The Darkest Hour/Chapter 9

Chapter Summary
 Firestar's PoV 


 * Firestar walks into camp, spotting Darkstripe eating fresh-kill near the nettle patch. He notices Mousefur, Goldenflower, and Frostfur are eating nearby, with their backs to Darkstripe. Graystripe had already started spreading the news of what happened near the ravine. Noticing the way that Frostfur and Goldenflower were ignoring Darkstripe, Firestar realizes that the two she-cats must believe Graystripe's version of the events. Firestar takes it as a good sign that his friend was being accepted by the Clan again. As Firestar begins to walk toward Graystripe, Brackenfur emerges from the warrior's den, catching the leader's eye. Brackenfur starts toward Darkstripe, then veers away and joins Firestar.


 * Brackenfur says that he's heard the news, apologizing to Firestar, explaining that Darkstripe got away from him. Brackenfur insists that it is all his fault. Firestar tells Brackenfur, who is clearly agitated, to steady, resting his tail on the warrior's shoulder. Firestar then requests Brackenfur to tell him what happened.


 * Brackenfur takes a breath before explaining that Darkstripe told him that he was going to hunt. The warrior says that he went with Darkstripe, but when they got into the forest, the latter said he had to make dirt. Brackenfur continues, telling Firestar that Darkstripe had gone behind a bush, but took a while, so Brackenfur went to check on him, but he had gone. Brackenfur says that if Sorrelkit dies, he'll never forgive himself.


 * Firestar assures Brackenfur that Sorrelkit will survive. He is not sure of how true his statement is, because the kit is seriously ill. Firestar wonders about the story Brackenfur has told, as it showed that Darkstripe has realised he was being watched and gotten rid of his guard very neatly, reflected that he must have had a reason. Brackenfur miserably asks Firestar what he wants him to do now, and Firestar replies that he wants him to stop blaming himself, as Darkstripe was bound to let them know where his loyalties lie sooner or later. The leader is anxious over Sorrelkit, but not sorry tht Darkstripe had shown his true self in a way no one could ignore. He had hoped to keep him within the Clan and watch out for any treachery, but he now knows that Darkstripe will never be loyal to him or ThunderClan. He tells Brackenfur to continue guarding Darkstripe, to let him know that he is doing it now, and that he is not to leave the camp until Sorrelkit can tell her side of the story. Brackenfur gives a tense nod and hurries to Darkstripe, crouching beside him to speak to him, causing the dark warrior to snarl before going back to tearing apart his piece of fresh-kill.


 * Firestar turns when he hears pawsteps behind him, seeing Sandstorm.



Major

 * Firestar

Mentioned

 * Tigerstar