Skyfall was almost back to camp when she heard wailing coming from within ThunderClan's natural enclosure. After she had bade Hawkspirit farewell, her paws had carried her at a brisk pace. However, she came to an abrupt stop when she heard the grief of her Clanmates radiate throughout the forest.

She was so determined to get back to camp that she hadn't even thought of what would meet her when she returned. She hadn't yet processed that one of her Clanmates had passed away, as the night's events had consumed her and she had felt like this nightmare would be over once Hawkspirit left undetected. She hadn't had enough time to realize that her Clan would be devastated at the passing of Flowermoon, potentially the passing of two of her newborn kits, or that Flowermoon really wouldn't be around any longer.

Skyfall was fortunate that she had not experienced much loss during her journey from kit to warrior. The first cat that had joined StarClan in her lifetime was Moonfur. She didn't particularly remember the beautiful young she-cat, but her death had made such an impact on her life. She then experienced the loss of Sandstar, but admittedly, it did not feel like Sandstar had left her. The former ThunderClan leader still visited her fairly regularly in her dreams to guide her through the mysterious waters of the prophecy. ThunderClan then lost Hawkeye in battle, but again, Skyfall had no relationship to the tom. Skyfall had yet to lose someone close to her. And for that, she was blessed.

Skyfall braced herself as she ducked through the gorse tunnel. Unsurprisingly, there was a crowd of cats mobbed outside of the nursery, Willowleaf standing at its entrance. Skyfall was relieved that the news of Flowermoon's passing had already broken by the time she arrived to camp, because it meant no one noticed her as she slipped slyly back into camp.

"There was nothing that could have been done," Willowleaf meowed to the group of cats in front of her. Skyfall could hear the trembling in Willowleaf's voice as she tried to keep it together. She knew the tortoiseshell she-cat must be drowning in guilt, from both not being there for Flowermoon and now for lying to her Clanmates. Skyfall knew that Willowleaf hadn't technically lied, as no cat would think to ask Willowleaf if she had been there. Despite that, she knew Willowleaf considered pretending she was there when she wasn't a lie.

"Skyfall!" A familiar voice was calling out to her. She turned her head to see the tired, yet grieving, eyes of Rainpetal. The light gray she-cat looked terrible. She, like Skyfall, was not close or even fond of Flowermoon. But with the lack of sleep and the high stress situation of it all, it was obviously taking its toll on her. Rainpetal's fur was slightly matted and untamed, her blue eyes somberly heavy. Her voice was hushed as she got closer. "Did Hawkspirit make it back?"

"Yes," She whispered back. "We ran into Willowleaf on the way to the border. We explained everything to her. She's heartbroken, obviously, but our tracks should be covered."

Rainpetal nodded. It appeared as though she was about to say something until her eyes focused on something behind Skyfall. Skyfall turned around, cautious about continuing on their conversation, and was glad she did. Sunstar was sitting on the Highrock, watching the gathering of cats outside the nursery, listening to Willowleaf answering questions. His eyes were narrowed as he observed.

Listening in, Skyfall could hear Willowleaf discussing the plans for Flowermoon's kits. "Four are strong and healthy, and need no care besides for that of a mother. Featherfur has graciously agreed to stay in the nursery until the kits reach their apprenticeships." Willowleaf inhaled sharply before continuing. "The two kits that are in unstable conditions will reside with me in the medicine den, with the help of Featherfur visiting them for affection and feedings. Amberpaw will help supervise their condition. There is no telling of their future." Willowleaf's eyes sank to the ground as she spoke those last few words. Concerned murmurs rippled through the Clan before her, before one voice hissed in protest.

"Amberpaw just became an apprentice yesterday!" Firesoul snapped. "How is she supposed to watch over them?"

Willowleaf's eyes narrowed as she stared back at the orange tom. She was about to respond when the defensive voices of Featherfur and Bumblefoot erupted from the other side of the group.

"She will do her best!" Featherfur declared at the same time Bumblefoot spat, "She can do better than you could!"

Firesoul looked as though he was going to respond to the bursts of outrage at his comment, but Willowleaf spoke up before his words could leap off of his sharp tongue. "Amberpaw will be under my supervision, as will the kits," She explained slowly, her amber eyes lit with annoyance. "This will be a beneficial learning experience for Amberpaw. A second set of eyes will be a tremendous help, no matter their experience level." The tortoiseshell medicine cat paused briefly before continuing. "How would you like it if your Clanmates doubted your abilities if there happened to have been a battle the first day of your apprenticeship, Firesoul?"

Firesoul didn't respond. He avoided eye contact with Willowleaf, but his ears were still back, symbolic of his disapproval. Featherfur and Bumblefoot flicked their tails approvingly at Willowleaf's response. Amberpaw, who had been standing awkwardly next to Willowleaf through the whole ordeal, shifted on her paws uncomfortably. Once again, Skyfall's heart ached for her. No other apprentice had been the subject of such doubt on their first day, especially after such a stressful night. ThunderClan, however, did not realize just how stressful Amberpaw's night had been. Either way, Skyfall concluded, Firesoul's outburst was unfair and inappropriate.

Skyfall's eyes shifted back to the ThunderClan leader. His eyes were shielded with the coldness of his stare. No emotion escaped through his expression. Skyfall flicked her tail, unsettled by Sunstar's distant demeanor. Sunstar was always distant, but this coolness towards another cat being in a position of authority was unusual. Anyhow, why wasn't Sunstar at least pretending to care about Flowermoon's passing and the futures of her kits?

Skyfall scoffed unintentionally. Her scoff turned several heads and paused Willowleaf's words. She stared blankly at the eyes facing her before shaking her head and staring down at the ground. She tried to pass it off as an outburst of grief and disbelief. She was unsure if the judging eyes believed it, but they retreated their attention off of her, which is all that really mattered.

Willowleaf continued informing the Clan on all of the necessary details on the upcoming proceedings. Skyfall's mind wandered elsewhere, as she was so exhausted that she kept swaying back and forth due to unsteadiness. She was unaware of Rainpetal doing the same thing until their shoulders collided accidentally. Both she-cats were instantly alert, staring blankly at each other before rejoining their attention with the Clan.

After Willowleaf had concluded her announcements, she sharply looked up at the ThunderClan leader. His eyes were still guarded and stern as he met her gaze. She cleared her throat, awkwardly shifting the conversation over to him. "Sunstar will now announce details of the vigil."

The ThunderClan leader held her stare for a few moments. The ordeal was uncomfortable, as those few moments truly felt longer than the night before had. A couple cats shifted on their paws, some more flicked their ears, but all stared up at the fiery tom.

"Yes," Sunstar finally meowed, his voice ominously deep. His stature was firm, guarded, stand-offish. The ThunderClan leader was firmly planted in his seat, but Skyfall would not put it past him to turn around and retreat to his den at any moment. Skyfall's eyes narrowed as she studied him, as he was so complex it was difficult to get any sort of reading on him whatsoever. 

"We will share tongues with Flowermoon for the final time at sunhigh." He continued. Murmurs of approval rose from the crowd and met his ears. He, too, nodded approvingly. Skyfall was slightly taken aback by that, as that was potentially the first time that the ThunderClan leader had communicated back to the mass of his Clan in that manner. Normally, the orange tom held a position of superiority, as he only addressed the Clan, and never responded to them.

As usual, Skyfall's wide eyes scanned the crowd, looking for any signs that other cats had noticed what she had. However, this time, her realization seemed futile. The only emotions displayed on her Clanmates' faces were ones of grief, heartbreak, anticipation, and sorrow. The fur on her back ruffled slightly as frustration pooled in her paws.

She brought her attention back to the ThunderClan leader as he continued. "Per tradition, a vigil will be held tonight in honor of Flowermoon's life," he continued. "Whoever would like to participate is welcome."

"I will be keeping vigil," Willowleaf announced. Sunstar flicked his tail. Several other cats joined in. Skyfall knew that Flowermoon did not have very many close ties within the Clan, but she was glad that a few acquaintances were stepping up. Perhaps she would have too, if not for the fact she kept vigil the night before.

Rainpetal nearly flopped over at the mention of another all night vigil. Shadepool was seated on the other side of the crowd, her green eyes determined to stay awake. Skyfall, too, was eager to retire to her nest. As much as she wanted to support Flowermoon, as the tortoiseshell she-cat had entrusted the lives of her kits to her, she physically could not do it. I hope Flowermoon would understand, she thought to herself. After all, I am doing quite a big favor for her. She snickered, as she knew that Flowermoon would ultimately be unforgiving of Skyfall missing her vigil.

~*~

Minutes felt like hours as the morning elapsed. Russetsky had relieved Skyfall and her sisters of their patrol duties for the day, as she knew her kits had stayed up all night. Skyfall was grateful, as she was unsure if she could even make it through another trek through the territory. She was aware that a few of the older Clanmates, such as Firesoul and Stormpelt, did not approve of Russetsky letting the three sisters rest. Skyfall understood their disapproval, because this was their first morning as warriors and here they were, lazily lounging around camp. She knew that Russetsky had probably only allowed them to stay in because she was thinking with her motherly brain instead of her deputy brain, but Skyfall was appreciative regardless.

Skyfall's eyes watched as Firesoul and Mousetail carried Flowermoon's body to the clearing. The Clan fell silent after seeing them exit the medicine den. Willowleaf had expertly treated Flowermoon's body with mint and lavender to prepare the fallen queen for her Clan. Willowleaf had received a delivery from Aquamist, the RiverClan medicine cat, shortly after the Clan meeting. Aquamist had gifted Willowleaf some goatweed to help her manage her agonizing grief. Skyfall was unsure how RiverClan knew about Flowermoon's passing so soon, but she figured Hawkspirit and Nightflare must have conversed with Aquamist and her apprentice.

Once Flowermoon's body was gently set down, Willowleaf silently approached her sister. In the medicine cat's mouth was a beautiful celandine flower picked carefully from ThunderClan's territory. It was a miracle that one was able to be found in such pristine condition during leafbare. Skyfall believed that it had to have been a gift from StarClan. Willowleaf carefully tucked the flower under her littermate's ear, pinning it against the ground. Its golden color complimented the golden patches in Flowermoon's fur gorgeously. Upon witnessing the act, Skyfall realized that Flowermoon was indeed a flower within the Clan. She was quiet and reserved, her presence the essence of tranquility, but once she was gone, she was dearly missed.

Sunstar watched Willowleaf's gesture and flicked his tail approvingly. Again, Skyfall was taken aback by any interest the ThunderClan leader suddenly had in his Clan. She was unsure why he suddenly cared, but she decided that she should be appreciative. As wicked as she knew the ThunderClan leader was, Flowermoon deserved his respect for her life. He was still her leader.

Before long the Clan began sharing tongues with Flowermoon for the last time. When it was her turn to rasp her tongue over her Clanmate's shoulder, the she-cat's final words loomed over her. She knew that Flowermoon was long gone from ThunderClan's territory, but the echoing words within her mind brought her spirit back to life. It shook her, but she kept her composure, being sure not to disrupt such a mundane and mournful ceremony.

After all of ThunderClan had paid their respects, Appleleaf approached, getting ready to carry Flowermoon to her final resting place. Stormpelt joined him. Although he was not quite an elder, Stormpelt was on the brink of turning in. He was the eldest warrior in the Clan, so he felt it was his duty to help Appleleaf, as the tom was unable to carry her by himself. 

The Clan watched as the two graying toms carried Flowermoon's body away. Willowleaf stifled a wail. Sunstar's eyes loomed after them. Skyfall's gaze found the celandine flower, now a beacon of vivid color against the snowy clearing; Flowermoon's absence left it in solitude.

~*~

Clan life had bustled on after Flowermoon's burial. The air was still crisply somber, but ThunderClan had no choice but to edge forward. Patrols patrolled, hunters hunted, and finally, the sun was falling.

Skyfall and her sisters had been in their nests before the sun decided to step down from its place. The three sisters were beyond ready for sleep to warmly encompass them. Now that it was acceptable for them to finally slip into that long awaited slumber, Rainpetal and Shadepool were already snoring away. Skyfall took a bit longer to settle down, as she wanted to wait for the vigil to begin before she fell into a deep sleep. She felt obligated to at least do that for Flowermoon.

As darkness began to sweep over the clearing, the camp's activity began to cease as those preparing to keep vigil assumed their positions. Skyfall, curling up, observed casually as she looked forward to her much needed rest. She saw the tortoiseshell pelt of Willowleaf sitting outside of the medicine den. She knew Amberpaw was likely staying awake to watch over Flowermoon's two unstable kits in the medicine den. Her eyes travelled and found a few cats that had no particular relationship to Flowermoon, but wanted to pay their respects. These cats were Flarecloud, Bramblefrost, Stormpelt, and -

Who is that? Skyfall's eyes snapped open from being half-closed. Her eyes had met amber pearls hidden in the bracken. Skyfall's exhausted mind first thought that it was an intruder, but a few moments later she realized that she was meeting the gaze of Darkface. His shining eyes blinked slowly at her once before breaking their connection. Skyfall thought it was odd that Darkface had travelled so far to sit with a Clan that was technically no longer his, but then her heart warmed at the thought that Darkface had decided to sit vigil for his fallen littermate. Willowleaf was doing the same, so why did she think it was unusual for him to do it as well? Guilt pricked at her paws momentarily. Darkface is ThunderClan, she silently declared. And this is his sister.

Once the adrenaline had began fading from her limbs, Skyfall once again went to close her eyes, her alarm having dissolved. However, upon blinking once more, she came across another pair of mysterious eyes she was not expecting to see. A mrrow of surprise escaped her throat as she saw a pair of emerald eyes shining in the brimming moonlight. Like Darkface's, the eyes were hidden in the safety of ThunderClan's camp, their presence stealthy and precise, fox-like. However, contrary to Darkface's, these eyes did not meet hers, as they were focused heavily on the spot in the clearing Flowermoon had been laying hours earlier. 

It was no secret who those eyes belonged to. Their position in the camp had given it away to Skyfall immediately. Their presence should not have been shocking, and yet it was, because it was so unusual for their character. But the unknown pertained to one thing - what were they doing, keeping vigil for a warrior they had never spoken to?

What are you doing, Sunstar?

HIII! Here's Chapter 25! I am so sorry that it took so long, and I am also really sorry if this chapter seems choppy, it was written over like 10 different sessions. It has been completed for about a day now, but I've spent hours picking at it to try to improve the quality. All in all I still am not a fan of it, but the story must go on & I've left you all waiting long enough.

Thanks so much for reading and for being patient! Don't forget to vote and comment. <3

P.S. I could have SWORN I made Stormpelt an elder already but I wasn't able to find it, so if he's already an elder please let me know so I can change it :')