Edited ✔️

Icetail watched in horror as his brother left the clearing, his head held high with pride.

Sparrowheart . . . Dewstar killed Sparrowheart . . . he thought, his heart pounding hard in his chest. Right beside him, Bluewing was tense. Sharpfang's eyes were sorrowful. None of them could do anything as the DarkClan cats strolled towards their own border, following their new leader. Icetail could not believe this was happening. And to think I'm from DarkClan.

"Murderers," he called after them as the last of their cats disappeared. He clawed the ground in anger and grief, feeling overwhelmingly heavy and hot. My enemy . . . I know who my enemy is. Dewstar and DarkClan are my enemies. I shall never forgive them. I'll never show them mercy.

Dewstar killed our own father!

"I'm going to kill him," whispered Icetail, his heart beginning to pound faster. "I'm going to kill him!"

Icetail was about to charge from his spot to go after his brother, but Sharpfang's jaws clamped onto his tail, stopping him. "Don't even think about it," growled the senior warrior. "There was nothing we could do. Nothing we can do until. We must respect Sharpfang's wishes. You can't lose yourself like that."

Even though his teeth dug in to Icetail's tail, it didn't hurt from the rage and grief he felt. He glared at Sharpfang. "B-but he killed my father," the young warrior protested, as if he were a kit again. "I can't let him leave like that!"

"Be thankful that we did not have an unfair battle," whispered Bluewing, staring down at Sparrowheart's poor body. "I feel as angry as you do. . . but chasing after Dewfang is playing right into his trap. Making a cat's killer instinct snap is just what he wants."

Icetail took a deep breath, imagining the joy on his brother's face when and if he got the chance to sink his claws down his throat, snapping Icetail's neck just as he did to Sharpfang. He cringed, fur bristling as his claws sheathed hesitantly. "Y-you're right. We have to take Sparrowheart back to camp. We must tell Brightstar what happened . . ."

"We must hurry before they come back," Sharpfang murmured, watching the forest as if waiting for the enemy to jump out.

* * *

Soon, Icetail and the others finally returned to camp, his eyes sad and his head hanging. Bluewing and Sharpfang carried Sparrowheart since Icetail felt too pained to even look at his father's corpse. Brightstar instantly sprung from her spot right beside Sagepelt, Nightrose and Silverleaf, and rushed over to where Bluewing and Sharpfang set down the dead deputy in the middle of the camp.

Now all the cats of MoonClan began to crowd. Icetail hated crowds . . . he wished he were anywhere else. He wished he were dead. Death is peaceful and easy. Life is so much harder than that. I just want StarClan to take me already, why must they watch me suffer? he thought with grief.

He looked up, and his eyes met with Silverleaf's. She stood on the other side of the crowd, sorrowful blue eyes that were hard to miss. As long as I live I must look out for my Clanmates, he realized. I can't die because of the love I feel for Silverleaf; the love I feel for the entire Clan. I can't let MoonClan suffer! Icetail knew that following his mother and father to StarClan would leave his loved ones unprotected. Even if he was the day in the prophecy destined to destroy, he couldn't grasp the prospect of leaving them to be destroyed by DarkClan.

Sharpfang quietly told Brightstar and the rest of MoonClan what happened at the border as Icetail left the clearing and slowly padded to his nest. He buried his face in the soft moss and feathers, blocking out all sounds and sights. He was in no position to face any cat right now. He was too weak from grief to do so.

After a few moments, Brightstar's voice softly rung around the Clan clearing. "Every cat of MoonClan, gather around the Moonrock," she announced. Her voice wasn't as powerful as it always was, containing a hint of grief hidden with resolve.

He couldn't just ignore his leader's command. Icetail clambered out of his spot and padded into the clearing, sitting at the very back of the crowd.

"As we know, tragedies have happened," Brightstar murmured, loud enough for all to hear. Every cat of MoonClan stared up at their leader for hope, silent and still as prey. "Dewfang became the new leader of DarkClan, indicating Sandstar no longer lives. More importantly, we face today the sad death of our loyal deputy, Sparrowheart, who died bravely for the sake of MoonClan's name . . ."

"And the fact that Thornheart is still missing!" called Redsky from the crowd. Her voice was pained; Thornheart was her kit and nobody knew his whereabouts. "DarkClan must have him, we must find him before he dies, too!"

Some cats murmured agreements, while others of disapproval for speaking out.

"I know," Brightstar said, sympathetically meeting her gaze. "We will find him. But as the warrior code says, I must choose a new deputy before moonhigh—and I have made my decision."

Icetail had a feeling that some cat like Sharpfang might become the new deputy. He was loyal and strong and powerful enough in mind to lead MoonClan through this battle. He closed his eyes as he listened to Brightstar make her decision.

"I say this before StarClan, so that our warrior ancestors and that Sparrowheart may hear and approve of my choice. The new deputy of MoonClan will be Icetail," she said, looking right at his direction. His eyes opened and widened.

"Icetail! Icetail!" some of his Clanmates chanted, but others were unsure if they should. He was unsure if he should be excited or worried just like his Clanmates.

"M-me?" he stammered. "But I've never even had an apprentice!"

"That's why I will also name the new apprentices of MoonClan," Brightstar went on, "as we need as many assets as we can have for the Clan during these tough times. Goldenkit, Amberkit, Blackkit, please step forward."

Suddenly eager, the three kits stepped into the clearing, looking up at their leader with wide and hopeful eyes. Murmurs rippled through the crowd.

"Amberkit," Brightstar began. "You have reached the age of six moons, and it is time for you to be apprenticed. From this moment on, you will be known as Amberpaw. Your new mentor will be Icetail, in hopes that he will pass on his fierce desire to serve MoonClan and his will to protect his Clanmates."

"Amberpaw! Amberpaw!" every cat cheered. Even Icetail cheered, though he very surprised. He touched his nose to his new apprentice, knowing it was a custom and that he could not ignore.

Now that things are changing, I'm the new MoonClan deputy with my very own apprentice! he thought with shock. Why is Brightstar doing this?

Next, Blackkit got his apprentice name, Blackpaw, and Volefur became his mentor. Last, Goldenkit became Goldenpaw, with Dawnstripe as a mentor. Their names were cheered loudly. As the cheering died down, Brightstar continued her speech with solemn eyes.

"Through Sparrowheart's sad death, we will see MoonClan through better days," she meowed. "Along with new apprentices, we will also receive new kits in due time. Sagepelt has announced that she is expecting Sharpfang's kits, and will move into the nursery."

Sagepelt smiled amongst the cats of MoonClan as they congratulated her.

Icetail stood there in disbelief, glancing over at his father's corpse as the Clan buzzed with new events. Me, as deputy? The thought made his belly lift, and he didn't feel hungry anymore. He padded over to Brightstar once she concluded the meeting and leaped off of her den.

"Me?" Icetail asked, astonished. "Why me?"

"Because, my apprentice," Brightstar meowed, "I see how you work for MoonClan. You put your heart and soul into it . . . you never stop working even when you are tired and even where you are weary. You are always looking after everyone even if you don't realize it. Besides, you're always risking your life for your Clanmates. Whether it'd be stupidity or actual bravery, we need more of that in MoonClan." Icetail looked down to his paws. "Go now. You must assign patrols and start training your new apprentice. We need every cat in MoonClan tonight to honor the death of your father."

"Aren't you upset about his death?" murmured Icetail. "I feel as if another part of me has left."

"I am as upset as you, Icetail. But you once told me not long ago that you have to be strong for your Clanmates. That's what I am doing right now," she explained gently. "Go now. I'll have Sweetheart and the elders prepare him for his burial."

Icetail sighed and nodded, leaving Brightstar be. I don't know if I can do this, he thought, but I'll try. Every cat grew silent as he raised his head, glancing around at his comrades. Their eyes gleamed with newfound hope as he took a deep breath, tail-tip twitching nervously. Most of his Clanmates seemed to have confidence in him. So I must have confidence in myself, too.

"As the new deputy of MoonClan, I need to assign patrols," he announced, raising his voice as high as he could.

Ashtail looked up in pride at Icetail, and so did his friends. Other cats seemed curious, others looked doubtful.

"For the DarkClan border patrol, I will send Sharpfang, Shadowheart, Crowflight and Adderclaw to strengthen the borders. Don't engage with any of Dewstar's cats," he ordered. "Sharpfang will lead you. If you see DarkClan cats on our territory, try and return to MoonClan as quick as you can and take any reinforcements with you if necessary."

Sharpfang gave a sharp nod, understanding the situation clearly. Not too long ago they were walking through MoonClan territory. For all they knew, they could still be around and could engage in battle. More bloodshed was the one thing Icetail wanted to avoid.

"Dawnstripe will lead a patrol to MarshClan with Graywing and Sedgetooth, and Goldenpaw," he continued.

The new apprentice squealed with excitement. "My first time out of camp will be put to use in a patrol!" she exclaimed.

"Lucky!" said Blackpaw in a whine.

Amberpaw was looking up, watching with curiosity in silence.

"CloudClan's patrol will be lead by Fireshade; Squirreltail and Flameheart will go with him. Lastly, StreamClan's patrol will be lead by Rosepetal. Petalwing and Swiftbreeze will go along with you. Make sure to hunt upon your return."

Every patrol began to gather and leave. Brightstar padded up and put a tail around his shoulder. "Good job," she whispered in his ear. "Now you need to go to Amberpaw."

Icetail jolted upward, remembering that his duties were not finished yet. I have an apprentice! he thought, glancing over at her. She waited patiently for his instruction. "Right. Thank you, Brightstar," he said, dipping his head to the Clan leader. "I won't let you down."

She gave a warm smile before turning to Sparrowheart, padding over to his body. The elders and medicine cat were already paying their respects, rubbing herbs over his battered wounds as they smoothened out his fur. Icetail stared one last time at his father before taking a gulp of air, turning around in the direction of his apprentice. He met with her and she stood up eagerly.

"So," he meowed, "what do you want to do most?"

"What do you mean?" asked Amberpaw.

"You know, either hunting, exploring or battle training," Icetail explained, remembering when he was an apprentice. "I want to leave it up to you so you can choose anything you'd most prefer."

"I want to explore!" Amberpaw suddenly exclaimed. "I can't believe I became the deputy's first apprentice. That's so amazing . . ."

Shiningmoon padded up to the two, dipping her head with respect. "Congratulations on the new title, deputy." Her words were bright as she looked back up, meeting his gaze. "And I'm sorry about Sparrowheart. I would be just as devastated if my brother died, since he's missing . . ."

Icetail knew she was referring to Thornheart. He sighed.

"Thank you, and we will find him soon," Icetail reassured, touching noses with her. "Amberpaw, let's go. The sooner we start, the earlier we can get back to camp to honor Sparrowheart."

"Alright," said Amberpaw as she made her way to the camp entrance. "Let's go!"

Icetail nodded. "Goodbye, Shiningmoon."

"Bye Icetail," Shiningmoon meowed back.

Icetail padded after Amberpaw, but instantly, Silverleaf had stopped him as well. His heart pounded faster, and he felt something he had never felt before for the she-cat. "Can I come with you two?" Silverleaf asked. "It won't be smart for just a patrol of two to be out."

"Sure," Icetail said. "I don't know where we'll be going yet. Perhaps just a tour of MoonClan."

"Okay," said Silverleaf, padding up to Amberpaw. "Hey, are you excited to be an apprentice now?" she asked Amberpaw. "I felt the same way a long time ago."

"Super excited!" exlaimed Amberpaw.

Icetail mustered up a purr, remembering how it was like when he was young too. "Let's go. And let's return back before the moon has risen, to honor Sparrowheart in the name of MoonClan."

"That sounds nice," said Silverleaf, resting her tail onto his spine.

As the patrol left the camp, Amberpaw bounced with excitement. She looking around swiftly and eagerly, admiring every tree and plant she laid her eyes on. They padded on through the forest, taking in the sights and smells as they explained which directions each territory resided, and where certain important landmarks were. As he spoke, everything had has happened in the past few moons kept to the back of his mind; his past, his roots, his brother . . . he thought about Sparrowheart, and what his reunion with Featherbreeze was like.

As he took in MoonClan's forest yet again, he felt grateful for Sharpfang for keeping him sane as events unfolded earlier on.

Dewfang, now Dewstar, still made his heart stir, but not as strongly as when the two faced each other. I can't believe he's a leader now, thought Icetail. Does this mean that he will truly become the cat who leads in the prophecy. Will Dewstar lead the Clans, and I destroy them?

He kept on thinking as he lead the patrol, shifting his gaze from the trees to his new apprentice.

The forest's green had gone completely, replaced by various shades of orange, yellow leaves. The leaves littered the ground, sweeping up in the cool breeze before gently twirling to the forest floor. Amberpaw squealed with excitement as she stomped on the dead leaves, seeming to love the sound and feeling of crunching underneath her paws. She and Silverleaf began pouncing at every leaf that fell, but Icetail remained in posture, padding through MoonClan's territory gracefully and quietly.

They were headed towards StreamClan, and Icetail decided to show her the cave of mosses—but not from the inside after the incident that happened. It could still be dangerous.

"Follow me, Amberpaw," said Icetail, leading her in the direction of the cave. He wondered if it was completely destroyed from the rain water, but A part of him felt that it was impossible. The cave stood strong for many, many seasons, for much longer than Icetail had lived or even Brightstar had lived. This couldn't of possibly been the worst storm that had struck it, right?

On the meadow-like area, Icetail's eyes widened as he spotted the cave, crumbled and destroyed completely. Impossible! He ran from his spot and approached it as fast as his paws could take him.

"Wait, Icetail!" Silverleaf called.

He heard the two she-cats run after him. Silverleaf seemed clearly shocked as well, but Amberpaw's expression was slightly amazed.

Icetail stood in front of the broken cave, his legs trembling. Silverleaf pressed closer to him.

"There have been worse storms before, right?" she whispered, her eyes wide.

As they observed the wreckage, a terrible scent caught into Icetail's nose and throat. The others could smell it too.

"What is this stench?" exclaimed Amberpaw with disgust.

He immediately knew what it was. "This wasn't the work of rainwater. Deep underground, when Squirreltail, Sharpfang and I explored a hole that surfaced on the territory, we found Twolegs constructing something deep underground. They're using monster-like things that let out smoke. I didn't think that the monsters and Twolegs would get the cave of mosses, too . . ."

"We shouldn't be here," declared Silverleaf. "I think we should tell Brightstar about this."

"You're right. But first we have to finish our adventure. Right, Amberpaw?" He looked down to his apprentice.

"Right, Icetail," said Amberpaw cheekily.

How can she be so bright on such sad days? Icetail thought with wonder.