"Milkblaze, look!"

The white and cream warrior turned his head and saw his apprentice pop his head out of a bush, holding a limp frog in his jaws. "Well done, Timberpaw!" He praised, and the young tabby padded over to him, his tail high. "That's two in a row."

Timberpaw dropped the frog at his paws and looked up at his mentor. "I've been meaning to ask," He meowed hesitantly. "How far along am I with my training?"

Milkblaze expected to see an excited look in the young tom's eyes, but his expression was serious. He's mature for his age. He thought. Most apprentices are bouncing around ready to explode at the thought of completing their training! "You're just over halfway," He told him. "And you're learning very fast. You'll be taking the oath before you know it."

The tabby's tufted ears pricked forward, revealing his contained excitement. Milkblaze purred and looked toward the sky. They had left the camp just before dawn. Now, the sun had begun to rise beyond the pine trees. "I think that's enough training for today," He meowed. "Let's collect your prey and head back to camp."

"Great!" Timberpaw purred. "Buzzardglare and Foxshine will be hungry." As he dug up the other frog he caught, he looked up at Milkblaze. "I've been wondering, about the oath... Are we really expected to defend the clan with our lives? I mean..." He paused as though gathering his thoughts. "Are all warriors meant to die in battle? I want to live a long life. I don't want to die..."

For a heartbeat, Milkblaze was startled by the unusual question. Of course you're expected to protect your clanmates with your life! Why wouldn't you? He pondered upon his response as Timberpaw picked up two frogs by the legs in his teeth, and he padded alongside his apprentice toward the camp.

Milkblaze could understand Timberpaw's concern. As a young apprentice, the oath seemed to be of little importance, simply words in a ceremony. But this leafbare, every cat had seen just how real taking the oath was.

For moons, the clans had been terrorized by a gang of rogues led by a merciless cat called Bone Shred. Warriors from every clan had died, fulfilling their promise to defend their clans with their lives. ShadowClan had lost their deputy, Pinetail, who had since been succeeded by Depthwater. Every cat in ShadowClan respected and grieved for her. Milkblaze did miss the prickly she-cat. But he and his littermates had lost far more than their deputy.

***

"Milkpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your clan, even at the cost of your life?"

A few tail lengths from the foot of the meeting rock, Milkpaw stood tall, yellow eyes shining up at his leader. His heart fluttered excitedly in the moment he'd waited so long for. "I do." He meowed.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name." A frosty breeze ruffled Stormstar's gray tabby pelt. "Milkpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Milkblaze. StarClan honors your loyalty and kindness, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ShadowClan."

Milkblaze! His heart warmed. He immediately turned his head to see his mother, Redblaze. She sat at the front of the crowd, her yellow eyes glowing with pride. Stormstar named me after her. What an honor! Beside her, his father, Baconstripe, watched them warmly.

Their mother, Redblaze, was one of the most experienced warriors in ShadowClan. Every cat admired and respected her. Even Stormstar himself seemed to rank her above him. Stormstar isn't a young cat anymore. Milkblaze thought. And I hope he doesn't join StarClan any time soon. But I'm sure when Pinetail becomes leader, she'll make Redblaze her deputy.

"Milkblaze! Maplefur! Rosebreeze!" The clan cheered the names of the new warriors.

Despite the chill of leaf-bare, Milkblaze felt as warm as though the sun were shining down on his pelt. He started to turn toward his siblings, but found himself face to face with Buzzardglare. "Congratulations, Milkblaze." The older tom rumbled. "You'll be a great warrior."

"Thank you!" He purred. "You were a great mentor." As the tabby turned away and headed to the fresh kill pile, Milkblaze saw his parents approaching.

"I'm so proud of you all!" Redblaze purred, her ginger tail tip high in the air as she leaned forward and licked Milkblaze's head. Behind her, Baconstripe gave Rosebreeze an affectionate nuzzle, then touched his nose to Maplefur's shoulder.

"Well done," Baconstripe purred loudly. "Stormstar chose perfect names."

Milkblaze exchanged delighted looks with his siblings. Above them, Stormstar dipped his head to dismiss the clan, then leapt down from the rock, stepping forward to greet the new warriors. "Congratulations," He meowed warmly. His gaze traveled past the trio to Redblaze. "You must be proud."

He detected a solemn tone in his leader's voice. When he looked at his mother, she had met Stormstar's gaze steadily. "We're very proud, Stormstar. Thank you."

Milkblaze dipped his head respectfully. "You named me after Redblaze, didn't you?"

The dark gray tabby dragged his gaze away from Redblaze's to look at Milkblaze. "I did. You've inherited a lot of her skill and courage." He quickly added. "All of you have."

Milkblaze purred proudly while Rosebreeze murmured thanks. When Stormstar turned away, Redblaze leaned against Baconstripe, and the couple gazed at their kits proudly. Milkblaze gazed back happily. Everything is perfect...

***

"Hawkfeather! Hawkfeather, quick!"

Milkblaze's head shot up from where he'd been crouched by the fresh kill pile, his stomach twisting. Oh no, not another attack! He silently begged.

Bone Shred's rogues continued ambushing patrols, killing every clan cat they could. Just a few days ago, their father, Baconstripe, had been leading a hunting patrol when they were ambushed. Baconstripe had suffered horrible wounds, and though their medicine cat Hawkfeather did everything he could, StarClan had taken him. Milkblaze and his family were still deeply grieving for him.

Depthwater panted heavily by the camp entrance, and Ashcloud skidded to a halt behind him, his eyes wide and distressed. Neither cat was injured, and Milkblaze's heart pounded as he wondered what had happened.

Stormstar hurried forward to meet them. "What's happened?" He demanded, unable to hide the fear in his voice. Hawkfeather rushed to his side, already equipped with a bundle of cobwebs.

"It's Redblaze!" Depthwater gasped. "She- she's badly wounded, just outside our territory!"

The ShadowClan leader's eyes lit with alarm. "No!"

Redblaze? Milkblaze's eyes widened, and his heart exploded in fear. No! Oh no! He leaped to his paws and rushed over to the group. "Where is she?" He gasped.

After a moment of shock, Stormstar jerked a nod to Depthwater and Ashcloud. "Lead the way!"

The two warriors spun and took off through the snow, Stormstar, Hawkfeather, and Milkblaze hard on their tails. Milkblaze's mind raced even faster with dozens of questions. How bad is it? Will she survive? Why was she out alone, and outside of clan borders?? What if she- No, don't think about that! It's okay!

As they passed carrionplace, the metallic scent of blood rose above the reek of twoleg trash. Fear shot through his veins like icy fire. A few moments later, he caught sight of his mother, and his breath caught in his throat.

No...

Redblaze lay on her side, droplets of blood staining the snow around her. Blood splashed her cream tabby fur. The scent of Bone Shred's rogues lingered in the air. Of course, they had done this.

"No!" Milkblaze wailed and dropped to her side, certain that his mother was dead. Up close, he saw horrible slashes in her throat and flank. But her ears twitched in response to his voice, and her eyes flickered open.

"Milkblaze...?" She murmured.

Stormstar crouched over her, his paws trembling. "Redblaze! What happened? Why were you out here alone?" When she didn't respond, he looked up sharply at his medicine cat. "Hawkfeather?"

The tabby medicine cat leaned over Redblaze, sniffing at her wounds. After a moment, he closed his eyes and sat up, shaking his head. "They're too deep, and she's lost too much blood already." He murmured. "I'm sorry."

No... The world blurred around Milkblaze as he tried to focus on his mother's face. I can't lose her! I've already lost Baconstripe! Not so soon!

"I look forward to hunting with Baconstripe again..." Redblaze breathed shakily. She tried to raise her head, but it quickly fell back into the snow. "Milkblaze...?"

He swallowed the growing lump in his throat. "I'm here." He touched his nose to her bloody cheek fur.

"I'm sorry to leave you so soon..." Her yellow eyes glistened with pain and love. "Please... You must always be there for Maplefur and Rosebreeze..." Redblaze's voice came out as a strained whisper. "Protect them..."

Milkblaze's heart felt like a boulder in his chest. He shut his eyes and pressed his head into his mother's fur, trying to focus on her scent and ignore the reek of blood and rogue. "I will..." He choked. "I promise." And that's an oath...

***

"Milkblaze?"

Timberpaw's voice snapped Milkblaze out of his memories. "What?" He looked aside.

His apprentice stared at him questioningly. "Are you okay? I-I was asking you about the warrior's oath."

The oath... Milkblaze blinked slowly, memories of his mother aching through his heart. He looked downward as he slowly padded forward. "Warriors don't live for the sake of dying in battle." He meowed quietly. "But we're expected to follow our hearts. We defend our clanmates and every cat we love even at the cost of our lives." He remembered the love in Redblaze's eyes, even as she watched him in her final moments.

"StarClan willing, you're never faced with the decision," Milkblaze went on solemnly. "But when it comes to your clanmates and kin, you'll put your life in danger for them, often without realizing it. That's what it means to have the heart of a warrior."

Timberpaw nodded slowly, his yellow eyes thoughtful as he processed his mentor's words.

When the two entered the camp, they found it as busy as always. By the meeting rock, Stormstar lay alongside his mate, Silverblossom. Depthwater was in the center of the clearing, speaking with Cobratail and Bluerain.

Copperpaw and Flamepaw emerged from the elders' den, each carrying a bundle of moss. Timberpaw hurried past them with his frogs, clearly eager to give them to the elders.

Milkblaze's stomach rumbled, and he'd started toward the fresh kill pile to grab a piece of prey for himself when he spotted Maplefur's cream tabby pelt across the clearing. His brother was speaking with his apprentice, Diamondpaw. Milkblaze purred and padded toward them.

"Tomorrow we'll practice the belly rake again." Maplefur was telling her. "You nearly had it down today!"

Diamondpaw's blue eyes glowed. "Thanks, Maplefur!" The silver spotted she-cat turned and bounded across the clearing, her tail high in the air.

Maplefur chuckled, and Milkblaze watched her with a purr before continuing toward his brother. "How's training going?" He asked as he sat beside him.

"Going well," The cream tabby purred. "Diamondpaw may seem quiet and easygoing, but she can be a pawful." He hesitated. "Caring for a young cat like this- It makes me want to be a father even more." He admitted.

Milkblaze blinked in surprise. A father? He hadn't noticed Maplefur getting close with any she-cat in the clan. But he was a kind, loyal, and caring cat. Milkblaze had no doubt that his brother would be a great mate and father.

Maplefur seemed to read his thoughts and purred. "I know, I haven't met the right cat yet. But hopefully soon." He rested his yellow gaze on his brother. "How about you?"

"Timberpaw's training is going well-" Milkblaze began.

His brother looked mildly amused. "Yes, of course. But do you want to be a father, too? Maybe our kits could grow up together."

Milkblaze was caught off guard by the question. "What?" It felt like just yesterday he and his siblings were made warriors. And now they were already thinking about becoming parents? We're still so young, aren't we? I'm happy just being a warrior and a mentor. I haven't even thought about taking a mate, let alone having kits! He opened his jaws to tell him this.

"Maplefur!" Depthwater called. The deputy stood a few fox lengths away. Bluerain, Crowmask, and Cobratail were near him, looking at Maplefur expectantly. "Bluerain is leading a hunting patrol. Would you like to join them?"

He nodded. "Sure!" He stood and waved his tail. "See you, Milkblaze."

Milkblaze found himself relieved to not have to discuss mates or kits. "Good hunting." He meowed after his brother.

A red tabby flashed past him. "Can I come?" Poppywing asked hopefully.

"Of course." Bluerain purred, her gaze traveling over the group. "Are we ready?" She didn't wait for a response and turned, leading her patrol to the thorn tunnel.

Milkblaze watched them until Maplefur's pelt vanished in the shadows.

***

After the patrol left, Milkblaze had gone to the fresh kill pile. He now crouched over a half eaten frog, chewing on the tender flesh. The sun had risen higher in the sky now, the purple hue of dawn fading away.

"Mind if I join you?"

He looked up to see Rosebreeze, her amber eyes gleaming. He purred and waved his tail. "Of course not."

His sister settled beside him, sniffing at the pile briefly before choosing a mouse for herself. "I never see you around these days. Timberpaw keeps you busy." She meowed in amusement before taking a bite of the mouse.

"Training an apprentice is harder than I thought," Milkblaze admitted. "But I don't mind it. I'm sure you'll have your own apprentice soon."

Rosebreeze hesitated. "I'm not sure if I want one," She confessed. "I like being able to hunt and patrol freely. I don't think I have the patience to deal with a bossy young cat!" She purred.

He chuckled in amusement. "An apprentice is nothing. Imagine dealing with kits!"

"Kits?" Rosebreeze's amusement faded. "Oh, I'd love kits someday."

Milkblaze stared at his sister in disbelief. You too? Why does everyone want to have kits?

"Stormstar!"

Poppywing burst through the thorn tunnel, her blue eyes wide and troubled. Milkblaze was immediately reminded of Redblaze's death and stood up. Oh, StarClan! It can't be Bone Shred's rogues, can it? I thought we got rid of them! For a heartbeat, he was terrified that the clans had failed to drive them out, and that Maplefur was dying in a pool of blood somewhere in the forest.

Stormstar quickly rose to his paws. "Poppywing? What's going on?" Beside him, Silverblossom's ears pricked with worry.

"There's a rogue on our territory." Poppywing explained quickly. "She seems to mean no harm, but she's one of Bone Shred's cats, we're sure of it."

The cats around them were quickly disturbed at this news. "What?" Cliffshade leaped to his paws, his neck fur bristling. "Well, what are you meowing about here for? Go drive her out!"

"Maplefur thinks we should hear her out-" Poppywing began.

"Are you mouse-brained?" Ashcloud exclaimed. "That's-"

Stormstar raised his voice. "That's enough!" He stepped forward to meet Poppywing. "I'll come and see what we're dealing with," He growled. "Lead the way, Poppywing." The young she-cat nodded and turned, the leader following her out of the camp.

The cats in the clearing immediately began to murmur anxiously to one another. "Why doesn't the patrol drive her out?" Cliffshade hissed to Cougarfoot.

"What's going on?" Bloomfire asked, emerging from the warriors den.

Flamepaw turned to her quickly. "One of Bone Shred's rogues is on our territory," He explained. Bloomfire's eyes widened.

Milkblaze was deeply troubled by this news. "I thought we drove them out!" He whispered to Rosebreeze. "Why is one of them on our territory?"

His sister shook her head, her eyes lit with worry. "I don't know. What could she want?"

"Depthwater!" Rainheart took a step toward the deputy, his eyes wide. "Does this mean Bone Shred's rogues are back? What do we do?" He looked sharply toward the thorn tunnel. "Poppywing is out there with a murderer!"

"Calm down, Rainheart." Depthwater twitched his tail. "Stormstar will explain the situation when he returns." Though it was clear that the dark blue-black tom was just as uneasy at the news.

Time seemed to stand still as the clan awaited Stormstar's return. Milkblaze shared their fears. This season had been one of the worst the clans had ever faced. So many cats, young and old, had fallen victim to Bone Shred's Gang. What if some had returned to avenge their leader? What if they were faced with another war?

After what felt like moons, Stormstar entered the camp, his expression unreadable. Crowmask was close behind his leader, grumbling with his ears flat and eyes narrowed to amber slits. Poppywing and Bluerain were next, murmuring to one another. Milkblaze relaxed when he saw Maplefur, but half a second later his heart nearly shot into his throat.

His brother padded alongside an unfamiliar she-cat who had emerged from the shadows with him. She had thick, slightly mangled golden brown fur, and black ears that flicked back against her head. Her amber eyes flashed nervously from side to side, surveying the camp. The familiar scent of Bone Shred's rogues filled the air.

The clearing erupted into yowls and gasps of shock and fury. "You brought the rogue here?" Cliffshade yowled. "Are you out of your mind?"

"Get her away!" Sunflower hissed from outside the nursery, her belly round with kits. "You're putting all of us in danger!"

"Stormstar?" Depthwater stared at his leader in disbelief.

The ShadowClan leader meowed something quickly to Maplefur before hurrying through the crowd and leaping onto the meeting rock, yowling to gather his clan. But nearly every cat was in the clearing now, some angry, some afraid as they stared at the newcomer.

Maplefur had guided the stranger to the foot of the rock, standing close to her and looking around swiftly, as though ready to defend her if any cat tried to attack. Milkblaze watched him, puzzled. Has Stormstar asked him to guard her in case she attacks? Or the clan?

"What's all the yellin' about?" Buzzardglare grumbled as he stepped out of the elders' den.

"Stormstar has brought a murderer to our camp!" Crowmask hissed in response.

The old tabby's good eye widened. "Could you repeat that? I think I'm going deaf as well as blind."

"Every cat, listen!" Stormstar began, looking down at his alarmed clan. "I've brought this cat into our camp because-"

"Because you have bees in your brain!" Crowmask screeched.

Stormstar raised his voice above the warrior. "Bluerain's patrol has found this cat on our territory!" His green eyes were dark with conflict as he carefully chose his words. "She does not wish to harm us. She is alone and afraid."

"How do you know that?" Cougarfoot asked uncertainly. "She could have friends prowling our territory right now!"

"We didn't scent any other cats." Bluerain spoke up from where she stood near Maplefur.

The clan leader dipped his head to the she-cat. "She wants to become a warrior of ShadowClan. Yes, this cat was one of Bone Shred's rogues. But-"

"But what?" Foxshine called from outside the elders' den. "If she was, that's bad enough! How do we know she didn't kill one of our warriors?"

"Or that she won't do it again?" Cliffshade added darkly. "She could have killed my mother, Pinetail." He shouldered his way toward the she-cat, unsheathing his claws. "Send her away, or I'll do it myself!" He snarled.

Milkblaze was stunned when Maplefur pushed in front of the rogue, glaring at the gray and brown tom. "You won't lay a claw on her!" He hissed. "She's done nothing to harm us!"

"You'd betray your clan for a rogue?" Cliffshade crouched to lunge at him. Maplefur narrowed his eyes, preparing for the attack.

"Stop!" Depthwater pushed between the two warriors. "Clanmates do not attack one another! We will listen to what Stormstar and this rogue have to say."

Stormstar gave his deputy a nod. "Thank you, Depthwater." He drew in a deep breath before speaking. "Poisoned Sap, will you please tell the clan what you told me in the forest?"

"Poisoned Sap?" Cliffshade snorted. "Oh that's a reassuring name! I'm sure she's a rainbow of joy!"

As Maplefur glared at him, the she-cat straightened. "O-oh, of course." She hesitated, her ragged tail tucked between her legs as she flicked her amber gaze around her. "My name is Poisoned Sap," She began, her voice trembling. "Yes, I was one of Bone Shred's rogues. He was my brother, b-but..." She looked at her black paws. "Not a very good one."

A few cats muttered to themselves, while most listened curiously. MIlkblaze studied the she-cat thoughtfully. She definitely doesn't look like a threat, but...

"Bone Shred forced me to help him in his attacks on the clans," Poisoned Sap went on, her voice full of pain. "I'm very sorry for everything they did to you." She paused. "The RiverClan warrior, Iceslide, was a good friend of mine. He told me that after Bone Shred was defeated, he would help me join RiverClan, but..." She shut her eyes. "You know he died so bravely."

The clan murmured to one another thoughtfully. "If Iceslide saw good in her, we can trust her, can't we?" Copperpaw mewed hesitantly. A few cats agreed quietly.

Milkblaze narrowed his eyes. How do we know she's telling the truth? The only cat who can confirm it is Iceslide. And he's in StarClan now.

"I've never wanted to hurt any cat." Poisoned Sap trembled. "Now that my brother is dead, I have nowhere to go. But I finally have the chance to live the life of freedom I've always wanted." She raised her chin. "I want to be a warrior."

After a moment, Crowmask broke the silence. "Murderer's don't get to be warriors."

"Stop it!" Maplefur glared at him. "Poisoned Sap just wants the chance to finally live her own life! It's not her fault her brother was a terrible cat!" He turned to look at her. "I think she'll make a great warrior, and she'll prove herself to all of you."

Milkblaze was shocked at his brother's behaviour. What's wrong with you? She was one of Bone Shred's rogues! Those cats killed Baconstripe and Redblaze!

"Howlstorm and Dandeliontail were members of Bone Shred's Gang too," Maplefur went on. "But they joined WindClan. They're good cats, and very friendly. Poisoned Sap is just like them."

That's true... Milkblaze had heard about the couple at the last gathering. Despite having been rogues, they seemed to be settling in well. But there's something different about Poisoned Sap...

As the clan quieted, Poisoned Sap looked up at Stormstar anxiously. "Please, can I join ShadowClan? I'll do whatever I must to prove myself."

Stormstar's eyes narrowed as he stared down at her. Don't let her. Milkblaze silently willed his leader. I don't trust her. No cat does. "Poisoned Sap, I will allow you to stay in ShadowClan."

The clan rose into commentary, but Stormstar raised his tail for silence. "However, you will be trained in the ways of the warrior code and stay in the apprentices' den." He studied the cats in the crowd. "Cobratail?"

The mottled black and red tom twitched his tail. "Yes, Stormstar?"

"You will mentor Poisoned Sap," Stormstar told him. "You will train her like any other apprentice, but focus on teaching her the warrior code and clan life. After three moons, if she passes her assessment and proves herself trustworthy, she can permanently join ShadowClan as a warrior." His eyes narrowed. "If she does not, she must leave the forest and never return." He looked to Poisoned Sap. "Understood?"

The golden brown she-cat bowed her head low to the ground. "Thank you, Stormstar." Her voice was rich with relief. "I won't disappoint you."

The clan slowly dispersed, many forming smaller groups to discuss the latest news. "I can't believe this," Cougarfoot muttered. "A former murderer in our clan."

"It's mouse-brained." Crowmask growled. "She'll never be one of us."

"But she was forced to do terrible things. Maybe she's a good cat." Poppywing pointed out, blinking sympathetically toward the she-cat.

Milkblaze followed her gaze. Below the meeting rock, Poisoned Sap was looking around, a warm glow in her eyes as she studied the camp. Maplefur brushed his shoulder against hers and purred reassuringly.

I don't like this... Milkblaze thought as he stared at the stranger, his fur prickling at the sight of her so close to his beloved brother. This is a mistake. I can feel it.