Russetheart

Russetheart is a frail elder with a lame front left leg and blinded left eye. His eyes are sunken in and cheekbones sharp, fur graying and out of order. His frame is bony and frail with age. He uses up the free elder slot.

Due to recent events, three of four of his legs have permanent limps. His left foreleg is too stiff to move properly, nor can he entirely feel it. His hind legs now suffer nerve damage and pain, making it hard for him to stand, let alone walk.

POSITIVES; Considerate, Appreciative, Curious

⥁ Russet does his absolute best to be kind to all. He's genuine, and loves to make others smile. He's curious about everything as well, and loves to hear and share stories.

NEUTRALS; Breezy, Sentimental, Frugal

⥁ Some may call him whimsical, or even a daydreamer. Russet has always spent his days living in a half-dream, shocked back into reality by the horrors in life. Still, he does this knowingly. He wants to enjoy the positives in life.

NEGATIVES; Aloof, Presumptuous, Compulsive

⥁ With his aging self - and aversion to combat - Russet has become quite the character. It's hard to predict his next move.

⥁ KITHOOD ⥁

Russetheart was born long, long ago, way back in the days of the old territories. He's one of few cats to remember these times in current days. Russetkit was born to Blueflower and Bramblestorm, a loving pair of young warriors seeking to start up their own family. Russet had been born alongside his twin, Redkit. Both were named for their red coloring, and so similarly due to the fact that they were twins. However, early on, Redkit had caught a bout of greencough and passed, leaving the pair with only one son. Russetkit was just barely old enough to remember his brother, but that memory has long since faded.

Blueflower and Bramblestorm were confident in their parenting abilities together, and raised little Russetkit to be kind, strong, and confident. They taught him to be courteous and kind, and always treat others the way he wanted to be treated. "Don't say anything your mother wouldn't," Bramblestorm would say.

⥁ APPRENTICESHIP ⥁

Antswirl had been chosen as his mentor; a kind and respectful tomcat. He was sure to be a positive role model for this apprentice! He'd been selected by Russetpaw's parents themselves, as he was a family friend, and close confedant of his mother's. Russet's family had always been tight-knit like that. They always leaned on the other's shoulder for support, they always shared meals whenever applicable.

Russetpaw was primarily trained in hunting, as he was a lover, not a fighter. He excelled in hunting rabbits, tricking them into running into tall grasses where he could circle around out of sight and cut them off.

⥁ WARRIORHOOD ⥁

Given his warrior name, Russetheart, the young tom felt ready to take on the world. And by that, he meant he was ready to help his clan as necessary... while hopefully avoiding battle. He was named for his kind heart and compassionate nature, as well as his confidence. His early life proved to be alright; though as he approached the thirty moon mark, one thing became clear. The Clans needed to leave. And so, they did.

Now in their new home, the Clans begun to settle. WindClan, of course, took to the open moors, and during this time, found his best and closest friend for life. Daisylight. The molly was just five moons older than him, which explained why they hadn't properly gotten to know each other beforehand. The two had been on patrols and gotten along well enough as warriors, but due to the huge move and reliance on clanmates, the pair grew close. The Clans had hardly settled when their first Gathering came around, and Brightstar of ThunderClan announced that they would be searching for StarClan. While skeptical, Sedgestar wasted no time in having WindClan aid the search, though made it clear that if they lost any of their numbers in the search, WindClan would no longer assist. After these patrols began, Russetheart and Daisylight got to know one another, and soon found they even worked better as a pair. The two hunted together, patrolled together, you name it.

It came as no shock to Blueflower and Bramblestorm that Russetheart wanted to become mates with Daisylight. He approached Daisylight's parents with a request for their blessing, and upon being given the go-ahead, asked Daisylight herself if he could have the honor of courting her. To nobody's surprise, she said yes. Russetheart and Daisylight courted for a few moons, going on moonlit strolls together and sharing prey, before they became mates, and Daisylight became pregnant.

Just before the first tragedy in these lands, Daisylight and Russetheart had their child. Their little newborn was a baby girl whom they named Petalkit, as she looked just like her mother, only tiny... like the petal off a daisy. Russet took time off from his duties to spend time with his mate and child, staying in camp and providing them with comfort and food.

A few moons afterward, a massive storm struck the territories, killing the ShadowClan leader and deputy, leaving Ibisstar to step up. ThunderClan also gains a new deputy; Cloudheart. In this storm, Blueflower and Bramblestorm passed away. Both were hit by debris; rocks and branches swept in from across the territory. Blueflower suffered internal damages and passed, while Bramblestorm was impaled by a branch and bled out. Russetheart was struck hard by his parents' deaths, but he wasn't the only one to lose family that day. Daisylight lost her younger sister, Daffodilfoot, in the storm. The pair mourned together, burying their families side-by-side.

Soon after, the tunnels under WindClan territory were discovered. Sedgestar made it clear that no cats were allowed in the tunnels... though they intruiged both Russet and Daisy alike.

The next Gathering, ShadowClan brings in their prisoner Silk, an outsider she-cat who had affiliations with Sedgestar. Russetheart was shaken. After what they'd just been through, Sedgestar had a fling with an outsider? Let alone one who had begun to antagonize the Clans now, before she was swept away by another rogue named Axel and a pack of dogs. Russetheart and Daisylight were conflicted after that. With such threats lying outside their borders, Russet feared this world may not be safe for his child.

No time at all passes when Honeystep returns home, injured, and explains that Heathertail had been kidnapped by rogues. Duskpetal backs up that statement. This further shook Russetheart and his mate... Only a few days later do the kidnapped cats of each Clan return, ending up in WindClan, explaining that Silk had kidnapped them. Due to this, once Ibisstar returned home (as he was one of the kidnapped cats), ShadowClan's defenses regarding outsiders skyrocketed. Just after, Petalkit became Petalpaw, assigned to a tom named Leafspring. Daisylight returned to her normal warrior duties alongside Russet, and the two seemed to be happier than ever, just the few of them.

Only a moon later was Brook, the former mate of Hawkstar, found dead at the Gatheringplace. It's made clear it was a murder, and an intentional planting of her body. The Clan leaders decide to call off the search for StarClan, as too many cats have lost their lives, and risks were becoming too great. In the same moon, Snailpace, Duskpetal, and Sedgestar were caught in an argument that turned violent. Snailpace was thrown off High Ledge and exiled, which led to an inevitable backlash from the Clan. It seemed split in two, though both Russet and Daisy were torn. Staying was their best option- for both them and their baby.

At this time, ShadowClan begins allowing outsiders who aren't in league with those like Silk to stay within their claimed territory of the waterfall, so long as they hunt for ShadowClan. Sedgestar also makes a public apology for his brash actions regarding Snailpace's exile. Russet, trying to believe the best in everyone, forgives him.

Within the moon, Silverhawk confronts the deputy, Larkfeather, for conspiring with Doestride with plans to murder Sedgestar. This leads to Larkfeather attacking Silverhawk, and ultimately, her own exile. Silverhawk is appointed deputy in her stead. Soon, the Clans discuss how to protect themselves best from the outside threats at the next Gathering... and it seems war is on the horizon. Russetheart despises the idea of this, as this meant he likely had to participate, but... he wasn't so sure he could, with his kind heart and his daughter only just growing up.

Two moons pass, and Petalpaw was getting bigger. The little molly proved to take after her parents wholly as a kind and affectionate little lass who wore her heart on her shoulders. At this time, Larkfeather returned to pass on the message that the rogue threat planned on an all-out war with the Clans... this was really happening. Sedgestar sent out messengers to spread the word to the other Clans. Russetheart didn't want himself to be seen as a coward, but StarClan be damned, he had only one child, and he was going to be home safe for them. He wasn't going to participate in this war; not when he could stay home and protect his child and mate.

And so, the War began. Dandelionnose of RiverClan; Poppysong of ShadowClan; Daisyfoot, Cranefeather and Oddstep of WindClan; Emberstorm, Adderstrike, Kestrelcall, Aspenfeather, Bonestripe and Halfpaw of ThunderClan; Shadedream of ShadowClan; all perish. For the rogues, Simon/Snailpace of WindClan, dies, alongside Black/Blackcobra of ShadowClan; Juno/Juncospeck, Pine/Pinestorm and Sunnyeyes of ThunderClan; Lilac/Gullwing of Riverclan; all perish. The rogues begin to sense they are losing the war with the four clans; Stark, an assasin of the rogue cohort, is killed by Ridgefrost; and most importantly Silk, Artemis' second-in-command, dies at the claws of Sedgestar. Ibisstar squares off with the rogue leader herself, and he pushes Artemis off a waterfall to what many assume to be her demise.

Deep within the caverns of the rogue's hideout, the four clans at last find the Moonpool; a pool of starlight and crystals growing from the stones. The Medicine Cats can feel StarClan in their souls again, as can the leaders with their newly-given nine lives. Sedgestar is restored to life by Starclan, and the leaders return to gather their dead, before heading home... All is peaceful.

Ibisstar relinquished the claim on the waterfall after the War, leaving it for the outsiders to claim freely. A moon later, Seven strange kittens are brought to the Gathering by the outsider Arlo, and each clan takes in a few. Swankit goes to RiverClan; Quietkit and Harvestkit go to WindClan; Houndkit and Martenkit go to ThunderClan; and Pythonkit and Poisonkit go to ShadowClan. Little do the clans know of who they have just brought into their midst. Though, Russetheart was just happy to have more kits in the nursery.

Eventually, Russet's little girl isn't little anymore. Petalpaw became Petaldrift, and Russetheart couldn't have been happier. It isn't long before peace subsides, as a fox crashes into WindClan's camp in the middle of the night, killing Umbraflame and Lilacbreeze. Russet thanks StarClan for keeping him and his family safe in this event. The next moon proves peace really is over for the time being. The moon's Gathering is cancelled, and rumour is it is due to a sickness sweeping the four clans. Cats soon begin to die from this mysterious sickness, bleeding from their eyes, ears and noses. Daisylight's parents fall ill and succumb, leaving just the family of three. After two moons of suffering, the Medicine Cats of the Clans discover the Blazing Star, the key herb in finalizing a treatment for the sickness ravaging the clans, and which claimed the lives of many good cats. Slowly, the sick cats of the clans begin to recover. Only a moon later does does a hunting dog stray into the territory and claim both one of Sedgestar's lives and his mate's own life. In the same moon, Sedgestar is forced to relinquish his duties as leader after lashing out and striking Mousetail. Silverhawk steps in as interim leader until his condition improves. In the same moon, Petaldrift had begun courting with a tom named Wolfsong, and had fallen pregnant. Luckily for the family, things were working between the pair, and they became officially mates before their child, Ramkit, would be born.

In the next moon, Batstep, the medicine cat, passes away. Peachpaw journeys to the Starlit Cavern to become a full medicine cat. He earns his name Peachsky, and becomes the youngest medicine cat in WindClan's history. Russet felt proud of the little guy... Batstep would be proud, too. Though, all good things come with a price, as fox and badger sightings increase as Leafbare approaches.

Fire sweeps through the forest territories, claiming countless lives. The four clans are forced to evacuate their camps; ShadowClan and ThunderClan take refuge at the waterfall, whilst WindClan and RiverClan shelter at a safe spot down the river. For a moon, the clans are forced to work as one to survive. Following the fire, Sedgestar'd been driven mad with grief of his mate's death. He declared war on RiverClan due to the tensions and stress of working together through the fire. Russetheart made sure to keep Petaldrift close, refusing to let her be chosen or participate in any fights. Both he and Daisylight told her to run from any fight she may come across. RiverClan wins the war between them and WindClan, with Hawkstar giving Sedgestar peace and ending the tormented cat's life, killing him. Silverhawk is left to assume leadership of WindClan, and becomes Silverstar. She chooses Stagstride as her deputy.

Prey begins to dwindle from ThunderClan and WindClan territories in particular, driven out by the ashes of the previous fire. And, in the next moon, the Gathering is cancelled due to high tensions and the lack of prey. Chamomilethroat leaves Windclan with her three newborn kits after admitting to Silverstar that their father is a Riverclan tom. Ramkit, Russetheart's great granddaughter, is also born in this time. Russ and Daisy do their best to provide for their daughter and her baby, even skipping meals to allow them to eat. Wolfsong proves his worth as Petaldrift's mate in this time, going on extra patrols and scraping up meals.

Famine continues to ravage the territories; the effects of hunger leave many cats uncomfortable and weak, in turn making them more violent. Arguments and small clashes become common, but the family continues to provide and protect where they can. Two moons later, Petalkit is chosen to become the next medicine cat apprentice.

Russet and Daisy continue to provide for the family to the best of their abilities as they watch young Ramkit grow. She seems to take after her father and mother equally, being a confident but sweet young kitten. Though, a wrench is thrown into the mix as Vermillionfeather is exiled from Windclan, and a pregnant Rookwing takes her leave with him.

A handful of moons later, and Ramkit becomes Rampaw. She was assigned to Wolfsong's brother, Sheeptuft; a Tunneler. The Gathering for this moon is called off on the account of clouds shrouding the full moon... Perhaps a bad omen. Russetheart and Daisylight keep close eyes on their granddaughter's progress, and specifically on Sheeptuft. While he seemed like a nice guy, the pair couldn't be too sure... they had only just gotten to know Wolfsong, they barely knew anything about his brother. In this time, Hollyfrost is murdered, the perpetrator unknown. In the moon after that, Rampaw graduates, and becomes Ramwhisker, named for her keen senses, particularly those she gained when training to become a Tunneler; a rank that specialized in exploring the tunnels under the territory.

In the moons afterward, Ramwhisker seemed to be taking a liking to a molly her age, named Spotteddoe. Upon reaching twenty moons, they both seemed to do just what Ramwhisker's own mother did; jump straight into parenthood. Well, Russet couldn't complain, he loved children. Ramwhisker decided she'd be the surrogate for the two lovebirds, and sought out a sire, who made it clear he wanted nothing to do with the children. This was quite alright with them, as Ram and Spotted planned on raising their kits within the family.

Petalpaw completes her Medicine Cat training and is given the name of Petalblink, and is made a full Medicine Cat of WindClan. Despite the good news, concerns are raised as Silverstar claims to her senior warriors that she was attacked by one of the Seven, Quietstep, despite him being allegedly dead. Russet was severely confused by this... a dead warrior attacking their leader?

Just after that is when Ramwhisker gave birth to her children. Russet and Daisy were both surprised to see she had more than one kit, unlike both their own child and her child. They had Houndkit, Sheepkit, and Foxkit. Hound and Sheep were both named after Wolfsong and Sheeptuft; Ram's father and her old mentor- his brother. It was even more shocking to Russet that they'd had all boys! He could only give a hearty laugh when the little boys would play with him, biting his paws and tugging his ears. What rapscallions, they were... what were their names again?

Over the course of several moons, Russetheart had been finding it increasingly difficult to remember things in the short term. He knew he was growing forgetful, and would blame it on his aging body. During this time, Daisylight's health was slowly declining as well, but... neither wanted to retire just yet. They'd been around for so many moons, they weren't going to retire just because they started slowing down!

At the ThunderClan and ShadowClan borders, it's beginning to be noticed that cats are crossing into the other's territory, though nothing immediate is thought of it. Raccoonstar and Cloudstar both increase patrols at the ShadowClan-ThunderClan border due to the continued crossings, and tensions begin to rise. Two moons later, at the ShadowClan—ThunderClan border, fresh rival-clan scent is detected. It is concluded there may be traitors among the two clans... Or, at the very least, codebreakers. It's barely a moon later when the borders of ThunderClan and ShadowClan are compromised yet again as cats from opposing clans are found on the wrong territories. More questions and accusations are rising. Tensions between Thunderclan and Shadowclan have reached a boiling point after so many infractions... There's no telling what will happen in the future. Luckily for WindClan, they are nearly entirely unbothered by this dispute, and Russet's great grandsons became apprentices. Honestly, they just looked like big kittens to him.

Cloudstar receives Raccoonstar's declaration of war; ThunderClan and ShadowClan are officially in conflict. During battle, Tawnyfire of ThunderClan accidentally killed Irisdrop of ShadowClan, who bled out before she could find help. Despite storms brewing and clouds covering the sky, hinting to StarClan's rage, the war between ShadowClan and ThunderClan continues. Eventually, a mudslide ends ThunderClan and ShadowClan's war, though there are already injuries and grievances on both sides.

Just after, those great grandsons became warriors! But, Russet had trouble remembering that...

Peachsky retires, leaving Petalblink to be WindClan's full medicine cat. Ah, Russ remembered when he was just a little tyke... he really was growing old.

Seven moons later, Petalblink chooses Sleetpaw as her apprentice, to serve under her guidance as Windclan's Medicine Cat Apprentice. Russet can't remember the new apprentice's name for the life of him, though Daisylight often reminds him. Even with her aging bones, she seemed to be keeping up with him, but ultimately, the two decided to retire at this time. At a hundred and fourteen (114) moons for Russet himself, and a hundred and nineteen (119) for Daisylight. It wasn't easy for either of them, but with Daisylight's decreasing health and his deteriorating memory, the two decided it would be best, and safest. This was partially due to push from Petaldrift, who was also bound to retire soon.

Just two moons after Russet and Daisy retired, Pansybee, Jaguarspark, and Spiderflame's patrol return to WindClan camp with grave news, their pelts bristling and the air smelling of fear. They had seen Twolegs on Windclan land. Four moons after that, and Sleetpaw, the Medicine Cat Apprentice, goes missing. Russet couldn't quite remember his name, and eventually, didn't understand the whispers about the disappearance. Others would just joke and call him an old fool, but... he was struggling to remember things. He couldn't even remember what he had for breakfast yesterday. He brought this concern to his mate, who reassured him he'd be alright. Russet, for the first time in a long time, cried... he didn't want to forget her. She licked his graying face and promised him he'd never forget her, if she had anything to say about it.

In another two moons time, after the exile of Martensnarl and Houndtongue, Fernstar crosses the border to WindClan to inform Silverstar. Silverstar exiles their treacherous littermate Harvestwind as well, the tom having a similar kill-on-sight order placed on him should he return. Russet was shaken by this... he just wanted to live out his days peacefully, especially now that his daughter had joined him and his mate in the elders' den. A moon later, and Windclan suffers an attack from a large pack of coyotes, something that has never happened in the modern history of the clans. Two warriors; Geckotail and Foggypool are killed, and Silverstar looses three lives. Whispers begin in the clan that this attack may have had outside influences... but Russetheart had more to focus on. Him and his daughter, Petaldrift, had tried to assist in defending the camp, alongside her daughter Ramwhisker. Both him and the two mollies were horribly hurt; Russet suffered a blinding eye injury from being tossed by a coyote, and his leg had been bitten so deep that it severed muscle and tendon in his leg, leaving it disabled. Petaldrift was injured to the point where she'd suffered too great of wounds and passed away, while Ramwhisker suffered debilitating wounds herself. Ramwhisker survived, but the injuries were too severe. His granddaughter joined him and Daisylight in the elders' den early by her own choice. With Russetheart's injuries & deteriorating memory and Daisylight's health, she decided she may as well spend her time looking after them once she healed. They held vigil for those lost that night. Daisylight and Russetheart buried their own daughter, tears flowing freely.

Three moons later is when Petalblink takes on a new Medicine Cat Apprentice; Darkpaw. Though, even with that new addition to the medicine cat ranks, it seemed the loss wasn't over yet. Russetheart had been struggling even more with his memory as of late, forgetting if he'd eaten earlier, forgetting names, and forgetting faces. However, the one cat who promised him he'd never forget... had passed on. Daisylight had fallen ill from the stress the coyote attack and loss of her daughter had on her body, and it proved to be too much. The dame passed with her family surrounding her, paw held in Russetheart's. Russet cried once more; harder than he had cried for his parents all those moons ago. Surrounded by loving family, Russetheart wept over his poor mate as she left the world with a quiet sigh. The vigil that night was restless for him. He buried his mate beside their daughter. Every few hours or so, he would remind himself of why he had been crying, why he had been sitting outside all night... it was for his daughter and his mate. He wouldn't forget them. He couldn't forget them.

Cats from across all the clans and outside it have simply vanished... their trails run cold, and none of them returning for dinner. No one knew what had become of them, and it seemed that clues were few and far between. Strange scents have been discovered in the territories, with whispers beginning that the twolegs could have possibly been behind these disappearances. Days later, some of these missing cats find their way home; speaking of horrible tales. They were captured, and taken to a strange twoleg nest; where they were put to sleep, and had woken up with a strange scar on their abdomen. A kittypet by the name of Petroleum was free within this nest, explaining to the cats that they had been 'cut' in order to control their populations, and that they were now unable to have kits. Then, after a few more days, the rest of the missing cats return home, except for Aspenstorm of ThunderClan, Coyotedawn of WindClan, and Flamestep of ShadowClan. All cats are made aware of the Twoleg traps, and learn to avoid them lest they suffer the same fate as the others. Silverstar and Wolfheart, two of the cats taken by the Twolegs, return with the outsider Amon to WindClan camp. There it's revealed that upon discussion, Silverstar has agreed to let Amon join WindClan, and he would be trained as an apprentice would be to learn the ways of the clans, to be given a warrior name upon the completion of his training.

After that is when Russet's mental state began to take a nose-dive.

Russet progressively began to forget more and more things happening as of late. He couldn't remember where cats were when not in sight, he couldn't remember names, recent events, and any new faces- like Amon. He began to eat less, presumably forgetting to. He would wake up at random hours, asking if he could help with anything around camp. He seemed to treat everyone as his friend, finding he can't tell the difference between some faces and others, especially those he wouldn't be familiar with. Some things do come back to him, though, especially old memories. His memories from moons ago seemed intact but... nothing recent quite stuck.

All clans notice increasing badger and coyote sightings in the territories, even in the outside lands. The clan leaders suspect that this has to do with the strange increase in twoleg activity as of late. And, with the coming of Leafbare, prey that is already scarce during the season has become even more hard to come by due to twoleg disturbances. Both clan cats and outsiders alike have become desperate with such a severe lack of food, and tempers start to flare within the clans between clanmates. Multiple sightings of outsiders hunting on clan land have come through, all of which have ended in battles between the clan cats and outsiders. Sassafrassshade of Windclan is discovered to have been harming her apprentice, Shiverpaw, through brutal training tactics and psychological terror. She is forced to live as a rogue by the name of 'Sassafras' and is temporarily banished to the moors, however many cats in Windclan feel that she should not return, and that she should be exiled for her crimes.

At the border between WindClan and ThunderClan, a border fight breaks out over a hare, and leaves both sides wounded; however, Windclan takes the victory. Things between the two clans will likely be tense for the foreseeable future as there has not been inter-clan conflict in many, many moons... When Russetheart caught wind of these tensions, he became so concerned with the safety of his family... he began to ask where his mate and daughter were, and if they knew of the conflict. Though, those who corrected him would be met with a saddened Russetheart... who may be prompted to mourn once he's remembered.

Jaycrest, a WindClan warrior, is murdered by the exiled villain Vermillionfeather and his body is left on WindClan territory to be found by a patrol. A few days after the warrior's death, Silverstar decrees that no cat is to go out alone. However, Russetheart still wanted to help. He would ask if he could go on patrols, even if he wasn't as young as he used to be. A moon later, a patrol finds Icestep and the rogue-exiled Sassafras in the territory; the latter with her eyes ripped out by Icestep. He has no remorse for his actions, which were taken as revenge for Sassafras hurting his child. Sassafrasshade is accepted back into WindClan for medical treatment with her full name, while 'Ice' is exiled in the same manner that she was. Silverstar's decision is seen as controversial by some, and WindClan is deeply divided on the matter. At the Gathering, Wrenwater and Hydrangeawhisper of ThunderClan demonstrate to all clan cats how to disarm the twoleg fox snares, so no cat can be killed by one again, though Russet was not present for this, his family deeming it unsafe for him to travel such a distance.

Both Rumbleflight and Stormwillow go missing days apart, leading WindClan to think the twolegs have returned to take more cats. Days later, Darkpaw completes his Medicine Cat training, and is named Darkseeker by Petalblink. Only a few days after that is when Stagstride, the Deputy of WindClan goes out on a walk with his adopted daughter Sunpetal to search for Rumbleflight, and they are attacked by a dog. Sunpetal loses an eye, and Stagstride his life. Sunpetal retires to the life of a caregiver after the death of her father. However, in true Russetheart fashion... he forgets this happened. He often asks where the old deputy ran off to, and if he's assigning patrols this morning.

Rumbleflight is found after a patrol finds her at a strange twoleg structure named a 'barn'. There she is in the care of outsiders named Maybel, Annabelle, and Lilac. The patrol returns home safely with Rumbleflight in tow. Following a period of mourning for Stagstride, Silverstar chooses Flamecrest to be the new Deputy of WindClan.

Just as the season previous, cats from all clans have vanished. It's assumed they have been taken by the twolegs, as their clanmates were before them. The clans can do nothing but wait to see if they'll return at all this time.. Lucky, they all do, although they are not the same, and their abillity to have kits was taken, same as before. Sootbear, Thornshadow and Sprucepaw discover a strange pond in-between RiverClan and ThunderClan territory. Since the land is unclaimed, WindClan claims it, and Sprucepaw dubs it the Cat-Eye Pond. Soon after, Lilacwhisper is killed by a loner trespassing on Windclan's land and stealing prey, heightening tensions between clan cats and outsiders yet again. Later that same day, at the Gathering, the four leaders announce that the Warrior Code has been amended after discussion with the clan's Medicine Cats... They are now permitted to have mates and start families, the same as any other member of the clan. Though many are happy for the healers who were once forbidden from love, others are jaded by the change to what is meant to be an inflexible code of honour.

A few days after is when the missing cats taken this season by the twolegs are returned; sans Nerinenectar, who is kept by them. Petroleum, the same kittypet from before, delivers a message via the returned; In three to four moons, a threat to the clans will appear unlike any other they've ever faced...

Stormwillow, who has been missing for at least three moons, is at last found by WindClan cats. She was escorted back to the territory by the outsider Banshee, but it's revealed Stormwillow has no memory of her life as a clan cat or of WindClan itself. Unfortunately, Russetheart can't remember her either.The punishment of Icestep for the mutilation of Sassafras is ended and Silverstar permits the tom to regain his warrior name and return home to camp. Then, just days later, Vermillionfeather, now known as 'Red', sneaks into Windclan's camp and holds Butterflykit, his granddaughter, hostage with intent to kill her as revenge for all Windclan has done to him. She narrowly escapes death and Red is chased out of Windclan's camp where Zinniacreek kills him. Russetheart can only find himself watching, stunned. How could someone be so cruel?

The punishment of Icestep for the mutilation of Sassafras is ended and Silverstar permits the tom to regain his warrior name and return home to camp. Then, just days later, Vermillionfeather, now known as 'Red', sneaks into Windclan's camp and holds Butterflykit, his granddaughter, hostage with intent to kill her as revenge for all Windclan has done to him. She narrowly escapes death and Red is chased out of Windclan's camp where Zinniacreek kills him. Russetheart can only find himself watching, stunned. How could someone be so cruel?

Silverstar is ambushed by a rogue on the moors and loses a life, causing uproar in WindClan and fears once again about the outsiders encroaching. Then, Blossomwind is killed at the border by an outsider, leading many cats to be on guard for rogues at the borders. In return, Thornshadow attacks and kills the outsider known as Pharoah, believing them to be Blossomwind's killer.

At this point in Russet's life, he's mainly content with his day to day routine... it changes often, but with help from Ramwhisker and the rest of his extended family, they keep him safe and comfortable. However, things are still declining with him... he still forgets his mate and daughter had died. Cats have since learned it's best not to reorient him, and save him the stress of reliving that grief.

The four leaders of the clans meet with Petroleum at the Gathering Place, where they learn that the twolegs are looking to 'develop' clan land. The kittypet proposes they all work together to sabotage the twolegs, which the leaders reluctantly agree to, seeing no other choice. It's agreed they will inform the clans of this at the next Gathering. The clans, later on, at the Gathering, discuss Petroleum's proposal to work with him and outsiders. It is met with outright fury and denial until Hawkstar of Riverclan speaks up; after which the clans seemed to be somewhat placated... And begrudgingly decid to accept the kittypet's offer of help. While it's not exactly the safest thing for him to be doing, Russet had begun insisting he come along to Gatherings. A good ol' stretch of the legs, he'd say.

The outsiders and selected groups of warriors are brought together to disable the twoleg monsters under Petroleum's guidance. Several warriors are injured; Huckleberry of Shadowclan and Snowbear of Thunderclan perish. Every leader loses at least one life, Racoonstar and Silverstar two. Yet, with their mission, the monsters have been stopped and the clans and outsiders are assured by Petroleum that the twolegs won’t try again.

Not long after, Silverstar is killed protecting her apprentice Scorpionpaw from a monster that tears up the moors. She is buried beneath the tunnels, where she lost all of her remaining lives trying to escape. A WindClan patrol sent to find her only uncovers her broken body, and returns it to WindClan for vigil. Flamecrest departs for the Starlit Cavern for his Nine Lives Ceremony after Silverstar's wake is concluded. It's no surprise Russetheart forgot this happened, and often looks for Silverstar and her guidance, even with Flamestar now at the helm with Wishbone.

A small patrol of ThunderClan and ShadowClan cats discover a Twolegplace has been built near the clan territories, forever altering the forest. Word spreads rapidly through all four clans of the discovery, with many realizing the futility of their previous mission to stop the twolegs... When the twolegs had already succeeded.

Wishbone, the Deputy of WindClan, disappears. It's presumed he is also taken by the twolegs like Yewbriar of ShadowClan and Strawberrytangle of ThunderClan. Flamestar continues to hold out hope that he will return, but it is not looking good for the young deputy, and many await the naming of his replacement. He chooses Martensmirk as his deputy.

At this moon's Gathering, Dixie, a rogue, reveals herself to be at the head of a formidable force of outsiders, and she interrupts the Gathering to charge the ShadowClan elder Blackstag with the murder of her kin during the Great War many moons past, the war the clans waged with rogues to save StarClan. She is chased from the Gathering by ThunderClan Branchers. Dixie's demands divide the four clans... Would they sacrifice the life of an honoured elder to avoid another war with the outsider cats? When Russetheart heard this news, he could only shake his head and say he hoped this 'Dixie' would change her mind.

Next Gathering, Dixie and Roman, with their gang of Kittypets attack the four clans by causing an old construction monster to roll into the Gatheringplace. All four leaders lose a life each, and countless cats are injured to varying degrees, compounded by the monster rolling being merely a ploy to draw cats near. The monster explodes, causing even more death and destruction, and only rains sent by StarClan can quell the fires. The four clans return home utterly defeated, with little hope on the horizon... Russet had been there, moved back by the blast but ultimately unharmed. He came across his great grandson on the ground... Zinniacreek had jogged his memory on who he was. With help, they got Houndbite to safety.

After Ottersplash, Oakridge and Fawnflutter are attacked by the kittypets, led by Roman, Dixie's mate, Flamestar enforces new rules; no cat is to leave camp alone, and patrols are doubled, with emphasis on seeking information on the gang from outsiders, but no violence is to be used unless absolutely necessary. Due to the gang sparing Ottersplash as he is outsider blood, cats in WindClan are beginning to doubt the rogue-born and kittypet-born in their ranks, and some are unhappy with Flamestar's order to not harm the outsiders. It doesn't affect Russet directly, of course, as he's made to stay in camp through his family's wishes. Over the moons, he'd been slowly losing more and more short term memory retention, and even began losing his appetite.

Snapdragonfrost, Sootbear, and Moorstripe fight off two kittypets while on a patrol... But they do not tell anyone that the kittypets hadn't actually crossed the border. The three cats return, bloodied, to camp. Russet promptly forgot this, though was shocked in the moment.

Just after dusk, all four clans are attacked by dogs; presumably sent by the kittypet gang leader Roman, who has used dogs to attack before. Countless cats are killed, maimed and injured... WindClan rushes to evacuate to the tunnels; Aurorasky, Scorchblaze and Rumbleflight are all killed, and Ryekit is torn apart in front of her mother Leopardshine, though there are too many casualties to name. Flamestar also loses a life, and is carried into the tunnels with the rest of the fleeing clan. There, they must wait the dogs out, hiding beneath the earth until it is safe to return to camp. Russet had been nipped at and bullied by one of the dogs before warriors came to his rescue and defended him, then escorted him out. He made it safely with his family to the tunnels, and tried hard to find kits they'd mentioned - ones he had been there for the birth of, yet hardly remembered.

All four clans return home to their partially-destroyed camps now that the dogs have left. They are left to bury their dead, triage their injured and repair their dens and walls... Russet and Ram slept side by side, the younger elder caring for her grandfather as best she could in the wake of it all.

WindClan enters an unusual famine; prey is abnormally hard to find... Even the elders and kits and nursing Caretakers are going to bed with half-full bellies. Russet, already eating less, began flat out refusing meals or sleeping through them once this began. Even at times he believed he'd already eaten, or flat out didn't feel hungry. He began sleeping more, his frame growing frailer...

After patrols begin to find macerated hares and rabbits, left for carrion, it's concluded that the dogs that attacked WindClan must be lingering to rip and tear all the prey from the land, starving WindClan... Roman's revenge continues. Sunpuddle, Hydrangeapool, Dawnfire and Hollywisp encounter the seemingly-friendly outsider Idalia on WindClan land. She offers them three plump rabbits, telling them that she knows of a place untouched by the dogs just outside WindClan's land, and came to share the location upon hearing of the famine. The patrol was worried, but she seemes sincere, so they bring the much-needed prey home. It was safe, and fully needed by the starving clan. Flamestar decides that the clan will meet Idalia in two days with a large patrol to find the hunting grounds and stock up as much as they can. Russet stayed home with Ram, waiting for the patrols to return.

As promised, Flamestar leads a large hunting party to Idalia, who promised to help WindClan. She leads the group to a clearing outside of Clan land that is filled with rabbits and hares. The warriors caught plenty of prey for the entire clan, and they brought their catches home for a feast. But, upon eating the prey, most of the clan became violently ill. The prey had been poisoned, their coats covered with Twoleg poison — Another blow dealt from the kittypets. Most of the clan is incensed with Flamestar, who has been too trusting of a stranger, and many cats are suffering the consequences... Russ had actually eaten that meal, though his fragile body could hardly fight off the illness. It's a miracle he even survived, really, but his health definitely took another nose dive.

WindClan receives word from the Kittypet Gang that Roman, one of their leaders, wishes to parlay with Flamestar to discuss a potential peace treaty between the gang and WindClan, but the patrol sent to parlay are attacked by dogs. However, that was just a diversion to get able-bodied warriors out of camp — The real danger comes when dogs snuck away from the battle, rendezvousing with other gangmembers to raid WindClan's camp, and kidnap the clan's kits and youngest apprentices. Russetheart had tried to help Vixenkit, wanting to stop the madness period, though he did also vaguely recognize the kit, for reasons unknown to him. He was promptly smacked away by the mutt, and suffered a back injury that left a pain in his legs and tail, making it hard to walk.

Jackalkit, Coyotekit, Vixenkit, Sablekit, Cobwebpaw, Reclusepaw & Venompaw are taken hostage by the Kittypet Gang. Their locations and status are unknown to the clan. Flamestar, upon returing to camp goes to deliberate with the rest of WindClan's high ranks on how they will respond... Until then, one can only pray to StarClan that the children remain safe and alive. Russet's efforts were in total vain.

After deliberating on the matter, Flamestar calls a clan-wide meeting to discuss the camp raid and the abduction of the kits and young apprentices. There, however, he announces that he believes it to be too dangerous to go after the kittypets immediately, with how little the clan knows presently of the kidnapped and their status, and that it is best to wait for the time being and not act impulsively. The decision was seen as cowardice by some, and smart by others... One thing is for sure, though, there is now a definitive fracture within WindClan between those who side with Flamestar and those who do not. Russ wasn't even awake for this, as he'd taken to a nap while the medicine cats spent time triaging.