Autumn Leaves waited at the exit of the tunnels for Holly Leaves, then she looked at her belly. The ginger-and-black patched she-cat's belly didn't seem swelled up like Heart Willow's when she was expecting... was it because the kits were just forming? Holly Leaves padded in.

"You chose pretty badly," Holly Leaves muttered.

"Don't tell me how I chose!" Autumn Leaves hissed. "I thought he'd come to TunnelClan when I was expecting his kits!"

"Are you sure you love him?"

"Yes, I love him. Mousewhisker's smart and kind and handsome."

"I can't help you, Autumn Leaves. You have to live with it."

"I thought he loved me enough to leave his Clan and join my Clan..."

"Well, he doesn't. Or he loves you so much that he thinks he's better off staying in ThunderClan and that you should join him."

"I love him... I love him so much. But my Clan is more important, if Mousewhisker wants to stay in ThunderClan. That's his choice but I'm staying in TunnelClan!"

"Okay," Holly Leaves replied. "Does Fallen Path know you are expecting kits?"

"I was in such a rush to get to the forest. No," Autumn Leaves meowed.

"We'll tell him that you are but nothing about Mousewhisker."

"Okay, Holly Leaves, you're a good sister. I'm glad I have you."

"I'm sure you'd do the same for me."

"Always."

. . .

"Shadow Leaves, when will Autumn Leaves' kits be born?" Fallen Path asked his medicine son.

"They won't be born for around four to five moons," Shadow Leaves reported.

"Autumn Leaves, you can continue your sharpclaw duties until your belly is swollen or you get too tired."

"Thank you, Father," Autumn Leaves replied.

"Shadow Leaves, as next in line to be leader, you will organise the patrols."

Shadow Leaves dipped his head. "Of course, Father," he faced the Clan. "Ginger River and Holly Leaves, you will go hunt while Autumn Leaves goes to check the WindClan tunnel for visitors." There was a hint of sadness in his voice. "Then bring them here. But if they aren't visitors and are lost, drive them out of the tunnel."