longstarau

[longstarau]

[longstarau]

longtail

[longstarau]

Masterlist

Allegiances

Prolouge

Chapters

— Chapter One

— Chapter Two

— Chapter Three

— Chapter Four

— Chapter Five

— Chapter Six

— Chapter Seven

— Chapter Eight

— Chapter Nine

— Chapter Ten

— Chapter Eleven

— Chapter Twelve

— Chapter Thirteen

— Chapter Fourteen

— Chapter Fifteen

— Chapter Sixteen

— Chapter Seventeen

— Chapter Eighteen

— Chapter Nineteen

— Chapter Twenty

[longstarau]

Longstar AU — Chapter Twenty-One

   “Cats of ThunderClan and WindClan. These three kits are ready to be apprenticed,” Firestar began, gazing at the three kits sitting below the Wind Rock. Sandkit and Silverkit were practically bouncing up and down, meanwhile Dustkit sat completely still, his ears even flattened a bit. “Sandkit, Silverkit and Dustkit, until you have earned your warrior names, you will be known as Sandpaw, Silverpaw and Dustpaw.”

   “Sandpaw! Silverpaw! Dustpaw!”

   “I and my deputy have chosen wonderful mentors for the each of you. Sandpaw, you will be mentored by Sorreltail. Though you are a newer warrior, Sorreltail, I trust you with an apprentice. You went through so much just to get where you are, and I’m sure you'll teach Sandpaw the importance of perseverance and patience.” Firestar smiled, the mentor and apprentice duo padded into the crowd, “Silverpaw, you'll be mentored by Swiftflame. You also have gone through so much trial and error to become a warrior, and yet here you are—strong as ever.” Swiftflame dipped his head to the ginger-tabby tom, touching noses with his apprentice and padded into the crowd. “And last but not least, Dustpaw.”

   Dustpaw lowered his muzzle to the ground, taking a few small paw-steps forward. The small brown tom gently bumped into the Wind Rock, slowly backing up.

   With a gentle twitch of his whiskers, Firestar continued, “Though you may have a disability, Dustpaw, your clan has no doubt in you. Your own father is able to make it on his own, despite being partially blind. And though it’s a bit different, I have no doubt,” He paused for a moment. “Your mentor will be Brightheart. I trust that you will teach him everything you know.”

   “I promise I will, Firestar,” Brightheart dipped her head, curling her tail around the small brown tom. She slowly bent down, murmuring something to Dustpaw before touching her nose to his. The apprentices whiskers twitched, padding back into the group of cats.

   “May StarClan guide us all.” Firestar dipped his head, slipping off the Wind Rock, Deadstar in toe.

   “You seriously think he’s going to be a warrior?” 

   A voice growled from behind Longtail, making his ears perk up. He slow,y turned over his shoulder, a enraged expression across his face as he saw where the voice was coming from.  Mudclaw, talking to a apprentice like that! Let alone his very own son. And he dare talk to one of ThunderClan's warriors that way!

   “Of course he will.” Brightheart growled back, her teeth bared at the older WindClan warrior. “There is no reason he shouldn’t be, Mudclaw. He is the same as you and I.”

   Longtail backed off for a second. Brightheart was Dustpaw's mentor, and a warrior who could hold her own. She didn’t need his help. But that was his son—and Mudclaw.

   “You aren’t a warrior like myself, though,” Mudclaw flicked his tail, an air of.. self-imposed importance, flowing off the WindClan tom. “I am a deputy of my clan. A leader, one day. You are simply a young warrior who can barley see.”

   “Don’t you talk to my warriors that way.” Longtail snarled, “Brightheart is a better and more compassionate warrior than you'll ever be. And just because your deputy now,” He looked him up and down. “Doesn’t mean you'll be in the near future.”

   “Is that a threat, Longtail?” Mudclaw hissed.

   “If that’s how you're taking it,” Longtail took a few pawsteps backward. “Leave my warriors and my son, alone.”

   Mudclaw let out a low growl, turning away from the three ThunderClan cats.

   “Why don’t you two go out for a little,” Longtail suggested, nudging Dustpaw toward Brightheart.

   “I agree,” Brightheart mewed softly, licking Dustpaw’s ear, “Just follow my scent, okay?”

   Longtail watched as Dustpaw slowly followed after Brightheart. She’d be a good teacher for him; and a good friend, too. He knew it.

  “He really is a foxheart,” Blizzardspots growled, “Talking to our son like that!”

  Longtail snarled, “He’s insane, is what he is,” He sighed, flicking his tail over his mates back. “But Brightheart will care for Dustpaw. He will never be thought of as different, as long as he has her. And us.”

   She pressed into his side, “I know she will. She’ll be good for him.”

   “She will,” He purred softly, nuzzling his muzzle against Blizzardspots’ head.

   “Brightheart?” Dustpaw flattened his ears.

   “I’m still here,” She murmured. “Is something wrong?”

   “Sort of,” He shrugged. “Was Mudclaw right?”

   Brightheart seemed a bit stunned; though she looked like she half-expected that question. 

   “No,” She tapped her tail on the ground, signaling for him to sit. He slowly sat down, her tail curling around him. Brightheart sighed, gazing up at the stars twinkling in the night sky, “If he was right, Dustpaw, then why did Firestar make you a warriors apprentice?”

   Dustpaw shrugged, again. “Because my dad is the deputy. He’s taking pity on me.”

   Brightheart shook her head, “No. Because he knows you can do everything a warrior with two eyes can do,” She hissed, her tone firmer than before. “Just because your father is the deputy of our clan doesn’t mean anything. Everything is left up to Firestar, in the end. And Firestar believes you can do it. I do. Your parents do.. even your siblings do.”

   Dustpaw sighed, “But what if I screw it up, Brightheart?”

   “We all make our mistakes, Dustpaw.” She nudged him gently, “I’ve made my fair share, and so has your father. You can’t compare yourself to your father. You are.. similar, yet not the same. You were born without your sight, your father lost it. You face different issues than he does.”

   Dustpaw took in a sharp breath, “Then how do we know I can be any good? He was a warrior for moons before he lost his eyesight.”

   “You will be good,” Brightheart rose to her paws, nudging him to do the same, “You have the backing of your clan behind you. You will be a warrior, if that’s what you want. And you will be strong warrior. Is that understood, Dustpaw?”

   Dustpaw slowly nodded, “I understand,” He murmured. “Thank you, Brightheart.”

   “Of course,” She lent down, licking the top of his head. “Let’s head back to camp.”

   As they reentered camp, Longtail’s fixed his eyes on them. He could only make out Dustpaw’s dark fur and Brightheart’s soft expression, but he knew it was them. He sighed, heaving himself to his paws.

   “I’m sorry he said all that, Dustpaw,” Longtail nudged Dustpaw, licking the young tom’s cheek.

   “It’s okay,” Dustpaw let’s a smile cross his muzzle, “Brightheart helped.”

   Longtail lifted his head and fixed his gaze on Brightheart, giving the younger she-cat a dip of his head. A sign of deep respect, especially coming from her deputy.

   “Oh, it was nothing, Longtail…” Brightheart laughs, nudging Dustpaw with her tail, “He’s my apprentice.“

   “That he is,” Longtail hums, “You’ll take could care him, I know you will.”

   “I’ll do everything in my power.” Brightheart mewed confidently, her head held high.

   “I would expect nothing less,” He chuckles, “Now get to bed, you two. Go meet the other apprentices, Dustpaw.”

   “Okay, papa,” Dustpaw reached up to lick his fathers cheek, before heading toward the apprentice den. Brightheart dipped her head to Longtail, heading to the warriors den.

   His son was going to be okay. 

[longstarau]

cute family picture !! :)

[longstarau]

fav arc 1 guy

[longstarau]

I think I posted this a long time ago, but posting it again because there isnt enough gullswoop art. wine aunt gullswoop my beloved

[longstarau]

No reason but when I was younger I really liked the idea of Whitestorm being Graystripe's father.

I just think it would be silly if his goofy cocky personality early on comes from his father being a respected warrior and his great-aunt being leader. He brags to Rusty but he always gets scolded for being a clown anyways.

And idk... Bluestar watching her grand-nephew have a halfclan relationship... leave the clan to be with his kits like she never could...

Stonefur, Featherpaw and Stormpaw being related... Stonefur hadn't wanted to accept his relation to Bluestar at first but he spends his last breath fighting for his family's right to live.

[longstarau]

Longstar AU — Chapter Twenty

   “You have bees in your brain, Firestar!” Leopardstar growled, “And so do your warriors. I knew that ThunderClan warriors were always bee brained,” She gazed at Stormfur, nestled in between Graystripe and Brambleclaw. “And now my own warriors seem to be catching it.”

   “Don’t say mouse-dung about my son!” Graystripe growled.

   “Graystripe.” Firestar hissed, narrowing his eyes. “I understand your anger. Trust me, I feel the same,” He cast a glare at Leopardstar. “You're saying you don’t believe this message from StarClan because it goes against what'd you'd like to hear? Sounds as if you're the one with bees in your brain.”

   “There is no reason for RiverClan to leave the forest.” Leopardstar narrowed her eyes. “I have no qualms with the rest of you leaving. RiverClan has the river—we have our fish, we have our protection. We'll be fine here.”

   “If that’s what you wish, Leopardstar.” Deadstar dipped his head, flicking his tail. “It’s not safe for the rest of us. ThunderClan's camp has been destroyed. They're having to stay in our camp.. and who knows how long that will be safe for. ShadowClan has already spotted them in their territory, mowing down trees. And if you think that RiverClan will fare fine.. than okay. Stay. But we'll be leaving for our families and friends safeties.”

   “Than go.” She growled, “Now, is that all? Can we leave and go home to rest, you three?”

   “Yes.” Blackstar grumbled, “You can go, Leopardstar.” 

   And with those last few words, the spotted leader jumped from the rock, leading her clan out of the hollow.

   “So,” Firestar flicked his tail. “When will we be leaving?”

   “Two nights from now.” Deadstar meowed, “If that’s okay with ThunderClan and ShadowClan.”

   “Perfectly fine, I suppose.” Blackstar replied.

   “Yes, great.” Firestar smiled, “ThunderClan.” The tom rose his voice to the rest of his clan, leaping off the rock. Deadstar followed quickly behind, Longtail padding after the pair beside Mudclaw.

   “So you have kits, hm?” Mudclaw glanced at him, “I’ve seen them running around camp.”

   “Yeah. Why?” Longtail flattened his ears, “Don’t go anywhere near them—“

   “Do you think I would hurt kits, Longtail? You think that highly of me, huh?” Mudclaw rolled his eyes, “I wouldn’t hurt them. Or your mate, for that matter. I was only asking me.”

   “I don’t think very highly of you, you're correct.” Longtail hissed, “You have a disdain for kittypets, or anyone who is simply different. I did once, but I’ve gotten over that and grown up. You can’t seem to, can you?”

   “Mm.” Mudclaw flattened his ears, narrowing his eyes, “I'd keep your ears pricked, Longtail.” He growled, striding away. Longtail sighed, skipping over to his mate.

   “Oh, hi.” Blizzardspots smiled, pressing against his side, “Everything okay?” She mewed softly, a gentle purr rumbling from her chest.

   “Yes.” He cast a glare at Mudclaw across the way, “Mudclaw is just ticking me off. How Deadstar could pick him as deputy confuses me.”

   “Oh,” Blizzardspots shrugged. “He’s been nothing but sweet to me and the kits. And he’s a great warrior ready to protect his clan at any turn,” She took a deep breath. “I don’t see the problem.”

   “We’ve always had issues, ever since we were apprentices.” Longtail meowed, “I didn’t like the way he treated a lot of my friends at the time, and me, honestly. All his bullying pushed me toward Tigerstar. One of the worst decisions of my life.”

   “Don’t let that get to you, Longtail,” Blizzardspots mewed, pressing her head against his shoulder. “No matter what happened with Tigerstar.. your a good cat now. Your the cat I love.” She purred, “Now, c'mon, the kits are going to want to see you.”

   “Papa!” Sandkit rushed up to him, brushing against his legs. Her tail was beating against his paws, “Can you believe we’re gonna be apprentices tomorrow?!”

   “I really can’t.” Longtail purred, rasping his tongue over her head. “You're going to be one of the best apprentices I’ve ever seen.”

   Her tail thrashed back and forth, “Really?” 

   “Really. And your brothers, too.” Longtail dragged his paw over his ear.

   “Sandkit!” Silverkit rushed up to his sister, “C'mon, Dustkit and I are gonna play mossball!” His tail thrashed back and forth.

   “Go on.” Longtail gently nudged the she-cat toward her brother.

   “You'll visit us before bed, right?” Sandkit questioned.

   “Like always,” Longtail flicked his tail. Sandkit smiled, brushing up against his legs before pelting off after her brother. His ears flattened, watching as the three kits tenderly played mossball. He really didn’t know if he was ready for them to grow up.

   “They're sweet, y'know,” Deadstar's tail flicked across his back. “Just like their wonderful mother. And they'll make great warriors, just like their father.”

   “I know, I just..” Longtail murmured.

   “You're worried about Dustkit, I get it.” Deadstar sighed, “He’s blind. He has a disability. But that doesn’t matter. I have one, as well, so do you—so does Cinderpath, so does Brightheart, so does Swiftflame. We are all still strong. We are all still warriors at heart.” He meowed, resting his tail comfortingly on Longtail's shoulder, “You have no need to worry about him. Or any of them.”

   “In my head I know that. And I’m really, really not—I just—don’t want any of them to get hurt. They're my kits, they're my kin.” Longtail sighed heavily.

   “Every father wants their kits to be safe. Every cat wants their kin to be safe. But they must fall down to learn. They must fall down to become warriors—because they must learn to get back up. They're get hurt, they'll—they'll leave—but they'll always come back to where they call home. They'll always get back up.” Deadstar took in a sharp breath, “I'll leave you be. Make sure you rest, Longtail. You need to calm your mind. See our medicine cat if you need.” He flicked his tail again, slipping off to his den.

   Longtail let out a heavy sigh, padding off toward the nursery, his slow tired paws carrying him there. He peeked inside, Blizzardspots lying with Sandkit and Silverkit nestled in the crook of her stomach. Though, there was Dustkit, sitting up straight, his blind blue eyes wide.

   “Papa?” Dustkit slowly trotted toward him, “Is that you?”

   “It’s me, Dustkit.” Longtail murmured softly. “Why aren’t you asleep?”

   “I’m worried, papa,” Dustkit coiled his tail around his paws. “I’m not going to be a normal apprentice like my siblings, a-are I?”

   “Of course you are.” Longtail flattened his ears, gazing at the kit with sadness in his green eyes. “Why wouldn’t you be?”

   “Because I’m blind.” Dustkit mumbled, “They're all going to coddle me like I’m a kit still, even when I’m a warrior. Or a medicine cat, that might be better—“

   “No.” Longtail hissed, “If you want to be a medicine cat, Dustkit, than you'll be a medicine cat. But if you want to be a warrior, you're going to be a warrior. No-one is going to stop you. I'll make sure if it.”

   “A-are you sure?“ Dustkit stammered, “How can you know I’ll even be any good at it?”

   “It’s in your blood, Dustkit,” Longtail leaned down to nuzzle his son. “Now, come on, let’s get you to bed. It’s late and you have an apprentice ceremony to get to tomorrow.”

   Longtail settled down in the empty nest across from Blizzardspots, patting the ground with his paw, signaling for Dustkit to follow. With a gentle purr, the brown tom trotted over, curling himself up in between Longtail's paws.

[longstarau]

RIGHT!! free to use, of course!!

some longstar au icons!! i did not draw these, I used picrew to create them! here’s the link

https://picrew.me/en/image_maker/1255960/complete

kay, top-bottom, left-right

blizzardspots, sandkit/sandpaw, silverkit/paw

longtail, dustkit/paw, swiftflame,

firestar, squirrelflight/star, sandstorm

mousefur, darkears, brightheart

[longstarau]

some longstar au icons!! i did not draw these, I used picrew to create them! here’s the link

https://picrew.me/en/image_maker/1255960/complete

kay, top-bottom, left-right

blizzardspots, sandkit/sandpaw, silverkit/paw

longtail, dustkit/paw, swiftflame,

firestar, squirrelflight/star, sandstorm

mousefur, darkears, brightheart

[longstarau]

Longstar AU — Chapter Five

    “SWIFTPAW—“ Longtail's mew cracked as he yelped, rushing toward his apprentice, battered and bloodied. Brightpaw lay beside him, looking practically the same, covered in blood and lifeless. “C'mon, Swiftpaw, you can’t…”

    “Longtail,” Whitestorm nudged his shoulder, Longtail's breathing heavy. “Let’s get them back to camp and checked out by Cinderpath before we make any conclusions. And quickly.” He glanced over his shoulder at Fireheart, who nodded.

    He grabbed Swiftpaw by his scruff, sliding the small black and white apprentice onto his back. His pelt was torn apart, and his front leg twisted to the left. He shook his head, padding forward toward ThunderClan camp. Whitestorm and Fireheart did the same with Brightpaw, following him back to camp.

    Ignoring all gazing cats, he made a beeline for the medicine den. Cinderpath stirred inside, messing with her herbs. At the sight of Longtail's shadow, she glanced at him.

    “Longtail? What is—“

    “Swiftpaw and Brightpaw,” He hurriedly mewed. “They were attacked by.. something and they’ve both been hurt really bad.”

    “Put him down in a nest,” Cinderpath meowed calmly, gesturing toward a mossy nest. Longtail slid the apprentice off his back into the nest. Soon, Fireheart and Whitestorm appeared, doing the same with Brightpaw. “.. Oh. Wow. Alright, clear out. I need my space to work, go and clean yourselves up.” Cinderpath crowded the three tom's out of the den.

    “C'mon,” Whitestorm nudged Longtail. “Let’s go get cleaned up in the river.”

    “You two go along,” Fireheart meowed. “I'll be fine.”

    “If you say so,” Whitestorm dipped his head respectfully, herding Longtail out of the camp.

    His head was racing like a frightened mouse, trying to escape the claws of its predator. What if Swiftpaw died? His first apprentice, and he couldn’t even handle keeping him safe. Maybe he wasn’t as trustworthy as he thought he could be, if he couldn’t even handle one small cat.

    Longtail and Whitestorm reached the river, wading softly into the warm water and gentle rippling waves.

    “Whitestorm?” Longtail said softly, glancing at the older white tom. “.. Am I a bad warrior?”

    “Hm?” Whitestorm gazed at him, “Where’s that coming from?”

    “No cat seems to trust me,” He shook his head softly. “Especially not Fireheart. I’m loyal to ThunderClan. Well, I think I am. But a-am I? I was friends with a traitor..”

    “Longtail,” Whitestorm mewed firmly. “You're talking like you have bees in your brain, and I know you don’t,” His whiskers twitched. “Your a smart, loyal cat. You trusted someone you shouldn’t have, but we all did. We all trusted Tigerstar.”

    “But I let my apprentice get hurt, and possibly die,” Longtail hissed the words with pain to his mew. “If I had pushed for him to be a warrior, and kept a better eye on him maybe he wouldn’t be hurt. And neither would Brightpaw.”

    “That isn’t your fault,” Whitestorm narrowed his yellow eyes. “He made that decision on his own. You’ve been pushing for him to get a warrior name, as well as the other apprentices, you did what you could. My aunt is.. not well, and not thinking right. You did what you could, Longtail.”

    “.. Thank you, Whitestorm.” Longtail murmured, gazing up at the large white tom.

    “Your welcome, Longtail. You're my clan mate, after all.” He smiled softly. “Now, finish cleaning up and we'll get back to camp and rest, okay?”

    Longtail dipped fully into the water, swiftly sliding out and shaking out his fur. Whitestorm did the same, and the two padded back to camp, slipping back into the warriors den.

     “Cinderpath..?” Longtail poked his head into the den, “Can I come in..?”

     “Yes, Longtail,” Cinderpath mewed unenthusiastically, “You can come in.”

     Slowly, he padded inside, gazing at the back of the den. Cinderpath flicked her tail.

     “.. Are they awake?” He questioned, flattening his ears.

     “No, but alive and breathing steadily,” She turned her blue gaze on Longtail, “They'll be fine.”

    “.. Will they be able to become warriors?”

    “Yes,” She gave a gentle nod. “If they were going to allow me to become a warrior with my leg, they'll definitely be able to. And if they aren’t allowed, Bluestar and Fireheart will be hearing from me. Brightpaw is my little sister, and Swiftpaw is still my kin.”

    “.. Thank you,” Longtail murmured.

    Cinderpath rested her tail on his shoulder, “Of course,” She mewed, pressing her nose to his cheek. “Now, stop clogging up my den so I can do my work, okay?”

    Longtail twitched his whiskers, “Okay, okay.” He backed up out of the den, being greeted with Fireheart behind him.

    “How are they?” Fireheart questioned.

    “Alive,” He replied coarsely.

    “That’s good,” He mewed with a sigh. “I was just about to visit.”

    “Alright,” He glanced away. “.. I’m gonna just.. go find Mousefur.” Longtail mumbled, padding around the ThunderClan deputy.

    He approached the small, dusky brown she-cat, flopping down beside her. Mousefur glanced at him, looking at him with a puzzled expression.

    “What’s your problem, huh?” She meowed questioningly. “In fact, you’ve seemed super down lately.”

    “I’m just tired of everything,” Longtail mumbled, resting his head on his paws. “I just wanna feel like I’m a normal part of the clan again.”

    “What? You are,” Mousefur cocked her head.

    “But I’m not,” Longtail took in a deep breath. “Nobody trusts me anymore. Even if they say they do, and it’s the same with Darkears. Though, they have a reason to not trust him.” He glared at the dark tabby tom across the way, “Fireheart is always suspicious of me. He basically said so.”

    “Sometimes I think he has bees in his brain,” Mousefur shrugged. “Going behind his leaders back to arrange a meeting with another leader, telling them our secrets.”

    “I agree,” Longtail twitched his ears. “At least I have you to talk to. If I didn’t I would have gone crazy by now.” He looked at the she-cat with a smile.

    “Same to you,” Mousefur returned his smile.

    “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather beneath the High Rock for a clan meeting.”

    Longtail turned, seeing Bluestar atop of the high rock again. The meetings were becoming weirdly frequent; maybe she was getting better. He thought ThunderClan could get better, that they weregetting better.

    But that was probably just wishful thinking, wasn’t it?

[longstarau]

Longstar AU — Chapter Nineteen

   “ThunderClan.” A voice growled, black fur peeking out from behind the grass. “What are you doing here?”

   “We’ve come to speak with Deadfoot,” Firestar dipped his head to the smaller she-cat.

   “Deadstar, you mean?” The she-cat slipped from behind the grasses, “He’s my mentor, I would know.”

   “Ah, yes…” Firestar murmured, adverting his gaze from her blazing orange one. “Nightpaw, than?”

   “Yes.” Her eyes narrowed, “I can guide you to camp, if it’s so urgent you must speak with him.”

   “That would be nice,” Longtail meowed, the she-cat glancing at him. Nightpaw rolled her eyes, beginning to lead the deputy and leader pair toward the WindClan camp.

   “Nightpaw, you can’t just leave before your warrior ceremony—!” Onewhisker hissed, his eyes narrowed. “Oh! Firestar.” The brown tabby tom dipped his head, “What are you doing here?”

   “We’ve come to speak with Deadstar.” Firestar mewed, “It’s urgent.”

   “I’m sure it is,” Deadstar padded up behind Onewhisker, nodding to the tom. He and his apprentice padded back into camp. “Especially if you're coming yourself.”

   “Yes, it really is,” Firestar nodded. “Twolegs.. they’re..—they’re taking their monsters into our part of the forest. They're destroying it, and it seems they’re headed for our camp.”

   “.. I see.” Deadstar murmured.

   “We’ve come to ask for shelter in your camp,” Longtail spoke up, Firestar flattening his ears.

   “I’m sure we can offer you shelter until this is figured out.” Deadstar dipped his head. “Myself and my warriors will have no problem with it.”

   “Are you sure about this, Deadstar?” Mudclaw popped up behind him, eyeing the ThunderClan leader and deputy. “Do we have enough resources for that?” 

   “I’m sure we do, Mudclaw. Our moor is always plentiful, and so are our herbs. Barkface and Kestrelpaw will be fine welcoming your medicine cats, as well.” Deadstar twitched his whiskers.

   “Yes, and welcoming another leader and deputy won’t cause any problems,” Mudclaw hissed.

   “.. So you’ve been named deputy, than?” Firestar mewed.

   “Yes. Is that so unbelievable, Firestar?” He growled.

   “I didn’t mean it like that, I—“ Firestar paused, taking a few steps backward.

   “He didn’t, Mudclaw, back down.” Deadstar growled, casting a glare at his deputy. “Go and gather your clan, Firestar. We'll be waiting to greet you when you arrive.”

   “Thank you, Deadstar,” Firestar dipped his head, turning back toward ThunderClan territory. Longtail and his leader traipsed through the territory, arriving back at Sunningrocks.

   “Prepare yourselves. We’re going to WindClan camp.” Longtail rose his voice to the whole clan, his green eyes narrowed. “Kits, elders, medicine cats—make sure everything is prepared.” 

   “It already is,” Cinderpath twitched her whiskers. “Leafpaw and I'll start our way over there after everyone else. I just need to get what’s left of the herbs in our camp.” The gray color-point she-cat nodded to her apprentice, turning back toward the camp.

   “The rest of you follow Longtail, than,” Firestar meowed. “Myself, Sandstorm and Graystripe will get elders and queens.”

   Longtail nodded, resting his gaze on Blizzardspots. The she-cat gave him a gentle nod and a smile, the tom quickly returning it. He turned back toward WindClan territory, the warriors and apprentices of the clan following close behind. They weaved through trees, hopped across small rivers, and jumped over rocks. And soon they arrived at WindClan camp.

   “Longtail.” Deadstar greeted once more, “Right in here, everyone.” The black tom flicked his tail, turning into his camp. The group of ThunderClan cats followed.

   “I really have to thank you, Deadstar,” Longtail dipped his head. “Our other option was Leopardstar… and, well, you know how that would go.”

   His whiskers twitched, “I do,” Deadstar smiled softly. “And it wouldn’t be well. We’re happy to host you while things aren’t safe in the forest,” He meowed, hopping atop of the Wind Rock. “Cats of WindClan! ThunderClan will be staying in our camp until further notice. I expect my cats treat them as guests, and with respect. Understand?”

   Though meows of discontent and discomfort could be heard, most cats didn’t seem to have a real issue with it. Some greeted the ThunderClan cats with friendly meows, some not. But it didn’t seem to bother most.

   A familiar scent flooded his nose, whipping his head around to the WindClan camp entrance.

   Brambleclaw, Squirrelpaw!

   He rushed toward the two cats, Firestar sliding in behind them. As well as smaller black tom which he knew as Crowpaw.

   “Crowpaw!” Deadstar rushed up behind them, nuzzling his son, “What happened? Where have you been?”

   “D-dad!” Crowpaw hissed. “Knock it off..”

   “Okay, okay,” Deadstar purred. “Now, explain.” He hissed, his eyes narrowing.

   “We went to the Sun-Drown place.” Brambleclaw responded, “To meet a badger, named Midnight. She gave us some.. information.” The tom's ears flattened, adverting his gaze from the WindClan leaders.

   “What kind of information?” Deadstar growled, flattening his ears.

   “The badger said something bad was going to happen to the forest.” Crowpaw flattened his large ears to his head, “That something was destroying it.”

   “The twolegs,” Firestar murmured.

   “Yes.” Brambleclaw sighed, “And.. and she said we had to leave.”

   “Leave the forest?” Longtail growled, “How can we possibly do that? Where do we even go?”

   “She said to head for the mountains.” Brambleclaw replied, “Are.. are we going to go?”

   “Well, I’m not sure,” Firestar mumbled. “I’m not even sure the other clans would believe you. Or the other clans. Though, we'll speak to them at tomorrows gathering.” 

   “.. Do you believe us, Dad?” Squirrelpaw mewed, her gaze slowly shifting to Longtail, “Longtail?”

   “Of course I believe you.” Firestar gently nuzzled his daughter, “And I’m sure Longtail does as well. I myself have had my run-ins with StarClan, prophecies, missions, what have you. I have no reason to think you're lying.” He shook his head, “I’m not sure the other clans will believe you, though, like I’ve said.”

   “Yes.” Deadstar narrowed his eyes slightly, “I believe you, as well. And if the time comes we will follow you out of the forest. But, I’m not sure RiverClan and ShadowClan will be so proud to do so.”

[longstarau]

Longstar AU — Chapter Eighteen

   “Firestar!” Cloudtail came traipsing into the camp, Brightheart, Whitepaw, Brackenfur and Swiftflame coming in behind him, looking bewildered and shaken. “Longtail! Where’s Firestar?” The fluffy white tom came rushing up to him, his paws skidding in the sand.

   “.. He went out hunting,” His green eyes narrowed. “What happened, Cloudtail? Is someone hurt?”

   “No, it’s not that.” His ears flattened, “Monsters. In the forest. And they’re headed this way!”

   “What?” Longtail hissed, “We need to get everyone out of camp, and now. Get all the warriors and an apprentices, I’ll get the queens, elders and medicine cats.” Cloudtail nodded, dashing toward the warriors den.

   Longtail turned, his mind running a million miles a minute. He shook his head, slipping into the nursery.

   “Papa!” Silverkit mewed with a smile.

   “.. Is something wrong, Longtail?” Blizzardspots gazed at her mate, “You look.. worried.”

   “Monsters are headed this way,” Longtail mewed hurriedly. “We need to get out of camp. And quickly.”

   Blizzardspots ears flattened, gazing down at their three kits. Than she glanced back up at Longtail, the tom nodding his head.

   “Mama?” Dustkit mewed softly, “What’s wrong?”

   “Nothing, baby,” Blizzardspots rose to her paws, rasping her tongue over the little tom's head. She glanced at Ferncloud, “Do you need help carrying the kits?”

   “Yes, that would be appreciated,” Ferncloud mewed.

   “I'll help her. Follow the other cats out of camp,” Longtail meowed. Blizzardspots nodded, herding the three kits out of the nursery, Dustkit trailing slightly behind. “Go on, buddy.” He nudged the small brown tom closer to Blizzardspots, a gentle purr rumbling from his chest. 

   Longtail leaned over, grabbing the small brown tabby she-kit from Ferncloud's belly. The she-cat smiled, raising to her paws. She grabbed the other spotted gray kit, padding out of the nursery.

   “Pass her off to Dustpelt.” Ferncloud mewed softly, “You have kits to worry about. No use worrying about mine.” Her whiskers twitched, gesturing toward her mate, who was padding toward them.

   “I’ve got it,” Dustpelt mewed, taking the kit from his jaws. “Thanks.” He said, dipping his head to the deputy. The pair padded off, joining the other cats exiting the camp.

   “I’ve already got the elders.” Graystripe approached him, his ears twitching, “And Sandstorm got Leafpaw and Cinderpath. Go with your mate and kits.”

   “.. Thank you, Graystripe,” Longtail murmured, rushing after his mate and three kits.

   “.. This is terrifying,” Blizzardspots murmured, gazing at their three kits close in front of them. “I.. I thought our kits would live safe, happy lives.. and now..”

   “Hey.” Longtail nudged her shoulder, “This doesn’t mean they can’t. Maybe this will all be over soon.. maybe they're not even going into the camp! We don’t know. And we can’t assume.” 

   “I’m only worried.” Blizzardspots sighed, “Thank you, though.”

   He rasped his tongue over the she-cats ear, “Of course.” Soon, the group of cats arrived at Sunningrocks, a loud rumbling in the distant. His ears flattened, gazing at the large monster as it rumbled past.

   “D-dad.. what was that noise?” Dustkit murmured, his small body shaking as he pressed up against Longtail's leg. “I-it was really, really loud.”

   It must have been louder for him, Longtail though, glancing at his son curled at his paws. 

   “It’s okay,” He lent over him, rasping his tongue over his head. “We’re okay. It’s gone now.” Longtail mewed softly. “I know it was loud, but it’s okay. It’s nothing for you to worry about.”

   “Come on, dear,” Longtail glanced behind him, Blizzardspots nestled beside a rock. “Come and grab something to eat.” She flicked her tail, the small tom pressing his nose to the soft grass, following the scent of his mother. 

   “He’s adorable!” Whitepaw popped up beside Longtail, her tail flicking with excitement. Dustkit puffed up, shaking ever so slightly, “Oh, sorry.”

   “Be careful, Whitepaw.” Brightheart hissed, “He can’t know you're there, it’s going to scare him.”

   “Sorry.” Whitepaw dipped her head.

   In a few moments, Dustkit was padding up to the she-cat, gazing up at her with wonder in his blind blue eyes.

   “Hello.” Whitepaw purred, leaning down to meet the small tom. “I’m not scary, I promise.”

   “You don’t sound scary.” Dustkit twitched his ears, “And you don’t smell like ShadowClan.”

   Longtail twitched his whiskers, “She’s our clanmate,” He mewed. “She’s not ShadowClan, Dustkit.”

   “I’m Whitepaw.” She mewed. “We'll probably be apprentices together for a little.”

   “.. Will we be friends?” Dustkit cocked his head.

   “Why, of course we will,” Whitepaw twitched her whiskers, purring. She touched her nose to his, “Now run along and get something to eat.”

   Dustkit turned slowly, picking up Blizzardspots scent once more.

   “Thank you, Whitepaw.” Longtail meowed. “He’s a bit on edge with all the noise.”

   “Of course!” She smiled, “He’s only a kit. I understand why, y'know. And I’ll take care of him when he’s an apprentice, if that makes you feel better.”

   Longtail flattened his ears, “I’m not worried about him when he becomes an apprentice. He'll be a warrior like anyone else.”

   “I’m not saying he won’t.” Whitepaw narrowed her green eyes a bit, “But you're obviously worried about it.”

   “.. Well, a bit,” He mumbled. “I just don’t want him to have a hard time, like Cinderpath or Brightheart or Swiftflame had after their accidents.”

   “I understand, but he isn’t fragile,” Whitepaw hissed. “You're not fragile, are you? Cinderpath, Swiftflame, my mother? Are they?”

   “.. No.” He murmured, adverting his gaze.

   “Exactly.” That warm smiled crossed her expression again, “He'll be a warrior like anyone else. Who knows, maybe even a better one than you.” 

   “Don’t be saying that to your deputy,” Longtail hissed playfully. “I might just hold back your warrior ceremony.” He playfully cuffed the apprentice over the ear.

   “Ah! You wouldn’t dare!” Whitepaw laughed, a bright smile crossing her face.

   “.. Longtail!” Firestar's mew echoed in his ears, “Is everyone safe?”

   “Everyone’s accounted for,” Longtail dipped his head. “Kits, queens, elders, warriors, medicine cats, apprentices. We’re all here.”

   “Good.” He sighed, “I’m.. I'm not sure what we’re going to do.” 

   “We'll figure it out.” Longtail mewed softly, “I would like to see if WindClan would let us stay in their camp. Or RiverClan.”

   “WindClan, more likely,” Firestar took in a sharp breath. “Now that Deadfoot's set to be leader im sure he will.” 

   His ears flattened, “It’s sad Tallstar passed,” He murmured. “But I’m sure Deadfoot will make an excellent leader.”

   “He will.” Firestar flicked his tail, “You and I will head over in the morning to speak with him. For now we rest,” The leader turned to his mates. “I suggest you get some good rest.”

[longstarau]

Longstar AU — Chapter Seventeen

Two moons had passed, and the cats they’d lost hadn’t returned. And at the last gathering, they learned other cats had disappeared too—specifically Tawnyfang, Stormfur, Feathertail and Crowpaw. The cats that Brambleclaw was meeting with.

   Longtail padded into the medicine cats den, spotting Leafpaw working with herbs on the inside.

   “Leafpaw, I—“

   “Ah, I don’t—!” The little she-cat yelped. Than she turned, seeing Longtail standing there, “Oh.. Longtail.”

   “.. Are you alright, Leafpaw?” Longtail mewed, “You’ve seemed jumpy the last two moons.”

   “I’m okay, thank you,” Leafpaw murmured. “Do you need something? Cinderpath should be back soon.”

   “I’m sure I can talk to you about it.” Longtail flicked his tail, “It's two things, actually. First of all I was here to ask if you could check on Blizzardspots, she’s seeming really.. lethargic lately.”

   “It’s normal, Longtail.” Leafpaw mewed softly. “She’s had kits, It can take a toll on her body. She'll feel much better once she can get out of that nursery and move around.”

   “If you're sure,” He murmured. “And I wanted to ask you about Squirrelpaw and Brambleclaw.”

   Her ears flattened tight to her skull, “W-why would I know anything about that?”

   “Well, you're her sister.” Longtail's eyes narrowed, “Leafpaw, if you know anything, you need to tell me so I can let Firestar know. The two of them could be unsafe out there alone.”

   “T-they're not!” Leafpaw hissed. She adverted her gaze, than sighed. “I know why they left. I know where they're headed. And they’re not alone,” She settled down with her paws tucked under her chest. “The other cats the clans have lost are with them. And they’re headed to the sun drown place. Though, it seemed someone is injured—though I’m not sure who.”

   “.. How do you know if someone’s injured?” He raised an eyebrow. “You're not with them.”

   “Sometimes I can feel Squirrelpaw, like she’s near me,” Leafpaw meowed. “If she’s getting in trouble, she’s scared, she’s hurt or if she’s in trouble.”

   “Interesting.” He murmured, “So they’re headed to the sun drown place? What is that?”

   “I’m not exactly sure. I’ve never heard of it.” Leafpaw meowed, and he could tell her words were sincere. “I-it feels good to get all that off my chest.” The she-cat chuckled.

   “I’m sure it does.” Longtail smiled, “Thank you for telling me this, Leafpaw.”

   Leafpaw dipped her head, turning back to fiddle with her herbs. Longtail trotted out of the medicine cats den, being met with Cinderpath as he did so.

   “Longtail.” She dipped her head, “Where you harassing my apprentice?” Cinderpath rasied an eyebrow playfully.

   “Not at all.” He dipped his head back, “Only chatting with her. I'll be out of your way, now.” Longtail rounded around the medicine cat, making his way into the leaders den.

   “Firestar,” He dipped his head. “I have some information.”

   “Hmmm?” The leader hummed, slowly lifting his head. He'd been a bit tired lately, secluding himself in his den, sometimes coming out to sun or take part in patrols. It was obvious he was worried about his daughter. In which Longtail didn’t blame him.

   “I know where they're headed,” Firestar gazed at him, his expression puzzled. “Leafpaw told me. They’re headed to the sun drown place, and there’s other cats with them. We’re not sure when they'll be back but.. we believe they should be safe.”

   “Oh thank StarClan.” Firestar sighed. “Though.. there’s a new issue.”

   “Oh?” Longtail cocked his head.

   “Myself, Graystripe and Sandstorm went hunting late last night,” Firestar mewed, “And we spotted monsters, in the forest. They weren’t moving, for now.. but they’ve left the Thunderpath.”

   “What?” Longtail flattened his ears, narrowing his eyes. “How.. could they have done that? Monsters don’t leave the Thunderpath.”

   “That’s what we were thinking.” Firestar nodded his head in agreement, “But I’m not sure what they’ve going to do. We need to have cats keeping a look out from now on.”

   “I'll post them tonight.” Longtail dipped his head.

   “Oh, and how are the kits doing?” Firestar mewed. “They’re already four moons old.. can you believe that?” He choked a laugh. “Time flies when they’re kittens, y'know.”

   “Yeah.” Longtail smiled, “I can’t believe it at all. Though Blizzardspots seems excited,” He twitched his whiskers. “She loved them, we both do. But they’re a bit of a handful for one cat.”

   “Since they'll be apprentices soon,” Firestar sat up, stretching his paws. “Who did you want to mentor them? If you had any ideas.”

   “Hm.” He hummed. “Swiftflame for Silverkit. He definitely needs a strong paw, and Swiftflame would be able to handle it,” Longtail mewed. “Sorreltail for Sandkit.” He continued, “And.. Brightheart for Dustkit. She’s half blind, she'll be able to help him learn skills and become a warrior, even being blind.”

   “That sounds perfect.” Firestar smiled. “They're the kits of two great warriors. I’m sure they'll become just the same.”

   “I agree.” Longtail purred, “I’m going to take out a hunting patrol, is that alright?”

   “Perfectly.” Firestar brushed past him and slipped out of his den. Longtail did the same, making his toward the warriors den. There, Swiftflame, Brightheart, Ashfur and Cloudtail were settled.

   “Hey.” Swiftflame mewed, “Something up?”

   “No.” Longtail flicked his tail, “I’m taking the four of you on a hunting patrol. Sound good?”

   Cloudtail got up, stretching his paws, “Sounds great,” He purred. “C'mon.”

   “And I wanted to talk to you two,” Longtail meowed. “Swiftflame, Brightheart.”

   “.. Oh.. uh, of course.” Brightheart murmured, following Longtail out of the camp. The rest of the patrol trailed behind the two cats. “What is it, Longtail?”

   “My kits are to be apprenticed soon,” He meowed. “I want you two to mentor one. Each.”

   “Woah!” Swiftflame gasped, “Really? You want—us? To be mentors?”

   “You deserve it!” Cloudtail meowed, slipping in between the two cats, “I mean, I already had apprentice. About time Firestar gives you apprentices, too!”

   “So, who’s mentoring who? And what about the last kit?” Swiftflame raised an eyebrow. 

   “Swiftflame, you'll mentor Silverkit. Brightheart, I want you to mentor Dustkit,” He meowed softly. “Dustkit.. he’s completely blind. I know you're only half blind, but.. I assumed you could help him much more than say I could. And like Cloudtail said, you deserve an apprentice just like any other cat,” Longtail flicked her ear with his tail. “And Sorreltail will mentor Sandkit.”

   “.. Thank you, Longtail,” Brightheart dipped her head. “For believing in me. And trusting me.”

   He stretched out his neck, rasping his tongue over the top of her head, “Of course. Anyone can be a warrior, no matter if you have a disability or not.”

   “Okay, okay,” Cloudtail rolled his eyes playfully, “Enough of this sappy stuff, can we hunt already?”

   Brightheart twitched his whiskers, brushing her tail across her mates side, “Of course. Come on.”

[longstarau]

Longstar AU — Chapter Sixteen

Longtail paced back and forth in front of the nursery, letting out little hissed and curses under his breath. His mate, Blizzardspots, was kitting just inside.

   “Relax, Longtail. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so worked up!” Mousefur twitched her whiskers.

   “I would be more relaxed if I could be in there with her!” Longtail growled. “But Cinderpath said I wasn’t allowed.”

   “Ferncloud is in there with her.” Firestar attempted to soothe the worried tom-cat. “Im sure she’s taking good care of her, okay?”

   Longtail flattened his ears, gazing at his paws shifting in the sand. “Yeah.”

   “Longtail?” Leafpaw peered from around the entrance, “You can come in now.”

   He scampered back to his paws, sliding swiftly into the nursery. There, he laid eyes on his tired mate, Ferncloud nested behind her. His eyes traveled toward her belly, three healthy kits suckling.

   “Three kits,” Cinderpath mewed with a purr. “And they’re all healthy. Leafpaw and I'll leave you be now.” Cinderpath flicked her tail, sliding out of the nursery with Leafpaw on her heels.

   “How do you feel?” Longtail murmured, settling down in front of his mate. 

   “Honestly? Horrible.” Blizzardspots laid her head down on her paws, though she smiled. “But.. we have three healthy kits. A family, Longtail. I’m so, so happy.”

   “Speaking of which,” Ferncloud mewed softly. “What are you two going to name them?”

   “We had a few names picked out.” Longtail gazed down at his kits, a tan tabby she-kit, a silver tabby tom and a dusty brown and white tom.

   “Their names are Dustkit, Silverkit and Sandkit,” Blizzardspots meowed with a purr. “Our wonderful kits.”

   Longtail poked his head into the apprentices den, glancing around for the red, bushy tail apprentice.

   “.. Longtail?” Whitepaw murmured, “Is something wrong?”

   “Whitepaw, where’s Squirrelpaw?” Longtail narrowed his eyes, gazing at the slightly out of focus apprentice.

   “.. She said she was going on the dawn patrol,” Whitepaw flattened her ears.

   “I didn't assign her to the dawn patrol.” Longtail hissed, “Thank you, Whitepaw.” He slipped out of the apprentices den, dashing across camp to find Sandstorm. “Sandstorm, you were awake early, right? Did you see Squirrelpaw?”

   “Did I see my own daughter, Longtail? Of course I did.” Sandstorm twitched her whiskers. “Is something wrong?”

   “She said she was on the dawn patrol.” Sandstorm nodded. “I didn't assign her the dawn patrol, or I would have gone with her. Which means she’s snuck out of camp.”

   “Now that I think of it,” Graystripe popped up behind Sandstorm, slipping out of the leaders den. “Brambleclaw's missing, too.”

   “.. Brambleclaw?” Longtail echoed, “Didn’t Firestar tell them to keep apart? She couldn’t have disappeared with him. Right?”

   “It doesn’t seem likely,” Sandstorm dragged a paw over her ear, “But she does happen to rebel a lot when her father tells her not to do something.”

   “Where is Firestar?” Longtail prompted.

   “He decided to join the actual dawn patrol.” Graystripe mewed, settling down beside Sandstorm. “He'll be back soon.”

   “You shouldn’t be getting so worked up about it, Longtail. I’m sure it’s not too big of a deal,” Sandstorm meowed. “You’ve just become a father, you should be worried about your kits rather than all this.”

   “I-I was going to visit them before I found Squirrelpaw missing.” Longtail murmured, flattening his ears.

   “They’ve just opened their eyes, haven’t they?” Sandstorm prompted.

   “They have,” Longtail purred. “Though.. Cinderpath thinks Dustkit is blind.”

   “Oh,” Sandstorm flattened her ears. “Well, I’m sure it won’t be too much of an issue. You're partially blind. You're still a warrior. And our deputy.”

   “I know.” Longtail mumbled. “I just don’t want it to be hard for him. The other clans.. aren’t as.. open. They don’t think cats like me and Cinderpath should be able to be warriors at all. At least, some cats don’t.”

   “That doesn’t matter.” Sandstorm let a smile cross her face, “If he’s anything like Blizzardspots, he won’t care. The other clans talked about her when she joined ThunderClan, it didn’t seem to effect her one bit.”

   “Mm. I know.” He hummed, “Well, let me know when Firestar's returned.”

   The two cats nodded, quickly turning to conversation. Longtail padded toward the nursery, poking his head Inside.

   “Papa!” Silverkit dashed up to him, Sandkit not far behind. Dustkit slowly padded up, his paws a bit uneasy. “We’re you on patrol today? Did you fight off some evil warrior?”

   “Not today, Silverkit,” Longtail purred, nestling down in front of the kits.

   “I’m sure you did something cool!” Sandkit purred, “Dads always doing something cool. He’s the clan's deputy!”

   “I can’t wait to be a warrior like dad,” Dustkit mewed softly, settling between Longtail's paws.

   “Me either!” Sandkit clawed at the sand beneath her paws. “I’m sure we'll all be great warriors.”

   “I’m sure you will be,” Ferncloud purred, twitching her whiskers. “But you won’t be able to if you don’t get something in your bellies.”

   “Fernclouds right.” Longtail nudged the kits toward Blizzardspots belly. 

   “Oh.. Longtail,” Blizzardspots slowly lifted her head, “When did you get in here..?”

   “Not long ago, dear,” Longtail got to his paws, nestling behind his mate. “You were asleep, I didn’t want to bother you.”

   “Mmm.. those two are wearing me down.” Blizzardspots murmured, gazing at Sandkit and Silverkit, “Dustkit's not much a problem though.”

   “Do you need something to eat, hm?” He murmured, “I could grab you something before I speak to Firestar.”

   “Oh?” She cocked her head, “Is something wrong?”

   “Brambleclaw and Squirrelpaw have appeared to have gone missing,” Longtail whispered, “We’re not sure what happened, or where they went.”

   “Well, that’s no good.” Blizzardspots sighed, “I hope they didn’t go too far.”

   “Me either.” Longtail sighed, “I'll be back.” He slid out from behind Blizzardspots, padding back out into the clearing. He made a beeline for the prey-pile, grabbing a feathered thrush, assuming she could use the feathers for her nest.

   He slipped back into the nursery, placing the thrush at her paws.

   “Thank you, darling..” Blizzardspots murmured, nuzzling the tom, “Be careful, today, okay?”

   “I will, don’t worry.” He gazed down at the kits, “And you three behave for your mother. Don’t give her a hard time.”

   “Yes, dad!” Silverkit and Sandkit mewed with smiles, Dustkit only agreeing with a nod of his head.

   He turned out of the nursery, seeing that Firestar had returned from patrol. The leader flashed him a smile, flicking his tail to signal him to come over.

   “Longtail, I heard you want to talk to me. Is everything alright?” Firestar meowed.

   “Not.. exactly,” Longtail sighed. “Squirrelpaw and Brambleclaw have disappeared.”

   “.. What?” Firestar murmured. “Where could they have gone? Why—why would they leave?” The tom flattened his ears.

   “Firestar,” Sandstorm got to her paws, nuzzling her mate. “I’m sure they're fine. Maybe they'll return in the next few days.” She mewed softly, “For now all we can do is wait and look for them, okay?”

   “.. I-I’m sure your right,” Firestar mumbled. “Thank you for telling me, Longtail. We'll keep an eye out.”

[longstarau]

Longstar AU — Chapter Fifteen

   “Ravenpaw!”

   Longtail lifted his head, herbs clenched in his jaw. A small smile crept across his face at the sight of the small, large eared black and white tom at the entrance.

   “It’s been a while!” Firestar beamed, flicking his tail. “How are you and Barley doing?”

   “It’s been really good.” Ravenpaw mewed with a smile. Longtail placed the herbs down at Leafpaw's paws, the she-cat nodding in a “thank you”. He nodded, dipping his head to the medicine cat. He turned, approaching the tom’s. “Longtail, I was wondering where you were! Deputy, huh?”

   “Yeah.” Longtail mewed.

   “What happened to you?” Ravenpaw cocked his head, “Your eyes are all scarred up.”

   “I.. got attacked by a rabbit.” Longtail flattened his ears, “I can’t see as well as I used to, but it’s enough.”

   “And he remained deputy despite it.” Firestar flicked his tail across the tom's flank, “Nothing'll change that.”

   “Well, good.” Ravenpaw mewed, “I did want to ask if maybe you wanted to come to the barn sometime, Firestar, Longtail. Barley and I.. we’ve adopted kits recently.”

   “That’s wonderful!” Firestar purred, “What are their names?”

   “Juniper and Thrush.” Ravenpaw purred back.

   “I'd love to meet my nieces are nephews,” Longtail flicked his tail. “And I would think you would come and meet yours soon, too?”

   “Oh?” Ravenpaw cocked his head, “Are you expecting kits Longtail?” The black and white tom joked, twitching his whiskers.

   “Oh, be quiet,” Longtail rolled his eyes. “My mate Blizzardspots is.”

   “Than of course I will.” Ravenpaw flicked his tail, “Where is she, exactly? I'd like to meet her.”

   “Inside the nursery. I think Brambleclaw was bringing them prey,” Longtail flicked his tail toward the nursery. Ravenpaw nodded, padding past them toward the clan nursery. “He seems to be doing well.”

   “Of course he is.” Firestar replied, “Barley and Ravenpaw can keep their own out there. Obviously, seeing as they’ve expanded their little family.”

   “Mhm.” Longtail hummed, glancing at his leader.

   “Is something on your mind, Longtail?” Firestar prompted.

   “Yes, actually.” Longtail lowered his voice, “Last night I found Brambleclaw sneaking out of the camp. He said StarClan had willed him to meet with cats from other clans, at Fourtrees. And Squirrelpaw followed them, but I dealt with her,” He flicked his tail. “So, what do we do?”

   “I trust Brambleclaw as a warrior, much more than I did his father,” Firestar flattened his ears. “Of course I do, he was my apprentice. We'll have a chat to see if all this is true or not.” Longtail nodded, “Who we’re the other cats?”

   “Stormfur and Feathertail from RiverClan. Tawnyfang from ShadowClan and Crowpaw from WindClan.” Longtail replied.

   “Graystripe's kits? And Brambleclaw's sister, too.” Firestar murmured, staring at his shifting paws. “Grab Brambleclaw for me so we can talk about this.” The orange tabby tom turned into his den, disappearing behind the lichen curtains.

   “Brambleclaw!” Longtail yelped across camp, the dark tabby tom appearing from beside the nursery. Ravenpaw followed, Longtail's eyes narrowing. He padded up to him. “Firestar wants to talk.”

   His ears flattened, “O-okay.”

   Side by side, Brambleclaw and Longtail padded into the leaders den. They settled across from one another, eyes narrowed slightly.

   “Longtail told me about last night.” Firestar began, “I’m sure you had your reasons, Brambleclaw. But I would like to know why I wasn't, or Longtail wasn’t, informed about these dreams. Or at the very least Cinderpath and Leafpaw.”

   “.. You’ve had a lot on your mind. I didn’t want to bother,” Brambleclaw sighed, “And I didn’t think you would understand, or let me go..”

   “I’ve had my run ins with StarClan, Brambleclaw.” The leaders whiskers twitched gently. “As a warrior and now as a leader I have a strong connection with them. I understand their commands and their wills, if we had spoken about it we could have figured this out.”

   “.. I see that now.” His amber gaze glanced at Longtail. “I’m sorry I didn’t say anything, Firestar.”

   “As you should be.” Firestar narrowed his eyes a bit. “Have you received any dreams since?”

   “Yes.” He mewed, “A dream of a sandy, water filled place. The sun was setting in the background.. and there was a large shadow against the sun. It looked something of a badger.”

   “Hm.” Firestar hummed, “I’m.. not sure.”

   “Maybe have a chat with Cinderpath and Leafpaw,” Longtail put in. “They are trained in StarClan. They can interpret the dream much better than we can.”

   “I agree,” Firestar smiled. “I'll speak with you when I have an idea, Brambleclaw. Your dismissed.”

   “Thank you.” He murmured, dipping his head and turning out of the den.

   “What if something bad is coming, Firestar?” Longtail mewed, flattening his ears. Really, he was thinking of his future kits, and mate.

   “Relax, Longtail,” Firestar brushed his tail across his deputies side. “You're about to become a father, your going to be on edge. Trust me, I lived it. I’m sure these dreams have an explanation, and we'll be fine.”

   “.. If you say so.”