Chapter 3.5
Heart of the Enemy (part 2)

[A/N: I started writing this part after I published the previous pages, only to realize that this really belonged in the last chapter. So it's "Chapter 3.5"]

"Ashenbird!" Flowerkit gasped.

The queen's eyes met his from across the clearing, and a second later Ashenbird was bounding towards him, ignoring the furious snarls of the ShadowClan cats. She touched Flowerkit's head, nuzzling his fur, and then started licking him frantically, as if by making him clean, she could keep him safe.

Heat sprang up behind Flowerkit's eyes. "I didn't think you would come for me," he told his mother, his voice thick. Ashenbird let out a growl.

"Why wouldn't I come for you? Oh, Flowerkit!" she meowed angrily, but she continued to lick his head lovingly. Then she broke away. "How could you? The whole clan has been searching for you. What on earth possessed you, Flowerkit?"

"It was Mosskit's fault," Flowerkit protested, but they were interrupted by a growling voice.

"As touching as this reunion is," Thicketstar snarled, "I must remind you that you're trespassing in our camp."

Ashenbird drew up her head. "Of course, Thicketstar. My apologies. I will take my kit back to ThunderClan, if you would let me, and then hopefully we can put this whole matter behind us."

"Hardly." Thicketstar's amber eyes were cold. "This kit has violated the warrior code by coming uninvited into our camp."

"And you may rest assured he shall be punished accordingly," Ashenbird agreed. Her fluffy tail curled protectively around Flowerkit, who was watching with wide eyes.

Thicketstar's forehead furrowed as he regarded the queen and her kit with a suspicious gaze. Then he nodded. "Very well. I will be waiting for the proof of your words, Ashenbird. You may return to your camp - with a ShadowClan escort."

"We don't need a-" Flowerkit began, fluffing out his black coat defensively, but suddenly Ashenbird's tail was over his mouth and he barely kept himself from choking on fur.

"Thank you, Thicketstar." Ashenbird ducked her head. Then, to Flowerkit, "Let's go."

The gray furred queen led her black kit out of ShadowClan's camp, followed closely by two of their warriors as the sun began to descend in the sky.