Scorchstar

Scorchkit was the first born of a litter of four kits, the only litter that Moondawn and Jaggedstreak ever had. During most of his kithood Scorchkit tended to hang out with other kits than his own siblings. From a young age he was naturally drawn to clan life in groups, and just like his brother Lightningkit he had a troublesome personality and tended to ignore what he was told or just outright challenged authority.

Little did young Scorchkit know was that clan life was far more complicated the it first seemed. At the age of four moons the young kit had his first taste of loss, when his father was killed by a Stoneclan warrior during a border skirmish. However, the young tom was not nearly as affected by this then his siblings were. Jaggedstreak had always pushed him to toughen up, and that was exactly what he did when faced with his father's death.

From this point on Scorchkit began to actively pay attention to grown up matters, going as far as to eavesdrop on other cats to hear the recent news that supposedly didn't concern the younger generation. He learnt a lot about how warriors worked, something he did not hesitate to put to test on the other kits in the nursery.

It was with great joy that Scorchpaw was finally made apprentice, given the rough Acronjaw as his mentor. Acronjaw was a good friend of Jaggedstreak, and was more than willing to carry on the ways of Scorchpaw's deceased father by teaching the young apprentice the ways of strength and respect. It was during this time that Scorchpaw began to receive his borderless dreams, greeted by Geckotail. 

Very often Scorchpaw would train with Brownpaw, Acronjaw's son and past-apprentice of Jaggedstreak. Brownpaw's new mentor "Sandriver" was a fierce tom who looked up to Acronjaw and Jaggedstreak, happily taking the latter's place in the team of mentor/apprentice. While the two young cats were often set against one another, a friendship soon bloomed between them as the older Brownpaw, used to his father and Jaggedstreak's ways would help Scorchpaw out with tips. The two apprentices would go as far as to leave camp at night to practice what they had been taught earlier that day, much to the dismay of Geckotail who wished to give the Lakeclan apprentice some tricks of their own. 

As Scorchpaw's training went on the tom soon figured out how to balance his training with Brownpaw and with his nightmentor, and it was thanks to that that quickly enough the apprentice was able to surpass his older friend in particular in fighting. It was a good thing at that, as the status of Lakeclan and Stoneclan changed drastically at 8 moons. Both clans had been rivals at first but then they went to war.  

The war only furthered Scorchpaw's mentors push to see his apprentice shine, during this time Scorchpaw spent his time training to be "the best fighter of all clans". Alas this lead to him looking down on his siblings, viewing them as inferior to him: Lightningpaw for being a daredevil who would do stupid and dangerous challenges; Rabbitpaw for being in the anti-code and anti-war movement which he viewed as for cowards and Larkpaw for being what he considered weak.  

 It was while doing further training with his mentor that Scorchpaw got to really know Swanpaw. The she-cat had been apprentice for one moon now, the war launched soon after her ceremony. Being slightly young and more inexperienced Swanpaw's mentor "Silverfleck" had joined Sandriver and Acronjaw's training so that her apprentice could benefit from the older and more experienced apprentices.

Quickly enough Swanpaw was able to gain the respect of both Brownpaw and of Scorchpaw. Despite seeming delicate, the white and black she-cat was fierce and ruthless, something that Scorchpaw went as far as to admire from from her. As Brownpaw gained his warrior name of Brownstrike, Scorchpaw was able to spend more time hanging out with Swanpaw, both during and after training. It wasnt before long that the two apprentices were inseperable, making a terrific fighting team in battle. 

Scorchstrom earned his warrior name during an Lakeclan attack on Stoneclan's camp. It was the same battle his mother died in, however Scorchstorm masked any sorrowful feelings of loss behind the act that he believed she "wasn't strong enough", a mask that only the newly made Swanshadow got to see the reality behind. Alas, no one else knew of this, and thus this act ended up creating a gap between him and his closest of siblings: Lightningstrike. Any shared feelings he and his brother had were now tainted, and pride prevented Scorchstorm from apologizing to his family.  

Being abandoned by the rest of his family brought him and Swanshadow closer than ever before. Moons would pass as the two would go on every patrol together, share meals and discuss the happenings inside their own clan. It took both Scorchstorm and his companion several moons to come to the conclusion that they could both share more together, and it was a common agreement between the two that lead to their decision to become mates and have kits.

A couple of moons passed as Swanshadow moved into the nursery, giving birth to five healthy kits: Goosekit, Loonkit, Gullkit, Gleamkit and Flarekit. Three daughters and two sons. Exactly what the happy parents needed to add excitement to their lives. Together the two parents would raise their kits, ignoring the bloodshed that was around them during these warring times, alas it wasn't before long that even queens who's kits were old enough to stay in the nursery while they were out had to return to their duties...and it was doing so that would bring around Swanshadow's demise, in the most unexpected of manners in such times of war. 

Scorchstorm's happiness during the moments of war were brought to an end one day during a patrol with his brother Larkchaser and Swanshadow. Scorchstorm's patrol was supposed to investigate the abandoned twoleg den in Lakeclan territory in order to figure out whether it would make a safe hidden encampment for elders and kits. Little did the cats know as they entered the place that the ground there was weak underneath, with many holes leading to underground chambers once used by twolegs for storage. It was while investigating the interior of one of the dens that Larkchaser and Swanshadow were caught by surprise as the ground underneath them collapsed. Swanshadow died from a broken neck, while Larkchaser suffered the loss of usage of his hind legs from the wounds to his back. 

Even though Scorchstorm tried his best to help his injured brother out by taking him home, it wasn't too long that grief over his loss made him lash out, blaming Larkchaser for his loved-one's death and insisting he should have been the one to die instead of her. From then on out Scorchstorm wouldn't even dare to look at his siblings, the only family that seemed important to his eyes being his now motherless kits...alas it wasn't before long that they too had to leave the nursery and begin their training under a mentor. 

With his kits now training Scorchstorm was forced to spend the remains of the war taking his anger over Swanshadow's death on the enemy Stoneclan warriors. The loss of Swanshadow finally reopened a door for Brownstrike to re-enter, serving as a emotional support for his old friend in time of need. It was together that the two warriors would take down many enemy cats, not hesitating to come to their clanmates' needs if any seemed at a disadvantage. Together Brownstrike and Scorchstorm would fight their way through many challenges, protecting the nursery when Darkstar lead his clan to ambush Lakeclan's island camp...an ambush that would prove itself key to the future of lakeclan.

The very night that Scorchstorm and Brownstrike fought to protect the next generation, their deputy Jadeheart was killed by Darkstar. In response to this Lightningstrike was made deputy by Boulderstar who saw the tom's contact with the clan leader's daughter as key to ensure a strong leadership with great understanding. Naturally, Scorchstorm felt he was wronged by not having been picked as deputy but kept this to himself. Nonetheless, while he did challenge his brother's decision at any chance given, he would do so under the form as adviser, trying to contribute his ideas to the decisions made in hope of this encouraging his brother or clan leader to make him deputy as soon as the role was needed.

Scorchstorm was able to prove the extent of his loyalty to his clan the night a rain storm caused the entire lake where Lakeclan's camp was situated to overflow. The warrior showed courage in helping his clan, surprising all of his siblings by coming to Larkchaser's rescue, not wanting to have Swanshadow's death be in vain. Boulderstar's death that night only brought disappointed as Lightningstar chose another friend of his to be deputy. Disgruntled Scorchstorm directed his anger on Larkchaser instead of challenging Lightningstar upfront. The only cat to stop him from fully slashing out was Brownstrike, the warrior felt just as wronged as his friend, feeling more experienced than the new deputy and leader alike despite having wrongly never recieved an apprentice of his own. Together Scorchstorm and Brownstrike would hang out, discussing what they could do to make Lakeclan's leadership shine if they were both in charge.

While the war that marked the end of Dark Ages would be one key to lakeclan's history, playing a huge role in Lightningstar's life, it played only a minor role in Scorchstorm's life...Serving only to bring a final time of piece and the chance for the tom's kits to receive their warrior names of "Loonwhisper", "Flarestreak", "Gleamheart", "Gooseshadow" and "Gullberry".

With his children now sharing the warrior's den with Scorchstorm was able to spend more times with the newly made warriors, making sure to show how proud he was of every single one of his children. Gleamheart lived up to her name of being a kind hearted warrior, willing to help any cat in need. Flarestreak on the other hand seemed to take after her mother in both looks and personality, a mixture of intense energy and playfulness. In contrast to his brother Gullberry seemed to take on after his father's slow grown harshness, bossy and unwilling to let anything slide. Gooseshadow on the other hand was an ambitious fighter, yet despite that the tom openly expressed how bitter he was that the clans had gone to war for so long over so little...in his eyes all warriors had simply been tools in a meaningless fight without ideals. His sister Loonwhisper shared similar sentiments, being a peaceful idealist that pushed her apart from the rest of her family as she worried that her father wouldnt look up to her for being a true fighter like he and Swanshadow had been...a fact that while it would have been true for any other cat that wasnt his kin, still seemed to keep her apart from the rest.

As the family settled down, becoming more open to each other Scorchstorm would finally take the time to face with his borderless heritage that kept him and Swanshadow forever apart. Gleamheart, Gullberry and Loonwhisper all possessed the strong connection to the borderless lands that had given them a nightmentor to help further their training. Being able to hang out with his kin as he slept truly helped Scorchstorm to get to know his children better now that their nightmentors could lessen the pressure on their training with peace between the clans. Often gossiping with Gleamheart or sparing with Gullberry,  Scorchstorm would  gain a great deal of insight into what the younger generation felt during the battle begun by cats older than even he was. Many young cats had felt used and abused during the war, learning only to die. A great deal of cats born during these times had taken part in an small organisation put together by some Streamclaners. Apparently Scorchstorm's sister Rabbitstripe had taken part in it, making sure to protect Gullpaw and Gleampaw when some bloodthirsty cats tried to cause avoque during peaceful meetings. While this information was definitely valuable when it came to giving the leader's brother some insight into the state of mind of his clan it did very little for him now that the organisation had been brought down after peace had come around. Alas apparently many were still bitter and that was where Scorchstorm's time with Loonwhisper truly brought him to reality.

Loonwhisper saw change as inevitable, the she-cat felt that to prevent any wars like the Dark Age from repeating the entirety of the warrior code had to be modified. It took a lot on Scorchstorm's part not to just close off on his daughter's seemingly really out there ideas, but it was his love and admiration for the idealistic and creative she-cat that pushed him to still stick by and listen to his daughter whenever Loonwhisper was willing to push past her fears of being critized by him in order talk to him. 

While Loonwhisper saw a need for the warrior code to change, Brownstrike seemed to echo the opposite sentiment. The tom believed that the code created was something that kept the clans together, made them what they truly were. Brownstrike would quickly loose his cool if Scorchstorm even suggested overhearing a younger cat speak of anything else, going as far to say that if the code risked being threatened the clans needed to install a system to protect it. It was during these moments in the living world that Scotchstorm truly felt weird around the clanmates he fought to protect with Brownstrike. Whenever he tried to even bring uo the younglings and the clan's future his friend would mock their ideals, saying that they were merely misguided by bad blood, and that any child he had would lead the clans to a new proper generation.

It was in order to back what he boasted about that Brownstrike would finally take on a mate five moons after the war was over. The tom has his eyes on a pretty she-cat by the name of Swiftfrost, willing to grovel for her if it meant pleasing her despite this disgusting those he was close. It was with amusement that Scorchstorm watched Swiftfrost ditch Brownstrike after giving birth to a son of theirs rather than a daughter, it has been clear to him that the relationship had been toxic and it was a relief to see Brownstrike proven wrong...being outright told that his bloodline was weak after not giving the one he had his eyes on what she wanted. Little did Scorchstorm know that this would affect the tom deeply.

Brownstrike's death would truly shake his friend, making Scorchstorm question what was truly right and wrong and which path wasn't hurtful for the majority of the clan. Apparently while on a patrol several of Brownstrike's clanmates had watched in horror as the Scorchstorm's friend had thrown himself off the cliff into the ocean below. While such a fall could lead to varying outcomes depending on where one landed, whether it be water with higher chance of survival for good swimmers, sand which could still break the fall or the rocky areas often hidden by the tide. When it came to Brownstrike the hit the latter, his body quickly washed away into the sea. 

Moons would wax and wane as Scorchstorm would work to walk on a path he saw as neither truly right nor wrong. Around him many of his clanmates seemed to go through moments of joy or sadness...but the tom never truly felt involved enough to take part in any. Even when his brother would give birth to a son, Goldenkit, Scorchstorm wouldn't even come to congratulate Shimmerpool over the birth of his nephew. 

No, it wasn't until tragedy came to wack Scorchstorm in the face that the warrior finally got back on his paws after having wandered seemingly aimlessly after Brownstrike's death. Sadly, it would take another death to do the trick. 

It was one dark evening while most of the clan was off at the gathering that a rogue would sneak into Lakeclan camp to get to the nursery. With very few warriors to oppose him the rogue would easily slip in, stealing Goldenkit from the dormant Shimmerpool's nest. It took a mistake on the rogue's part to alert the clan, a mistake that would also cost Flarestreak her life. 

Scorchstorm's daughter had been assigned to guard camp, and it was exactly that what the warrior had done when the rogue tried to slip away without anyone noticing. Trying to wrestle the kit free Flarestreak fought with the other cat, arousing the attention of those clanmates of hers that had remained at camp. In a fit of frenzy the rogue lashed out at Flarestreak, racing into the waters with Goldenkit in its jaws. While many gave chase, no one was quick enough to catch the culprit...while those who had pursued the rogue had failed to send cats to fetch Stealthheart or his apprentice Mistypaw to give Flarestreak the medical attention she needed, resulting in the warrior's deaths soon after her father's arrival in camp after the gathering's end. 

The death of his daughter would arouse anger inside of Scorchstor, an anger whom he could hardly find a target to let out on. Flarestreak had fought bravely to save her clan, while other weaks cats didn't even stand up to her level. The one thing the angered father truly needed was a culprit, something or someone to blame that didn't tie to the clanmates his daughter had died to protect. 

It wouldn't be until several moons later that a name would fill the void that Scorchstorm had longed for. The League. The term was the name given to a group of rogues who had been approaching various young cats from the clans and outside to stand for a new life without the warrior code. It was impossible for the father to truly take on after an entire organization however, even in his grief Scorchstorm knew there had to be many innocent cats who were manipulated into taking part in the league. This way of thinking however, would soon get pushed aside as another tragedy would shake Scorchstorm's life, pushing him to feel nothing but hatred towards the cats who took part in such an organization. 

Gullberry and Gooseshadow had been assigned by Lightningstar to enter the league and retrieving inside information, together the two toms would work their way inside...unknowingly going to their demise. It was soon after their departure that a patrol would uncover Gullberry's corpse at the edge of lakeclan territory, Gooseshadow's nowhere to be seen. 

It would take Scorchstorm moons to track down Gullberry's dead spirit inside the borderless lands, the tom seemingly unwilling to even look at his father for his failures. No matter what Scorchstorm asked him the warrior was unwilling to explain what had happened, forcing Scorchstorm to have to hunt for his son every night just to ask the same question. Some nights he wouldn't even find a trace of Gullberry anywhere. It would take asking for Loonwhisper, Gleamheart and the Flarestreak's dead spirit's aid for Gullberry to even address his family. 

After spending some time with his siblings and father Gullberry finally spoke of the moments leading up to his death. Apparently the league expected cats to kill another clan cat or someone close to them to join, but what Gooseshadow and Gullberry had been faced with was an exception suspicious recruiter. The tom had insisted that the brothers fight each other to the death, attacking both of them when both refused. Gullberry had quickly gone down while Gooseshadow fought the tom off, chasing after his brother's killer before succumbing to his own wounds. Gullberry didn't know himself where his brother's spirit was in the borderless land himself, but the dead tom simply assumed that Gooseshadow was most likely too ashamed of himself to even dare approach him or the rest of Gullberry's family...in fact any details when it came to Gooseshadow was something that Gullberry was very reluctant to even divulge. 

The fact that this League had not only ripped away his daughter from him, but also two of his sons was enough to fuel Scorchstorm's anger, making him strongly believe that any cat that would agree to kill a clanmate or someone close to them wasn't even worthy of being considered a cat and deserved death. Scorchstorm wasn't the only one to feel this sentiment, as Lightningstar quickly went into actions by installing a new rule in Lakeclan saying that any cat who held any loyalty towards the league would be sentenced to death. Standing up for his brother Scorchstorm wouldn't feel any remorse in volunteering to carry out the act of killing those sentenced to death for their ties to the League. 

Quickly enough Scorchstorm became feared and respected in his clan, looked up to by many for clearly standing up for his clan's safety. To finally reward his brother with what he was long due Lightningstar assigned a young tom by the name of Sprucepaw as Scorchstorm's apprentice. Scorchstorm would teach Sprucepaw how to fight and how to defend himself from league rogues. The mentor was quick to make it clear that he would tolerate no ties to the League on Sprucepaw's part, going as far as to say he wouldn't even feel any remorse in killing his own apprentice if he happened to find out that the tom was working with those who seek to harm his clan. 

While Sprucepaw, eventually Sprucetalon, would grow up to never reach his mentor's level in fighting strength Scorchstorm's apprentice was definitely loyal and would clearly pay attention to what went down in his own clan, sharing them around. Having an apprentice who would fight to death loyally for his clan was enough for the senior warrior, as Scorchstorm knew he couldn't ask more out of the tom who couldn't reach his level. 

A moon after Sprucetalon's warrior ceremony the League struck again, attacking the clan full force. Scorchstorm was in camp during that time, quickly leaping to resume his role during the dark age as the protector of the nursery. Recently Gleamheart had moved in to the nursery, forcing her father to defend her in addition to the kits that were there. It took a lot for Scorchstorm to be overwhelmed, forced to listen to his daughter when the queen insisted that they retreat from camp to make sure that the future of the clan would go on. 

It was as a beaten warrior that Scorchstorm returned to his clan, accompanying his daughter and other queens who had fled camp. It was at his arrival that Scorchstorm was told by Rabbitstripe that Lightningstar had been killed, and that his deputy/mate was the new clan leader. Rather than name one of her own warriors as deputy Shimmerstar had instead assigned a ex-league member by the name of Foxline as the new deputy of lakeclan. This was something that Scorchstorm couldn't handle, not only was Foxline once a part of a rival clan, but she had also been a member of the league and therefore had killed to join it in the first place. The warrior simply couldn't tolerate this, no matter the fact that during the massacre the new deputy had fought on lakeclan's side and saved Shimmerstar's life when a assassin had tried to kill her before she could receive her nine lives. In Scorchstorm's eyes even a weaker fighter like Sprucetalon was much more suited to be deputy than an outsider.

With such questionable high ranks in power Scorchstorm began to pay an even closer attention to his clanmates, frequently guarding camp in case Foxline or he mate Dodger tried anything. His attention on the new deputy was soon drawn elsewhere, thankfully preventing him from getting into any serious trouble by disrespecting Foxline. During the first gathering since the massacre the heavily pregnant Gleamheart uncovered her mate's "Otterstone"'s corpse. This sent Scorchstorm's daughter into a deep state of grief. Mourning her mate's death and the fact that being a borderless would forever keep the two of them seperated brought Gleamheart down, her grief weakening her. The queen would refuse to eat, becoming a shell of her former cheerful and beaming self. There was little Scorchstorm could do to help bring his daughter back from the door of death she was standing at, and it was with a recently fled Mistyblaze that the weakened queen died from child birth, her kits and Scorchstorm's grandchildren soon to follow.

This time the league wasn’t the only one to blame for taking his child from him. This time Lakeclan’s high ranks were equally to blame, doing little for their clan and leaving Lakeclan to slowly rot from the inside out. The demise of his clan seemed inevitable, especially after Shimmerstar announced the decision to remove Lightningstar’s law of killing anyone with ties to the league- an action that Scorchstorm saw as lowering the last line that Lakeclan had between them and the league.

It wasn’t too long after that that word of a rebellion began to spread, a rebellion lead by a queen by the name of Angledwing who believed that Lakeclan’s high ranks needed to be changed. Agreeing with this state of mind Scorchstorm began to actively take part in the rebellion, feeling a sense of victory when finally Foxline was exiled by her own deputy after attacking Angledwing for no reason. Alas, his participation in the rebellion would soon drive Scorchstorm and his daughter Loonwhisper apart, as the tom’s remaining surviving child simply could not understand why her father was letting the clan he was so loyal to tear itself apart.

The rebellion was indeed weakening the clan more than if it had never happened, but too stubborn to believe it Scorchstorm quickly turned his back on Loonwhisper. His mind was focused on the leadership position, a position he now deserved after serving his clan for so long. Shimmerstar had refused to nominate a deputy after Foxline, not trusting any cat to stay loyal to- something reasonable given the circumstances. The Lakeclan leader ended up resorting to asking the aid of the other clans, calling the aid of Shallowclan, Stoneclan and Streamclan to send cats to help break up the fights that would beak out between clanmates. Little did Scorchstorm know that this would end up leading to an encounter that would change Scorchstorm’s life for good.

The tension between the various cats with opinions in lakeclan was quick to lead to bloodshed, as many of those who supported Angledwing felt that the rival clans were interfering in matters that did not concern them. Scorchstorm on the other hand, couldnt care less by the other clan envoyees. If they didn't cause him any issues then he didnt have any problems with cats who's main concern was to help Lakeclan out rather than make things worse...In fact it was soon enough that Scorchstorm found himself working with those cats to break up fights. Knowing full well that such tension would be no good, and would likely lead to a outright war for power if Shimmerstar died without a deputy the warrior worked to keep peace for two reasons: First because he simply couldnt stand the fact cats once best friends could wound each other over such petty reasons, and second, that working by the other clan cat's side would help make him stand out if it turned out that such horrors would necessitate rival clan intervention to help pick a leader.

It was while helping a Stoneclan warrior to break up a fight between Loonwhisper and one of Angledwing's most loyal supporters that Scorchstorm got to meet Boulderthroat. Boulderthroat seemed to be the type of cat Scorchstorm would expect from a typical Stoneclan warrior, cold and a cat of few words. Sensing more potential underneath the exterior shown to everyone Scorchstorm found himself quickly drawn, often coming to speak with the Stonerclan at the end of the day.

The more the two cats would talk, the more Scorchstorm got a proper assesment of Boulderthroat's personality. The warrior was clearly ambitious, possessing the hardworking nature of a good cat in charge. He was however, quick to obey others' orders, quick to act impulsively or snap at cats.

Despite having the quality of a good deputy, even leader, there was no doubt it Scorchstorm's mind that many more candidates would be chosen instead...Especially with the young stoneclan leader "Blackstar" possessing a nature that would draw him to pick younger clanmate if Bluesun were to ever fall. However, the lakeclan warrior wasnt about to underestimate the advantages of alliances, happily ignoring Boulderthroat's snappy attitude in order to properly get to share some more time with the rival clan cat. Soon enough it would come to the point where hanging out with Boulderthroat was more fun than participating in the troubles that the rebellion Scorchstorm had backed was causing, pushing the lakeclaners to ignore the latter for his own personal pleasure.

Getting a chance to get closer to the Stoneclan warrior helped Scorchstorm to witness the cold tom's transformation, inadventently going through one himself. Getting a chance to frequently be with someone who was happy to just listen helped Boulderthroat to open, showing an optimistic side to himself that the Lakeclaner wouldnt have imagined him to possess. Scorchstorm on the other hand was slowly growing more jovial despite the surrounding circumstances.

Moons waxed and waned before the rebellion that Scorchstorm had taken part in was taken to a brusque end when Angledwing was denounced as a league spy, having attacked Shimmerstar taking away one of her lives. The queen was rescued by a league vice before anyone in lakeclan could harm her, with some of her supporters blindly attacking Shimmerstar when the leader called the clan together to properly exile the she-cat. With the discovery that the rebellion's leader had used all those that took part in it everyone seemed to settle down, but the damage had been made and it was with shame that Scorchstorm knew he had taken part in what was to blame for it.

With peace seemingly on its return the other clan envoys were due to return. Some such as the Streamclan deputy had to rush back, but others would take more of their time. Scorchstorm almost regretted having to part with Boulderthroat, but it was clear to both that their clans needed them. Little did the two cats know, that the rebellion they had spent their time together in would have a larger impact on their lives than either would imagine. And this would start with the merging borders.

Seeing a lesson about strength in number from the help the other clans gave Lakeclan, Shimmerstar would approach the other clan leaders with the idea...likely the one good idea that Scorchstorm's leader would have that the tom would full support. Together the four clans would merge their border, forming the great divide along the border that Lakeclan and Streamclan shared with the outside world. With that lakeclan and the other clans no longer had to patrol every edge of their territory, instead concentrating their efforts on the Great Divide to prevent League invasion.

The one downfall of these "moon patrols" as they were dubbed, was how slow it took the clan leaders to pick cats to serve as generals. Shimmerstar herself would delay on that, knowing full well that showing trust in one cat for Moon Patrol general would arouse the question of trust for a deputy.

During this time Scorchstorm would often separate his days into two categories: Hunting or watching over his clan and going out on patrols (of which he would often make a bid to try and spend time with Boulderthroat during). These times were strangely peaceful, with little to no sign of any League activity since the sucessful attempt on Shimmerstar's lives. 

It was during this period that Scorchstorm was able to witness a complete evolution on Boulderthroat's part. This was triggered by what the clans called "All Stars Eve" festivals, a time of year where their connection to Starclan was the strongest and that their clan ancestors walked among then for a short time.  Boulderthroat was able to come into contact with his brother Falconpaw, a cat who's death Boulderthroat had witnessed as an apprentice and had felt guilty over ever since.

Scorchstorm too was able to profit from the Hallow's Eve, despite this only concerning Starclan cats. It was impossible for dead borderless to walk with the living during this time, something that would affect Shimmerstar greatly over the lack of Lightningstar's presence. Scorchstorm and Loonwhisper however, were able to reunite with Swanshadow for a short periode of a time. A reunion that Scorchstorm had failed to realize he truly needed. Swanshadow was proud of her mate, despite all that he had gone through. The dead Starclanner had little to say about herself, questioning her mate and child over what they felt themselves. When Scorchstorm admitted that he hadnt felt as happy since her death the she-cat took him aside and talked, insisting that they needed to move on. As a borderless he had a job to carry out and she would forever cherish him inside despite their distances. Knowing this, the two mates were able to say a proper goodbye this time- ruefully parting ways once and for all...

Foxline's return wasn't met with much approval by those in Lakeclan who resented her, especially since she has not shown herself to be fitting for deputy when the rebellion had first arose. In addition to this, having lived as a loner Foxline turned out to herself be more interested in moving into the nursery to care for the kits she has brought back with her rather than abandon them for the duties that the desperate Shimmerstar tried to force her into. Finally, after some argument that forced Brightsoul's intervention Shimmerstar finally accepted defeat. Stepping into action the clan leader called the clan forward, making none other than Scorchstorm deputy, for his loyalty and blood bonds to Lightningstar

With him now im charge Scorchstorm did not hesitate a second at kicking his clan leader into action by insisting she deal with some leaderly duties she has neglected since Angledwing's exile. The first thing he was careful to deal with was the Moon Patrols, discussing with Shimmerstar over the cat to choose- agreeing that the loyal and Hard working warrior "Brindlestride" was a fitting match to be the first clan's Moon Patrol general. 

Becoming a deputy seemed to restore some hope that Scorchstorm had lost in his clan. The tom was his old self, really old self that many had stopped seeing after the death of Gleamheart. The new deputy was able to quicky get his clan moving again, organizing apprentice and warrior ceremonies to make sure that Shimmerstar didn't forget any kit or apprentice that deserved to rank up. Life was busier for him, as his work became his main duty. The time spent with Boulderthroat became rarer...but this matter very little, as Scorchstorm's life as a deputy was about to change.  

Thing began to become shaky for clan peace after Sprucetalon's apprentice "Ripplestripe" came in announcing proudly that he had left clan territory to eliminate a league scum. Very few cats paid any heed, but the truth was this very action was what would spark anger among peaceful league troops, resulting in the war that would change clan and league relations for good. 

It was about a day after that that the League troops attacked, easily breaking through Brindlestride's defences and advancing into Streamclan and Lakeclan territory. As deputy Scorchstorm quickly found himself as target of many enemy cats, however neither Shimmerstar nor him stayed still like goats. Both clan leader and deputy were quick to move to the frontline to fight back, Shimmerstar quickly loosing a life in attempts to get to Thornheart. Everything was confusing there, hard for Scorchstorm to fully process...and it was while fighting there that the deputy would unknowgly target a young league cat with enough strong ties that the lakeclaner would quickly find himself possessing enemies in even clan ranks.

While along the frontline, Scorchstorm came into contact with the first league fledgling. The deputy did not make the difference between less trained enemies and true one, all were out to destroy Lakeclan and so taking them out was his mission. What the tom had not expected was for another league cat to interfere in the fight, a blind tom who happened to be none other than Dante/Glazedscar, a troublesome rogue that had made his presence known to both Shallowclan and Streamclan. Scorchstorm did not even stop a moment to look back at the tom, and would have continued his way fighting through enemy troops taking down any league cat in his way had the Streamclan deputy "Fogpelt" not suddenly tackled him to the side. What followed was a small pause as cats mourned one of the league traitors, an action that confused the deputy greatly but he didn't pay it any heed. Returning to camp soon after it was with reluctance that Scorchstorm had to agree that they were loosing the battle. Lakeclan had to fall back...

While Shimmerstar lead one party to Stoneclan Scorchstorm was to stay back and make sure that no cat in the party that would go to Shallowclan would get left behind. Things became more pressing when a large fire began to spread through Streamclan territory, quickly approaching Lakeclan's grassland grounds. While many followed orders and fled as told, it was much to Scorchstorm's annoyance and dismay when one of his warriors "Woodplash" broke away heading towards the flames! Feeling a duty to protect his clanmates the deputy was quick to follow after her, only realizing after confronting her that Woodsplash had in fact spotted Thornheart! The she-cat believed was a chance for them to get ride of the league leader. Woodsplash was mad enough to want to hunt the tom down, mad enough to miss one key detail: Thornheart was carrying a burning stick, helping the spread of the fire. Even if it was the two of them there was no doubt that they would loose the fight with flames against them.

Managing to hold Woodsplash back, Scorchstorm watched from afar as a strange scene went down. A strange one that seemed to draw the borderless to appear physically nearby, blocking the path of some other cats who had attempted to advance too. Feeling dread as the fire began to spread Scorchstorm was able to safely lead Woodsplash to Shallowclan ground.

Serving as the head of his clan, Scorchstorm worked closely with Nightstar and Platinumfire to keep the clan running with all that was going down. Ripplestar of Streamclan was there too, pregnant with kits - something that the deputy was relatively unimpressed with given these times. But neither she nor Fogpelt would address Scorchstorm, with the Streamclan deputy steering clear of him despite them working both with the shallowclan heads to care for the clan and kits. 

As expected the League attacked again, this time launching their assault on Shallowclan and Stoneclan. This time it seemed as if the battlegrounds had evened out, with those rogues sent to Shallowclan to seemingly less strong without their founding leader there to lead them. It was easy for Scorchstorm to fight many off, and when the new of Thornheart's demise at the Stoneclan battle reached Shallowclan the deputy watched with satisfaction as the enemy troops retreated. 

It was after bringing the lakeclan survivors back to camp to meet up with those that had survived the Stoneclan battle that Scorchstorm learnt of what had happened. Shimmerstar was dead, killed protecting her clanmates in the final battle. As deputy it was his duty to now take her place...

Scorchstorm left that very night to recieving his nine lives. Not wanting to comprimise his clan's safety the new leader left Brindlestride in charge, taking no escort as to not draw attention to himself.

That night Scorchstorm was greeted by the borderless to recieve his nine lives. His father, Jaggedstreak was there, along with his siblings Lightningstar, Rabbitstripe and Larkchaser. Three of his dead kits were also present, Gleamheart, Flarestreak and Gullberry. Accompanying them was his night mentor, Geckotail. After recieving his nine lives, the newly named Scorchstar was kept there. Sensing something key was going to come, Jaggedstreak warned his son to expect changes telling the leader that as a borderless he had to understand that starclan's warrior code would need to change for peace to finally come. Lightningstar on the other hand, took his brother aside to tell him that soon a past ally of lakeclan would be the one to bear the new of peace between league and lakeclan...something that Scorchstar had to accept.

It was with these two warnings that the leader returned to his clan, but as he went there Scorchstar realized that he couldnt bring himself to figure out a suiting cat both in personality and strength that would suit the role as his deputy inside his own clan. Whenever Scorchstar tried to think of someone his mind would always drift to his friend Boulderthroat, and it was with this in mind that he searched for the tom. Offering the Stoneclanner a chance to leave his clan, swear loyalty to Lakeclan and serve under him as his deputy. It was to Scorchstar's relief that Boulderthroat accepted.

There were mixed reactions in lakeclan when the new deputy was announced, but no one had an objections to an ex-stoneclan ally leading them compared to Foxline as a ex-league cat. 

Just as his brother and father had warned him, change soon came the clan's way starting with the arrival of an old friend of Lightningstar's "Shadowstrike". Shadowstrike was the old Stoneclan deputy during the Dark Ages. It was him who had killed Darkstar then, bringing the first war to an end before proceeding to exile himself nominating another cat as new leader. This time however, Shadowstrike had taken charge, stepping forth as the new leader (or what he called himself as "Council Head") of the newly rebuilt and changed league. The new league had a council, lead by many various cats. It's aims were to offer a safe place for all cats, especially those who did not chose to live by the warrior code. However when it came to its relations to the warrior code, this new league was more accepting. Provided the clans agreed to make changes. In return the league had removed its rule to kill a cat in order to join its cause.

This Scorchstar was willing to make agreements with, and it was together with Nightstar, Blackstar and Ripplestar that the clans agreed to make changes to their warrior code, with the league council agreeing to put in place some rules. For two moons Scorchstar and the other leaders worked to bring a new era of peace to their clans. It took a lot of setting things up, in addition to Scorchstar's regular leader duties. The tom did not mind this however, if he had to work hard to make lakeclan great again after the losses it had gone through with bad leaderships, then he would do what was necessary.

With an apprentice to train and the peace between league and clan now set up nothing could seem better for the new leader. Little did he know that peace would still have its challenges. 

But that's a tale for another time...