"Reedfur! Nutfleck! Goldenpelt! Gorseheart! Barkwhisker!" Emberspirit smiled as the newly made warriors grinned at each other excitedly. It was the first day of green-leaf and with every day, Lilyclouds belly grew more and more to accommodate for the tiny lives forming within her. 

Emberspirit leaped down from his place, nodding to Nightfrost, who was the new elder and she smiled back.

He glanced over at Barrantooth, who was playing with Gorseheart as he chattered excitedly.

"Those two sure are close, anyone would think that she was her mentor instead of I." Tigershade grumbled to his brother who snorted. 

"Jealous?" Lionscar teased, eyeing his son with pride. "You taught him well. No cat would be able to tell he almost went to StarClan before he left the nursery." 

Tigershade smiled, "Thank you Lionscar."

Raggedfur padded up to Nutfleck, "A warrior finally!" He purred, nuzzling her. The two had grown noticeably close during Nutflecks last few days of training, it came to no one surprise that they were mates now.

Gorseheart, too, had found someone. As now he was pressing against Barkwhisker, smiling at her goofily. 

"Amberheart, that's wonderful news!" Emberspirit turned and saw Lilycloud grinning at the golden she-cat, whose belly now looked about as big as hers.

Emberspirit padded up to her, noticing Brightnose puffed with pride. "So it seems that there will be more apprentices soon." He purred, "DeltaClan is growing strong."

"My kits will be the best at everything!" Brightnose declared, "They'll be the best hunters, be the best fighters, maybe even leader!"

"Not even born and I have competition already it seems." Emberspirit teased, feeling at ease around his mate.

Brightnose ducked down in embarrassment as nearby cats laughed at Emberspirits statement, but his excitement still shone through as he flexed his paws against the ground.

"Let's use that energy for something useful." Emberspirit rose and glanced around. Wildclaw was gone on dog patrol and Willowcoat had gone with. "Darkpoppy, Heronthroat, and Darkrunner, go mark the BreezeClan border." He ordered. "Quailfleck, Antbranch, Raggedfur, go do the StormClan border. 

"I wanna go hunting!" Swiftwhisper called making the deputy nod.

"Take whoever you wish, except Brightnose is going." He told the tom, glancing at the gray tom who shrugged. Swiftwhispers eyes glowed in amusement and he nodded, beckoning Brightnose close and then mewing to Appleblaze to come with him.

Emberspirit sat down, still slightly week from his funk of not eating and he purred gratefully as Trouttail brought him a rabbit. 

"I caught it just as it crossed the border." He said with pride before he plopped a water vole down and began to eat it.

Emberspirit wolfed his rabbit down and licked the blood from his muzzle. "Has there been news about the dog?" He felt Lilycloud press against him and he licked her ear quickly.

Trouttail nodded, "The Two-leg keeps him under control but we can't count on a Two-leg. We should attack now, in fact, Wildclaw is scouting out areas to ambush it right now."

Emberspirit frowned, "He should have told me." He murmured, "I could have gone with."

"Wildclaw knew you would feel that way, that's why he told me." Trouttail replied, "You're far too weak to be wrestling with dogs right now."

"He's right." Lilycloud said before Emberspirit could reply. "You shouldn't going around trying to play hero." 

Emberspirit shifted his gaze to Lilycloud to Trouttail to Lilycloud again. "I'm not going to win this am I?"

"Nope." They replied in unison, making Emberspirit roll his eyes, despite the smile that broke out on his face.

"Fine, but next time tell Wildclaw to tell me what he's planning!" He curled up and yawned, "Seems sleeping is all I'm doing these days."

"Riverheart told you already, you need to gain your strength back completely before you do too much running around." Lilycloud murmured.

"I'll only be strong if I'm out there running around." Emberspirt grumbled back, making Lilycloud purr.

"Busy body." She teased softly, making Emberspirit smile slightly and give her a lick on the cheek. 

Emberspirit was alerted by the smell of the wind. He looked up and felt his jaw drop as Willowcoat staggered into camp, bloodied and carrying a ginger and white mass. 

"No.." Emberspirit scrambled up and lunged forward, "No!" He sobbed, "Wildclaw! Wildclaw!" He cried, nosing him with wide emerald eyes. "Wildclaw, not you!" 

Lilycloud stared at the toms body in horror as cries of outrage and shock sounded out.

"Wh-Wh-What's responsible f-for this." Emberspirit dug his claws into the dirt, his shoulder fur beginning to bristle. "W-Willowcoat." His voice dropped into his gut, his breath ragged with rage.

"The dog." Willowcoat mewed, stumbling slightly. Lilycloud pushed her shoulder against her mothers and led her away, glancing back at her frozen mate in concern.

Lynxstar jumped down and stared at Wildclaw. "Lyn-Lynxstar-" His voice was hitched and shaky. His anger and rage barely containable. 

"I know, Emberspirit, trust me I know." She murmured, amber eyes soft. "This dog has messed with the wrong Clan!" She yowled, "Trouttail," She turned, "Tomorrow you and Hailwhisker will scare him away. "Lionscar and Tigershade will provide back up. Give that dog all you have, let it know that it is not welcome here ever again."

Emberspirit looked up, "W-What about.."

"You are far too weak to be wrestling with dogs." Lynxstar snapped, amber eyes hardening. "The Clan needs you here Emberspirit, we cannot risk your life."

Emberspirit rose, "B-But Wildclaw he-" the deputy choked as tears flooded down his face. He dug his claws into the ground, trembling with rage. "H-He was like a f-father to me!" 

Lynxstar shook her head, "I know Emberspirit." She murmured, "But we need you here. I need you here." 

Emberspirit frowned before he nodded, "Yes Lynxstar." He said obediently, wrapping his tail around himself.

"His death will not be in vain." Trouttail promised, making the deputy turn to look at him. "We will give that beast what for!"

Emberspirit nodded and picked up Wildclaws body, he laid it in front of Barrantooth and Dawnspot. Instantly the elders began to clean the body of blood and dirt, Shadefern and Thunderjaw joining to help. 

Berrywish came from her den, carrying lavender and she brushed the plant on Wildclaws body, hiding the scent of death from it.

"He was brave." Shadefern rumbled, "StarClan will welcome him." 

"We must tell BreezeClan of this." Dawnspot murmured, "They deserve to know."

"I'll go.." Emberspirit murmured, "T-Tomorrow.. to-morrow morning." 

Thunderjaw eyed him, "You're weak Emberspirit, you shouldn't walk all that way alone."

"Trouttail w-will g-go with me." Emberspirit told him, glancing back at his former apprentice. "I'll as-ask him." 

The elders exchanged looks before Shadefern let out a grunt, "He'll go anyway, Trouttail is a strong cat, Emberspirit will be safe." 

Emberspirit laid his head down and buried his nose into Wildclaw. He closed his eyes, Tell Redflare I love her. Emberspirit thought, And Deertail too, and Heatherspirit, and Blazefur, and Missingfluff, and everyone..

'We love you too' Emberspirit felt the presence of fur and familiar scents wash over him. He purred softly as he felt Wildclaws fur brush his own.

'I love you as if you were my own son.' Wildclaw murmured in his ear, his breath moving Emberspirits ear fur. 'I wish you had been, goodbye Emberspirit. You are never alone.'

Emberspirit opened his eyes to see the last of glowing green eyes fade and he smiled, acceptance in his heart. His mind didn't feel fuzzy like it had before and he looked at the darkening sky. The stars shone bright but Emberspirit zoned in on the brightest one.

"Wildclaw.." 

Emberspirits eyes flew open, he looked up and saw Barrantooth and Thunderjaw lifting Wildclaws body. Was it time already? Emberspirit looked up and saw the sky was a dim purple and blue, the colors of dawn.

I must have dozed off, I'm sorry Wildclaw! I couldn't even stay awake for you. 

Emberspirit rose to his paws, shaking his fur and met eyes with Barrantooth. The she-cat smiled through Wildclaws fur and Emberspirit followed her as they padded outside the camp. He pushed through a small patch of bushes around the camp to a large clearing surrounded by trees and bushes right next to DeltaClan camp.

He glanced at the grave that held his mother and closed his eyes, listening as the elders dug into the soft ground. He reopened them as he watched them place Wildclaws body into the hole and buried him.

Emberspirit eyed the grave before he rose and padded back to camp, "Trouttail?" He called as he thrust his head into the warriors den. He narrowed his eyes against the dimness and made out the gray shape of his former apprentice next to Redmist. 

Emberspirit navigated the trough of sleeping warriors and prodded Trouttail with a paw. "Trouttail!" He hissed into the toms ear.

"Wha...?" Trouttail opened his amber eyes and stared at Emberspirit sleepily. "What Emberspirit?" He asked with a yawn.

"C-Come with m-me. I-I'm g-going to B-BreezeClan." Emberspirit told him. 

Trouttail stared at him in disbelief, "What?!" He cried before he lowered his voice as Beetlestream growled. "Why BreezeClan?" He asked.

"T-T-To tell t-them about W-Wildclaw." Emberspirit explained, "T-They deserve to k-know."

Trouttail eyed him before sighing. He rose to his paws and shook the sleep from his fur. "Well, lets go." He said, padding towards the entrance.

Emberspirit followed and together the two cats headed out of camp. 

"Y-You can rest." He told Gorseheart, Reedfur, Nutfleck, Goldenpelt, and Barkwhisker as he passed them.

The new warriors rose and went straight into the warriors den to sleep more.

Emberspirit watched them then sprinted to catch up to Trouttail.

"This is crazy." Trouttail grumbled. "BreezeClan won't be to keen upon seeing DeltaClan in their territory.

"W-W-W-We'll go to their camp." Emberspirit told him, "I-I remember the way."

"Oh great, yeah good idea. Let's stomp our way to BreezeClans camp where all their warriors are. I don't see a problem with that." Trouttails ear flicked, "Do you think they've forgotten about Cedarstar?"

"T-T-T-T-They'd be fools to still be mad." Emberspirit snapped, "W-W-W-What's with you?"

Trouttail glanced at him and sighed, "I'm sorry." He murmured, "It's just that.. you aren't fully healed."

Emberspirit paused, gazing at his former apprentice with soft eyes. "Trouttail.." He murmured, stretching his neck to touch his nose on his cheek. "I-I-I'll be fine." 

Trouttail blinked then nodded. "Alright deputy, lead the way."

Nodding, Emberspirit picked up the pace and dived into the river. He swam easily across it and pulled himself up onto the BreezeClan bank.

He glanced behind him, seeing Trouttail pulling himself up, and padded onto the grassy moor. He looked around and made his way to towards a patch of heather.

Trouttail caught up to him and pressed against his side, his amber eyes flicking around worriedly.

Emberspirit crept through the heather and emerged on the other side.

"We're safe." Trouttail murmured, "Come on, let's hurry-"

"Hey!"

Emberspirit froze as he heard paws rapidly approaching.

"B-Be calm!" He ordered Trouttail before he looked up seeing a white tom with brown legs pad up to him, fur bristling.

"S-Shrewfoot." Emberspirit greeted, glancing around. Crowwing and Berrypatch were glaring at him and he recognized Stormfire. Wildclaws kit.

Gulping, Emberspirit straightened, "I-I wish to see A-Antstar." He told Shrewfoot.

Shrewfoot snarled, "You're on BreezeClan land, Emberspirit." 

"W-Where else would Antstar be if not on Br-BreezeClan territory?" Emberspirit retorted, tail twitching.

Shrewfoot growled and unsheathed his claws, "DeltaClan cats aren't welcomed here. Go back or I'll make you."

"I-I-I-I don't want a fight." Emberspirit started but Shrewfoot sneered.

"Then you shouldn't have come here. BreezeClan attack!" He flung himself at Emberspirit but the russet cat only ducked and glared at him. Emberspirit glanced at the other BreezeClan cats, who only watched without moving a paw before he looked back at Shrewfoot.

"I-I will not fight you. I-If you do not wish to lead us then I will go myself." Emberspirit growled as the white tom rose to his paws and glared at him.

Trouttail hissed at the BreezeClan warrior and followed the DeltClan deputy, keeping an eye on Shrewfoot who was spitting at his Clanmates for not helping him.

Emberspirit paused, seeing a white blur move past him and looked forward to see Shrewfoot taking lead. "I'll take you too Antstar." He spat, tail lashing as he glared at his Clanmates.

Emberspirit shrugged and followed, moving into the familiar gorse tunnel.

Shrewfoot yowled, "Antstar! DeltaClan is here!" His voice echoed in the clearing.

Emberspirit watched as the Clan awoke in a flurry. Cats of all sizes emerged from there dens and watched as Emberspirit padded up to Tallrock, sitting down as Antstar emerged from a hole under it.

The red she-cat narrowed her eyes as jumped onto Tallrock.

"Emberspirit," She greeted, "Seems I see a lot of you."

Emberspirit dipped his head, "I-I-I mean no disrespect. I come with sad news."

Antstars whiskers twitched, "News can wait until the Gathering." she chided, tail wrapping around her front paws.

"T-This cannot." Emberspirit protested glancing around before he caught sight of Lightningfire. "T-This news is sad to both DeltaClan and BreezeClan alike." He rose his voice so all cats could hear him. 

"What is it?" Harecatcher called, his amber eyes narrowed.

Emberspirit swept his eyes over all of BreezeClan and stopped on Stormfire. The she-cat rose slightly, meeting his eyes unafraid, but her green eyes shone with curiosity.

"A-As you know," Emberspirit stared, glancing at Trouttail who was crouched and looking around, ready to defend his deputy. "Cedarstar allowed Wildclaw to join DeltaClan."

"He's a traitor!" Grayclaw snarled, "Wildclaw betrayed BreezeClan, we have no desire to hear news about him." He spat, rushing up to Emberspirit.

"Grayclaw!" Antstar growled, "Get back, now!"

The gray tom snarled and backed away, his eyes burning with hatred.

"Emberspirit, continue." Antstar called to the red tom.

Emberspirit nodded, "W-Wildclaw t-took to DeltaClan life easily and soon became a highly respected member." He continued. He paused, his paws trembling. "H-He was like a father to me." His voice cracked and he looked down as tears spilled from his eyes. "W-Wildclaw he's.. Wildclaw is dead." He finished, trembling.

Gasps and yowls met his ears and he felt Trouttails tail wrap around his haunches and glanced to the side, seeing Trouttail leaning and resting his jaw on the deputys shoulder.

"How did this happen?" Stormfire called, her voice thick with grief. Shock made Emberspirits fur twitch as he met the she-cats eyes. In a flash, he realized that despite Wildclaw leaving her, this little she-cat never stopped loving him as a father.

Emberspirit wished he could comfort the she-cat but he knew he shouldn't. Pulling himself together, he straightened. "T-Th-The twolegs brought a dog across the lake. It's been breaking loose and causing all sorts of problems." He told her, "Wild-Wildclaw stayed behind when he was watching it with two other of our cats. He made sure they weren't hurt."

"That idiot!" Stormfire yowled in dismay, "That brave idiot." She trembled, tears rolling down her face.

Emberspirit turned, seeing Antstar rise shakily. "This is sad news indeed." She murmured, "Thank you Emberspirit, for telling us. I know some would rather forget Wildclaw," She glanced at Grayclaw, who looked away. "But I will never forget how brave and honorable a cat he was."

Lightningfire rose, "Wildclaw was a friend who knew the right thing to do always." He stared into Emberspirits eyes and the deputy remembered the day Wildclaw came. "He will be remembered." 

Emberspirit dipped his head, "Y-Yes, his name will be honored for seasons to come." He murmured.

"It's time we get going." Trouttail told Emberspirit, "It's almost sunrise."

Emberspirit nodded and Antstar nodded. "Appletail, Ashclaw, Rabbitfur, escort these two to the border." She ordered.

Emberspirit followed the three cats she called swiftly, Trouttail by his side.

"May StarClan light your path!" Ashclaw, a black tom with gray paws, called as the DeltaClan cats swam across the river. 

"And yours too!" Emberspirit called back as he pulled himself up on his territory.

He watched the three warriors run away and looked at Trouttail, his heavy heart now lightening.

"You did the right thing." Trouttail confirmed with a nod. Emberspirit smiled and padded through the grass of DeltaClan territory. 

Trouttail came up beside him, fur brushing his. "Remember when I was your apprentice?" He asked, tilting his head.

Emberspirit chuckled, "O-Of course I do. Y-You never did slow down." His whiskers twitched in amusement as Trouttail grinned.

"Sometimes I think you wanted to feed me to a badger." The gray tom purred. 

"O-Only sometimes." Emberspirit laughed as Trouttail glared at him playfully and nudged his shoulder with his.

The two trotted, teasing and reminiscing in simpler times. Emberspirit opened his jaws to retort something at the gray tom and froze. Something wasn't right. He scented nor heard any prey.

Then he scented it, a rank musty scent that was much too familiar.

"Dog!" He yowled before a loud bark and a golden mass exploded from the reeds. He shot in front of the beast, arching his back and hissing. "Trouttail run!" He called to his apprentice.

"Not without you!" The gray tom looked around rapidly before he saw a tree about five fox-lengths away.

"Follow me!" Trouttail cried over the deafening barks and Emberspirit shot after him. 

His breath came in heavy rapid bursts and he willed his legs to pump faster. He could hear the heavy paw-steps and growls behind him as the dog followed.

StarClan help me! He pleaded, pushing forward past his apprentice. He was almost to the tree when there was a pained yowl behind him.

Whipping around, he saw Trouttail struggling as the golden dog sunk its teeth into his sides and shook him like a rat. 

"Trouttail!" Emberspirit plunged forward and leaped, lashing out his claws at the eyes of the beast. The dog yelped and dropped Trouttail, the tom landed with a grunt.

Emberspirit nudged him with his tail, "Go!" He spat at him, "I'll hold him off!"

Trouttail staggered to his paws and shook his head, "I'm staying with you!" He called before he shot underneath the dogs paws and attacked his underbelly.

Snarling, the dog whipped around and Emberspirit clawed his haunches. The canine turned to him and lashed out a back paw, kicking him in the face.

Pain shot up Emberspirits jaw as he was knocked bag and he stagged up, his vision blurring as blood poured from his nose. He tested his jaw and was glad he felt no fracture or break.

"Emberspirit!" Trouttails scream made the tom looked up. He was pinned on the ground by the dog's massive paws and the beast was snarling, saliva dripping from his bloody muzzle.  

No! I can't lose him! Anger spiking through Emberspirits pelt, the DeltaClan deputy leaped onto the dogs neck with a terrible battle cry and sank his teeth into the back of its neck. 

The dog howled in pain and jerked its head back, trying to reach the tom latched to its neck. The dog shook itself viciously, trying to detach the deputy on its shoulders. 

Emberspirit saw his former apprentice shoot away and silently thanked StarClan. He dug his claws in as deep as they'd go and let go of the dog to yowl something but that was his undoing. 

The dog rolled onto its back, crushing Emberspirit. All air was extracted from his lungs and he let out a choke as the air was finally giving to him. He rolled to his paws and turned, attempting to run away but he felt fang pierce his shoulders and screeched in pain. 

He wanted to vomit, the pain was so intense. Tears stung and his vision swam, he tried to struggle but waves of pain made him immobile. 

I'm sorry Lilycloud... Emberspirit thought, his eyes sliding closed as the dog shook him when a familiar cry made him open his eyes. 

Lynxstar! He thought as the tan she-cat leaped at the dog fearlessly. He dog dropped Emberspirit and the tom scrambled to his paws as he watched Trouttail and Lynxstar encased in a battle against the dog. 

He yowled in distress as Lynxstar was knocked by the dogs massive claws but the leader rolled to her paws and continued the onslaught of attacks against the golden beast. 

Whimpering, the dog turned and plunged back into the grass.

"And don't come back!" Trouttail yowled as he false gave chase.

Emberspirits eyes widened as Lynxstar dropped to the ground, twitching before she opened her amber eyes. 

"Emberspirit...." She croaked. 

Emberspirt shook his head, Her last life! "Lynxstar no!" He stagged forward and sat beside the leader, hunching his head close to her muzzle. "You had one life, why did you come?"

"I.. was looking for.. you." She gasped, turning her head towards him and guilt weighed heavy in the deputys stomach. "I saw you.. in the..dogs jaws.. couldn't.. let you...die." She shooked and Emberspirit choked a sob.

"You shouldn't have come!" He sobbed quietly, tears falling to his paws, "I'm so sorry."

Lynxstar smiled, "Sorry about what?" She let out a broken purr, "Emberspirit.. you have beeen...an amazing deputy.. I watched... you since...you were born.... You were always the weakest... I was scared you wouldn't...see a moon of life." Emberspirit stared at her, realizing how many cats had worried for his life. "Your mother... she had no doubts.. She always said you'd be the strongest.." She let out a small chuckle and looked at him with clear, loving, amber eyes. "Now I see that she was right... you are the strongest cat I know." 

"It's true." Trouttail murmured softly, padding up besides his former mentor, "You are the strongest." 

Emberspirit closed his eyes as acceptance and humbleness threatened to overpower him but Lynxstars mew made him open them. 

"Be.. brave, my dear deputy.. You have.. a kit and mate.. to look after." Her head slumped down. "You.. have made me wish I had had a kit.. but I know I couldn't have born a cat such as you.." She rasped and her breathing stuttered. "Farewell my deputy, DeltaClan looks to you now." With that she sighed and fell still.

Emberspirit lifted his head, tears pouring down his face and let out a mournful yowl before he licked his leaders fur, grooming her for the last time.

Trouttail did the same and he turned to Emberspirit, pale amber eyes aglow with sorrow. "Emberspirit- No, Emberstar.." He murmured but the deputy shook his head.

"Not yet." He told him, "He-Help me.. Help me carry her." 

Trouttail dipped his head and together the two cats limped back to camp. As soon as they made it to the entrance, Redmist and Tigershade let out cries of shock and plunged into camp. 

Emberspirit and Trouttail pushed through the reed tunnel and laid the leaders body to rest on the ground.

"Lynxstar is dead!" He announced, his voice cracking with grief, pain shot through him and he swayed, barely catching himself on his paws.

"Emberspirit!" Lilycloud launched from the crowd and licked his face. "What happened, someone call for the medicine cats!" She cried.

"Berrywish! Riverheart!" Nutfleck called and the two medicine cats stormed forward, Riverheart nudging Trouttail to the medicine den.

"Not yet." Emberspirit told Berrywish, "Must.. announce." He straightened himself and pressed against Lilycloud, his blood smearing on her white pelt. 

"I.. went to BreezeClan.." He started, "To tell them.. about Wildclaw." 

"Why?" Appleblaze cried, "They wouldn't have cared!"

Emberspirit shook his head, "W-Wildclaw was their Clanmate, many cats were crushed to.. to hear of his passing."

Murmurs met his ears and the tom let out a hiss of pain and swayed slightly. 

"The.. dog.." He gasped, "Attacked me and Trouttail as.. as we came back.. Lynxstar saved.. saved me." 

"Noble to the end." Swiftwhisper said softly and Thunderjaw nodded besides him. 

"Fearless and noble," He rumbled, his blue eyes clouded with sorrow. "Her name will be rememered."

Emberspirit staggered and collasped. He heard Lilyclouds cry of alarm and Berrywish yowl.

"Son!" Shadefern lifted him by the scruff and pulled him into the medicine den, Berrywish following.

The gray tom washed his son quickly, getting dirt and blood off of his pelt. "Emberspirit, Emberspirit!" His voice was distant and Emberspirit opened his eyes slightly.

"D-Dad.." He stuttered before he passed out.

Emberspirit gasped and looked around. Starry forest was around him and he shook his head. "No! No! My Clan needs me!"

"Calm down," A high pitched mew made him whip around and freeze as he came eye to eye with a very small kit. "You are not dead."

"W-Who are you?"

"Lynxstars kin," The kit was a tom with amber eyes, he was brown with tan paws and markings. "They called me Sparrowkit, but I did not make it." He dipped his head, "Don't worry noble deputy, you will blaze through your Clan like the brightest of fires." His eyes glowed and Emberspirit was shocked at the amount of wisdom in his eyes. 

He closed his eyes as a bright white light glowed behind the StarClan kit and opened them to find himself in the medince cat den. He felt warmth besides him and turned to see Lilycloud, asleep.

He heard mews outside. 

"What is going to happen?" He heard Crabfoot say. "We have no leader!" 

"Don't be crazy!" Amberheart snapped, "Emberspirit is leader now!"

"He can barely stand." Dawnspot said, "How can he recieve his nine lives?"

"Don't give up on him so easily," Lionshade told the elder, "That tom has done some amazing things."

Emberspirit stood and grunted at the stiffness in his shoulder and stumbled outside. 

"Th-Th-Thank you Lionscar." He said, "I'll walk to-to get my nine lives." 

"Emberspirit!" Berrywish mewed in shock, "How are you standing?"

Emberspirit shrugged, his paws were filled with power and duty weighed in his heart. "I.. I have to go." He croaked. 

"Her body is still warm, you must stay." Beetlestream told him and Emberspirit nodded.

He moved to the front of the crowd and sat down, staring at Lynxstars body that smelt thickly of lavender. "T-Thank you." He whispered into her ear, "F-For believing in me.." 

He closed his eyes and sat vigil as his Clanmates dispersed and headed towards their dens to sleep. 

He looked up as dawn broke and turned to see Berrywish padded towards him with herbs clenched firmly in her jaws.

"Traveling herbs?" He asked softly, making the she-cat nod.

Emberspirit dipped his head and gave Lynxstar one last glance before he padded into the medicine cat den, seeing Lilycloud curled up, her belly swollen with his unborn kit. She was so close to birth, due at any moment now, and he felt like he shouldn't leave her.

Nudging her awake, he felt his heart flutter as those blue eyes opened and gazed at him in shock and love.

"Your alive.." she murmured, tears falling down her cheek. "Thank StarClan." 

Emberspirit rubbed her cheek with his, rubbing the tears off. "How could I leave?" He whispered, and then pulled away. "I must go.." He told her, "To recieve my nine lives."

Lilycloud eyed him then nodded, "I'll be fine, you need to go."

"I don't want to leave you." Emberspirit murmured and closed his eyes as Lilycloud touched her nose with his. 

"Just make sure you come back." She whispered and Emberspirit nodded.

He backed away and eyed her before he turned and lapped up his traveling herbs, pulling a face at how bitter it tasted.

His ear twitched, hearing pawsteps approaching him, and looked up to see Trouttail padding towards him.

"I told Raggedfur and Patchfur to check if the dog was gone, they followed its blood trail and saw that the Twoleg and dog were no where to be found, nor was the water monster. I feel confident to say they won't be returning."

Emberspirit blinked in surprise at the toms report and glanced at Berrywish who's eyes gave nothing away, he looked back at Trouttail.

"Thank you," He said, "I'm glad to have you around."

Trouttail dipped his head and padded away, going towards his den.

"We have to go if we want to make it back in time for you to name a deputy." Berrywish mewed and Emberspirit nodded.

Together the two prowled towards Fourtrees, when Berrywish had moved toward BreezeClan territory Emberspirit told her that they should just go to Fourtrees as BreezeClan wouldn't be keen to see him again so soon. The she-cat agreed and now they climbed onto the old Thunderpath between MarshClan and BreezeClan territory.

They followed it up and around on neutral ground and made their way onto the grassy plains towards Highstones and Emberspirit felt hunger stab at his belly. 

"Can we eat?" He asked, opening his jaw to drink in scents. "Some mice are around."

Berrywish glanced at the sky, "Can you catch them quick?" She asked and Emberspirit nodded. "Let's go." 

Emberspirit tracked the prey and dropped to a crouch, Berrywish falling besides him. Together the two surrounded two mice that were chewing on the grasses and leaped, killing the two swiftly and silently. 

Emberspirit ate the prey ravenously and after burying the remains, the two paused at Mouthermouth. The medicine cat looked up at the sky, gazing at the rising moon. "It's time." She mewed softly. 

He turned to Berrywish and she pressed her tail to her muzzle, a silent command to be silent. She plunged into the endless darkness and Emberspirit followed, instant claustrophobia making him tense as his whiskers brushed against the walls of the tunnel. 

He followed the old medicine cat through the twisting and turning of the dank tunnel, the smell of must and earth making him wrinkle his nose but then he narrowed his eyes against a harsh light and suddenly the small tunnel opened to a large cavern with stalactites hanging from the roof of the cave. 

It was cold and though there were only Berrywish and him, Emberspirit felt like he was surrounded by cats, the cavern seemed to pulsate with life. The Moonstone, surrounded by a ledge with warn paw steps leading up to it made the center of the cave.

He glanced back at Berrywish, who's pelt glowed white in the soft glow of the stone, and she nodded. He looked forward and padded up to the stone, and pressed his nose to its cold surface.

Instantly he was lying in Fourtrees, but it was different. He felt alone he scrambled to his jaws. His nose twitched, it smelled like... Smoke!

Fire! Alarm shot through him and he turned to see the forest towards BreezeClan territory was ablaze, the fire crackling angrily. He looked around but the water was rising and rough. 

Turning around rapidly, he saw figures of cats across the bridge to DeltaClan territory. He yowled in delight and rushed towards it but as his paws touched the wood, it shattered and he looked up to see Shadefern glaring at him, his eyes filled with malice and disgust. The same look he had when he first met Emberspirit as a kit. The gray tom turned and padded away, fading into a harsh mist and Emberspirit staggered backward in shock.

Around him, the fire roared and the water screamed, it was loud and clashing and his pulse raced as he trembled. He dropped to the ground and sobbed, all the built up sorrow, anger, frustation, and stress came to a peak and split over, crushing him into a harsh sob.

Tears stained the ground and he curled into himself. He remebered when he hurt Lionscar, giving him the scar for his name. He remembered spitting at Fognose, who died at the claws of MarshClan. He remembered all of the terrible things he thought of about Rumblethroat, who gave his life for him. His inability to save Heatherspirit or Deertail or Wildclaw. All the cats he had lost flashed in his mind and he couldn't handle it. 

Then for some reason Firestars words echoed in his mind.

'One is only brave when one overcomes fear'

Determination searing through him, he stood up, looking around when he saw a leaf, flaming red and floating. 

Chasing after it and it blew away. He climbed starry steps and leaped, claws hooking onto the leaf that had plagued his entire life and gasped as it bursted into flames and looked up, meeting the amber gaze of Lynxstar.

He choked as she smiled, so full of life despite being dead. 

"Welcome my deputy, I'm so glad to be standing here, giving you this speech and honor." Emberspirit opened his jaws to spout a million apologies but Lynxstar curled her tail around his muzzle. "Hush now, no more apologies. You have suffered through so much but here you stand as a cat about to recieve the nine lives of a leader. Stand tall Emberspirit, with courage and pride."

Emberspirit straightened and she smiled, purring. "Come now, recieve your nine lives." 

He looked around and saw Lynxstar back away, he mew in concern but choked as he saw Wildclaw, Deertail, Redflare, Rumblethroat, Heatherspirit, and Blazefur, along with Cedarstar and one other cat he did not recognize but he could name as he was ginger and stood besides Wildclaw, green eyes clear and strong.

Hawkeye. 

The ginger tom moved forward, "Greetings, I-I am Hawkeye." He dipped his head in respect to the brother that Wildclaw had lost. "My brother has given much for you, hoping to find acceptance in the lost of myself, he did what he set out to do. You standing here is proof of that." 

Emberspirit nodded as Hawkeye bowed his head and touched his nose to the deputys head.

"With this life, I give you trust and confidence. For one to be a good leader you must have trust and confidence in all you do, use this life to lead your Clan in everything they do." Warmth spread through Emberspirit and a lightning of energy and confidence sizzled through Emberspirit. 

Hawkeye backed away and Wildclaw replaced him.

"I'm glad StarClan has chosen me to give you this life." Wildclaw rasped and Emberspirit smiled as he felt the ginger patched warriors nose on his head. "With this life, I give you the instinct to protect and act unselfishly. As a leader, it is hard to see your Clan suffer, but the Clans must live in balance with each other so that one does not crush all. Protect your Clan and the warrior code, and never take more than what you are entitled to." 

Emberspirit grunted at the pain, seeing flashes of his Clanmates starving while the other Clans were fat. Anger sparked through him and he wished nothing more than to force the leaders to give his Clan prey but he breathed and acceptance rushed through him. Flashes of his Clanmates eating multitudes of food made him purr and he opened his eyes and watched as Wildclaw backed away.

Cedarstar padded forward and smiled, "I always knew you were different, now I see why." He ducked his head and pressed his muzzle to Emberspirits head. "With this life, I give you nobility and judgment. All leaders must be noble, to act for the good of their Clan and StarClan. With that, judgment of character is key. Use this life to live out nobly and to always see the true judgment of all cats." 

Emberspirit saw himself gazing down at a cat that seemed like everyone trusted but he snarled, seeing the evil underneath the facade. 

He looked up and mewed thanks as Heatherspirit rushed forward, touching her nose with his. "My dear nephew.." She murmured with love, "With this life, I give you the fearlessness to act without second thought. As a medicine cat, I have done many things without thinking about them, I trusted my instincts and in turn as an apprentice with a moon of training I saved a kit from death. Use this life to act fearlessly in a seemingly hopeless situation." 

Power surged through Emberspirit and adrenline made him want to run but his paws seemed to heavy to move. He opened his eyes and blinked in shock to see Heatherspirit moving away already. She sat next to Redflare and Blazefur padded up to him, purring.

"Hello again, my nephew." She chirped and Emberspirit chuckled.

"You were right." He murmured and her green eyes glowed as she pressed her nose to his head. 

"With this life, I give you acceptance. Acceptance is needed always. Use this life to accept all outcomes, even those you do not like." 

A wave of unmeasurable emotion rushed through the DeltaClan tom, threatening to overpower him but a calm dripped through his body and his mind felt at peace.

He opened his eyes and Blazefur smiled before she backed away, Redflare moving towards her son, pride in her eyes. 

"Oh my handsome boy," She purred, rubbing her jaw along his. "How I've missed your face." 

Emberspirit nuzzled her, "Mom." He purred, tears falling down his face.

They took a moment before Redflare pressed her nose to his ear, "With this life, I give you a mothers love. Use it to defend your Clan with the feirceness of a mother protecting her kits."

Unbelievable pain shot through Emberspirit, making him hiss and grit his teeth. Was this really how fierce a mothers love was? Was this what Redflare felt when cats picked on him as a kit. His vision swam and he opened his eyes, out of breath from the sheer intenseness.

Redflare licked his cheek, "I love you so much." She murmured, "I'm so proud of you." 

"Thank you.." Emberspirit murmured, "For everything. I love you too." 

Redflare smiled and backed away, Rumblethroats powerful form prowled towards him, head held tall.

"Many called me a scatterbrain and I was," Rumblethroat purred, laughing with that warm laugh that made Emberspirit feel warm inside. "but I was focused on one thing, to protect my Clan till the very end." He smiled, "I do not regret losing my life to save you Emberspirit." He pressed his nose to Emberspirits head. "With this life, I give you clarity of mind. Use this to think clearly and make good decisions that will lead your Clan to glory."

Emberspirit flinched at the pain and stress that came with this life but then sighed as it ebbed. 

Rumblethroat backed away and Deertail padded towards him.

"My apprentice, how long I've waited to see you again." She purred.

Emberspirit choked a sob and he pressed his head to her nose. "With this life," She purred, "I give you wisdom. Use it to lead your Clan with no doubts." 

Emberspirit felt a warmth spread across his paws and he opened his eyes and smiled at Lynxstar who was last.

She touched her nose to his head, "With this life, I give you tireless energy. Use it well so that you can keep up with all the responsibility that comes with being a leader."

Emberspirit felt like he could run through all the territories and beyond, energy made his fur bristle and claws flex but then it flowed away and he looked up, seeing all nine cats standing with Lynxstar at the head.

"I hail you by your new name, Emberstar." Lynxstar mewed, "You old life is no more. You have now received the nine lives of a leader, and Starclan grants you the guardianship of DeltaClan. Defend it well; care for your young and old; honor your ancestors and traditions of the warrior code; live each life with pride of dignity." She dipped her head then cried out.

"Emberstar!" 

"Emberstar! Emberstar!" The StarClan cats echoed and Emberstar smiled then closed his eyes and opened them.

He found himself back the cavern, the Moonstone glowing faintly in front of him.

He turned and gazed at Berrywish who smiled and followed her out.

The moon was high in the sky and he felt energy rush through him.

Unable to stop himself he ran, as fast as he could across the grassy plain, Berrywish on his heels with a yowl of shock.

The new leader plunged across the Thunderpath and Fourtrees, leaping across the bridge and to the hill on DeltaClan territory.

Berrywish came panting up to him. "Slow down will you!" She hissed.

"Sorry," Emberstar panted, looking at him. "we can walk now."

Snorting, Berrywish followed him as the two made it back to camp.

Strangely, the camp was alive with movement and Trouttail looked up, "Emberstar is back!" 

"Congratulations!" Pikesky purred and a few more warriors echoed, making Emberstar blink in confusion, as he knew they weren't talking about him becoming leader.

"Emberstar," Riverhearts voice made him turn and he saw the she-cat grinning, "Congratulations on your leadership," Her eyes glowed, "and kit."

"What?" Emberstar turned to the nursery and plunged inside. "Lilycloud!" He gazed at the she-cat and she opened her eyes lifting her head with soft blue eyes.

"You're back." She purred, her tail covering something.

Emberstar stared at her in concer and anticipation and she purred, flicking her tail down to reveal a ginger tom with white ear-tips.

"Oh, he's beautiful!" Emberstar moved forward and eyed his son with love, "He's all I ever wanted." He nuzzled his kit, purring loudly as it mewed in protest. "Have you named him?"

"I thought you should." Lilycloud murmured, eyeing her son with love and weariness.

Emberstar paused, looking up at the sound of thunder and rain. 

"Thunderkit." He murmured, "I want him to be named Thunderkit."

"Perfect." Lilycloud purred.

Emberstar curled with his mate and new kit, his tail twining with Lilyclouds as she fell asleep. He stayed awake, watching Lilycloud and Thunderkit, who both slepted peacefully as did the rest of his Clan outside.

Another great day of being him.