The cats remained quiet as they slowly padded through the thorn tunnel and into the ShadowClan camp. Rainheart glanced worriedly at Bluerain. His mother was limping between him and Poppywing, breathing quickly as blood trickled from her wounds. I hope it's not serious. He thought uneasily.

"Look, they're back!" Diamondpaw perked up from where she sat near the apprentices den. "How did-" She broke off when she saw the condition of her denmates and the warriors. "Dewpaw!" She gasped.

Her brother immediately poked his head out of the medicine den, looking at her anxiously. "Yeah? What's-" He saw the returning cats and bounded across the clearing. "Hawkfeather, we need herbs!" He called over his shoulder in alarm.

As the medicine cats hurried over, more cats became aware of the injured cats and padded closer, meowing to one another in alarm. 

"What's happened?" Rosebreeze gasped, rushing to her brother, Milkblaze's side. The white warrior had his tail gently rested around Silverblossom as she sat, her head hung in grief. 

Rainheart and Poppywing slowly crouched, helping to lower Bluerain to the ground. She slumped onto her side and let out a shaky sigh. "Thank you."

"Hold on, Bluerain." Poppywing gave her ear a reassuring lick. "Hawkfeather and Dewpaw will fix you up."

Will they? Rainheart stared down at his mother anxiously. What if they can't? What if she joins StarClan? He struggled to push the horrible thought away, but fear of losing his mother remained dominant in his mind.

At that moment, Hawkfeather joined them and crouched by Bluerain. "What happened?" He demanded, his tone sharp with worry. 

"A fox," Poppywing meowed before Rainheart could gather himself. "She'll be alright, won't she?"

The medicine cat gave Bluerain's shoulder wound a sniff, then studied her belly. "Yes, she'll be fine," He assured them, and Rainheart let out a sigh of relief, relaxing. "Come on, Bluerain, let's get you to the medicine den." 

As Hawkfeather gently nudged her to her paws, Poppywing stepped forward. "I'll help," She meowed. The brown tabby gave her a nod of gratitude before Bluerain leaned against him, and together he and Poppywing slowly guided her toward the medicine den.

Rainheart watched them for a moment, letting out a shaky sigh. She'll be alright. He turned away and tensed as he caught sight of Bloomfire. His sister lay on her side while Dewpaw pressed cobwebs to the bloody teeth marks in her leg.

Flamepaw was crouched beside her, his green eyes lit with anxiety. "Don't worry, everything's going to be okay," He covered her head and ears with licks. "You were really brave."

"So were you," She purred back dryly, her eyes dull with pain and exhaustion.

Behind them, Timberpaw was leaning on Copperpaw, his yellow eyes wide as he trembled, still stunned. His brother watched him worriedly. "I've never seen him like this!"

"Rainheart?"

He turned his head and saw Poppywing padding across the clearing toward him from the medicine den. When she reached him, she sat down, and he met her gaze anxiously. "Bluerain will be alright," She promised. "Hawkfeather is taking care of her." She paused and studied him, her blue eyes filled with concern. "Are you alright?"

"Yes." Rainheart gave himself a shake and relaxed against her. "I was just worried about her."

"A fox attacked you?" Ashcloud bristled, staring at the battered cats anxiously. "Has it made a den in our territory?"

"Where was it?" Cougarfoot demanded.

The cats began to fire questions at them anxiously until Depthwater weaved his way through the crowd. "Give them space!" He urged, and as the cats stepped back and quieted, he looked at the injured warriors worriedly. "Rainheart? Can you tell us what happened?"

Rainheart grew uncomfortable as the eyes of every cat fell on him. "Err I wasn't there to see how it started," He admitted, shuffling his paws. "Me and Poppywing were hunting when we heard yowls and went to see what was going on."

"I see." Depthwater gave him a nod and turned to the others. "Milkblaze?"

The white and cream warrior looked up and gave Silverblossom a concerned look before he left her side to join Rainheart at the front of the group. "We took our apprentices out for their assessments," He began quietly. "We had just given them instructions when two foxes came out of nowhere and attacked us." He paused and looked over his shoulder. "The apprentices weren't badly injured, thank StarClan. They fought bravely."

"Wait a moment," Cliffshade interrupted, scanning the group in bewilderment. "Stormstar went with you. Where is he?"

"Stormstar?" Dewpaw's eyes flashed with alarm. "Is he alright?"

The other cats began to murmur anxiously to one another as they realized that their leader was missing. Depthwater stared at Milkblaze, his eyes widening. "Where is Stormstar?" He demanded worriedly. "Is he wounded?"

At the mention of her mate, Silverblossom hung her head and choked out a sob of grief, and that was enough for most cats to realize what had happened. Many let out shocked gasps and cries of distress.

"Stormstar fought fearlessly against the foxes." As Milkblaze started speaking, they slowly quieted to hear his story. "During the fight, one of the foxes had thrown Timberpaw against a tree. He was stunned and had no chance of escaping." He paused, his eyes dull with sorrow. "Stormstar attacked and managed to kill the fox before it could take Timberpaw's life."

Timberpaw's eyes were squeezed shut now. Flamepaw looked up from Bloomfire to gaze at him sympathetically.

"The other fox was furious, and Stormstar ran away as it gave chase." He hesitated, dropping his gaze. "He knew what he was doing. He led the fox away from us. He gave his life for Timberpaw, for all of us. We heard the fox catch him just before we left."

The entire clan fell silent for a moment as they processed this terrible truth. Their leader was dead. Diamondpaw broke the silence with a wail of grief for her father. Silverblossom pulled her close with one paw, and Dewpaw joined his kin, his yellow eyes stunned and lit with sorrow as he pressed his head into his mother's fur.

Depthwater's dark blue eyes were filled with shock and sadness. "Stormstar was the noblest cat I've ever met..." His voice cracked as he spoke. "Of course he would have sacrificed himself for his clanmates."

"He wouldn't have had to if it weren't for that flea-bitten fox." Crowmask growled, sinking his claws into the earth. "We should find it and avenge him!"

"Yes!" Cougarfoot yowled his agreement, and many others joined in.

"That's enough!" Depthwater snapped, and the warriors fell silent, their fur bristling and ready for battle. "We will do something about the fox if it's still on our territory. But Stormstar is dead. We are to be peaceful and pay our respects, not fuel ourselves for battle. We owe that to him."

Many cats murmured their agreement, and even Crowmask nodded, dropping his gaze shamefully. 

Depthwater drew in a breath and slowly turned away. The cats watched as the dark bluish black tom made his way through the crowd and leaped onto the meeting rock, turning to face what would soon be the clan he led. "We have no body to prepare," He meowed quietly. "But nonetheless, we will hold a vigil for Stormstar. Every cat, please gather."

The clan slowly gathered in front of the meeting rock, forming a circle around an empty space where Stormstar's body would have been. Rainheart and Poppywing sat together behind Cougarfoot and Cliffshade, lowering their heads respectfully.

Silverblossom, Diamondpaw, and Dewpaw were closest to the rock, their expressions full of sorrow. Hawkfeather sat beside Dewpaw and cast his apprentice a sympathetic look.

"We're gathered here today to honor the memory of Stormstar," Depthwater began. "He was a strong, noble cat who I'm honored to have known all my life. He always put his clan first, and he led us bravely through the battles against Bone Shred's rogues." He paused and stared down into the clearing solemnly. "I never thought this day would come. I don't think I, nor any cat could become such a great leader as Stormstar was. But I will take on the duties he has passed on to me and protect ShadowClan, the cats that he cared for so much." He lowered his head. "May you find good hunting, swift running, and shelter when you sleep."

When Depthwater finished, the clan remained silent for a moment. "Silverblossom?" Hawkfeather prompted gently. "Would you like to speak?"

The silver she-cat gave a small nod and slowly stepped forward, looking distant. "Stormstar was the bravest, strongest cat I ever met," She rasped. "He was the best mate any she-cat could ask for, and a wonderful father. I already miss him dearly, but one day we'll hunt together once more in StarClan."

Rainheart felt sorrow pierce his heart at her words. She's right. He thought solemnly. It won't be easy, but one day they'll be together again. There's peace in knowing that.

Dewpaw spoke next. "My father was kind, brave, and cared for his clan above all," He meowed quietly, his yellow eyes filled with grief. "I'm proud to be his son. I know that he is safe and happy in StarClan, and I'll see him again at the moonstone."

As Diamondpaw began speaking, Rainheart noticed movement from the corner of his eye and turned his head. Poisonedsap was returning to the warriors den, her ragged tail lashing behind her. Maplefur stared after her, his eyes flashing with surprise. But after a moment, he returned his attention to the vigil. 

Not far from him, Milkblaze watched the entrance to the warriors den where Poisonedsap had disappeared, his yellow eyes narrowed to slits. 

She left in the middle of the clan leader's vigil? Rainheart blinked, puzzled. He supposed that because Poisonedsap used to be a rogue, she didn't believe in StarClan and found the ceremony pointless. But she should still have the decency to be respectful. 

He glanced back toward Milkblaze, seeing the anger burning in his eyes. There's something more to this. He thought. But whatever it is, it's their business. Perhaps this story will be revealed to us someday.

***

Rainheart awoke to sobbing. He opened his eyes and raised his head, blinking. It was early morning, and the sky was pale and cloudy. The sobbing continued from the clearing, and he rose to his paws, glancing down at Poppywing before making his way to the entrance of the den. 

When he stepped outside, he saw what was happening with a pang of sadness. Silverblossom was near the thorn tunnel, trying to push her way through as Dewpaw, Diamondpaw, and Crowmask blocked her.

"Let me go find him!" Silverblossom was sobbing. "This isn't right! He should be buried."

Crowmask gently pushed her back with his paw. "I know, but that fox would have slaughtered him," He told her quietly. "You don't want to see him like that."

"That's right," Dewpaw added, his eyes filled with heartache as he stared at his distressed mother. "We have to remember Stormstar as he was. That's what he would want."

At last, Silverblossom gave up and slumped into a sitting position, hanging her head. Dewpaw and Diamondpaw pressed against her reassuringly, while Crowmask watched them solemnly.

Rainheart hesitantly crossed the clearing and approached the medicine cat apprentice. "Dewpaw, I'm sorry to interrupt, but how is Bluerain?" He asked quietly, casting Silverblossom a sympathetic look.

"She's fine," Dewpaw told him quietly. "Her wounds will heal. She just needs some rest." He paused. "You can go see her if you like. Carrottail is already there."

He nodded and turned away, quickly padding to the medicine den. When he entered, he saw Bluerain laying in a nest of moss, her shoulder and belly wounds plastered in cobwebs. Carrottail was settled beside her,  his yellow eyes filled with worry.

"I don't know, Carrottail..." Bluerain was meowing uncertainly. When she noticed Rainheart, she turned her head, and Carrottail followed her gaze. "Hello, Rainheart. Are you alright?"

He nodded and sat down with his parents. "I'm fine." He stared at her worriedly. "How are you feeling?" 

"A bit sore, but I'll be alright." Bluerain told him.

Carrottail looked at her sadly. "Thank StarClan it wasn't worse, Bluerain. Please, won't you retire with me? Neither of us are as young as we used to be. What if next time, you aren't so lucky?" 

As she stared at him, he reached out and rested his paw on hers. "We could spend the rest of our days in the elders den, watching Rainheart and Bloomfire be the best warriors in ShadowClan. We could tell stories to our grandkits, because StarClan knows they're both having some." He added with an amused look at Rainheart, who grew hot with embarrassment.

I'd love to have kits with Poppywing. He thought, his heart warming as he imagined tiny gray and red bundles of fur. They'd be the best kits ShadowClan has ever seen. But as he returned to the situation at hand, his spirits saddened as he imagined Bluerain moving into the elders den. It wasn't easy to accept or even notice that his parents were growing old. Yet every cat retired eventually. But no cat was ever prepared when the time came.

Bluerain stared back at Carrottail, looking unsure. "That sounds lovely," She admitted quietly. "I'll think about it."

"Look, they're back!"

Rainheart's ears flicked back at Cliffshade's exclamation. With a nod to his parents, he turned and exited the den. 

Many cats were padding out of their dens, murmuring excitedly to one another. Hawkfeather had just entered the camp, followed by Depthwater. His dark fur looked more blue than usual in the morning light, and his eyes shone with determination and pride. They had just returned from the moonstone.

As more cats gathered, Hawkfeather spoke loud and clear for every cat to hear. "StarClan has granted him nine lives." He stepped back and dipped his head to his companion. "Let us welcome home the new leader of ShadowClan, Depthstar."

"Depthstar! Depthstar!" The clan cheered. The dark tom raised his head proudly as he embraced the moment.

"Depthstar!" 

Snakekit, Brownkit, and Blackkit bounded out of the nursery and darted around their father's paws, their little tails high with excitement. Sunflower followed them, her eyes glowing.

"You're clan leader now!" Blackkit squeaked excitedly. "That's awesome!"

Snakekit's green eyes were alight with joy. "You'll chase off any mean rogues that dare threaten ShadowClan!"

"Who's deputy? I want to be deputy!" Brownkit exclaimed.

As Depthstar chuckled, Sunflower joined them, purring in amusement. "Don't be silly! Kits can't be deputies." She rested her warm gaze on her mate and stepped forward, giving him a nuzzle. "I'm so proud of you. You'll be a wonderful leader."

Depthstar gave her cheek a lick and let out a purr."I'll be the best leader I can be." He paused and padded across the clearing, leaping onto the meeting rock. "But I can't do it alone." 

As Rainheart gathered with the other warriors below the rock, he realized what Depthstar's next step was. He's going to choose a deputy! He studied the cats around him, wondering who it would be. Perhaps Crowmask or Maplefur?

"I'll need a deputy to stand by my side. A cat who is wise, loyal, and determined to protect our clan." Depthstar paused, studying the cats below as though making sure of his decision. "I say these words before StarClan, so that the spirits of our warrior ancestors may hear and approve of my choice. The new deputy of ShadowClan is Cobratail."

Many cats murmured in surprise, and even Rainheart was startled. Cobratail? Poppywing's brother?

"Me?" Cobratail's amber eyes lit with shock as his name was spoken. "Depthstar, I'm truly honored, but I've only been a warrior for a few moons. Are you sure I'm the right cat?"

Crowmask nodded agreement. "That's right," He meowed. "I mean no disrespect, Depthstar, but Cobratail is very young. He hasn't even had an apprentice!"

"He trained Poisonedsap when she joined the clan," Rosebreeze reminded him.

The black warrior glanced at her sharply. "Does that even count?"

"That's enough," Depthstar meowed, and the warriors fell silent. "Cobratail, you may be young. But that means that you have the energy that is needed to defend our clan. Despite your age, you are wise, determined, and loyal. There is no cat I'd rather have as my deputy."

For a heartbeat, Cobratail stared up at his leader, still taken back by his words. After a moment, he stood, his eyes lighting with pride and determination. "I would be honored, Depthstar."

"Cobratail! Cobratail!"

The clan began chanting his name, and Rainheart joined in, watching the black and red tom as his clanmates congratulated him. Poppywing will be so happy for him.

"Cobratail!"

Coincidentally enough, he turned to see that Poppywing had awoken and was rushing toward her brother, purring and touching her nose to his. "Congratulations! You'll be an amazing deputy."

Cobratail let out a purr and rested his chin on her head. "Thanks, Poppywing. I'll do my best."

She stepped back and stared at him, pretending to be serious. "You'd better not put me on patrols all the time now just because I'm your sister."

Cobratail snorted in amusement, his eyes gleaming. "No promises!"

"Before I call this meeting to an end," Depthstar began speaking again, and every cat looked up at him once more. "I'd like to make Flamepaw, Copperpaw, and Timberpaw warriors. They fought bravely in the fight against the fox, and that's enough of an assessment to me."

The brothers exchanged excited looks before they quickly moved to the front of the crowd, looking up at their new leader. Milkblaze watched his apprentice proudly, and Silverblossom sat beside him. Though she tried to look happy, her eyes were still dull with grief for Stormstar. Bluerain watched from outside the medicine den, Carrottail at her side.

"I, Depthstar, leader of ShadowClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on these apprentices." Depthstar gazed down at them as he spoke. "They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend them to you as warriors in their turn."

He rested his gaze on the first apprentice. "Flamepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?"

"I do," Flamepaw meowed confidently. Behind him, Bloomfire watched from the crowd, her eyes shining with pride.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name." Depthstar meowed. "Flamepaw, from this moment on you will be known as Flameheart. StarClan honors your courage and compassion, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ShadowClan."

"Flameheart! Flameheart!" The clan cheered.

"Flameheart!" Bloomfire purred and rushed to his side, giving him a nuzzle. He purred loudly and twined his tail with hers.

They're finally warriors together. Rainheart thought, his heart warm with happiness for his sister. I'm sure I'll be seeing a lot less of her now that she can spend time with Flameheart.

As they moved aside, Depthstar went on. "Copperpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?"

"I do," Copperpaw purred.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Copperpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Copperstripe. StarClan honors your loyalty and skill, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ShadowClan."

"Copperstripe! Copperstripe!"

The last apprentice, Timberpaw, stepped forward. He looked up as Depthstar spoke. "Timberpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?"

"I do." Timberpaw hesitated. "I'm sorry, I know I shouldn't interrupt, but I have a request."

The clan murmured to one another in surprise, and Flameheart exchanged a confused look with Copperstripe. Rainheart stared at Timberpaw curiously. This never happens. What could it be?

Depthstar blinked in surprise, but gave a nod. "Yes, Timberpaw?"

The tabby apprentice hesitated before clearing his throat and meeting his leader's gaze. "I would have died yesterday if Stormstar hadn't sacrificed himself to the fox." He meowed. "I owe him my life. I would like to be called Timberstorm, in honor of Stormstar."

The clan spoke quietly at this, many giving him nods of approval. Silverblossom's eyes flooded with emotion as she watched Timberpaw.

Depthstar dipped his head, respect filling his gaze. "Very well. I'm sure that Stormstar is honored." He raised his head. "By the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Timberpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Timberstorm. StarClan honors your spirit and courage, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ShadowClan."

"Timberstorm! Timberstorm!"

The clan cheered his name louder than they had Flameheart and Copperstripe, perhaps because in a way, they were cheering for Stormstar as well.

We will never forget Stormstar. Rainheart thought solemnly. But Depthstar will be a great leader.