Fireheart and the gang had begun running downstream to RiverClan as the cats fighting at WindClan’s camp had travelled further down. The scents of TigerClan and WindClan were fresh, and RiverClan mixed with them.

As Fireheart skidded to a halt he saw the fighting cats. Tigerstar was nowhere to be seen so he assumed the dark tabby was further down. Screeches and hisses were heard as claws and pelts clashed, jaws snapping as fur flew about onto the ground.

Fireheart dived into the fighting crowd, looking around for TigerClan’s leader. He stopped as Leopardfur and Longtail went rolling past him. He could see Ferncloud and Dustpelt fighting together while Whitestorm fought near them.

How long has this battle been going on for? Fireheart asked himself. He and the former TigerClan cats decided to join into the battle. Although Barley was told not to fight the loner still joined in, willing to take part in a battle that wasn’t his.

As Fireheart trekked forward, dodging and slipping through fights. Deadfoot the WindClan deputy was trying to fight off Blackstar but the white tom only kept taunting him about his twisted paw. Fireheart saw Russetfur coming from behind Deadfoot and she sprung.

Fireheart leapt forward and rolled onto his back. He remembered what Bluestar had taught him during his apprenticeship and began to time Russetfur as she got closer. Now! Fireheart kicked his paws into the air, feeling them hit Russetfur’s belly, and sent the russet she-cat flying.

Deadfoot’s head turned as Fireheart began to get onto his paws. As Fireheart stared at the black deputy he saw Deadfoot looking thankful for his help and began focusing on Blackstar. Fireheart continued forward and as he did there became less numbers of warriors.

Tigerstar was now in Fireheart’s sight. He was walking slowly behind boulders, his amber eyes peering out at Crookedstar. Crookedstar was fighting against Swiftshadow and Mousefur, looking exhausted. Three against one isn’t fair!

The two TigerClan cats did not see the ginger tom so Fireheart hid in a bush. Every fur on him told him that he had to help Crookedstar before he got hurt. But diving out there could be like a death wish.

“By the time you’re dead Tigerstar would have taken over your pathetic fish Clan,” Swiftshadow hissed at Crookedstar as he and Mousefur circled around him. “Maybe if you and Tallstar weren’t stubborn kits you would be spared. Then you might have to be called Crookedjaw though.”

Tigerstar sprung from a gap in the rocks and Crookedstar’s head turned, his eyes going wide. Tigerstar slashed his sharp claws out and landed onto the ground on all paws. Swiftshadow’s eyes gleamed while Mousefur didn’t look too pleased.

Crookedstar’s legs shook before he fell to the ground with a thud. Tigerstar’s head looked to the RiverClan leader and approached him. He lifted a paw up and prodded the pale tabby at the side. There was no movement and horror struck through Fireheart. Crookedstar was dead.

“I want you two to go now,” Tigerstar told his two warriors. “Your service is not required here.” His attention was completely fixed onto Crookedstar and Fireheart wondered what was on his mind.

Without thinking about anything Fireheart sprung and Tigerstar dodged. The TigerClan leader whipped around and his fierce gaze met Fireheart’s. “So you saw me killing old Crookedstar. I was expecting you to attend the greatest battle in history.”

“It won’t be so great when you’re dead,” Fireheart replied. “You’ve caused too much bloodshed alrea --”

“Save the talk for when you’re in StarClan, kittypet,” Tigerstar interrupted. “I get you wish Bluestar was still alive but right now that stupid flea-pelt is dead. Gone forever. You couldn’t prevent that she-cat from dying even if you were there.”

“You don’t deserve forgiveness or leadership. How could StarClan allow such a thing to happen?”

“Maybe they favour me over you,” Tigerstar answered. “I wouldn’t be too surprised about it. After all, you’re just a puny kittypet with no brains. I have nine lives and you have one. I could kill you easily.” That is true. But maybe I could make him lose a life. . . That will be risky but I have to save the Clans.

“You think you’re really strong by being a leader,” Fireheart began, “but maybe you’re not. You shouldn’t underestimate things so easily, Tigerstar.”

“Maybe you shouldn’t underestimate a real Clan cat,” Tigerstar spat back. “If you want a fight then you’ve got one. The death of you will be my glorious victory.” He shot forward and so did Fireheart. Tigerstar opened his jaws to bite Fireheart but the ginger tom moved his body to the side.

At once claws hit Fireheart’s muzzle as Tigerstar had lashed them out. Pain shot through Fireheart and the inflicted wound but that wouldn’t stop him from fighting this monster. Tigerstar swiped his paw at Fireheart’s leg, making the ginger tom go down.

Tigerstar was going to crash his paw onto Fireheart’s neck before the loner rolled out of the way. He is the forest’s greatest fighter. Swiftly he got back on his paws and shot forward, knocking Tigerstar onto the ground.

Tigerstar’s eyes blazed with fury as he began batting his paws at Fireheart’s belly. Soon claws began to grip at his flanks, raking down them as he could feel blood being drawn. “Kill me. Who cares about the warrior code? You cannot defeat me by making me live, Firepaw.”

Fireheart had come to agree with Tigerstar; if he did not kill him he would still have power. StarClan itself was powerless to stop Tigerstar from becoming leader in the first place. Fireheart bit into Tigerstar’s neck, sinking his teeth deep enough to get the taste of blood.

Tigerstar then kicked hard into Fireheart’s belly, causing more pain. The force was enough to throw him off while the pain made him weaker. Tigerstar was now on his paws and began to walk to Fireheart. At once an idea popped into his head.

Once Tigerstar was in range Fireheart swiped his claws swiftly out, hitting them into Tigerstar’s neck he had recently bitten. Tigerstar’s eyes filled up with surprise and as Fireheart removed his paw more blood came gushing onto the ground.

Tigerstar fell to the ground with a thud, his eyes turning blank. But Fireheart knew this treacherous cat was far from dead, and that he was only losing his first life.

“I could have done better,” a voice mewed behind Fireheart. As the ginger tom turned around he saw Scourge, feeling a bit scared by his appearance. Scourge then froze and something appeared in his eyes. “You. . . Are you. . . It can’t be but. . . Are you Jake?”

“Jake?” Fireheart questioned. “No, I’m Fireheart. Jake is my father though – at least that’s what Nutmeg told me.” Scourge gave a brief nod.

“I know him,” he replied. “He was my father too though I was not born a kittypet.” His gaze rested up at the sky for several heartbeats as if memories were going through his mind. “You look exactly like him.”

“Wait. . . so we’re half brothers?” Fireheart was taken by surprise. Nutmeg, his mother, never mentioned Jake had other kits. Maybe Nutmeg was just unaware about that. Jake did often travel around the forest area.

“I guess,” Scourge replied. “Jake never told – in fact, I never even got to meet him. Quince only told me he often roamed the forest. I went in there once and that’s when that traitor attacked me.” He stared down at Tigerstar, who’s eyes were back to its original state though he looked surprised.

“You were that weak kittypet Thistleclaw ordered me to attack?” he questioned. “You were actually a kittypet?! How can a kittypet look so – I can’t believe I was frightened of one at first!”

“I am not a kittypet,” Scourge snarled with hatred. “You really don’t know how to keep your paws to yourself. If you did then maybe our deal would still be on.”

“Your breaking the deal because of that pathetic Firepaw?” Tigerstar sounded annoyed. “I promised you a better life! I offered you territory and shelter in TigerClan, Scourge! How can you do this to me?”

“Silence,” Scourge growled. “I have no time to listen to you. But mark my words, I will return soon.” He casted a glance at Fireheart before he turned and walked away. I never knew he had the same blood as me. I wonder if Jake actually did look exactly like me.

“You’re lucky the battle is over,” Tigerstar growled. “Without Scourge I’m weaker than I was. But I will return, Fireheart, and I will hunt you down. But I’m still TigerClan’s leader as usual.” He got up and began walking away. Fireheart watched and was surprised Tigerstar would admit to defeat.

Though Tigerstar was beaten he would not give up that easily. He would have other plans in his mind to take over the other remaining Clans. One question, however, went through Fireheart’s mind: Would Leopardfur have a change in heart or will she unite RiverClan with TigerClan?