(Don't ship)

Cinderpelt had become a fully-trained warrior a few moons ago. Bluestar had been hit by a monster on the Thunderpath, injuring her hind leg. Bluestar had pushed Cinderpelt off of the Thunderpath, risking her own life so her Clanmate wouldn't get hurt. Cinderpelt saw Fireheart, the one love of her life. She had loved Fireheart since she was made his apprentice, looking up to him and wanting to be just like him.

Much to Cinderpelt's disappointment, Fireheart and Sandstorm hanged around with each other more than they used to. Cinderpelt was slightly jealous at the time the two cats spent with each other.

"Cinderpelt!"Cinderpelt's mind snapped and she looked to see her littermate, Brackenfur, racing to her. Her ears were perked, ready to listen to what Brackenfur had to say. "Tigerclaw says he wants you to join Longtail's patrol." Cinderpelt nodded and at once began trotting to Longtail, who was talking to Dustpelt while staring at Fireheart, who must have also been on the patrol.

"A kittypet shouldn't even be hunting," Cinderpelt heard Dustpelt mew, as if he were agreeing to something Longtail had said.

"One day when Tigerstar is leader, he will regret joining ThunderClan. I mean really, a kittypet as a warrior? It seems like only yesterday that kittypet joined our once Clan-blooded ThunderClan," Longtail meowed.

"It's not Fireheart's fault he was born a kittypet," Cinderpelt began to defend the ginger tom. "He's one of the Clans' greatest warriors and you should be thankful--"

"Why would I be thankful of some kittypet that cannot keep his own apprentice under control?" Dustpelt's gaze fixed onto Cloudpaw, who was talking with Brightpaw and Swiftpaw.

"It's not his fault Cloudpaw is a lot of work, either. You should really stop teasing Fireheart." Longtail and Dustpelt let out a snort of laughter.

"Since when did Bluestar die and you became leader?" Dustpelt question. "Only Buestar can control us, mouse-brain." Cinderpelt didn't bother arguing with the two warriors.

"Thanks," Fireheart meowed gratefully. Fireheart doesn't deserve to be treated some ways other warriors treat him, Cinderpelt thought. They should learn to keep their mouths shut because Fireheart is a great warrior, Clanborn or not.

The patrolling cats had left the camp, Longtail and Dustpelt always in front of Fireheart and Cinderpelt. Much to Cinderpelt's annoyance, she could overhear the two warriors talking about Fireheart, who didn't seem to be bothered by it. Cinderpelt wouldn't be able to stand her whole Clan -- or at lest some of it now -- saying stuff behind her back. Heritage didn't necessary matter; loyalty is what matters most.

Fireheart had dropped into the hunter's crouch, his tail and belly low. Cinderpelt blinked and noticed there was a mouse up ahead, nibbling on something. Longtail and Dustpelt had already scooted ahead, making them out of range.

At once Fireheart gave a leap after crawling forward for a bit, sinking his claws into the mouse and killing it. His eyes began to brighten up at his catch and he began to bury it into the ground.

"Fireheart?" Cinderpelt called. Fireheart's head lifted into the air, looking at her. O have to be brave, she told herself. I am a warrior and I can do it.

"Yes, Cinderpelt?" Fireheart waited for what she had to say. Cinderpelt shuffled her paws slightly, hesitating as she grew nervous.

"Would you. . . I don't know. . . Consider being my mate?"

"Of course." Cinderpelt was surprised at how quick Fireheart had answered and at how he hadn't rejected her. She half expected Fireheart to turn her down as he hung around with Sandstorm, which made them look close.

"I thought you loved Sandstorm."

"We're just friends, that's all," Fireheart replied. "I supposed we'd better catch up with Longtail and Dustpelt. I'll face you there!" At once the ginger tom began to sprint off, Cinderpelt hesitating before catching up. The two began to race through ThunderClan's territory to catch up with the rest of their patrol.