Blood On The Flowers

Prologue
It was moonhigh in TigerClan territory, yet several warriors were still awake. The lions patrolling the borders were alert and wary, and a few lay in their nests, unable to find sleep due to the shock of Stormstar's return.

But the ones who were most awake were the two cats who sat in Goldenstar's den. One was Goldenstar, a large and well-groomed lion, while the other was Redstar, the massive, aggressive leader of TigerClan. His amber eyes glowed in the darkness of the den, filled with nervousness and restlessness.

"You look troubled, Redstar," Goldenstar observed in his smooth voice.

Redstar glared at him.

"You know what troubles me, Goldenstar," he shot back.

"Does it really matter that those fleabags are back? Honestly, you are worrying over nonsense fit for kits."

Redstar looked away, memories playing in his head. He shuddered as he thought of the way Stormstar had looked at him at the Gathering. Those eyes, so piercing and haunting...they sent chills through him every time he saw them.

"Let's get back to the important matters, shall we? How are those kits faring in your Clan?" Goldenstar asked, pulling him back to the present.

"Very well. They will be strong warriors," Redstar answered, thinking of the two little wolves. He had given them to the best nursery queen, telling her to make them strong. She had responded well to his commands.

"That is good. Hopefully, they will be apprenticed by the time the battle comes," Goldenstar said maliciously.

"They will be. Their ceremony, in fact, is tomorrow."

"Excellent. WolfClan will be in for a nasty surprise."

Redstar couldn't help but think that WolfClan had surprised them more than anything, what with that Snowfire leaving, then returning with Stormstar...and then there was Lilystar...

"She really scared us, didn't she?" Redstar said. Goldenstar knew who he meant and nodded.

"I haven't seen her like that for a long time, not since we were young," he remarked softly. "We'll have to watch out for her."

"Is Snowmane still...out for Snowfire?" Redstar asked after a long pause.

"Yes. He will easily beat him, no doubt, after how it went with his father," Goldenstar said proudly.

You never know... Redstar disagreed in his head, thinking back to when Stormstar had beaten him.

Why was the wolf constantly on his mind? No matter what he did, what he said, where he was, something always seemed to make him surface. Redstar did feel a little guilty, but he hated the fact that Stormstar was as strong as him. Although, he knew that he was lying to himself when he said that. Stormstar was stronger than all of TigerClan itself.

And yet, he had always been so peaceful, those green eyes always so calm and tranquil in a battle. Redstar hated that. But he had seen Stormstar's rage, oh yes, when his mate had been killed....

"Stop thinking about him," Goldenstar suddenly snapped, staring into his face with irritated eyes.

Redstar looked over at him.

"How did you know?" he demanded, shaken by the toms sudden words.

"You've got that pathetic look on your face. You must stop!  You're Redstar, leader of TigerClan, one of the strongest warriors in the forest, stronger than myself.  You can easily defeat him.  You just have to do it at the right time," Goldenstar told him firmly, as though disciplining an apprentice.

Redstar sighed, knowing that he was right.

"I will," he promised, anger fueling his words. "I'll tear him to pieces!"

Goldenstar nodded approvingly.

"And," he muttered to himself, "when it's all over, WolfClan will be gone!"

Chapter 1 ~ A Deadly Hour
Snowfire woke unusually early, although to him it didn't feel unusual at all. The sky outside was just beginning to light up when his eyes opened.

Snowmane would be waiting.

Waiting to crush him.

But Snowfire wouldn't let him do that. He couldn't. He had to win, he had to avenge his father.

But his mothers words, spoken many moons ago, played in his head.

''"Don't ever be too quick to deal out death and judgement." ''

Was this the right choice? What would the consequences be for doing this? Snowfire shook away the thoughts, trying to focus on the fight. Snowmane was fast and lithe, shown by their earlier altercations, and he would be a challenging opponent. But after beating a warrior like Brindleclaw, Snowfire knew he was ready, for Brindleclaw was much stronger than Snowmane.

But this time, it was different.

This time, Snowfire wasn't fighting to convince someone. He wasn't just showing his skills. He was putting them all to the ultimate test: facing his rival and winning. This was about defending his pride, his fathers pride, and above all, WolfClan's pride.

Snowfire rose, realizing it was pointless to lay awake in the den. It would only make him more nervous than he was.

However, as he was about to step out into camp, a voice stopped him.

"What are you doing?"

Raingaze. Snowfire turned, and met her blue eyes, full of suspicion. Quickly, he backed up and sat down beside her, trying not to wake the others.

"I have to go," he murmured.

"But what are you doing?" she repeated. "I know something's wrong. You wouldn't talk to me at all last night."

Snowfire knew there was no point in hiding it from her. She was too smart.

"I'm going to fight Snowmane."

Before she could let out a gasp, he lay his tail over her mouth. Her eyes were wide.

"Why?" she demanded as he removed his tail.

"Because I have to." What other answer could he give her? He didn't have time to explain it.

"You have to avenge your father," she said understandingly.

"Please, Raingaze, let me go," he pleaded.

Raingaze suddenly looked fearful, laying her head against his shoulder, rubbing against him.

"Don't get killed. Please, Snowfire, don't do anything stupid."

He licked the top of her head soothingly, realizing that she was worried for him.

"I promise, I will come back alive and victorious. But, please, don't tell anyone Raingaze." He couldn't have Blizzardstar or Stormfeather interrupting.

Raingaze nodded solemnly.

"I won't," she promised.

Knowing he should go before anyone else woke, Snowfire bid her goodbye and left. Not even bothering to eat, he turned and walked right out of camp. The cool morning air drove away a bit of his nerves as he changed into a wolf.

Here I go, he thought.

His journey was slow and silent. No sounds echoed through the trees.

It was a deadly hour.

The scent of LionClan drifted into Snowfire's nose. He had reached the border.

A familiar lion stepped out into the open, his eyes glinting.

"Snowfire, I knew you would come," Snowmane purred casually.

Snowfire dipped his head, trying to keep his pelt from bristling, both in anxiety and in anger. He hated this cat...

"This place brings back such wonderful memories..." Snowmane mused, looking around. "Yes, this is where I killed your father. I remember it so well..."

That touched a nerve.

"Shut up about my father," Snowfire snarled, growling low as the two began to circle. "Let's just get this over with!"

"Oh, but Snowfire, I see it in your eyes. You are here to fight, yes, but are you really willing to kill me?  I know what your mother said to you at the battle moons ago, don't think I didn't hear her."

Snowfire tensed suddenly. Snowmane was breaking his resolve! He couldn't let him.

The lion stepped a little closer, claws unsheathed.

"Don't be so quick to try and kill me," he whispered, eyes deadly.

Snowfire stopped as his words sunk in. Don't be so quick to kill me? What did that mean? Snowmane was toying with him now!

"I knew it. You're not the tough guy you think you are.  No Shadowsplash or Stormfeather to save you now, Snowpaw," he hissed.

And with that said, Snowmane leaped forward, aiming for Snowfire's throat. The wolf sidestepped, dodging, and he crashed into the bushes. But in a heartbeat he was charging again, this time successfully hitting his opponent right in the chest. Stunned, Snowfire fell beneath him. Snowmane's claws dug into his sides and he grimaced, kicking fiercely with his hind legs until, at last, the lion was dislodged and fell backward.

Snowfire didn't waste any time. He pounced onto Snowmane, biting into his shoulder and clawing his back, tasting and feeling the blood. But the lion flipped under him, throwing him aside. Snowfire landed hard in the dirt, and was just getting to his paws when Snowmane pinned him down again. He fought hard, nipping his forelegs. Snowmane yowled and was distracted for a few heartbeats, just enough time for Snowfire to wriggle free and send him flying. Blood soaked the wolfs silver pelt, staining it scarlet, and he panted hard. But he still had energy, and used it now to propel himself forward and land another blow on his enemy.

This was going to be hard. He knew it was.

But he was not going to back down.

The two were on equal grounds for a while, nipping and clawing at each other while at the same time dodging, both on offensive and defensive.

Then Snowmane did something Snowfire did not expect.

The lion relaxed completely, allowing him to claw his face and throw him down. Just as Snowfire went in for the neck bite, Snowmane's legs kicked deep into his belly, sending him straight up and opening a deep slice in his belly. Blood spattered from the wound onto some nearby flowers. Snowfire couldn't help but stare at it as he slammed down onto the ground, the crimson droplets on the young pink blossoms. The wind was knocked out of him and he was dizzy from the impact.

Snowfire felt the grass beneath him flatten as Snowmane stepped on top of him, his gaze triumphant.

"It's over, Snowfire. You're not as strong as I thought, much weaker than your father," he taunted.

Snowfire worked up all of the blood he had in his mouth and spat it into the lions face.

"Shut up! You make me sick!" he growled.

Snowmane grimaced, shaking the drops from his fur, and then locked eyes with Snowfire. He leaned down close.

"Farewell, Snowfire, son of Sunstreak, the one who will be remembered for ruining his destiny by getting into fights he couldn't win." His voice was a deadly whisper.

Snowfire closed his eyes just Snowmane's teeth pierced his throat.

"Where is Snowfire?" Stormfeather asked Raingaze. She, Brindleclaw, and him were out hunting. The entire Clan had noticed Snowfire's absence, although no one had said much, seeing as he had already left once. They figured StarClan had called him somewhere else, most making horrible jokes about it.

Brindleclaw stuck his head out from a clump of bushes he had been searching in.

"Don't know," was all he said before he disappeared again.

Raingaze only looked away. She had been true to her word, and had said nothing, but, now she was beginning to worry...

"Do you know, Raingaze?" Stormfeather pressed, coming close to her. "You do, don't you?"

Raingaze nodded slowly.

"He...he went somewhere," she answered quietly.

"Where did he go?" Stormfeather now faced her, his green eyes piercing her straight through.

Realizing she had to tell him, Raingaze let it out.

"He went to fight Snowmane! He told me not to tell anyone!" she burst out.

Forgive me, Snowfire!

Stormfeather's eyes widened.

"What? That mousebrain!  He might get killed!" he exclaimed. "I'm going to find him! Tell the rest of the Clan I went to go check on the LionClan border," he instructed.

Raingaze nodded, relieved that he was going. If anyone could help Snowfire, Stormfeather could.

Stormfeather now began to run off, his legs covering great distances.

"How do you know you can save him?" Brindleclaw called doubtfully after him, leaves and twigs stuck in his fur.

Stormfeather stopped, and looked at them with sincere eyes.

"Because I was once charged with the protection of this Clan."

I cannot fail, he thought.

''I will never lose a Clanmate again. ''

Blood welled in Snowfire's throat, and he coughed, trying to breathe. Snowmane, above him, let out a purr of triumph.

"I could just watch this all day," he said calmly. "How does it feel, Snowfire? To be beaten by the one who beat your father.  I killed him the same way I'm killing you, you know."

Snowfire tried to move, but loss of blood and exhaustion wouldn't let him. He wished he hadn't come here...

"I hope your mother finds you. I hope she sees the stupid choice she made when she fell in love with Sunstreak, and I hope she sees the huge mistake she made by giving birth to you," Snowmane continued, although now his voice sounded angered, pained, sad....

"Maybe I'll wait here after you die. Maybe I'll wait until your mother comes crawling out to find you, then I'll-"

Snowmane was cut off as a huge, dark shape flew into him, bringing him to the ground with a thud, sending up a cloud of dirt. It soon cleared to reveal...

Stormfeather. On top of Snowmane. Holding him down with a single paw.

Relief flowed into Snowfire. He was saved.

However, Stormfeather looked furious, his eyes ablaze, teeth bared, showing his long white fangs to the lion beneath him.

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't rip you to shreds," he growled loudly.

Snowmane remained silent. He looked terrified.

"Luckily for you, I didn't come here to do that. Listen carefully, though.  In three days, I will make Snowfire stronger than you could ever imagine.  If you so much as touch a single hair on his pelt during those three days, I'll hunt you down and flay your skin in strips.  And then, at sunrise on the fourth day, he will rip you to shreds, with plenty of good reasons why he should.  Got that?" Stormfeather's voice turned dangerously calm.

Snowmane nodded.

Stormfeather removed his paw.

"Good. Now get out of here before my senses come to me and I tear you apart myself."

Snowmane nodded again and rose to leave. But when Stormfeather turned away, he threw himself at the wolfs back.

Snowfire opened his mouth to call out a warning, but, quick as a flash, Stormfeather's paw threw the lion back.

"I said get out of here," he repeated.

Snowmane, knowing that any further attempt to attack would result in death, got up and disappeared into the trees.

As Stormfeather turned on him, Snowfire tried to say something, but then his eyes closed and everything went black.

Chapter 2 ~ Reconcile, Recreate
Snowfire woke to the scent of cobwebs of marigold. His eyelids slid up to slowly reveal the medicine cats den. Moss encircled his body, which was now a cats again.

Suddenly a slender cat pushed through the lichen. As it was open, Snowfire got a glimpse of the dark camp, the black sky dotted with white stars. The cat sat beside him, only her outline visible.

"Raingaze," he whispered, identifying her by the ice blue eyes, which lit up when he spoke.

"I'm sorry, Snowfire. I had to tell Stormfeather.  He kept asking, and, well, I was worried," she admitted guiltily.

"It's okay. You saved my life, Raingaze," Snowfire assured her, licking her cheek. "Stormfeather kept asking about me?" He was surprised at that, judging by the fact that Stormfeather hadn't been happy with him the past few days.

"Snowfire, he cares about you. Believe me.  Stormfeather has always hated showing a lot of emotion, but, deep down, he's grateful," Raingaze told him.

"Why?" Snowfire asked. All Stormfeather had shown to him was bitterness, except for the night he had revealed his story, and when he had saved him in the river. But that didn't matter, did it? He had only saved him because he was their way back to the Clan, right?

"Snowfire, quit acting mousebrained. You brought him back to his Clan.  He always wanted to go back.  We used to hear him say it to Brindleclaw all the time.  He regrets every moment he's been away from WolfClan.  He will prove that he is loyal to them.  I know he will," she said firmly.

Snowfire, knowing she was right, silently agreed with a nod.

"Where's Crowwhisper?" he asked, just now noticing the medicine cats absence.

"It's the half moon."

They sat in a silence for a minute, a silence filled with only the splashing of the stream that ran behind camp and through this den, and the occasional hoot of an owl in the distance.

"You know," Raingaze began softly, "at times like this, when it's all quiet, I can just feel the storm brewing."

"What do you mean?" Snowfire asked, though he had a feeling he already knew.

"LionClan and TigerClan. Can't you feel it?"

"Yes," Snowfire mewed as a cool breeze swept through the den, rustling his fur. There was a storm brewing in TigerClan and LionClan, but, there was also one brewing here.

Because I awoke it, he thought to himself. Or I will.

Snowfire yawned loudly, realizing how tired he was.

Raingaze licked his head lovingly.

"Go back to sleep. Hopefully you'll be out of here by tomorrow," she whispered, nuzzling him fondly before getting up and silently padding out.

Snowfire watched her go through half-closed eyes, then fell down and was instantly asleep.

All he saw was blood, spattered on flowers.

Raingaze's hopes were well-placed, because the minute he woke up, Snowfire was allowed to leave the den, though he was supposed to go back later.

The sunlight felt good on his fur as he stepped out into camp, but the sight chased all happiness away.

Otterwind, now a wolf, ears pinned back, teeth bared, stared into the eyes of Stormfeather, a wolf as well, who looked perfectly calm, though he was subduing his anger. The whole Clan was around them, though keeping distance. Blizzardstar and Cloudleaf watched from the Howling Rock.

"I already told you, he was attacked by Snowmane!" Stormfeather growled.

"Really? LionClan just attacks whenever they feel like it now?" Otterwind shot back.

"Actually, they do," Hareflame added quietly, nudging his friend. "I believe him."

"Your head's full of bees!" Otterwind snapped, causing him to back away. He stepped even closer to Stormfeather, their noses nearly touching.

"So why was Snowfire out on his own?" Otterwind demanded. "What, did StarClan call him out there for another quest?"

"You shut your-" Stormfeather began.

"Why don't we ask Snowfire himself?" Blizzardstar interrupted loudly.

Snowfire, who had been standing there the entire time, felt his fur grow hot as every pair of eyes turned to him. Stormfeather seemed to be burning a hole in him, his eyes blazing.

"So, Snowfire, why were you out alone? And what happened with Snowmane?" Blizzardstar asked him calmly.

Snowfire looked at Stormfeather, trying not to be obvious.

No, the wolf mouthed.

Snowfire swallowed hard, calling every possible lie to his head.

"I - I just wanted to be by myself, I guess. I had trouble sleeping, so I just wanted to go hunt and relax a little.  I was out by the LionClan border, and Snowmane pounced from behind and...we fought," he explained nervously, deciding to play along with Stormfeather's idea that Snowmane had attacked him. "I guess Stormfeather must have noticed I was gone and come looking for me. He saved my life." Snowfire gave a nod of gratitude to the wolf, realizing he had never properly thanked him.

Otterwind and several others looked suspicious, but Blizzardstar accepted his answer.

"Very well. Otterwind, there you have it.  Stormfeather was not lying, and Snowfire has never told anything but the truth," he said simply. "Now, enough of this nonsense. I want Hareflame to lead a patrol on the LionClan border, and Cloverspring to lead one on the TigerClan border."

And with that, Blizzardstar leaped down and disappeared into his den.

The rest of the Clan slowly dispersed, the two patrols filing out the barrier entrance. Otterwind shot Stormfeather one last dirty look before stalking away behind Hareflame. The gray wolf shook his head and went out with Cloverspring.

Raingaze pressed against Snowfire, eyes angry.

"That mousebrain," she growled. "He had no right to say those things."

"I know," Snowfire agreed.

Suddenly Petalstripe came padding up, looking nervous.

"Snowfire...could I...talk to you?" she asked. "Alone?"

Snowfire hesitated. What did she want? She didn't seem angry...

"Sure," he said uneasily. Raingaze nodded and walked away without a backward glance, knowing they had to be alone.

When she was out of earshot, Petalstripe took a deep breath, staring at the ground.

"I'm sorry," she said in a hushed voice. "I'm sorry that I was angry with you. I was just...so frustrated.  I didn't know who to go to, and that was right after my brother died and all, so...I just lost it a little."

Snowfire felt sympathy fill his heart as he listened to her words, and he knew that she meant every one of them.

"It's fine," he whispered, pressing against her. "I understand. I'm sorry for making you feel unloved.  I was frustrated too."

"I'm sure you were, with the prophecy and destiny and all."

"Yeah." The haunting nightmares, the visits from his father, the death of Sandstripe, they all floated back to Snowfire's mind as they talked. "Petalstripe?"

She looked up at him with her dark green eyes. Those eyes were so familiar. They had burned with anger, affection, sadness, love...

"Even though we're not mates anymore, I still have a promise to keep." Snowfire remembered their conversation that night so long ago.

Petalstripe looked confused.

"What promise?" she asked.

"I will always be here for you," Snowfire murmured in her ear. "By my life or death."

Her eyes widened.

"Snowfire," she whispered. "You always were."

Night was falling as Shadowsplash sat down beside Howling Rock. The camp was quiet, most of the warriors already asleep. It had been another crazy day, what with all of the patrolling and the confrontation that morning. Shadowsplash had barely contained himself from ripping Otterwind apart. He was too arrogant, too confident, too outspoken...Shadowsplash hated it. He was only making things worse for the returned warriors. And the way he was treating Snowfire like his entire quest had been a kits game wasn't helping. The Clan was better off without him.

Blizzardstar suddenly appeared, slowly exiting his den and stepping out into the moonlight. His head was bowed, eyes sad, fixed on the ground. They had not spoken since their argument several moons ago. Still, Shadowsplash rose and padded over, sitting down beside his leader. Blizzardstar looked over in surprise.

"Oh, it's you," he said awkwardly.

Shadowsplash remained silent. He wasn't even sure why he was sitting here.

"I'm sorry." Blizzardstar's voice was a whisper. "For questioning you."

It was now that Shadowsplash saw how stressed his leader was. His eyes were red from days of no sleep. His fur was dulled and messy, his eyes weren't the bright, icy blue he remembered. This was not Blizzardstar. This was a desperate leader who had no one to go to, no way to help his Clan.

"I'm sorry," Shadowsplash repeated back. "For saying...what I said." He didn't feel like reciting his harsh words. He had felt enough guilt over them.

"You were right, though," Blizzardstar argued, looking over at him. "Your brother was a great leader, much better than I. I wish I could give this position to him, but, he would never accept."

"You are not a bad leader. You've just run out of options," Shadowsplash told him.

"Really? A good leader would never let this happen to his Clan.  A good leader would stop TigerClan and LionClan before they allied.  A good leader would...do much more than I have," Blizzardstar said.

"Every leader has their light and dark side. Even Stormstar has a dark side.  He left us behind," Shadowsplash pointed out, hating to use his brother as an example.

"But he was protecting us. You said it yourself," Blizzardstar said quietly.

"Still, he left the Clan in a wreck."

Blizzardstar nodded as a pause took them. It was uncomfortable, sitting there. Although he still looked despairing, Blizzardstar had brightened a bit.

"Shadowsplash, can we do it?" he asked suddenly.

"Do what?"

"Fight off LionClan and TigerClan?"

Shadowsplash thought hard. How would he put this?

"I think we can. Our Clan may not as big or strong as theirs, but, we have the will to defend ourselves.  We are fighting for something: our lives, our home, our pride.  They fight for only power, and power is nothing to fight for.  It is something to be left alone and claimed for those who are worthy." He was shocked at how wise he sounded.

Blizzardstar seemed to accept his answer, nodding again.

"Everything will work out in the end," Shadowsplash added.

Blizzardstar looked over at him. Those blue eyes had always transfixed Shadowsplash, kind of like his brothers. They were so bright, so powerful as he spoke.

"I guess I have no choice but to believe you."

Chapter 3 ~ Watch Your Back
Snowfire was shaken awake early the next morning by a jab in the chest. His eyes opened to nothing but green.

"What the-" he started, before realizing that the green was simply Stormfeather's eyes, right up in front of his.

"It's time," he whispered urgently.

"Do you mind?" Snowfire hissed indignantly, pushing the larger cat away from him. "And what do you mean, it's time?"

"I told Snowmane I would make you stronger. I have to fulfill that now," Stormfeather answered, backing away and exiting the den. "Meet me by the Tall Oak."

Snowfire nodded groggily, but took his time getting up. Why did he need to get stronger? He could beat Snowmane!

You didn't beat him the other day, a small voice inside him said.

Sighing, Snowfire stretched and groomed his fur, then walked out into camp. Quickly gobbling down a small vole, he made his way out into the forest. It was nice and cool out, the morning dew not yet gone. It dampened his paws as he turned into a wolf, relaxing him with its cool touch.

He found Stormfeather, also a wolf, at the Tall Oak, standing beside the trees trunk.

"You took long enough," he commented as Snowfire sat opposite him.

"It's early," Snowfire retorted. "Let's just get this done."

Stormfeather's eyes narrowed.

"No need to get so angry. I'm trying to help you," he said in a slightly irritated tone.

Snowfire nodded and stood up, now fully awake and ready to go. He knew he shouldn't be short with Stormfeather, especially with how the Clan was treating him, but, he was just stressed from everything that had been going on lately.

"Now, Snowfire, you are an excellent fighter. You managed to beat Brindleclaw, who is more experienced, and, at the time, was better fed.  You also beat Snowmane a long time ago, I heard, when you were a new warrior, and Featherpelt when you were only an apprentice.  Those are good standings," Stormfeather began, still staring at him with those wise eyes. "However, the other day, you failed to beat Snowmane. And I will explain to you why, and teach you how to fix that.  As you have already put your heart into your fighting, I see no need to stress that anymore.  But there are other reason why you lost."

He sounded just like a mentor talking to an apprentice, which annoyed Snowfire, but he only nodded, knowing better than to get angry.

"First of all, attack me," Stormfeather commanded, getting into a battle stance. "I'll fight just as Snowmane would. I saw him, so I have a good grip on his technique."

How can a wolf fight like a lion? Snowfire wondered as he dropped low and the two circled. Stormfeather did kind of look like one, the way his paws hit the ground, how he almost slithered across like a snake.

Snowfire waited, waited for the right moment. Just as Stormfeather went to take a step he pounced, heading straight for his vulnerable shoulder. But, just as Snowmane would, Stormfeather dodged swiftly and smoothly. He then, with one paw, practically snatched Snowfire out of midair and slammed him down. Lithely leaping on top of him, Stormfeather stood triumphant.

"Your attack was good," he said, now allowing Snowfire to get up. "But I countered. Do you see what is wrong?"

Snowfire shook his head.

"You have no technique, Snowfire. You simply choose an attack when you see it, and go with it, without any thought."

"It's hard to have time for thought in a battle," Snowfire told him.

"Yes, but if you have a set technique, or a way that you fight, there won't be much thinking needed. It really isn't your fault, though, since WolfClan doesn't teach about technique.  LionClan's technique, as you may notice, is fighting on the defensive, then going to offensive, back and forth.  TigerClan's is using their strength.  LeopardClan's is using their speed and agility.  It's quite confusing, to be honest, but it makes sense.  My mentor taught me his technique: controlled movements, as wolves have a tendency to simply throw themselves at an enemy.  He also said to use my claws and teeth, and to be quick to dodge, cautious to attack."

Snowfire was lost a little, but he was grasping it. Still, he didn't understand why he needed a technique.

"Won't having a certain technique make my moves predictable?" he asked.

"It can, but only if you make a certain attack your signature move. Really, technique is just something you apply to your attacks.  It's how you choose to carry them out.  It's how you fight.”

Though his head was still spinning, Snowfire nodded.

"I understand," he said firmly.

"Learn your technique then.  Meet me here tomorrow, same time, and we will see how you do," Stormfeather instructed. "It's difficult at first, but once you get the hang of it, you will master it in no time," he promised.

The dark wolf brushed past Snowfire and was gone, leaving him to ponder alone.

What's my technique? What am I good at? he thought, staring at his paws. He felt like an apprentice again, going over battle moves in his head and trying to remember them. He hated this feeling, but he knew it would help him.

Blizzardstar told me I was both strong and fast, and that I reacted quickly when things go wrong and I have a good defense and offense. So...if I attack with force and speed, and was able to switch from defense to offense at short notice, would that be technique?

He would have to try it tomorrow. It was the best he had.

It was all he had.

Later in the day, as Snowifre and Raingaze lounged, the sunhigh patrol, consisting of Brindleclaw, Cloverspring, and Rowanblaze, burst through the barrier. They were panting hard from running back.

Blizzardstar, noticing them, leaped down from Howling Rock.

"You look shaken," he observed. "What's wrong?"

"It's TigerClan...they've moved the barrier...and stolen prey..." Brindleclaw reported in an urgent tone, pausing to take breaths between words.

Blizzardstar's eyes widened.

"We fixed it," Rowanblaze said quickly. "And saw a patrol. They were sitting there, watching us."

"Did they say anything?" Blizzarsdtar asked.

Brindleclaw nodded, and now, for the first time, Snowfire saw a spark of fear in his eyes.

"They said: 'Tell Stormfeather to watch his back'" he said in a hushed voice.

Blizzardstar's face showed recognition and memory at his words. Obviously, he knew what had happened between Stormfeather and Redstar.

Snowfire instantly felt fear for his friend. What if Redstar tried to kill Stormfeather? What would he do? Could he defeat him? Snowfire had never seen Redstar fight, so he wouldn't know....

Raingaze beside him shook a little. Snowfire pressed against her.

"I can't stand it," she finally said after a bit of silence. "We're all alone, aren't we, Snowfire? It's us against two Clans that are out for our pelts?  What are we going to do?" she asked despairingly.

Snowfire licked her head, sharing her feelings but not daring to voice his agreement. It was hard to see a way out of this except death. LionClan and TigerClan were strong, while WolfClan struggled from the hard effects of leafbare.

"I don't want Stormfeather to die," Raingaze whispered. "Not after everything he's done for us."

Her words struck deep into Snowfire. Just now he realized how much he cared about the former leader. Through all of his pain, all of his suffering and heartbreak, he had managed to come out strong and return to the Clan. But he was in danger, hated by TigerClan and LionClan both. Snowfire couldn't imagine a day without him.

"He's strong," he told Raingaze softly. "He can take care of himself."

"I know," Raingaze said.

"We can do this, Raingaze. We just have to keep believing."

''However hard that may be. ''

''There's no other way. ''

After the shock of the moved border had died down, the Clan was at peace as the sun sank. The lost warriors were finally settling in and being accepted. Raingaze had Snowfire, Cinderfur and Dawntail made friends with Mapledawn, Doveflight, and Fawnstripe, Rowanblaze was often seen with Otterwind and Hareflame, and Blackwing was close to Shadowsplash. Brindleclaw, however, had gone furthest, taking on Cloverspring as his mate. They were always together, eating and talking, or hunting and patrolling. While he was happy for the wolf, Snowfire found it amusing to see battle-hungry Brindleclaw show love.

"At least he's gotten over my beating him," he whispered to Raingaze as they watched Brindleclaw lead his mate into the den, body pressed against hers. Raingaze's eyes lit up and she purred loudly.

"I think it's cute," Petalstripe admitted quietly. "I like them together."

The she-cat was now joining Snowfire and Raingaze for mealtimes. She and Raingaze got along quite well, often chatting about things only she-cats could chat about. Snowfire found the tortoiseshell to be good company again, although occasionally he saw the hurt and jealousy in her eyes as she watched he and his mate get on. Even though he loved Raingaze, he still had a soft side for Petalstripe...

The moon had risen, and Snowfire knew he had to get to sleep, in preparation for his final training day with Stormfeather tomorrow. He was nervous about it. How would technique help him? He still didn't quite get it.

''But Stormfeather knows what he's doing, so I'll just go along with it. ''

''I don't have another choice. ''