Leopardstar called a Clan meeting at sunset. She was crouched over in a way she hoped hid her growing stomach, and even as she waited for her clan-mates to gather at her call, she could tell her heart wasn't in it. Guilt prickled sharp claws at her sides as she was reminded of Mistyfoot's accusation of being distant. She was right; Leopardstar really was just going through the motions. But, if the choice was going through the motions or doing nothing at all, hadn't she picked correctly?

I'm doing my best, Leopardstar hissed at the cloud of guilt and self-doubt swirling in her mind.

Leopardstar was crouched on the tree stump near the edge of the camp, where RiverClan leaders traditionally call their Clan meetings from. But, she couldn't stop her gaze from tracking across camp to the now mossy ground where the Bonepile used to be. She blinked, and for a moment, it was like she went back in time.

She saw the towering pile of bones, smelt their reeking, rotting scent choking in her lungs and sticking in the back of her throat. She saw Tigerstar perched on top of the pile, his bright amber eyes narrowed as he looked downward in disgust. She saw Stonefur, Mistyfoot, Stormpaw and Featherpaw cowering a few tail-lengths away from the base of the Bonepile, hollowed out in their skin, as if their grey pelts were just barely clinging to their skeletons. She saw Darkstripe take a pace towards the apprentices, and she saw Stonefur suddenly surge to life, summoning strength from some, deep, unknown recesses of his being to put himself between Darkstripe and the apprentices, a fierce snarl on his lips. And, she saw herself, her gaze carefully blank, crouched halfway up the Bonepile… doing nothing to stop the horror unfolding before her.

Leopardstar flinched, and she found herself back on the tree stump.

She looked to the ground in front of her. Mistyfoot, Stormpaw, and Featherpaw were standing before her, just like they had then. But, this time their pelts were sleek and healthy, despite the leaf-bare that locked the forest in it's jaws, and their eyes weren't sunken into their skulls, although their gazes were all guarded. Stormpaw's was more openly hostile towards Leopardstar than his sister's. Featherpaw looked cautious, but slightly warmer. Leopardstar's gaze flickered to Mistyfoot and she found her deputy studying her face carefully. Mistyfoot's eyes narrowed, and Leopardstar felt a chill creep up her spine. She couldn't help but think that Mistyfoot had somehow read her thoughts and knew she had been thinking about the Bonepile.

Stormpaw had been Stonefur's apprentice. After his death, Mistyfoot had taken over completing his training along with training Featherpaw. A warrior having two apprentices was rather unorthodox, but after the battle with BloodClan, the day after the three of them rejoined RiverClan, Mistyfoot had announced to Leopardstar that she would complete training Stormpaw alongside Featherpaw, and Leopardstar didn't have the heart to disagree with her.

"Thank you for coming," Leopardstar murmured to address the Clan, beginning the ceremony. "Today marks the making of two new warriors."

Leopardstar's gaze flickered back to Mistyfoot's. She already knew how he deputy would respond, but tradition demanded that she still ask her.

"Mistyfoot, have these two apprentices successfully completed their training and are ready to become warriors?" Leopardstar said.

Mistyfoot nodded decisively.

"Yes," she responded in a curt voice, but when she glanced over at the two younger cats at her side, her demeanor softened.

"They have already gone through more difficult trials in their young lives than many senior warriors have," Mistyfoot continued, and Leopardstar tried vainly to keep her face expressionless as she realized Mistyfoot was referring to TigerClan. "And, they fought nobly and fiercely in the battle against BloodClan. They are more than fit to receive their warrior names."

Leopardstar swallowed hard and nodded, fighting hard to not let the turmoil she felt inside show in her expression.

"Very well. Stormpaw, Featherpaw, please step forward," Leopardstar said.

Mistyfoot backed away and watched Stormpaw and Featherpaw with a look of motherly pride as they approached the base of the stump.

"I, Leopardstar, leader of RiverClan, call upon StarClan to look down at these two apprentices. They've trained hard and battled heroically in the defense of your noble code, and I commend them to you as warriors in their turn," Leopardstar said, looking out across the camp, but carefully keeping her eyes away from the location where the Bonepile once stood.

"Stormpaw, Featherpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your lives?" Leopardstar asked, her gaze flickering back down to them.

They both looked resolutely up at her.

"I do," Stormpaw's voice rang confidently out through the camp.

"I do," Featherpaw echoed right behind.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior names," Leopardstar said, "Featherpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Feathertail. StarClan honors your loyalty and your patience. Stormpaw, from this moment on you will be known as Stormfur, in honor of your fallen mentor. StarClan honors your loyalty and your determination. We welcome you both as full warriors of RiverClan."

The Clan burst into raucous cheers for the new warriors.

When Stormfur and Feathertail had first joined RiverClan as kits, there had been an undercurrent of unease at their half-ThunderClan parentage. But, after their suffering during the reign of TigerClan, the attitude towards them swung very dramatically in the opposite direction, and now the two young cats were as well loved by the Clan as much as Leopardstar was detested.

Leopardstar stepped down from the stump, watching from a distance as the new warriors were mobbed by an adoring Clan. She had a sense that even if she tried, she wouldn't be welcomed in their revelry. To her surprise, Mistyfoot approached her instead of immediately going over to congratulate Stormfur and Feathertail. Leopardstar swept her tail self-consciously over her stomach.

"You didn't tell me you were planning on naming Stormfur after Stonefur," Mistyfoot said in a low voice.

Leopardstar shrugged.

"I thought Stormfur would appreciate it," she responded.

Mistyfoot shot her a look out of narrowed eyes like she didn't entirely believe her.

Leopardstar wondered if Mistyfoot thought there was a more calculating element to her naming pick, like Leopardstar had done it not to honor Stonefur, but just as a stunt to win some of the approval of her clan-mates back.

Leopardstar winced to herself.

Well, if that is what she thinks, can I blame her?

Mistyfoot didn't say anything else. She just stalked away from Leopardstar to push through the crowd to get to the new warriors. Leopardstar watched the deputy's attitude change completely as she saw them and greeted them with purrs and affectionate licks on the head. Stormfur playfully shoved her away, while Feathertail twined herself around Mistyfoot delightedly.

Leopardstar tilted her head, watching their interactions with curiosity.

She didn't know how she never noticed it before, but it seemed like Mistyfoot saw the two of them as her kits, and in return, they too viewed her like a surrogate mother.

Leopardstar shook her head.

Admittedly, it made perfect sense. The more Leopardstar thought about it, the more she saw there were plenty of hints and clues from the moment the kits had joined RiverClan. Mistyfoot had been Silverstream's best friend, so it was natural she felt an affection towards them. Then, Mistyfoot had been so protective over the apprentices that she insisted on being the mentor to both of them after her brother died. They were, of course, also bonded by their mutual half-ThunderClan parentage, and the trauma they experienced together in TigerClan. It was so obvious in fact that it was all the more startlingly that Leopardstar had been totally oblivious to the connection between the three cats up until now.

Leopardstar shook her head. Was she really so caught up in her own problems that she couldn't see what's right in front of her nose?

It was early morning and Leopardstar was curled up in her den, her tail brushing her nose. Her eyes were half-lidded, but she wasn't quite sleeping. She was rather uncomfortable from her swollen stomach, which periodically woke her up throughout the night.

It was basically impossible to hide her belly now, which was why Leopardstar had confined herself, alone, to her den for the past half-moon. She had blamed a lingering case of green-cough, leaving her duties to Mistyfoot and trusting Mudfur to bring her meals.

Mudfur had estimated that the kits would be born any day now. He had also stopped asking her about what her plan was with them; he seemed to have resigned himself to that fact that Leopardstar would not do anything until she was physically forced to.

Which would be soon, because Leopardstar could tell the kits wouldn't wait for much longer. She could sense a deep-rooted instinctual urge inside of her to seek out a safe, secluded place and build a nest there to give birth in. Although Leopardstar tried fiercely to ignore the feeling, it remained nagging at the back of her mind, like an itch that should couldn't quite scratch.

In Leopardstar's half-sleeping state her mind meandered aimlessly, images forming in her head almost like waking dreams, swirling and blending together. First she saw Bluestar, ThunderClan's old leader with two small kits at her belly; Mistyfoot and Stonefur. Bluestar's face looked tired and conflicted and Leopardstar imagined she was readying herself to give her kits away to RiverClan. But, then Bluestar blurred and changed, turning into Mistyfoot, who was looking down lovingly at a kit-aged Feathertail and Stormfur, two young half-RiverClan, half-ThunderClan cats just like herself. Mistyfoot bent her head to nuzzle them affectionately. The image then warped again, and Mistyfoot turned golden-furred and dappled. Leopardstar found herself looking at an image of herself with a few indistinct kits curled up at her belly. She couldn't properly make out their size or number, but she could discern that at least one was golden-furred, and another dark tabby. Kits that were, by blood, half-RiverClan and half-ThunderClan, just like Mistyfoot, Stonefur, Feathertail and Stormfur.

The Leopardstar in the vision looked exhausted and haggard. Then the dreaming Leopardstar saw her clan-mates suddenly appear, surrounding her and the newborns, and Mistyfoot approached, looking down at the Leopardstar with the kits in disgust.

"Was it worth it? To choose that monster over your Clan?" Mistyfoot asked, her voice echoing in the sleeping Leopardstar's ears like she was speaking from somewhere far away.

"My crimes and Tigerstar's don't matter here. These kits are innocent from the actions of their parents," Leopardstar saw the other Leopardstar argue back, her voice also strangely hollow.

"Regardless, that doesn't change the fact that they carry your blood and Tigerstar's. And, that doesn't change the fact that you would rather raise them, than help lead our Clan. You chose them over our clan-mates. Just like how you chose Tigerstar over Stonefur. RiverClan continues to suffer and suffer, all from your selfishness," Mistyfoot hissed.

"No," Leopardstar said, her eyes wide as Mistyfoot turned aside, walking off.

The rest of her Clan looked at them with burning hatred in their eyes, turning to follow Mistyfoot away, leaving the two Leopardstar's and her kits all alone.

"No!"

"No—" Leopardstar gasped, her eyes flying open.

Her heart was hammering in her chest, and her feet were scrabbling on the mossy ground like she had been trying to run after them. It was still early morning, just past dawn, and Leopardstar still didn't have any kits at her side. Leopardstar heaved a deep breath in.

It's okay. It was all a dream.

For a moment, she felt a wave of relief crash over her. But, the feeling was closely followed by a rush of fearful nausea.

It may just be a dream now, but it could be reality very soon.

If she ended up having those kits here in RiverClan.

Leopardstar bowed her head, panting slightly from the anxiety that swirled inside her. What was she doing?! Her time had almost run out.

The conversations she had with Mistyfoot came back to her. Leopardstar remembered how her deputy told her how RiverClan needed Leopardstar to be more involved. How she had to be, to make up for the pain she had caused her clan-mates.

I can't do that if I have these kits.

Leopardstar set her jaw, her eyes stinging as the weight of the realization settled down on her.

She finally knew what had to be done. There was no away around it. She couldn't have these kits in RiverClan. She couldn't have these kits at all. As far as anyone knew… For her sake and for RiverClan's.

A plan started to form in her mind. She would have to leave camp for a few days at least, so she would have time to find a stranger to leave her kits with once they were born. Then once the kits had a new mother, Leopardstar would go back to camp.

Leopardstar had never thought of herself as a particularly maternal cat, but she still felt a pang in her chest at the thought of leaving the kits with a different cat, a rogue or a kitty-pet most likely.

They are mine, and they are clan-cats! How can I just get rid of them?!

Leopardstar shook her head like she was trying to shake away the thought.

These aren't just any kits; they carry a dark legacy. She argued with herself.

RiverClan would be better off without them. And, besides… they deserve a better mother than me. Someone who won't resent them for the memories they carry just from the nature of their birth. I'll find someone who can be a good mother to them. Someone who is like how Mistyfoot is with Stormfur and Feathertail.

Leopardstar swallowed hard.

She had no time to waste. She may have waited too long already. Leopardstar rose to her paws.

She padded to the entrance of her den, shooting furtive glances across the camp before emerging. She was grateful to see that the camp was quiet and empty. The dawn patrol had already headed out, but the rest of the warriors hadn't roused themselves yet to go patrolling and hunting. Good. She could avoid any awkward questions about where she was going or if she was still "sick" or why her stomach looked like that.

Leopardstar's first stop was the fresh-kill pile. She knew she needed to eat to keep her energy up for the long journey out of her territory, where ever she ended up going. She quickly scarfed down a water-vole, and after she finished eating, Leopardstar headed to the medicine cat's den.

She found Mudfur still asleep in his nest, his dark brown tail covering his muzzle. Leopardstar put her paw on his shoulder and unceremoniously shook her father awake.

Mudfur's eyes flickered open blearily, but when he saw Leopardstar, he sprung up, immediately awake.

"Leopardstar! Is something wrong?" he asked, his gaze dark with concern as he searched her serious face.

Leopardstar shook her head.

"I can tell my time is getting closer," Leopardstar said, her voice low. "The kits will be born in a few days at the most."

Mudfur knew all this already. His brow furrowed in confusion as he waited for her to elaborate.

Leopardstar looked away from him, unable to meet his gaze.

"I'm leaving camp. Tell the Clan that I'm feeling better, but I've gone to the Moonstone to speak with our ancestors," Leopardstar said, the reasonable excuse for her absence coming to her easily. "When I return I… I… I will be alone."

Mudfur's eyes stretched wide in shock as he understood what she was saying.

"Leopardstar, you can't!" he exclaimed. "Whatever you think, those kits are innocent!"

"No! They aren't. They are my mistake..." Leopardstar's head drooped.

She stared down at the ground for a moment.

"I will find someone else to care for them in the way that I can't," she continued in a soft voice. "A kind rogue. Or maybe a two-leg that wants some new kitty-pets."

"You must tell the Clan," Mudfur insisted.

"I won't," Leopardstar responded swiftly, clenching her teeth as she lifted her head to look him in the eye. "I'm doing this for RiverClan, Mudfur, can't you see? It has to be this way. I can't have these kits. They can't be mine."

Leopardstar turned away from him.

"Tell Mistyfoot and the Clan what I said," Leopardstar murmured. "I'm going alone to Highstones to consult with StarClan. I will be back in a few days at the most. Of course, Mistyfoot is in charge until I return."

"Kitting can be dangerous. Leopardstar, please. Let me at least come with you," Mudfur pleaded.

There was something in his voice, an undercurrent of sorrow and tragedy to his words.

Leopardstar's mind flashed back as she remembered how Mudfur had lost his mate and two kits, her siblings, when her mother's kitting had gone horribly wrong. Leopardstar had been the only survivor.

Leopardstar felt a pang of sympathy in her chest for her father, but she knew she had to stand resolute. She shook her head.

"I must go alone," she said firmly, before softening her voice. "Don't worry father. You will not lose me like you lost my mother; I have many lives to spare. You will see me again in just a few sunrises."

Leopardstar padded towards the entrance of the den.

"Wait!" her father called.

Leopardstar paused. Mudfur dashed towards the back of the den to grab some herbs, which he then carried over to Leopardstar.

"If you insist on doing this, at least eat these," Mudfur murmured, placing them at her paws. "They will give you strength for your journey."

Leopardstar bowed her head and lapped up the bitter leaves. Mudfur watched her with somber eyes as she did so.

After she had finished the herbs, Leopardstar turned back towards him and pressed her muzzle to Mudfur's cheek in farewell. She felt him trembling.

"Goodbye, Leopardstar," he mumbled, his voice sad and tired. "I will see you soon."

"I love you, Mudfur," Leopardstar murmured, screwing her eyes shut.

"I love you too, my daughter," he whispered. "Be safe."

Leopardstar chose to travel in the direction of Highstones. She could've picked to leave her territory in any direction, but she didn't want to risk the possibility of being caught by two-legs if she entered directly into the dense two-leg place behind RiverClan and ThunderClan territory. But, she also didn't feel like making any sort of perilous journey across ShadowClan land to the unknown territory beyond. And, if she walked in the direction of Highstones, she wouldn't be questioned by any Clan cat she came across, so it seemed by far the best bet.

It was now well past sun-high, and she was trekking across the moor, having just passed the edge of WindClan territory and into the unclaimed land beyond.

The long walk left Leopardstar with plenty of time to think, and contemplate on just how exactly her actions had gotten herself here, in this exact moment, very uncomfortably pregnant and alone and miserable and walking to Highstones.

The irony that Leopardstar was carrying half-clan kits, just like the cats Tigerstar had tried to execute during his leadership of TigerClan was not lost on Leopardstar. But, Leopardstar knew just what he would say to her too, if she had known that she was expecting kits earlier and had brought up her reservations to him back when he was still alive.

"They aren't half-clan," Tigerstar's low voice murmured. "We are all one Clan now. They will be the first kits of this new Clan, and with their birth, they will mark the dawning of a new era— the age of TigerClan. One in which all of the cats of the forest will live together in harmony."

And, Leopardstar would have believed him wholeheartedly. Like a fool.

Leopardstar shook her head fiercely, trying to shake the sound of his voice, deep and smooth like poisoned honey, out of her mind. Ever since Scourge ripped his nine lives out of him all at once, Leopardstar had tried so hard not to think about him. She had been doing an okay job at it too. She had enough problems going on in her Clan to keep her plenty distracted, then when she discovered she was expecting kits, what she was going to do about them consumed the rest of her mental energy.

But, now that she was alone, away from her Clan, she felt the ghost of Tigerstar walking near her, pressing relentlessly closer, and her memories of him were flooding her mind.

Leopardstar growled quietly to herself. Tigerstar was such a hypocrite and a liar, and she had been so weak to listen to him. He was ThunderClan turned ShadowClan, which almost made him half-clan himself, yet he when he revealed Stonefur and Mistyfoot's parentage to her, he had somehow convinced her with his forked tongue that her half-clan clan-mates were the ones that couldn't be trusted. He had isolated her from them, and then whispered insecurities in her ears, flaring up prejudice inside her to turn her against them. Then he had flipped it around, and with the same ease, charmed her so she had turned a blind eye to any misgivings against him.

He never wanted all the cats in the forest to live together in peace. All he wanted was power. The power to rule over all of us, and the power to decide who lives and who dies.

A red haze of anger filled her mind at the thought. As Leopardstar walked, she unsheathed her claws. She wished she could dig them into Tigerstar's lying pelt, and she wished that she had seen the truth sooner, so she could have been the one that slashed him into pieces instead of Scourge.

But, in the same heartbeat as she wished that, Leopardstar also knew she wouldn't have been able to do it. Leopardstar growled furiously.

Despite it all, she had loved him, and that had given him a power over her that no other cat had. As much as she wished that if she saw him today, she would be able to stand up to him, she couldn't be totally sure that she would be able to do it. She wasn't totally sure that Tigerstar wouldn't be able to get her to meekly lie down at his feet with just one word.

The fury and frustration building inside of her reached a breaking point at that thought, and Leopardstar turned to a nearby piece of heather to maul it savagely. After she had decimated the plant, she rose back to her paws, panting slightly from the excursion that her body, in her current state, was currently very unequipped for. Leopardstar sighed heavily, pausing in her journey across the moor for a moment to stare down at the chewed and shedded leaves.

She wasn't used to feeling so weak and cowardly, like she did now anytime she thought of Tigerstar. Her whole life, from her birth up until the moment that she met him, she thought she was so strong. She was the only kit of her litter to survive. As an apprentice, she had conquered her fear of water to become the best swimmer and fisher of the group she trained with. As a warrior, she rose above the rest to become deputy. But, now as leader, she felt entirely worthless.

She had believed Tigerstar when he said he wanted to make the forest a better place. And, she had believed that he loved her.

Pathetic.

She dug her claws furiously into the ground. She wasn't sure if Tigerstar had ever said anything to her that wasn't a lie.

Leopardstar forced her feet forward again.

He would've been right about one thing at least— these kits do embody TigerClan, and they will be reminders of that to any cat that looks at them. Which is exactly why I can't keep them.

Still, Leopardstar felt a wave of guilt crash over her. Despite all of her thoughts about how other cats would see her kits, she knew that the kits themselves had done nothing wrong. They hadn't asked to come into existence. Mudfur was right about that— in that way they were innocent.

At least, for right now, another thought whispered doubtfully in the back of her mind.

Her ears flattened. What insurance did she have that they wouldn't turn out like their father? What if they had the same hunger for power and the same ruthlessness that allowed them to do whatever it took to claim it?

Leopardstar shook her head. She couldn't risk it. She had to do what Mistyfoot said. She had to do what she hadn't before.

She had to put her Clan first. It was the only way to repent.

Leopardstar swiped her tongue around her lips, her mouth suddenly feeling very dry.

It would be the first step at least... but how far would she have to go to make it up to them?

As Leopardstar walked, she spotted a large two-leg structure in the distance. She vaguely remembered that it was called something like a "barn." The thought of heading there to have her kits was tempting. It was far enough from the two-legs to allow her to give birth in peace, but close enough that the two-legs could easily find and care for the kits once it was time for her to return to the Clan.

But, Leopardstar knew that couldn't be possible. The former ThunderClan cat, Ravenpaw lived in that barn. She knew Firestar still went to visit his old friend from time to time, and she couldn't let the knowledge of her kits to get back to any of the Clans, or else it might find its way back to hers.

Leopardstar felt the familiar, heavy boulder of guilt settle on her shoulders, and her steps faltered. Was this really the right choice? Fleeing from her Clan, lying and sneaking off to hide her dark secret like a fugitive? What kind of leader was she?

She closed her eyes for a moment.

What would my clan-mates think if they knew the truth? And, what must StarClan think of me? They must hate me for what I've done to RiverClan.

Leopardstar shuddered. Maybe this wasn't the right choice at all. Maybe she should submit herself to her Clan and to StarClan and await their judgement.

That thought stirred up another one, which nagged in the back of Leopardstar's mind... It was the one she had pushed away to the darkest corner of her heart and refused to acknowledge for so long. But, it would hide from her no longer.

It was the pit of doubt. Her greatest fear:

That she could not continue to lead RiverClan. That she had lost them. Lost her Clan.

Leopardstar felt her throat close up, and she blinked hard. It would be the worst thing that could ever happen to her— not to lose her leadership of RiverClan, that she would manage to survive, but to be banished from RiverClan entirely.

Still though… could she deny that it wouldn't be a suitable punishment for her? Moons ago, before TigerClan, before Tigerstar, if someone asked her what punishment she would give to someone who imprisoned and starved four of her clan-mates and killed Stonefur in cold-blood, exile would have been the lightest punishment on her mind. But, here she was, having gotten away with it without a figurative scratch on her pelt.

Leopardstar's gaze lifted to the jagged peaks of Highstones that were looming closer and closer. She felt her heart twist. Although the Moonstone first had just been an excuse to allow her to leave her camp for a few days, she now felt a pull inside her to actually go to the sacred site. She could seek the judgement she needed. She could know if she was doing the right thing.

Leopardstar felt bile rise up in the back of her throat as she had the sudden thought of seeing Stonefur there.

She shuddered and looked down at her paws as she walked.

She didn't have to speak to StarClan. She could go the rest of her life without returning to the Moonstone, so she could avoid them and any punishment they demanded entirely, up until the moment of her ninth death. After all, she knew they really couldn't stop her here in the physical world. If they could, wouldn't they have destroyed Brokenstar or Tigerstar or BloodClan a long time ago, before they caused so much suffering?

Her paws itched. The temptation to turn away was powerful.

What if they do want me to leave RiverClan? Why should I go speak to them just to cause myself more pain and suffering?

Then Leopardstar again heard Tigerstar's voice rumbling in her mind:

"You're a TigerClan leader. You don't bow to StarClan," Tigerstar said, a hint of a growl in his voice. "No cat, living or dead is above you."

Leopardstar's heart was suddenly filled with fierce outrage and anger. At Tigerstar and at herself for her weakness. She clenched her jaw, giving her head a fierce shake.

No. I'm not like him.

Leopardstar steadied her resolve and pushed forward.

It was a little past sunset as Leopardstar approached the gaping, dark mouth that formed the entrance to the tunnel down to the Moonstone. She felt a wave of nervousness crash down on her as she stared into the black abyss, and for a moment, she felt her resolve wane again.

Would it be so bad to go back and live in ignorance?

She shook her head to shake off the clinging doubts.

No, I have to speak with StarClan. How can I lead if I don't deserve it? How will I know that I have a right to earn the respect of my clan-mates back?

Leopardstar swallowed hard and stepped into the darkness.

As she walked down the long, winding tube, guided forward only by her whiskers, her thoughts swirled more and more chaotically in her mind the deeper she descended.

What if I speak to Stonefur? No. Why would he come? He won't want to see me, let alone speak to me. He won't give me the privilege of being able to apologize… He shouldn't. I'm not worth it. Then will it be Crookedstar? Oh StarClan, I hope not… those cats are his kin, and I imprisoned them. I've failed him so horribly that he must be so ashamed that he chose me as his successor… Then who? …My mother? I've failed even her… There's no-one who I haven't shamed.

I'm a disgrace.

Embarrassment.

Unworthy.

I deserve their exile.

Leopardstar's breaths rattled loudly in her ears, her thoughts growing increasingly disjointed and panicked, and she almost broke into a sprint as she finished the last leg of the journey downward and burst out into the cavern which housed the Moonstone. The large crystal was glowing faintly from the star-light that shone in from the hole in the ceiling above, and Leopardstar felt her racing heart slowing as she looked at it like the stone itself had some sort of calming effect radiating from it.

Leopardstar took a shaky breath and approached the Moonstone. She crouched down next to the big crystal, closed her eyes, then without allowing herself to have another thought, shoved her muzzle against the icy stone.

The touch sent a frigid shock rocking through her, as if her body all at once turned to ice. She instinctively tried to yank her head back and open her eyes, but she found she couldn't move, her muscles stiffened and paralyzed by the cold.

But, then as quickly as it came, the cold melted away and her muscles loosened. Leopardstar's eyes flickered open, and she found herself in a lush forest at the height of green-leaf. There was a riverbank of smooth grey stones in front of her that framed a small brook which snaked through the trees, babbling cheerfully. Leopardstar saw the silver flash of fish in the depths of the water, and Leopardstar's stomach growled, reminded her that he hadn't eaten since she left camp in the early morning.

Leopardstar's gaze followed the brook upstream, and found its source only a few fox lengths away from her, a spring trickling out of a tall pile of large stones. As Leopardstar's gaze moved higher, she saw a blue-grey cat perched at the top of the pile, watching her carefully.

"Stonefur," Leopardstar whispered, her voice barely louder than a breath.

She felt her eyes stinging at the sight of him, and her legs trembled. She almost didn't believe it. She had basically convinced herself that there was no way he would come, allow her the dignity of seeing his face. But, he was here, standing before her, looking as mighty as he did in life.

His ears were no longer in tatters like they were the last time she saw him. His frame was no longer scrawny and shrunken by starvation. His pelt was no longer stained with blood and mud and marred by wounds and oozing sores. He stood proud and tall, his dark blue-grey fur gleaming, hints of stars sparkling around his paws and whiskers, and his blue eyes clear… and stony.

Stonefur deftly descended from the stone pile, landing on light paws next to the stream a few tail-lengths away from Leopardstar.

"Hello Leopardstar," he said in his deep meow.

Leopardstar had dearly missed the sound of his voice. And, hearing it again was almost enough to collapse her knees out from under her. She swallowed. Her throat and mouth were very dry, and she wasn't sure if she would be able to even make words come to speak to him. But, before she could, Stonefur continued.

"Your stomach sounds hungry. Do you want to eat something?" he asked.

Leopardstar's thoughts were still scrambled in fear, shock and anxiety at seeing him, but she almost laughed out loud at the absurdity of his question. Her stomach growling was such a minor instance compared to the gravity of everything else that brought her here, but in a classic exceedingly-pragmatic Stonefur fashion, it was the first thing he addressed.

Stonefur didn't wait for her to wrangle her feelings under control and answer the question. He paused at the water's edge, becoming entirely still for a moment, before he sprung into motion and hooked a fish out of the brook with his claws. It landed right by Leopardstar's feet, and she slammed a paw down on it quickly to kill it and stop it from struggling to get back to the water.

"Eat," Stonefur said to her with a nod.

Leopardstar's stomach grumbled loudly again, so she didn't try to protest. She bent her head and devoured the fish. The sweet and salty taste of it seemed to fill her body with strength and energy with every bite. Stonefur patiently waited for her to finish and didn't speak again until she lifted her head, swiping her tongue over her lips, her stomach warm and full.

"What brings you to StarClan's hunting grounds?" Stonefur asked.

Leopardstar hesitated, blinking hard as her stomach suddenly twisted.

"…You must know, since you are the one here greeting me," Leopardstar rasped, finally managing to speak.

Stonefur inclined his head to her, as if inviting her to continue, but he did not say anything in response. Leopardstar closed her eyes for a heartbeat and steeled herself with a shaky breath.

"I'm sorry," she blurted out.

Stonefur still said nothing, his expression unreadable.

"You died because of me. Because I was weak and stupid and cowardly. I was everything a leader shouldn't be. I betrayed the warrior code. I betrayed RiverClan. And, I betrayed you. And, I understand if you can't forgive me for that. I'm not even sure that you should…"

Leopardstar felt her throat closing up in emotion, but she forced herself to continue.

"But, I just want you to know that I truly am so sorry. I'm sorry all the way down to my bones. I will carry this pain with me every day of my life. And, I deserve to, in punishment for what I did to you."

Stonefur's face was carefully devoid of emotion. Leopardstar searched his eyes desperately but found no hint of what he was feeling there.

"Please, believe me," she said, her voice cracking.

A part of her, the proud and cruel part of her that got her into this mess, hated how she was begging. But, Leopardstar took a deep breath and pushed those feelings aside, waiting for Stonefur's response. He was still silent.

Her head drooped, cold resignation settling in her gut.

"…It's okay," she mumbled. "I understand. My words are just talk, right? That's why I have something else to ask you… I didn't just come here to apologize."

Leopardstar took another shaky breath.

"If it is your will and StarClan's, I wish to relinquish my position as leader of RiverClan, in reparations for my actions," Leopardstar said quietly. "Your sister will make a fine leader in my place. I no longer deserve the duty and privilege to lead our Clan, but Mistyfoot does. I know she will not fail RiverClan as I have. I just beg that you have mercy on me and allow me to stay in RiverClan, so I can try to make amends for all the suffering I caused."

Leopardstar waited with her head bowed for Stonefur's response, staring down at the ground. Silence stretched between them for several moments, but then she saw his paws move towards her and felt his muzzle brush her forehead. Leopardstar felt her heart hammering in her ears, and she closed her eyes, bracing herself to hear the words of her banishment and to feel her nine lives stripped away.

But, as the moments slipped past… nothing happened.

"It is not Mistyfoot's time yet to lead," Stonefur murmured, his breath stirring the fur on Leopardstar's head, making her eyes snap open. "But, it is yours."

Stonefur pulled his muzzle back, and Leopardstar raised her head to meet his gaze, her eyes wide in shock.

"Even after everything I've done?" Leopardstar asked hollowly, her ears flattening.

Stonefur nodded.

"I believe you and your regret, Leopardstar. I have seen it etched on every part of your pelt since my death. But, I have also seen how your mistakes have shaped you into becoming a wiser leader. More protective, more wary, and more devoted to our clan-mates," he said in his deep voice.

Stonefur paused for a moment.

"What's done is done and in the past. The important part is that what happened will never happen again. You have changed. I know you will be a good leader for RiverClan from now on. So, there is no need for you to give up your lives or your name," Stonefur said.

Leopardstar's gaze searched Stonefur's. She slowly shook her head, her face incredulous.

"You've been watching our Clan, you must see the disarray it's in," Leopardstar said, her jaw clenched. "And, you think I'm the one that can help them? That I should keep going despite all my mistakes? How will I find the strength to manage it?"

Stonefur touched his tail-tip to her shoulder.

"As you said, my death was your mistake. But, we learn from our mistakes, and this has taught you how to be a better leader. Please don't let my death be in vain. When you need to find the strength to keep going, find it in honoring my life," Stonefur rumbled. "Do not fail me again, Leopardstar."

Leopardstar's paws trembled and her eyes begin to sting once more.

"I won't," she whispered. "I will try. For you. I've—I've missed you Stonefur."

Stonefur's ears twitched backwards regretfully.

"I've missed our Clan as well," Stonefur murmured. "I would be lying if I said that I didn't often wish that… that things could've been different."

That you could still be alive... That I hadn't killed you.

Her stomach twisted as she looked down at the ground again.

"If it is any consolation though, Leopardstar," Stonefur said, giving a quiet sigh. "I do forgive you."

Leopardstar's gaze flew back up to his. She wanted to say something to him, but strangely, she found it impossible to move. Her vision was fading around the edges and Stonefur's form was blurring.

"I understand the magnitude of the sacrifice you are making with your kits, Leopardstar. Even if the rest of the Clan is ignorant of your pain, I know that you chose RiverClan, and I am grateful for it. Go back home and keep leading. But, first, there is something else you must attend to…" Stonefur said as Leopardstar's vision turned to black.

Leopardstar awoke next to the now dim Moonstone to feel a contraction ripple down her side. She winced at the faint sting of pain it brought, but it faded quickly, only a warning of what was to come. She felt a jolt of panic.

The kits must be coming soon. I have to get going.

Leopardstar rose to her paws, and moving as rapidly as possible, she headed back up the tunnel.

Leopardstar was both surprised and grateful that her stomach somehow still felt full from the fish she ate in StarClan. She wouldn't have time to hunt before the kits came, and she needed her strength to make it through giving birth. After she emerged from the cave, to her shock, she found dawn already breaking. She had somehow spent all night in StarClan's hunting grounds. Leopardstar headed as quickly as she could away from Mothermouth. Thankfully, her contractions were light and far apart, at least for now, so she made good time as she searched for a place to have her kits.

I didn't think they would be here so quickly, I thought I would have at least had another day after the Moonstone to look for someone to care for them.

Beyond Ravenpaw's barn, there was a sparse cropping of two-leg dens Leopardstar could see in the distance. She headed that way, hoping to find kind kitty-pets, loners or even two-legs who would be willing to take pity on her poor kits.

It was far after sunrise, but not yet sun-high when Leopardstar made it to the cluster of two-leg dens. She had made the journey alright, having only to stop to rest a few times when the contractions were too strong. But, now that she was so close to the strange two-leg structures, her pelt prickled with unease, and she felt the urge to turn back.

She may have made a mistake coming here, but it was too late to change her mind. She let out a hissed breath as another powerful contraction wracked her body. The kits would be here soon, like it or not.

Leopardstar crept through the yards, her jaw parted to scent the air for cats and two-legs alike. As Leopardstar walked past the fifth house, her nose picked up three cat scents—one male, two female, and one of the females had a hint of milk-scent on her. Leopardstar felt a jolt of relief.

Perfect. Now I just have to pray that they are welcoming kitty-pets.

Leopardstar followed the cat scent into one of the yards by a two-leg nest. She clawed her way under a holly bush there to hide her from sight from any passing two-legs. Her contractions were too powerful and too close together for her to continue now.

Leopardstar collapsed down on her side, panting. She peered out through the tightly woven holly branches, her gaze searching the barren, unfamiliar and strangely manicured yard surrounding her, and for a moment, she felt very scared and alone. Leopardstar swallowed hard, wishing that she had let Mudfur come with her like he wanted.

Then that thought and all other thoughts were stripped away as white hot, blinding pain tore through her body.

Leopardstar dug her claws into the ground, biting back a yowl. The pain that ripped through her was unlike any she ever felt before. Leopardstar clenched her jaw hard, feeling the salty tang of blood fill her mouth as she accidentally bit through her tongue with her teeth. As her body shook from the agony, Leopardstar's thoughts were just coherent enough to wonder if this pain was StarClan's punishment for her actions.

Then the blinding pain faded almost as quickly as it can, leaving only a throbbing ache behind, allowing her a moment to catch her breath. But, before she could recover fully, it can roaring back like searing lightning. Leopardstar almost heaved up her stomach's contents from the torture of it.

Powerful waves were cascading down her sides, and she felt warm liquid soaking her hind-legs and tail. Leopardstar had just enough energy to angle her eyes back to see a crimson pool of blood rapidly forming around her. It would have panicked her, if she had the mental capacity to feel panic. But, right now all she could concentrate on was pain and a rapidly growing exhaustion.

A small bundle fell to the ground beside Leopardstar at the next contraction that surged though her body. Slowly and painfully, Leopardstar managed to pull the kit out of the pool of the blood and towards her, lapping at its spotted dark tabby coat. But, the kit didn't move despite Leopardstar's best efforts of grooming it. It had been born with a still heart.

It's probably better this way. Leopardstar thought, looking down at the motionless kit through blurry eyes, even though she still felt a pang of mourning in her chest.

The pain seemed to be fading, but so was Leopardstar's energy, and yet contractions still rippled powerfully down her sides. Thankfully, the last two kits came easily. Leopardstar slowly and with great effort tugged them towards her stomach, trying to lick her blood off of their pelts, clearing their eyes and noses. These two were already wiggling strongly, unlike their older brother.

The edges of Leopardstar's vision were starting to go black, and as she pushed her two living kits to her stomach, allowing them to nurse, she was vaguely aware that she still seemed to be bleeding, despite her waning contractions.

Leopardstar's head thumped to the ground suddenly, quite to her surprise. Her neck muscles strained as she tried to lift her head again, but she found she didn't have the strength. She felt oddly calm as her breaths rattled hollowly in her ears. Leopardstar was conscious just long enough to see that one of her kits, a little she-cat, was golden-spotted, just like her, before everything faded to darkness.

Leopardstar's eyes opened, and she found herself back in StarClan's hunting grounds for the second time that day. Leopardstar slowly rose into the sitting position. Her muscles still strained at the excursion, but she found herself regaining energy steadily with every moment that passed. Leopardstar's ears pricked suddenly as a quiet mew caught her attention. She looked to her side and saw the small spotted tabby kit curled up on the ground next to her. Then the bushes in front of Leopardstar stirred, and a pretty white and ginger she-cat walked out, heading over to her.

It was a cat she didn't remember seeing in life, but Leopardstar recognized her anyway.

"Mom…" Leopardstar murmured.

"Hello Leopardstar," Brightsky said with a soft purr.

Leopardstar felt a pang of fear in her chest that her mother was here to punish her about taking Tigerstar as her mate, but instead Brightsky just walked over to the small spotted-brown tom, looking down at the kit with gentle eyes.

"What do you want to call him?" Brightsky asked.

Leopardstar's gaze flicked back down to the kit.

"How about Pebblekit, for his spots?" Leopardstar said.

"I like that," Brightsky purred.

She bent her head to carefully pick up the tiny kit and put him at her ginger paws, where she started grooming him gently.

"I'm losing a life aren't I?" Leopardstar asked.

Brightsky nodded.

"Yes. But, you will be able to go back soon. I will take good care of Pebblekit. And, I've found someone for you to take care of your other two kits. She will be there soon," Brightsky said, still gazing down at Pebblekit.

"Thank you Mom," Leopardstar whispered. "They will have a better life with her than I one I could give them. And, I'm sorry for everything…"

Brightsky's gaze flickered back up to Leopardstar.

"Don't worry, Leopardstar," Brightsky said with a reassuring purr. "You are my daughter; I've always been watching over you. And, I will continue to until we all walk in StarClan together."

Leopardstar blinked, and she found herself back under the holly bush. She groaned as she lifted her head off the ground. She was weak and exhausted. Her cheek was sore where her face had hit the ground, her tongue was still bleeding, and she had a pounding headache... but she was alive again at least.

Leopardstar glanced around blearily. She was still lying in a pool of her own blood, and Pebblekit was motionless and dead again. But, she had two living kits nursing at her belly. Leopardstar bent her head to give them a better grooming. One kit was a golden-spotted she-cat. The other was a dark tabby tom with white. Leopardstar peered at him harder, realizing that his white markings mirrored those Brightsky had.

"Oh my goodness are you okay?!" a voice called from outside the holly bush.

Leopardstar jumped in fright, having not noticed the cat's approach, but she didn't have the strength to rise to her paws to meet her. From the scent on the air, it was the same she-cat she smelt earlier, the one with milk-scent on her pelt.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to frighten you! I was inside the house sleeping, but then I had the strangest dream, and when I woke up, I just had this odd feeling that I really need to go outside. And, here you are, and all that blood…!"

Through the dense branches of the holly bush, Leopardstar could just make out wide, worried blue eyes peering out of a dark-brown furred face.

This must be the cat Brightsky was talking about!

"I'm very weak," Leopardstar said, her voice rasping in her throat.

"I can see that!" the stranger replied. "Do you need help? I can get you some food. Or water. Or my house-folk."

Leopardstar shook her head.

"No. None of that. No two-legs… what I need…" Leopardstar said hoarsely, swallowed hard. "…Can you care for these two kits? I don't have the strength to."

The cat's blue eyes looked at her uncertainly.

"You- you want me to take your kits?" she said, her voice halting. "Are- are you sure no two-legs? They have ways of helping us you know. They can heal you..."

She was staring at Leopardstar with afraid eyes, looking like she thought Leopardstar was going to die on her then and there.

Well, I did just die, so she's actually not that far off... but she doesn't know that I have more than one life.

Leopardstar however, shook her head firmly.

"No two-legs," she repeated, her voice hoarse.

"I do have one young kit, so I have plenty of milk to nurse them," the kitty-pet continued. "If... if you're sure…"

Leopardstar was already nodding.

"Please. I can't care for them. Their brother is already dead, I don't want them to die too," Leopardstar rasped, playing up her weakness as she let her head bob down to indicate Pebblekit.

Leopardstar felt a slight prick of guilt knowing that she was telling the friendly she-cat half-truths. But, she also knew it had to be done.

It's true that I can't care for them. I can't take them back to the Clan.

The stranger's gaze flickered down, noticing Pebblekit for the first time. Leopardstar saw a wave of grief at the sight wash over the she-cat's face, and Leopardstar knew that she had convinced her.

"Aw, well what's two kits more. Okay," the she-cat said. "I'll take them. And, you can come visit them whenever you want."

"Thank you," Leopardstar rasped, feeling relief surge over her.

The kitty-pet shot her a pitying glance, and Leopardstar knew she wasn't the only one telling half-truths. This she-cat clearly thought Leopardstar was going to die soon, and she was telling her that she could visit solely to comfort what she thought was a dying queen.

"Of course," the stranger said gently.

Leopardstar passed the tabby tom out of the bush to the she-cat first. He mewed as he was separated from Leopardstar, but the she-cat scooped him up quickly and gently.

"I'll take him inside, then come back for the other one," she said.

Leopardstar saw the she-cat trot off, vanishing into the two-leg den through a flap on the side. She was back alone a few moments later, having dropped the first kit off. Leopardstar passed the golden she-cat out to her next, feeling a cold fog of sadness envelope her as she handed her last kit away.

"Goodbye," Leopardstar whispered to her.

You two will have a better life without me.

"Are you sure you don't want to come inside too?" the stranger asked, placing the kit down at her paws as she lingered outside the bush.

It seemed like she was still trying to save Leopardstar's life.

"I can't," Leopardstar murmured, looking down at her paws. "I'm sorry. Just take care of them for me."

"I will," the she-cat said softly. "Do you want to name them?"

Leopardstar shook her head.

"They're more yours now than they are mine," she rasped. "You should name them."

The she-cat's blue eyes filled with sadness, and she opened her mouth as if to argue back, but then the kit at the stranger's paws began crying, interrupting their conversation. The she-cat dipped her head, picking her up.

"Well, alright," the she-cat said from around the kit in her mouth. "I guess this is goodbye... for now then."

"Yes," Leopardstar said quietly. "Goodbye. Thank you again."

"I'll take good care of them," the she-cat promised.

She turned and carried the other kit into the den. As soon as she left, Leopardstar began burying Pebblekit under the bush, working quickly to cover his little body. She didn't want to linger under the bush and give the she-cat another chance to come over and try again to convince her to get two-leg help. Or, for the she-cat to come by to check to see if Leopardstar had died in her yard.

As soon as Pebblekit's was buried, Leopardstar clawed her way out of the bush. Her legs were shaky, but they still were able to hold her up. Her hind-legs, tail and belly fur were caked with blood, and Leopardstar was sure that it must make her look like something out of a nightmare. But, she wasted no time with grooming, instead she just pointed herself back in the direction of RiverClan territory.

Home.

It was deep into the night by the time Leopardstar made it back to camp. The whole journey back, she had only stopped once, in order to wade into a stream to wash the blood out of her pelt. Her territory was deserted this time of night, and the only cat she saw when she got back to camp was Shadepelt, who was the camp guard. Leopardstar didn't have the energy for a conversation, so she just nodded at her warrior before brushing through the reeds and into the camp.

Leopardstar sighed at the familiar sight of her camp, wanting nothing more than to collapse into her nest and sleep. But, the thought of being alone in her den filled her with anxiety close to panic, so instead, she turned towards the medicine cat's den.

Leopardstar brushed through the reed framed entrance, hesitating a moment before entering fully into the den. Mudfur stirred as he hear her foot-falls.

"Leopardstar; you're back?" he asked, raising his head.

Leopardstar just padded over to him without replying, collapsing into his nest next to him. She was trembling slightly, from exhaustion and emotion as the trials of the past two days hit her like a massive wave. She felt like her whole body was giving out on her.

"It's okay. It's okay," Mudfur murmured as Leopardstar pressed herself against his side.

She turned her head, laying her chin on her father's back, her eyes already drifting shut as the current of exhaustion pulled her under. The last thing she felt was Mudfur gently grooming her ears. The turmoil inside of her quieted for a heartbeat, and for a moment, a soft purr rumbled in Leopardstar's throat, then she was asleep.

Leopardstar woke up around sun-high of the next day. Mudfur got her some fresh-kill and some herbs to stop her milk from coming as she explained to him the events of her whole journey.

After telling her father everything, Leopardstar felt exhausted from reliving the events and wanted nothing more than to lie back down and sleep some more, but she knew that there was one last thing that she needed to do that day. So, Leopardstar asked Mudfur to fetch Mistyfoot so she could speak to her alone, and she waited for her deputy in the medicine cat's den.

Mistyfoot crept though the reed-framed entrance hesitantly, her eyes scanning Leopardstar's haggard appearance.

"Are you okay?" Mistyfoot asked in greeting. "Do you still have green-cough? You don't look so good…"

Leopardstar shook her head, sighing quietly.

"I'm not okay," Leopardstar whispered. "I haven't been okay since TigerClan."

Mistyfoot's eyes snapped sharply to Leopardstar's at the sudden mention of TigerClan. Leopardstar gazed unwaveringly back into their dark blue depths.

"Mistyfoot, I've been thinking about what you said," Leopardstar said slowly and deliberately. "About how I haven't been the leader RiverClan needs, how I've been distant, and why you don't trust me…"

Mistyfoot's eyes narrowed slightly as she waited for Leopardstar to continue.

"And, I understand," Leopardstar whispered. "I understand why you don't trust me right now, and that you might not be able to again. And, not only that, but I agree with you. I want you to watch me. What I let happen to Stonefur… what I did to Stonefur—"

Leopardstar felt her voice break, and she had to swallow, trembling slightly, before she could keep speaking.

"—Is unforgivable," she forced herself to continue. "So, I would never ask forgiveness from you for it. And, if I ever show signs of being that way again, I want you to stop me. You have to."

"I will watch you. Everyday I live," Mistyfoot vowed, her voice low.

Leopardstar's and Mistyfoot's gaze met. Leopardstar tried and failed to read the maelstrom of emotions that swirled in their blue depths.

"There is not a day that goes by that I am not filled with grief and anguish and guilt by his death, and what I allowed happen to you and Feathertail and Stormfur," Leopardstar said, her voice rasping in her throat. "And, I will be paying penance for that for the rest of my life."

"You're not allowed to grieve him," Mistyfoot said in a fierce whisper, blinking her eyes hard. "Not when you are the one that did it to him."

"That feeling is understandable," Leopardstar admitted, looking away from her at down at the ground. "But, I still do. Because he was my best friend. Despite it all…"

Mistyfoot was silent, and Leopardstar took a deep, trembling breath and continued.

"But, all of that is in the past. From this heartbeat on, I give my everything to RiverClan. Nothing and no one will ever come before my duty to RiverClan and my loyal cats. I know I can't change what I did, but I can try to make RiverClan as safe and happy as possible, in honor of him."

Leopardstar's gaze flickered back to Mistyfoot's.

"And, let me make myself clear, Mistyfoot—you are RiverClan. I know Tigerstar and I…"

In her mind, Leopardstar saw a flash of the starving, trembling half-clan cats crouched before Bonepile, but she shook her head fiercely as she tried to dislodge the memories.

"But, that doesn't matter. You always have been loyal and good. Even when I haven't. I… I am humbled to call you my deputy and to know that one day you will lead RiverClan."

Mistyfoot was still silent for a long moment.

"I appreciate you saying that, Leopardstar" Mistyfoot murmured finally. "I will think on this."

Mistyfoot started to walk out of the den, but she paused before exiting, her tail flicking back and forth uncertainly behind her.

"…Did you see him?" she said quietly from over her shoulder, not quite meeting Leopardstar's eyes. "When you went to the Moonstone?"

Leopardstar hesitated, bowing her head.

"Yes." Her voice was soft, barely above a whisper. "I apologized to him."

"What… what did he seem like?" Mistyfoot meowed hesitantly.

Leopardstar paused again for a moment.

"He seemed… at peace," Leopardstar said.

Mistyfoot nodded, her eyes distant as if she was gazing deeply within herself, then she turned and padded out of the den.

As the seasons changed, so too did RiverClan. Leopardstar threw herself whole-heartedly into her role as leader, and she was slowly rewarded as, with time, she watched her clan-mates grow safer and happier with every passing sunrise.

Towards the end of leaf-bare, WindClan needed some watermint when a string of bellyaches broke out in their elders, queens, and kits, and Leopardstar and Mudfur shared the herb with them happily. At the next gathering, Leopardstar could almost see Tallstar's icy demeanor towards RiverClan thawing with her own eyes as he publicly thanked her for her generosity. ThunderClan was also warming back towards RiverClan, and to help it along, Leopardstar even made a point to compliment Feathertail and Stormfur to Graystripe. The ThunderClan deputy seemed quite pleased that his kits had become strong RiverClan warriors.

Her RiverClan warriors too, finally crept closer and closer to forgiveness towards her. They were no longer blatantly disrespectful, and some even offer to share prey with her or showed a willingness to chat and share tongues.

But, still, the cat whose approval Leopardstar desired the most remained Mistyfoot. And, her deputy was a stubborn creature. It took a long time, even longer that it took her to win WindClan and ThunderClan over to her, for Mistyfoot to start to come around. She kept her promise of course. She was always a competent, loyal, and supportive deputy in front of the Clan, but Leopardstar could still feel her privately watching her every move, waiting to see if Leopardstar would slip up and endanger her clan-mates again. As the moons past, though, and it became more clear that Leopardstar was giving it her all, like the budding new-leaf, Mistyfoot too began to warm.

Like any changing season though, it did not happen all at once. It will never go from a snowing and bitterly cold day, to roaring sunshine and heat the next sunrise. The world didn't work that way. So, it was subtle at first—just the holding of Leopardstar's gaze when she looked at her instead of turning her blue eyes away. Then the choice to sit a few fox-lengths closer when it was time to eat instead of positioning herself at the other side of the camp. Then, the sharing of a personal comment, letting Leopardstar know that she and Blackclaw were expecting kits.

Leopardstar was happy for her deputy, if Mistyfoot's interactions with Stormfur and Feathertail were any indication, she would make a wonderful mother, even though Leopardstar did also feel a pang in her chest as she thought of what her kits might be like now… if she had kept them.

Then one sunrise, days and days later, Leopardstar found herself sitting in a group of warriors under the shining green-leaf sun, laughing at Heavystep's impression of an overweight dog trying desperately to lumber after a cat to chase it away. As Leopardstar gasped for breath between purrs, managing to finally wrangle her lungs back under her control, her gaze flickered up and met Mistyfoot's. Mistyfoot was sitting next to the nursery, keeping a half of an eye on her four rambunctious kits, and purring just as hard as Leopardstar at Heavystep's joke. When their gazes met, her blue eyes shimmered with mischievous and mirth, as if she was asking Leopardstar, 'Can you believe this?'

Leopardstar could see no hint of bitterness in those eyes.

Leopardstar wouldn't say that they were friends again. In fact, she wasn't sure if that was something realistic for her to hope for. If that would ever happen in their lifetimes.

But, she couldn't shake the feeling that she had been stumbling through a barren desert, and then suddenly, in the glimmer of those blue eyes, there was the promise of water, of life, just ahead. All she had to do was to keep going and have the strength to reach the river.

Leopardstar shook her head faintly at Mistyfoot to answer the question in her gaze. Mistyfoot rolled her eyes exaggeratedly, prompting Leopardstar to purr again. Leopardstar's gaze flickered upwards. She felt a warm breeze on her whiskers, which soaked through her body, traveling through her blood, all the way down to her chest. And, Leopardstar realized that the trees had leaves on them again.

End.

Author's Note:

Thank you all for reading, and an extra thank you for those of you that reviewed! Reviews seriously mean so much to me, its super motivating to know that there are actual real people out there that have read and liked the story :) I hope you all enjoyed this little window into Leopardstar's life and emotions.

So now I want to share my crazy tinfoil headcanon time so strap yourselves in— Leopardstar and Tigerstar are actually Hawkfrost and Mothwing's parents, not Sasha and Tigerstar. Sasha only had one kit, Tadpole, but she adopted Leopardstar's abandoned babies. The evidence is right there! Tigerstar (Dark tabby) + Leopardstar (Golden spots) = Hawkfrost (Dark tabby) & Mothwing (Golden spots.) The math checks out.

Okay, I'm half-joking of course because the point of this fanfiction wasn't about that, it was to deal with the time immediately following TigerClan/battle with BoodClan. So, to show Leopardstar processing all of her feelings of regret/grief towards Stonefur's death, friction with Mistyfoot, her complicated feelings towards Tigerstar, which was almost like an abusive relationship for her, and the physical ramifications of that relationship (pregnancy) which she does not want and is ashamed of. And, that is some HEAVY stuff, and I didn't want all of that to be cheapened by coming out and having a "OMG HAWKFROST AND MOTHWING ARE ACTUALLY LEOPARDSTAR'S KITS! XD" reveal at the end. Admittedly though I did make Leopardstar's kits in this story the same color as Hawkfrost and Mothwing on purpose just as like a nod to my silly non-canonical theory.

And, I did keep it all very vague and ambiguous on purpose. I just feel like it's more fun that way. Like if you are like me and you want to imagine that they are her secret kits, then great! But, if you like the Sasha/Tiger relationship or just how the canon goes, then that's great too! My story stays ambiguous enough that Leopardstar's kits in my story don't have to be Hawk or Moth, they can just be random other cats that happen to look like them.

Anyway, be sure to leave a comment letting me know what you think of the story (and the headcanon lol.) Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed!