Icestar ducked swiftly under the large badger, away from Flickerpaw. Robinwing leaped out from the surrounding shrubbery to help join the fight. The chances didn't look good now, but Icestar told herself that Beechleaf would soon be back.

Flickerpaw stepped up nimbly behind the badger and took a swipe at it. The large beast hissed and swiped at Flickerpaw, but he was ready this time, and managed to jump out of the way before a large paw collided with his nose. Unscathed, the apprentice raced around to his mentor, where Icestar already stood.

"Think we can hold out long enough for Beechleaf?" Robinwing mewed to his companions.

"If we move tactically," Icestar responded as it approached them. "Let's form a triangle around the badger and take turns striking it." Robinwing and her ran a fox-length away from the meeting spot, together surrounding the larger animal. The three took turns swiping out at the badger. If it singled in on one of them, the other two would attack from behind. This series of movements kept the badger occupied. Icestar took her fourth turn, and the badger turned on her. It started to advance, so Robinwing scratched it from behind. But the badger ignored the warrior and kept its pace towards Icestar. Soon, her fur bumped the cool dirt of the mound where the cave entrance lay. She shot a panicked look towards her father, and he reflected it back, still clawing the enemy to make it turn away. The leader knew this couldn't end well. She glanced around, but any escape path would bring her in range of the badger's deadly claws. The beast took another step closer and a swipe of it's huge paw-

Suddenly, something knocked the badger's head aside and a series of loud yowls broke loose. More cats poured into the clearing and the large black animal staggered to the side from the weight of about four or five cats attacking. Icestar took the opportunity to scramble away from the wall and nip at the badger's hind leg.

The young leader could now take the time to observe that the cat who had attacked the badger's head was Grasspelt. Grasspelt, her deputy, putting his life out there for her. Of course, it was the loyal thing to do for the leader, but imagine if his aim was a little off and he missed. They could've both died, which would be a big blow to the Clan, especially after loosing both their medicine cat and former leader not long before. But he did it anyways. Icestar realized that she had made a good decision in choosing her deputy. She had chosen someone who was truly loyal to the Clan, who would put the leader's life before his.

Although, what was the true reason for his loyalty? Could it just have been devotion and honor? Or something deeper? Something more... personal? Icestar felt a sudden jolt, a sudden connection with him. She had never felt quiet the same about another cat. It was emotional. What was it? Was it... no, really? She was the leader! Was that even allowed? She shook her head. Besides, she had a battle to fight right now!

The badger shook Grasspelt off its head, and he landed on the ground with a thud. If there is any connection between you two, Icestar thought, then use it to save him! The silver she-cat raced to his body and struck out with a paw before the badger could make its next move, making it turn away.

"Thank you," Grasspelt gasped as he caught his breath. He heaved himself up into a stance he could move quickly from if needed.

"You did the same for me. It- It was only fair," Icestar replied. She gazed at him, and he returned it. They shared a grim-yet-pleasant look. The two broke the stare at the same time. Icestar snuck a look back, but Grasspelt had already turned away.

The leader sighed and turned back towards the battle, where RiverClan were repeatedly attacking the badger. Icestar jumped at its back, clawed, hung on for a few seconds, and leaped off. A giant, oblivious hind paw almost crushed the tip of her tail before she tucked it next to her and sped out of harm's way, nearly ramming into Pebblefoot.

Eventually, the badger shook like a dog, sending all remaining cats flying to the ground, and ran off in the opposite direction of the lake. At the last second, Toadstrike had latched onto the badger's back and now held on for dear life as the large creature blundered away, slightly like a Twoleg on a bucking horse. A few cats chased after him, while the rest collapsed to the ground. Beechleaf padded out from her cover of behind some brambles and started checking for injuries. She sent Cedarbrook back to Camp to retrieve some herbs, who had learned some medicine cat skills from a stay in the den when she had sprained a paw. Cats started back to Camp, less hurt ones helping ones with more injuries stumble along. Icestar supported a limping Ashenfang.

"So, you've started thinking about it?" Ashenfang suddenly asked.

Icestar glanced at her sister, confused but slightly apprehensive. "What? Started thinking about what?"

"Y'know, a mate."

Icestar instinctively turned red under her fur and thought of a certain tom, but didn't show it. "Well, um, no, I mean, maybe, a little, but-"

Ashenfang amusedly smiled. "I think you have. I saw you talking to Grasspelt. Right there, in the middle of the battle. Cats are fighting, and you're awkwardly stuttering to your deputy."

Icestar sighed. "Okay, fine. Do you think I should go for him? Is it even allowed for leaders to have a mate?"

Ashenfang displayed a thoughtful gaze as she splashed through the river. "You should if it is. Grasspelt's a good cat. You did choose him to be your deputy. I think it's allowed. I've never heard anything strictly against it, unlike with medicine cats." Who seem to do it anyways, Icestar thought. Is it just the same with leaders?

"But you've heard the stories about Bluestar, right?" Ashenfang continued, "who had to give up her kits to become the deputy of ThunderClan? And she took them here to RiverClan?"

"Yes, I have." Icestar sighed again. "Will that end up being me? Can they demote me for having kits? But who's 'they?' I'd already have the leader and deputy on my side! What about Beechleaf? Or can the Clan displace me for not being a rightful leader? Ugh! I have too many questions!" She trailed off as they reached the camp.

Ashenfang nuzzled her sister comfortingly as she stopped leaning on Icestar and lay down in the medicine den. "Ask the elders, they'd probably know best. Although go for Graymist. She's often less grouchy than Mintfur." Ashenfang smiled mischievously. "But do it tomorrow. We both need some rest, not just me."

Icestar nodded thoughtfully and padded out with her head down, successfully bumping Grasspelt himself as he helped Pebblefoot into the medicine den. The leader certainly heard a chuckle from behind her, and glared back at her sister, who was holding in a heartier laugh. She mumbled a quick apology and hurried to settle in her den, where her thoughts could temporarily be put to rest.

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Good chapter? Maybe? Yes?

Does anybody ship it yet? Please?! Grassstar anyone? Or maybe that's too many "s." XD Icepelt?

Also, I totally forgot Icestar had a sister until this chap. XD Only until I saw Ashenfang's name in the allegiances did it register.

Okay, I'm sorry for the partial fourth wall break about medicine cats near the end of the chapter. XD I just had to put it in there. Does anybody know the rules about leaders and mates, though? Please comment if you do!! It'd be a big help!!! Thanks for reading! Vote, comment, share, and eat cupcakes!!!!

-Emrysstar