Fan Fiction

Leafpool’s Wish Reimagined Chapter 15

Out in the middle of nowhere, a skinny figure stalked a nameless landscape. Here, the border of the wild heathlands and Twoleg farms meet, creating an amalgamation of the two. Twoleg or their livestock would occasionally wonder where they didn’t belong. Marking their presence known with discarded and indescribable objects – Only ever known as Twoleg trash. Even Floss and Smokey had struggled to explain their purposes. 

On top of the sandy ridge, Leafpool could gaze out for endless fields across. Nearing the horizon was a single blue speck. The distant Lake caught the moon’s rays, like a giant moonpool. She blissfully longed to stand on its shores again, the gentle waves bentching her paws in cool water. It was almost time. 

Leafpool hadn’t heard another cat’s voice in days, not even her own. Her only friends were the silent stars of her ancestors, too far up to reach mortal ears. So is what exile felt… It was loneliest experience Clan cat could possibly face. Being surrounded by clanmates you replied on your whole life, to suddenly being left to do everything yourself. 

To have no politics, gossip or change in its simplest thought. It was boring. Leafpool had learnt the hard way, boredom was a dangerous enemy not to underestimated. It could slowly eat away at a cat from the inside, making way for more intense emotions of frustration and desperation. The self-destruction tendencies of certain reckless individuals making more sense. 

Even her grasp of time was slipping, unclear on whether it’d been her fifth or sixth day among those towering dunes, only given colour by the weedy plants. The animals in this place seemed tougher, forced to fight for food scraps – Unable to gain the rich picking by the Lake. Filthy Rats rustled through the dead brush. Scruffy Crow keenly searched for helpless victims from the skies. And scaly snakes lurked within damp burrows. Leafpool wouldn’t miss this place.

Yet harshness of this territory drought up a daunting prospect. It was a disturbing real possibility this place could become her future home if she was ever exiled. Would her vowing to humbly accept her punishment, be enough for the Clans to spare her kits? Her Forbidden relationship and lies had already set her on a path darker than most. How far was she willing to go down it? Her work was far from over.

For the rest of their lives, her kits’ lives hung in the balance while the secret hangs over them. How far was she willing to go to protect them? Would she kill, either indirectly or flat-out murder? Leafpool had already put the Horse Place cats and her sister in harm’s way. Only time would tell, and maybe she’d never know. One thing she’d promise though – “I won’t hesitate to sacrifice my life for my kits. And I know Crowfeather will do the same.”, she mewed aloud for Starclan to hear. Sighing, Leafpool turned away. She had a Clan to get back to. 

Almost leaping out of her fur, as a cat-like figure casually groomed themselves on top of her boulder den, as if they owned it. Had they overheard her? The darkening sun directly behind them, washing out all features until they were a black silhouette. As silent as a shadow, somehow this cat had sneaked in without disturbing a single grass blade.

Most Clan cats would attack the intruder on the spot, but as a Medicine cat, Leafpool wouldn’t be so hasty. It was a long-haired cat with a lean build. Streaked with reddish mud, it was impossible even to tell their gender. It was similar to how Brook hunted in her old mountain home. Under the mud layer was the occasional flash of tortoiseshell fur. This stranger’s willingness to fearlessly approach her was either off-putting arrogance or admirable confidence. 

Breaking out of her transfixed state, Leafpool could a stern step forward, “Can I help you?”, she asked firmly. Lazily lifting themselves up onto slender limbs, a silky male voice came out, ignoring her question, “Locals wouldn’t struggle to feed themselves this much. You don’t belong there, do you? Wonder off from home?”. 

All rogues were on the skinny side in this season! What implied she was any different from him? Refusing to give away any information, Leafpool repeated herself, “Can I help you?”. Smoothly sliding down the rock face, the rogue circled her steadily, like a dog sniffing out for weaknesses, “Oh, you’re the only one who needs help. It’s not healthy for a cat to be carrying so much shame.”. 

Stiffening her muscles, Leafpool struggled to keep her composure. His words as deadly as any claws. She’d been able to hide her emotions from her closet kin, how could this tom possibly know how she felt? “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”, Leafpool finally answered, tail twitching. 
Halting in place, the rogue neatly wrapped his tail around his paws, his eyes as dark as the sunset, closely studying her. “Don’t lie, please.”, he mocked, licking his paw, “It doesn’t suit you. You’re an honest cat at heart, and nothing should change that.” 

Whoever this strange cat was, Leafpool wouldn’t be intimidated so easily. Attempting to outsmart him at his own game, Leafpool abruptly switched the topic towards him, “That mud on your fur – It’s a tradition used by the Tribe of Rushing Water. Are you a member?”. Besides that, Leafpool wouldn’t think of any other reason why he’d be wearing it. Unless to conceal his identity? 

Curiosity sparked from the rogue’s face, leaning in closer, “I was a temporary guest there, Yes. Certainly the most interesting place I’ve visited so far.”, he confirmed, “Though I’m impressed you know of them. Only the desperate or adventurous dare travel up those mountains. So what was your reason? An exile, perhaps?”.

Somehow, Leafpool was on the receiving end of his endless questions again. This rogue was noisier than a kit! Who did he think he was? Luckily for him, she wasn’t Squirrelflight, or he’d have his ears shredded by now. “I’m on Clan business, which is none of your concern!”, the Medicine cat snapped, losing her temper. 

Yet the rogue was unfazed. Carrying on the unwanted conversation, ”A Clan cat? I see. No wonder you treat me like an intruder on unclaimed land.”, he lectured, “Well, you don’t worry yourself with such trivial nonsense. You’re free from borders out here.”. Her anger boiled under her pelt like a building forest fire. This wasn’t the time to be debating about the Clans’ mortals. Thunderclan was vulnerable without a Medicine cat! 

Claws flexing, Leafpool fought her own body so she wouldn’t lunge at the rouge. The last thing she needed was a fight. Would he really go if she just asked? “Look-.”, she began, “I have things to do! Can you be on your way and leave me alone?”. For a heartbeat is seemed the rogue didn’t fear her threats. Especially if he had some battling skills of his own. 

Surprisingly, he dipped his head, backing away, “Very well. My apologies if I upset you. I was just trying to make polite conversation.”. Shaking the guilt off, Leafpool swiftly reminded herself that this tom was being mousebrained. Did he expect to sneak up on cats and not get a scratch? Or did he sense her reluctance to fight?  

“Just go.”, she breathed, getting tired of this whole situation. Amused by her desperation, the rogue slyly mewed, “Of course.”. The mud-stained cat stalked deeper into the gully, until disappearing for good. Leafpool was keenly aware that he only left because he’d allowed it, not because of anything she’d done. This dangerous individual’s amount of knowledge was unnatural and she needed to get away. 

Cramming into her temporary den between two boulders, Leafpool reached into the deepest corner, taking out her last dried leaves of Parsley. It took her a long time to find this single herb in this wasteland. 

The milk scent had long since past, but she crewed them regardless. The pregnant belly had also gone down, nothing but a flabby skin. Soon, there would be no trace of her pregnancy. To Thunderclan, she’d just be a loyal Medicine cat again, none the wiser. Moving onto the next stage, she ruffled up her fur and rolled in Twoleg trash until she sunk. For all Thunderclan knew, she’d just escaped a Twoleg kidnapper, so she needed to look the part. 

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Wandering until her paws ached, Leafpool eventually entered the shelter of Thunderclan’s Oak trees. For some length of the journey, she sensed a figure watching from a distance. Yet every time she searched behind a corner, nothing was there. Not even a flicker of movement. She quickens her pace until she no longer felt the presence. 

She’d overestimated the travel time, arriving before the sun was even up. Able to make it surprisingly deep into Thunderclan territory without being disrupted by a patrol. The long tendrils of shadows were tinted a warm orange as the dawn sun was welcomed into the world. The leafy mesh felt familiar under her paws, more as ease then she’d felt in a moon. 

The location of every herb rushing back to her, tempted to go a frenzy to pick every single one. Though this was her home, a threat could lay under each twitching fern. Until her Clanmates recognised her, she was only a trespassing stranger, waiting to be driven out. Matching straight into camp could be too much of a shock. It was best for a Patrol messenger to notify everyone first, so they could mentally prepare. 

Somehow, she made it to the lakeshore, the vast shimmering surface stretching out ahead of her. The crisp water seemed so tempting to dive into – As if it could wash away all the moon’s worth of guilt. It felt like she was in a dream. Her own private world, exploring her home with all the time in the world. 

Simply, Leafpool waited on the sandy slope, gazing out over the Lake’s waves. Out in the open, as visible as a firefly in the night. This was the area with the faintest Thunderclan scents, meaning a patrol should be coming to check it soon. 

In no time, a warning yowl rang through the canopy, cats swiftly circling her: Sorreltail, Ashfur, Birchpaw and Brook. Under the unkempt fur and Twoleg odour, it took them a heartbeat to know who Leafpool was. Of course, it was her good friend, Sorreltail to recognise her first, “Leafpool! You’re alive!”, she screeched in excitement.

Almost barreling the Medicine cat over, Sorreltail smothered her wet nose over her face. Relief flooded over Leafpool. At least, she wouldn’t make Sorreltail go through any more grief after her loved ones’ deaths. From the sidelines, Brook and Birchpaw’s eyes widen in surprise, while an unreadable expression flashed over Ashfur’s face. 

“It’s good to see you again, Leafpool.”, Brook greeted politely, not sharing the same personal History like Sorreltail did. Next to her, Birchpaw’s teeth chided in excitement, “Wow- You’re tougher than I thought!”. As he stood beside the former Tribe cat, he was almost level with her ear tips. The young tom had grown since the last time Leafpool had seen him. 

Remaining silent for eerily long, Ashfur finally spoke, “It’s to be expected of Firestar’s kin.”, he mewed tunelessly. It was hard to imagine this was the same overemotional tom from a moon back. Normally, Leafpool would be relieved a patient was healing. Though she’s couldn’t pinpoint it, it felt unnatural. It was chilling how little emotion could be read out of Ashfur’s words. 

Yet Leafpool was forced to dismiss it as Birchpaw continued the conversation, “Even Graystripe hasn’t managed this. How did you beat the Twolegs?”, Birchpaw commented. For once Leafpool was prepared, coming up with a detailed story during her previous days around the Farmlands. “They attempted to turn me into a Kittypet and trapped me a Twoleg Nest.“, Leafpool explained, “Though they eventually slipped up and left the entrance open.”.

“Then Twolegs really are as dumb as they look!”, Birchpaw snorted with amusement. More serious, Brook sniffed at Leafpool warily, “Not without consequence. They still did a number on her.”, she mewed, “When was the last time you eat, Leafpool?”. 

Wrapping her tail round her paws so it couldn’t twitch, Leafpool shrugged, “I’ve tried hunting wherever I could while travelling back. But it’s not the same as Thunderclan’s rich territory.”. It took every bit of resistant for Leafpool to keep her nervous body flinching. Lying was exhausting! One cat didn’t seem convinced. Flattening his ears, Ashfur growled, “Why are we being so quick to welcome her back? Leafpool has been missing for a moon. Are you not the least bit suspicious?”.

Scuffling closer, Sorreltail pressed her flank defensively into Leafpool, “Why would we be?”, she challenged, “It’s not Leafpool’s fault she was stolen. You heard Squirrelflight and saw the wreckage at the Border. This is just like when you accused the sign of Brambleclaw’s deputyship being fake.”.

The most sensible one there, Brook stepped in between the quarrelling clanmates, “This isn’t the appropriate time. Right now, Leafpool needs food and shelter.”. Begrudging accepting the brown she-cat’s suggestion, Ashfur flicked his tail dismissively, “Fine- There’s no use questioning such a dazed cat anyway.” 

Then he veered his course towards the undergrowth, calling orders back behind his shoulder, “I’ll run ahead and notify everyone at camp. We’ll finish the border check later.”. Eager to get out of there, Ashfur’s pelt quickly faded into the trees like a grey fog. 

Protectively flanking Leafpool into the centre, the group started the journey back to Thunderclan camp. Leafpool could barely believe it. Falling into step beside Sorreltail, Leafpool realised her kits would be three moons by now. At that unruly age, Sorreltail was probably patrolling to have break from them. Hopefully having new playmates in Leafpool’s kits would settle their energy. Her friend’s eyes beamed with pure joy, “If only you were able to come back earlier. You could of stopped your mousebrained sister going out of camp so close to birth. Brambleclaw was furious!”.

Seemed the coverup went well, Leafpool noted before replying, “Why was Squirrelflight wandering off?”, she lied. 

Struggling not to string round like a playful kit, Sorreltail redirected her energy to her words, chatted like a sparrow, “Oh, you’ve got so much gossip to catch up on. Squirrelflight can’t stand the Nursery, so she’d been dragging Daisy out into training sessions. And for some reason, Spiderleg been trying to tag along as well. He’s convinced he drove two Queens to train and in a panic about it. Not that blame him considering Squirrelflight went into labour during one of the sessions. Thank Starclan Daisy was with her!”. 

Leafpool nodded, “How big the litter? Are they all healthy?”. An awkwardness spread through the patrol like Greencough. Was it Feather they were concerned about? It was Sorreltail who broke the news, “There’s three in all.”, she confirmed, “As for health- It’s best if you see them yourself. One’s a bit on the scrawny side.”. Since the days she was gone, Feather must of grown slightly, which might shed more light on his condition. 

Birchpaw added in to lighten the mode, “You’re lucky to kin with such lively kits. I’d love to mentor one myself.”. Brook nudged the young cat playfully in the shoulder, “Not even Whitewing has that honour yet and she’s seasons older than you!”, she teased. The Medicine cat turned the apprentice in curiosity, “Mentor? Are you already a warrior?”, she guessed. After all, Birchpaw was the oldest of the apprentices when she left for the Horse Place. 

Puffing up his chest proudly, the young warrior boosted, “Birchfall, the newest Thunderclan warrior at your service.”. Leafpool chuffed in amusement. His sense of humour certainly hadn’t changed from his apprenticeship. If only she could of been there for his warrior ceremony. Certainly, Whitewing would of been pleased for him. 

“Ashfur must be proud.”, Leafpool commented. Though Birchfall’s ear twitched in irritation. Did she say something wrong? Then the brown tom explained, pointing out Brook with his tail, “It was Brook and Stormfur who actually finished my training. Ashfur thought it would helpfully integrate them into Thunderclan.”.

While Sorreltail and Brook nodded approvingly of Ashfur’s actions, his own apprentice wasn’t nearly as impressed. Leafpool could sense there was a hidden side to this seemly generous gesture. From Squirrelflight’s struggles with the grey warrior, she was aware of his unforgiving side. Leaning closer so no one else could hear, Birchfall whispered bitterly into Leafpool’s ear, “Apparently because I’m a failure.”.

Since she hadn’t been present for the event, the Medicine cat could only give her sympathy, “I don’t know what’s happening with Ashfur, but he doesn’t know what’s he saying. You’re done every right, Birchfall.”.

Where had Ashfur got this sentiment from? Birchfall had been a fine apprentice, progressing at an avenge pace, slightly more even. There were no obvious times he ever failed his old mentor. Searching deeper, an idea sparked in her head. 

Was it about the Foxtrap that killed Firestar? As Hawkfrost had tricked Brichfall into sending the false message, which ultimately lured the leader into danger. Surely, Ashfur knew it was unfair to expect an apprentice to outsmart Hawkfrost? In the end, Firestar survived, wasn’t that what was important? 

It seemed to be a private family matter, not a situation Leafpool could heal with solely herbs. As a warrior, Birchfall wanted to prove his maturity, which might include dealing with Ashfur himself. For now, Leafpool would keep her distance unless approached for therapy first. 

Sooner then she was ready for, they’d already escorted her to the camp entrance. Beyond the whirlpool of thorns, was the friends and family she’d left behind. About to return to like nothing had happened. She’d tricked every single one of them. The only one left was herself. 

Closing her eyes, Leafpool repeated it over and over. I am Leafpool, Thunderclan’s sole Medicine cat. Briefly, she had been tempted by love, but nothing came out of it. Her sister, Squirrelflight now has three beautiful kits and she couldn’t be happier for her. 

As Leafpool finished the final lie, both her parents were abruptly in her face. “I’d knew you’d return to us!”, Sandstorm exclaimed, licking her kit between the ears. While Firestar pressed his muzzle into her shoulder, “The Twolegs didn’t hurt, did they?”, he growled. The three cats huddled together as they steadily made their way into the rock hollow. 

“Father, I’m fine. I promise.”, Leafpool assured. Then she couldn’t help notice the herb dust around her mother’s paws. At least Thunderclan hadn’t been left defenceless without a Medicine cat. She hoped Sandstorm hadn’t been too overworked. Soon, that burden would be lifted.

Firestar gazed thoughtfully into the distance, before muttering a question he already knew the answer to, “You didn’t see Greystripe while you trapped?”. Even If Twolegs had genuinely stolen Leafpool, the chances of them being the same as Greystripe’s captives, was borderline impossible. 

“I’m sorry but no.”, Leafpool whispered, touching her tail to his flank. His Leader duties prevented him from grieving for too long, before he had to make an announcement to the whole Clan. Marching into the centre, the Ginger tom raised his head high for all to hear, “Cats of Thunderclan, Leafpool has escaped the Twolegs and returned to us!”.

Many were already aware of Leafpool’s return, scrambling out of their dens to rush over to their lost clanmate. The first to approach was Daisy, the Queen surprisingly good at pretending to be emotional, “Hurry up, everyone!”. Then she sneakily whispered as she leaned in closer, “Squirrelflight’s kits made it to camp safely.”, more hesitantly she added, “Though Squirrelflight still isn’t producing milk.”.

Fearing the worst for a heartbeat, Leafpool quietly whispered, “Is your supply still going?”, with Daisy confirming with a nod. It had what she feared for her sister. There were always she-cats out there who struggled to naturally give birth or feed their kits. That’s why permeant Queens like Daisy were so important. “Thank you for everything you’ve done.”, Leafpool purred, gratefully licking Daisy’s shoulder.  

Soon, their clanmates joined them, growing until a large crowd formed. Cats of every colour, age and rank. They clustered around her like flies, filling the air with their purrs. Random comments flying every where; 

“Where have you been?”, Whitewing yowled.

“Thank Starclan you’re alright!”, Brackenfur mewed.

“You really gave those Twolegs the slip.”, Berrypaw praised. 

Soon all the chatter melted into white noise, too exhausted to make sense of. Yet one remark caught her attention, “Just our luck – A day earlier and Leafpool could’ve have saved her.”, Spiderleg sighed, turning towards Daisy, “At least those newborn runts can be checked over. You’ve been the only thing keeping them alive.”. Was something else going on? On closer inspection, cats’ gazes were constantly shifting back towards the Elder’s den. Some even restlessly shifted around, as if struggling to decide which situation needed their attention. 

It hit Leafpool – Where was Squirrelflight and Brambleclaw? Within the entrance of the Elder’s hazel bush, a whale of grief drowned out every other noise. The deep voice could of only been Brambleclaw’s. Understanding immediately, the crowd respectfully stepped aside for the  
Medicine cat as she stumbled towards the Elder’s den.

Halfway over, Brightheart appeared from the gloom. Padding over with head and tail hanging low, the ginger and white she-cat touched noises with Leafpool. It was like she carried all the shame in the world. “I’m sorry, Leafpool. I tried, I really did. But it wasn’t enough.”, she stuttered, “The Parley store ran out and Goldenflower-”

Though Leafpool hushed her with a single flick of the tail. “You did all you could. No amount of training could create more Parley.”, she promised, “It’s Goldenflower’s time to join Starclan now.”. If Leafpool had fulfilled her duty and remained in camp – Would the Elder still be dying? It was too late to ever know. 

Wrapping her tail tightly around herself, Brightheart’s eyes sparkled slightly, “Then she’ll go on in peace, knowing Brambleclaw’s beautiful kits will carry on her legacy.”. A question crept into Leafpool’s mind. Had Feather, Crow and Sand been given their clan names yet? If Goldenflower had named one, it would be her parting gift to the world. 

“Those kits will grow up into fine cats. One could possibly be the future Medicine cat.”, Leafpool commented. Brightheart purred muffly, attempting to find her grief, “Goldenflower made Firestar promise that I’d mentor one of her kin. I certainly won’t let her down.”. 

“You’ll make an excellent mentor.”, the brown she-cat mewed, running her tail over Brightheart’s flank. That meant more than the warrior could ever know. As the kits’ birth mother, Leafpool knew she could assure their apprenticeship in Brightheart’s capable paws. Proving she had a true warrior’s heart every time she gave up her warrior duties to help out in the Medicine den. 

Parting ways, Leafpool finally slipped under the hazel branches. Heaving on her side, Goldenflower lay within a clean nest, Brambleclaw’s supposed kits nestled in her paws. They’d grown since Leafpool had last seen them. Able to crawl for a few heartbeats on their wobbly legs before flopping back onto the floor. Opened by a crack, their eyes colours underneath were now visible: Green, Blue and Amber. 

Her son crouched over her, held up by Squirrelflight, preventing him from crumbling to the ground. The bewildered denmates, Longtail and Mousefur kept a respectful distance for their deputy. 

Her sister noticed the Medicine cat immediately, torn between which loved one needed her attention. Silently, Leafpool shook her head. Nothing could be more important then for Squirrelflight to support Brambleclaw during his mother’s death.

This was only a brief visit anyway. Leafpool had nothing but the utmost respect for the retired Queen, but she’d never been personally close to her. Stemming from the admirable tales of Goldenflower refusing to let her kits be judged for their father’s crimes. It was shame Goldenflower couldn’t be around longer for the newest additions of her family. They could reply on that unvarying determination to protect them if their half-clan status was exposed.

Pricking her ears, Goldenflower stiffly shuffled round to face her latest visitor, “Leafpool – Is that you?”. Taking a step forward, the brown she-cat leaned down to the dying cat’s level, “Yes, it is.”, she mewed softly, “I sorry I couldn’t come sooner.”

“Nonsense.”, Goldenflower weakly purred, “You carry many burdens as a Medicine cat but we don’t expect to perform the impossible.”. The cruel irony was almost physically painful. There was no doubt Thunderclan wholeheartedly believed Leafpool’s lies. Even a death wish wasn’t enough for Goldenflower to discover the truth of Brambleclaw’s suppose kits. 

Lowering her tail, Goldenflower presented the three kits proudly to Leafpool like she’d given birth to them herself. “You haven’t been introduced to our latest members yet, have you?”, she asked. Only able to shake her head, Leafpool was too distracted for words. It seemed so strange to see the litter against another she-cat’s belly. A few days ago, that had been Leafpool herself, forbidden from ever becoming a mother. And that was a difficult fact she’d have to learn. From now on, Leafpool could be no more than their mother’s littermate. 

After this moment, Leafpool could no longer call them: Feather, Crow and Sand. Flickering her tail over each kit’s head, Goldenflower began listing them, “The quietest one named Hollykit, for the brach’s dark colour. The Grey tom is Jaykit, for the bluish streak of a jay’s wing.”. When the old Queen made it to the yellowish tom, she seemed to ponder on distant memories. The two golden tabbies had a striking residence, despite not technically sharing blood. 

Finally, Goldenflower’s mustered her energy to raise her head from the bedding, “And finally – This is Lionkit, after my brother, Lionheart.”. He’d been a Thunderclan deputy long before Leafpool’s birth, who died while defending his Clan. Despite that, from the Nursery stories of him, she knew he was worthy of having new generations named after him. 

“They’re wonderful.”, Leafpool choked with guilt. Before she blew her cover, she turned towards Squirrelflight and Brambleclaw, “It’s lucky they have you two for parents.”. Focusing on his kits instead of Goldenflower, Brambleclaw blinked gratefully. “Certainly they are.”, he agreed, pressing into muzzle into them. Sensing their father, the kits instinctively crawled towards him. 

As Brambleclaw licked Lionkit between the ears like any queen, Leafpool knew she’d made the right choice for the adoptive father. Redirecting them back towards Goldenflower, the deputy sorrowfully mewed, “Tawnypelt should be here.”.

“Your sister a smart cat, Brambleclaw.”, Goldenflower mewed, “Tawnypelt probably picked up on my declining health moons ago. She’ll be prepared.”. Pressing into Squirrelflight’s flank, Brambleclaw struggled not to wail out again. “I promise, She’s the first to know at Gathering.”, he croaked. 

Bursting with emotion, Mousefur flung herself from the corner of the den, frantically nudging Goldenflower, attempting to get the fellow denmate to her paws. “Don’t talk like that, Goldenflower!”, Mousefur demanded, “You still got a few moons in you, I can feel in my gut. So start by standing up.”. The shouting frightening the kits. “Thanks for that Mousefur.”, Squirrelflight growled, rounding the yowling Hollykit, Lionkit and Jaykit into her side. The last thing they needed was a spat between the most sarcastic cats in Thunderclan!  

Before Leafpool could hold the grieving Mousefur back, Goldenflower signalled with her tail for everyone to halt. “You’ll certainly last longer then me Mousefur, I can tell.”, the Elderly Queen remarked, “Thank you for worrying about me. But I’m ready to let go. I’ve done everything I’ve wanted. The next generation of warriors has come and they’ll led Thunderclan into a bright future.”.

Tightening up, Mousefur gritted her teeth in frustration, “I don’t understand. Why are you giving up so easily?”. Using his ear to locate his friend, Longtail came out from behind her, “Mousefur- Please. This is what she wants.”, he begged. With sagging shoulders, the often stubborn elder allowed a blind Longtail to guide them back to their nests. An ironic reversal in roles. 

Everything calmed down, Goldenflower nodded towards Leafpool, “Now don’t you worry about me. You just get yourself a good sleep and meal.”. Dipping her head, the brown she-cat resultantly made her way to the Medicine cat den, not as a Medicine cat but as a patient.  

Before she cleared the Hazel branches, a rustling sound made her turn back. Brambleclaw shuffled large clumps of moss besides Goldenflower’s nest, creating a family’s sized one. Goldenflower and the three kits all curled up in a large bundle of fur. The only time the younger and older generations would sleep beside one another. Leafpool could never be a part of it. 

Quietly lifting herself so not to disturb anyone, Squirrelflight stepped towards Leafpool. They buried their heads into each other’s shoulders. The Medicine cat whispered gratefully, “Thank you.”