Ivypool's Heart/Chapter 6

"Keep going, whatever happens. Your Clans need you!"

— Sunrise channeling Graystripe's spirit in Ivypool's Heart, page 105

Ivypool's Heart
Chapter number:	6 (of 34)
Page numbers:	90-108
Point of View:	Ivypool
Chronology

Below contains in-depth information for chapter six of Ivypool's Heart. If you are looking for a shorter summary of the entire book, please check the main article.

Chapter Number: 6 (of 34)

Page Numbers: 90-108

Chapter description

Ivypool emerges from Beach and Slate's den to see Whistlepaw changing the dressing on Beach's wound. Dovewing tells her sister that Rootspring and Icewing have gone hunting, and that they can leave to find the Sisters once they are fed. Ivypool notices Beach's wound is healing well thanks to Whistlepaw's intervention, and Rootspring and Icewing return with prey. After eating, Slate and Beach lead the other cats past the Twolegplace and barn they visited prior, though the group is forced to scatter when dogs catch their scent. Ivypool's intense emotions overwhelm and enrage her, and she whirls around to attack the white dog. After it flees, she sees the other dog attacking Slate, and launches herself at it to viciously fight it off.

The others are surprised and awestruck over her bravery, though Ivypool is shaken as she realizes she used moves she learned in the Dark Forest. It reminds her of how scared she had been, and how the qualities she showed by becoming a spy for her Clan lead her to becoming Squirrelstar's deputy. The fight with the dogs reminds her that she is still capable of being that warrior once more. Slate lays nearby, visibly shaken by the attack, and the cats continue on their journey to meet up with the Sisters.

They find the group of she-cats, who are surprised to see Clan cats visiting. Snow greets them warily, but before anyone can explain their visit, Sunrise catches sight of her nephew and greets him enthusiastically. Beach and Slate take off to see their mother, Flurry, and their new siblings. Snow asks Sunrise to find Moon and Tempest to hear what the Clan cats have to share.

Rootspring begins by explaining the aftermath of the battle against Ashfur, namely Brambleclaw returning to his own body, Graystripe dying, and Bristlefrost's spirit being lost to the Dark Forest. The Sisters mourn for Bristlefrost's death, but when Ivypool explains that Bristlefrost's spirit is gone, Tempest and the other Sisters are confused. Tempest protests Ivypool's words and tries to explain that all spirits go somewhere. Ivypool forces herself to not believe in their words, knowing it will only make her grief that much worse, and Dovewing quickly changes the subject. She informs the Sisters of Brambleclaw's retirement and Squirrelstar becoming the new ThunderClan leader, and Moon suggests holding a feast in memory of Bristlefrost and Graystripe.

Ivypool's guilt returns as the cats feast, as the visit has dredged up memories of the last time the Clans and the Sisters met. For a moment, she is comforted by the sight of Beach and Slate curled up with Flurry, though it gives way to a moment of anger at the Sisters' way of life. The Sisters mention having met the Cats of the Park briefly, before making camp near a Twolegplace, where Tempest met a kittypet named Sweetums. Ivypool reflects on the differences between their lives, how they never stayed in one place for long, and knows she could never leave her Clan or mate behind permanently. Another pang of guilt spears her as she realizes that she has not been fair to Fernsong since the death of their daughter, and vows to fix it once they return home.

As the feast wraps up, the Sisters hold a ceremony to honor the spirits of Bristlefrost and Graystripe. Dovewing promises Ivypool that they can leave if it becomes too much, and the Sisters begin their ritual. They channel the spirits of several cats, though they are unable to reach Bristlefrost. Ivypool is upset with herself for hoping they could reach her daughter, knowing that it would not work, and returns to her nest. She mentally berates herself, feeling as if she tried replacing Bristlefrost with Beach and Slate, and mourns once again over her loss.

Characters

Major

• Ivypool

Minor

• Whistlepaw
• Beach
• Dovewing
• Rootspring
• Slate
• Icewing
• Snow
• Sunrise
• Moon
• Tempest
• Flurry

Mentioned

• Zeke (Unnamed)
• Pumpernickel (Unnamed)
• Curry (Unnamed)
• Bristlefrost
• Squirrelstar
• Tree
• Ashfur
• Unnamed kits
• Brambleclaw
• Graystripe
• Leafstar
• Nightheart
• Frostpaw
• Sweetums
• Fernsong
• Flipclaw (Unnamed)
• Thriftear (Unnamed)

Errors

• Brambleclaw is mistakenly called Bramblestar despite no longer being a leader.
• The Sisters call Sweetums a kittypet, instead of an everkit.
• Tempest says "greenleaf", despite the Sisters referring to the summer as "leafshine".