Swiftflight's POV

I was jerked awake as violently as a pebble being yanked away from the water crashing at the shore. My heart was racing and pounding in my ears as I looked around. I had no idea what time of day it was until I looked at the warriors den entrance, and I was basically blinded by the bright sun as its rays leaked into my bramble shelter.

But even despite not being able to see anything else for a moment, something still managed to linger in my vision.

Those stupid, haunting blue eyes. Full of nothing but malice.

I then let out an exasperated huff, letting my head rest on my paws as I shifted in my nest and tried to breathe through yet another nightmare. Geez, these are really going to happen almost every night, huh? I thought to myself in frustration. Great StarClan, how does Ashfur manage to mess with me after all of this time?

I then forced myself to take a deep breath as my anger began to rise, and as the images of those blue eyes... the sinister sneer... and all of those shadows of pure evil threatened to fill my head once again. For. StarClan's. Sake. Go. Away, I forcibly told... my nightmares, I guess? You're all of the past. Stop.

I then flicked my ears, managing to be pulled back to reality even more as I heard and felt stirring next to me. I turned my head, my annoyances and worries seeming to dissipate for a moment as my eyes fell on the ginger tabby pelt of Cherryfall, who was still asleep next to me. Well, I don't think for much longer, I then thought affectionately.

I tried to hold back a purr, my eyes probably gleaming like an idiot as I then watched her slowly blink open her big ginger eyes.

Eventually, they stayed open, the first thing her gaze falling on being my own eyes staring down at her as she let out a contented sigh and then lifted her head to touch her muzzle to mine. "Good morning," she then purred softly to me.

I closed my eyes for a moment, taking in her sweet scent. "Good morning," I replied to her before then giving my mate a lick on the cheek.

But I then pulled back, surprised as I noticed that Cherryfall's eyes now seemed to be dark with concern. "Are you alright?" she asked me, her voice still a bit adorably groggy from the morning. "I thought I felt you wake up suddenly next to me."

I let out a sigh, my tail flicking with a restless frustration that seemed to cling to my fur like burrs. "Yes... I'm alright. I'm just..." I then shrugged, giving Cherryfall a knowing look, "shaken, I guess."

Her amber eyes widened with concern, and she ran her tail gently along my flank. "You had another nightmare, Swiftflight?" she asked worriedly.

I let out another huff, overwhelmed by a wave of frustration that bubbled up from somewhere deep inside me. "Mmhm," I mumbled as I lowered my head back down to my paws

Cherryfall sighed, her head beginning to shake slowly. "Ugh, I hate that," she muttered, her tone sharper now, the genuine annoyance clear in her voice. "You're having them almost every night."

"My thoughts exactly," I grumbled.

She frowned, her whiskers twitching as she regarded me with a mixture of worry and frustration. I hated seeing her this way – as any cat would expect, she didn't get angry often. However, her anger on my behalf made my chest ache in a way that felt... nice? "Goodness. Are you sure you're okay?" she then pressed to me.

I drew in a long breath, lifting my head so I could meet her gaze. "I promise that I am, Cherryfall."

Her eyes widened further, glowing faintly as they locked onto mine. "Really, really promise?" she pressed, her tone almost playful, though the worry lingered there.

A purr rumbled in my throat despite myself. "I really, really promise," I meowed softly to her, leaning forward to touch my nose to her head.

But when I pulled away, my gaze fell to my paws, where I was periodically sheathing and unsheathing my claws. "It's just frustrating, I suppose. But, I mean..." I hesitated, glancing back up at Cherryfall, reluctant and worried that she was still going to want to leave me when I reminded her of that part of me I'd rather forget.

But nevertheless, I pushed on. "I trained with Ashfur in the Dark Forest... for many moons. From when I was a three-moon-old kit to a new warrior." I paused to take another breath, feeling the weight of my words as I spoke them aloud. "It's going to take a while for him to truly leave me."

As I should have expected, Cherryfall didn't bat an eye. Instead, she blinked at me with a kind, steady gaze and twinned her tail with mine. "That completely makes sense," she meowed to me warmly, shaking her head slowly. "But... I don't like it."

I tightened my grip on her tail, drawing strength from her unyielding support. "I don't either, but..." I then drew in another deep breath as I tightened my grip on Cherryfall's tail. "I'll get through it."

My mate nodded firmly. "I know you will," she said in the most kind, reassuring voice, her eyes glittering with a mixture of love and concern that made my chest feel impossibly warm. "But is there anything I can do to help? At all?"

A purr escaped me before I could stop it, and I leaned forward to give her cheek a gentle lick before nuzzling it. "Just you and your presence is enough. Trust me," I murmured, my voice low and earnest. I feel like I could get through anything with you by my side.

Cherryfall nodded in understanding, almost as if she could hear the part that I'd been too nervous to say out loud. "Okay," she meowed softly. She let out a small breath, and then a purr rumbled in her throat as I sighed again, leaning my head against her shoulder. She wrapped her tail around my back, stroking it soothingly. "Despite the nightmare, did you get enough sleep last night?" she then asked me.

I let out a huff of relief. "Thank StarClan, I think I did?" I meowed. A rarity these days.

My ears then flicked as I glanced toward the den's entrance. "We both slept in a bit, didn't we?"

"Oh, not by very much. Don't worry!" Cherryfall replied quickly, her voice light with reassurance. "Thornclaw just left the den a bit ago."

"Then we aren't very behind the patrols being put together."

"Exactly," she meowed, though she let out a reluctant sigh. "But I suppose we might need to get up and make sure we're out there and accounted for."

I sighed, not at all wanting to leave the comfort of her presence. "I guess," I murmured, snuggling up even more to my mate and digging my muzzle into her shoulder fur. "But... just one more moment? This is really nice."

Her purr, soft and so sweet, made my heart swell. "Awww," she meowed to me, stroking my head with her tail. "You're so cute."

I closed my eyes, taking in her scent one last time before reluctantly pulling away. "Takes cute to know cute," I teased with a small purr. Taking a deep breath, I then straightened myself and pushed to my paws. "Alright, I guess I'm ready now."

I then purred, my heart managing to swell even more as Cherryfall then let out one of her exhilarated, spirited huffs, clearly ready to take on the day as she practically leapt up onto her paws. "Okay, let's go!" We exchanged one last loving look before beginning to pad out of the den together, her tail brushing mine. "What plans do you have for the day?" she then asked me.

I furrowed my eyebrows as I thought of my answer. "Hm... good question," I murmured. "I was maybe going to check and see if—"

I then cut myself off, stepping back and blinking in surprise as I nearly ran into a flash of black. "Whoa!"

I then stepped back, shielding Cherryfall with my tail for a moment before realizing that the cat in front of me was just Lightningstrike, his yellow eyes wide and apologetic. "Sorry, Swiftflight! I didn't mean to scare you," he meowed kindly, though there was some laughter in his voice.

I let out a slow breath, forcing my fur to lie flat again. "All good," I replied. Great StarClan, if his eyes happened to be blue, I probably would have not meant to slash him across the face...

Lightningstrike flashed me another apologetic look before continuing. "Lilypetal sent me to get you! She said she got a late start organizing the patrols today, so I offered to help her out."

I tilted my head, curious. "Oh, yeah?" I asked, though a flicker of worry crossed my mind. Why did she have a late start? I wondered. Was she having trouble sleeping too?

I then blinked as a thought crossed my mind. Clearly she's having trouble getting rid of Ashfur like I am. Is she having nightmares too?

Shaking the thought away, I refocused on Lilypetal's son in front of me. "What does she want me to do?"

"Believe it or not, Bramblestar told her to send you and Snowstorm to pay a visit to WindClan," he then seemed to watch as my eyes widened. "Isn't that neat? Apparently he wants you two to ask them about that weird stoat situation they're dealing with."

Uh, oh.

I blinked, still stunned. "WindClan?" I echoed, exchanging a glance with Cherryfall. Her knowing and worried gaze told me she understood my surprise and worry. I then looked back at Lightningstrike. "Really?"

Lightningstrike nodded eagerly back at me, clearly noticing my surprise but, of course, not knowing the full story. "I know! But I guess he wants us to get a gauge of the situation and see if we need to interfere."

I took a moment to process, then sighed. "A very ThunderClanny move," I muttered, earning a giggle from Cherryfall. "Do I need to grab Snowstorm?"

"Nope!" Lightningstrike replied, shaking his head. "I already talked to her before I came to find you. She said to let you know she's finishing up her mouse and will meet you at the camp entrance."

I gave a single sharp nod, trying to push down my reluctance that threatened to keep me in my spot. "Great." I nodded before turning to Cherryfall. "I guess I'd better go and meet her then, wherever she is." Whether she's chowing down or waiting patiently at the entrance...

I then leaned forward and pressed my nose to Cherryfall's, purring softly. "I'll see you later."

Cherryfall's eyes glittered as she looked back at me. "Sounds like a plan," she whispered to me. "I love you."

I then flicked my ears as her eyes seemed to flash with urgency for a moment. "And good luck," she then whispered even more quietly.

I couldn't help but just stare gratefully back at her for a moment. Cherryfall, of course, knew all about my... connection to WindClan, as well as all of the latest happenings with me and... WindClan, so her luck and concern was appreciated. "I love you too," I murmured as I gave her an almost reluctant, yet amused look. "And thank you."

I then gave her one last affectionate flick on the ear with my tail before quickly padding out of the warriors den, a flicker of unease still stirring in my chest, but I pushed it down.

Turning back to Lightningstrike, I gave him an appreciative nod. "Thanks for letting me know about this, Lightningstrike," I then meowed to him.

He gave me a single sharp nod in return. "Sure thing!" Lightningstrike purred. I then narrowed my eyes, slowing my pace as I quickly realized that the black tom with white paws was following me.

But before I could even question it, Lightingstrike stopped for a moment and let out a purr. "Oh! I just figured I'd come with you and send you two off."

I let out a sniff, my eyes continuing to narrow. "Send us off?"

After I questioned him, I noticed the tom become a bit shy, his paws shuffling back and forth as he looked down at them. "Well, yeah!" he then meowed. "In case you a-and Snowstorm have any questions about your quest or something."

My narrowed gaze still remained. "O...okay," I replied, before letting my gaze sweep the clearing, quickly spotting Snowstorm already waiting by the camp entrance, giving herself a quick grooming.

She then paused as soon as her blue eyes fell on me and Lightningstrike, and she gave me a flick on the ear with her tail as soon as we both met her at the entrance. "Hey there, rabbit-breath," Snowstorm greeted as I approached.

To be honest, at those words, I had to keep myself from cringing. Now was not the time to be calling me that.

I then watched as her gaze shifted past me, and she nodded to Lightningstrike. "And long time, no see to you!" she added, her voice welcoming and kind.

"Oh, I'm sure. He said he wanted to..." I began to Snowstorm, glancing over my shoulder at Lightningstrike.

As I had expected, his eyes were gleaming... and on Snowstorm.

I then looked back at my best friend, finding that I trying to keep a mischievous smirk from emerging on my face. "...send us off," I then finished.

Snowstorm purred, her gaze flicking between me and Lightningstrike. "Going above and beyond with his assignment, I see," she teased.

Lightningstrike looked down shyly for a moment. "I try..." he murmured. He then gave a quick shake of his head, looking back up at the two of us. "Did you all have any more questions about your... a-assignment?"

Unfortunately for me, it's as clear as day. "I'm good."

I then once again looked mischievously back at the white she-cat next to me. "Snowstorm?"

She thought for a moment before shaking her head. "I think I'm all good too! Go to WindClan, and try to ask Onestar about the stoat problem without our fur getting shredded off."

She then gave me a light nudge, then proceeding to nod towards the camp entrance tunnel and trot towards it. "Let's go, Swiftflight! And thank you, Lightningstrike!"

I fell into step behind her as she padded away, but not before turning to give Lightningstrike a grateful nod. "Yeah, thanks, Lightningstrike. We should be back closer to dusk."

As I glanced back at the tom, I quickly realized that he was looking past me, his yellow eyes shining before he gave a shake of his head and gave me a nod in return. "Great! I'll let Lilypetal know," he meowed to me. He then gave me a lash of his tail, beginning to pad deeper into camp. "See you later, Swiftflight!"

I watched the tom go for just a moment, I have to admit, still trying to hide a smirk, before quickly turning around and following Snowstorm into the forest. I immediately ran up to walk beside her, and Great StarClan was I tempted to tease her and ask her about that encounter with Lightningstrike. I mean, it wasn't just me, right? Sending us off? Come on.

But I quickly pushed away those thoughts. For now, at least. And luckily for Snowstorm, she began speaking to me before I could even begin to form words. "So, off to WindClan, I guess?" Snowstorm meowed as she gave me a nudge. "Your favorite place to go, right?"

I let out a groan, rolling my eyes so hard it almost hurt. "Oh, yeah. Never been so enthused," I muttered sarcastically.

Her eyebrows furrowed as concern flickered across her face. "But seriously though, is this okay with you?" she asked, rising with worry. "I could have someone else come with me if you're uncomfortable."

I sighed, shaking my head slowly. "I should be fine," I replied, though I wasn't entirely sure if I was trying to convince her or myself.

"You sure?" she pressed, her gaze searching mine. "I know that things are a bit weird... there."

I let out a snort. "Weird is definitely a word for it," I admitted. I then let out a sigh, actually relieved that I was getting an opportunity to let out all the emotions I'd felt as soon as Lightningstrike had uttered the word "WindClan" to me. "I mean, going there isn't my favorite thing, to say the least. I'd prefer not to come face to face with my father, who as of just a few quarter moons ago was a loyal Dark Forest cat. Who as of a few quarter moons ago would've killed my mother if he had the opportunity."

I then let out another sniff. "And who as of a few days ago was trying to speak to me and Goldenshine."

"Ew, that's right," Snowstorm muttered with a grimace. "That's so uncomfortable." I sniffed again, appreciating her reaction even as the unease gnawed at me. "What are you going to do if he tries to talk to you?" she then asked.

I snorted, shrugging as I cast a glance toward the horizon. "Who knows."

I then shut my eyes for a moment, letting out another sigh as I decided to withhold some information from Snowstorm – that was something I rarely did these days, but for now, I figured it would be in my best interest. I mean, I don't think she would be fond of knowing that I actually wasn't sure how I would handle seeing Breezepelt. After what Goldenshine had shared with me after the Gathering, I had been worried, angry, and concerned, sure. But I still couldn't get past the fact that he had tried to talk to us at all. Why?

I mean, seriously, I then thought. What if something after the Dark Forest battle, or... something I said really got to him?

I then gave a quick shake of my head, as if to get rid of those thoughts as much as I could. Swiftflight, what are you saying? You said it yourself – Breezepelt was a Dark Forest ally. He tried to hurt Goldenshine and Dustystorm. There's no giving him the benefit of the doubt.

But just a moment after thinking that, I couldn't help but blink in realization. But that's what cats would have said about me right after I left the Dark Forest...

I then pulled myself out of those thoughts too, my head already way too full for my liking. "Can we change the subject while we still have the time to?"

Snowstorm immediately nodded, her blue eyes glowing with understanding as she gave me a comforting touch on the shoulder with her tail. "Of course."

I let out a relieved, yet exasperated huff, reciprocating the same touch on her shoulder with my tail. "Thanks."

And with that, the two of us proceeded on through the ThunderClan forest, the scent of rabbit and the breeze of the moors feeling closer as Snowstorm told me about her trip to the Moonpool she had taken last night with Goldenshine and Jayfeather. She excitedly told me about how she had gotten to meet Snowflight for the first time – something I hadn't even realized that she hadn't done.

But as I hoped it would be for her, she said that it had been absolutely surreal and magical getting to see the she-cat that she once had basically shared her life with. She also told me that Snowflight had told her that they were now two completely separate entities.

"That's really neat," I meowed as Snowstorm and I crossed the stream marking the border between ThunderClan and RiverClan. Water dripped from my paws as I gave my fur a shake, then turned to her with a thoughtful look. "And I guess hearing it from Snowflight herself makes it true."

I paused, narrowing my eyes back at Snowstorm as a realization hit me. "Wait... so does that mean we're essentially not kin anymore? You're not my mother's sister?"

Snowstorm flicked her ears and blinked in surprise, as if the thought had never crossed her mind. "Wow... I guess not. That's so crazy!" she exclaimed, her voice tinged with amazement.

I then found myself having to hold back a smirk again. "And... you aren't technically siblings with... like, Lightningstrike?"

"Not at all!" she replied, turning her gaze toward me. Then her eyes narrowed slightly, and her tone shifted. "Why the curiosity about Lightningstrike specifically?"

I blinked, giving my friend a casual shrug. "Well, we just saw him, right? Guess he's on the brain," I said, hoping my voice sounded as nonchalant as I wanted it to.

"Sure," Snowstorm meowed, her narrowed eyes lingering on me for another heartbeat before she looked ahead and flicked her tail. "Hey, this is just outside WindClan's camp, isn't it?"

I couldn't help but blink in surprise, bewildered that we were already here. But Snowstorm was right. I had never been here before, but from what cats had told me, this was the beginnings of the shallow scoop in the ground that WindClan used as their camp. Here we go.

I then took a deep breath. "Looks like it," I muttered before beginning to pad ahead, beckoning with my tail for Snowstorm to follow. Time to check with Onestar, and, as Snowstorm said, hope that he doesn't shred our fur off, I thought to myself.

I then felt my stomach become heavy with dread. And attempt to avoid Breezepelt at all costs, I told myself.

I then forced myself to take another deep breath as Snowstorm and I began to crawl through WindClan's camp entrance. Calm down, Swiftflight. He may be out on patrol, and you won't even have to deal with him.

Pushing back my nervous thoughts, I tried to appear unphased and confident as Snowstorm and I then made our way out of the entrance, where we were now in sight of the entirely of the open WindClan camp. As I had expected, several gazes fell on the two of us at once. Snowstorm and I immediately exchanged a glance, not even sure what to do, who to talk to, or who we could even approach to ask if Onestar was around.

But we would figure that out within a few heartbeats, hopefully. At this moment, I was just relieved to see that Breezepelt seemed to be nowhere in sight. Thank StarClan.

And the lesser problem of mine – and Snowstorm's – was solved when I then noticed two WindClan cats quickly padding towards us. I quickly recognized one of them to be brown and white pelt of Harespring – WindClan's new deputy after they had lost Ashfoot in the Dark Forest battle. And I was pretty sure that the dark tabby tom next to him was Leaftail – a tom who I was pretty sure was just about the same age as Snowstorm and me.

While Leaftail looked pretty hostile, thankfully, Harespring's gaze was calm as he padded up to meet us. "Hello," he meowed calmly and evenly to the two of us. "You two are from ThunderClan, right?"

Before Snowstorm or me could do as much as nod, I flicked my ears in surprise as I heard Leaftail let out a hiss. "Why are you asking them, Harespring? Of course they are!" he growled, his fur beginning to bristle as his gaze darted between Snowstorm and me. His eyes burned with suspicion. "Why are you two here? Is this an ambush?"

Harespring rolled his eyes in response, a gesture that amused me more than it should have. "Calm down," he said, his voice exasperated.

"Calm down?" Leaftail spat, his tail lashing furiously. "They're probably here to spring on us while those stupid stoats are bringing us down!"

Snowstorm and I exchanged an amused glance. Harespring, however, remained composed, his tone light with sarcasm. "Very interesting theory," he meowed dryly before flicking his tail toward the apprentices' den. "If that's the case, I'll take care of it. In the meantime, how about you check on your apprentice? Give him the time of day instead of these ThunderClan cats."

Leaftail hesitated, his gaze darting between us and Harespring. Finally, he let out a contemptuous hiss. "Fine," he muttered, spinning around to stalk off. But before he left, he threw a final glare over his shoulder. "Behave yourselves."

Harespring watched him go, his expression unreadable at first, but then he turned back to us with an apologetic look in his eyes. "Sorry about that," he said with a sigh. "How can I help you two?"

I exchanged a pleased glance with Snowstorm. Harespring was surprisingly calm and compliant—refreshing, in fact, compared to Leaftail's theatrics. "Well, we were hoping to speak with Onestar?"

Snowstorm flicked her gaze in the direction Leaftail had stormed off, her tail twitching slightly. "Leaftail said it first, but we are here regarding the stoats," my friend explained. "We didn't know if he had a moment to speak about it with us? We were sent by Bramblestar."

Harespring seemed to think this over for a moment, his eyes darkening slightly. "Hm... he is here, but..." He paused, his voice trailing as if debating how much to say. "I do wonder how he will take this."

I sniffed. "Us too."

"But I suppose you all can try," the WindClan deputy then concluded, flicking his tail to motion us forward. He began leading us through the heart of WindClan camp, and I followed close behind, guessing where Onestar's den might be as we walked. "I have to admit," Harespring added, his tone low but thoughtful, "I've wanted to potentially ask the other Clans for help with the stoats. But as you would expect, Onestar doesn't want to do that if at all possible."

I gave a sniff. Sounds about right. I very well knew of and had heard about Onestar's track record when it came to receiving help from other Clans, and I knew as soon as Lightningstrike asked us that this was going to be a bit of a fight between us and the WindClan leader. And oh, how am I looking forward to it... I then thought sarcastically.

I then raised my eyebrows, realizing that we had arrived when Harespring stopped in front of a large tangle of gorse bushes. "He's just in here," the WindClan deputy told us, giving a flick of his tail. "I can come in with you all, if you'd like."

Once again, I exchanged a glance with Snowstorm, this time, it was one of immense relief. "That would be great. Thanks," I told the white and brown tom as the three of us then began to pad towards the den. "We-"

"Harespring!"

I flicked my ears, surprised by the sudden voice that came from behind us. But I followed the WindClan deputy's gaze, turning around to see who had addressed him.

And when I did, I was certain that both my heart and stomach dropped down to the ground.

There was no mistaking the sleek black pelt and the amber eyes of Breezepelt as he seemed to urgently run up to the three of us.

And although he had called Harespring's name, his gaze was set right on me. Oh my StarClan.

And when he arrived to where the three of us were, I was practically frozen, having no idea how to act as he gave his deputy a nod. "Would I possibly be able to speak to Swiftflight for a moment?"

Swiftflight? What a name for you to be uttering right now.

I pretty much stayed frozen, except for my eyes widening a bit. I could just barely notice Snowstorm padding up to flank me.

I waited anxiously to hear Harespring's answer. The WindClan deputy narrowed his blue eyes. "What business do you have with a ThunderClan cat, Breezepelt?"

I couldn't help but flick my ears at those words. That seemed oddly pointed.

But I quickly pushed that away, my world practically frozen as I then shifted my gaze towards Breezepelt, who I could not believe was actually here, and who I could not believe had made my worst fear come true. He wants to speak with me? Why? Why is he so determined?

I was surprised by how nonchalantly Breezepelt shrugged back at Harespring. "Oh, we spoke one time at a Gathering."

I guess that's not a lie, unfortunately.

"And I was just hoping to catch up with him, while he was here," Breezepelt then went on. "I just need him for a few moments, that is..."

A chill then ran down my spine as Breezepelt shifted his gaze away from Harespring, his amber eyes now looking deep into my blue-gray ones. "...if he is willing."

Willing? I echoed in my mind. Am I?

I had absolutely no idea how to respond. If it was just the two of us, it maybe would have been a little easier for me to turn the tom down, but in front of WindClan's deputy, it would give some strange implications if I said no...

But at the same time... how would it look to Snowstorm if I said yes? We literally had just talked about all of the terrible things that Breezepelt had done, and why taking the time to speak with him under any circumstances was out of the question. And it should be out of the question. I think it should be out of the question, and Goldenshine thinks that it should be out of the question. So... why then...

I then looked at Snowstorm, my head beginning to shake slowly in helplessness. Why then am I so curious to see what he wants despite all of that?

As I met Snowstorm's gaze, her blue eyes were fully of understanding. As always, she seemed to have a complete read on what I was thinking. "I can talk to Onestar," she then whispered to me. "Go with Breezepelt, if you want to."

My eyes widened back at my best friend. "But, Snowstorm, I don't even know if I want-" I then cut myself off, looking down at my paws for a moment, trying to avoid Breezepelt's gaze which practically burned into my own fur. Snowstorm is telling me that I can... I told myself. But... what will Goldenshine think?

After another moment, not wanting to make any of the three cats with me wait another moment as I tried to get my thoughts together, I finally took a large, shaky deep breath. I guess... it's worth seeing what he has to say, right?

Now feeling the most overwhelming mix of dread, guilt, and curiosity as I then gave Snowstorm a worried look. "Are... are you sure that you're okay with speaking to Onestar by yourself?"

Snowstorm gave a shrug. "Harespring will be with me. I'll be fine," she reassured me. She then gave the most subtle nod towards Breezepelt. "Be careful."

I only gave Snowstorm a dreaded, wary look in response before turning back to Breezepelt. My stomach seemed to twist when I met his gaze again. And then, it practically felt hollow as I forced myself to give the tom a nod. "That's fine," I finally replied to the black tom, trying to make my voice sound as clear and confident as possible.

With those words, Breezepelt's eyes seem to flash with surprise and... content? "Great," he muttered to me, his eyes then searching as he continued to look at me, bringing me to only shift uncomfortably.

Just when I thought I couldn't stand it any longer, he finally turned around, beckoning me to follow him with his tail. "Follow me."

I looked back at Snowstorm for a moment, watching as her and Harespring began to crawl into Onestar's den. "You be careful too!" I whispered to her before forcing myself to follow Breezepelt across camp.

My heart was pounding like it never had before.

I had no idea what to expect from this. Weirdly, in a way, I was filled with just as much uncertainty and dread as I ever did when I went to sleep as an apprentice, awaiting my Dark Forest training with Ashfur. What in the heck was Breezepelt going to say to me? Why was he so adamant?

I then gave a shake of my head. Stop asking yourself that, Swiftflight. You're about to find out.

I then forced myself to take another deep breath as Breezepelt and I arrived at what looked like a small clearing at the edge of camp. It was a bit secluded from the rest of the moor, and was surrounded by some more gorse bushes. My stomach now felt as if it were in several knots as I watched Breezepelt sit down. I simply stood in front of awkwardly for a moment, having no idea what to do until he gestured for me to also sit down with his tail.

So, I did so, having to keep myself from letting out a frustrated huff. Swiftflight, you are demonstrating to your father that you are a weird, draft cat that doesn't know how to act...

I then gave a small shake of my head. But why should it matter what he thinks of me?

I then simply waited, giving Breezepelt the most curt of nods as I encouraged him to speak. I don't need to do anything. He asked for this.

I simply watched as Breezepelt himself then seemed to have to take a deep breath. "Hi, Swiftflight," he then meowed simply.

I gave a flick of my ears. It was so strange hearing my name come out of those jaws. "Hi," I meowed, shifting uncomfortably on my paws. His sudden approach already had me on edge, and I couldn't stop myself from asking, "What did you need? Snowstorm and I won't be here for long."

Breezepelt let out a frustrated huff and gave his head a shake. "I don't even know where to start," he admitted, hesitating before hissing softly under his breath.

I simply watched. I likely appeared stoic, but in reality, my heart was pounding in my ears. Great StarClan, is this what it's like to talk to me when I have a heavy conversation? I thought in amazement. I was blown away by just how similar Breezepelt's mannerisms seemed to be to my own. Well, it makes sense...

Breezepelt's voice broke through my thoughts. "Well... I've been wanting to speak with you... and Goldenshine... for a while now," he meowed, his tone faltering slightly. "I'm not sure if you could tell that I've been trying, but... I'm glad I have you now."

"Okay," I replied, still trying to push down the anticipation I was feeling, though my voice luckily appeared cold.

Breezepelt's eyes then seemed to flash for a moment. I seriously couldn't help but wonder if he was noticing how similarly we act. "Well," he continued, his voice quieter now, "as you can imagine, a lot has happened to me in the last moon or so."

"Sure."

"I... fought with the Dark Forest," Breezepelt confessed, his gaze momentarily dropping to the ground before flicking back up to meet mine. "The Dark Forest lost, and... I..." He paused, letting out another huff as if the words themselves were hard to form. "After that, I really began to rethink what I've done... the way I've acted, and..."

He then let out another hiss, but then took a deep breath. "...I've realized that I need to change."

No way.

I flicked my ears at the tom. Change? I repeated to myself. He... he wants to change?

I hadn't wanted to admit it before to anybody, but that word alone was something I had always hoped would come out of his mouth.

Breezepelt then looked down at his paws. "I know that it's going to take... a lot, but... I know that I need to now." He sighed heavily and began to shake his head. "WindClan doesn't trust me, and I can't imagine that the other Clans trust me very much, but... I'm trying to mend everything. Relationships with my Clanmates, my friends, and..."

He lifted his head then, and his gaze met mine. Another chill ran down my spine as I found myself staring into his deep, unreadable eyes. "...my family," he finished, his voice steady but carrying a weight that sent my thoughts spinning.

My eyes widened slightly at his words, but I remained silent and allowed him to continue. "I know there's only so much we can do, considering we're in different Clans," Breezepelt continued. "But... after how I was, I want to patch up the regrets in my life that I chose to ignore while I was in the Dark Forest."

The regrets that... I brought to your attention during the battle...

I felt frozen again, unable to look away or break the moment.

"I want to have a relationship with you," Breezepelt admitted, his voice cracking slightly. "I mean... you... you are my son." He paused, glancing off into the distance as if searching for words that wouldn't come. "And... while our days together are long past, I want to mend things with Goldenshine too."

I wondered then if I could see desperation or genuine pleading in his eyes. The thought left me unsettled, unsure of what to feel. Breezepelt's gaze returned to mine, and he added quietly, "I don't know how you feel about that, but... if you're willing... or want to pass on the message."

I don't know how I feel about that either.

I felt just as frozen, and the world around me also felt just as frozen. I had no idea how to take this. It was a lot, to say the least.

I mean, Breezepelt had just told me that he wants a relationship with me. With his son.

And with that, I couldn't help but truly wonder if my words that I had shared with him during the Dark Forest battle – about how it wasn't too late to change, to become a better cat, and that he could right his wrongs – had actually resonated with him. I couldn't help but wonder if I was part of the reason he had come to do this. To try and talk to me, and to tell me he wanted to speak with Goldenshine too to try and fix things. Great StarClan, how I wanted to take his word for it.

But at the same time, I wasn't sure if I could, and that thought filled me up with as much dread and guilt as I had felt before I'd spoken with him.

And as much as I had wanted to hear these words from him verbatim, the fact that he thought he could say anything like this to me so soon after everything had done made my heart feel hollow.

I had literally just witnessed this same time fighting in the Dark Forest battle against his Clanmates and family like nothing else mattered. He had nearly killed his half-brother, Lionblaze, before his father Crowfeather pulled him away. In WindClan that same night, he tried to kill Dustystorm. Just a little before that, he tried to kill Goldenshine in the tunnels.

And sure, he had said everything that he could – he was wrong and wanted to change, but...

How in the name of StarClan could I trust that?

I couldn't even tell if he was being truly apologetic – his amber eyes hardly gave away anything.

I wanted to take his word for it more than anything, but I didn't think that I could. It's just... it's too good to be true... and the fact that I'm saying that about my father already speaks volumes.

And among all of that, for whatever reason, Breezepelt speaking Goldenshine's name seemed to make my whole body rush with anger, and my fur began to bristle with protectiveness. He tried to kill her once, I told myself once again. That's not easy to forgive. And Goldenshine told me just how manipulative and unpredictable he's been in the past

I cannot trust him. Not now.

And coming to that realization finally drove me to speak. "I... I-I'm not sure, Breezepelt," I finally forced out, finding that I was not able to meet his gaze. Instead, I looked down at my paws. "I'm sorry, but-"

I then cut myself off, giving a quick shake of my head. You're not sorry. This is what you need to do.

I then forced myself to go on. "I don't think I'm comfortable with that."

My stomach twisted as Breezepelt blinked, his dark eyes unreadable. "Ah..." he murmured, his voice trailing off.

"I just..." I hesitated, then forced myself to speak. "I don't know if I can trust you. At all. And to be honest..." I took a deep breath and met his gaze, still as impenetrable as ever. "I don't think I want you around my mother."

Breezepelt narrowed his eyes, his expression hardening. "Hm," he muttered. "Are you speaking for her now?"

I then found myself having to hold back a hiss. "I wouldn't if I didn't already know that she also said that she wanted to avoid you at all costs!"

I then forced myself to take a deep breath. "And considering that," I pressed on, "I don't see why I'd benefit from being around you either." I can't.

For a fleeting moment, I thought I caught a flash of hurt in the WindClan tom's eyes, but it was quickly overshadowed by a hiss as he stood up abruptly.

I tried to ignore the pang of unease in my chest. "Really? That's what you want?" he muttered to me sharply.

I straightened and gave a firm nod, even though the weight of my decision pressed down on me. "Yes. That is what I want," I said, my voice as steady as I could make it. What choice do I have?

Breezepelt stared at me, his fur bristling as his gaze bore into mine. The tension between us crackled like lightning, but then he let out another hiss and turned away. "Fine," he snapped, his voice laced with frustration. "But..."

"But what?" I demanded, my tone edged with irritation.

He let out yet another hiss, his tail lashing behind him. "But you don't think I...?" His voice faltered as if he was struggling to find the right words. Then, to my surprise, his voice rose. "Forget it! You've said what you said."

I narrowed my eyes at him, standing up to match his defiant stance. "Yes, I did. And everything I said stands."

"Thank you," he spat, his voice dripping with bitterness. "I wasn't sure yet."

I held his gaze for a moment, my claws curling into the dirt beneath me. Breezepelt let out another hiss and flicked his tail towards the rest of the camp. "Well, what are you waiting for?" he barked.

"What am I waiting for?" I echoed, taken aback by his growing angry tone.

"You heard me!" he hissed. "Why are you still standing there?"

"What do you mean? You're the one that brought me back here!" I snapped, my frustration finally bubbling to the surface.

"Yes, I did!" he retorted, his voice sharp as a thorn. "Big mistake, clearly."

I let out another hiss, hardly being able to fathom what I was hearing. "Mistake?" I repeated, my tone hard.

"Exactly!" Breezepelt's voice rose, venom dripping from every word. "There's no use in talking anymore. Get out of my sight!"

I blinked, the coldness of his words cutting through me like ice. Now that's the Breezepelt I know, I thought bitterly. "Done!" I shot back, spinning on my paws and storming off without another glance.

I then whipped myself around, feeling as if I was in flames as I then burst out of that clearing and deeper into WindClan camp, not even sure where I'd be going or if Snowstorm was even done speaking with Onestar and Harespring yet.

But thank StarClan, her white pelt caught my eye immediately, where she was waiting right next to the camp entrance.

Her eyes widened as I basically stomped up to her, my fur bristled out and my teeth bared. "Swiftflight! There you are!" she meowed after sighing with relief, her voice frantic and her eyes now wide with desperation and concern. "How did it go?"

I tried to hold back the growl that was rising in my throat to no avail. "It was just as frustrating and disappointing as I would ever expect it to be," I hissed to my best friend. I then forced myself to sit down, my claws unsheathed and sinking into the ground as I then nodded to her. "What did Onestar say about the stoats?"

Snowstorm's eyes widened. She was clearly shocked that I had changed the subject so quickly. "Oh! Well... it was a bit of a battle at first, of course, but after a bit, he agreed that the stoat problem is getting bad. He would be willing to let ThunderClan send a patrol to help fight them off."

"Really? Fantastic," I meowed tautly to Snowstorm. I then practically whipped myself around, already beginning to make my way back through WindClan's camp entrance. "Let's go tell Bramblestar then."

I heard Snowstorm let out an exasperated gasp behind me. "But Swiftflight, what happened with-"

I abruptly stopped in my tracks for a moment, sharply looking over my shoulder to give Snowstorm a warning look. "That is the last thing I want to discuss right now," I hissed to her, admittedly, in a harsher tone than I would have liked.

But I couldn't bring myself to apologize in that moment, and I simply turned back around and continued to lead her away from WindClan – determined to leave that camp and everything that had happened there far behind me. "You said Onestar is allowing us to help, so let's finish our mission and tell Bramblestar that."

And as angry as I was as I stomped through their territory, I actually managed to feel the smallest bit of satisfaction.

I'd talked to Breezepelt and had found out everything I needed to know. That mouse-brain had tried to convince me that he had changed. But clearly, he was just as unpredictable and untrustworthy as he was before.

Why I had gotten my hopes up at all... I wasn't sure in the slightest.