Rising From the Ashes

Flowstar looked down at the cats crowded below him at the first Gathering after the horrific greencough outbreak that had swept through the Clans this past leaf-bare. Before the outbreak, after many seasons of prosperous growth among the Clans, borders became tight as numbers outgrew what the territories could support. Soon border skirmishes broke out between the Clans as cats were caught crossing them and stealing prey or trying to reset the borders to make their own territory larger. That led to an all out war between the Clans, now called the Great War by those who survived it many seasons later. After the war, the Clan ranks had dwindled to a struggling few, enough that it was no longer necessary to fight to expand borders. When the dust had settled from the battles and everyone began to settle down for the long leaf-bare, illness struck. As if StarClan was punishing those who survived for their greed, greencough swept through the Clans with an insatiable hunger, devouring the lives of those it caught in its grasp. When the season turned and the air finally grew warm with new-leaf, the Clans had been brought to their knees with painfully few numbers.

The broad shouldered, red tabby tom sat on a low branch that overlooked the clearing below him where the Clans had gathered for the first time in many moons. With so much illness that had spread, few dared to attend Gatherings for fear of catching more of the illness or spreading it to others. Few cats would attend the Gatherings, if any at all would come. Despite it being a great dishonor to the Warrior Code, the fear of possibly losing more lives was too much to bear.  A time meant to be full of peace and coming together, turned to one filled with fear and unease.

Flowstar let his gaze sweep across the clearing to the few members of his own Clan that had traveled with him tonight. His deputy, Glidingstorm, sat with the other deputies down at the base of the tree the leaders spoke from. Her blue-gray pelt looked silver under the moonlight and rippled as she shifted in her position next to the others. A flicker of ginger fur caught the ThunderClan leader’s eye and he glanced over to where his mother, Appleblossom, chatted happily with a RiverClan queen that had made the journey to the island. Appleblossom’s apprentice, Coalpaw, and one other apprentice from ThunderClan were seated together, next to another younger apprentice from WindClan. A single ShadowClan warrior, Brackenstorm, sat somewhat awkwardly by himself, near two RiverClan warriors who sat straight and at attention. They were all clustered near one another below, leaving much of the clearing bare and empty.

Flowstar shook his head as he stifled a sigh. ‘A Gathering should not be this small.’

“ShadowClan is thriving after the greencough outbreak, and growing in this time of peace.” a low, smooth voice cut through Flowstar’s thoughts and he blinked his blue eyes to look where a light brown, heavily battle scarred tabby tom spoke from his branch that hung over the clearing. His voice swelled with pride as he spoke, his chest puffed out and his long tail curled neatly around his white paws. His green eyes gleamed in the moonlight and Flowstar flicked his ear in dismissal of the other leader’s words.  Everyone knew ShadowClan had gotten the worst of the greencough, Only the ShadowClan leader and very few of his warriors survived, and they had scraped by by the skin of their noses thanks to the hard work of their medicine cat Alderberry, who was seated below by the only other surviving medicine cat, Minkleap, from RiverClan. The way this tom spoke with such pride and confidence, you would never have guessed how much his Clan had suffered.

“We celebrate the first birth since the outbreak, and since the peace began,” Adderstar continued, his voice echoing across the mostly empty clearing. He spoke as if he was talking to a Gathering that was much larger than the one before him. “Onewind has given birth to a healthy she-kit, named Heatherkit.”

A scattered, quiet cheer went up in the clearing as the cats below called out the kit’s name and their congratulations to ShadowClan. Flowstar looked up and dipped his head in respect to the older tom as Adderstar stepped down from the branch and motioned for Flowstar to speak next. “Congratulations, Adderstar,” Flowtar said quietly as the other tom passed and he stepped up onto the branch as it was his turn to speak. Flowstar padded forward and looked down at the gathered Clans, feeling his heart break a little as he got a full view of just how empty the clearing looked below.

“ThunderClan is pushing through,” He mewed, ignoring the slight waver in his voice as he cleared his throat before continuing. “I will not sugar coat the truth, like the rest of the leaders have. We have all suffered from the The Great War and the greencough that swept through our ranks. Let us thank StarClan it did not completely destroy us.” He dipped his chin slightly, offering up a moment of silence for their ancestors who watched over them. “Furthermore, ThunderClan has lost its former deputy, Risingwater, to greencough. I have appointed Glidingstorm as the new deputy.” He smiled as Appleblossom, and the two apprentices from his Clan all cheered. Their voices rising above the others, especially Hazelpaw, Glidingstorm’s apprentice. The young she-cat with thick brown fur nearly rose onto her hind legs to yowl the deputy’s name. They were the only three from ThunderClan, besides Glidingstorm and himself, present at this Gathering.  They were not the smallest group, Flowstar had noted. Smokestar, the leader of WindClan, only had his deputy, Thornstrike,  and one apprentice with him whom he had announced earlier as Emberpaw.

“I would also like to announce Coalpaw, who became a newly named apprentice little less than a moon ago,” He continued, watching as the young black and white tom sat a little taller below him and carefully eyed the other Clans as they congratulated him. Having said all he wanted to say, Flowstar fell silent and took a step back off the branch onto the one below it where the other leaders were seated. Looking at Adderstar over his shoulder to bring the Gathering to a close as he did so, since there was no one left to speak. The old tom gave a nod of understanding and took a step forward on the branch, standing at the front of the four leaders once more. “With nothing else to report, that brings the Gathering to a close. May StarClan light your paths,” He mewed, his voice rolling off him and through the clearing. He gracefully leapt down to the ground, bringing the Gathering to an official end.

Flowstar leapt down after the ShadowClan leader and paused a heartbeat, waiting as Glidingstorm said farewell to another darker gray she-cat that he recognized as Mistwalker, the RiverClan deputy. She smiled at her friend before bounding over to Flowstar, looking at him expectantly. He nodded to his deputy before turning to find the rest of his Clan in the clearing. His mother was saying a warm farewell to the RiverClan queen before she made her way over to her son, the two apprentices in tow. The red tom glanced past her to the RiverClan cats, noting the rust colored pelt of Morningstar surrounded by the few members of her own Clan. The queen, Paleleaf, stood beside another she-cat Flowstar recognized as Willowhisper. One other warrior, Stormdawn, accompanied them and Flowstar noticed that other than his own group, Morningstar had the second largest.

Morningstar had only announced Paleleaf moving to the nursery when she spoke earlier, but had not said she was expecting. From what the ThunderClan leader recalled, Paleleaf was much softer spoken and seem much better suited for the life of a resident queen and her position would hold a beacon of hope for her Clan. The young tom felt a pang in his chest as he thought about his empty nursery and no promise of future kits. Kits meant a future for his Clan, the ability to grow and to increase the strength of his Clan.

“Burntpaw is going to be so jealous he couldn’t come!” The dark, thick pelted she-cat, Hazelpaw, mewed. Her voice ripped Flowstar from his thoughts and he tore his gaze from the RiverClan cats to the two young ones before him. Coalpaw just stood at Hazelpaw’s side silently, glaring at the other cats as they separated into their own Clans and prepared to leave. This was his first time around the other Clans, after being raised in a time of war he didn’t seem to trust the others and the tentative peace that held them together. Not that anyone could blame him, he never got the chance to know his father and he watched patrols and battle parties come back smaller and smaller each time they returned. And finally, greencough took his mother.  

Flowstar shook off the gloom in his heart and gave an amused smile at the young she-cat’s words. “Maybe next time he can come, and you can stay behind,” He mewed with a small chuckle as Hazelpaw gave a cry of protest, eyes going wide in horror. “No! Leave Coalpaw behind!” She whined.

Flowstar snorted and shook his head, giving Hazelpaw a light playful shove with his shoulder. “Let’s get going,” He said, amusement still hanging in his voice as he took the lead and padded towards the edge of the clearing. As they neared the shore he saw where the fallen tree was so they could cross the water to the lakeshore on the other side. He waited patiently at the end of the tree trunk as his Clanmates crossed before him, monitoring them as they crossed and making sure they made it to the other side safely. As Glidingstorm passed him he got ready to  jump up and cross himself to join his Clan on the other side but paused as someone cleared their throat behind him.

“May I have a quick word?” Adderstar mewed softly as his deputy, Burningeclipse, pushed past the two leaders as she led Alderberry and Brackenstorm across the tree bridge. Flowstar felt annoyance bubble up in his chest and leave a bitter taste on his tongue. He looked across the water and saw the two groups sitting a safe distance apart, waiting for their leaders on the other side. Coalpaw was glaring at Brackenstorm who sat beside the ShadowClan deputy but the older tom didn’t even glance in the apprentice’s direction, a look of indifference set on his features.

“Make it quick, unless you want to be home after dawn,” Flowstar mewed, his voice getting gruff with his annoyance as he sat down on the rocky shore, turning his narrowed blue gaze to the ShadowClan leader. He wrapped his tail around his paws, though the tip of it twitched slightly as he tried to contain his displeasure.

Adderstar looked around before heaving a sigh, his shoulders and lean frame slumping as he did so. The strain of the past leaf-bare and the battles became more evident in the older tom in that moment. His muzzle was graying, his pelt was becoming dull and speckled with clumps where he could no longer easily reach to groom and his muscles had lost their bulk. “How do we plan to keep the Clans going?” He mewed, despair suddenly filling his rough voice, a stark contrast to the pride that had emanated from him earlier. He met Flowstar’s icy gaze with his dull leaf green one, his stare blank and lost. “There isn’t enough diversity among the Clans; almost all the survivors in my Clan are related. The same goes for WindClan and RiverClan and I assume I can say the same for your Clan as well.”

Flowstar huffed and flicked an ear, trying to hide his confusion with dismissal. “So?” He mewed, unsure what that statement had to do with the future of his Clan. There had often been times where Clans had high numbers of related cats among their ranks, but they found ways around it and handle it. “Where are you going with this?” He asked, giving the older leader a cautious look, but was unable to hide his curiosity as his blue eyes gleamed.

Adderstar sighed once more, shaking his head. “I’m saying we will need to seek other ways to help our Clans grow.” He mewed slowly, as if Flowstar might not understand what he was hinting at. The older tom glanced up, eyeing the ThunderClan leader for his reaction.

Flowstar thought for a moment, trying to figure out what Adderstar could be getting at. He wrinkled his nose in slight distaste as he caught on to what the older tom was implying. “Are you suggesting we encourage our Clans to create relationships amongst each other and mix blood?” he asked, feeling a growl rise up in his chest as his heart began to race, pounding within him and sending his blood roaring in his ears. Fury sent a sour taste in his mouth.

Adderstar nodded, eyes  suddenly bright, but not with hope. There was some kind of madness in those gleaming green orbs. “Yes, I see no other way. I know Morningstar agrees with me and has already encouraged her warriors to mingle with mine. And Thornstrike says she will speak with Smokestar to get WindClan to join us.” He looked at Flowstar, his eyes flashing with a desperate pleading. “Please join us Flowstar, it’s the only hope the Clans have of surviving.”

Flowstar shook his head and resisted the urge to laugh at the audacity the ShadowClan leader had and the ridiculousness of his idea. “Adderstar my friend, we may have been allies in the past but I am afraid I can not agree to this outrageous plan,” He mewed as calmly as he could. “The mixing of Clan blood is not the way to go. It has created problems in the past, and there is a reason it is against the Warrior Code to take a mate in another Clan. What will happen if battles are to break out again? Kin would align with kin, not with their own Clans. The kits of these relationships will be torn, unsure of where they belong. And who will get the kits to help their Clan grow? The Clan that is home to the mother, or the father?” Flowstar shook his head again and leapt up onto the fallen tree, finished with the conversation and he prepared to cross. “I’m sorry Adderstar, but this is not how we are to save our Clans. We must be patient and wait, StarClan will provide us with an answer to our problems. They always do.”

Adderstar suddenly let out a hiss and leapt up behind Flowstar, making the tree rattle under them at the sudden extra weight. “You are condemning your Clan!” He snarled, claws digging into the bark of the log and a wild light entering his green eyes. “I always knew you were irrational, but I never thought you would be this foolish!” He spat.

Flowstar bristled, alarmed at the tom’s sudden outburst as his blue eyes widened. “I am not the foolish one!”He countered, his voice rising has he stood his ground. “Do you and Morningstar not see the conflicts that will arise if you go forth with this outrageous encouragement? You are condemning all the Clans if you go through with this!” Flowstar felt a trickle of fear worm its way into his stomach as he watched the wild eyed older tom carefully. Adderstar had always been the more erratic leader with more outlandish ideas, but this was far beyond anything Flowstar could have imagined. A plan like this would crumple the shakey peace, something the depleted Clans simply could not afford.

Adderstar growled and shouldered his way past Flowstar as he made his way across the tree bridge. Flowstar gave a startled hiss as he scrambled not to lose his balance and fall from the force the old cat used to push him out of the way. He glared after him in disbelief as he began stalking across the log after the older leader.

“You are leading your Clan to ruin Flowstar!” Adderstar called over his shoulder as he landed on the far shore, turning to look back at the tom that still was crossing the fallen tree. “And I look forward to seeing ShadowClan take claim to your territory upon your demise. Don’t be as foolish as to think this peace would last long, I have a medicine cat and I can afford a few more battles.” That mad gleam had returned to the older tom’s eyes and Flowstar felt a chill run through him as he bristled.

“You wouldn’t dare!” He snarled looking at the other leader in astonishment. In a swift movement he leapt down onto the shore as the cats from the two Clans exchanged confused glances with each other as their leaders bickered. Brackenstorm, the ShadowClan warrior, began to bristle as he fed off his leader’s hostility and turned his glaring eyes onto Coalpaw, who sneered back at the warrior. Flowstar padded towards Adderstar, his fur rising along his shoulders.  “Just because you have a medicine cat does not mean you have the force necessary to go into battle! You have three warriors, and that’s counting your deputy. With a new queen and kit to look after! Would you really put them at risk simply because I will not share in your plan to mix blood?” He spat the last two words in Adderstar’s face, his long furred tail lashing wildly behind him as the young tom struggled to contain his fury.

“Mix blood?” Appleblossom mewed in shock behind her leader, eyes wide and fur fluffed up in shock. “That’s preposterous! It’s against the Warrior Code!”

“But it’s the only way to keep the Clans going!” Burningeclipse, the ShadowClan deputy, snapped as she stepped forward to stand beside her leader. She was slight in build, and the older tom towered over her thick pelted gray form. The fur along the dark gray stripe down her back was raised and bristling as her bright green eyes bore into Appleblossom with an intense fury. “It’s nearly impossible to mate within our own Clans now that our numbers are so diminished. Mostly everyone is kin! The only one in our Clan who could take a mate easily is Alderberry, and she’s a medicine cat!”

“So you would mix Clan blood and break that part of the Code before allowing your medicine cat to take on a mate?” Glidingstorm hissed her tail lashing as she took a step forward as well, her green eyes narrowing and her pelt bristling.

“It will benefit all the Clans, and not just ours!” The ShadowClan deputy countered, taking a step towards the ThunderClan deputy as well and the two she-cats began to square off as if they were preparing to fight right then and there on the lake shore. Flowstar realized there was a great possibility the ShadowClan deputy would engage, especially after Adderstar pointed out they had a medicine cat whereas ThunderClan did not. The young tom curled his lip in a silent snarl.

“Enough of this!” Flowstar cried, sweeping his long furred, dark red tail back and forth as he glared at Adderstar. “The Gathering may be over, but the full moon is still in the sky, and we are still under a time of peace.” He mewed, his voice stern as he looked at his deputy who bristled beside him. “Glidingstorm, calm yourself,” He said  more gently, resting his tail tip on her bristling flank. The blue-gray she-cat stiffened slightly at the feeling of his tail resting against her pelt, glancing down before she snorted, forcing her fur to lay flat once more. Her eyes still holding a burning gaze on the ShadowClan deputy as she took a step back, curling her lip in distaste.

“Adderstar, ThunderClan will not partake in this mixing of Clan blood. I will sooner take in rogues and loners, those in need of homes, before I blur the borders and let ThunderClan blood mix with any other Clan. It will only spell disaster for us all,” Flowstar mewed evenly, trying to keep his voice calm as he glared at the other tom. He could hear his blood roaring in his ears and felt his heart hammering in his chest so hard he had to struggle not to tremble from the rage. He could see that peace he had been hoping for shattering and falling to pieces before him as he straightened his back and stood tall before the ShadowClan leader, holding his ground against the older tom.

Adderstar snorted as his mouth twitched as he stifled a sneer. “So be it then,” He said smoothly, his barely contained rage could be heard rumbling in his chest as he spoke and could be seen gleaming in his eyes. “You better watch your borders then, and hope you do not come across one of my patrols,” He said coldly as he turned and began to lead his Clan away, across the shore towards the darkened forest. “My warriors will not hesitate to attack.”

Flowstar watched them go in stunned silence, waiting until they disappeared into the shadows of the night before he exhaled heavily, his shoulders sagging a little as his mind raced. He gave his head a small shake and turned to lead his own shaken Clan home. He took the long way, through the shore along WindClan territory, to avoid running into any of ShadowClan on their way home. As he led his Clan back home, Adderstar’s words hung heavy in his mind and he couldn’t help but feel his heart sink in his chest.

---

The ThunderClan cats trudged through the forest that made up their territory and down the Old Thunderpath that led to their camp. The moon was three quarters of its way through its path up in the sky, casting an eerie silver light  slanting through the trees as they approached the thorn tunnel that was the entrance to their camp. A light gray and white form sitting just outside the tunnel sat up at attention, his storm gray eyes gleaming as his Clanmates approached.

“How did it go?” Arroweye asked as he rose to his feet, his gaze flicking over the individuals in the group that approached and noting their solemn and somber looks. A look of confusion crossed his face as he brought his gaze back to Flowstar as his leader neared him.

“Get inside, I’m calling a meeting,” Flowstar growled sharply as he padded past the young warrior and through the tunnel. The thorns tugged at his pelt before they gave way and opened up into a stone hollow that was ThunderClan’s camp. The red pelted tom didn’t hesitate before swiftly trotting across the clearing and leaping onto the Highledge, letting out a yowl that echoed through the stone walls of the camp. It was abnormal to call a Clan meeting so late in the night and directly after a Gathering, but the ThunderClan leader felt he had to share the news with his Clanmates, and he had to do so now. He inhaled deeply and called out the ceremonious words to summon his Clan, “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here below the Highledge for a Clan meeting!”

Flowstar watched as a sleek pelted dark brown tom pulled himself out of the apprentice den almost immediately, yawning as he stumbled over to Hazelpaw. Flowstar guessed the young apprentice must have been trying to stay awake for his sibling’s return, but dozed off as his movements were tired and slow.  He groggily demanded to know who was present at the Gathering and the news that was shared from his sister, and she quickly and quietly tried to fill him in with Coalpaw interjecting a few words or two. The only surviving elder in ThunderClan, Acorncloud, gave an annoyed growl as she lumbered out of the elders den and settled down under the Highledge with a disgruntled and tired huff.

“This better be good!” The elder snapped, eyes half blind with age glared up at him where he sat above her and the rest of his gathering Clan. Glidingstorm took her place below him as Arroweye went to sit beside Appleblossom, who was quietly shushing Hazelpaw and the other apprentices. Flowstar waited until everyone was settled down and quiet,  heaving a sigh as he looked at what was left of his diminished Clan.

Including himself, he had seven able bodied and trained cats, who he knew were all willing and ready to fight. But, he had no medicine cat or even a medicine cat apprentice within his ranks. He had Appleblossom, who knew enough of the basic herbs to treat minor wounds and possibly a sore throat or bellyache. Flowstar himself had a little of that basic knowledge, but not enough to help with full blown battle wounds or deadly illnesses. If ShadowClan did fight, even though he had numbers on his side, he was at a  great disadvantage without a medicine cat to help keep his clan healthy. His thoughts raced and he realized he had all eyes on him, waiting for him to speak. Flowstar took a steadying breath and tried to shake his fears and doubts from his mind.

“Adderstar spoke with me tonight after the Gathering had come to a close,” Flowstar began, trying to keep his voice even and calm as he looked at his Clan below as he scrambled to figure out how to word what he had to say. “He mentioned how it will be difficult for the Clans to grow, seeing as mostly everyone in the individual Clans are related. He suggested that we look beyond our borders to help us grow.”

“What do you mean ‘beyond our borders’?” Acorncloud echoes with a  disapproving snort, seemingly unconcerned. “Take in loners and rouges? ThunderClan has been doing that for ages. Three of our warriors in the Great War were loners we took in. My own mother wasn’t born of this Clan.”

Flowstar shook his head, remembering how he thought the same and was now wishing that had been what the ShadowClan leader had meant. “No, I mean looking beyond our borders into the other Clans. Mix blood.” He said, barely able to finish speaking before his voice was drowned out but the outburst of outraged cries from Acorncloud, Burntpaw, and Arroweye. He waited patiently for their protests to subside before he continued, “Adderstar and Morningstar are both on board with this idea, but I have refused.”

“How could they though?” Arroweye mewed, his quiet voice rising as he spoke up. “It breaks the Warrior Code! Not only that, but it only leads to more problems for the Clans. There’s a reason the Warrior Code is there, and it’s to stop the problems they will create by doing this.” His eyes were wide and the lean tom was visibly shaken. Instead of rage his eyes held fear and Flowstar felt his chest tighten as he struggled to find words to console his Clanmate.

“What about WindClan?” Acorncloud asked, her voice holding a hint of a rumbling growl. “Smokestar is too smart to fall for this, but I wouldn’t put it past his conniving deputy. I never liked Thornstrike.”

Flowstar nodded. “I want to travel to WindClan’s camp at dawn. I will leave Glidingstorm in charge when I go, to organize patrols,” He said with a dip of his chin to his deputy. She returned the gesture with a surprised look and Flowstar regretted not discussing his sudden decision with her on their trek home. “When on the ShadowClan border, be careful. Adderstar has not taken kindly to my refusal to allow ThunderClan to take mates from the other Clans. He has gone as far as threatening to attack patrols. So proceed with caution when coming near the ShadowClan border.”

Acorncloud gave another annoyed hiss, her brittle claws digging into the ground under her paws. “This is preposterous!” She snarled, her matted tail lashing back and forth. “Has Adderstar lost his mind? I mean, I always knew he had bees in his brain, I was there when he was announced as the new leader after Silverstar. Even then he seemed a little off!”

Flowstar sighed, understanding the elder’s annoyance and anger and wishing he had something better to tell her, something to ease her nerves, but he didn’t even know how to ease his own nerves at the moment. “Hopefully we can get help from WindClan,” he mewed, offering that small bit of hope to sate her annoyance and calm some of her anger. It was the only thing he was holding out hope for, despite ThunderClan and WindClan being on opposite sides during the Great War.

Acorncloud’s scowl only deepened. “Who would help us? It is obvious ThunderClan is better off than the other Clans. Most of the battles weren’t in our territory, plus the greencough that came after the Great War barely touched us.” Flowstar knew she was right, and couldn’t think of what to say to this. Despite losing so many lives, he still had the largest numbers out of all of the Clans and his territory was hardly disturbed or bloodstained from the battles, meaning prey had not been scarred off and underbrush was not trampled and destroyed.

“That’s true,” Glidingstorm mewed from her position near the bottom of the Highledge, startling Flowstar as he glanced down at her. She leveled her green gaze at the elder, remaining calm under the smoldering glare cast her way from Acorncloud. “But we have still suffered losses, and can’t afford to lose any more lives. Especially not now, when we are still recovering.”

Acorncloud gave a raspy huff and gave her head a shake, looking away from her deputy and leader with rage still simmering in her eyes. It may not have been the response she had been hoping for, but Flowstar was grateful to his deputy all the same for finding words to say when he was at a loss.

“We may have fared better, but we lost our medicine cat. I don’t want to risk losing any more lives, or having anyone suffer a major injury when I can’t provide the proper care,” Flowstar mewed, frowning as his voice came out more exasperated than he had intended. It pained him to have his Clan at risk and he felt powerless with no way to take care of them should they be injured.

“Flowstar is right,” Appleblossom said calmly, looking at the others with a cool gaze. “We should do everything we can to protect ourselves. In our current state, that means avoiding any fights we possibly can.”

Flowstar gave his kin a grateful look before glancing back down at his Clan. “Please be careful while on the border, I am not willing to risk any of your lives over this. We will wait for our numbers to grow before we go into any battles.”

“How will our numbers grow?” The black and white apprentice, Coalpaw, called out. He had been silent throughout the whole meeting,sitting silently beside Hazelpaw and Burntpaw as they whispered to each other. He held his leader in a leveled stare as his question hung in the air.  “It takes too much time for kits to grow, and even longer to train them when they become apprentices. Plus, we don’t have any queens.” He looked around at the cats around him, but no one would meet his gray gaze. “What do you suggest we do?”

Flowstar inhaled deeply, the same question had been rolling around in his head since before the Gathering tonight, but now weighed a thousand times heavier than before. He sighed, unable to help but feel defeated. “We can only pray to StarClan for guidance,” He mewed finally, his voice sounding more dejected than he had intended. “I will speak with Smokestar and, hopefully, gain his assistance. And there are always rogues and loners wandering across our borders. We will give every last one a chance to join us.”

Coalpaw didn’t seem convinced as he snorted in distaste at Flowstar’s answer. Hazelpaw leaned over to whisper something in his ear making him scowl even more, but the young tom didn’t say anything else in protest. As he looked away from his leader and his friend.

Flowstar turned his blue gaze up and noted that the moon was beginning to dip closer to the horizon, meaning dawn was just hours away. “Everyone, return to your dens for the night. Arroweye, you can go back to your den as well. I’ll have Appleblossom take over guard duty. I want you and Coalpaw to travel with me to WindClan at dawn and that’s not too far away.”

Arroweye’s eyes widened in surprise before he gave a curt nod to his leader and padded away. Glidingstorm left her position and padded after him, falling into step beside her kin as he stifled a yawn before slipping into the warriors den together. Appleblossom dipped her head in response to Flowstar’s orders and padded towards the thorn tunnel, her dainty form easily slipping through the thorned branches as she took her post just outside. Acorncloud grumbled rather loudly under her breath as she lumbered back to the elders den, wiggling her bulky, fluffy pelt through the entrance as she plopped down in her nest with a grunt. Flowstar turned his attention back to the apprentices, who were the last to head to their nests. Hazelpaw walked between her brother and Coalpaw, who she murmured to quietly. Probably soothing the temperamental tom seeing as his ears were slightly pinned and his lips were curled back in a soft growl. Flowstar had the smallest, fleeting hope that the two would end up together, which he knew was a selfish thought. They would be proof that the Clans don’t need to mix blood to survive, that if they just wait and looked within their own borders, things will work out for the best. He sighed and looked up at the star filled sky once more for just a moment before he leapt off the Highledge and headed to his own den, hoping he would get a bit of sleep before dawn arrived.

---

Flowstar padded at a swift, steady pace through the forest to the WindClan border. A thin layer of mist hung on the forest floor still, rolling through the trees like a gray blanket, growing thinner as the sun rose higher. By the time the three ThunderClan cats reached the border, the sun had turned the dissipating mist into a bright, burning gold color. It almost looked like sparks of flame slowly creeping across the forest floor between the trees and underbrush. Flowstar slowed down and paused as they reached the stream that marked the border, looking around as he scented the air.

“We just missed a patrol,” He said with a small, annoyed frown and flicked his tail as he caught the fading scent. “Let’s go, maybe we can catch up with them,” He mewed as he surged forward and crossed the stream, shaking his paws as he reached the other side of the border. Urgency made his chest feel tight as he inhaled and exhaled quickly. He waited  as patiently as he could while Arroweye and Coalpaw did the same before he began following the scent of the border patrol that had just passed by. The three of them padded through the thinning trees and out onto the moor, where Flowstar caught sight of two figures padding through the tall grass and heather ahead of them. He squinted, trying to distinguish the golden pelt that blended into the grasses around it. As soon as he recognized the figure he picked up his pace.

“Hazedawn!” He called, watching as the golden colored she-cat stopped, turning to look over her shoulder at who had called out after her. A look of befuddlement came across her features as she fully turned to face the approaching ThunderClan cats. Her tail flicked slightly as she regarded them with a cautious look.

“Flowstar?” She mewed in confusion, eyeing the two cats with him as she padded towards them. The young pale cream cat with her followed dutifully as his pale green eyes scanned the ThunderClan cats with a hint of distrust. Flowstar recognized him as Weaselpaw, one of the apprentices that Hazelpaw had fought with as a younger apprentice during the final battles in the Great War before leaf-bare struck. Flowstar sent a silent thankful prayer to StarClan for having him choose Coalpaw to come along with him today, knowing Hazelpaw would be unable to hold her tongue.

“What are you doing here?” Hazedawn asked, her voice pleasant but hiding an undertone of caution and distrust.

“I’ve come to speak with Smokestar.” Flowstar mewed, unable to hide his urgent tone as his lungs constricted in his chest. “I want to know if Thornstrike has spoken with him about Adderstar’s plan to help the Clans grow.”

Hazedawn wrinkled her nose at the mention of the ShadowClan leader. “Oh she has,” She said with a hint of a growl. “The whole Clan heard about it and no one agrees with her. Smokestar has refused to participate and I’m surprised he didn’t take a swipe at Thornstrike when she mentioned it. He was outraged, we all were.”

Flowstar let out a heavy sigh of relief, not realizing he had been holding his breath while she spoke. “Thank StarClan,” He breathed as his shoulders sagged a little, his limbs feeling weak. He could feel the eyes of Arroweye and Coalpaw on him but he ignored their concerned stares. “May I speak with him?”

Hazedawn dipped her chin in a  small nod. “Sure, I don’t see why not,” She mewed before she paused and narrowed her light blue eyes. “Unless you’re going to try and convince him to mix blood, like Thornstrike.” She said with a hint of a growl, her lips twitching in the beginning of a snarl.

Coalpaw curled his lips back and snorted in disgust. “Of course he isn’t!” He spat before Flowstar flicked his tail across the young tom’s muzzle, shooting him a warning glance that he should hold his tongue.

“No, I am not allowing my Clan to participate in the mixing of blood,” The red tabby tom mewed, looking at WindClan she-cat with the calmest look he could muster. “I am simply seeking his assistance.”

Hazedawn studied him a moment before she flicked an ear and turned away from the ThunderClan cats. “Follow me then.” She said over her shoulder, trotting through the long grassed and heather as she crossed the moor. “The camp is this way.”

Flowstar released another relieved breath and padded after her, motioning for his Clanmates to keep up. He watched as the light golden tabby she-cat whispered something to Weaselpaw and the young tom nodded before moving to pad slightly behind the group. His eyes narrowed as he radiated a distrustful aura, his glare focused on Coalpaw who was slightly smaller than the older apprentice. ‘Definitely a good thing I brought Coalpaw and not Hazelpaw…’ Flowstar thought with a shake of his head as he followed behind Hazedawn.

The group traveled until the sun was well above the trees and only a few stray wisps of mist remained, drifting across the moor like small ribbons. They soon came to the lip of a small rise where a dip in the ground lay before them and Flowstar realized he was looking down at the camp. There was a sudden yowl and the ThunderClan leader looked over to see a ruddy brown and black tabby she-cat  bounding over to them, hissing as she approached.

“What are they doing here?” Thornstrike snarled, her fur bristling and lips curled back to expose her canines. Flowstar lashed his tail at her hostility as he narrowed his eyes at her. He noted the pink and puckered skin on her shoulder, huffing slightly as he remembered the blow he had dealt to give her that scar.
 
“Flowstar is here to speak with Smokestar.” Hazedawn mewed smoothly, calmly standing her ground against the WindClan deputy as she straightened her back and stood up taller. She settled a challenging look on the darker she-cat as she waited, daring her to deny the ThunderClan cats.

“About what?” Thornstrike spat, her ruddy brown pelt bristled and she looked ready to launch herself at the ThunderClan leader, claws scraping the soft earth under her paws. Arroweye was tensed up beside his leader, claws unsheathed and ready to defend Flowstar and his Clanmate if need be. Flowstar flicked his ear slightly, signaling for the younger tom to stand down. The gray tom frowned, but he sheathed his claws and forced his fur to lie flat

“I don’t know yet, but I see no reason why he shouldn’t be allowed to speak with him.” Hazedawn mewed with a small  dismissive shrug. “He has no reason to attack us, the War is over and the borders are settled and well protected. We’re in a time of peace, he would be foolish to break it.” She gave a sharp look at the deputy, challenging her to say differently. “And you would be just as foolish to stir up trouble.”

The WindClan deputy snarled in annoyance at the she-cat, but whipped around and raced back to camp, undoubtedly announcing the ThunderClan cat’s arrival.

By the time Hazedawn lead the ThunderClan cats into camp, it was alive with activity. Even though WindClan had fewer members than ThunderClan, the few cats that were there still bustled about. A smoky cream tom with pale green eyes padded forward and Flowstar instantly recognized him as Smokestar, Thornstrike bristling as she followed behind him. Two cats followed further behind them and the ThunderClan leader recognized the older apprentice as Weedpaw, who was probably the oldest surviving apprentice in the Clans. Then there was Emberpaw, who had been announced as a new apprentice last night and was a quarter-moon younger than Coalpaw. Making him the newest and youngest apprentice among the Clans.

“Flowstar, I would say it’s a pleasure to see you, but considering we weren’t allies during the War makes me a little weary with my greeting,” Smokestar’s calm demeanor was dampened by the sharpness of his tone as he padded over to the ThunderClan leader. He stood tall before the red tabby tom and was nearly the same height, though Flowstar was nearly double his size in muscle. The two toms stood squared off from one another, the whole of WindClan behind Smokestar and the two ThunderClan cats standing on either side of Flowstar. If things went poorly, Flowstar knew these two were the quickest in his Clan and they could hold their own while trying to outrun an angry WindClan. He did not intend to fight if that’s what it came to.

“I am not here to talk about past alliances Smokestar.” Flowstar said flatly, keeping his tone as void of emotion as he could. “If I recall correctly though, you were allied with RiverClan and now they are allied with ShadowClan.”

Smokestar gave a small huff and scowl. “Yes, that is correct. Morningstar has lost her mind, joining Adderstar and mixing blood.” He spat, wrinkling his nose in disgust. “You are not here to try and convince me to join him, are you?” He eyed the other tom with his pale gray gaze carefully, watching Flowstar’s reaction..

Flowstar growled, feeling almost insulted that others thought that that was why he was here. “No.” He mewed sharply. “I am here to make sure you are not on board with this. It’s an outrage, like they’re throwing all we stand for aside.”

As he said this, Smokestar sighed and his shoulders sagged a little as he visibly relaxed. “I am glad you agree. Some in my Clan think this is a splendid idea and think we should go along with it,” He growled, casting a pointed glare at Thornstrike, who curled her lips back in a silent snarl and backed away in response, lowering her gaze to her paws.

The ThunderClan leader shook his head. “I told Adderstar I disapproved and now he has threatened my borders. I cannot send out a border patrol there without fear of my warriors being attacked.”

Smokestar blinked a few times, taken aback at the news. “He’s threatened to attack you over this?” He asked, shocked. “We all knew he was a little off, but not this far off.  Has he gone completely mad?”

Coalpaw gave a soft snort. “He’s always been mad if you ask me.” He muttered quietly.

“Coalpaw, nobody asked you. Now hold your tongue.” Flowstar snapped, glaring at the younger tom over his shoulder. “But yes, we were all very much aware of Adderstar’s mental state, but that doesn’t explain Morningstar. She’s always been the strictest follower of the Warrior Code out of the four of us, why break it now?”

“Because maybe she understands the need to help the Clans grow and recognizes that this truly is the only way to save our Clans.” Thornstrike hissed, finally speaking up and lashing her tail as she turned her glare onto the ThunderClan leader.

“Thornstrike, enough of this!” Smokestar snapped as he whirled to look at her. “You should know better than to speak out like an apprentice, you hold your tongue as well.” He growled and glared at the she-cat who shrank back, hissing. Smokestar shook his head and sighed. “What shall we do about this?” He asked Flowstar, his voice sounding a little unsure, if not a little helpless.

“We must stick together.” Flowstar urged, hope fluttering in his chest as his words rushed out of him. “I know in the past we were enemies, but now our friends have turned against us. Before the Great War, WindClan and ThunderClan used to be allies. Let us mend that bond in which was broken.”

Smokestar thought for a heartbeat before he nodded, his face grim. “Yes, that seems to be our only hope now.” He mewed solemnly. He glanced at his Clan gathered at his back before looking back to Flowstar. “Tell me what I can do to help.”

Flowstar let out a rush of air  from his lungs as he thought quickly. “If it shall ever come to it, would you aid us in battle?”

Smokestar inhaled sharply and deeply, as if this wasn’t a request he had been expecting. “If it shall ever come to that, possibly.” He mewed as he slowly exhaled. “But let us pray it doesn’t.”

Flowstar nodded. “I plan to only patrol the ShadowClan border at night, in hopes of avoiding confrontation and any injury.”

Smokestar flicked his ear in approval and dipped his chin slightly. “That is a wise choice. Hopefully by the next Gathering this has all blown over and Morningstar comes to her senses.”

Flowstar gave a small, doubtful huff but nodded in agreement. “We have the same hopes.” He mewed softly. “I have nothing else to ask for, thank you for your time Smokestar. I am glad to have you as my ally.” He said, relief flooding his features and his voice as he dipped his head to the other leader.

“The pleasure is all mine, Flowstar.” Smokestar mewed quietly, returning the gesture. “I will have Hazedawn and Weaselpaw escort you back to the border.” He flicked his tail and the two cats took a step forward.

Flowstar nodded. “Thank you again, Smokestar.” He mewed. “If anything happens, I will send word.”

Smokestar leveled his gaze with Flowstar’s, studying the other tom’s features for a moment. “And I will do the same if anything happens with RiverClan.”

Flowstar said one final farewell to the WindClan leader before following Hazedawn out of their camp and towards the border. They traveled across the moor in the same fashion as when they traveled to the camp, this time at a much swifter pace than before. Flowstar looked up and couldn't help but sigh heavily. It was already past sun-high and he could feel his lack of sleep dragging at his paws as they crossed the moor. He glanced at Arroweye and Coalpaw, noting that the warrior was doing his best to hide his fatigue, whereas the apprentice’s feet drug through the ground and his head and tail hung slightly. Flowstar began to doubt his choice for bringing the young apprentice along, he had yet to build up stamina for hard travel like this. But, he knew he would benefit from this. He would be tired and sore for the next day or so, but he would be stronger.

“This is it.” Hazedawn mewed, her voice cutting through the tom’s thoughts as she came to a halt beside the babbling stream. “This is where I must leave you.”

Flowstar blinked before he nodded. “Will you tell Smokestar to have either you or him meet here in three days at sun-high? Just to check in and exchange any news if either of us have any.”

Hazedawn nodded and smiled warmly. “I will do that, I promise. I will also make sure Thornstrike does not hear of the meetings.” She gave a pointed look at Weaselpaw, who flicked and ear and looked around as if he hadn’t heard a thing, before looking at Flowstar once more. “She may be our deputy, but sometimes I doubt her judgment and where her loyalties may lie.” She mewed quietly. “I believe the same goes for everyone in the Clan, even Smokestar.” She shrugged and watched as the ThunderClan cats began to cross the stream, shaking droplets of water when they reached the other side. “Be safe, and may StarClan give you guidance!”

“The same is to be said for you!” Flowstar called to her, flashing the she-cat a warm smile. The golden she-cat was much friendlier than her deputy and Flowstar was glad she had been the one to accompany him and his Clanmates back to the border. “And give Smokestar my gratitude!”

Hazedawn waved her tail in response as she bounded away, disappearing into her territory with Weaselpaw hard on heel.

Flowstar watched her go before rolling his shoulders and flexing his toes, prepping for the final trek home. He looked at Arroweye and Coalpaw, noticing that being back in the forest had seemed to invigor the two young toms. “Let’s get back to camp.” He grunted, picking up the pace as the trio headed through the forest. The day was warm and birds could be heard singing in the trees as they fluttered about. Before he knew it they were pushing their way through the thorn tunnel and leaving the calm and serene forest behind them, only to be greeted by chaos in the camp.

“Flowstar thank StarClan you have returned!” Glidingstorm mewed, bounding over to him with her green eyes bright. “You must come quickly, to the medicine cat den.”

Flowstar felt his heart instantly drop to his stomach and begin to race as he followed his deputy to the medicine cat den on the other side of the hollow. Had ShadowClan attacked while he was away? Who was injured? How bad was it? Was anyone killed? His mind reeled and he cursed himself for leaving his Clan so soon after Adderstar made his threat, he should have been here protecting them instead of trying to make friends. ‘Dear Starclan please don’t let them be dead!’

He pushed his way through the bramble curtain after his deputy and froze once he got inside. Two unfamiliar cats lay in neighboring nests against the wall with Appleblossom and Acorncloud working on them furiously with the few herbs that were in the stores of the medicine cat den. Their pelts were similar, one with untameable flame tabby markings and the other one with smooth cream tabby stripes. Both were quite roughed up, with small scraps and patches of fur missing.

“Who are they?” Flowstar asked, his voice flat with confusion as he stared at the strangers, stunned as they looked back up at him with fear filled eyes.

Appleblossom looked up and smiled warmly at Flowstar as she padded over to him, her breath smelling strongly of herbs as her blue eyes shone with excitement. “They are your newest members to ThunderClan.”

---

Flowstar padded outside of his den and paused to stretch, arching his back and extending his legs in front of him. His red tabby pelt rippled across his body as he moved with fluid motion down to the clearing below, padding along the stone path with a long stride. He opened his mouth in a wide yawn and plopped down when he reached the bottom, curling his tail around his paws and giving his pelt a quick grooming as his blue gaze traveled around the camp. The two newcomers sat near Appleblossom in the early morning light as the older she-cat talked to them warmly. Soul, a cream colored tabby she-cat, listened eagerly to what the warrior had to say. Her face alight with sheer delight as Appleblossom talked about Clan life and gave them the basics of how things worked within the territories. Jak, a spikey haired red tabby tom, seemed a little less interested and looked around with an ever deepening scowl. They had both been patched up with cobwebs and roughly made poultices thanks to Appleblossom and Acorncloud who both had very basic knowledge of herbs. Flowstar had listened to them tell their story the day before when they had arrived. Their Twoleg had abandoned them at the Greenleaf Twolegplace in RiverClan territory. Though it wasn’t Greenleaf, they said their Twolegs liked to go early and they had been surprised when their Twolegs took them this time. Only to come and find themselves dumped on the side of a Thunderpath and abandoned when their Twolegs left only a few hours after arriving. They were originally found by a RiverClan patrol, but were attacked and chased out for trespassing.

“They said we were too fat and lazy to join them, that we’d be a disgrace to the Warrior Code if they took us in.” Soul had recounted with a roll of her eyes. “Excuse me for being born and raised as a kittypet and never knowing any different. Anyway, we don’t know how to fight, so of course we got our pelts ripped off.” She huffed and looked over at Jak with a small wrinkle of her nose to her friend. “Of course, he got the worst of it since he’s slower. Not my fault he’s the fat one.”

Flowstar chuckled to himself at the memory and shook his head. Though they were raised in a plush and soft life, they both had something about them that made Flowstar accept them immediately and without question. Yes, they were plump and fat had little muscle mass, but muscle can be gained and fat can be lost. He continued to watch them from where he settled below his den, his eyes studying the two as Appleblossom told them the differences between the ranks within the Clan and the Warrior Code. It would not be long before they joined in training sessions and began listening to Acorncloud’s stories.

“Intrigued by the newcomers?” A light, amused voice drifted through his thoughts and Flowstar jumped as Glidingstorm spoke from beside him at the end of stone path to his den. She smiled shyly and dropped a vole at his paws. “I thought you might be hungry. You went to your den earlier than normal last night and I noticed you hadn’t eaten when you did.” She shuffled her paws and looked down almost bashfully, her eyes lighting with some emotion Flowstar couldn’t name.

Flowstar relaxed and licked his fur flat once more as he smiled. “Thank you Glidingstorm, that is very kind of you.” He mewed warmly, giving her a tender glance before he settled down to eat the vole. “Make sure you’ve eaten as well and the newcomers get something. Just because Soul and Jak are already well fed doesn’t mean I want them to starve.”

Glidingstorm shuffled her paws before she nodded. “Of course Flowstar, I will make sure they are well taken care of.” She said with a small smile, her green eyes bright. “Shall I take them out later to show them the territory?”

Flowstar swallowed and dipped his chin in a nod. “I think I will go with you,” He mewed. “I would love to get to know them more. Especially Soul, she has quite the personality and spitfire. We could use a warrior like that among us.” He said with an amused huff and small smile.

Glidingstorm frowned ever so slightly, the light fading from her green eyes and  she glanced at the cream colored tabby sitting across the clearing. “I guess, for a kittypet, she is alright.” She mumbled sourly, turning suddenly and walking away to get herself something to eat. Flowstar watched her go, chewing thoughtfully as he wondered what caused the blue-gray she-cat to suddenly become bitter. He shook his head and went about finishing his meal in peace. The large red tom looked around camp as he did so, surprised how just two new additions to his Clan made the camp seem fuller, if not a little busier. Arroweye was ducking into camp with Burntpaw hot on his heels, the young apprentice looking exhausted from training but his eyes were bright with excitement. Hazelpaw looked up from where she was sharing a meal with Acorncloud and she waved her tail in greeting to her littermate. Flowstar didn’t see Coalpaw anywhere but he guessed the younger tom was still sleeping, he had been worn out after going to WindClan the day before and then all the excitement with Soul and Jak arriving. Flowstar licked his lips as he finished the vole in a few swift gulps and rose to his paws, giving himself a good shake before he padded over to Jak and Soul, curious to what they would think of ThunderClan’s home.

“Would you two be interested in seeing the territory?” He mewed with an excited tone as he approached the two new cats, looking at both of them and studying them with his blue gaze. Appleblossom smiled from where she sat by them, glancing at them as well to see how they answered.

“Of course!” Soul mewed, scrambling to her paws in an eager mess as she stood at attention, looking up at Flowstar with wide bright pale blue eyes. “We would love to get a chance to see where our new home would be. Oh Jak, think of all the adventures we’re going to have!” She looked at her friend who didn’t look nearly as excited as she did.

“I think having RiverClan nearly tear us apart was enough of an adventure for me.” Jak grumbled bitterly, his scowl deepening. “I’m just glad we skipped WindClan territory and ended up here.” He rolled his shoulders and his face crinkled in slight discomfort before glancing at the cobwebs matted on his shoulder. He was much larger than Soul, matching Flowstar in height, but his body was thick and not with muscle. His plush life as a kittypet showed in more ways than one, but the ThunderClan leader could tell once he slimmed down and got more battle training in, Jak would be a formidable opponent in battle.

Soul rolled her eyes and gave an exasperated huff. “RiverClan just doesn’t appreciate what we can be,” She mewed haughtily, listing her nose. “We’ll become some of the best warriors ever and then we will be ripping their fur out.” She said with a proud puff of her chest and stomp of her foot, eyes alight with determination.

Flowstar felt a genuine laugh rise in his chest and shook his head, glancing over his shoulder to see if Glidingstorm was ready to go.  The ThunderClan deputy was hurriedly finishing her meal and grooming her pelt, but she was ready and Flowstar motioned for her to join them. The blue-gray she-cat rose to her paws and padded swiftly over to her leader and new Clanmates.

“Let’s get going, shall we?” He mewed, looking at his two new arrivals. Jak grumbled in annoyance but rose to his feet as Soul danced in place, hopping from one paw to the other. Flowstar smiled at the two, feeling a spark of excitement flutter inside him before turning to lead them out of camp. Pushing his way through the thorn tunnel, he wiggled free on the other side and turned and watched as Jak and Soul did the same, with Glidingstorm bringing up the rear.

“Glidingstorm, why don’t you take Jak to the abandoned Twoleg Nest, and I’ll take Soul to the Sky Oak?” Flowstar suggested, figuring they could split up and show them different parts of the territory. It would help them see everything, then when they returned to camp they could exchange what they had learned and hopefully learn the territory quicker this way.

Glidingstorm opened her mouth as if to protest, her green eyes narrowing slightly but she closed her mouth quickly and simply nodded, turning and leading Jak away wordlessly as Flowstar led Soul into the territory.

“So, why is your name Flowstar?” Soul asked as she happily trotted beside the much larger tom. “Appleblossom hadn’t gotten to that part when talking to me and Jak about Clan life.”

Flowstar gave a soft, amused purr. “I am the leader of ThunderClan and every leader gets ‘-star’ after the first part of their name. When I was a warrior, I was Flowtail, named after the flowing red fur I have on my tail. When the leader before me died, I went to the Moonpool to speak with our ancestors in StarClan and receive my nine lives. All leaders get nine lives when they become leaders so that they may live long lives to protect and guide our Clans.”

Soul gapped up at him, her pale blue eyes wide. “You mean you legitimately have nine lives?” She mewed in awe as her mouth gaped open like a fish’s maw.

Flowstar suddenly felt flustered, if not a little embarrassed, as he stumbled a little as he walked and cleared his throat. “Well, I mean, I did. In the beginning. I lost one life in battle and one to illness.” He mewed, his words rushing and tumbling from him as he struggled to walk steadily. He had never really been asked about his lives before as most his Clan knew how many lives he had left and knew the process in how they are received. He resisted the urge to give his pelt a solid shake, worried that that would give away how flustered he felt explaining his lives.


Soul looked at him with a bright, reassuring smile lighting up her features. “Well, you certainly look well and fit for someone that’s died twice.” She said rather bluntly, with a smile still tugging at the corners of her mouth. She had a slight sway in her step as a light giggle bubbled out of her as she glanced over her shoulder at the red pelted tom beside her, pale blue eyes glittering in the sunlight. Flowstar watched her with a curious gaze as she padded beside him, head cocked to the side so he could look down at her. She had such a bright outlook on everything, despite being abandoned by those who were supposed to be her forever home and being attacked all in one day. He’d expect her to be more like Jak, annoyed and subdued with exhaustion.
.
“What else would you like to know?” He asked, curious as to what more she wanted to learn from him.

“Well,” She mewed, pondering a moment as they walked side by side through the forest, the sun shining through the leaves above them and dappling their pelt in small specks of light. “Appleblossom had said something about...blurring borders I think? Mixing the Clans? I think she said that it was against the warrior code or whatever it is the Clans follow?” Soul mewed. “But isn’t that what ShadowClan and RiverClan are doing? If other Clans are doing it, what makes it so wrong?”

Flowstar nodded. “Yes, they believe it is the only way to help the Clans grow. But the other leaders are blind to the pain and ruin it will bring their Clans. The borders are there for a reason, so that two cats from each Clan can’t be together. Imagine if you were born to one Clan, but your parent is a whole different territory away and you don’t feel you belong where you were born, but you don’t feel you belong where your other parent is either. Where would you go, if you have nowhere to belong and each place you could go looks down on you?”

Soul frowned, her pace slowing a bit as her tail dropped a little. “That sounds heartbreaking.” She mewed softly, her blue eyes bright with heartache.

“It gets worse, trust me.” Flowstar mewed grimly, feeling his heart twist in his chest.

“How so?” Soul inquired.

“Well, imagine your littermates decide to go to the other Clan where your other parent is from, and you stayed in the one you were born. What will you do if you go to battle with the other Clan and you come face to face with your siblings? Or other parent? Will you fight them like a loyal warrior to your Clan, or let them go like loyal kin?”

“You’re right.” Soul mewed after a moment of silence. “That is much, much worse.” She shook her head. “Why would the other leaders put their Clans through that?”

Flowstar shrugged. “I doubt even StarClan knows that.” He mewed with a roll of his eyes.

“I thought StarClan knew everything?” Soul said, giving a slight frown as she looked up at the sky above them.

Flowstar chuckled. “I’m sure it seems like they do, they know a lot more than you or me, that's for sure.” He said, shaking his head with a smile. “They see all that happens, know all from the past and sometimes they can predict the future and they try to warn us of dangers to come. But you see, they can’t tell us directly what is going to happen. So they send us warnings in the form of prophecies or omens.”

“Did they send you a prophecy about this?” Soul asked, turning her blue eyes back onto the tom beside her.

Flowstar shook his head. “I can’t receive prophecies. And if I did, I would not be good at interpreting them. That is what a medicine cat is for.” He explained softly.

“But you don’t have a medicine cat.” Soul mewed matter-of-factly, her tone blunt and to the point.

Flowstar sighed. “I know, and that worries me.” He mewed. “It takes time to train a medicine cat and I have no one to train one. And with ShadowClan threatening to attack, I need one now more than ever.” He shook his head, his mind reeling as all those worries flooded his head. “And although I am glad you and Jak are here, it will take a while before you two are battle ready. “

Soul looked herself over and frowned. “I’m sorry we’re so fat.” She mewed with a soft grumble. “And we came at such a bad time too. I promise to try my best and I’ll get Jak to try hard too.” She said, looking at Flowstar. “We won’t let you down!”

Flowstar gave a soft purr and rested his tail on her flank lightly. “It’s alright Soul, you two couldn’t have come at a better time. Sure it will take a while to train you and get you battle ready, but not as long as it would take to wait for a kit to become an apprentice and then to train an apprentice. With you and Jak you add to our numbers, you make us stronger.” He mewed with an encouraging smile, his own blue eyes bright. “Plus you help with the lack of diversity in ThunderClan. If either of you ever want to, you two are more than welcome to take on a mate within the Clan. Just because you were born outside of the Clans doesn’t make you any less a warrior than the ones that were raised in the forest. If you prove yourself loyal to ThunderClan, once you finish your training and get your warrior names, I would be delighted to see both of you happy with mates and families in ThunderClan.”

Soul giggled and ducked her head shyly, looking away from the red tabby tom. “I haven’t even thought about that.” She mewed quietly, her voice bashful. She looked at him, her pale blue eyes shining. “I guess we can be more helpful than we originally thought.” She said with a purr.

Flowstar smiled warmly, catching himself off guard as his heart hammered in his chest. “Yes, much more helpful.” He said with a soft purr. He looked around and padded down a well-trodden path that led to the Sky Oak. “I feel you and Jak will fit into ThunderClan perfectly.” He mewed, looking back at Soul as she padded after him.

Soul purred and bounded after him, lightly brushing her soft pelt against his. “I think we will too.” She mewed softly, glancing up at him with a tender smile as she waited for him to continue leading the way.

Flowstar stumbled a bit when she smiled at him, his gaze caught on hers and not where he was walking. He stood up straight and cleared his throat. “Uhm, right. We’re almost to the Sky Oak.” He mewed, hastening his pace to get ahead of her as his heart raced and his stomach flopped like a fish. What was this feeling she caused him to feel?

---