripe who had also been watching, curled his tail in amusement. It’s just like Mistkit to be a total drama queen. She probably thinks that she’s the greatest.
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Dovewing
“Mistkit is so cute!”
Bumblestripe nodded in agreement.
She looked him in the eyes. “When do you want to name our kits?”
He hesitated. “When the time is right.”
“Well, duh, silly!” Dovewing flicked her tail. “How about when they open their eyes?”
Bumblestripe looked down at the kits suckling. His eyes softened. “Yeah, when they open their eyes.”
“Since we’re on the subject of names, what do you think of Sparkfire’s new names?” Dovewing’s eyes sparkled mischievously.
Bumblestripe grinned. And opened his jaws to reply. “Willowkit was a good name.”
Dovewing squealed without meaning to. “Cricketkit is such a good name!” I’m acting so childish!
Bumblestripe was watching Falconkit play. “I hope she named Firekit after Firestar.”
Dovewing closed her eyes remembering the sad moment. “We should send our kit to StarClan with a name, don’t you agree?”
Bumblestripe put his tail on her cheek. “Of course we should. What do you suggest?”
Dovewing’s eyes remained closed. “Eaglekit.”
“Okay.” Bumblestripe agreed.
Dovewing let out a feeble cough. Bumblestripe curled his tail around her. She felt his comfort, yet…What if I die? What will happen to my kits?
She looked up to see her sister walking over. Ivystar smiled warmly. To Dovewing’s surprise, her sister then walked over to Bumblestripe and whispered something in his ear.
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Tigerstar
He stopped by the holly bush. Lowering his voice, he called softly. “Shimmer!” The silver she-cat stepped out from the other side holly bush. Her voice was higher pitched. “You came.”
“Of course I did.” He padded over softly. “Tell me the truth.”
Shimmer tried to look puzzled, but failed. “About what?”
He said it straightforward. “Are you…?” Shimmer leaned forward and flicked her tail to signal that he should continue. Tigerstar swallowed and let tense silence take over the conversation for a moment. The words refused to form, but he choked them out. “Are you cursed?”
Shimmer looked startled for a moment, then met his gaze evenly. Tigerstar willed her on as her she opened her jaws to reply. She delivered the words that he had been expecting.
“I am cursed.”
Chapter 17:
Tigerstar
He felt a whole new world open as he stared at Shimmer. He felt like a kit again and wanted to blurt out: That’s so cool!
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Dovewing
She watched as her kits opened their eyes and shrink back in wonder of such a big world. One kit blinked open his eyes, then shrank back and ran back to her for comfort. She nudged him back out, making sure that he got used to seeing things.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Ivystar
Ivystar turned to Sparkfire. “Would you mind watching my kits? I’m going to take a nap.”
Sparkfire nodded as Ivystar gaped her jaws in a yawn. Padding towards the nursery, Ivystar found herself enjoying the thought of a nice relaxing nap. She entered the dark hangover of the nursery. The shade cooled her flank, as she circled her nest. Ivystar felt her eyes soon start to flutter close, then drift into sleep.
Ivystar woke up in a clearing shadowed by a willow tree. A pool with running water was right behind her. The moonpool! She realized with a start. Am I dreaming? A flame pelted tom padded into the clearing and Ivystar instantly relaxed. “Firestar! I never thought I would see you again!”
Firestar smiled warmly. “Greetings, Ivystar!”
She still remembered the days when Firestar had been leader and she had been the ThunderClan deputy. “What brings you here? And why, is the moonpool here in this clearing?”
Her former mentor sighed. “It is here because it plays a part, in a danger that could soon, stop one’s heart.”
Ivystar groaned. “You used to hate how vague StarClan was, and now, you’re a StarClan cat, and you are being vague. Can’t you speak normally?”
Amusement lit Firestar’s eyes. “Still have a sense of humor, I see.”
She tilted her head thoughtfully. "Was that a prophecy, Firestar?" Ivystar blinked then frowned. She tensed. "Firestar?" The flame-pelted tom was nowhere to be seen. But, Ivystar could sense his presence still. She said it again. "Firestar?"
A voice echoed in her head as the clearing started to spin. "You will figure it out, Ivystar. You will figure this out."
Chapter 18:
Ivystar
She woke up, disappointed that she couldn’t get any more information out of Firestar.
Was it a prophecy?
It had sounded like one. The only thing that wasn’t prophecylike about it was that it seemed like more of a warning. Firestar’s voice echoed inside her head.
You will figure it out, Ivystar. You will figure this out.
She soothed herself.
Come on, Ivystar. It probably was just a warning. Not a prophecy.
But, she couldn’t get his words out of her head.
It is here because it plays a part, in a danger that could soon, stop one’s heart.
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Tigerstar
He nodded at Shimmer. “Thank you. For telling me the truth.”
Shimmer glanced at him, confusion in the depth of her eyes. “You aren’t scared, or something?”
Tigerstar looked at her. “I have a leader’s nine lives.” He looked at the ground. “I also know that you will never purposely hurt someone.”
Shimmer stared at him, touched. “Thank you. From the bottom of my heart.”
Tigerstar flicked his tail. “Everyone should be judged by their personality, not by what they were born with.”
The silver she-cat closed her eyes in pain. “You should probably go visit your mate now. She will be worried.”
He glanced at her in surprise. “Promise that you’ll be safe without me here.”
Her voice was a soft as the wind. “I promise.”
“Then I go.”
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Dovewing
“Come on!” She looked at her perfect, precious kits. “I’ll be right here if you need me. You can explore if you want.”
A gray fuzzy bundle tumbled out of the nursery. “You guys! We can explore!”
Dovewing remembered the words that she and Bumblestripe had exchanged.
“Kits! Would you like to meet your father?” She had seen Bumblestripe a moment ago.
A brown kit looked at her. “Yes please!”
The other three kits echoed that.
“Okay! Let’s go then.” Dovewing led her kits over to where she had spotted Bumblestripe.
Bumblestripe looked up. “Hey! First time out of the nursery?”
“Yeah. I wanted to take them to meet you.” Dovewing mouthed, names!
Her mate nodded. He looked at the first kit. “Not Ashkit.”
“No,” Dovewing agreed. “How about Fogkit after his grey pelt?”
Bumblestripe nodded. “That works. For the next kit, maybe Moonkit after her pale white pelt?”
Dovewing considered. “Okay, and for the last kit?”
“Rosekit.”
Dovewing stared at him. “I-I was thinking Owlkit. You know, after her brown pelt and eyes.”
Bumblestripe flicked his tail in acceptance. “Works for me.”
“Owlkit!” The tiny she-cat tried out her name for the first time.
“Hmm. Fogkit. Hmm.” The grey kit was still deciding whether he liked his name. “I like it!”
Moonkit was pouting. “What if I don’t like the name Moonkit?”
Her father glanced over sternly. “Moonkit, you were named because of who you are. If you don’t like your name, then you don’t like yourself.”
Moonkit looked dissatisfied. “Fine.”
Bumblestripe looked relieved that his reasoning had worked.
Sparkfire and Ivystar’s kit came bounding over.
Falconkit looked at Owlkit, a warm glow of friendliness in his eyes. “Wanna play?”
“Sure!” Owlkit squeaked.
Moonkit was already talking with Mistkit. “Don’t you just hate how rowdy toms are?”
Mistkit nodded in agreement. “Seriously. They whine way too much.”
Stifling a mrrow of amusement, Dovewing looked for Ivystar.
Sparkfire was already nudging her kits towards the others. They were almost looking frightened. She called over their head to Sparkfire. “Hey, where’s Ivystar?”
Sparkfire twitched an ear to show that she’d heard. “She’s taking a nap. I’m supposed to watch her kits.”
Dovewing angled her ears at Sparkfire’s kits. “Are you going to name them?”
Sparkfire’s face went blank. “Oops! I totally forgot about that. Snowbush!”
Snowbush bounded over. “Is something wrong?”
“We should name the kits!”
“Oh, yeah!” Apparently, Snowbush had forgotten as well.
“How about Crimsonkit?”
“Sure. For the red pelts. How about Maplekit?”
Sparkfire rewarded him with a smile. “I love it.”
Blossomfall came over with her kits. “My little ones are growing!”
Blossomfall had insisted that she sleep outside of the nursery, as many queens were expecting kits and kitting. “It will be too loud for my young ones.” She’d said.
Dovewing glanced at her. “They’re nearly ready to be apprentices. Why haven’t you named them yet?”
Blossomfall shrugged.
“It isn’t the right time.”
Chapter 19:
Tigerstar
His paws pounded the ground, but he was going full speed now. Tigerstar dodged a tree as he raced toward ThunderClan camp. Will Ivystar be happy to see me? Only now, he realized just how much he’d missed. What about my kits? The grass crunched beneath his paws as he neared the camp. I should’ve been visiting them. They might not even remember me anymore. He slowed his paws. The gorse barrier rustled, and something rammed head first into his flank.
“Ow!”
Rosepetal had slammed into his flank and left them both sprawling. She scrambled to her paws. “Sorry, sorry.” Her eyes widened. “Tigerstar?”
He got up. “Yeah? Is something wrong?”
Rosepetal shoved her shoulder against his flank, but failed to move him. “Don’t waste time talking to me! Ivystar’s going out of her mind with worry!”
Tigerstar felt a mix of guilt and panic. “Where is she?”
“In the nursery.”
Tigerstar whipped around and headed toward the nursery. He poked his head in. Ivystar wasn’t moving. Panic seized him. Is she dead? Then he saw the rise and fall of her flank. “Thank StarClan!” He curled around her tightly. “Ivystar?”
Ivystar opened her eyes. “Tigerstar?”
He urged her on gently. “Where are the kits?”
………………………………………………………………………………………
Ivystar
Something curled tightly around her. Ivystar opened her eyes. I fell asleep again!
“Ivystar?” Tigerstar was curled around her, looking down and concerned. “Where are the kits?”
“I asked Sparkfire to watch them.” She suddenly realized how much she’d missed him. “But that doesn’t matter right now.” She looked into his amber eyes and pushed the prophecy to the back of her mind. Ivystar felt the warmth of his flank on hers. “Where have you been? I’ve been going out of my mind.”
Her mate hesitated. “There’s been a lot going on in the Clan. Stoatfur kitted.”
“Okay.” Was he hiding something from her? She shook the thought from her head. Tigerstar tells me everything. Sadness overwelmed her for a moment. I haven’t told him about the prophecy. I didn’t tell him everything.
Tigerstar’s breath was warm on her fur. “Ivystar?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m sorry I was away for so long.”
She closed her for a moment. “That’s okay. Would you like to see the kits?”
A bit of kit-like eagerness sprang into his eyes. “Yes, please!”
“Then come.” Ivystar rose to her paws and he did the same. She stepped out of the den to see the mothers and kits playing together. Dovewing was smiling happily at Bumblestripe.
Tigerstar’s eyes clouded at the sight of them. Dovewing turned and saw Tigerstar. Her expression became guarded. Do they still have feelings for each other? Bumblestripe had seen this too, and was now scowling at Tigerstar. Interrupting the tension, Ivystar asked a question. “Have you named the kits?” Her sister nodded. “The gray one is Fogkit, the brown one Owlkit, and the white one is Moonkit.”I wish that we’d thought of naming our kits Moonkit and Owlkit! A stab of jealousy shot through Ivystar, but she pushed it away. (Sorry, I had to do it...)
………………………………………………………………………………………
Dovewing
Tigerstar! Her former mate’s face brought back bad memories. Why is it that whenever he’s around I feel like this? Dovewing glared at Tigerstar. His eyes had clouded and were now unreadable. She turned around and saw a scowl on her mate’s face. Pressing against his flank, she felt his muscles relax. He smiled down at her.
“Have you named the kits yet?” Ivystar interrupted the forming tension.
Feeling herself nod, Dovewing responded. “The gray one is Fogkit, the brown one Owlkit, and the white one is Moonkit.”
Ivystar’s expression turned envious for a moment and Dovewing resisted the urge to smirk. She instantly felt a small stab of guilt. I shouldn’t be like this with my sister! Bumblestripe’s tongue lapped her ear and he nodded to show that he’d seen her almost smirking. Why do I always feel like this around Tigerstar? He makes me want to be perfect!
………………………………………………………………………………………
Tigerstar
He wasn’t really listening as Dovewing stated the names of her kits. Bumblestripe licked her ear and nodded to Dovewing. She was glaring at him. He returned the glare, wrapping his tail around Ivystar’s shoulders. Bumblestripe took a step forward. He pressed his flank against Dovewing’s and glared at Tigerstar as if to say, She’s mine now.
He pressed himself against Ivystar’s shoulder.
You can have her!
Chapter 20:
Ivystar
She couldn’t get it out of her head. It was stuck, like mud, waiting to be removed. Or dug out. Dug, not to remove it, but to see the buried clues. All of them, in their beauty. She had to reach those clues, but she would have to get him to give them to her. But the clues wouldn’t necessarily help much. They would be vague warnings, only showing her that trouble was coming. It’s all that prophecies are for. Ivystar knew that you couldn’t thwart a prophecy. Many had tried and failed. And, yet, you only truly understand what the prophecy is when it has come true. Ivystar had much to worry about. Maybe she shouldn’t worry about these things. It was so hard to stop worrying.
The way her sister had looked at Tigerstar. The way he’d looked at her. It was almost as if they still had feelings for each other. Or something else?
Her sister had been skittish lately. Ivystar had not been oblivious to the nervous looks that Dovewing had been giving her. They were looks of fear. Every time, Ivystar had thought, what is she scared of? Sadly, Ivystar could not read Dovewing’s mind.
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Tigerstar
At the back of his mind, it was always Shimmer. He knew it was a curse, but he just couldn’t push the thought from his mind. It was like a curse, just waiting to plague. But then, Shimmer is cursed to make toms feel like this. Deciding that after tonight, he would go out again and meet Shimmer. Maybe it would settle his thoughts. His paws met the grass as rain slicked down his fur. Breaking out into a run, Tigerstar didn’t want to get caught in the storm. Widening his stride, his paws pounded the ground, faster, faster. He felt the joy to run, the rhythmic joy overriding the gloomy feeling that rain had brought.
Spotting the entrance to ShadowClan camp, he fixed his gaze on it. The ground started to squish under his paws. The rain had made the pine needles slide around. Puddles were starting form around him. Just as Tigerstar reached camp, his mother appeared, and he recognized relief on her face.
“Where’ve you been?” Tawnypelt demanded.
“Sorry,” Tigerstar panted. “Was visiting the kits.” Tawnypelt ushered him inside, out of the rain.
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Ivystar
Raindrops dripped off the roof of the den. The sound was soothing. Feeling her eyelids slowly closing, she tried to resist. Ivystar eventually failed, drifting into dreams. I hope I see Firestar again…
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Tigerstar
Tigerstar felt his mother’s tail guide him to his nest. He curled up in his nest, tail over his nose. Surprisingly, Tawnypelt sat down beside his nest, using her tongue to lick his pelt dry. The rhythmic strokes calmed him, and soon he felt the lull of sleep pull him under.
He found himself in an empty clearing. Wind whistled through the trees as he looked around. No one was here besides him. “Wrong, Tigerstar…” A voice made him jump. “We have sent one down to speak with our voice.”
A familiar flame colored cat appeared beside him. His pelt was made of stars, and Tigerstar watched in amazement as he spoke. “Hello, Tigerstar! Long time no see.” He laughed.
“Flametail!” Tigerstar gasped. “You made it to StarClan?”
“Indeed.” His brother looked at him with some admiration. “And I come with the voices of StarClan do deliver a message.”
Feeling his curiosity bubble up, Tigerstar couldn’t refrain from asking the question. “What is this message you speak of?”
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Dovewing
Dovewing stared at Owlkit and Moonkit, hoping that looking at them would soothe her. It could all just melt away. But Dovewing knew it would never happen. She was afraid. It had never happened before. The similarities were so obvious. Her sister would notice before long. Other cats would judge her for it. Other cats would judge her mate for it, when it would be her fault. She would be thrown out of the Clan, alone again. No kin, family or mate.
She would be alone.
The thought terrified her. Dovewing hated being alone. It was her biggest fear. No one would want her.
It was why she’d taken Bumblestripe as her mate. It was her weakness, the biggest secret. He’d made her feel wanted and now Dovewing would cling to that. She could never be alone, Hollyleaf could. But Dovewing couldn’t.
She was clinging to her Clan like a spider dangling off silk.
Chapter 21:
Ivystar
She woke up in the same clearing where she'd seen Firestar. It seemed too good to be true. She scanned the clearing, but the flame colored cat was nowhere to be seen. Feeling unnerved, she felt the fur on her shoulders start to rise. Ivystar paced nervously, sensing someone's presence, but not having her eyes confirm it.
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Tigerstar
His brother had anxiety flickering in the depths of his eyes. It was like an ongoing warning. Why is he so anxious? Tigerstar asked again, "What is the message that you have come to tell me?"
His brother sighed. "There is a prophecy," he stopped hesitantly.
"And…?"
"I have come to tell you, on behalf of StarClan." Flametail was starting to scare him now. He was stalling, and his brother never stalled.
Tigerstar rolled his eyes at his sibling. "Out with it! I can take it."
Flametail closed his eyes. Suddenly, an aura swept his off his feet. His brother was floating in thin air. His eyes were forced open, almost unnaturally, and Flametail's eyes were replaced with a blankness. Inside, if he looked closely, Tigerstar managed to distinguish a star. He's been possessed by the voice of the stars! Tigerstar realized with a start.
You will find that you cannot part,
From the creature able to break the heart,
A war will soon rule,
The answer is in the pool.
Meet at the great rock,
Next full moon,
To discuss this warning,
Next one soon
Flametail's eyes slammed shut. Whatever had lifted Flametail up, set him gently on the ground. His brother opened familiar eyes, and met his brother's carefully.
Tigerstar was swept into memories. Different voices clashed. I am cursed. Tigerstar! I love you. Shimmer's voice said a phrase, and Ivystar's seemed to echo each time. Pictures of Shimmer and Ivystar swirled around in his head as the world started to spin. Flametail's voice echoed inside his head. "Midnight, brother. Midnight."
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Dovewing
She had to tell Bumblestripe. It was his right to know. She'd promised him that there would be no more secrets. Dovewing did love him. She was his mate. I'll tell him tomorrow.
Dovewing nudged the kits into the nursery. "Come on, it's bedtime."
Moonkit let out a mewl of protest as Fogkit pushed her into the nest. She tumbled head over heels into Dovewing. As the mother, Dovewing shot a disapproving glance at Fogkit. "Fogkit! No pushing."
Fogkit hung his head in shame for a minute. "I'm sorry, momma." When the kit looked up, Dovewing caught a glimpse of mischief still twinkling in his green eyes. Kits these days!
Her sister was already asleep, along with Falconkit, Mistkit, and Sunsetkit. The steady rise and fall of her flank was unmistakable.
Laying down in her own nest, she let her own kits gather and she curled her tail around them. Dovewing let them suckle for a little while, then urged them to go to sleep. Surprisingly, Fogkit was the one who fell asleep first. Owlkit then, and Moonkit last. The kits slept in a bundle of fur, legs, and tails. Dovewing felt a noise in her throat rise up as she watched them. It was a gentle purr. I remember when Ivystar and I slept like that! So much had changed since then.
Feeling her own eyelids pulling down, she gave in to a gentle sleep.
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Ivystar
She sniffed the air, but found no cat scent. Instead, she found a mouse scurrying among the roots of the tree. Deciding that it would be better to hunt a mouse than stand around waiting, she dropped into a stalking crouch and slowly began. Ivystar was soon an inch away, but before she could leap, there was a sound of a twig breaking. The mouse looked up at her for a second, then ran in terror. Ivystar glanced down at her own paws, self-conscious, but they weren't anywhere close to a twig.
A voice, filled with amusement made her jump. "Well done, my apprentice. I apologize for disturbing your catch." Ivystar swiveled, and found herself nose to nose with the former ThunderClan leader.
"So, I wanna hear what that prophecy you told me last time was about." Ivystar glared at Firestar.
The StarClan cat didn’t even flinch. He laughed, a deep, hearty, chuckle that left Ivystar dumbfounded.
"What's so funny?" She demanded with an annoyed twitch of her tail.
Firestar gave her a knowing glance. "That wasn't even a prophecy!" He exclaimed, then doubled over in laughter. "I bet you've been worrying about it like crazy, if that's what you thought."
Ivystar opened her jaws to respond. "W-well," she snapped them shut again. There was no way that she would admit it to Firestar.
His green eyes glimmered with amusement as he grinned like an apprentice. "That's what I thought."
Ivystar was seriously ticked off now. "What was it that you wanted to tell me?" She looked away, trying to successfully change the subject without embarrassing herself.
The amusement in the green eyes disappeared, replaced by a slither of fear.
He was starting to scare Ivystar now. "What is it?"
Firestar hesitated, which meant that he was nervous. But he was never normally nervous.
Ivystar woke up.
Chapter 22: (Bumblestripe is now a narrator)
Bumblestripe
His mate had been scared. He smelled her fear scent, she jumped every time anyone said anything and it surprised her. She was constantly on alert. He knew something was wrong. Dovewing was holding something back, despite their promise.
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Dovewing
Dovewing had been nervous about the talk. When she’d finally pulled Bumblestripe aside, she knew that she had to make this quick, before she lost her courage. Guilt had stabbed her like a thorn all night. It had to be done.
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Bumblestripe
Dovewing pulled me aside. I could tell that she was nervous, so I pressed my pelt against hers to comfort her. She tensed, then relaxed, searching my eyes for any sign of anger. I could see fear battling guilt as she struggled to find the words.
The truth was, I’d never been angry. Just curious. But also, a bit scared. If Dovewing was this scared, something was terribly wrong.
When she’d found the words, it had come out in a sob.
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Dovewing
Her chest hurt. Bumblestripe had tried to comfort her, but he would pull away when he finally knew. When she finally managed to choke the words out from in her throat, they came out in a sob. "Fogkit isn't your kit!" She forced out the horrible words. "He looks just like Tigerstar!"
Dovewing could see Bumblestripe's eyes clouding. He was trying to doubt her words, but they were completely true. Finally, he blurted out, "They are? How do you know?"
Dovewing looked at the ground. "When Tigerstar saw Ivystar the last time, I was watching Fogkit play. His pelt, the muscles looked just Tigerstar's when I looked up." She glanced up at her mate, meeting his eyes carefully. But instead of anger, she just saw worry.
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Bumblestripe
Bumblestripe licked her ears. He just couldn't believe that she'd been carrying this around for an entire week since Tigerstar had come! "Oh, Dovewing, I'm not mad. You couldn't have done anything to prevent this."
His mate looked at him. Her voice came out so softly that he had to strain his ears. "I-I was meeting with him before I became your mate, remember?"
"On second thought, I take that back. You could've done more." Bumblestripe said bluntly.
Dovewing glanced at her paws. "I'm sorry."
"Hey, it's okay!" Bumblestripe knew that it was not okay. He wrapped his tail around her flank when a thought hit him. "What are we going to tell Ivystar? She'll be raging!"
Dovewing glanced up, her fear scent growing stronger by the minute. "I don't know."
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Ivystar
She watched her kits play. Falconkit leaped on top of Mistkit and then leaped again, catching the moss ball in midair. “I got it!”
But Sunsetkit was right there when he landed. She snatched the ball from his jaws and managed to get pretty far ahead of him before he realized that he didn’t have the moss ball. “Hey!” Falconkit gave chase.
Mistkit looked stunned from Falconkit jumping on her back. “What was that for?” Her voice came out in a small whine.
Ivystar padded over and scooped the kit up by the scruff. Shaking the kit gently, she looked down, her voice firm. “Mistkit! No whining or you can go and stay in the nursery for the rest of the day.”
The silver she-cat pouted. Mistkit finally grumbled, “Fine.”
Setting her down on the ground, Ivystar watched the kit sprint off toward her littermates, who were now fighting over the moss ball. She was about to go break up the fight, but Mistkit did it in style. Just not the way she would’ve done it. Mistkit padded over and went in between them. She took one look at the fight, and snatched up the moss ball before a kit could say ‘mouse’.
Falconkit was open-mouthed and Sunsetkit was already looking indignant. They both growled. “Hey! No fair!”
Mistkit was soon bowled over by her feisty siblings. The fight had gone from moss ball to play fighting. Sunsetkit darted in and out, pummeling Mistkit with her soft paws. Falconkit was waving his tail around wildly, and accidently smacked Sunsetkit. “Oops!”
She turned on him, fangs bared. “What was that for?” Sunsetkit launched her cheek pummel attack again, this time at her brother. Mistkit took advantage of being left alone and got back to her paws. She got Sunsetkit back and soon the three were just nonstop fighting. Ivystar called from where she was, “If you don’t stop I will delay your apprentice ceremony for half a moon!”
Falconkit stared at her in disbelief. “You wouldn’t do that!”
Sunsetkit whimpered. “Let’s stop guys.”
Ivystar swept them up with her tail.
“It might happen, one day.”
Chapter 23:
Ivystar had insisted on doing it herself. Bumblestripe had been acting as leader, but she wanted to do this herself, as a last gift to her kits. “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey meet here for a Clan meeting!”
Tigerstar had arrived early, as he was the one who would have to groom the kits and give them encouragement while she called the meeting. He has licked the kits from head to tail. Mistkit’s pelt now shined silver. Sunsetkit’s was as bright as the sun. Falconkit’s was a lush brown.
As cats gathered, Ivystar watched her kits with pride. “Mistkit, Falconkit, and Sunsetkit, please step forward.”
Dovewing was sitting with her kits and Bumblestripe. Owlkit, Fogkit and Moonkit’s eyes shining as they watched the ceremony.
Her three kits obliged, and Ivystar raised her muzzle to the sun. “Mistkit, 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 Mistpaw. Your mentor will be Berrynose. I hope Berrynose will pass down all he knows on to you.” Berrynose was known to be very arrogant, though he had matured. Ivystar hoped that the warrior could understand Mistpaw better than most could. She felt her kit lick her shoulder.
Berrynose padded forward to touch noses with his apprentice. Mistpaw touched noses with him, then they retreated to the edge of the crowd.
“Falconkit,” Ivystar began, “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 Falconpaw. Your mentor will be Lionblaze.” At this, Falconpaw gasped in surprise. “I hope Lionblaze will pass down all he knows on to you.” Falconpaw licked my shoulder excitedly.
Lionblaze approached, ready to touch noses with his new apprentice. Falconpaw waited until the golden warrior bent his head down, then tapped it lightly. They padded—well, Lionblaze did, as Falconpaw was too busy jumping up and down—over to the edge of the clearing where Mistpaw and Berrynose were.
Sunsetkit, though she had become bolder, was still shy. The kit stared up at her mother, awaiting her apprenticeship. “Sunsetkit, 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 Sunsetpaw. Your mentor will be Rosepetal. I hope Rosepetal will pass down all she knows on to you.” Sunsetpaw politely liked Ivystar’s shoulder, before thrusting her nose out for Rosepetal.
Rosepetal touched the kit’s nose lightly, then guided her to the edge of the clearing.
Meanwhile, Tigerstar had started making his way over to the kits.
Ivystar relished the words rolling across her tongue. She cheered with the Clan. “Mistpaw! Falconpaw! Sunsetpaw!” Mistpaw, of course, stuck out her chest with pride. Sunsetpaw smiled shyly. Falconpaw was still bouncing up and down.
Ivystar made a big show of leaping down from Highledge, signaling the meeting over. The crowd of cats parted to let her reach her kits, who Tigerstar was already licking them all over. “How did you like the mentors I chose for you?”
Falconpaw was the first to respond. “I actually got the best fighter in all of the Clans!” His voice was high pitched, in a squeal. He hopped around Lionblaze. “What will we do first?”
Mistpaw was actually quiet for once. Sunsetpaw ducked her head. “Rosepetal is nice.”
Lionblaze turned to the other new mentors. His voice was teasing. “Should we assign moss duty?”
Six eyes stare at him in horror. “NO!”
Ivystar rolled her eyes. “He’s kidding, guys.”
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Dovewing
She’d watched the ceremony next to her kits and Bumblestripe. Instead of Ivystar’s kits, Dovewing started to imagine her own kits in the ceremony.
Turning her attention to the apprentices, she saw that Sparkfire and Blossomfall’s kit had come over. Willowpaw, Cricketpaw, and Firepaw were almost ready to become warriors. One more moon left. Crimsonpaw and Maplepaw weren’t far behind them.
And soon my kits will be apprentices too…
Chapter 24:
Bumblestripe
He watched his mate walk over to the newly made apprentices. Owlkit and Moonkit gazed up at him. Fogkit's fur was bristling with anger as he glared at Owlkit. I wonder what he's so mad about!
Bumblestripe got to his feet, feeling awkward. “So, who wants to play a game? Fogkit?”
The small gray kit looked down in the dumps. It was as if something was bothering him. Owlkit glanced over her shoulder at him. “Hey, Fogkit!”
Fogkit's head snapped up as he rolled his eyes in her direction. “What, Owlkit?” The meow of contempt shocked Bumblestripe. When did he learn to talk like that?
Giving her brother an uncomfortable glance, Owlkit stared at her paws. “I just thought you might want to play a game.” She mumbled.
Fogkit gave an exaggerated sigh. “Well, I don't okay?” Getting to his feet, he stalked off sulkily.
Owlkit stared after him, her head hung.
Moonkit came up to Owlkit and ran her tail down her sister's flank in an attempt to comfort her. “He's just mad. He'll get over it.”
Owlkit's eyes pooled with hurt. “No, he won't. I ruined his life.” She plopped her butt on the floor with a sad thunk. Rolling onto her side, the brown kit curled up, tail over her nose.
Moonkit sighed. She looked at her sister pleadingly. “I'll play a game with you!”
Snapping out of his shocked trance, Bumblestripe flicked his tail casually. “Do you guys know what's up with Fogkit?”
Owlkit stared at her paws, her gaze full of guilt. Moonkit shuffled her paws in the tense silence.
Frustration pierced Bumblestripe’s mind. “You aren’t going to tell me, are you?”
Owlkit’s amber eyes looked up at him, a hint of fear in them. “I’m sorry. It’s a secret.” The kit turned and padded off to where Fogkit was.
Moonkit shot him an uncomfortable glance through green eyes, and went after her.
Bumblestripe sighed, plopping his own rump down onto the sand. He felt a soft tail try to comfort him. He turned to say his mate’s eyes soften. “Oh, Bumblestripe. We can’t protect them forever.”
Bumblestripe squeezed his eyes shut in pain. “But I want to make them feel loved.” He opened his eyes and stared at Dovewing. “You don’t understand, Whitewing always loved you.” Getting to his feet, Bumblestripe stalked off to his nest.
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Dovewing
She stared after her mate. The father of her kits. No wonder he cares so much. Millie made him feel worthless, only caring about Briarlight, who hated the attention. Dovewing sighed. Pity wormed its way inside her heart, but she pushed it away, knowing that Bumblestripe wouldn’t appreciate the feeling.
Instead, Dovewing tromped toward the nursery. Fogkit was curled up in his nest, eyes shut. The only reason she knew that he wasn’t sleeping was because he was gritting his teeth, tail lashing. Owlkit sat across the den, staring at her half-brother sadly. Moonkit was by her side providing comfort.
Snowbush was in the far corner with her kits. The white queen sent her a warm smile, which Dovewing returned gladly. Not to disturb the peace, Dovewing went to do something she hadn’t done in a long time.
She marched over to her sister who was watching her kits go off with their mentors. “Hello Ivystar.”
The white queen had been too deep in thought to notice her own sister. “Oh, Dovewing…. they grow up so fast….”
“Yes, I know.” Dovewing soothed her sister. Changing the subject, she asked, “Want to go on a hunting patrol together?”
Ivystar glanced at her in surprise. “What of your kits?”
Dovewing shrugged. “They’re in the nursery with Snowbush.”
“Fine.” There was a gleam in Ivystar’s eyes that made Dovewing nervous. “But on one condition.”
She sighed. “Say it.”
Her sister grinned. “We have to go visit Tigerstar.”
Tigerstar had departed right after the ceremony, Dovewing glad to be rid of his presence. Now her sister was suggesting that they go and see him again.
Dovewing made a conscious effort not to look crestfallen. “Okay, I’ll go hunting by myself.” She stomped past the gorse barrier.
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Ivystar
What’s her problem? It’s not like I suggested her swallow a rat! “Wait, Dovewing!” Ivystar caught up with her sister.
Dovewing managed to snap a stick. “What?”
Ivystar let out a weary sigh. “I really do want to go hunting with you!”
Her sister turned on her. “Then just go with me instead of whining about seeing Tigerstar! You think I have time to see him with you?”
Ivystar felt a protest fly out of her mouth. “But— “
Dovewing drew her tail over her sister’s mouth. “This is my first time going hunting in a long time! I don’t need to hear it!”
Ivystar realized how stupid she was. Shrinking inside her pelt, she felt shame. Dovewing hasn’t been hunting since before getting the sickness and moving to the nursery!
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Dovewing
It’s sickening! She wasn’t dealing with a sick mate! She always got all of the attention! Thoughts flew around her mind like a tornado. Not being able to stand her sister for another moment, Dovewing stormed off.
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Ivystar
She watched as her sister stomped across the clearing. For the second time today, Ivystar let out the same words. “Wait, Dovewing!”
Dovewing didn’t even look back. “Hunt by yourself!”
Shame stabbed Ivystar in the ribs. Why did you have to think so selfishly? Just because you’re Clan leader doesn’t mean you have to be a fish out of water with Tigerstar!
Chapter 25:
Bumblestripe
Willowpaw came over with a piece of prey. “Mind if I sit with you?” Her grumpy meow wasn’t respectful, but Bumblestripe didn’t mind.
“Sure!” He took a good glance at the apprentice. It was almost time for her and her siblings to be named. The apprentice looked miserable today, her ears flattened, fur ruffled and fluffed up. She was on edge, ready to dodge a blow. “Is something wrong?”
Willowpaw averted her glare at her siblings quickly. She snuck a glance at him, trying to judge his mood. “Yeah.” She admitted, exhaustion heating her voice. “Cricketpaw is always with Falconpaw nowadays and Firepaw is too busy padding after Sunsetpaw!” Her puff of frustration spilled out and other cats strained their ears to hear about the commotion. Noticing the stares, the apprentice flopped on the ground, staying low.
Bumblestripe tried humor. “Hey, I had no idea that Firepaw liked Sunsetpaw!”
Willowpaw snorted. “All of the apprentices besides Sunsetpaw herself knows it!” She flicked her tail at Firepaw. “Watch!”
She was right.
Sunsetpaw was with her siblings, Falconpaw boasting about his fighting skills while she rolled her eyes. Bumblestripe narrowed his eyes as Firepaw sidled up to them. “Hey, Sunsetpaw!”
Sunsetpaw jumped. Whipping around, she sighed. “Is something wrong, Firepaw? You’ve been bothering me all day!”
Firepaw had the nerve to look sheepish. “Sorry.” He shook his head. “Nothing’s wrong.”
Sunsetpaw softened. “Good.” Her voice had returned to its normal, gentle meow. She turned back to Falconpaw to see him staring at her. “What now?”
Falconpaw rolled his eyes. Firepaw had padded out of earshot by now, but Bumblestripe was still where he was. Beside him, Willowpaw leaned forward with anticipation. Bumblestripe returned his full attention to them.
Falconpaw gave his sister an incredulous look. “Everyone knows he likes you!”
Sunsetpaw stepped back, her cheeks coloring a rosy pink. “No, he doesn’t!”
Cricketpaw, who was sitting next to Falconpaw, blurted out his thoughts. “Of course, he does! You think him staring at you for hours on end during training—so much that he can’t even concentrate on his own—is a coincidence?”
The apprentice shuffled her paws. “I-I thought that he was just using me to get near the both of you—or something!”
Bumblestripe smirked. Willowpaw turned to him. “You see now?”
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Tigerstar
Stoatfur’s kits were growing fast. Within a moon, they had opened their eyes. Soon, they were nearly as big as a small apprentice. It is time to choose mentors… He scanned the cats around camp, choosing the most compatible ones around camp.
Skykit had been showing to be the most energetic, bouncing everywhere to do everything all at once. Pinekit was pretty shy, a bit jumpy. Snowkit was the curious one, boldly venturing out of camp and being caught, claiming that he wanted to make the herb stock in the medicine cat den.
Tigerstar felt his heart pounding in his chest. It was a miracle that someone else hadn’t heard it by now. Before he lost his nerve, the Clan leader leaped onto the rock. “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey meet here for a Clan meeting!” He anxiously repeated the names in his head one last time.
As the crowd gathered, Tigerstar felt eyes staring at him, some cats murmuring. Tigerstar took a deep breath. “Today we gather here for one of the most important ceremonies in the Clan.” Tigerstar knew that he shouldn’t be trying to stall.
He watched as Stoatfur ran her tongue over her kits, grooming them as quickly as she could. Alarm flitted across her face as the queen rushed to make them look good.
Tigerstar tried to put some authority into his voice. “The making of new apprentices!” It’d come up out deeper than he’d meant it to, and he hoped no cat had noticed.
Stoatfur was still licking frantically, kits squirming as they protested that they could groom themselves. Stoatfur had managed to get them pretty tidy by the time Tigerstar opened his jaws again.
Nervousness knotted his stomach. “Skykit, Snowkit, and Pinekit, would you please step forward?” Tigerstar tried to steel his nerves and steady his voice.
As soon as Snowkit heard him say that, he’d bolted away from his mother, bounding over so that he stood under the rock. Skykit went after him, a grin spreading rapidly across her face. Pinekit gave her mother one last glance before taking a step forward. She hesitated until Stoatfur took her tail and pushed her forward. Pinekit trotted forward, looking more nervous than him.
“Skykit, 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 Skypaw.” Tigerstar took another breath. “Your mentor will be Owlclaw. I hope Owlclaw will pass down all he knows on to you.”
The apprentice rushed forward to lick his shoulder while Tigerstar rested his head on hers. Skypaw hesitated for a second before touching noses with his mentor. The two retreated to the edge of the clearing, Skypaw somehow not bouncing up and down.
Tigerstar smiled down at the small red kit. “Pinekit, 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 Pinepaw.” Tigerstar was really nervous about this part. “Your mentor will be Pinenose. I hope Pinenose will pass down all she knows on to you.”
Tigerstar watched as Pinenose’s eyes widened at her own name. She dropped her eyes before they met his. Pinenose had been the only mentor that he hadn’t told was getting an apprentice.
He had chosen Pinenose as Pinepaw’s mentor because Pinenose was a smart, confident cat that was independent and fierce. The young apprentice needed to learn to not be shy and be more aggressive. The other reason was that he really had regretted the way he’d talked to Pinenose. Tigerstar had been completely annoyed, obviously really hurting her. Now, by giving her an apprentice, he was hoping to patch up all disputes with her and bury them.
Pinepaw was eagerly waiting to touch noses with her new mentor. She licked his shoulder happily, then bounded off to meet her. Tigerstar didn’t even have a chance to put his head onto hers. Pinenose gracefully made her way over to the apprentice, then they both padded over to the edge of the clearing to watch the final part of the ceremony.
“Snowkit, 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 Snowpaw. “Your mentor will be Crowfrost. I hope Crowfrost will pass down all he knows on to you.”
Tigerstar watched as the senior warrior stepped forward to touch noses with his new apprentice. It would surely be his last. Crowfrost would soon be retiring, especially at his age.
Snowkit was grinning mischievously, and Tigerstar hoped that Crowfrost’s strictness would have him turning into a trustworthy warrior. The white apprentice gave his shoulder a long lick, then waited for Tigerstar to rest his head on his own. The young cat padded forward clumsily, touching noses with his new mentor awkwardly.
Tigerstar leaped down from the rock. This signaled the end of the meeting. Chanting rose in the air, loud and clear. "Skypaw! Pinepaw! Snowpaw!"
Chapter 26:
Ivystar
She tried to sleep. The dark around her made no noise, the silence stretching to encompass the night. She missed hearing Dovewing’s breathing next to her, watching the kits. She missed Sparkfire.
Now she was alone in her den. No kits to comfort her.
Trying again, she curled up, tail over her nose. Lichen sheltered her den on Highledge, but strands of moonlight still slipped through. Ivystar wanted to jump and leap, but more so sleep. Restlessness made a restless night.
Getting to her paws, Ivystar leaped down from Highledge. Spotting Brambleclaw on guard duty, she headed over there to see if he could chat. “Hi Brambleclaw!” She said it in a low voice, not to wake anyone else.
Brambleclaw spun, his eye narrowed. When he saw Ivystar, he visibly relaxed. “Hello! What brings you here at such a late hour.”
Ivystar shrugged. “I can’t sleep. I’m just not used to sharing a den with only myself now.” She gave her chest a lick to cover up her embarrassment.
Brambleclaw smiled. “You’ll get used to it eventually.”
The Clan leader twitched her whiskers in acknowledgment. “I know. If you want, I can take over guard duty.”
Now, Brambleclaw hesitated, and she saw weariness in the depths of his eyes. “Are you sure?”
Ivystar gave a firm nod. “If I am going to have a restless night, I might as well put my time to good use."
The senior warrior blinked. “Thanks!” A yawn escaped his mouth. “Have a good night!” He padded off, leaving her to stand in the cold.
Ivystar looked up, seeing the source of light that let her see. The prophecy! The full moon is tomorrow.
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Tigerstar
He couldn’t sleep. He needed to make sure she was okay. Creeping out of his nest, the Clan leader stealthily padded out of camp.
Not making a sound, he padded out onto the pine forest. Bounding down the hill, he returned to the holly bush, the last place he’d seen Shimmer. They hadn’t seen each other in a few days. Now he called to her softly. “Shimmer!”
Paw steps sounded, coming closer. Tigerstar tensed, not knowing who it was. Relief lapped his chest when Shimmer pushed through pines. “Tigerstar!”
She stopped when they were nose to nose. Tilting her head, her eyes glowed curiously. “Why is it that you’ve come here?”
Tigerstar felt his cheeks heat. “I-I wanted to see how you were.”
Shimmer seemed to study him. “I can take care of myself, you know.”
Tigerstar shrugged. “I thought you weren’t accustomed to living in the wild, remember?” He looked down at his paws, where a crow was. “I brought a gift.”
Shimmer seemed to realize that the crow was there. “Thank you!” She blushed.
Tigerstar frowned. Why is she blushing? Shaking himself he gave her a warm smile. “Do you need anything?”
If it was possible for her to blush more than she was already, Shimmer was doing it. “Oh, uh, not really—I guess?”
Tigerstar relaxed. “Cool.” He waved his tail, tentatively. “Come on, I have something to show you.”
Shimmer grinned nervously. “Lead the way!”
Tigerstar bounded past trees, checking over his shoulder to see if she was following. His paws barely brushed the pine on the ground, wind streaming through his pelt. Stopping, he tried not to let on how hard he was panting. “This—is—it.”
Shimmer’s eyes sparkled as if they were filled with Starlight. Breath seemed to catch in her throat. “Whoa—this is totally—amazing!”
Tigerstar turned to the place in front of him. He’d found this with Flametail when they were kits, only Dovewing knew about it. “My brother and I found this. If you ever, at all need shelter, come here. Nobody knows about this, nobody but me, you, and Dovewing.”
Shimmer nodded. Was that anger flashing in her eyes? “Who was this other cat you speak of? Dovewing?” Her voice had unexpectedly turned cold.
Tigerstar shrugged. “She and I…. she was an old friend.” He knew that they had used to be more than friends, but it seemed to upset Shimmer, which he didn’t want.
Shimmer relaxed. Her sleek muscles moved against her silver form, glaring in the moonlight. “Thank you for showing me this place.”
As if sensing her thoughts, Tigerstar knew that he had to disturb the entrancing moment. “We-we should go home now.”
Shimmer’s eyes glistened. “I suppose we should.” She looked at her paws before looking up at him one last time. Leaning forward, she touched noses with him. “Farewell—Tigerstar—I hope I see you again sometime.”
He found himself leaning into her touch. Forcing himself to pull away, he watched her pad away. New thoughts tortured Tigerstar.
I have a mate. I can’t be in love with another cat.
Chapter 27:
Ivystar
She saw Cherrytail go into the dirtplace. This is my chance! She silently darted out of the camp entrance. The moon was full, Ivystar was eager to see who ‘the others’ were that had received the prophecy just like her.
The colors of green, brown, and blue blurred the surroundings, Ivystar starting to pant now. Slowing to a walk, she padded towards the meeting spot.
Pushing through the bushes, Ivystar was astonished to see Mistystar and Onestar, fur on end.
Mistystar opened her mouth to question her. “Did you receive it?”
She nodded. “So, you are ‘the others’ that were mentioned?”
The WindClan leader nodded. “Since you are here, I am going to assume that Tigerstar is the one we wait on.”
Guilt shot through Ivystar. She hadn’t told her mate! He could’ve helped, having received the same prophecy. Putting her best paw forward, she lifted her chin. “Surely he will be here shortly.”
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Tigerstar
He was just drifting off to sleep, then the owl hooted. Looking up, he was blinded by moonlight. Alarm shot through him. I forgot about the prophecy! Checking to see that Pinenose’s back was to him, he snuck out the dirtplace.
Bounding forward, Tigerstar ran as fast as he could. Digging his claws in hard, he charged towards the meeting place.
He relaxed when he saw the bushes. Slowing to a walk, he fought to steady his breathing. Taking a quick paw, he licked it, drawing it over his chest to smooth his ruffled fur.
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Ivystar
She tensed. Paw steps were nearing, pounding against the ground loudly. Steeling her nerves, she forced her fur to lie flat. She slid her claws out, just in case.
Tigerstar burst through the bushes. With a y smile, he sat down beside them. “I hope I’m not too late!”
Onestar opened his jaws, looking defiant. “You need to be more punctual!”
Mistystar climbed between the two tom cats, thoroughly annoyed. “That’s enough bickering! We all came here to discuss the prophecy.” A chill seemed to freeze the RiverClan leader. Fear emerged in her expression. “What does this mean for us?”
Ivystar hated this situation. “It means that soon, destruction will come onto Clan territory. Or,” she lowered her voice to a scared whisper, “the cat could already be on Clan territory!” She shivered.
Mistystar seemed to shrink in her own pelt. She looked older than ever. “Does anyone know the cat that the prophecy refers to?”
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Tigerstar
His thoughts raced inside his head. Who could make cats destroy each other? They would have to take control of cats in the Clan! An idea formed inside his head, and it horrified Tigerstar. Shimmer! Shimmer’s curse. It must be. He pictured the toms gawking at her inside of the ShadowClan camp. His meal from earlier churned inside his stomach. Tigerstar felt sick.
Suddenly, the other leader’s voices seemed farther away than ever. One question echoed loudly. Mistystar’s voice. “Does anyone know the cat that the prophecy refers to?”
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Ivystar
She realized she was still standing, along with everyone else. “Let’s sit and discuss this.”
She went to sit by her mate, who’s gaze seemed far away. He remained standing. Ivystar hissed, “Sit!” in his ear.
Tigerstar nodded, apparently in some sort of trance. He abruptly sat, following the other leader’s examples. He muttered something while he was sitting down. It sounded like, “Shimmer.”
“What?” She tensed. It sounds like the name of another she-cat! And the way he says it. He must really care about her!
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Tigerstar
He’d been startled when Ivystar had hissed at him to sit down. Now he was even more so.
His mate had tensed beside him, her fur fluffing up at the mention of the rogue cat. “What?” She narrowed her eyes.
Tigerstar felt awkward. He was talking to his mate about a cat he…he…liked? His feelings about Shimmer had been twisted around, turned. Was it just the curse that was affecting him? Deciding to respond, he bit his tongue. “Nothing.”
Onestar and Mistystar—to his relief—hadn’t heard. Beside him, Ivystar had smoothed her fur, but still looked a bit shaken. She looked like she wanted to say something, but was holding back.
Tigerstar’s guilt felt hot behind his ears. He already had a mate. He shouldn’t feel like this with another cat.
A vision of Shimmer entered his visions. “Tigerstar, I love you!” He felt her beautiful gaze travel across his chest, her tail twining with his. He bathed in her pretty fur, enjoying the moment with her— “Tigerstar!”
A voice snapped him out of his thoughts. He looked up to see Onestar looking annoyed. “Stop zoning out! We are trying to come up with a suitable action plan here!”
The she-cats were just staring at him in disdain. The ThunderClan leader curled her lip. The RiverClan leader frowned sourly.
Feeling his ears grow hot once again, he blushed. “Sorry!” Tigerstar’s sheepish mumble came out like the one of a kit.
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Ivystar
Shimmer. Shimmer. She sounds like a beautiful she-cat that has stolen my mate! She fought her emotions to keep her pelt smooth. But…Tigerstar is loyal to me, and me alone. He would never betray me. The fur along her spine prickled with doubt. Would he?
She didn’t know anymore.
Chapter 28:
Ivystar woke to sunlight filtering through the lichen. Hurriedly, she brushed past the curtain of lichen, trying to make it seem as if she’d never been away—despite that she’d slept late.
Last night had been a wreck. The leaders had argued, not coming to any likely confusion. Tigerstar was in some sort of trance, Onestar paranoid, Mistystar stressing. Ivystar had felt as if she were the only one in her right mind.
The other issue was Tigerstar. She was growing away from him, him growing closer to another she-cat. It frustrated her to know that her mate was no longer loyal to her. Secretly, she’d been hoping that it was just something small, not him cheating on her. But her conscience told her otherwise.
Ivystar let out a yawn, greeting Bumblestripe. “Morning!”
Bumblestripe nodded at her, meeting her eyes. “Good morning!” His voice was tight, almost as if he was in pain. It’d been a while since he had been sick, but today it looked as if something was bothering him.
Concerned, Ivystar stepped closer and breathed in his scent. It didn’t smell sickly, in fact, it smelled anxious. Attempting to keep the worry out of her voice—and failing—she put on an upbeat tone. “How are you today?”
“Hmm? Oh, fine.” The deputy’s worry lines sagged, contradicting what he said. His gaze was far away, still sharp as flint.
Ivystar didn’t believe him, but decided not to press him. “Have you sent out patrols yet?” Her tail swished back and forth, she was trying to keep it from lashing with frustration.
Bumblestripe’s head snapped back to the present. “Of course!” His tone was a mild calm, not giving a hint of impatience.
“Good.” She hesitated for a moment before padding off towards the nursery.
Chapter 29:
Ivystar
She couldn’t understand it. Racking her mind for days had done nothing, but cause trouble. She and the other leaders had planned to meet at the next full moon, but it didn’t put her at ease.
You will find that you cannot part,
From the creature, able to break a heart,
A war will soon rule,
The answer is in the pool.
This verse had been the most troubling. She’d constantly been searching for answers, questions bouncing around in her head. Who is the creature that can break hearts? What can we do to stop this? What pool is this? Theories had chilled Ivystar to the bone, but she kept searching, despite her raving imagination.
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Tigerstar
He knew it wasn’t okay. But it wasn’t even about resisting anymore. The fact was, he couldn’t. Tigerstar longer for Shimmer. Every night he snuck out, meeting her at the holly bush. Tonight—the riskiest night, but he couldn’t stay away.
Brushing past ferns, Tigerstar traveled along the well-worn path he’d made for himself. The nightly breeze chilled his bones as he quickened the pace. His paws moved on their own, his mind absent.
The bush swayed as he ducked underneath it, a small dirt path on the edge of a downward slope. Skidding, he leaned back against his paws for balance, careful not to touch his fur onto the dirt.
The cave sparkled and glimmered ahead of him, a secret spot Shimmer had found. It had been a refuge, the best place possible for Shimmer to stay.
Tigerstar breathed in her scent, wreathing around him. He had an important question for Shimmer, one that might lead to trouble, but it was inevitable already. Digging his claws into the soft sand, he slipped through a side entrance of rocks, the only possible way to get into the cave. And there—right there—sat Shimmer.
He forgot how to breathe. Each and every time he saw the beautiful she-cat it was still hard to take in such beauty all at once. Rushing towards her, Tigerstar pressed his flank against hers, sharing the warmth he’d brought with him. “Shimmer…” The word felt like a breath of fresh air among the damp, humid air around them.
Shimmer looked up at him, glowing with joy. “Tigerstar…”
Her sweet scent was comforting, Tigerstar wanting to inhale it for the rest of his life. This question was important, so very important. “I have a question for you.”
Shimmer’s eyes shined with curiosity. Her gentle mouth formed the words he’d been waiting to hear all along, “What is it?”
Tigerstar leaned down and rubbed his head against hers, resting his nose onto hers while looking into her eyes. “Will you be my mate?”
“Yes,” His mate said, “yes, my love.” Her words were barely audible from the underneath of her purr.
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Bumblestripe
Worry had taken over his life. Fogkit was looking more and more like Tigerstar, it was almost totally obvious now. The good news was that no one else seemed to notice—yet. They were all oblivious to the fact, though Bumblestripe feared that would change when the ShadowClan leader next entered camp.
Deep in his thoughts, Bumblestripe hadn’t seen his mate approaching. Her sweet smile gently pointed at him, reassuring him and telling him not to worry, but it had a hint of sadness. Gradually, he rose to his paws to touch noses with her. Dovewing obliged, her gray fur brushing against his tensely. They both knew her mistake. They both knew it was time to do something. So, when his mate asked for the both of them to go on a walk, he knew what she was saying.
Bumblestripe approached Ivystar, Dovewing at his side. His voice felt raw under her stern gaze. One wrong move could be the death of them. “May we go on a walk?”
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Ivystar
She saw the hesitation in his eyes. He was withholding something. Worry swam in the depths. Ivystar felt her own eyes soften. “Of course, my deputy. The patrols have been sent out already, right?”
To her relief, he gave a nod. “That was done.” Turning his gaze warmly on her sister, he smiled sweetly. They padded away together, pelts tangled together. It was sweet, but it only reminded Ivystar of how she and Tigerstar used to be.
Shaking the thoughts out of her head, the ThunderClan leader retreated into the dark of her den.
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Dovewing
As soon as they were in the forest, she let out a breath of relief. “That was close.” Her small whisper was lost among the forest’s sounds.
Bumblestripe stopped near the bush they were walking past. “Dovewing, we can’t keep doing this. It’s better if we tell both of them. I’d much rather that than they find out on their own. Then they have all the more reason to be angry at us.” His head drooped. “I never wanted to be in trouble. This could have me back as a warrior.” He stared straight into her eyes. “I don’t want that, Dovewing.”
Guilt dropped her heart as if it were a stone. This entire time I’ve been worried about myself. But I forgot that when I dragged Bumblestripe into this, he might have something to lose as well. She gave a slow nod. “We-we need to tell them the truth.” All of her instincts screamed for her to hide the truth, not voice it, but at this point she needed to give her mate a say. “I love you, Bumblestripe.”
Her mate’s eyes filled with a mixture of pride, sorrow, relief, and love. “Thank you for doing this with me. I love you too.”
Chapter 30:
Tigerstar
It’d been a moon since he’d last seen Shimmer; a sickness had been keeping him away. Now that the plague was under control, he—once again—wandered down the path to the cave. “Shimmer…”
Instantly, his mate’s beautiful head popped out, her silver body looking plump. “Tigerstar!” She didn’t at all seem upset that he had stayed away for so long.
Moving forward to greet her, he touched noses. “I see that you’ve been eating well.” Tigerstar brushed his tail tip over her belly, which was propped up awkwardly.
Shimmer flinched, as if stung. “Actually, the prey’s been poor lately.” A small part of her eyes glimmered.
He shrugged absentmindedly. “Then you are fit and healthy.” He put on his most pleasing tone, hoping she would be impressed by his kindness.
“No, Tigerstar,” she said. A smile emerged, lighting up her entire face. “I’m expecting kits!”
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Dovewing
She hated this arrangement. She’d stalled for as long as she could. But yet, she had no intention of telling her sister anything.
The only reason she’d ever been in a relationship with Bumblestripe was because he had been the only one who valued her. She’d told endless lies to hold in the secret, but wasn’t sure just how far she would be willing to go. This was really pushing it.
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Ivystar
Bumblestripe came over to her, his furrowed brow betraying stress. “Have you see your sister?”
She shook her head. “I don’t think she’s left the den.”
The deputy bounded over to the nursery and slipped inside.
Curious, Ivystar followed warily. She knew it was wrong to eavesdrop, but she wanted answers. Her sister and deputy had been avoiding her for a moon. What is going on?
Her sister’s wary voice rose to her pricked ears. “I’m going to be blamed. She’s going to blame me.”
Ivystar sucked in her breath. Is she talking about me?
Her deputy’s familiar meow comforted Dovewing. “It’s not—this was before they were mates. She shouldn’t be.”
What does Tigerstar have to do with this?
The reply wasn’t friendly. “It’ll endanger our kit if she is angry about it. Our kit!” Her sister’s voice had hardened with a mother’s love, but had an undertone of fear.
Unable to stand being left in the dark, Ivystar entered the den. “What’s this all about? You know I would never hurt a kit! Besides, I’m not even sure Tigerstar and I are mates still.” She hoped that they hadn’t heard how her voice had hitched. She looked at her sister helplessly. Her voice stopped working—it dropped to a whisper. “I thought we were best friends. Sisters. That we were done with the secrets. Done with the lies.” Her sole focus was on Dovewing now. “I can’t believe you think I would hurt a kit—specifically yours!” Hurt had poured out, yet she could not bring herself to be angry with her sister, but then her patience started to ebb rapidly.
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Dovewing
Her sister looked somewhat small in the nursery.
Guilt was crashing down upon her. Ivystar was listening? Shame made her blink. What have I done? Speechless, she stared down at her paws.
Bumblestripe said nothing, acknowledging that this was a sister dispute that he shouldn’t get involved in.
Her sister stared down at her, bristling. “I can’t believe you—” Her voice rose to a screech. “I can’t believe you!”
She turned and stormed out of the den, leaving Dovewing to battle her emotions.
Chapter 31: (I don't normally leave a note, but we're nearing the end! I'm so proud to have the support of all of my friends, family, and fans. I keep this story going for you. I'm sure I would give up otherwise. It's so hard to realize that I am almost done with an entire fan fiction! My first, to be exact. I hope you enjoy the last ten chapters!)
Ivystar
She didn’t want to know what this ‘big secret’ was. She didn’t have a care for it if the whole universe said she should. It wasn’t happening. Why would Dovewing lie to me? How could she not trust me? I would never hurt a whisker on her kit. Rage trembled her whiskers. Hurt took root deep inside her heart. It felt like she’d been stabbed with a knife, then branded the murderer. It felt like Reward for Lost Kitten posters were being put up in her honor—this time only to keep her away. StarClan—it felt like she’d been stabbed in the heart. Her eyes watered, and the world turned glassy. Is it too much to ask for my sister not to keep secrets from me? Is that really so hard to do? She shut her eyes, which had started to water, turning off her glassy vision.
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Tigerstar
Her last word stopped him. “Kits?” For some reason, his voice seemed to be strained.
Shimmer was oblivious. “Aren’t you pleased?” She let out a warm purr.
Tigerstar chewed the inside of his lip. “Of course.” There was no way he could force anymore enthusiasm. It was all crammed into a fake smile as he blinked at his mate. Kits! Worry overtook his thoughts and he started to pace inside of the small cave. “How will you do the kitting? We don’t have a medicine cat! It’s not like I—as Clan leader—can just go up to my medicine cat and say, ‘Puddleshine, I took a rogue mate and now she’s having kits so you need to stay with her now and abandon your position in the Clan.’” He took a deep breath. It rattled inside of his lungs.
His mate laughed. “No, silly. I’ll just join your Clan.”
Tigerstar froze. “What?”
Shimmer was so happy she didn’t roll her eyes. “I’m just going to join you’re Clan. Then we can be together!” She smiled affectionately at him, then narrowed her eyes. “That is what you want, right?”
The prophecy. He couldn’t back out of this one. The prophecy couldn’t really be about Shimmer, right? She was just a rogue with a curse that she didn’t want. Shimmer wasn’t dangerous. He pushed his doubts away. Meeting her eyes, he let a smile spread across his face. “Of course! Just…could you keep quiet about being my mate until the Clan gets used to your presence? I don’t want to be the Clan traitor—or a leader driven out.”
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Dovewing
A pelt pressed against her own in silent support. She knew it was Bumblestripe—she just couldn’t bring herself to admit it when she knew that she was just using him to get what she wanted. She hesitated, then slid out from under the nursery roof to see her kits.
Fogkit, Owlkit, and Moonkit were at the entrance, looking super dirty. They needed to be groomed—right now. Dovewing raised her head. “Kits, come here.”
Scuttling sounds followed as the tom and two she-cats climbed over the moss to sit in front of their mother.
She smiled down at them, sweeping her tail around them to pull them closer. Slowly, with gentle licks, she groomed their filthy fur. After a while, she sat up. “Much better.” Fogkit, Owlkit, and Moonkit, shined from head to claw.
Fogkit continued to be a grump. “I totally could’ve cleaned myself, you know. Probably way better too!”
Owlkit put her tail across his mouth softly. “Shh! That’s disrespectful.”
Bumblestripe came over. “Where have you all been?” His gaze scanned over all of the kits, but lingered a bit longer on Fogkit, Dovewing noticed.
Sitting back on her haunches, Dovewing sighed. “They were probably trying out apprentice moves again.” She ruffled her son’s head fur, which was sleek.
Owlkit looked away guiltily. She’d probably led them through it, always the troublemaker.
Fogkit ducked out of paw length defensively. “It’s not against the code!”
Dovewing sighed. “You all are growing up so fast…I’m going to miss you when you’re apprentices.”
Moonkit suddenly rushed forward to bury her head in her mother’s fur. “I’ll miss you too, Mommy.” Her quiet voice hadn’t spoken until now, but it was a relief to know that she was still soft-spoken.
Tears stung Dovewing’s eyes. Quickly wiping them away with her tail, she wrapped her kits into a tighter embrace.
Owlkit gazed up at her for a moment before burying her nose in her mother’s fur.
Moonkit remained in the position she was in, enjoying the warmth.
Fogkit quietly pressed his small flank against hers, letting his muscles relax against her side.
Dovewing leaned down and nuzzled her kits. Her sad smile didn’t reveal anything about what she was thinking. I can’t believe I ever thought that Ivystar would hurt one of my precious bundles of fur…oh, what was I thinking? Restless, she moved her flank, startling all three of the kits. Nudging them gently, she said, “go on, get a mouse from the pile to eat.” Watching the kits scramble to get to the pile first, she took in a deep breath. A tail traced lightly across her spine, and she acknowledged her mate. Getting up, she padded towards Ivystar’s den.
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Ivystar
She was curled up when she heard soft footsteps. Head on her paws, she thought, Please, don’t be my sister.
But sure enough, there was Dovewing, biting the inside of her cheek nervously.
Chapter 32:
(Another note: *jazz hands* Thank you to all of my fans for being such loyal supporters. You guys keep me going, otherwise I would probably have quit writing this by now. This next extra-long chapter is dedicated to you!)
Dovewing
She looked at her sister. “Sorry—this is so, so awkward.”
Ivystar eyed her nervously. “Don’t you realize that I’ve been through enough today?”
Dovewing sighed. “I know, I know. It’s just that you deserve to know this, okay?”
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Ivystar
She hated the fact, but it was true. She really was starting to want to know. Besides, if it was so important, how bad could it really be? “Wellllllll….?”
Dovewing bit her lip. “Fogkit…isn’t Bumblestripe’s kit.”
Ivystar sensed that there was something more to this. “Please tell me that wasn’t the whole announcement,” she begged, not willing to be left in suspense.
“Shh!”—Dovewing shot her a look— “I’m not finished.” She waited for five seconds before blurting, “Fogkit is my kit and he’s also—”
“Just get on with it already!” Ivystar’s tail instantly whipped over her mouth. I did not mean to say that!
Her sister nodded reluctantly. Her despair seemed to grow as she choked out the words— “He’s also Tigerstar’s.”
It took a moment for her words to register, and when she managed to say something, Ivystar’s voice was strained. “No.” It was a quiet—but deadly—word.
Dovewing seemed at a loss for words, just giving the tiniest of nods. Guilt sparkled in the depths of her eyes, her gaze downcast.
It took a minute for Ivystar to fully comprehend what was happening. “Does…Bumblestripe know?”
Her sister nodded, her eyes full of tears that she was blinking back.
“Oh.” The word sounded empty.
Dovewing sucked in a breath. “Are we going to tell Tigerstar?”
Ivystar dug her claws into the ground. “Does he really have the right to know? I mean, he hasn’t come to see me or the kits for a moon!”
………………………………………………………………………………………
Dovewing
The pain in her sister’s eyes just brought on another wave of guilt. I should have noticed!
Ivystar glanced up at her, eyes hardened with anger. “If he comes by to see me, then we’ll tell him. But if he doesn’t—it’s his own fault that he hasn’t visited.” Her eyes searched Dovewing’s, asking, Is it a deal?
She nodded. Ivystar deserves to decide. Her need for love had never truly been satisfied, but she felt as though she was ruining this one. Looking at her sister, she paused, solemn. “I’m—really—sorry. I never meant for this to happen.” Even if the words were true, it wouldn’t have mattered. Dovewing had had no intention of letting Tigerstar ever be her mate without them having kits together. She’d just never expected her relationship with him—the ShadowClan leader—to be broken off before she’d had the chance. She’d never imagined that her wish might be granted. Stealing a last glance at her sister, she turned to go.
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Bumblestripe
She came out of the den quietly, he noticed. It was a strange sight, somecat unaware that all eyes were on them—whisperings following close behind—casually coming out of the leader’s den as if it were no big deal. His mate made a beeline for him, obviously a lot on her mind. “Hey.” Without waiting for a reply, she flopped down next to him.
Leaning closer, he whispered, “How’d it go?”
The strange surprise in her eyes seemed stronger than ever. “She…wasn’t angry.” Her voice was no more than a breath. Dovewing looked as though she were still taking in the words herself.
Bumblestripe dubbed it as ‘suspicious’ in his mind. “What—how—did she react?” It was almost none of his business, but he knew enough to help her through this.
Troubled eyes held his gaze. “She—I asked her if we should tell Tigerstar.” Her own gaze sharpened. “She said that he, he hadn’t come to see her or the kits in a very long time. She said that he would get to know if he came by.” Concern lit her gaze. “She was scared, Bumblestripe. Uncertain. I think she doubts whether she’s even his mate anymore.”
He gave a reluctant nod. “It’s too bad he probably won’t have enough sense to come and see her.”
Suddenly, little bundles over fur tumbled into them. “Sorry!” The squeak came from the small group of kits, which came to a halt. “Papa? Momma? What are you doing here?” Fogkit, Owlkit, and Moonkit had arrived.
“Just talking,” Bumblestripe replied hurriedly. “Now move along.”
Moonkit nudged her siblings. “Come on, we’d better do as they say.”
Owlkit glared at her parents before following her sister. “Hmph.”
Fogkit bounced after, his grumpiness in the past days completely forgotten. “We should go ask the elders for a story!”
Argument followed as Owlkit turned on him. “Are you a rabbit-brain? We’re gonna be made apprentices soon! It’s too kit-like for us!” She puffed out her scrawny chest.
Moonkit stepped between her siblings. Her quiet voice was bolder than normal, but weary. “Stop arguing already! You’ve been doing it for days!” She glanced over her shoulder to check and see if her parents were watching; which they were. “You know that it was an accident—both of you do. Now stop that and go along with my plan.”
“Your plan?” Fogkit and Owlkit echoed, confused. Then they glared at each other, calculating the probability of the other getting what they wanted. “Fine.”
The white kit smiled. “We are going to go listen to an elder’s story, then”—she paused to glance at her sister— “we will play OwlClan. Sound like a deal?” Her small, fluffy tail lashed impatiently.
The two glared at each other for five seconds straight before Fogkit pulled his gaze away. “Fine. It’s a deal.” Owlkit nodded her agreement, and with that the siblings were off.
Dovewing glanced at Bumblestripe, amused. “Moonkit is so mature. She’ll be quite the little peace keeper when she grows up.”
He grinned. “Think she’ll want to be a medicine cat? She could actually pull it off.”
His mate gasped, as if she were giving the thought a fresh look. “I-I—that would be such an honor! Our little she-cat is growing up!”
Bumblestripe smiled sadly, then called, “Moonkit?”
A fluffy white head popped out from the entrance of the elder’s den. “Shh! I’m listening to a story!”
Dovewing flicked her tail. “Could we talk?” She asked, tentatively.
“Mmmm-hmm.” Moonkit slid out of the den before making her way over to them. “Now make it quick,” she said sassily.
Bumblestripe leaned down so that he was face to face with the kit. “How would you like to train as a medicine cat apprentice?”
The small kit’s eyes widened, her irises shimmering with excitement. “Do you mean it?”
“Of course,” Dovewing promised. “We think that you would make a good medicine cat or warrior. But, that takes great responsibility—to be a medicine cat, you know.”
Moonkit purred, her whiskers twitching shyly. “I…think I’d really like that.”
Chapter 33:
(I am thinking about extending to 50 chapters........tentatively.)
Ivystar
“Let all cats old enough to hunt gather here for a Claaaaaaaaaaaaan meeeeeeeeeeeeting!” She yowled to the sky.
Bumblestripe emerged out of the nursery, his chest puffed out in pride. Spotting Ivystar, he dodged cats to get underneath the rock.
Ivystar’s sister emerged from underneath the nursery branches. Dovewing looked proud, her freshly groomed kits bounding towards the rock after her.
Raising her own voice, Ivystar let a smile spread across her face. “Today I have three very important ceremonies to perform.” Murmurs spread, wondering what the second ceremony could be. She ignored them. She nodded towards Fogkit, Owlkit, and Moonkit. “We have some kits who have reached six moons.” She gestured to the kits, who were smiling attentively. Fogkit actually looked excited for once. She called them up one by one. “Fogkit, 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 Fogpaw. Your mentor will be Sparkfire. I hope Sparkfire will pass down all she knows on to you.”
Fogpaw licked her shoulder. The daughter of Brambleclaw and Squirrelflight padded forward and touched noses with the new apprentice. Then the two drew aside to the far edge of the clearing.
Ivystar cleared her throat. She repeated the same ceremony for Owlkit, giving her the mentor of Poppynose. When it was finally Moonkit’s turn, she started to pay more attention. “Moonkit, it has come to my attention that you would like to become a medicine cat apprentice. Are you sure that this is what you’d like?”
The small white cat hesitated, then nodded, her jaw set with determination. “It is.”
Ivystar proceeded with the ceremony. “Moonkit, 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 medicine cat name, you will be known as Moonpaw. Your mentor will be Alderheart. Though I take it that Alderheart is young,” she meowed, “I believe he will make a suitable mentor after what great care he provided Twigpaw.”
Moonpaw licked her shoulder, eyes sparkling with happiness.
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Dovewing
She was so, so proud of her kits. They deserved this. But still, she was wondering what the following ceremonies were. Luckily, she didn’t have to wait long to know the answer.
Her sister nodded to her kits and Twigpaw, who she’d decided to keep with her kits. “We have four new warriors as of today! To spare my voice, I’m going to give them an all-in-one ceremony!”
Mistpaw, Twigpaw, Sunsetpaw, and Falconpaw stepped forward eagerly.
“Mistpaw, Twigpaw, Sunsetpaw, and Falconpaw, you have reached the age of twelve moons. Berrynose, Lionblaze, Molewhisker, and Rosepetal, do you feel that these apprentices are worthy of warrior status?”
Berrynose gave his apprentice a fond look that she returned. The two had obviously bonded. “Mistpaw is worthy.”
Molewhisker, Lionblaze, and Rosepetal exchanged glances before meowing, “Our apprentices too.”
“Very well then,” Ivystar said, pleased. “Mistpaw, from this day on you shall be known as Mistdawn. We embrace your sassiness
………………………………………………………………………………………
Ivystar
Her throat ached, but maybe it was because she was too choked up, seeing her kits all grown up.
Clearing it again, she kept on, meeting Brambleclaw’s gaze this time. “We…have a warrior—who we are very grateful to have with us today—that will be retiring to the elder’s den.”
The senior warrior took the hint. Brambleclaw stood up, grinning. “I am retiring to the elder’s den, but first, I want to thank everycat for being such grate peers, especially my mate, Squirrelflight.” He looked fondly at her. “Thank you for supporting me, and being able to look past my father’s influence.” His voice cracked, then died. “Thank you all.”
Ivystar let out a breath. “Brambleclaw, we thank you for your dedicated service towards ThunderClan.” Her meow was strained, hurting.
“This concludes our meeting,” she said, leaping down from the rock.
Chapter 34:
Tigerstar
Nerves. Today was the day. He sucked in a breath, then took the final pawsteps into the den. His mate awaited him, a solemn smile accompanying her calm stance. Her eyes; however; danced with mischief. Touching noses with her, he gestured with his tail. “Time to go,” Tigerstar said, trying to keep the dread out of his voice.
Shimmer nodded, her gentle smile reassuring. “Don’t worry.” She knew him too well.
His jaw set, he nodded, then started on the path. Pawsteps behind him told Tigerstar that she was following. He had worn a familiar path over the moons, but now it felt almost unrecognizable.
…
When they arrived, every tom in the clearing stopped to stare. This time, when the surge of jealousy rushed through Tigerstar, he let it, snarling at other toms. “Give her some room!”
Shimmer, on the other hand, looked downright miserable with this attention. She clearly knew it was only because of her beauty—her curse, rather than any other endearing qualities she might have. Still, no other cat in the clearing knew her as well as Tigerstar did, and he could only tell she was uncomfortable because of the way her eyes were taking in the clearing for the second time: They darted around, on edge. Otherwise her jaw was set, chin up as she marched confidently through the clearing again. Other she-cats curled their lips, disgust the only thing on their faces. Despite this show, it was all too clear that they were jealous. Tawnypelt wasn’t among them.
Everything fueled Tigerstar’s fears, so when the time came, he ushered her into his den. Hearing the swishing noise made by the lichen swinging shut, he sat, relieved. Meeting Shimmer’s eyes he forced a look of confidence. “Sooo…just to recap…you’d like to join the Clan, despite the fact that you may be judged harshly by others? You will have to start training as an apprentice, hunting, battle training—” Tigerstar frowned.
“Hehe,” Shimmer gritted her teeth. “You didn’t think this through, did you?”
Shaking his head, he gave a weak smile. “How couuuuld you telllll?” He formed each word one by one.
She was gnashing her teeth together now, frustrated. “What am I supposed to do with this?” She jerked her head downwards, towards her belly.
Tigerstar shrugged. “You could volunteer to be a forever nursery queen. You know, just to help out around camp.”
Shimmer’s tensed muscles relaxed. “Yes, yes. That sounds good.”
“Right.” He stood up. “We have to—I have to call a Clan meeting.”
“Yeah, okay.” His mate regarded him with curious eyes. “What should I do?”
“Just answer my questions while standing underneath a rock,” He replied, already getting up.
“Mmm-kay.” Shimmer bounded out of the den, quickly going down the small path along the side.
Tigerstar swallowed before making his way to the top of the rock. “Let all cats old enough to catch a frog gather here for a Clan meeting!”
………………………………
Dovewing
It’d been a moon since her kits had been made apprentices. They had been thriving.
Today she’d just returned from a patrol and was now sitting with her mate when Birchfall rushed in. To her horror, he’d been shouting for Alderheart and Jayfeather. Leafpool was out gathering herbs. “Come quick!”
The medicine cats had rushed over. “What is it? What’s wrong?”
Birchfall looked panicked, desperately trying to catch his breath. “Moonpaw….out in the forest…badger…” Were the only words Dovewing could make out from his labored breathing, but it was all she needed to hear.
Before a cat could blink, she was on her paws, heading for them. “Where? Did you just leave her there? Why are we wasting time talking?”
Bumblestripe was on her tail. He had read her mind and was already plunging into the forest
Already taking heaving breaths, Dovewing hurried after him, Jayfeather on her heels. “Alder…heart…went back…herbs,” was all she could make out from his labored breathing and the pound of her paws.
Surging ahead, she caught up to her mate, who was following Birchfall’s scent trail. “Come…on,” she panted to herself. She could tell she was nearing the end, the scent trail getting a bit fainter. The sight that greeted her made Dovewing stop dead in her tracks.
Badger scent was everywhere in the clearing, a red-white bundle of fur collapsed in it, unconscious. Moonpaw. The badger had obviously long gone, but the apprentice was badly injured, red streaks lining her fur.
It took Dovewing a moment to realize that she needed to breathe. Her throat burned as Bumblestripe slowed to a stop next to her.
At a loss for words, his eyes widened as her took in the small clearing. Hesitantly, he caught his breath, taking reluctant steps forwards. Only to flinch at whatever he saw.
Dovewing hadn’t noticed that Jayfeather was behind her, but now he bounded forward, eyes flashing to the numerous wounds along her daughter’s fur.
“How could this have happened?” Dovewing breathed, horrified when she drew near. “How could we have let it?”
Jayfeather’s head suddenly snapped upwards. “Get cobwebs—both of you! Do you want to save her or not?”
Shaking herself, Dovewing set off to search, grief fogging her thoughts. Barks, trees, roots, rocks…. cobwebs. Finding what she was looking for, she scraped as much of it off as she could before she was scurrying back to the medicine cat. “Jayfeather! Jayfeather!”
Bent over Moonpaw’s body, he looked up now. Alderheart was next to him, herbs scattered in a heaping pile beside him. Unable to answer with his mouth chewing up leaves, Jayfeather waved her over with his tail.
Alderheart instructed her to put pressure on the main wound—a deep gash near her neck. He massaged the poultice into it as she worked. “Good—now put it around the edges—yep, that’s it—now try to do it with these cobwebs.” He was referring to the ones Bumblestripe had just arrived with.
“Right.” Dovewing looked up at her mate quickly, then stole a glance at her surroundings. Brackenfur, Cinderheart, Lionblaze, and Poppyfrost were guarding them. She’d just been too focused on her task to notice.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Ivystar
She rushed after Alderheart, following him to his den as he frantically grabbed from piles of herbs. “What’s wrong?”
The medicine cat apprentice didn’t pause at all while he spoke. “Moonpaw was injured by a badger.”
“StarClan forbid!” Ivystar exclaimed at the thought of her sister’s daughter dead. Bolting, she let out a yowl. “I need Cinderheart, Lionblaze, Poppyfrost, and Brackenfur to follow the scent trail of Birchfall. Moonpaw has been injured by a badger and you are to guard her! Now go!”
Holding onto her hopes, Ivystar thought, StarClan, Moonpaw never deserved this.
Chapter 35:
Tigerstar
“Let all cats old enough to hunt their own prey join me here for a Clan meeting!” His voice was a bit strained, so he covered it up with a smile.
Shimmer was standing beneath the rock. Her pelt shone in the beautiful sunlight.
Glancing down at her, he hesitated now. Wouldn’t it be easier if I just said that she was my mate and expecting kits? The other toms would back off. Lifting his head to look at his cats, he meowed, “Before us is a cat named Shimmer.”
All eyes turned to the rogue she-cat, if they hadn’t been there already.
Shimmer seemed uncomfortable with the attention even more so this time, but she put on a smile and waited for him to continue.
Tigerstar started again. “She would like to join ShadowClan. I have already accepted her request. She will serve in the nursery like Daisy, the ThunderClan cat as she is pregnant. Any questions?”
The crowd looked unnerved. The toms were all giving her that lovey-dovey look and the she-cats were frowning. Some of them almost looked like they didn’t want him to accept her joining request, but she was pregnant, and that was the end of that.
Proceeding with ceremony, Tigerstar asked Shimmer, “Would you be okay with changing your name?”
Tentatively, his mate held up her chin. “No.”
………………………………………………………………………………………
Dovewing
She sat beside her daughter every spare second she could, but Moonpaw only seemed to get worse. Especially when Leafpool came up to her the next day.
A furrow line on the medicine cat’s forehead did nothing reassure her that the news would be good. And it wasn’t. Leafpool sat down beside her, breaking it to her all gently. “Your daughter, some of her scratches are infected. Badger, fox claws can be dirty and filled with disease. The gash along her neck…I’m afraid that’s infected as well.”
Dovewing knew only of this after three days. It pained her.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Ivystar
The Gathering was in two days’ time. She was going to have to face Tigerstar. If only he would come to her…she shook her head to clear away the thought. It was a tiny hope.
Padding down the steps of her den, Ivystar found her deputy glancing dubiously around camp. When he saw her, he meowed, “Greetings, Ivystar.”
“Thank you, Bumblestripe,” she said. “What is it that has you so worried?”
He sighed. “I’m worried that Moonpaw won’t make it,” he said. The furrowed crease in his forehead got deeper.
Ivystar knew much, but she could tell that it wasn’t the whole truth, though it was part of it. Deciding not to press him, she smiled hopefully. Maybe this would take his mind off whatever he was worrying about. “Could you come with me to my den? We need to discuss who is attending the Gathering tomorrow night.”
“Of course,” Bumblestripe meowed, getting to his paws. “I’ll be there right away.”
Pursing her lips, Ivystar narrowed her eyes at him playfully, wanting to cheer him up. “See that you do that.”
……………………………………………………………………………………
Tigerstar
“Alright then, Shimmer. You are welcome to explore.” He turned his attention to the three apprentices sitting before him. “Would you like to show our new Clanmate around?”
Pinepaw’s eyes lit up, Snowpaw offering a smile to the newcomer. “Yes, please!” Skypaw was the only one of the threesome that seemed unexcited to be asked by him to lead Shimmer around camp.
His mate was studying him now, a frown creasing her lips. Suddenly turning, she stalked over to the apprentices with a smile. “I’m excited to see the camp!”
Tigerstar looked down at the rest of the crowd. “Meeting dismissed.” He waved his tail before retreating into his den. He needed some time to think.
In the shade of his den, he fully embraced the fact that the Gathering was tomorrow. The problem was, everycat who was there would know that Shimmer was new, and if word got out that she was a former kittypet and rogue, things could get messy. Tigerstar decided that Shimmer wouldn’t need to ever go to the Gathering. But her history wasn’t the only reason. The other leaders were there. Surely one of them would think that she could be related to the prophecy.
Leaders. Ivystar. This was an entirely new category or worry. He’d left kits there. His other mate. What could he do…she was never going to forgive him if she found out about Shimmer and her being pregnant. But…she would find out anyway. There was no ideal solution, except to tell her the truth before everything got so much worse. Dovewing’s reaction to his…his…betrayal had been bad enough. He didn’t want Shimmer to go through that. But he also wanted to spare Ivystar the pain.
Setting his jaw, Tigerstar stood. He was going to face Ivystar before the Gathering. He needed to.
Chapter 36:
Tigerstar
Having already told his mother that he was leaving, he walked the familiar path into the ThunderClan territory. A rustling in his bushes drew his attention. On guard, Tigerstar’s fur bushed, making him look bigger.
A patrol stepped out of the bushes. “Tigerstar?” Brackenfur and Poppynose stepped out of the bushes, a bit small for a patrol. “What are you doing here?”
“I’m, um,” he supplied, “I’m here to visit Ivystar, is she here?” He glanced behind them, but only saw trees.
Poppyfrost and Brackenfur exchange looks. “She’s…not here. She’s at camp.”
“Thanks,” Tigerstar meowed, flashing a smile. “Good luck hunting, or whatever.”
…
Within a few minutes, he was pushing through the barrier. The only cat in the clearing was Berrynose, to his surprise. “Berrynose, do you know where Ivystar is?”
The warrior’s head snapped up. “Ivystar?” he said briskly. “She’s in her den.”
“Thanks,” he said with a quick nod before heading up to her den. Quickening his pace, it wasn’t long before he entered the den. “Ivystar?”
………………………………………………………………………………………..
Ivystar
“Ivystar?” A voice cut through the dark, along with her thoughts about the Gathering. Something about it sounded familiar.
Lifting her head, she tentatively said, “Tigerstar?” Her pelt bristled, her head spinning faster as she matched scent to voice. Sitting up, she couldn’t help but exclaim, “Where have you been?”
The old Tigerstar would have given her a smile in the least. Now he just looked uncomfortable. “I’m sorry…I’ve been busy with, um, you know, Clan business.” Changing the subject, he said, “Why are none of you warriors in camp?”
She pursed her lips. She normally would have told him what was going on, but it felt like she was talking to a stranger. Hesitating, she just gave a simple, “Nothing.”
Her former mate just sighed. He could probably tell that there was more to this story then she was letting on. “Okay. Well…how are the kits?”
Anger flooded Ivystar. “You would know if you ever came by to visit!” She snapped.
“Sorry.” He actually looked sincere. “About everything.”
She stood, wiping her eyes with the back of her paw. “Why? Why didn’t you visit?”
“I…I’ve been seeing someone else.”
Instantly, all of the anger drained out of her. “What?” Her voice came out in a whisper.
Tigerstar stared at his paws. “A cat named Shimmer. She’s joined our Clan.”
Ivystar stared at him wide-eyed. “Your new mate is a rogue?” The words felt bitter on her tongue. How had a rogue stolen his attention from her,
He cleared his throat. “Um, yeah. And…”
“And…what?” She prompted, not sure how the day could get any worse. But then it did.
Tigerstar was carefully avoiding her eyes. “She’s expecting my kits.”
“No.” Her voice was hushed.
The last pieces fell out of alignment. Tears blurred her image of him, and she glared daggers. “Get out.” Her voice was dangerously quiet, but firm, and most of all, angry.
Tigerstar’s eyebrows shot up so fast. He seemed at a loss for words.
“I said, get. Out.” Ivystar unsheathed her claws.
Backing away quickly, he nearly tripped over himself trying to get away from her.
The silence he left in his wake was deafening, and Ivystar collapsed into a sobbing heap.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Dovewing
Staring at Moonpaw’s injured form, she could hardly feel anything else, the world spinning faster and faster.
“Dovewing?” Bumblestripe nudged her shoulder snapping her out of her misery. “I think your sister needs you.”
“Wha—”
Bumblestripe interrupted her. “Tigerstar just came out of her den.”
Lashing her tail, she whipped out of the den and ran to her sister’s.
Chapter 37:
Dovewing
“Ivystar?” She carefully peeked through the lichen curtain, not knowing what to expect.
Her sister was curled into a ball, her tail wrapping tightly around her body. She didn’t respond, obviously wanting some space, and stuff.
Dovewing padded into the shadow, the lichen swishing shut behind her. “What happened? I saw Tigerstar come out…I figured something was wrong.”
A muffled sigh reached her ears as the ThunderClan leader uncurled. “Well, you were right.”
Dovewing glanced anger, sadness, and worry in the depths of her sister’s eyes. “Please tell me what happened,” she begged. “I don’t understand what’s going on.”
Ivystar was hunched, as if every single bone inside of her was sagging, devastated. “He came to me, he wanted to tell me before the Gathering.” Her gaze was far away, as if she had spotted a star, and didn’t want to miss a moment where it shined.
“And…?” She prompted, trying to get more than vague answers.
Her sister straightened, sitting up, hard edges on her face showing. “He has a new mate,” she hissed, and Dovewing stifled a gasp. “A rogue who has joined his Clan. How is it that he could choose a rogue over me? For all I know, she could’ve been a kittypet!” The fur along her spine was sticking up, her back arched. But then she seemed to deflate. “His new mate,” she whispered. “As if I didn’t matter. As though he’d never loved me. What about my kits? What will happen to them?”
Dovewing knew how her sister felt. She knew exactly. “Is that it?”
Ivystar shook her head. “Tigerstar’s new mate is pregnant,” she said with a lash of her tail that betrayed her frustration.
Dovewing caught her breath. "She’s having kits?” She pressed her flank against Ivystar’s. “I’m so sorry.” A stab of pain gave way in her heart, but she shoved it in the back of her mind. She didn’t have a right to feel this pain, especially when her sister needed her so much.
A bit of anger entered Ivystar’s eyes, and her lips drew back in a snarl. “Just leave me alone, alright?” She made a growling sound, deep in her throat.
“O-o-okay,” Dovewing said hesitantly, and backed away.
As soon as she was outside, Bumblestripe approached her. “How is she?”
Dovewing shot a cautious glance over her shoulder. “I would not go in right now, if I were you.”
The deputy nodded, his gaze searching her eyes. “What happened?”
“Tigerstar strikes again,” Dovewing said curtly. “He has a new mate; what’s more? She’s pregnant.”
Bumblestripe hissed. “That tom has no idea what is good for him. He needs to butt out of ThunderClan.”
Suddenly a memory pierced her thoughts. “Um, I don’t think that Ivystar mentioned Fogkit, either.” She glanced at the deputy.
He only sighed. “We can’t expect her to want to give him news like that when he is telling her that he has a new, pregnant mate.”
“Right.” Dovewing studied her paws, her cheeks heating. How could she think about her kit right now when the real problem was that Ivystar was suffering?
………………………………………………………………………………………
Tigerstar
Well, that didn’t go very well. He’d done the best he could, and yet he was still hurting his former mate….and…in truth? He loved both Shimmer and Ivystar. He didn’t necessarily want to give up either one. In a way, he’d managed to hurt himself. Dovewing…was a good friend, but that was all.
It was quite annoying, this entire love thing.
As he entered camp, Tigerstar ignored all of the curious—even a bit of suspicion—in the gazes trained on him. He didn’t flinch under all of the eyes watching him, only stopping to greet his mother, the deputy before heading to his den. Murmurs followed his every move.
Now he sat, taking a moment in his den to console himself.
“Tigerstar?”
He glanced up to see Shimmer, standing there. “Yes?”
“Why didn’t you come check on me when you walked through camp?” She pouted—looking cute and angry.
He sighed. “I can’t show that we are any more than friends, love.” He’d hoped that by throwing that extra word in there, she would forget about it.
“Oh…of course.” His mate relaxed, taking in his words.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Ivystar
I don’t want to go to the Gathering. Selfish thoughts battered around in her skull, but one thing was still clear among them. She still had feelings for Tigerstar.
She wanted him back, so much that she was seriously considering murder. No, she thought, pushing back. It hurt.
Tears welled, and she blinked rapidly, making them roll down her face faster. Hearing pawsteps approaching, she wiped her face with her tail.
“Ivystar!” Brackenfur burst into the den. “Ivystar, Ivystar, it’s Moonpaw!”
……………………………………………………………………………………
Dovewing
She stared at her daughter’s body in the soil. Moonpaw’s breaths grew softer, fading—then you could hear no more. Letting out a wail of grief, she collapsed, desperately nosing Moonpaw’s fur, trying to wake her.
Her mate watched his gaze dark, and he dropped into a crouch beside her. “Oh, Moonpaw,” he whispered, filled with grief.
Fogpaw and Owlpaw stared in dismay at their parents. Then their gazes landed on their sister. Twin wails of grief cut through the air, as they nosed their dead sister’s fur.
Chapter 38:
Dovewing
“I’m so sorry,” Ivystar murmured beside her.
Turning her head in surprise, Dovewing saw her sister looking solemn.
Ivystar looked paler than usual, her fur matted down in defeat. She lay motionless across Moonpaw’s body, grieving.
In response to her sister’s murmur, Dovewing only let out a shrill wail of grief, her kits and mate joining in beside her.
Leafpool and Alderheart watched, but Jayfeather stood. “We should move her body out of here, so that all the Clan can grieve.” His eyes were dark, but his voice was firm, letting in no argument. He gently took Moonpaw’s scruff in his jaws, carefully dragging her herb matted fur out of the den. Leafpool and Alderheart followed him with the herbs they would rub into her fur.
Dovewing followed, drooping.
From by the warrior’s den a thin wail went up as Mistdawn, Falcontalon, and Sunsetsky stared in shock at Moonpaw’s body. All three of the warriors joined the small crowd of cats around the body of the apprentice, keeping vigil.
Lifting her head, Dovewing breathed in Moonpaw’s scent, wanting to remember it forever. Now it was laced with one of death. Licking her daughter’s head, she groomed the fur flat, sharing tongues for the last time.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Ivystar
As she stared at the final position of the fallen apprentice, sadness clouded her already dim gaze. It was a truly rotten day, for everyone in camp. Knowing that it was her duty to make an announcement, she leaped onto the rock. “Let all cats gather here for a Clan meeting.” Her voice was halfhearted, and the cats who came out into the clearing sat, clearly stunned at the sight of the mourners.
The cats keeping vigil beside the body of Moonpaw glanced up at her. She had their attention for now.
Ivystar blinked. “Today we are gathered to grieve our Clanmate—the next medicine cat. Moonpaw, was kind, faithful, and the most encouraging apprentice you would ever meet. She always seeked to do right, and for this, I think that…,” she paused, considering her words for the last time, “I think she deserves her medicine cat name.”
Murmurs of agreement, disbelief rose in the air. Jayfeather looked up at her, catching her eye. His firm nod let her know that he approved, and he made his way to the front of the small crowd. “I think,” he announced, “that my apprentice deserves a special name. In honor of her special personality, her unique beauty, I name this apprentice Moonfaith.”
A soft cheer went up from her siblings and Ivystar’s kits. “Moonfaith! Moonfaith!” One by one, cats joined in the cheer, but it quickly faded as every cat went up to pay their respects.
Ivystar, herself, went up, cats making way for her as she headed to the apprentice. Leaning down, she gave the warrior’s head a swift lick, touching her nose to Moonfaith’s head. “Moonfaith,” she murmured, “the name suits you.” Lifting her head, she set her jaw. “Moonpaw, now Moonfaith, in death you will always be a true medicine cat. Wherever you are in StarClan, I hope you find swift running, prey, and good shelter.” She bent her head one last time, to touch the apprentice before padding away to her den. Still, she looked back once, seeing her kits sharing tongues with their old denmate.
“I’m so sorry,” Ivystar murmured beside her.
Turning her head in surprise, Dovewing saw her sister looking solemn.
Ivystar looked paler than usual, her fur matted down in defeat. She lay motionless across Moonpaw’s body, grieving.
In response to her sister’s murmur, Dovewing only let out a shrill wail of grief, her kits and mate joining in beside her.
Leafpool and Alderheart watched, but Jayfeather stood. “We should move her body out of here, so that all the Clan can grieve.” His eyes were dark, but his voice was firm, letting in no argument. He gently took Moonpaw’s scruff in his jaws, carefully dragging her herb matted fur out of the den. Leafpool and Alderheart followed him with the herbs they would rub into her fur.
Dovewing followed, drooping.
From by the warrior’s den a thin wail went up as Mistdawn, Falcontalon, and Sunsetsky stared in shock at Moonpaw’s body. All three of the warriors joined the small crowd of cats around the body of the apprentice, keeping vigil.
Lifting her head, Dovewing breathed in Moonpaw’s scent, wanting to remember it forever. Now it was laced with one of death. Licking her daughter’s head, she groomed the fur flat, sharing tongues for the last time.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Ivystar
As she stared at the final position of the fallen apprentice, sadness clouded her already dim gaze. It was a truly rotten day, for everyone in camp. Knowing that it was her duty to make an announcement, she leaped onto the rock. “Let all cats gather here for a Clan meeting.” Her voice was halfhearted, and the cats who came out into the clearing sat, clearly stunned at the sight of the mourners.
The cats keeping vigil beside the body of Moonpaw glanced up at her. She had their attention for now.
Ivystar blinked. “Today we are gathered to grieve our Clanmate—the next medicine cat. Moonpaw, was kind, faithful, and the most encouraging apprentice you would ever meet. She always seeked to do right, and for this, I think that…,” she paused, considering her words for the last time, “I think she deserves her medicine cat name.”
Murmurs of agreement, disbelief rose in the air. Jayfeather looked up at her, catching her eye. His firm nod let her know that he approved, and he made his way to the front of the small crowd. “I think,” he announced, “that my apprentice deserves a special name. In honor of her special personality, her unique beauty, I name this apprentice Moonfaith.”
A soft cheer went up from her siblings and Ivystar’s kits. “Moonfaith! Moonfaith!” One by one, cats joined in the cheer, but it quickly faded as every cat went up to pay their respects.
Ivystar, herself, went up, cats making way for her as she headed to the apprentice. Leaning down, she gave the warrior’s head a swift lick, touching her nose to Moonfaith’s head. “Moonfaith,” she murmured, “the name suits you.” Lifting her head, she set her jaw. “Moonpaw, now Moonfaith, in death you will always be a true medicine cat. Wherever you are in StarClan, I hope you find swift running, prey, and good shelter.” She bent her head one last time, to touch the apprentice before padding away to her den. Still, she looked back once, seeing her kits sharing tongues with their old denmate.
I shall tell them about Tigerstar later, she decided.
Chapter 39-
Dovewing
I don’t…I can’t. Bumblestripe…doesn’t deserve me, any of it, really. I’m just using him. She sighed. I do love him, just for being there for me. But…not like that.
The entire evening had been spent by Dovewing in her den, thinking about her life, and how she’d been using her mate. She did love her kits, she really did. Like a mother. But Bumblestripe? More like a close friend, rather than a mate.
Everything in her life seemed too good to be true, a blessing from StarClan upon her that she didn’t deserve, not one bit.
Heaving herself to her paws, she started up the path that had become familiar over the past moon. Entering the clearing, her eyelids fluttered, as she breathed in the cool air. Such a beautiful meadow did not deserve to be buried among the grief and sorrow of cats. But still, the place was sacred, and the single most beautiful she’d ever seen, more than worthy of true Clan cats.
Tasting scents of her mate and Ivystar’s kits, Dovewing swished her tail, glad that Moonpaw had so many supporters, even if she was dead. Trotting, she inhaled the one scent she’d come here to smell, Moonpaw’s. Her daughter’s brief death scent was nothing short of bringing her sorrow. She let out a wail, the sound of grief.
The death had hit her hard, and she wasn’t in a good place to deal with it. Fogpaw was hers and Tigerstar’s, of which Tigerstar probably knew nothing of. She didn’t even love her mate, who’d given her the gift of kits. Sometimes, it was all just too much.
………………………………………………………………………………………..
Ivystar
Ivystar couldn’t keep it off her mind. What, exactly? Well, it was basically everything. Life. Hers.
What was it that StarClan wanted from her? Her entire body was shaken, inside and out. Now she was trembling, staring at her paws.
“Shh!” Her deputy ran his tail down her spine, reminding her of Tigerstar, the oh-so happy traitor. “It’s alright,” he soothed.
Ivystar relaxed at the gentle motion. Her gaze met Bumblestripe’s, which was deep in sadness, worry, and concern. He was certainly dealing with it all better than she was, better than her sister was. She could only imagine what was going through his head.
Dovewing was the worst off out of all of them, barely making it through each day. Skin hung off her bones, and her mate was force feeding her just enough to be alive. Whitewing and Birchfall were deathly worried about her, and her sister as well.
“Thanks, Bumblestripe,” Ivystar murmured. “I don’t know how you’re doing it…how you can be so strong.”
“I’m not strong,” the deputy said. “I’m just holding together for the Clan.”
“I should be too,” Ivystar insisted. “I just…I can’t right now, it’s too much.”
“Yeah, I get it. Really, though, you need to give yourself more of the credit. I’m not going through any Tigerstar drama, which takes a lot of strength to deal with.”
She nodded thoughtfully. “Bumblestripe, isn’t there a gathering tonight?”
“It’s full moon tonight,” her deputy confirmed. “Why?”
“I was thinking that it is time to make a few new warriors; it’s long overdue.” She smiled, and got to her paws, leaping up onto Highrock. “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here for a Clan meeting!”
Hearing her calls, cats flooded from the dens, crouching in front of her and giving her their full attention.
“It’s time—no, long overdue—that we make some apprentices warriors today,” Ivystar said, raising her head high. “Owlpaw, and Fogpaw, you two have been strongly working together after your sister’s death, and your warrior names are overdue. Please come here.” Somewhere out of the corner of her eye, she thought she saw Fogpaw flinch when she said ‘sister’, but she shook it out of her head. There was no way he knew about…about his heritage.
The two apprentices rose from their place among the crowd and stalked over to where she wanted them, looking at her with respect in their eyes.
“Mentors,” Ivystar met their eyes, “do you think your apprentices are worthy?” When both of them nodded, she continued. “I, Ivystar, 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. Fogpaw, Owlpaw, do you promise to defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?”
“I do,” they both chimed, though Fogpaw hesitated before saying it. Owlpaw’s eyes gleamed.
“Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you both your warriors names.” Ivystar had thought about this for a while. “Owlpaw, I give you your warrior name. From this moment on, you will be known as Owlmoon, in honor of your sister. StarClans honors your energy and loyalty. We welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan.”
“Owlmoon! Owlmoon!” Chants rose into the air, honoring the new warrior. Owlmoon, herself, ducked her head, despite her not-shy-at-all personality.
When the cheering faded, Ivystar turned to the grey apprentice before her. “Fogpaw, from this moment on, you will be Foglight.” Her gaze sook out his intense one. “I am hopeful that we will all see the light inside of you prominently, a light like the moon.” All of the cats were silent at this, remembering the young medicine cat. “StarClan honors your quiet determination, and your humble figure.”
Foglight’s eyes widened, and he looked at her with some sort of respect in the depths. “I hope I live up to the title, Ivystar.” His words were only meant for her to hear, and she barely received them before more chants rose up.
“Foglight! Foglight! Foglight!”
Chapter 40-
(Just gonna say, this fic will probably end up ending at chapter…forty-five.)
Ivystar
“Is there anyone specific that you would like to go to the Gathering?” She asked Bumblestripe. They were in her den, discussing the attendance of the Clan.
“I feel like,” the deputy hesitated, “I feel like your kits should go, as well as the new warriors.”
“Of course,” Ivystar agreed. It was almost a given; those young cats had been moping around too much. She hated seeing her kits this…well, she didn’t know exactly. “They need something to lift their spirits.”
An unfocused look came into Bumblestripe’s eyes. “We should send Spiderleg, too. He’s sure to retire soon, as well as Dustpelt, who should have already. We need to make their remaining time as enjoyable as possible.”
“Let’s also take Cherryfall and Molewhisker; they haven’t been in a while, and they’ve been working hard.” Ivystar remarked, her claws sheathing and unsheathing.
“Sounds good,” Bumblestripe commented.
She gave him a curt nod before leaping onto Highrock to call the Clan. “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here for a Clan meeting!”
Cats flooded from the dens in the few moments after, addressing her call and sitting in front of the rock.
“Cherryfall, Molewhisker, Spiderleg, Foglight, Dustpelt, Owlmoon, Mistdawn, Sunsetsky, and Falcontalon, you shall attend the Gathering tonight. Get some rest.” She finished by leaping down from the rock, watching the cats remain still, chattering, before they started to scatter back to their respective duties. Now she made her way over to her kits, who were glancing at her expectantly. “Is there anything you need?”
Sunsetsky smiled, though sadly. She was about to open her jaws to talk, when her sister interrupted.
“It’s like you never have time for us anymore!” Mistdawn meowed angrily, her tail lashing. “Not even…not even a goodnight.”
Ivystar was taken aback. “The Clan comes first, you know that.” She softened. “But I’ll always have special time for you. If you want to ever talk to me, you know where to find me. I’m sorry that I’ve been giving you so much space…I know it’s hard, but I thought you would need it after…” Moonfaith’s death.
Falcontalon hadn’t said anything, but just watched the exchange. Now he stepped in. “She’s right, guys. The Clan must come first. For all of us.”
His two siblings nodded, “We know.”
Ivystar stepped back. “I’ll always have time for you, but remember that the Clan comes first.” She held her head high, stalking over to the deputy. “Are there any patrols I can attend?”
……………………………………………………………………………………
Tigerstar
“Pleeeeeeeeeeeease?” The silver she-cat was pleading with him, her eyes shining with curiousity.
Shimmer had been trying to get him to let her go to the Gathering. What she didn’t know, was that it was likely to start a war.
Likely, Tigerstar. He reminded himself, feeling his guard lower. It’s not guaranteed. Besides, you do want to make your mate happy, right? Somehow, it wasn’t the same. With Ivystar, he’d always enjoyed seeing the smile light up her face. It would probably be the same for Shimmer, he told himself. “Alright, fine.” He was becoming soft.
“Thank you, love.” Shimmer said softly, her beautiful eyes too easy to drown in. Her fur coat shone under the sunlight, the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen.
Still, it was risky, even for her. The kits were due in a moon.
Tigerstar was doubting himself. Choosing Ivystar over Dovewing, that was a choice he would do all over again if he needed to. But choosing Shimmer over Ivystar? He wanted a second chance, a way to redo it.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Dovewing
“Dovewing, you can’t just lay around moping. The Clan can’t just support you because you’re grieving.” Her mate’s voice was gentle, but firm, laced with a bit of anger.
“I’m not ready,” she still insisted, and it was true. Sort of. She was mostly spending the time thinking about him, and whether she actually did love him. The kits were a no-brainer, she was their mother, of course she loved them! All of them were hers. But one was gone.
A fresh wave of grief rolled over her, and she stifled a wail.
The deputy, seeing that she wasn’t going to be coming out of the den for a while, backed off, knowing she was too stubborn.
Do I really love him?
She wondered that thought for the millionth time in the past days since Moonfaith’s death.
Chapter 41-
Ivystar
It was time for the Gathering. She’d had Bumblestripe gather all of the cats, and now she was traversing over the uneven forest with her cats on her tail.
A sense of dread was building inside of her at having to see Tigerstar again. It wasn’t something she wanted to do, but she would have to represent her Clan—by choice or not.
Ivystar tried to put the confidence in her steps that she’d grown accustomed to, but she was unsettled, barely keeping her fur down in front of her Clanmates.
“You doing okay?” Her deputy asked, coming up beside her.
“I don’t want to see Tigerstar again,” she admitted softly, “especially since he’s probably bringing his new mate—who’s pregnant.” The last words were accompanied with a soft growl, an underlined threat in her voice that she couldn’t help.
Tigerstar had some nerve. He’d broken both sister’s hearts, and gotten both pregnant, along with a she rogue. It was technically cheating.
“That’s understandable,” Bumblestripe said, a grimace crossing his face towards whatever thoughts he was thinking. “I feel like it’s going to be super awkward.”
Ivystar let out a sigh, using her long exhale to rid herself of the feelings. She couldn’t focus on petty problems that were purely her own—she would not put her Clan behind her own problems. She needed to make sure things stayed professional and civil.
They entered the clearing that was already teeming with cats, RiverClan and WindClan.
Ivystar greeted both leaders, jumping onto the tree so that she could sit with them.
She watched ThunderClan scatter into the crowd of cats one by one, a sense of longing coming over her.
Once she’d been like that; carefree and just happy to be there. She’s gazed at the position she was in now with awe, wonder, and determination, proving herself over and over for the spot.
Now she almost regretted all of that hard work, despite it having paid off.
“Are you alright?” Mistystar asked her gently, tracing her tail down her spine. It both drew Onestar’s attention and startled her.
“I’m fine,” Ivystar replied evenly, not letting anything slip.
The RiverClan leader knew something was up, seeing right through the lie, but didn’t get a word out of her mouth before ShadowClan joined the masses.
Ivystar immeadiately zoomed in on her mate—uh, former mate, then regretted it.
Tigerstar was looking as handsome and powerful as ever, muscles practically popping from his pelt. His stance showed off confidence and ambition, which practically radiated from him as cats cleared the way for him to the tree where the other leaders sat.
But that wasn’t what troubled her.
A lithe, silver she-cat that wasn’t familiar was closer to him than one would be to a friend—and she was heavily pregnant, her wide eyes orienting to her surroundings. She was beautiful, the prettiest feline Ivystar had ever laid eyes on.
Tigerstar spoke a few urgent words to her, then his mother before leaping onto the nearest limb. “Ivystar,” he acknowledged her presence politely, the way he should.
She didn’t give him the pleasure, just meeting his gaze and instantly glancing away, her old feelings bubbling up. She squeezed her eyes shut, masking her emotions as they boiled over.
Ivystar was hit with a wave of devastation, anger, grief, sadness. Old sparks brewed between them, too strong to ignore. But she tried her best.
Opening her orbs, Ivystar sent him the sweetest smile. So fake. “I hope you and your mate are doing well.”
A frown twitched across his face, something flitting across his eyes that she couldn’t distinguish. “How are you?” He stepped closer.
Her eyes flashed warningly towards him, and she backed up a step. She was so close to snapping, so very close. She couldn’t keep this up for long, she just wanted to go home, where everything was peaceful. “Stay away from me and don’t talk to me,” she hissed, her fur bristling, full of anger.
Hurt flitted across his face, and Tigerstar shifted his paws awkwardly, “As you wish.”
Ivystar’s heart clenched at the pain she’d caused him, in spite of her, and she intently studied her paws. She suddenly regretted her words. Why was it that she could only say the wrong things all the time?
“I’m sorry,” she apologized quietly, feeling a bit guilty at her snapping. “I can’t…be…near you for too long when you betray me like this—my trust.”
Chapter 42 -
Tigerstar
Goosebumps chill the skin under Tigerstar’s fur; he felt unsettled.
“So, what’s it going to be like there?” Shimmer bit the inside of her cheek. “I want to know what to expect.” Her tone was slightly hushed. She seemed embarrassed for once, not to having been to something even apprentices had been to.
“Lots of cats,” he replied vaguely, his mind drifting to other places.
Ivystar was going to be there. How was she? How was Dovewing? How were the kits? Fox dung! The kits!
Tigerstar felt a scowl sink further into his face as he struggled to purge the remorse flooding him, the guilt.
What had Ivystar told them? Would she have a new romantic interest?
He growled at the thought, jealousy making his claws curl.
“Are you okay?” His mate was eyeing him warily.
He didn’t get the chance to reply—they were there.
ShadowClan plunged into the clearing of cats, cats of different Clans pausing mid-speech to clear a path for Tigerstar to the tree.
Where Ivystar was. She was facing him, studying him intently, her gaze sometimes flickering to Shimmer. It made him feel self-conscious.
Oh, yeah, Shimmer. “Shimmer!” Tigerstar asked, relieved when she was found by his side. “I want you stick to Tawnypelt like a flea on a lion, understood?” When she nodded, he nudged her towards his mother.
Padding towards the tree, Tigerstar took deep breaths, regretting what he was about to do.
He leaped onto the nearest limb—the one near his former mate, on purpose. “Ivystar,” he greeted.
She didn’t greet him back, only acknowledging his mere presence with a nod, as though it was unimportant. The ThunderClan leader had gotten colder since he’d last seen her. Her face suddenly contorted, and she peeled away from his direction, masking all of her emotions swiftly. She seemed okay.
But Tigerstar didn’t want her to be okay. That was selfish, he knew, but he loved her still and didn’t want to mean nothing to her, nothing at all.
Then Ivystar turned to him, a sugar sweet fake smile on her face and in her voice. “I hope you and your mate are doing well.” The voice was made of pure fraud, but the undertone held no hostility, surprisingly.
Tigerstar frowned at her too-perfect reply. It hurt. Opting to step closer to her, he asked, “How are you doing?”
The ThunderClan leader’s eyes widened, and she took a step back, dismay and anger apparent as she bristled. Her eyes flashed dangerously, and she hissed, “Stay away from me and don’t talk to me.” She shrank into the nearest tree trunk.
“As you wish,” he responded, hurt blazing deep inside, burning the remnants of the heart he’d given away too many times.
Ivystar apologized, telling him that she couldn’t be around him for too long when he’d broken her trust.
“It’s fine, I understand why you would feel that way,” Tigerstar whispered to her. “Just, one last question?”
Ivystar flattened one of her ears, showing that she was listening, but annoyedly.
“How are the kits?”
Recognition flared, and she gestured to the crowd with her tail. “See for yourself.”
Tigerstar did, and saw that all of them had grown up, stronger and more confident than he ever could’ve imagined—even Sunsetsky. “Wow.” Panic lit his insides at his next thought, which he voiced aloud. “Do they know about Shimmer?”
“Shimmer?” It took a moment for the name to click before she glanced away, her claws digging into the bark. “No, they don’t know about her or that she’s pregnant, because I haven’t the guts to tell them after everything they’ve been going through.”
He didn’t want them to find out this way: by gossip. “Oh, jeez,” he murmured to himself, then picked up something else in the sentence. “What’ve they been going through?”
The ThunderClan leader’s gaze flicked back to him as she eyed him suspiciously. “That wasn’t supposed to slip, and I’m not giving you anything else to ponder, so drop it.”
She was hiding something, it didn’t take a genius.
“I didn’t want them to find out like this,” Tigerstar grumbled under his breath, just audible for Ivystar to hear.
“It’s your own fault for bringing your new mate here,” she pointed out with a growl.
“I suppose it is.”
The rest of the Gathering, he couldn’t focus.
Chapter 43 -
Dovewing was feeling hopeless.
She was an awful mate, a horrible sister.
Bumblestripe, still obliviously, loved her dearly and would eagerly give his life for her. Easily.
But he had no idea of just how the guilt was eating her away every day, so close to swallowing her whole. She’d just wanted the kits, and even if they were to not be mates anymore, what would it do to their kits?
Ivystar would do nearly anything for her, believing that she was okay.
And what reason would she have to believe that Dovewing wasn’t happy, content?
Her mind went back to her mate, and she felt a surge of guilt almost take her down before she steeled herself.
What was she supposed to do to make it go away? Retire to the elders’ den early just to avoid him?
Dovewing snorted at her own thought bemusedly, shaking her head. I would soon go to StarClan, then retire early. Life in the elders’ den is no life at all.
What in StarClan was she thinking in the first place; when she agreed to be Bumblestripe’s mate?
…………………………………………………………….
Bumblestripe (Yeah, I’m bringing him back for now.)
Dovewing’s been acting odd lately.
The thought of something being off with her frightened him.
It normally led to her worrying too much about whatever it was.
Last time, it was the ‘Fogkit incident’, as he’d dubbed it. Even so, it wasn’t even really Dovewing’s fault.
She’d been utterly humiliated by her former mate and her own sister, it was only fair that she gets a good life, yet that situation had taken over her life for a short period of time.
She’d let things get to her way too easily.
But Bumblestripe wasn’t one to hold grudges—mouse dung! He wasn’t even one to consider holding a grudge.
The Clan first. Put all other differences aside, was effortlessly his morale.
It was almost too easy to slip into his position as Ivystar’s deputy. It got rid of all of his other troubles to compartmentalize his life.
On the way over, Bumblestripe had seriously thought about asking the ThunderClan leader about her sister.
But he hadn’t been able to work up the nerve to before they’d neared the wreathing mass of cats.
He’d sat under the tree as usual, greeting the other deputies dutifully.
That was when he’d noticed that the ShadowClan deputy had brought along someone new—someone he hadn’t seen before.
She must’ve been a rogue or kittypet, then joined the Clans.
Tawnypelt stepped forward. “Bumblestripe,” she dipped her head. “This is Shimmer, Tigerstar’s new mate.” Her tone was cautious, her gesturing causing the new cat to step out into the sunlight.
Breathtaking.
It might’ve been the only word to describe Shimmer, the sunlight darting down to meet her silver pelt, which practically blinded him.
Tigerstar’s new mate had an air of confidence surrounding her, an aura of power, despite her scrawny build and nervous antics.
It was terrifying, how attracted he was instantly, as his heart pulled towards her.
He had a mate, and he wasn’t about to break her heart again.
Bumblestripe dipped his head to the queen, a polite smile on his face concealing his emotions. “Pleased to meet you, I’m Ivystar’s—ThunderClan’s—deputy, Bumblestripe.”
The moment the word ‘Ivystar’ was out of his mouth, Shimmer’s eyes flashed with an emotion too brief to be distinguished, about to dart away from him, then surprised him by not doing so. Instead, she tentatively dipped her own head to him. “It’s…. nice to meet you.”
He was sure that something was up with her, but decided not to press, trying not to take offense that she’d almost called their meeting something other than pleasant. “The pleasure is all mine,” he replied, not entirely sure why they were being so cold and formal to each other.
Then it all fell into place.
This was Tigerstar’s new mate, her belly round with kits. She must feel at least somewhat threatened, despite her appearance, being in her position. Ivystar was a threat to her.
Chapter 44 - (Las chapter before the epilogue. If you're triggered by death, don't read. But at this point, you should know that.)
Ivystar
She needed to retreat into her den, like, as soon as possible.
She was emotionally drained, her one short talk with Tigerstar a river, flowing, bumping into rocks, rough, smooth.
With a sigh, she leaped down from the rock with a sarcastic nod to the other leaders, including her former mate, not that any of them could tell anyway.
“ThunderClan, gather up, we’re heading home,” she announced to her cats, sending murmurs of annoyance through the crowd of cats.
Her deputy, always the reliable one, met her gaze before tearing off to round up the remnants of ThunderClan.
Almost subconsciously, Ivystar detected the heat of a gaze on her making her traitorous heart go pitter-patter. No doubt it was Tigerstar.
She really needed to get out of here.
…………….
Dovewing
She couldn’t take it anymore. The pressure on herself, to either tell the truth or…or what?
She took one last glance around the clearing where ThunderClan resided.
All around, cats moved nimbly, all with a sense of order, an aura of joy surrounding them, laughter echoing around the clearing.
Dovewing didn’t have a purpose, like them. She didn’t have their joy, their fun, their happiness.
She raced through the tunnel, the forest, stopping at the cliff no cat dared go near.
If that was their point of living, what was hers?
To simply make the Clan larger? To birth them more kits? What point did she have in the world?
If she were gone, Ivystar was strong enough to take it. Her sister was strong enough to take anything.
Bumblestripe...Bumblestripe loved her unconditionally. And as selfish as it was, Dovewing wanted that love for herself. She wanted it to stay that way. Even if she went to StarClan, at least he would never know of how unrequited his love for her was.
At least he would be there with the kits.
The kits. Their kits. They would be strong, Dovewing knew, just seeing them deal with Moonfaith's death, that they would hold out. They would be okay without her.
At the cliff's edge, Dovewing stared down, the prospect of jumping seeming more appealing by the second. When her life was such a mess.
And
With
That
She
Jumped.
Epilogue -
After Ivystar had gotten back to ThunderClan camp, a few hours later they'd gone out searching for her sister, only to discover that she had jumped off of the cliff while they were all gone. Bumblestripe had struggled with this news the most from anyone, grieving. Her kits carried on living, grieving themselves as they struggled to grasp that their mother had committed suicide. Ivystar had taken it the lightest, having gone numb long before Dovewing's death. The Clan remembered her as a hard worker and determined cat she'd been - always loyal to her Clan. No cat ever mentioned that she had taken her life years after, instead telling younger cats that she was an honorable warrior, in life and death.
Because in the end, life goes on. Life goes on, and may StarClan be with everyone.
Chapter 39-
Dovewing
I don’t…I can’t. Bumblestripe…doesn’t deserve me, any of it, really. I’m just using him. She sighed. I do love him, just for being there for me. But…not like that.
The entire evening had been spent by Dovewing in her den, thinking about her life, and how she’d been using her mate. She did love her kits, she really did. Like a mother. But Bumblestripe? More like a close friend, rather than a mate.
Everything in her life seemed too good to be true, a blessing from StarClan upon her that she didn’t deserve, not one bit.
Heaving herself to her paws, she started up the path that had become familiar over the past moon. Entering the clearing, her eyelids fluttered, as she breathed in the cool air. Such a beautiful meadow did not deserve to be buried among the grief and sorrow of cats. But still, the place was sacred, and the single most beautiful she’d ever seen, more than worthy of true Clan cats.
Tasting scents of her mate and Ivystar’s kits, Dovewing swished her tail, glad that Moonpaw had so many supporters, even if she was dead. Trotting, she inhaled the one scent she’d come here to smell, Moonpaw’s. Her daughter’s brief death scent was nothing short of bringing her sorrow. She let out a wail, the sound of grief.
The death had hit her hard, and she wasn’t in a good place to deal with it. Fogpaw was hers and Tigerstar’s, of which Tigerstar probably knew nothing of. She didn’t even love her mate, who’d given her the gift of kits. Sometimes, it was all just too much.
………………………………………………………………………………………..
Ivystar
Ivystar couldn’t keep it off her mind. What, exactly? Well, it was basically everything. Life. Hers.
What was it that StarClan wanted from her? Her entire body was shaken, inside and out. Now she was trembling, staring at her paws.
“Shh!” Her deputy ran his tail down her spine, reminding her of Tigerstar, the oh-so happy traitor. “It’s alright,” he soothed.
Ivystar relaxed at the gentle motion. Her gaze met Bumblestripe’s, which was deep in sadness, worry, and concern. He was certainly dealing with it all better than she was, better than her sister was. She could only imagine what was going through his head.
Dovewing was the worst off out of all of them, barely making it through each day. Skin hung off her bones, and her mate was force feeding her just enough to be alive. Whitewing and Birchfall were deathly worried about her, and her sister as well.
“Thanks, Bumblestripe,” Ivystar murmured. “I don’t know how you’re doing it…how you can be so strong.”
“I’m not strong,” the deputy said. “I’m just holding together for the Clan.”
“I should be too,” Ivystar insisted. “I just…I can’t right now, it’s too much.”
“Yeah, I get it. Really, though, you need to give yourself more of the credit. I’m not going through any Tigerstar drama, which takes a lot of strength to deal with.”
She nodded thoughtfully. “Bumblestripe, isn’t there a gathering tonight?”
“It’s full moon tonight,” her deputy confirmed. “Why?”
“I was thinking that it is time to make a few new warriors; it’s long overdue.” She smiled, and got to her paws, leaping up onto Highrock. “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here for a Clan meeting!”
Hearing her calls, cats flooded from the dens, crouching in front of her and giving her their full attention.
“It’s time—no, long overdue—that we make some apprentices warriors today,” Ivystar said, raising her head high. “Owlpaw, and Fogpaw, you two have been strongly working together after your sister’s death, and your warrior names are overdue. Please come here.” Somewhere out of the corner of her eye, she thought she saw Fogpaw flinch when she said ‘sister’, but she shook it out of her head. There was no way he knew about…about his heritage.
The two apprentices rose from their place among the crowd and stalked over to where she wanted them, looking at her with respect in their eyes.
“Mentors,” Ivystar met their eyes, “do you think your apprentices are worthy?” When both of them nodded, she continued. “I, Ivystar, 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. Fogpaw, Owlpaw, do you promise to defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?”
“I do,” they both chimed, though Fogpaw hesitated before saying it. Owlpaw’s eyes gleamed.
“Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you both your warriors names.” Ivystar had thought about this for a while. “Owlpaw, I give you your warrior name. From this moment on, you will be known as Owlmoon, in honor of your sister. StarClans honors your energy and loyalty. We welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan.”
“Owlmoon! Owlmoon!” Chants rose into the air, honoring the new warrior. Owlmoon, herself, ducked her head, despite her not-shy-at-all personality.
When the cheering faded, Ivystar turned to the grey apprentice before her. “Fogpaw, from this moment on, you will be Foglight.” Her gaze sook out his intense one. “I am hopeful that we will all see the light inside of you prominently, a light like the moon.” All of the cats were silent at this, remembering the young medicine cat. “StarClan honors your quiet determination, and your humble figure.”
Foglight’s eyes widened, and he looked at her with some sort of respect in the depths. “I hope I live up to the title, Ivystar.” His words were only meant for her to hear, and she barely received them before more chants rose up.
“Foglight! Foglight! Foglight!”
Chapter 40-
(Just gonna say, this fic will probably end up ending at chapter…forty-five.)
Ivystar
“Is there anyone specific that you would like to go to the Gathering?” She asked Bumblestripe. They were in her den, discussing the attendance of the Clan.
“I feel like,” the deputy hesitated, “I feel like your kits should go, as well as the new warriors.”
“Of course,” Ivystar agreed. It was almost a given; those young cats had been moping around too much. She hated seeing her kits this…well, she didn’t know exactly. “They need something to lift their spirits.”
An unfocused look came into Bumblestripe’s eyes. “We should send Spiderleg, too. He’s sure to retire soon, as well as Dustpelt, who should have already. We need to make their remaining time as enjoyable as possible.”
“Let’s also take Cherryfall and Molewhisker; they haven’t been in a while, and they’ve been working hard.” Ivystar remarked, her claws sheathing and unsheathing.
“Sounds good,” Bumblestripe commented.
She gave him a curt nod before leaping onto Highrock to call the Clan. “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here for a Clan meeting!”
Cats flooded from the dens in the few moments after, addressing her call and sitting in front of the rock.
“Cherryfall, Molewhisker, Spiderleg, Foglight, Dustpelt, Owlmoon, Mistdawn, Sunsetsky, and Falcontalon, you shall attend the Gathering tonight. Get some rest.” She finished by leaping down from the rock, watching the cats remain still, chattering, before they started to scatter back to their respective duties. Now she made her way over to her kits, who were glancing at her expectantly. “Is there anything you need?”
Sunsetsky smiled, though sadly. She was about to open her jaws to talk, when her sister interrupted.
“It’s like you never have time for us anymore!” Mistdawn meowed angrily, her tail lashing. “Not even…not even a goodnight.”
Ivystar was taken aback. “The Clan comes first, you know that.” She softened. “But I’ll always have special time for you. If you want to ever talk to me, you know where to find me. I’m sorry that I’ve been giving you so much space…I know it’s hard, but I thought you would need it after…” Moonfaith’s death.
Falcontalon hadn’t said anything, but just watched the exchange. Now he stepped in. “She’s right, guys. The Clan must come first. For all of us.”
His two siblings nodded, “We know.”
Ivystar stepped back. “I’ll always have time for you, but remember that the Clan comes first.” She held her head high, stalking over to the deputy. “Are there any patrols I can attend?”
……………………………………………………………………………………
Tigerstar
“Pleeeeeeeeeeeease?” The silver she-cat was pleading with him, her eyes shining with curiousity.
Shimmer had been trying to get him to let her go to the Gathering. What she didn’t know, was that it was likely to start a war.
Likely, Tigerstar. He reminded himself, feeling his guard lower. It’s not guaranteed. Besides, you do want to make your mate happy, right? Somehow, it wasn’t the same. With Ivystar, he’d always enjoyed seeing the smile light up her face. It would probably be the same for Shimmer, he told himself. “Alright, fine.” He was becoming soft.
“Thank you, love.” Shimmer said softly, her beautiful eyes too easy to drown in. Her fur coat shone under the sunlight, the most beautiful thing he’d ever seen.
Still, it was risky, even for her. The kits were due in a moon.
Tigerstar was doubting himself. Choosing Ivystar over Dovewing, that was a choice he would do all over again if he needed to. But choosing Shimmer over Ivystar? He wanted a second chance, a way to redo it.
………………………………………………………………………………………
Dovewing
“Dovewing, you can’t just lay around moping. The Clan can’t just support you because you’re grieving.” Her mate’s voice was gentle, but firm, laced with a bit of anger.
“I’m not ready,” she still insisted, and it was true. Sort of. She was mostly spending the time thinking about him, and whether she actually did love him. The kits were a no-brainer, she was their mother, of course she loved them! All of them were hers. But one was gone.
A fresh wave of grief rolled over her, and she stifled a wail.
The deputy, seeing that she wasn’t going to be coming out of the den for a while, backed off, knowing she was too stubborn.
Do I really love him?
She wondered that thought for the millionth time in the past days since Moonfaith’s death.
Chapter 41-
Ivystar
It was time for the Gathering. She’d had Bumblestripe gather all of the cats, and now she was traversing over the uneven forest with her cats on her tail.
A sense of dread was building inside of her at having to see Tigerstar again. It wasn’t something she wanted to do, but she would have to represent her Clan—by choice or not.
Ivystar tried to put the confidence in her steps that she’d grown accustomed to, but she was unsettled, barely keeping her fur down in front of her Clanmates.
“You doing okay?” Her deputy asked, coming up beside her.
“I don’t want to see Tigerstar again,” she admitted softly, “especially since he’s probably bringing his new mate—who’s pregnant.” The last words were accompanied with a soft growl, an underlined threat in her voice that she couldn’t help.
Tigerstar had some nerve. He’d broken both sister’s hearts, and gotten both pregnant, along with a she rogue. It was technically cheating.
“That’s understandable,” Bumblestripe said, a grimace crossing his face towards whatever thoughts he was thinking. “I feel like it’s going to be super awkward.”
Ivystar let out a sigh, using her long exhale to rid herself of the feelings. She couldn’t focus on petty problems that were purely her own—she would not put her Clan behind her own problems. She needed to make sure things stayed professional and civil.
They entered the clearing that was already teeming with cats, RiverClan and WindClan.
Ivystar greeted both leaders, jumping onto the tree so that she could sit with them.
She watched ThunderClan scatter into the crowd of cats one by one, a sense of longing coming over her.
Once she’d been like that; carefree and just happy to be there. She’s gazed at the position she was in now with awe, wonder, and determination, proving herself over and over for the spot.
Now she almost regretted all of that hard work, despite it having paid off.
“Are you alright?” Mistystar asked her gently, tracing her tail down her spine. It both drew Onestar’s attention and startled her.
“I’m fine,” Ivystar replied evenly, not letting anything slip.
The RiverClan leader knew something was up, seeing right through the lie, but didn’t get a word out of her mouth before ShadowClan joined the masses.
Ivystar immeadiately zoomed in on her mate—uh, former mate, then regretted it.
Tigerstar was looking as handsome and powerful as ever, muscles practically popping from his pelt. His stance showed off confidence and ambition, which practically radiated from him as cats cleared the way for him to the tree where the other leaders sat.
But that wasn’t what troubled her.
A lithe, silver she-cat that wasn’t familiar was closer to him than one would be to a friend—and she was heavily pregnant, her wide eyes orienting to her surroundings. She was beautiful, the prettiest feline Ivystar had ever laid eyes on.
Tigerstar spoke a few urgent words to her, then his mother before leaping onto the nearest limb. “Ivystar,” he acknowledged her presence politely, the way he should.
She didn’t give him the pleasure, just meeting his gaze and instantly glancing away, her old feelings bubbling up. She squeezed her eyes shut, masking her emotions as they boiled over.
Ivystar was hit with a wave of devastation, anger, grief, sadness. Old sparks brewed between them, too strong to ignore. But she tried her best.
Opening her orbs, Ivystar sent him the sweetest smile. So fake. “I hope you and your mate are doing well.”
A frown twitched across his face, something flitting across his eyes that she couldn’t distinguish. “How are you?” He stepped closer.
Her eyes flashed warningly towards him, and she backed up a step. She was so close to snapping, so very close. She couldn’t keep this up for long, she just wanted to go home, where everything was peaceful. “Stay away from me and don’t talk to me,” she hissed, her fur bristling, full of anger.
Hurt flitted across his face, and Tigerstar shifted his paws awkwardly, “As you wish.”
Ivystar’s heart clenched at the pain she’d caused him, in spite of her, and she intently studied her paws. She suddenly regretted her words. Why was it that she could only say the wrong things all the time?
“I’m sorry,” she apologized quietly, feeling a bit guilty at her snapping. “I can’t…be…near you for too long when you betray me like this—my trust.”
Chapter 42 -
Tigerstar
Goosebumps chill the skin under Tigerstar’s fur; he felt unsettled.
“So, what’s it going to be like there?” Shimmer bit the inside of her cheek. “I want to know what to expect.” Her tone was slightly hushed. She seemed embarrassed for once, not to having been to something even apprentices had been to.
“Lots of cats,” he replied vaguely, his mind drifting to other places.
Ivystar was going to be there. How was she? How was Dovewing? How were the kits? Fox dung! The kits!
Tigerstar felt a scowl sink further into his face as he struggled to purge the remorse flooding him, the guilt.
What had Ivystar told them? Would she have a new romantic interest?
He growled at the thought, jealousy making his claws curl.
“Are you okay?” His mate was eyeing him warily.
He didn’t get the chance to reply—they were there.
ShadowClan plunged into the clearing of cats, cats of different Clans pausing mid-speech to clear a path for Tigerstar to the tree.
Where Ivystar was. She was facing him, studying him intently, her gaze sometimes flickering to Shimmer. It made him feel self-conscious.
Oh, yeah, Shimmer. “Shimmer!” Tigerstar asked, relieved when she was found by his side. “I want you stick to Tawnypelt like a flea on a lion, understood?” When she nodded, he nudged her towards his mother.
Padding towards the tree, Tigerstar took deep breaths, regretting what he was about to do.
He leaped onto the nearest limb—the one near his former mate, on purpose. “Ivystar,” he greeted.
She didn’t greet him back, only acknowledging his mere presence with a nod, as though it was unimportant. The ThunderClan leader had gotten colder since he’d last seen her. Her face suddenly contorted, and she peeled away from his direction, masking all of her emotions swiftly. She seemed okay.
But Tigerstar didn’t want her to be okay. That was selfish, he knew, but he loved her still and didn’t want to mean nothing to her, nothing at all.
Then Ivystar turned to him, a sugar sweet fake smile on her face and in her voice. “I hope you and your mate are doing well.” The voice was made of pure fraud, but the undertone held no hostility, surprisingly.
Tigerstar frowned at her too-perfect reply. It hurt. Opting to step closer to her, he asked, “How are you doing?”
The ThunderClan leader’s eyes widened, and she took a step back, dismay and anger apparent as she bristled. Her eyes flashed dangerously, and she hissed, “Stay away from me and don’t talk to me.” She shrank into the nearest tree trunk.
“As you wish,” he responded, hurt blazing deep inside, burning the remnants of the heart he’d given away too many times.
Ivystar apologized, telling him that she couldn’t be around him for too long when he’d broken her trust.
“It’s fine, I understand why you would feel that way,” Tigerstar whispered to her. “Just, one last question?”
Ivystar flattened one of her ears, showing that she was listening, but annoyedly.
“How are the kits?”
Recognition flared, and she gestured to the crowd with her tail. “See for yourself.”
Tigerstar did, and saw that all of them had grown up, stronger and more confident than he ever could’ve imagined—even Sunsetsky. “Wow.” Panic lit his insides at his next thought, which he voiced aloud. “Do they know about Shimmer?”
“Shimmer?” It took a moment for the name to click before she glanced away, her claws digging into the bark. “No, they don’t know about her or that she’s pregnant, because I haven’t the guts to tell them after everything they’ve been going through.”
He didn’t want them to find out this way: by gossip. “Oh, jeez,” he murmured to himself, then picked up something else in the sentence. “What’ve they been going through?”
The ThunderClan leader’s gaze flicked back to him as she eyed him suspiciously. “That wasn’t supposed to slip, and I’m not giving you anything else to ponder, so drop it.”
She was hiding something, it didn’t take a genius.
“I didn’t want them to find out like this,” Tigerstar grumbled under his breath, just audible for Ivystar to hear.
“It’s your own fault for bringing your new mate here,” she pointed out with a growl.
“I suppose it is.”
The rest of the Gathering, he couldn’t focus.
Chapter 43 -
Dovewing was feeling hopeless.
She was an awful mate, a horrible sister.
Bumblestripe, still obliviously, loved her dearly and would eagerly give his life for her. Easily.
But he had no idea of just how the guilt was eating her away every day, so close to swallowing her whole. She’d just wanted the kits, and even if they were to not be mates anymore, what would it do to their kits?
Ivystar would do nearly anything for her, believing that she was okay.
And what reason would she have to believe that Dovewing wasn’t happy, content?
Her mind went back to her mate, and she felt a surge of guilt almost take her down before she steeled herself.
What was she supposed to do to make it go away? Retire to the elders’ den early just to avoid him?
Dovewing snorted at her own thought bemusedly, shaking her head. I would soon go to StarClan, then retire early. Life in the elders’ den is no life at all.
What in StarClan was she thinking in the first place; when she agreed to be Bumblestripe’s mate?
…………………………………………………………….
Bumblestripe (Yeah, I’m bringing him back for now.)
Dovewing’s been acting odd lately.
The thought of something being off with her frightened him.
It normally led to her worrying too much about whatever it was.
Last time, it was the ‘Fogkit incident’, as he’d dubbed it. Even so, it wasn’t even really Dovewing’s fault.
She’d been utterly humiliated by her former mate and her own sister, it was only fair that she gets a good life, yet that situation had taken over her life for a short period of time.
She’d let things get to her way too easily.
But Bumblestripe wasn’t one to hold grudges—mouse dung! He wasn’t even one to consider holding a grudge.
The Clan first. Put all other differences aside, was effortlessly his morale.
It was almost too easy to slip into his position as Ivystar’s deputy. It got rid of all of his other troubles to compartmentalize his life.
On the way over, Bumblestripe had seriously thought about asking the ThunderClan leader about her sister.
But he hadn’t been able to work up the nerve to before they’d neared the wreathing mass of cats.
He’d sat under the tree as usual, greeting the other deputies dutifully.
That was when he’d noticed that the ShadowClan deputy had brought along someone new—someone he hadn’t seen before.
She must’ve been a rogue or kittypet, then joined the Clans.
Tawnypelt stepped forward. “Bumblestripe,” she dipped her head. “This is Shimmer, Tigerstar’s new mate.” Her tone was cautious, her gesturing causing the new cat to step out into the sunlight.
Breathtaking.
It might’ve been the only word to describe Shimmer, the sunlight darting down to meet her silver pelt, which practically blinded him.
Tigerstar’s new mate had an air of confidence surrounding her, an aura of power, despite her scrawny build and nervous antics.
It was terrifying, how attracted he was instantly, as his heart pulled towards her.
He had a mate, and he wasn’t about to break her heart again.
Bumblestripe dipped his head to the queen, a polite smile on his face concealing his emotions. “Pleased to meet you, I’m Ivystar’s—ThunderClan’s—deputy, Bumblestripe.”
The moment the word ‘Ivystar’ was out of his mouth, Shimmer’s eyes flashed with an emotion too brief to be distinguished, about to dart away from him, then surprised him by not doing so. Instead, she tentatively dipped her own head to him. “It’s…. nice to meet you.”
He was sure that something was up with her, but decided not to press, trying not to take offense that she’d almost called their meeting something other than pleasant. “The pleasure is all mine,” he replied, not entirely sure why they were being so cold and formal to each other.
Then it all fell into place.
This was Tigerstar’s new mate, her belly round with kits. She must feel at least somewhat threatened, despite her appearance, being in her position. Ivystar was a threat to her.
Chapter 44 - (Las chapter before the epilogue. If you're triggered by death, don't read. But at this point, you should know that.)
Ivystar
She needed to retreat into her den, like, as soon as possible.
She was emotionally drained, her one short talk with Tigerstar a river, flowing, bumping into rocks, rough, smooth.
With a sigh, she leaped down from the rock with a sarcastic nod to the other leaders, including her former mate, not that any of them could tell anyway.
“ThunderClan, gather up, we’re heading home,” she announced to her cats, sending murmurs of annoyance through the crowd of cats.
Her deputy, always the reliable one, met her gaze before tearing off to round up the remnants of ThunderClan.
Almost subconsciously, Ivystar detected the heat of a gaze on her making her traitorous heart go pitter-patter. No doubt it was Tigerstar.
She really needed to get out of here.
…………….
Dovewing
She couldn’t take it anymore. The pressure on herself, to either tell the truth or…or what?
She took one last glance around the clearing where ThunderClan resided.
All around, cats moved nimbly, all with a sense of order, an aura of joy surrounding them, laughter echoing around the clearing.
Dovewing didn’t have a purpose, like them. She didn’t have their joy, their fun, their happiness.
She raced through the tunnel, the forest, stopping at the cliff no cat dared go near.
If that was their point of living, what was hers?
To simply make the Clan larger? To birth them more kits? What point did she have in the world?
If she were gone, Ivystar was strong enough to take it. Her sister was strong enough to take anything.
Bumblestripe...Bumblestripe loved her unconditionally. And as selfish as it was, Dovewing wanted that love for herself. She wanted it to stay that way. Even if she went to StarClan, at least he would never know of how unrequited his love for her was.
At least he would be there with the kits.
The kits. Their kits. They would be strong, Dovewing knew, just seeing them deal with Moonfaith's death, that they would hold out. They would be okay without her.
At the cliff's edge, Dovewing stared down, the prospect of jumping seeming more appealing by the second. When her life was such a mess.
And
With
That
She
Jumped.
Epilogue -
After Ivystar had gotten back to ThunderClan camp, a few hours later they'd gone out searching for her sister, only to discover that she had jumped off of the cliff while they were all gone. Bumblestripe had struggled with this news the most from anyone, grieving. Her kits carried on living, grieving themselves as they struggled to grasp that their mother had committed suicide. Ivystar had taken it the lightest, having gone numb long before Dovewing's death. The Clan remembered her as a hard worker and determined cat she'd been - always loyal to her Clan. No cat ever mentioned that she had taken her life years after, instead telling younger cats that she was an honorable warrior, in life and death.
Because in the end, life goes on. Life goes on, and may StarClan be with everyone.
I just wanted to say thank you for checking this out in the first place, for reading my stories. It means so much that you've supported me, and I can't explain in words how appreciative I am of that. Shout out to my friends, as I'm afraid this story is finished.
Special shouts to: mintedstar/fur🦇 EthanTheAnnus Maplestone360 @peeps IM FORGETTING AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH