Blackstar's Amends

Author's Note
Please read, it's important to me I give full credit and give warnings over spoilers.

The inspiration and credit all goes to the Erin Hunter group. I thank them for everything they have done and the many books they wrote. Please note I am probably not the best at writing around, but I'd like the focus to be on the story and the core of Blackstar's thoughts.

SPOILER ALERT! This book contains spoilers from The Darkest Hour, Midnight, Firestar's Quest, Tigerclaw's Fury, Fading Echoes, and The Last Hope.

DISCLAIMER!

Characters have been taken from Yellowfang's Secret, The Darkest Hour, Firestar's Quest, Tigerclaw's Fury, Dawn and The Last Hope.

A couple of scenes has been rewritten for Blackstar's point of view, one from The Darkest Hour and another from The Last Hope. I recommend if you haven't read these before I suggest you do so first.

Thankyou for reading and please enjoy!

ALLEGIANCES
 SHADOWCLAN

LEADER BLACKFOOT – large white tom with huge jet-black paws

DEPUTY RUSSETFUR – Dark ginger she-cat APPRENTICE, CEDARPAW

MEDICINE CAT RUNINGNOSE – small gray-and-white tom APPRENTICE, LITTLECLOUD

WARRIORS BOULDER – skinny gray tom APPLEFUR – mottled brown she-cat STUMPYTAIL – brown tom with a short, stumpy tail TANGLEBURR – gray and brown she-cat DEERFOOT – brown tabby tom with a white underbelly and brown paws. APPRENTICE, NIGHTPAW OAKFUR – small brown tom APPRENTICE, TAWNYPAW RATSCAR – scarred brown tom APPRENTICE, ROWANPAW <p style="text-align:center;">SNOWBIRD – pure white she-cat <p style="text-align:center;">WETFOOT – gray tabby tom <p style="text-align:center;">NIGHTWHISPER – brown tom APPRENTICES <p style="text-align:center;">LITTLECLOUD – small brown tabby tom <p style="text-align:center;">CEDARPAW – dark gray tom <p style="text-align:center;">ROWANPAW – dark ginger tom with green eyes <p style="text-align:center;">TAWNYPAW - tortoiseshell she-cat <p style="text-align:center;">NIGHTPAW – black she-cat QUEENS <p style="text-align:center;">TALLPOPPY – long-legged light brown tabby she-cat. <p style="text-align:center;">DAWNCLOUD – pale ginger tabby she-cat, mother of Stumpytail’s kits, Volekit, pale brown tom, Cinderkit, cream and ginger she-cat and Mosskit, white and ginger she-cat

<p style="text-align:center;"> THUNDERCLAN

LEADER <p style="text-align:center;">FIRESTAR – handsome ginger tom <p style="text-align:center;">APPRENTICE, BRAMBLEPAW (dark brown tabby tom)

DEPUTY <p style="text-align:center;">GRAYSTRIPE – long-haired gray tom

WARRIORS <p style="text-align:center;">LONGTAIL – pale tabby tom with a long tail <p style="text-align:center;">APPRENTICE, FERNPAW (pale gray she-cat) <p style="text-align:center;">DUSTPELT – muscular brown tabby tom <p style="text-align:center;">APPRENTICE, ASHPAW (short-furred gray tom) ELDERS <p style="text-align:center;">SMALLEAR – gray tom with very small ears <p style="text-align:center;">DAPPLETAIL – once-pretty tortoiseshell she-cat

<p style="text-align:center;"> WINDCLAN

LEADER <p style="text-align:center;">TALLSTAR – black-and-white tom with a very long tail

DEPUTY <p style="text-align:center;">MUDCLAW – mottled dark brown tom

QUEENS <p style="text-align:center;">MORNINGFLOWER – tortoiseshell she-cat

<p style="text-align:center;"> RIVERCLAN

LEADER <p style="text-align:center;">LEOPARDSTAR – unusually spotted golden tabby she-cat <p style="text-align:center;">APPRENTICE, STORMPAW (dark gray tom)

DEPUTY <p style="text-align:center;">MISTYFOOT – gray she-cat with blue eyes <p style="text-align:center;">APPRENTICE, FEATHERPAW (silver tabby she-cat)

WARRIORS <p style="text-align:center;">BLACKCLAW – smoky black tom <p style="text-align:center;">HEAVYSTEP – thickset, brown tabby tom <p style="text-align:center;">APPRENTICE, DAWNPAW (very pale she-cat)

<p style="text-align:center;"> CATS OUTSIDE THE CLANS <p style="text-align:center;">JAGGEDTOOTH – short-thick furred ginger tabby tom, former ShadowClan warrior

Chapter 1
“So we won the battle after all.”

“Yes, we did.” Firestar’s green eyes blazed with questioning at Blackfoot, “what will you do now, Blackfoot?” Blackfoot narrowed his eyes at the scene around him; injured bodies lay on the ground, some with the taint of death. The Clans have won against BloodClan, a group of rogues not worthy to be called a Clan, but was the battle a too greater cost?

“Take my Clan home,” responded Blackfoot to the ThunderClan leader, “and prepare for a journey to the Highstones.” Blackfoot proudly lifted his head slightly higher as he looked down at flame-coloured cat, “I’m their leader now. We have much to do to recover, but life in the forest will go on as usual.”

“Then I’ll see you at the next Gathering.” The ginger tom’s eyes narrowed, “And Blackfoot, you would do well to learn from the mistakes of your predecessors. I saw what you did to Stonefur at the Bonehill.” The death of the RiverClan deputy leapt into Blackfoot’s mind, the blood, the scared eyes of the apprentices, the courage that Blackfoot will admire forever. Firestar flicked his tail to beckon Bramblepaw as the young tom gave a final goodbye to his sister. Tawnypaw flicked her tail as Bramblepaw slipped to Firestar’s side. Blackfoot stared at the young tortoiseshell she-cat.

She has a strong spirit, he thought, too much like Tigerstar. Blackstar shook his head and checked to make sure all ShadowClan cats are ready before leading them across the clearing, glancing back to see Runningnose bringing up the rear. No cat spoke as they crossed ShadowClan’s pine territory and slipped through the thorn tunnel into their camp. Once safe and protective, but BloodClan has ripped it apart while ShadowClan was still TigerClan.

We have much to do, noted Blackfoot as he glanced at the bramble bush that sheltered the warriors den and the thorn bush shielding the nursery, now torn apart and pieces scattered everywhere. Blackfoot passed the ripped ferns that was once part of the medicine den and jumped onto the Smooth Rock, where Brokenstar and Tigerstar before him summoned ShadowClan for Clan Meetings.

Now it’s my turn. Blackfoot didn’t need to call, as the Clan was slowly gathering to hear. He watched as the strongest warriors’ dragged dead bodies of fallen Clanmates, a pain stabbed Blackfoot as he saw the gleam of black fur, but he pushed it away.

The Clan matters now, and nothing else.

“ShadowClan,” he called, “we have won!” As expected, no cheers of delight or murmurs of excitement met his words. Only the rustling of Littlecloud and Runningnose broke the silence as they hurried to treat the worst of the injuries.

“We have lost some of our Clanmates,” admitted Blackfoot, “but ShadowClan is strong. We banded together with the other Clans, and defeated BloodClan.”

“At what cost!” called Deerfoot angrily, the brown tabby’s thick tail flicking angrily, “look at us! We were weak, and Tigerstar took advantage of that, he brought BloodClan to the forest!” he glared around, staring at the cats that were rogues alongside the former ShadowClan leader, “you should be driven out!” Stumpytail, Tangleburr and Nightwhisper ducked their heads in shame, a few of the last surviving cats that were once rogues with Tigerstar.

“We made a mistake,” sighed Blackfoot as every pair of eyes lay on him, “we were loyal to the Warrior Code. StarClan decided for Tigerstar to be leader, and he strengthened our Clan. It’s true he used us for his own purposes,” Blackfoot felt a flash of betrayal as he unsheathed his claws, “but all the same, we were sick and starving, and he made us stronger. He brought loyal warriors back,” Blackfoot glanced at Stumpytail, Tangleburr and Nightwhisper, who stared worriedly at him with green eyes, “we need to band together, there is no more danger and if there is, we will face it as ShadowClan warriors.” A few warriors perked their ears. Tawnypaw shouted some encouragement. Boulder let Runningnose tend to his wounds. Applefur looked into Blackfoot’s eyes with focused green eyes, and gave a nod of understanding. Deerfoot gave a disapproving snort, but said nothing.

“We need to tend to our wounds,” meowed Blackfoot, “and grieve for the fallen.” Runningnose and Littlecloud exchanged a glance as he said that, but said nothing.

“What about the queens and kits?” called Stumpytail nervously, “are they coming?”

“Leopardstar told me she will send them over, fully escorted,” reassured Blackfoot, “go take two or three cats to wait for them at the border.” Stumpytail nodded thankfully, and Applefur and Wetfoot followed him out of camp. Some cats glared at the former rogue as he padded past, but Stumpytail’s eyes were straight ahead as he hurried to see his mate and kits.

“Boulder,” called Blackfoot, “organise some hunting patrols.”

“What about the apprentices?” Boulder’s blue eyes darted to the four apprentices, “will there be training today?”

“No,” answered Blackfoot, “just hunting.” Blackfoot raised his head and lifted his voice, “everyone check their injuries and make sure they are treated. If you’re strong enough to hunt, go to Boulder.” He leapt off the boulder as warriors either gathered around Boulder or gathered around Runningnose or Littlecloud to be treated. Tangleburr and Ratscar approached Blackfoot instead.

“What about Rowanpaw?” asked Ratscar, “his mentor is… gone.” He looked nervous, and Blackfoot remembered how Jaggedtooth abandoned ShadowClan to join BloodClan, and how Jaggedtooth was a loyal servant to Tigerstar.

“You are right,” meowed Blackfoot, “tell Rowanpaw that he is now your first apprentice.” Ratscar blinked in surprise.

“Thankyou – Thankyou Blackfoot!” excitement filled his yellow eyes, and Blackfoot knew that giving the tom an apprentice to focus on would help him move on with losing his sister. He quickly limped over to the apprentice. Tangleburr instantly stepped forward.

“Blackfoot,” he meowed cautiously, “I know how difficult it is for you to admit, but you have to say goodbye.” Blackfoot stared at Tangleburr with sharp amber eyes, but only nodded. Every step was hardened with pain as Tangleburr lead Blackfoot to the centre of camp, where Clanmates are laying down fallen cats. Blackfoot dipped his head to the body of Rowanberry.

Poor Stumpytail, he thought of Rowanberry’s son, I hope Dawncloud can help him move on. He glanced at the dark brown and white-patched body of Mintwhisker.

Poor Snowbird and Ratscar, he thought, another sibling walking in StarClan. Blackfoot stopped at the body of his sister and brother, and let himself crouched down and pressed his nose into their soft fur.

Fernshade, Flintfang, I’m sorry I wasn’t there to save you. Blackfoot breathed in his siblings’ scent the final time before getting up. His paws felt heavy as he dragged them to a sleek, black body, and collapsed, pressing his black nose to Darkflower’s soft fur.

Oh my sweet, he thought somberly, ''why did you have to go to battle? I insisted for you to stay, why couldn’t you stay and take care of our kits?'' Blackfoot remembered Darkflower insisting that she has to fight against BloodClan, and telling him Tallpoppy will take care of their kits. Blackfoot knew in his heart Darkflower was a warrior, she would give her life for ShadowClan.

And she did. Blackfoot felt her body shift slightly as Russetfur settled beside him.

“I’m so sorry Blackfoot,” she meowed, her green eyes wide and somber, “I can’t imagine what it feels like.” Blackfoot didn’t reply. He allowed himself to grieve, and smell Darkflower’s fur for the final time before Russetfur taps his shoulder. He got sadly to his paws and stared at the entrance. Stumpytail padded into camp, carrying his daughter, Cinderkit in his jaws; the kit he named after his brother. Dawncloud followed with Mosskit and soon Wetfoot with Volekit, both kits with the same coloured fur as the cats they are named after: Dawncloud’s brothers, Mosspaw and Volepaw. Stumpytail glanced at his mother’s body as he passed, but doesn’t stop until he reaches the sheltered cave of the medicine den.

“Blackfoot,” murmured Russetfur, touching her tail to his broad shoulder, “it’s going to be okay.”

No it will not, thought Blackfoot, not without Darkflower. He watched as Tallpoppy and Applefur padded in with his two unnamed kits. The siblings slowed as they passed Blackfoot, and he trotted to catch up with them. Runningnose was sorting two nests for the queens when they entered the medicine cave, luckily not too ravaged from the BloodClan attack. Dawncloud was already settled in her nest, with all three of her kits tucked safely at her belly. Runningnose beckoned to Tallpoppy as she settled into her nest, curling Blackfoot’s kits at her belly. Blackfoot stepped forward, and Applefur and Wetfoot respectfully dipped their heads and exited the medicine den.

“I’ll treat them as my own,” promised Tallpoppy as the kits stared around the medicine den with wide dark eyes. Only a quarter moon old, but Blackfoot was too busy to name them with Darkflower.

Now I have to name them alone. He watched as the black she-kit looked at him eagerly with blue eyes, her jaw opening as she let out a tiny squeak. Her brother, a large black tom-kit with white paws, nudged her before curling up to sleep at Tallpoppy’s belly. Blackfoot watched with fondness as the she-kit slipped out of the nest and trots over to Blackfoot.

“Where’s Darkflower Blackfoot?” she asked eagerly, “she told me she was going to battle, but now that everyone is back, I don’t see her anywhere.” She peered around Blackfoot’s legs to try to see her mother, but Blackfoot quickly blocked her view, afraid that she will see her mother’s body. Blackfoot looked at Tallpoppy for help, but she shook her head, it was only up to Blackfoot.

“Your mother,” started Blackfoot, unsure how to tell the tiny she-kit about the horror of death, “she can’t come back.”

“What do you mean?” squeaked the she-kit, her eyes widened as her brother jumped out of the nest, his amber eyes wide as he stared at his father. Blackfoot glanced at Tallpoppy again for support, but she only stares at him. Blackfoot took a nervous breath.

“She loves you very much,” murmured Blackfoot, “she was very brave. She went to fight for our Clan, so that we could return and be ShadowClan again, no longer joined with RiverClan, but as our own Clan.” Blackfoot shuffles his paws nervously as both kits stare at him.

“Then why can’t she come back?” murmured the she-kit.

“She’s in StarClan, isn’t she?” the tom’s bold question surprised Blackfoot, but he remembered the conditions TigerClan lived in, stinking and dirty, with hardly any prey, death was all too common, and Darkflower couldn’t hide it from their kits.

“Yes she is,” sighed Blackfoot. He curled his tail around his kits, and they scampered forward to his large black paws, “she didn’t want to go, and no matter how much we want her to, she can’t come back, but I know she is watching over us right now,” the she-kits eyes widen in awe, while the tom stared furiously.

“Why can’t she come back?” he growled, “I want her here! Not in StarClan where we can’t see her! I want her milk! Not Tallpoppy’s milk!” Blackfoot glanced at the tabby queen, hoping she isn’t offended, but Tallpoppy only lifted each kit back into her nest.

“I’ll take care of them,” she promised, “you better take care of the Clan.” Blackfoot dipped his head, and gave each of his kit a lick before exiting the den.

“Why does Blackfoot need to take care of his Clan now?” asked the she-kit curiously.

“Because,” responded Tallpoppy, “he’s the Clan leader now.”

Leader, the realisation of the responsibilities that weighed on his shoulders hit Blackfoot, I am the leader.