Chapter Text
They trudged along together through the autumn leaves that lay scattered among the forest roots. They had just left the moor after returning from the moon pool. The walk had been silent. They walked together in each other's company, yet both had stirring thoughts on the matter that lay ahead of them.
“StarClan didn’t answer?” Ivypool spoke low, not wanting a late night patrol to overhear clan secrets. She noticed the way Jayfeather had barely twitched at her words. A slight flick of his ears, and a swish of his tail was the answer she needed. “They really are trapped.” She mumbled.
“StarClan is trapped on their own volition, they are too stubborn to see the issues within themselves that they beg us to help.” Jayfeather remarked snidely. Funny enough to her, she had gotten used to the older medicnice cats’ pessimistic comments. She knew all too well about his lack of powers after the Great Battle, the trouble it caused her sister and Lionblaze too. She could not blame him for his sour outlook. Especially when Starclan had fantasized them as heroes that would continue to protect the clans with their powers.
Jayfeather sighed as he paused his steps. Ivypool stepped up next to him, a saddened gaze staring at the trees around them. “I don’t think there will be a day that StarClan recognizes their own mistakes. They choose to brush off the Dark Forest's attempts to overthrow them. They were too stubborn to realize they were weak.” Jayfeather spoke more calmly, more resigned. As though he had seen this coming.
“When was the last time you spoke with them?” Ivypool tilted her head up to him, giving him a well warmed bump with her muzzle as their flanks pushed together.
“Seasons. Ever since I took Alderheart as my apprentice, I have not gotten a visit that wasn’t from Hollyleaf telling me to-“ he cut himself off from revealing anything more personal. Ivypool blinked in surprise. Alderheart already had his name and had taken over for the most part as head medicine cat. She had not realized– no one had, except for Jayfeather and possibly Leafpool before the time of her late death.
She didn’t know what to say. She had never heard of a medicine cat being purposefully ignored by their ancestors for the fact that that cat had been upset with them. Though Jayfeather was mostly upset with everyone who treated him like an elder– even if he was nearing his age. Looking at it now she was more than a few seasons younger than him. She flexed her claws digging them into the dirt. She’d be upset if after everything she had done to protect her clan they treated her as though she couldn’t lift a claw anymore.
“It’s odd looking back at it now, I had no practical use then as a medicine cat to the clan, a seer by Starclan, yet this outcome never surprised me.” Jayfeather’s whiskers twitched in mock amusement. “I was something far stronger than StarClan and they feared me, feared Lionblaze, and feared Dovewing. The only thing that outweighed the judgment against me opposing them–“ he turned his slight-less gaze onto her, his star pupils shining back at her. “Was my lack of trusting them. Faith shaken from my very birth. Odd that I was one of the cats in a prophecy destined to save the clans, yet couldn’t give a damn about them.”
“You were more than a medicine cat, Jayfeather. And more than a cat in a prophecy.” She glared at the gray tom, he didn’t reply. “Think of what Lionblaze would have done if he continued to fight battles– no doubt he would have become obsessed with fighting! You saw how quick he was to test his limits during the Great Storm, and especially when he fought with Squirrelflight on the topic of Bramblestar–” Jayfeather winced slightly at their names, too ashamed to remember that day. “And Dovewing! I watched numerous times when you calmed her down from her powers going out of control. You were always there to help her, help Lionblaze, and especially help me.” She stomped her foot on the crunchy leaves of the forest floor. Jayfeather's ear flattened against his head but didn’t retort any of her statements.
“I was lost in the Dark Forest for so long–“ she paused. She could remember everything still so clearly. She often had terror filled dreams when she slept. Those battles and wars filled her head as she stopped to take a deep breath. Jayfeather laid his tail on her shoulder giving her the focus she needed to pull herself from her head. She laughed albeit strained, “Even now you're helping me as a friend, without you the clan would be lost too. Alderhearts’ anxiety has gotten better over the years. He finally found something he was good at letting him fulfill that passion of his.” She mused and she could tell he was smiling just the same. “Even cat’s outside of the Thunderclan!”
Ivypool had been amused when those kittypets joined the clan. Alderheart may have made them welcomed, but Jayfeather gave them jobs and respect as they mastered those jobs. He gave them a reason to be there for more than the entertainment they offered.
“Regardless, it won’t bring Starclan back, whether they think of me their hero or not.” Jayfeather pulled away slightly, returning to his gruff personality just as he always did after Ivypool would remind him just how important he was. ‘He does far too much to think of himself as a nuisance.’ She rolled her eyes thinking about giving the older tom a cuff around the ear, but instead vividly imagined the shocked expression he would have.
“You said Hollyleaf visits though, have you not seen- anyone else?” They continued to move again, slow but the wind on the moor was getting too much for their fur as they trailed along the forest border.
“No, Hollyleaf’s aleganice isn’t to Starclan despite what you might think. She only stayed because she wanted to reconnect with Leafpool when she passed, and she wanted to meet our grandparents on our father’s side.” Ivypool nodded, taking in the information. It shouldn’t have surprised to learn facts about Starclan when Jayfeather was often open about the somewhat blatant favoritism in Starclan, especially the things the ‘rules’ wrote to stop.
“I think Hollyleaf was going to stay till I showed up, then we were going to meet up with Fallenleaves and head towards the mountains.” Jayfeather had mumbled thoughtfully, he often had moments where he forgot who he was speaking to. It was always the saddest things he would say.
“Fallen leaves was that tom Hollyleaf had fallen in love with, right? In the tunnels?” Jayfeather gave her a quick glance, finally realizing once again who he was speaking to. Jayfeather nodded.
“Fallen Leaves helped Hollyleaf when she disappeared. I knew him before her but I didn’t know he was trapped in the tunnels. It’s odd to think of them as mates but I’m happy both of them got their happy endings.”
Ivypool's ear twitched, he had done it again. That happy yet sad tone when speaking about someone he loved who had passed, yet Ivypool thought this meant more than just for his sister.
“When we get back to the hallow, remind me to give Lilyheart that dock for her bellyache, she had a terrible couple of nights-“ Ivypool would have laughed at how Jayfeather was so quick to return to normal life if they hadn’t been stopped in their tracks as they reached the border of their territory.
“Stop, don’t cross the border,” the two paused at the growl, Jayfeather’s ears flattened as his lips twitched up in a scowl. Ivypool stood tall beside Jayfeather, her ears standing firm as her tail slightly brushed the ground. “Who are you and why are you crossing our borders?”
A tall stockier cat stepped out glaring at the two of them while two more cats stepped out, a smaller black cat, and another tom smaller than the first but nothing less than the first.
“Hold on Thornclaw, we need to at least make sure that isn't an issue, but I don’t think they’d be able to fight a patrol this late at night.” Brackenfur stepped forward putting himself in front of the apprentice, but also slightly behind Thornclaw who only gave them the briefest of looks before backing down.
“Who are you two, and why are you venturing so close to Thunderclan territory?” Brackenfur stepped forward placing his front paws on the border as he looked out at the two of them.
Ivypool shifted nervously to Jayfeather, he had this contemplative look that stared ahead at them, but looked like he was watching them. She kept her gaze on the two as she stepped up ahead of Jayfeather to take the lead.
Ivypool leaned forward a bit, her fur slightly spiky at the insult of the two Thunderclan warriors despite her grief for the two warriors, she was angry at the insinuation. “I am Ivypo-“
“Ivypool,” Jayfeather spoke in her stead, placing a tail along her spine to calm her from her passive aggression.. “There is no need to be on guard,” he answered calmly, whispering into her ear.
“I am Jayfeather, and this is Ivypool,” he answered to the three cats who were eyeing them with distrust.
“Ah! Yes, I’m sorry for being impolite, I should not have been so rude,” she dipped her head to the three as she settled back next to Jayfeather who was back to his blank staring.
“I apologize as well, I am Brackenfur, Thornclaw,” he pointed out with his tail. “And this is Hollypaw, an apprentice.” The molly up till now had said nothing, only stared up at them with wide curious green eyes. She could feel the way Jayfeather stiffened beside her, his pelt had brushed her slightly.
“Though you have not answered our question, why do you travel so late? Especially from the moon pool,” Thornclaw stepped around Brackenfur. “You even have clan names despite you having a strange smell. Are you rogues? Loners?”
“We are travelers, and we have traveled a long way. Would you allow us to stay the night with your group? We don’t ask to take food, only shelter from the cold night.” Ivypool didn’t fully understand what was happening, but she could help the curl of thankfulness in her chest seeing the three cats alive- even if she was thrown off about Hollypaw being an apprentice.
The two toms looked at each other, they most likely didn’t expect the answer, but Brackenfur took the lead anyways. “That is not our decision to make other than your leader, however you may travel back with us and ask for an audience.” He dipped his head turning on his heel as he flicked his tail for them to follow.
Together the group traveled along through the forest, the group was silent.
“Why were you two traveling?” Hollypaw finally broke the silence with her curiosity. Even with a look back from Thornclaw she didn’t care about keeping the silence as long as she could ask her questions.
“We just always were, we belonged to a group at one time, but they aren’t here anymore,” Ivypool dipped her head in memory of the old cats, the ones in front of her walking. Hollypaw’s tail dropped at the nuance.
“Oh I’m-“
“Please don’t apologize,” Ivypool looked down at her with a warm gaze. “It is nice to remember our dead even if they bring sad memories.”
“That’s admirable, to remember the dead. I pray your ancestors are watched over by StarClan.” Brackenfur spoke, he dipped his head in a soloem greeting as they continued on.
As they walked Hollypaw continued to ask questions or explain their ‘clan’ life whenever Ivypool would mock confusion, she had never realized Hollypaw was talkative or as passionate about the Warrior Code. It would explain why she was suddenly so distraught learning of her heritage. Why she felt pushed to do what she did.
“Hollypaw, you must be quiet now before you wake the entire hollow,” Hollypaw clamped her mouth shut after Brackenfur gave her a soft but stern warning. “Before we enter, you must be warned that there are many of us in our clan- group,” he tried to fix. “We may offer you shelter but there will be hesitation with the group.” Jayfeather nodded and Ivypool smiled.
“We understand, all that we ask is that your leader hears us out.” Brackenfur nodded as Thornclaw led them through the gorse barrier.
Stepping in, there were already a couple of cats awake as the morning sun just began to rise. Ivypool hoped Firestar wouldn’t mind letting them stay because her paws felt as if they were falling off. She could not wait to settle down in a moss nest.
Cloudtail and Brightheart watched from where they were together as the patrol stepped in. They both gazed over the group suspiciously but said nothing as they continued on. Brambleclaw was nearby with Squirrelflight as they spoke in low hushed voices. Once they caught eyes, the two bounded over.
“Brackenfur, Thornclaw, how was the Windclan border?” Brambleclaw greeted before his eyes flickered to the new cats. “And who are these two?”
“The border was reset and no hint of Winclan, however we did meet these two travelers, they asked for an audience with Firestar to ask for rest.” He flicked his tail to them. Ivypool could see the way Brambleclaw’s eyes lit up at ‘travelers.’
“I am Ivypool and this is Jayfeather.” Ivypool spoke for them, “we have walked a long way, and are still traveling, we would like to ask for shelter from a large group.” Brambleclaw looked thoughtful for a moment as if assessing them. He nodded tentatively.
Brambleclaw stood for a moment looking over the two with sharp amber eyes. “Alright, follow me,” Brambleclaw bounded away towards Firestar’s den. “Please be careful, there are many loose stones you can dislodge very easily.” Despite the warning they all climbed up easily. They waited when Brambleclaw pushed his muzzle in before stepping in at the call of his name.
It was only a moment before Brambleclaw stuck his head out calling both of them in.
In the back was Firestar, he was old but not as old as when either of them had last seen him, nor was Brambleclaw when he had an unfortunate passing. Jayfeather stepped in followed by Ivypool, both dipped their heads in respect to the passed leader.
“Good morning, Brambleclaw has already told me about you. He tells me you seek shelter?” Firestar tipped his head taking in the two. “It was not long ago that my clan had made a long journey themselves, we know all too well the struggles of venturing into the cold leaf-bare months only to witness starvation and some unfortunate deaths.”
“Yes, we have been traveling for a while and have grown weary of our journey,” Jayfeather concluded, his tail brushing against Ivypool’s.
“We ask that you would allow us to stay while we rest, we wouldn’t mind taking up patrols or hunting parties as we would be glad to help out and would be thankful of the support.” Ivypool answered looking at the kind green eyes she could remember. She felt a twinge of hurt in her chest knowing all the upcoming troubles.
“Hmm, what do you think Brambleclaw?” He turned his green gaze onto the large dark brown tabby. Brambleclaw had been sizing them up ever since they entered the camp, but he had a softened gaze after hearing of their travels. “Though I am the leader, Brambleclaw is my deputy, and someone I look to for advice,” Firestar explained. Ivypool wanted to laugh in amusement. The irony she felt was so funny that she couldn’t help twitch her whiskers.
“So you're someone like Jayfeather to me?” She asked prodding Jayfeather along his flank.
“Ivypool,” Jayfeather attempted to scold her.
Firestar shared Ivypool’s amusement as he chuckled alongside her. “I am unsure of what leadership you two possess, but it is possible.” Firestar watched amused as Jayfeather cuffed Ivypool’s ear, flicking his tail slightly annoyed.
“Firestar,” Brambleclaw began, “I see no harm in allowing them to rest as long as both would take up hunting and other apprentice duties of the camp? Just as our journey was, we learned many qualities of life from outsiders. I see no harm in learning of their traditions either.” His amber gaze rested on them.
Firestar nodded. “Then it appears things are settled, we will need to remodel the warriors den, even without two new cats, we have plenty of apprentices that will soon become warriors.”
“Then I will ask Dustpelt and Brackenfur to start on the repairs after both have rested.” With that Brambleclaw left going out into the clearing leaving the three of them alone.
“You said you were in a group?” Ivypool’s ears perked up. “You wouldn’t happen to be from Skyclan, would you? Would you know a Leafstar?”
“No, we are not,” Jayfeather answered. “Though we know of them, they are still settled in the gorge.” Firestar stared at Jayfeather for a moment. “I– I’ve spoken to Leafstar before and she recalled many stories of you and Sandstorm.” She watched as Jayfeather dipped his head to Firestar. Ivypool had learned long ago not to question the gray tom on certain things he would speak about. One of those had been things he obviously shouldn’t have known.
“I see, it seems they have offered their hospitality as Thunderclan has,” He meowed. “Rest assured, despite your strange arrival, Thunderclan is more open than the other clans surrounding the lake. Even then, many of my warriors will not be as inclined to offer their home to strange cats. However, I am grateful to know how Skyclan is doing.”
“We thank you for allowing us to stay,” Ivypool answered, dipping her head as she stood. Jayfeather following suit.
“Ask Brambleclaw to show you to our medicine cat, you may need herbs after such a long trip.” With that they were dismissed following the path down into the hollow just as they climbed.
This time however, Brambleclaw was speaking to Dustpelt and Brackenfur, Hollypaw had disappeared into the apprentice dens most likely to tell her brothers, and Thornclaw retired to the warriors den. Squirrelflight was by his side, she had caught their attention first, her tail grazing up Brambleclaw’s flank.
“Alright, you can get a few other warriors and Hazelpaw and you can get to work after you’ve rested and taken prey.” Dustpelt nodded, the older tom looking up to the two new cats before stepping away. It was always Dustpelt to look on with suspicion of others, barely letting new cats let into the camp walk away without a glare. Brackenfur twitched his whiskers amused, walking off after the older tom.
“Firestar asked for you to take us to your medicine cat?” Ivypool tried to fien her confusion. “I don’t believe either of us have injuries other than worn pads.” She mused, making the deputy smile.
“That’s good– Jaypaw,” he paused, calling out to the young cat stepping out of the apprentice den. He perked his ears up, angled in the direction of the three. He trotted over, a neutral expression blanketing his face.
Ivypool wanted to chuckle at him, she had never seen Jayfeather so young, he was already the head medicine cat when she had been born, she only heard stories about his training as a warrior before switching to his medicine cat training. She was already in awe at Jayfeather’s ability to navigate the hollow, even the forest. She had never realized he was already so well adjusted even from a young age. However, she could feel his suspension from how he inhaled their scent scrunching up at the unfamiliar scent.
“Dad,” He greeted. Ivypool suddenly felt a rock in her stomach, it had not hit her that many of the secrets everyone knew had not been outed, nor had the prophecy.
“Will you take Jayfeather and Ivypool to Leafpool’s den?” He nudged Jaypaw warmly against his cheek. Jaypaw didn’t return the action but didn’t pull away from his father. “They have been traveling a long way, so will you ask Leafpool if both of them can rest in her den as well till the warrior’s den is enlarged?”
“Okay,” Jaypaw answered blandly. Once his father walked away he settled them with a passive glare. “Follow me.” Ivypool was close to laughing, Jayfeather seemed to always have that attitude and pridefulness. It was sweet and endearing to know he hadn’t changed. “Where did you travel from?” Jaypaw flicked his tail back and forth as they stepped across the hallow.
“Far away,” Jayfeather answered stiffly. Jaypaw’s neutral glare turned to narrowed suspicious eyes.
“You don’t look that worn down for traveling from ‘far away,’” Jaypaw remarked, scoffing at Jayfeather’s response.
“We had rested nearby, I believe Brackenfur had called it your moonpool? It protected us from the harsh cold winds.” Ivypool answered by running a tail over Jaypaw’s flank. He didn’t pull away despite the stranger’s touch.
“At least come up with a better lie than ‘far away,’ you’ll make some of these cats suspicious.” Jaypaw remarked awfully aware.
“Who? Cats like you?” She mused, pressing a bit closer to him. He was adorable when he was an apprentice, and apparently Jayfeather and Jaypaw knew what she was thinking as both turned their blinds gazes onto her. She shrunk back slightly at the stares.
Jaypaw huffed. “I question more than the average cat,” he huffed, not speaking again as they were right outside of Leafpool’s den.
“Leafpool,” Jaypaw called, sticking his head into the den. Moments later Leafpool stepped out with a bundle of herbs in her mouth. She placed them down looking up with a warm smile.
“Jaypaw told me you two needed herbs?” Ivypool nodded. “You seem well adjusted to traveling, you have hardened pads and barely any cuts.” Leafpool noted. Ivypool shifted knowing it was from the wars and battles she had witnessed. Not hard travels. Calling out to behind her she spoke out to Jaypaw. “Jaypaw, would you mind grabbing some marigold in case there is a hidden infection? It has a somewhat bitter smell, and has a leafy, flowery texture.”
After a moment Jaypaw appeared again with marigold in his jaws, he went back to sit beside Ivypool. “Thank you Jaypaw, you have a wonderful memory.” She praised Jaypaw; however he didn’t look pleased for grabbing the right herb.
“My name is Leafpool dear, I am the medicine cat for the clan, I tend to wounds and illness.” Leafpool spoke as she inspected each one of Ivypool’s pads.
“Do you two have cats like that?” Jaypaw asked, his gaze staring at her yet his eyes were just a little lower. “You said you traveled so you must be going somewhere.” Jaypaw scowled when Leafpool cuffed him over the ear for an insensitive question.
Ivypool let out a soft laugh. “We do, Jayfeather is actually our medicine cat,” she flicked her tail to the silent tom. He had remained silent up till now letting Ivypool and his younger self hold the conversation. However all three of them- Jaypaw included noticed how Leafpool stared at Jayfeather. A surprised expression hidden in her large brown eyes.
“Jayfeather-?” She asked, her tone thoughtful.
“Yes, similar to Jaypaw here,” Ivypool answered quickly, “Quite a coincidence.” Jaypaw raised a brow at her but held his tongue for any remark.
“Yes, indeed, what is your name dear?” Leafpool smiled up to her as she finished licking the mix into her pads.
“My name is Ivypool, we share the same prefix,” she smiled, accepting the bitter lead Leafpool prodded towards her.
“Can I go now?” Jaypaw muttered tired.
“Sure dear, I’ll let them settle down easily in one of my nests so you can return to your duties.” His aunt smiled down at him, giving him a swift kick on top of his head before he could walk away. “Just be sure to wait till Brightheart is awake before you run off, she may have duties for you today.” Jaypaw scoffed at any insinuation that he’d be treated like he was an actual apprentice. Ivypool could hear him grumble a small ‘whatever,’ before stalking off.
“Here, I don’t have too much moss, but there should be enough for two nests.” She led them into her den. It was small but it was just as they remembered. Leafpool paused, letting them settle down.
“Thank you,” Jayfeather dipped his head before laying down. He pulled his tail over his nose as he avoided any more conversation with his mother.
“It’s alright, you two rest, I’m sure Brambleclaw will come by later to check on you.” Leafpool trotted out of the den leaving the two alone.
“She’s suspicious,” He remarked, not lifting his head to speak.
Ivypool stared after where she left. “Of us? Or of you?” Jayfeather didn’t comment but she already knew the answer, even if she was confused about how Leafpool had caught on. “What are we going to do? None of our clammates are here, yet they are at the same time.” She frowned, slipping down next to Jayfeather.
“Just carry on, play the role of Ivypool- a rogue traveling on her way to the rest of her group.” She wanted to smack the tom. “Listen there aren’t many things we can do. My younger self is already suspicious of us, so is Leafpool.”
He sighed, picking himself up. “It wouldn’t be necessarily bad if they did know, but it comes down to changing the future that could be bad.” Ivypool hadn’t thought about that.
“That’s not what I meant– I meant our clan, we left them as a broken group– nor you,” she expressed, bumping her head against his affectionly.
“I doubt that would be a problem, Hollytuft and Bristlefrost are good leaders and Alderheart. They will be able to lead the clan, I don’t doubt the clan will be fine. Even Alderheart is a fine medicine cat,” Ivypool purred at the way he spoke his praise about the two. Jayfeather always had a close relationship with his nieces and nephews. She could recall them chasing after him and getting under every cat's paws because they were curious. She smiled thinking about Fernsong; of her kits.
“Do you think we will be able to go back?” Her voice was soft, she was already anxious about leaving for the moon pool, knowing StarClan still wasn’t answering anyone, yet here again she was worrying over her clan and family.
“Honestly, I don’t know,” Jayfeather spoke the truth, Ivypool stiffened. “But I don’t think there isn’t a way home. Though I wouldn’t consider this normal, there can always be an answer.” She closed her eyes leaning against Jayfeather.
Ivypool had been humbled from birth, having her sister chosen over her for a prophecy. She had felt so much rage for others pitying her after the relivation came out, yet there was one cat that never not stopped speaking to her. Whether he knew her struggles from his powers, or considered her opinion worth the effort, Jayfeather had always asked her thoughts. It was hard accepting everything, especially after she had felt welcomed by the Dark Forest before realizing their true plans. Dovewing had confronted her about her restless nights, yet it was Jayfeather whom she conceded in.
Over everyone else, Jayfeather had been the emotional support of many cats. Hollytuft when she took over leadership with Bristlefrost. Both had felt overwhelmed and concerned for the clan and being young had been a toll on the both of them. Ivypool and Jayfeather had consoled them. But they weren’t the only ones who had gone to him before. She had once seen Poppyfrost come to Jayfeather with the news of her kits. Jayfeather had returned the sentiment with affectionately bumping her head. He sent the queen off to tell Berrynose as he sat, staring where she had left. At the time she wondered what the gray tom had been thinking.
Regardless of who, or their relationship, Jayfeather had unintentionally became the keeper of many cats. He was the rock to their clan, how odd seeing him now as an apprentice still filled with spite for all the cats around him.
She was fiercely amused seeing the younger tom, his bright blue eyes and his small frame, though Jayfeather was nowhere near tall nor big for a Thunderclan cat, she had never seen him falter or crack under that weight. He was always Jayfeather, a cat who stood tall with pride, but had the wit to know when it was a losing game. She understood Squirrelfight’s choice long ago, she just wished he saw it too.
She leaned her body against him, both now crouched down into the same nest as they shared the warmth of the small den. Together both of them slept.