The Glowing Embers (a FirexCinder fanfic)

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Prologue
''A young tortoiseshell she-cat quietly padded among the shining lights. Mewing uncertaintly, a pair of silver kits stumbled behind her on slender, lithe limbs. The she-cat mewed soothingly, but there was no soothing their terror. One of the kits gave a small squeak and licked it's paw vigorously, nursing a scar that would never heal.''

''"Where in the name of the Clans have you been?" a pair of luminous, burning orange eyes narrowed dangerously in the shadows. The tortoiseshell didn't wince.''

''"Things have changed. Rules have twisted. There wasn't anything for it." she shrugged. The orange-eyed cat hissed.''

''"Don't be stupid. We both know that something's not right." she growled, stepping into the light to reveal a thin, gray body. The other she-cat glared defensively, standing her ground.''

"I lead these kits to StarClan. That's all."

''The skinny gray she-cat hissed, unsheathing her claws instinctively. The tortoiseshell backed away, not wanting to fight.''

''"Look, it was for the good of the Clans. You're not my mother or my leader. You can't tell me what to do." she persisted. An understanding look answered her excuse.''

"You interfered with the living world, didn't you? Look, don't lie to me. I know you sent him to save her. I know you did it so he wouldn't hurt. I know you love him, and I know how foolish it all is. I've been through the hopelessness of it all, and now she will too. It's against the rules. Look at me, my friend. No StarClan cat should intefere with the living, but I can tell you one thing. Thanks to you, maybe Fireheart will now be happy."

Cinder
A gray blur of speed bolted across the harsh, bare leafbare ground. The air buzzed with tension, although there was no reason for fear. Cinderpaw was going on an adventure, not to fight lions.

Excitement prickled down her spine, warming her blood like a Greenleaf day despite the frozen ground. This was her first chance to help her Clan! Finally, Fireheart had stopped being such an oh-so-responsible mentor and left her by herself. Now she could do what she wanted.

I think... She thought to herself pleasantly.... I think I'll go and catch some prey. It was no good going exploring if it didn't help the Clan. All she wanted was the become the best warrior she could be, and that wouldn't happen without practise. Keeping her senses alert, she practised the crouch that Fireheart had shown her. He'd been pretty good at it, and there was no point in denying that her heart did a secret, embarrassing little flutter whenenever he hunted anyway.

(TBC)