I have Sky!

Oh my. Really hoping that Nightheart's family drama gets resolved in future books. Because I'm still one of the people who likes him AND Sparkpelt at the same time (as well as the Firekin in general).

As Nightheart bitterly licks his leg wound, Thriftear and Flipclaw hadn't stopped teasing him about how he disobeyed Lionblaze's orders. Thriftear was more critical of him disobeying a senior warrior, while Flipclaw jokes that "You're supposed to eat the squirrels! They aren't meant to eat you!" and then adds if Nightheart isn't careful, he'll end up in StarClan "answering to Firestar!". This ticks off Nightheart, who insults Flipclaw. Flipclaw gets hurt and says he was trying to lighten the mood. Thriftear meows that the elders told them Firestar made jokes himself. Nightheart grumbles that Firestar was clearly never the butt of the joke, and if being Firestar's kin is so important, then why don't cats treat him with the same respect they do to some dead leader.

Now back in camp, he tells himself he's going to prove himself worthy and how wrong Flipclaw, Thriftear, and Lionblaze are about him. Sparkpelt and Finchlight are still cold to Nightheart and don't let him eat with them. Bramblestar is laying over the highledge, seemingly asleep. Thriftear and Shellfur had been gossiping that Bramblestar doesn't even sleep in his own den anymore and instead sleeps in the open under the moonlight, almost like he was too scared to be left in the dark. Squirrelflight is next to him, her eyes blank and unwavering. Nightheart scents ShadowClan and groans they're back again for catmint. As he turns around, he's greeted by Flaxfoot and Gullswoop. Nightheart growls they should have waited at the border. Flaxfoot huffs there wasn't time, and Nightheart realizes they're both out of breath, like they ran here.

Lionblaze sees this and gets to his paws, coming forward with authority and asks if something has happened. He's flanked by Cherryfall and Bumblestripe. Gullswoop says medicine cat business. Squirrelflight bounds down from the highledge and demands an explantion. Bramblestar has opened his eyes, but makes no other movement. Flaxfoot says Tigerstar wants to have a meeting about the lack of catmint, and Alderheart and Jayfeather need to come. Squirrelflight snorts that it's just like Tigerstar to act like he has authority over their Clan, but Flaxfoot assures her it's not an order, but a request. Jayfeather, hearing the commotion, grunts to Squirrelflight that if Tigerstar is requesting something, then you know it's serious, and says he and Alderheart will attend. Flaxfoot is relieved, and thanks Jayfeather for understanding. Squirrelflight orders Lionblaze and Bumblestripe to escort them off the border and goes back to Bramblestar, who's attention hasn't left Flaxfoot and Gullswoop. Just before she goes back, Squirrelflight asks for an update on Brightheart. Jayfeather sighs that she's still sick, but it's not greencough yet.

Jayfeather then jerks his head to Nightheart, asking why he's bleeding. Surprised, Nightheart stammers he was bitten. Jayfeather inspects the wound, and asks if there's a fox on the territory. Nightheart mutters it was a squirrel. Jayfeather exclaims the phrase for everyone to hear, as if he can't believe the answer. Jayfeather then ushers Nightheart into the den, where he spots Brightheart silently eating a mouse with Alderheart. Alderheart issues a curt greeting to Nightheart, and Nightheart is glad that at least some of his kin don't resent him. Jayfeather snarks that Nightheart was bitten by a squirrel. Brightheart is surprised, and Nightheart hisses that prey have teeth too. Brightheart is taken back by Nightheart's hostility, but goes back to her mouse.

As Jayfeather searches amongst his herbs, he begins telling Alderheart about the emergency medicine cat meeting. Alderheart snorts that of course Tigerstar was the one to call it, and asks if he expects them to conjure herbs from the air. Jayfeather lets out a stiff snort, but says at the very least they can find out how bad the shortage is. Brightheart looks up from her mouse, and asks if they're sure they weren't lied to. Alderheart frowns and says medicine cats don't lie. Brightheart says that perhaps they mislead or exaggerated. Nightheart says it might make sense if there's a bad shortage. Alderheart says it'd be foolish to lie in a time like this. Jayfeather snorts agreement with Alderheart as he applies a poultice onto Nightheart, and then says that warriors think with their claws, not their heads, and a medicine cat might be convinced to lie or mislead if under the orders of their leader. Jayfeather then shoos Nightheart out and says to come back tomorrow so he can check the wound.

Nightheart feels he should be insulted by what Jayfeather said about warriors, but can't help but feel he agrees with him. He thinks Jayfeather must understand how frustrating it is to be part of ThunderClan. Nightheart asks Jayfeather if he thinks all warriors are like that. Jayfeather grumbles Nightheart should know himself considering he shares the den with them. Brightheart mews that there's nothing wrong with being related to Firestar and many cats would be glad to have kin like him because it gives cats something to live up to, being honorable and just. Nightheart snarls it's better to focus on the present. Brightheart agrees, but Nightheart needs to focus on what makes him himself and not focusing on the past, like he just said. Nightheart grumbles that perhaps it'd be better if he became a loner. Jayfeather lets out a snort and says Nightheart wouldn't last a moon.

Nightheart thinks that all Jayfeather can do is mix herbs. Alderheart stares at Nightheart sympathetically, and Nightheart says he guesses Alderheart become a medicine cat to avoid become compared to Firestar as well since Alderheart is also related to Firestar. Alderheart flattens his ears in annoyance, and Nightheart realizes he should have kept quiet. Alderheart says that Nightheart has only been a warrior for a few days, and he's putting way too many expectations on himself and abandoning what he knows isn't going to solve his problems. He calms down and says to just give it time, adding that it took him some time to realize he wanted to become a medicine cat. Nightheart realizes that maybe Alderheart was right and begins to appreciate his support, but it quickly turns into resentment because obviously Alderheart hasn't dealt with Nightheart's problems before. But then the resentment begins to fade as Alderheart gazes at him with love and support. Nightheart thinks to himself that at least one cat supports him, and thankfully it's his mother's littermate.

Later on, Nightheart is awake in the warriors' den and eavesdropping on Jayfeather, Alderheart, and Squirrelflight's conversation from the emergency meeting. Jayfeather and Alderheart basically explain the shortages, how Rowankit is sick, and what to do next. Nightheart then exits the den and sees Bramblestar pacing around the camp, and wonders why he didn't greet the medicine cats. Jayfeather doesn't seem to care that Bramblestar isn't present, but tells Squirrelflight that Puddleshine suggested organizing a patrol to go find catmint at the old twolegplace. Alderheart adds that Fidgetflake and Shadowsight were perfectly fine to go, but then adds that Kestrelflight was worried about Whistlepaw's training and elected not to go, while Mothwing got incredibly evasive and defensive about it to the point where Jayfeather gave up on her. Alderheart then adds that he'll be happy to represent ThunderClan. Jayfeather sniffs that he'll hold the Clan together while Alderheart has his adventures. Squirrelflight diplomatically says (whatever this means) it's a good idea. She suggests Alderheart take Twigbranch as they're close and she once took part in the quest to find SkyClan.

Jayfeather snorts no, and instead Nightheart should go. Nightheart is surprised and wonders why Jayfeather wants him to go and it didn't make sense, much like how Lionblaze loves to berate him all the time. Squirrelflight says Nightheart is the least experienced warrior in the Clan. Jayfeather says he seems restless and needs a chance to prove himself considering he failed his assessment so many times. Squirrelflight pauses, but then agrees. She says that she believes in Nightheart and mentions that Bramblestar talks constantly about how proud he is of him and how he has the markings of a noble warrior. Nightheart is happy that Bramblestar, like Alderheart, seem to just like him for who he is, and perhaps some time away from the Clan will help him figure himself out.

Alderheart says he's glad it's settled, but he'd like to mention how Mothwing and Frostpaw were at the Moonpool before anyone else. Jayfeather says he suspects they were there for another reason, and Alderheart adds that they stayed after everyone left too. Jayfeather mews that Mothwing was incredibly evasive and irritated when he just tried to make conversation, and how Mothwing shut down Puddleshine's idea for an organized patrol of cats to go look for catmint almost immediately if not for the intervention of himself, Alderheart, and Frecklewish. Squirrelflight says Mothwing must have her reasons, and she's sure they'll learn about it with the next gathering. The three finish up and then go to their nests, but as Squirrelflight heads back, she catches Nightheart's eye. He realizes he's been caught, but instead of being angry, Squirrelflight issues him a nod, and then goes into Bramblestar's den. Nightheart begins to tremble not because he had been caught, but because he's being given an important task that might save the Clans.

Nightheart insulting Brightheart for giving him actually good advice has made me like him quite a bit less because Brightheart is my girl. But I just still think there has to be a reason as to why the writing team is playing the divide between Nightheart and ThunderClan up so hard.

In other news, I'm worried about Bramblestar.

I really won't be surprised if Bramblestar retires soon. As for Nightheart, yeah, no, still don't like him. I feel bad for the cats he insulted though, but especially Brightheart!

Nightheart really just ranting to cats who have been nothing but nice to him (except Jayfeather, I assume, but dang him using his blindness to insult him is really low).

Alderheart being super nice despite Nightheart being rude to him ❤️

Brightheart seems to be doing better, which is good!

Still not that fond of Nightheart. It's interesting that Jayfeather was the one who suggested him for this patrol. I was wondering why Nightheart was chosen in the first place. Bramblestar being a loving grandparent to Night and believing in him is sweet, though.

I think another reason as to why the characterization for certain characters might be off between River as compared to Sky is because both of these books each had a different author (Cherith wrote River and Kate did Sky). Something tells me these two writers do not get to communicate a lot but especially not in terms of consistent characterization. Because Finchlight going from being supportive in the first book to now being against Nightheart while Sparkpelt went from trying to not trying to be understanding of him here just seems quite jarring in a way. Although Squirrelflight seems to get written calmer so far than she was in the previous book. Which is weird because Kate usually does not write her a such in other book as far as I can remember.

Sorry for rambling like that but I just had to process the way things are spiraling in Nightheart's PoV so fast for a minute. Because wow!

Also, I suppose we now know why WindClan doesn't go on the catmint patrol. RiverClan I'm not that surprised.

The scene with Curlfeather was as sweet as it was frustrating.

Yes, Alderheart is a very sweet cat. It's so nice to see Curlfeather again. We now know the quote about looking beyond the obvious choice from the website was from her.

Sunbeam remembers what Berryheart had told her about Tigerstar finding ways to shove his kin into every matter, and wonders if Lightleap joining the patrol was his way of keeping an eye on the patrol. Tigerstar tells Sunbeam to not take any risks and licks Lightleap's ear affectionately. Lightleap says they won't, which frustrates Sunbeam considering Lightleap had been taking risks the past moons and destroyed their friendship. Lightleap says she'll bring back catmint for Rowankit, which makes Sunbeam wonder if Lightleap actually just wants to help out her younger brother. She tenses up as the knows Blazefire is also sick, and her bringing back catmint for the both of them would make her look good. She realizes that she still loves Blazefire.

As they begin to go to SkyClan's territory, Lightleap screeches for Sunbeam to look out and shoves her to the ground. Sunbeam, startled, looks up and sees a branch dangling from a dying tree. It's broken, sure, but it wasn't falling. Angry now, Sunbeam gets up and walks ahead of Lightleap. Lightleap says she doesn't need to be so indignant. Sunbeam snarls she isn't and she's making a fuss out of a broken twig. Lightleap snorts that if it had fallen, she wouldn't been hurt. Sunbeam says it wasn't falling and wasn't a danger, and she didn't need to push and shove her to the ground either. Lightleap doesn't respond.

As they reach their destination, Sunbeam spots a "handsome tom with crow-black fur" (a nod to Firestar since he was described as handsome I would guess) and he hollers that ShadowClan has arrived. As they approach, Fidgetflake and Rootspring greet them warmly. Fidgetflake asks how Rowankit is, and Lightleap says still sick. Fidgetflake assures her they'll find catmint. Sunbeam and Nightheart greet each other. Sunbeam calls Nightheart "Flamepaw", and he gets mad, insisting he's Nightheart. Sunbeam doesn't know why he's being so defensive, but concedes he does look like a "Night" rather than "Flame". Lightleap says she's sorry they're late, but Tigerstar decided to replace Puddleshine with her. Alderheart murmurs it's a smart idea.

As they cross into WindClan territory, Sunbeam's belly rumbles and Nightheart asks if she's hungry. Sunbeam says she hasn't eaten. Rootspring, who is leading the patrol, says they won't hunt until they've left Clan territory. Nightheart begins to argue, but Alderheart cuts him off and says another bit of walking is worth not getting interrogated by a WindClan patrol. Sunbeam looks at Nightheart and says she's content waiting. Lightleap interjects and says she's sure the prey tastes better beyond Clan territory. Sunbeam gets annoyed that Lightleap once again barged into a conversation, knowing that Lightleap always liked the sound of her own voice. As they continue on, Rootspring mutters they're out of WindClan territory now. Lightleap gets enthusiastic about hunting, much to Sunbeam's ire. Nightheart begins stalking some rabbits, and Sunbeam notes he's a good hunter. She compliments his catches when he's done, feeling comfortable with a friend while spotting Lightleap and Rootspring off on their own. Alderheart and Fidgetflake sit down and catch up like friends.

As the four bring their catches, Lightleap begins talking about Blazefire and how great he is and their experiences with the rocky tunnel. Sunbeam finishes her rabbit and leaves the conversation, getting tired of Lightleap's voice. She washes them off in a stream, then heads back to the cats. Thankfully Alderheart seems to be getting tired of Lightleap's rambling and says they should make camp for the night. Lightleap argues that they're warriors and need to press on. Rootspring and Alderheart say that they need sleep. Lightleap hisses that Rowankit's life is at stake. Sunbeam reflects that if they were friends, she'd try to comfort Lightleap, but instead lets her argue with Alderheart and Rootspring. Fidgetflake looks down at his paws like he's simply too exhausted to even care.

Nightheart then says that Alderheart and Rootspring are right and they can't go far without sleep. Alderheart says he knows she's worried for her brother, but Rowankit can wait another day. Sunbeam gets angry now, since all of them except for her and Fidgetflake were consoling Lightleap and giving her comfort. Rootspring gestures to a nearby Thunderpath, and says they'll cross it and then settle down. He asks if she's okay with it. Sunbeam snorts that they don't need Lightleap's approval and stalks off. Nightheart falls in beside her, complaining about the smell of the Thunderpath. As they wait for the rest of the group, she notes Rootspring doesn't seem too fazed by the Thunderpath, figuring since he's been in the Dark Forest this must be nothing for him. Rootspring catches her eye and tells her to cross when he tells her to, again reinforcing that Rootspring's experience in the Dark Forest has given him an ummatched authority among them.

They all cross the Thunderpath (it's really just two pages of filler lmao) and decide to settle down near some brushes. They talk about how useless kittypets are, how weird twolegs are, and the warrior code. Nightheart openly talks about how the code needs to be changed, and this makes Sunbeam be glad Berryheart isn't around to hear him. Nightheart asks if Sunbeam agrees with him, but Lightleap answers for her, saying of course she does. Sunbeam gets even more annoyed that she's intruded on another conversation. Lightleap begins talking about how her parents broke the code for love and how tragic it is that it wasn't accepted back then. She tells Nightheart how Tigerstar left and later came back and how glad she is for it, otherwise she'd be raised a city cat. Rootspring chimes in a few times that he wishes he changed his Clan for Bristlefrost before she died, and he misses her terribly. Nightheart asks if there will be other reasons for swapping Clans aside from love. Fidgetflake, annoyed with all the talking, says probably not. As everyone settles down, she wonders if she's been listening to Berryheart so much and if Nightheart's talking sense. Nightheart then curls up next to her and asks if she thinks he's right.

Sunbeam is unsure. Nightheart says that Fernstripe seems pretty happy with Shellfur, even though she obviously misses WindClan. He also brings up Finleap and Twigbranch, and nobody even remembers he was once SkyClan. He then adds that loyalty is important, but he isn't feeling comfortable in ThunderClan these days. Sunbeam asks why, and Nightheart explains that Sparkpelt and Finchlight hardly talk to him. He says that Bramblestar and Alderheart seem to believe in him, but it's all confusing. Sunbeam brings up Nightheart's many failed assessments, which annoys him.

Nightheart says that it feels like everyone in the Clan is hard on him for no reason. They don't like that he changed his name and he doesn't even get along with Sparkpelt or Finchlight anymore. Sunbeam mews that he has other kin, like Tawnypelt, Tigerstar, and Lightleap. Nightheart mutters she's right, but then lights up and says perhaps he'd get along better with Tawnypelt than anyone else. Sunbeam mews it's not what she meant, surprised he seems so eager to swap Clans. She mentions everyone pities her, explaining her break up with Blazefire and her drama with Lightleap. They talk about how their feelings are confusing, and again Sunbeam notes how handsome Nightheart is, and is more kind than most of ShadowClan. She tells Nightheart that perhaps he just needs time, and thinks to herself that maybe all she needs is time too.

NightSun happening for sure, it seems.
Also Sunbeam calling Nightheart nice is just too funny after his last chapter.
Nightheart is likely going to ShadowClan, it seems from his conversation with Sunbeam.
Really like how Nightheart is bringing up Tawnypelt, I want to see where it goes!
A mention of Fernstripe, too! If only she ever actually appeared.

Nightheart his handsome, eh? Just like Firestar was described, indeed. Something tells me BlazeLight might become a thing yet, oh boy the drama. And also, NightSun seems to really be a possibility if Sunbeam calling him handsome again is anything to go by *sigh*. Nightheart could very well be joining ShadowClan after all. Although I hope it will only be temporarily since having two ShadowClan PoVs is unnecessary but also because his family drama in ThunderClan would have less chances of actually getting resolved that way.

Lightleap is such a troublemaker, not sure if I still hate it or love it at this point. Wait, so is this the end of the journey already because that was short, way shorter than the one in Darkness Within, right? All the better for me since I'm not really a fan of travelling books except for Dawn and Sunrise.