Warriors: Scorched in the Heart

I don't own Warriors. That belongs to Erin Hunter.

Ch. 11 – Pack Rushes In! Fear and Hope Grow!

The moon was high in the sky, a hair's breadth away from being full. Fireheart looked up at Bluestar, her fur gleaming a silvery-blue sheen in the moonlight as she stood upon Highrock. In fact all of the cats' pelts seemed to do the same. Fireheart looked over at the two apprentices. He could feel their excitement at what they were about to receive.

Swiftpaw and Brightpaw were sitting in front of their mothers, who were washing their kits' ears. Frostfur was diligent and vigorous, pride shining in her eyes. Goldenflower was happy that her only living son was finally becoming a warrior. "I'm sure Lynxkit is very proud of you Swiftpaw." The tom then looked up towards StarClan, silently saying thanks to his brother.

Bluestar called the two young cats up to her and began talking. "I, Bluestar, leader of ThunderClan call upon my warrior ancestors to look down upon these apprentices. They have trained hard to learn the ways of the warrior code. Whitestorm and Longtail. Do you feel that Brightpaw and Swiftpaw have earned this right?" Seeing both warriors nod their heads, she smiled.

"So then. Swiftpaw? Brightpaw? Do you promise to uphold the warrior code and protect ThunderClan? At the cost of your very life?"

The two cats nodded, excitement in their eyes. Brightpaw's tail tip twitched, and she looked over at Swiftpaw. The tom was practically vibrating under his fur with anticipation. They both answered confidently. "I do."

"Then by the power of StarClan, I give your warrior names to you. Brightpaw from this moment on you will be known as Brightheart. StarClan honors your spirit and heart. Swiftpaw, you will now be Swiftwind. StarClan honors your bravery and endurance."

As the two newest warriors turned to their clanmates, there was cheers by all the cats. "Brightheart! Swiftwind! Brightheart! Swiftwind!" Both cats shown with pride, tails held high.

After congratulating them, Tigerclaw stopped near the apprentices and kits, listening to them talk. Stormkit and Bramblekit were excitedly gesturing and talking to Snowkit, who was purring in joy. All three then started rubbing against each other. Ashpaw and Fernpaw were talking about their training session earlier, and if they were getting their assessment soon.

Later as the young warriors sat vigil, the rest of ThunderClan ate and shared tongues. Huddled together were Cinderpelt, Frostfur, One-eye, and Silverstream. A small pile of thrush, sparrow, and finch between them.

Tigerclaw and Fireheart were nearby talking quietly. The tabby mentioned to his mate what he overheard earlier. "I think they're ready. Fernpaw and Ashpaw seem to think so as well. Both of them are excellent apprentices, and will no doubt be strong warriors. Bluestar said she'd have their assessment soon."

Fireheart listened, while licking behind his torn ear. Tigerclaw had recently gotten treatment for a small bout of fleas a while ago, and was happy that he was able to receive and reciprocate grooming again. The younger warrior was glad as well. Pulled out of his musings, Fireheart looked down into dark amber eyes. His mate was staring at him intently, having shifted onto his back.

"What?" Fireheart's question made Tigerclaw let out an amused breath. Reaching his neck up, he began licking the throat in front of him. The tabby felt more than heard the resulting purr from Fireheart. Leaning back Tigerclaw looked up at his mate.

"You. You're cute." At this, Fireheart closed his eyes and gently head-butted Tigerclaw, while his tail flicked happily. The deputy chuckled and then started licking his golden chest fur. This went on for a while, before sleep overtook both cats.

Morning time began eventful for Swiftwind and Brightheart. The two new warriors went to hunt for the Clan, while Bluestar and Tigerclaw gathered a patrol. Darkstripe, Ravenfeather, and Fernpaw went to patrol one side of ThunderClan's borders. Longtail, Dustpelt, and Ashpaw went to the other side.

Back at camp Snowkit, Stormkit, Sootkit were playing with Runningwind. Meanwhile Featherkit, Sorrelkit, Bramblekit, and Rainkit were practicing battle moves while Cloudpaw was giving pointers along the way.

Suddenly, a tangle of limbs came crashing through the gorse tunnel. Swiftwind and Brightheart were attacking three massive dogs. The five of them kept tumbling around in a circle. Warriors leapt into the fray, others quickly herding the kittens into the nursery, shielding it afterwards.

"Protect the kits and elders! Keep those fleabags out of here!" Graystripe hurdled himself into the tangled mess of claws and teeth. Speckletail hissed furiously while arching her back. Snowkit was behind her, huddled in with the rest of the little ones. Goldenflower stood by her, mouth drawn into a snarl.

Stormkit was trying to squirm past the entrance, but Frostfur blocked him. A blur of orange, and the snowy-furred queen spotted Fireheart beside her. The tom sighed in relief as he saw all of the kits in the nursery.

Cloudpaw was close by, his fluffy coat spiking out. Fireheart saw that he was tense, eyes pierced for any sign dogs were coming their way. "Hey Cloudpaw." Blue eyes looked into his own. "You're doing a great job. You know that?" Fireheart watched as his kin's eyes glittered with pride, before they once again focused on battle.

The elders were being guarded by Tigerclaw and Willowpelt. "Don't worry," the pale warrior meowed to Smallear, Dappletail, and One-Eye. "Not one of these mangy mutts will touch you." The two crouched low to the ground, muscles coiled and at the ready for any dog that would come near.

Blood splattered onto the forest floor. Tufts of fur flew into the air. Sharp cries echoed as Brightheart was tossed into a tree. When Swiftwind saw this he clawed at his enemy's back even harder, leaving deep red gashes. With a powerful slices to the chest from Graystripe, the creature was down. He finished with a powerful bite at the back of the dog's neck. Both toms watched as blood pooled out and onto the green grass. Brightheart then came and stood by them. Sensing the Swiftwind's eyes on her, Brightheart brushed his side with her tail to calm him, "Don't worry. I'm alright. Just got the breath knocked out of me."

Sandstorm and Bluestar charged at the second dog. Large jaws snapped wildly and clipped Bluestar's leg. The young warrior watched as her leader dove under the dog's belly. Sandstorm rushed to aid her but both were startled as the dog leapt back from another attack altogether. Sneaking a side glance, Bluestar saw Cinderpelt suddenly there. The gray warrior leapt up and sunk her jaws into the canine's ear. Though the beast flung her away with a jerk of its head. Mousefur, who saw her opening, then raked her claws across its flank.

On the other side of camp Whitestorm, Brindleface, and Silverstream fought fiercely. The three slammed into a burly white and ginger dog. Claws were flying. The dog kept crying out, the scratches on its nose bleeding. Runningwind then took it down, rolling away from his enemy when it hit the ground. The dog sprang to its paws and fled.

Spitting and hissing rang as warriors chased the remaining dog out of the territory. Soon after, the border patrol came racing back into camp.

The moon shone brightly while a few clouds drifted peacefully by. Yellowfang was keeping a watchful eye on Brightheart and Cinderpelt, the latter had landed dazedly after she was flung in battle. It would take a day or two, but soon both she-cats would be back to full strength without pains. Straight after the battle, the smoky-gray medicine cat had given the warriors herbs. In time it would make them feel better.

After a while things went back to normal, but some cats still kept their guard up. The kits however, were back to playing in the camp, being loud carefree as ever. Bluestar and Tigerclaw began forming patrols again, making sure each group had a strong warrior included.

ThunderClan was watched over vigilantly. When they had been attacked, the pack had seemed small, but the tabby wondered if this was true. As Tigerclaw mused, Bluestar called over to him. Getting up he paced over to her.

"You want to talk?" The deputy sat down once he reached his leader. Tail curled over his paws, he noticed the she-cat's tail twitching nervously. She was rightfully anxious. Tigerclaw himself questioned if they had seen the last of the dogs.

"I think we should mention the pack at the next Gathering. Even though it has been a couple of days since the attack, the other Clans should know about this." Tigerclaw nodded his head at what Bluestar's decision. It was a good idea to warn the other leaders, so that the other Clans could be on the lookout.

"Right. Then we can all strategize a plan in everyone's best interest." Bluestar nodded at him. They continued talking a bit more until Tigerclaw went over to his clanmates.

Six cats were pressed in a circle, sleeping soundly. Smallear kept on slumbering, despite his atrocious snoring. This made the Tigerclaw chuckle softly while walking carefully around them. Whitestorm, Bramblekit, Frostfur, Longtail, and Fireheart didn't wake. Lying down next to them, he shut his eyes. For now his worries faded as he fell deep into slumber.

It was crowded at the Gathering. Tigerclaw looked out from his perch near Deadfoot. Leopardfur was standing a bit away, talking to Cinderfur. The Clan leaders were making their way up onto the Great Rock. It was a calm night, with beams of moonlight scattering through the leaves of Fourtrees to reach the cats below. It seemed unnatural considering the topic that would be brought up.

"So how are things in WindClan?" Tigerclaw watched the older deputy turned his head to look at him. Blue eyes bore into his own amber ones. Pride shined from within. "Good. We've had new queens recently. And ThunderClan?"

Tigerclaw's own eyes looked troubled. "You'll soon find out. And it's not good." Tigerclaw looked at Deadfoot. The other cat looked shocked but then nodded his head. Both then turned to look at the leaders when a loud meow rang out.

"Cats of all Clans. I am sorry to do this, but I must start with bad news. A recent incident has occurred in ThunderClan." Bluestar looked grave as the cats in the hollow stared up at her in confusion.

"Dogs came into the forest and attacked us. Thankfully, no one was suffered any fatalities. I do believe however, that this may be a sign from StarClan." Bluestar searched the faces of the other leaders.

Crookedstar seemed a little unsure. Leopardfur saw her leader trying to keep a level head. Although he was worried, his voice didn't waver as he spoke. "We needn't fear. StarClan won't let anything bad happen to us. In the meantime, we'll increase patrols and have more battle training sessions."

Crookedstar cast a glance at Silverstream, but he didn't say anything else. Other cats could tell he felt like asking his daughter to come back to her birth Clan, but knew that the leader respected the way things were now. Silverstream was grateful her father didn't force her to make a choice like that. She liked it in ThunderClan, where she was with her mate and kits.

Nightstar then spoke. His voice was strong as it carried across the gathering. "We should all keep our guard up just to be safe. All Clans should keep one another informed." ShadowClan looked weary though. But they seemed to have faith in their leader, who stood on sturdy paws.

Not too long after all Clans had decided on how to go about handling the dogs, the overall mood in the hollow shifted. Each Clan had an uplifting announcement to make. ShadowClan had new apprentices. WindClan had new kits.

ThunderClan was in better spirits as they all headed back to camp. Fireheart felt like they could come out of this ordeal ok.

It wasn't too long when they were back at camp before Fireheart went to Tigerclaw.

"I've made a decision. I want to go talk with Princess about the threat in the forest. Tell her to keep an eye out at Twoleg place." Fireheart looked at his mate with worry in his eyes. His sister might be in trouble and he felt that he had a right to warn her.

"Right. I'll go with you and we'll be back–" Tigerclaw then was cut off gently. He watched confusedly as Fireheart touched his shoulder with his tail tip. He shut his maw and waited to hear what would be said.

"I know that it might be dangerous to venture out there with them, but I want to bring our son and my nephew with us. Who knows if Cloudpaw will ever get a chance to see his mother again? And Bramblekit should meet his aunt just in case things were to get worse for Princess or ThunderClan." Fireheart searched the deputy's gaze. He could see understanding and unease warring in Tigerclaw.

"I hear you, love. I do. Though I don't like it, you make good points. Life is too short for regrets. Spending time with family is important in troubled times." Tigerclaw flicked his tail over Fireheart's ears, hearing him purr in relief.

"I'll go tell Bluestar then. You go tell the little ones. When we leave, we have to be quick about it. No making stops or letting the kits practice their skills." Tigerclaw then felt his mate lick his check, before reciprocating. The tabby then went off to find his leader.

With that the small group of cats set off. Cloudpaw and Bramblekit were a few tail lengths ahead, while Fireheart and Tigerclaw brought up the rear. They all kept a quick pace. It wasn't long before they reached a high fence.

Grabbing Bramblekit, Fireheart leapt up onto the edge. Balancing for a brief moment, he nimbly leapt back down. His son began to squirm, so he quickly let go. Swiveling his head, Fireheart saw that Tigerclaw and Cloudpaw had both landed neatly as well.

"Fireheart! And my precious son! Oh how I've missed you two so much!" Bounding up to them, Princess covered them in licks. Cloudpaw pushed his face into her shoulder, purring loudly. Fireheart entwined his and his littermate's tails.

"It's great to see you too, Princess! I'm so glad you're not hurt." At Fireheart's statement Princess looked confused.

"Hurt? What do you mean?" The cream-furred cat sat down and curled her tail around her paws. She looked patiently at them.

"There were dogs in the forest recently. We chased them away though, and no one was injured. We were just concerned they had headed this way. Have you noticed anything?" Fireheart could see the concern in her eyes. But he relaxed when she let out a sigh of relief.

"No there weren't any dogs around that I've seen." Princess felt a mixture of emotions. Anxiety and fear for her loved ones, but above all she was happy that they were alive and alright.

"You don't have to worry, Princess. We have the finest warriors in ThunderClan. If another attack happens, we'll fight just like we did this time – using all out strength." Tigerclaw wanted to reassure his mate's sister best he could. He didn't want her to think there was nothing but wild chaos in the forest.

After that, conversation was lighter. Princess was delighted at Bramblekit and Cloudpaw both telling stories of their time in ThunderClan. She watched both young cats as they performed mock battles. Cloudpaw happily answered Princess' questions.

"So then you swipe real fast and bam! Opponent defeated!" Cloudpaw focused his eyes back up at his mother. It felt nice to be able to show the skills he was learning as an apprentice. But still, he kept feeling nostalgia when he looked at her. Somedays he wished that things could be different. There were times that her presence was missed by both he and his uncle.

Seeing his mother now though, Cloudpaw thought it was for the best that she keep on living in her house. It was safe and she was content with her life it seemed.

Fireheart purred when he felt his sister lie in front of him, with her back pressed to his stomach. "Hey there. Get tired of asking Cloudpaw things about Clan life?" Fireheart chuckled when Princess gently head-butted his chin. Twining his brightly colored tail with her pale one, he let out a contented sigh.

Seeing Tigerclaw sleeping nearby with Bramblekit and Cloudpaw playing, Fireheart felt peace.

"So, you've got your own little family now? How does it feel to be both a mate and parent?" Princess leant against her brother, her head resting on his front paws.

"It's incredible. I have a tom who cares about me so much. He is so gentle, caring, brave, and powerful. Plus he's smart and tactical, which I think are some reasons why he makes a good deputy of ThunderClan." Looking at his mate, he chuckled when he saw his scarred ear twitch.

"And little Bramblekit is so playful, energetic, curious, and full of love. He gets along with the rest of the kits, and is excited to be an apprentice. He's a great cat with so much potential to have a bright future." At Fireheart's statement, his kit came barreling into his side. Letting out a grunt, he looked at his son.

"And I wouldn't take a moment with them for granted. I feel this way about you and Cloudpaw too, you know."

After Fireheart finished speaking, Princess let out a small noise. She began rubbing Fireheart's neck, chest, and face.

"Oh, Fireheart. You big old furrball. You're the best brother in the whole world. Never change." Princess' voice wobbled from her happiness. She gave a purr when she was nuzzled in return.