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Chapter Text

Chapter Text

》 SCENE 1. SUNSPOT. DAY, SUMMER.

Breadheart, Blankspots, and Loyalstar search the cliff and come up empty. Put emphasis on Loyalstar's overdramatic and corny personality through exaggerated movements.

LOYALSTAR

Sharpstar said we'd meet here, but I don't even smell him.

BLANKSPOTS

You'd think that NastyClan stink would've tainted the cliff by now.

LOYALSTAR

I was hoping he would actually want to negotiate, but it seems we'll need to prepare for an ambush.

BREADHEART

An awfully delayed ambush. Do you think his warriors fell asleep?

BLANKSPOTS

Maybe-

Furpelt attacks. She leaps onto Loyalstar.

LOYALSTAR

And there it is! I should've known not to expect anything better-!

FURPELT

Shut it, mangepelt! The Sunspot is the rightful territory of NastyClan!

Blankspots shoves Furpelt off of Loyalstar. Breadheart leaps beside Loyalstar as Quickspring emerges from the surrounding bushes.

LOYALSTAR

When the earth shifted and the cliff fell, StarClan decreed the Sunspot ours!

SHARPSTAR

What do you know of StarClan's will?

Loyalstar and Breadheart turn to Sharpstar, who walks through the bushes calmly. Nearby, Blankspots releases Furpelt.

LOYALSTAR

You.

SHARPSTAR

Loyalstar.

Sharpstar turns to each cat he addresses as he continues to speak.

SHARPSTAR

Breadheart, and Blankspots. A large party for a negotiation, don't you think?

LOYALSTAR

What about yours?

Sharpstar tilts his head.

SHARPSTAR

What about them? This is NastyClan territory. My clanmates go wherever they like.

BLANKSPOTS

So, you just happened to have two other cats around waiting to attack us?

Sharpstar flicks his ear and blinks. He grins-not evilly or smugly, just casually. There's no need for him to be intimidating with his enemy surrounded.

SHARPSTAR

Maybe. You ShiningClan cats are so quick to judge. The moment I shift my weight or misspeak, you'll accuse me of anything.

To prove his point, he unsheaths his claws and shifts his weight slightly. The ShiningClan cats tense, fur bristling. Breadheart is the first to calm down.

BREADHEART

So, are we able to talk?

SHARPSTAR

If you'll listen.

He turns toward the bushes.

SHARPSTAR

Darkfang, you can come out now.

Darkfang emerges from the bushes. Put some emphasis on his eyes, but avoid making them the focus of the shot. He walks carefully, testing the ground before he puts his paws down. He sits beside Sharpstar. Sharpstar puts his tail along Darkfang's back.

Loyalstar, seeing this, relaxes and sits.

LOYALSTAR

Maybe this is a negotiation after all.

Blankspots comes up from behind him.

LOYALSTAR

Blankspots, you know what to do.

Sharpstar is puzzled. Blankspots launches himself at Darkfang. With a yowl, Sharpstar leaps at Blankspots. Chaos breaks out among the cats at the cliff.

Breadheart is tackled by Furpelt.

FURPELT

You crowfood-munching cowards! How dare you?

Strongclaw pushes Furpelt off of Breadheart. She hisses at Furpelt and strikes her with her paws.

STRONGCLAW

We're only carrying out StarClan's will!

Furpelt flees.

STRONGCLAW

(out of breath)

Cowards... foxhearts... mange-pelts...

BREADHEART

Strongclaw! Weren't you on a hunting patrol?

STRONGCLAW

I came when I heard the fighting. I knew you'd need help. Where's Sharpstar? I've always wanted to see how a two-legged cat would walk-

She's cut off by a yowl. Sharpstar stands at the edge of the cliff. Blankspots is on the ground a short distance away. Loyalstar is nowhere to be seen.

The fighting stops. Strongclaw and Breadheart stare at Sharpstar. Sharpstar stares back.

SHARPSTAR

(quietly)

He fell.

Breadheart gasps. He immediately turns and runs down the side of the cliff, tripping on the way. Then, he leaps into the water.

Beneath the water, he swims with great effort. Quickly, he finds Loyalstar, who is unconscious and sinking. He grabs Loyalstar by the scruff and pulls him to the surface.

Cut to Breadheart dragging Loyalstar onto the shore. Loyalstar is completely still. Breadheart stares at Sharpstar, who spares him a glance before turning away from the edge of the cliff.

Breadheart stares a moment longer.

Loyalstar stirs. Immediately, Breadheart whips in his direction. Loyalstar pushes himself up, pausing to cough up water as Breadheart comes to his side to support him.

After another moment, it seems that Loyalstar is finished coughing up water. All that's left is gasping breaths.

BREADHEART

(quiet, nervous)

That was one of your lives, wasn't it?

Loyalstar's face shifts. Something about it is different-colder, less corny.

LOYALSTAR

Yes. It was.

》 SCENE 2. SHININGCLAN CAMP. DAY, SUMMER.

[Note: Use Deadkit's newborn design for this episode.]

Strongclaw enters the camp, carrying Blankspots on her back. His paws drag on the ground. Behind her, Breadheart and Loyalstar enter. They walk together, with Breadheart supporting Loyalstar.

The group stops in the center of camp. Everything is silent.

Then, a kitten mewls.

Breadheart and Loyalstar exchange glances. Loyalstar detangles himself from Breadheart and walks ahead slowly. The two approach the nursery and enter.

Inside, Clevertail is curled around Deadkit. She picks her head up at the sound of Breadheart's and Loyalstar's pawsteps.

CLEVERTAIL

What happened?

LOYALSTAR

Ambush-

BREADHEART

Where's Palefur?

Clevertail's ears lower. Her expression turns from concern to sorrow.

CLEVERTAIL

She kitted early. Nothing I did helped. I'm sorry.

LOYALSTAR

And this...?

CLEVERTAIL

The only surviving kit. She's a she-cat.

Breadheart looks at Loyalstar. Loyalstar stares at Deadkit blankly.

LOYALSTAR

Kill her.

BREADHEART

What?

LOYALSTAR

I can't look at her. Kill her now.

CLEVERTAIL

You can't be se-

LOYALSTAR

Kill her, or let her die. It doesn't matter. I never want to see her again.

He turns away and is about to head out of the nursery when Breadheart speaks.

BREADHEART

I'll take care of her, if you won't.

LOYALSTAR

With what milk? She'll just starve to death in your paws.

BREADHEART

Grasstuft will help me!

LOYALSTAR

Her kits are nearly weaned! She won't have enough!

Breadheart shrinks away.

BREADHEART

There are herbs queens take when they can't make enough milk.

Loyalstar turns away again.

LOYALSTAR

Fine. I'll let you try to save her. Don't cry to me when she starves.

BREADHEART

She won't.

Loyalstar is nearly out of the entrance when Clevertail speaks.

CLEVERTAIL

You can't leave her without a name.

Loyalstar stares into the camp.

LOYALSTAR

Deadkit.

He leaves.

》 SCENE 3. NURSERY.

Breadheart is curled around Deadkit. Deadkit mewls. He shushes her.

BREADHEART

Grasstuft will be back soon. She took Spinekit and Thornkit out to play.

Deadkit mews again.

BREADHEART

(quietly)

You're so small...

He licks her head and closes his eyes. The palette of the background changes as the world shifts from reality to the dream realm.

Lambpaw puts a paw on Breadheart's head. Breadheart wakes suddenly and looks up.

BREADHEART

Huh?

Lambpaw is surrounded by other StarClan cats (excluding Blankspots, who technically isn't dead yet, and Palefur).

BREADHEART

You came to visit. Where's Palefur?

Lambpaw shakes their head.

BREADHEART

She's not here? Why?

Lambpaw shakes their head again. They step closer and put a paw on Deadkit's body with unsheathed claws. Deadkit squeaks and wakes up.

BREADHEART

What are you doing?

Lambpaw raises his other paw and drags his claws across his neck.

BREADHEART

No! She's just a kit!

Lambpaw's eyes glow. The scene shifts as Breadheart is transported into a vision.

STARCLAN.

StarClan's realm is falling apart, with massive empty holes dotting it. Breadheart walks along it with Lambpaw, and nearly falls into a hole at least once.

They stop in front of StarClan's center, which resembles Fourtrees from the original series. At the base of it stands an adult Deadheart. Her muzzle is covered in blood. Below her lays Star's mutilated body.

Lambpaw points to Deadheart. Breadheart looks between Deadheart and Lambpaw, hesitating, before he approaches.

DEADHEART

I did it! They're all free!

BREADHEART

What did you do?

DEADHEART

(yelling)

I destroyed StarClan!

Her yell echoes as Breadheart wakes up in the dreamscape. Lambpaw stares at him expectantly. He looks at Deadkit, who is sleeping, then back at Lambpaw.

Linger on the moment.

BREADHEART

No.

Lambpaw bristles.

BREADHEART

The warrior code—which StarClan endorsed—states to save a kit in danger. That's what I'm doing.

Lambpaw paces around him.

BREADHEART

If I care for her well enough, maybe that won't happen at all.

Lambpaw stops pacing. They stare at Breadheart, then take a step forward so they're nearly forehead to forehead, all while looking him in the eye. Breadheart doesn't falter.

Lambpaw leaves. The background StarClan cats fade.

The background transitions to its regular colors abruptly as Breadheart wakes up for real this time. He curls tighter around Deadkit and goes back to sleep.

》 SCENE 4. NURSERY.

Integrate this scene with the credits if possible. It's intended to be a short stinger.

Breadheart sleeps, curled protectively around Deadheart. A shadow falls over them. It's Loyalstar.

He takes a step closer. Then, another. He stops in front of them and raises his paw, claws unsheathed and teeth bared.

He stops, flinching. He turns away.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

》 SCENE 1. CENTER OF SHININGCLAN CAMP. LATE SUMMER.

[Note: Use Deadkit's kit/Deadkit design for this episode.]

It's been some time since the last episode. Breadheart and Deadkit-who is now old enough to be weaned-are sharing a robin.

BREADHEART

You need to be careful of the feathers. If you don't pull them off before you take a bite-

Deadkit takes a bite without listening and spits out feathers.

BREADHEART

Yeah. That.

DEADKIT

(still spitting feathers)

Ew.

Grasstuft approaches them, her kits-Thornkit and Spinekit-in tow. Spinekit sees Deadkit covered in feathers and laughs.

SPINEKIT

Do you like munching on feathers, Deadkit?

Deadkit hides her face behind the robin, ashamed.

THORNKIT

You ate feathers when you tried your first bird, too. Don't pretend you didn't.

SPINEKIT

That's why it's funny!

The group pauses briefly as Loyalstar jumps onto the centerstump.

SPINEKIT

Do you think he's gonna make us apprentices?

Grasstuft leans in and licks a tuft of Spinekit's fur that was sticking out.

GRASSTUFT

You're still four moons old. He's probably going to announce the new deputy.

STRONGCLAW

I can't believe it took so long.

The group turns to face her. She came from the side while they weren't looking and settled beside them with a mouse.

BREADHEART

Blankspots was alive until a few sunrises ago.

STRONGCLAW

And stuck in the medicine den with infected wounds, unable to perform his duties. It's been moons of a catatonic deputy and sunrises without one at all. The warrior code says the new deputy should be chosen by moonhigh after the original one dies. We're far beyond that.

BREADHEART

Palefur only died three moons ago. Loyalstar is grieving. Can't you afford any sympathy?

STRONGCLAW

There's sympathy, and then there's softness. NastyClan is waiting for their next opportunity to strike. We need to be ready.

Loyalstar yowls.

LOYALSTAR

(yelling)

All cats of ShiningClan, gather before the centerstump!

The cats do as they're told and gather before the stump. Since they were already close to the center of the camp, Breadheart, Strongclaw, Grasstuft, and the kits end up at the front.

Loyalstar settles and prepares to speak again.

LOYALSTAR

I cannot delay choosing a new deputy any longer. There are few apprentices in ShiningClan and even fewer cats who have trained them, so the decision was difficult… until Clevertail had a dream.

He motions to Clevertail, who is at the base of the stump. She dips her head.

CLEVERTAIL

I dreamed of a dark, shadowy cat with long claws protecting the camp.

Loyalstar and Clevertail exchange a glance before Loyalstar turns back to the Clan.

LOYALSTAR

The sign is clear. Strongclaw, step forward.

Strongclaw, though surprised, approaches. She stares at him from the base of the stump. Loyalstar gets on his belly and leans down to touch his nose to her forehead. Then, he rises, framed by the moon in the sky.

LOYALSTAR

You are the new deputy of ShiningClan. Use your position wisely.

She grins. It starts small, but expands to something wide that borders on unhinged. Breadheart, still in the audience, stares past her at Loyalstar. Loyalstar doesn't reciprocate.

Breadheart nudges Deadkit and they head toward the nursery. Just as they reach the entrance, Deadkit freezes. She turns the other way and stares at the center of camp, where the Clan is still gathered.

BREADHEART

What's wrong, Deadkit?

DEADKIT

There's a cat that looks just like Loyalstar in the crowd. He's staring at me.

Breadheart scans the crowd. Everyone is facing Loyalstar. He lowers his head and nudges Deadkit toward the nursery.

BREADHEART

(hiding confusion and nervousness)

I don't see anything. How about we take a nap?

NURSERY.

Cut to them laying down in a nest. After Deadkit yawns and closes her eyes, Breadheart opens his. He looks around the nursery, but doesn't see anything, so he lays his head back down.

》 SCENE 2. SHININGCLAN CAMP, just outside the nursery. DAY, FALL.

[Note: Despite Deadpaw getting her apprentice name in this scene, use her kit design to emphasize that it's being done early. Even if it's only a few weeks, I want it to feel more extreme.]

Some more time has passed. Spinekit and Thornkit are just short of six moons, while Deadkit is about five and a half.

Spinekit, Thornkit, and Deadkit are playing mossball while Grasstuft and Breadheart watch. They kick the ball back and forth until Spinekit kicks it particularly hard, and Deadkit misses it. Breadheart pushes the ball back toward them.

The kits continue to play in the background while Grasstuft and Breadheart speak.

GRASSTUFT

They're getting so big now. I can't believe they're almost ready to leave the nursery.

BREADHEART

Yeah, but Deadkit will still be here.

GRASSTUFT

For a half-moon, if Loyalstar even decides to wait. I'm going to miss them when they start training.

A brief silence passes as they watch the kits play.

GRASSTUFT

I hope Loyalstar gives them good mentors. If Blankspots were still around, I would've asked for him, but...

BREADHEART

(with a sigh)

Yeah.

He looks away, but quickly looks at Grasstuft again.

GRASSTUFT

Mentors are the most important cats an apprentice will ever know. I barely talked to my first litter after they were apprenticed. Blankspots was the only one who came around. He was going to visit Spinekit and Thornkit the day that...

BREADHEART

That everything happened.

GRASSTUFT

Yes.

BREADHEART

I'm sorry.

GRASSTUFT

It's not your fault. He died a noble death.

Linger on the moment. The kits are playing.

Then, Breadheart is startled by Loyalstar calling for a meeting.

LOYALSTAR

All cats of ShiningClan, gather before the centerstump!

Thornkit and Spinekit are ecstatic as the group heads over. This time, they're at the back of the crowd.

Loyalstar waits for the crowd to settle before speaking again.

LOYALSTAR

Today, three kits are ready to begin their training. Thornkit, step forward.

Thornkit obeys, practically skipping forward.

LOYALSTAR

Longstep, come forward.

From the crowd, Longstep emerges.

LOYALSTAR

May StarClan hear me as I proclaim the start of young Thornpaw's training. Longstep will guide him through it.

Longstep touches his nose to Thornpaw's forehead. The crowd cheers.

LOYALSTAR

Now, Spinekit and Tremortail.

Spinekit pushes their way through the crowd. Tremortail makes it there just before them.

LOYALSTAR

StarClan, look upon Spinepaw and accept Tremortail as their guide.

The Clan cheers again. Tremortail touches her nose to Spinepaw's forehead.

Loyalstar's face darkens.

LOYALSTAR

Deadkit.

Deadkit tumbles her way through the crowd after being nudged by Breadheart.

LOYALSTAR

It's time for you to be made an apprentice. Your new name will be Deadpaw.

He pauses.

LOYALSTAR

Strongclaw will be your mentor.

For a moment, the Clan is silent. They don't know whether the ceremony has ended or not. When Loyalstar leans back and they realize it has, they cheer.

Strongclaw approaches Deadpaw, but she doesn't touch her forehead. So, Deadpaw brings her forehead up to Strongclaw's nose instead. When she finishes, Strongclaw turns back toward Loyalstar.

The crowd continues to cheer, now cheering all three apprentices' names. Breadheart tries to make eye contact with Loyalstar, but Loyalstar ignores him.

End with the echoing cheer of Deadpaw's new name.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

》SCENE 1. SHININGCLAN CAMP. DAY, FALL.

[Note: Use the GS Loyalstar design for Loyalstar from this point onward.]

Breadheart and Grasstuft are heading out of the camp. When they reach the forest, they pause.

BREADHEART

All of the flowers are dead now. What else would Blankspots have liked?

Grasstuft doesn't respond. Breadheart continues searching the forest floor and sniffs a pinecone. He tries to pick it up in his mouth and quickly drops it, cringing at the taste.

BREADHEART

Grasstuft?

He turns toward her. She's facing away from him, hunched. He approaches her.

GRASSTUFT

I miss him.

BREADHEART

I'm sorry.

GRASSTUFT

You don't need to apologize.

Breadheart lays his tail across her back. She leans into him.

GRASSTUFT

Loyalstar does.

Breadheart's eyes widen.

BREADHEART

Blankspots was his mentor. I'm sure he's grieving, too.

GRASSTUFT

(progressively losing control of her emotions)

He's not. I talked to him-he's not! I asked him to come and he said no, and when I asked why, he told me there was no point. 'Blankspots is in StarClan, he'll be around forever!' But he's not here! He's not alive...

As Grasstuft speaks, Breadheart alternates between shock and disgust. This isn't the Loyalstar he knows.

Breadheart hesitates for a moment, then grows determined.

BREADHEART

I'll talk to him.

SHININGCLAN LEADER'S DEN.

Cut to Breadheart in front of the leader's den. He takes a breath before entering. Loyalstar is laying in his nest, licking between his claws.

BREADHEART

Why didn't you come with us?

Loyalstar looks at Breadheart.

LOYALSTAR

Where?

BREADHEART

(irritated)

Blankspots's resting place!

Loyalstar looks at his claws.

LOYALSTAR

He rests in StarClan. Bringing flowers to his buried body does nothing but waste time.

BREADHEART

It shows him we care.

LOYALSTAR

You think he sees it?

BREADHEART

I hope he does.

LOYALSTAR

He doesn't.

Breadheart stares at Loyalstar for a moment, his mouth hanging open as he formulates a response.

BREADHEART

You really think he doesn't?

LOYALSTAR

I know he doesn't.

BREADHEART

How?

Loyalstar turns away.

LOYALSTAR

I just do.

An awkward silence passes between them. Breadheart tries a different approach.

BREADHEART

I know Blankspots was your mentor, so it must be hard-

Loyalstar whips back toward Breadheart with a snarl.

LOYALSTAR

It doesn't matter.

BREADHEART

But it does! It's okay to grieve-

LOYALSTAR

You don't understand! I have things to grieve, but you don't know any of them.

BREADHEART

Blankspots was your mentor, and Palefur was your mate. You lost them both within a few moons. I lost one of my closest friends. I don't want to lose another.

Loyalstar puts his teeth and claws away. He takes a breath and turns toward the wall of the den-away from Breadheart.

LOYALSTAR

Leave.

BREADHEART

Okay.

Breadheart exits the den.

》SCENE 2. SHININGCLAN MEDICINE DEN. DAY, FALL.

[Note: Use Deadpaw's apprentice/Deadpaw design in this episode.]

Clevertail is organizing her herbs. She sweeps some dead leaves into a pile of other dead herbs before placing the remaining ones back into their spot. As she moves onto the next herb, Breadheart enters.

CLEVERTAIL

Breadheart! How are you?

BREADHEART

What do you know about StarClan?

CLEVERTAIL

You'll have to be more specific.

BREADHEART

I talked to Loyalstar a few sunrises ago. He told me Blankspots couldn't see us. Is that true?

Clevertail pauses.

CLEVERTAIL

I don't think so, but I don't know. We only see a small section of StarClan.

BREADHEART

Well, next time you meet with them, can you ask?

Clevertail cringes, but tries to hide it.

CLEVERTAIL

They don't really answer questions.

BREADHEART

I know.

Clevertail turns to him, her ears curled and a confused expression on her face.

CLEVERTAIL

Have they spoken to you before?

Breadheart opens his mouth to respond but is interrupted when Deadpaw and Strongclaw enter. Deadpaw is covered in scratches and thorns, and is shaking. Strongclaw stares down at her disapprovingly.

STRONGCLAW

(flatly)

She fell in a bush.

Breadheart, Clevertail, and Strongclaw exchange glances.

CLEVERTAIL

That's a lot of thorns.

DEADPAW

(mumbling sadly)

It was the middle of the bush.

Breadheart approaches her and licks her forehead.

BREADHEART

I bet it was. Let's get those thorns out.

》SCENE 3. SHININGCLAN TERRITORY. DAY, FALL.

[Note: Use Spinepaw's apprentice/Spinepaw design.]

Begin with an environment shot, either wide or close up. Breadheart steps into frame. He sniffs the air, opening his mouth slightly. Tremortail and Spinepaw are with him.

SPINEPAW

I can't smell anything!

TREMORTAIL

Then use your nose.

Spinepaw sniffs loudly.

SPINEPAW

Oh.

Spinepaw motions toward a random section of forest.

SPINEPAW

Is there something over there?

TREMORTAIL

Yes.

Breadheart closes his mouth. It's been open the entire time.

BREADHEART

I smell something over that way. Let's split up.

Tremortail's tail twitches. She grins.

TREMORTAIL

Certainly.

The group splits up. Breadheart follows the scent to a male brown-headed cowbird. He prepares to pounce, but just before he can, a yowl echoes through the forest. The cowbird startles and flies away.

BREADHEART

Deadpaw!

He runs through the forest, searching for the source of the sound. Then, he finds it: Deadpaw is pinned to the ground, bleeding from a scratch on her face, while Strongclaw looms over her.

STRONGCLAW

Weak! If you were in a real battle, you'd be dead!

Breadheart growls and leaps at Strongclaw. They roll on the ground, growling at each other. Deadpaw watches with wide eyes and bristling fur.

BREADHEART

What were you doing to her?

STRONGCLAW

Training.

BREADHEART

That didn't look like training!

STRONGCLAW

And you don't look like a true warrior, Bread.

Breadheart, newly enraged, unsheathes his claws. Strongclaw unsheathes hers as well. The fight intensifies, and they begin yowling.

Just after Breadheart gets a good hit in, they're interrupted.

TREMORTAIL

What's going on here?

Tremortail and Spinepaw stand together.

STRONGCLAW

Tremortail! Help me subdue this traitor!

Tremortail leaps into the fight, then turns back toward Spinepaw and Deadpaw.

TREMORTAIL

You two-go get Loyalstar!

Spinepaw starts to run off, but Deadpaw doesn't move. Spinepaw pauses upon realizing this.

Breadheart backs away from the two cats, growling. Strongclaw strikes him.

TREMORTAIL

Go!

Spinepaw leaves Deadpaw behind.

Breadheart shakes his head and jumps backward, raising his back and fluffing out his fur. Tremortail and Strongclaw close the gap, leaving Breadheart with no choice but to take alternating swats at them to keep them away.

BREADHEART

(out of breath)

Why?

STRONGCLAW

Why what, traitor?

BREADHEART

You know.

Tremortail turns to Strongclaw, confused.

TREMORTAIL

Know what?

STRONGCLAW

He's trying to distract you.

Tremortail returns to glaring at Breadheart. Breadheart glares back, but his gaze softens as Loyalstar arrives with a small group of warriors (exclude Grasstuft and include Longstep).

BREADHEART

Loyalstar! You'll understand-

LOYALSTAR

Understand what?

Loyalstar pushes past Strongclaw and Tremortail.

BREADHEART

Please-

LOYALSTAR

You attacked my deputy. What excuse could you possibly have for treason?

BREADHEART

She was hurting Deadpaw!

Loyalstar flicks his ear. His expression shifts, but his demeanor doesn't meaningfully change.

LOYALSTAR

Is that so?

STRONGCLAW

Liar!

Loyalstar's head snaps toward Strongclaw.

STRONGCLAW

You attacked me! Deadpaw was part of it!

LOYALSTAR

An apprentice attacking their own mentor?

STRONGCLAW

That's why I didn't expect it!

Loyalstar hums. Strongclaw shifts her stance.

STRONGCLAW

The sign. This is what it was, wasn't it?

Loyalstar's eyes widen.

LOYALSTAR

Yes, the sign.

Breadheart gasps.

BREADHEART

You-you can't believe her. She's the liar!

Loyalstar stares at him coldly.

BREADHEART

You know me, Loyalstar! Would I ever do something like this?

LOYALSTAR

Longstep, Tremortail-escort this cat and his accomplice out of our territory.

Breadheart's face falls.

BREADHEART

You can't!

Loyalstar turns away.

BREADHEART

(rising in volume)

You can't!

Longstep herds Deadpaw toward Breadheart as Tremortail steps closer to Breadheart.

BREADHEART

(yelling)

Loyalstar!

Loyalstar turns toward him.

BREADHEART

(quietly)

Don't I mean anything to you?

Loyalstar leaves.

》SCENE 4. DARK FOREST.

Gourdstar lays in the Dark Forest, despondent. The only noises around him are his breaths and the kind of static a microphone picks up when it hears nothing else. He sighs and scrapes his claws across the ground.

A stick cracks. He startles. Nothing happens despite his searching.

GOURDSTAR

(yelling)

I know you're here!

Laughter echoes through the forest.

GOURDSTAR

Come out!

His voice echoes. He receives no response.

GOURDSTAR

Fine. Watch me if you want. I'm going to sleep.

He goes back to where he was sitting before and lays down. Shortly after he closes his eyes, paws appear in front of him. He opens an eye.

[Note: avoid showing Star's full body. If possible, just show his paws or only show a silhouette. He shouldn't be seen in full light until the finale.]

GOURDSTAR

Finally tired of this pointless staring?

STAR

You're so fascinating.

GOURDSTAR

Get whatever you're up to this time over with.

STAR

What would you do to get out of here?

Gourdstar sits up.

GOURDSTAR

(disbelieving)

Out?

STAR

Yes, out. I have a task for you, pumpkin.

Fade out on a shot of Gourdstar's bewildered face.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

》 SCENE 1. SHININGCLAN TERRITORY. DAY, FALL.

[Note: Use Deadpaw's apprentice/Deadpaw design in this episode. Also, use Salad's young design.]

Pick up shortly where the last episode left off. Loyalstar is already gone. Longstep and Tremortail are herding Deadpaw and Breadheart toward the twolegplace. Breadheart's head is low, his expression sorrowful. Then, he gasps.

BREADHEART

I need something from my nest!

Longstep and Tremortail exchange glances, silently asking each other what they should do.

LONGSTEP

What is it?

BREADHEART

Please just let me go get it.

Tremortail flicks her ear.

TREMORTAIL

No. Traitors aren't allowed to return to camp.

BREADHEART

Please! I need it to go back to twolegplace.

Longstep makes a noise that contains a mixture of irritation and disgust.

LONGSTEP

Fine. Tell me what it is, and I'll go get it.

Breadheart fidgets.

BREADHEART

My collar. It's in my nest. You'll... know it when you see it.

Longstep harrumphs and heads back toward camp. Tremortail watches Breadheart and Deadpaw with a stern expression.

Deadpaw taps Breadheart with her paw. He turns to look at her.

DEADPAW

I see that cat again.

BREADHEART

(whispering)

What cat?

DEADPAW

The one that looks just like Loyalstar.

Breadheart scrunches up his face and looks around. It's just forest.

Then, pawsteps crunch quietly through the area. Longstep arrives, holding the collar in his jaws. Loyalstar is with him.

BREADHEART

Did you change your mind?

LOYALSTAR

No.

Longstep comes forward and drops the collar in front of Breadheart and Deadpaw.

LOYALSTAR

Did you mean what you said about going to twolegplace?

BREADHEART

(confused)

Yes.

LOYALSTAR

Good. Stay there. If you return, Deadpaw's name will match her state of life.

BREADHEART

She's your daughter.

LOYALSTAR

She's not. Goodbye forever, Breadheart.

He leaves before Breadheart can respond.

TWOLEGPLACE BORDER. DAY, FALL.

Cut to Breadheart, Deadpaw, Longstep, and Tremortail arriving at the edge of twolegplace. Longstep shoves Deadpaw. She stumbles, nearly dropping Breadheart's collar, and Breadheart catches her.

They leap over the fence and land on the other side. Deadpaw places Breadheart's collar on the ground.

DEADPAW

Did Loyalstar smell like blood to you?

BREADHEART

No. Do you think he was injured?

DEADPAW

Not if you couldn't smell it.

Breadheart sighs.

BREADHEART

Well, he'll have to take care of himself from now on—just like we will.

DEADPAW

Himself? He's the leader of ShiningClan.

BREADHEART

Maybe we should just find a place to sleep.

They sniff around for a bit. Deadpaw spends more time watching Breadheart than searching.

Breadheart makes a joyful exclamation as he finds a bench. They both crawl under it. Deadpaw settles beside Breadheart and closes her eyes.

Fade out, then cut back in.

TIME CHANGE: NIGHT.

BORIS

What do we have here?

Deadpaw's eyes snap open. Boris, Buster, and Bruce stand at the base of the bench.

BUSTER

Looks like a couple of strays to me.

Bruce sniffs them.

BRUCE

Gross! They smell like dead rats!

BORIS

And what do we do with dead rats?

BRUCE

Eat them?

Deadpaw and Breadheart exchange glances, unamused.

BUSTER

Throw them out?

BORIS

Yes!

BREADHEART

We'll be gone soon.

BRUCE

Uh, yeah. No shit. We just said you're leaving.

BREADHEART

It'll only be a few sunrises—

BORIS

Yeah, no. Get up right now.

BREADHEART

Why?

BUSTER

We sit on this bench every day! If you're there, we can't sit on it!

DEADPAW

But we're under it.

BRUCE

Yeah! You are!

DEADPAW

You can sit on top while we're under it.

BORIS

No!

BREADHEART

Why not?

BORIS

Because we just can't!

BUSTER

We don't want you here!

BRUCE

You reek!

BORIS

So get up right now and—

Soup rises up from behind Boris, Buster, and Bruce. They turn toward her slowly.

SOUP

What's going on?

BORIS

These stinky, no-good forest bastards are sleeping underneath our bench!

Breadheart picks up his collar, which was buried underneath some leaves between him and Deadpaw.

BUSTER

We're just telling them to fuck off!

BRUCE

Yeah!

Soup pushes through them with an unamused expression. Then, she recognizes the collar.

SOUP

Bread?

Soup steps closer. She and Breadheart sniff each other. The collar falls from Breadheart's mouth when he opens it to speak.

BREADHEART

Soup?

SOUP

It is you! Where did you go?

BREADHEART

The forest.

Soup blinks.

SOUP

The forest? And the wild cats didn't eat you alive?

BREADHEART

I was friends with one of them. He wanted me to join his Clan.

SOUP

Was he hot?

Boris and Bruce snicker.

BREADHEART

What?

SOUP

You heard me.

Breadheart blushes.

SOUP

Any cat you'd abandon your housefolk for had better be hot.

She finally notices Deadpaw. Her eyes widen.

SOUP

Is this your kitten? If he kicked you out after you had his kit, he'll regret ever talking to you!

Breadheart flinches.

BREADHEART

Uh, no. She's not mine. But she's kinda his. He's her father, but her mother died. I took her in.

SOUP

So, he had a kitten, didn't want her cause mama died, and sent you off with her?

BREADHEART

(awkwardly)

Yes...

SOUP

I'm gonna kill him!

BREADHEART

Please don't.

SOUP

You're right. It's not worth my time.

She paces a couple of times, then stops in the middle of a third.

SOUP

Come home with me. Right now.

》 SCENE 2. SOUP'S HOUSE. NIGHT, FALL.

Breadheart, Deadpaw, and Soup stand in front of Soup's house.

SOUP

Here we are! The door should still be open, so—

She pokes her head through the cat door to confirm it's actually open, then pulls it back to look at Breadheart and Deadpaw.

SOUP

Enjoy!

She heads inside. Breadheart nudges Deadpaw forward. Deadpaw shows an obvious hesitancy while using the door, since she's never used nor seen one before. After her, Breadheart enters quickly and without discomfort.

BREADHEART

Earlier, How were you able to get the three Bs to back off so quickly?

Soup snorts.

SOUP

If you call anyone a little bitch loud enough, they'll do whatever you say.

Breadheart is uncomfortable with what was just said, but doesn't make a big deal out of it.

SOUP

Y'know, after you disappeared, I had a lot of time to think. I figured maybe the forest cats had something right after all. Working together is a great deal—it keeps the strays off the street.

BREADHEART

(hesitantly)

That's... great.

SOUP

We call ourselves WaterClan, cause we aren't all related by blood. You could stay with us.

BREADHEART

I'd like that.

SOUP

There's just one thing—

SALAD

Get out of here!

Soup and Breadheart turn to the sound. Nearby, Deadpaw has been tackled by Salad.

BREADHEART

I'm assuming that's the thing.

Soup runs over while Breadheart approaches at a leisurely pace.

SOUP

Salad! Get off her right now!

Salad angrily complies.

SALAD

Who is she? Who is he?

SOUP

This is Breadheart. That's Deadpaw. Breadheart, Deadpaw, this is Salad. He's my son.

SALAD

(staring straight at Deadpaw)

A displeasure to meet you.

DEADPAW

(without any malice whatsoever)

You too.

Salad is mortified. Deadpaw has no idea what she just said.

》 SCENE 3. TWOLEGPLACE BORDER. DAY, FALL.

Soup, Salad, Breadheart, and Deadpaw are near the bench again. Soup and Salad are next to each other, Breadheart is next to Soup, and Deadpaw is next to Breadheart. Boris, Buster, and Bruce are sitting on top of the bench. All of the cats are grooming each other to some degree.

They sit in silence for a moment.

BORIS

It's too quiet in here. Got any stories, forest cats?

Breadheart yawns.

BREADHEART

Well, what do you want to know about?

BORIS

Well, I've got a theory—

BUSTER

Oh, not this again!

BORIS

I've got a theory. We all go somewhere when we die—

BUSTER

No, we don't—

BORIS

We all go somewhere when we die. So, if we all go somewhere, somebody's gotta run it, right? Out there somewhere is the guy in charge.

DEADPAW

Guy?

BORIS

Or girl. Or thing. That part doesn't matter—

DEADPAW

You think there's only one?

BORIS

Look—

BUSTER

I don't think there's any. When we die, we get reused!

DEADPAW

Reused?

BUSTER

Yeah! How else can so many new things be born all the time? Water rises to the sky as clouds and falls down as rain. So do we.

A brief silence passes as all of the cats process this.

BREADHEART

Well, we believe in StarClan.

BRUCE

StarClan?

BREADHEART

Our ancestors linger in their own territory to watch over us. They give us visions and omens.

BUSTER

(skeptically)

Really?

BREADHEART

I've seen them. Our medicine cat sees them.

BUSTER

Are you sure you aren't just imagining things? I've never seen a ghost cat.

BORIS

Neither have I!

SOUP

It does seem funky. If all of your ancestors are watching over you, that'd be a lot of cats.

BREADHEART

I've seen them. I've talked to them. They're real. Have any of you seen Boris's cat in the sky?

SOUP

Well, no, but—

BREADHEART

Then, he can't be real, because I've seen StarClan and they're real.

Boris opens his mouth to speak, but Soup glares at him. He makes a disgruntled noise.

BORIS

Agree to disagree.

》 SCENE 4. SHININGCLAN BURIAL GROUNDS.

[Note: Use Loyalstar's regular design for this scene, not GS Loyalstar.]

Loyalstar sits in front of two marked graves. He closes his eyes and lowers his head, taking in a deep breath. Then, he gets up.

LOYALSTAR

StarClan give me strength, if nothing else.

He walks away from the graves, passing Grasstuft as she carries a feather toward them. She doesn't acknowledge him. He watches her as she places the feather at the base of one of the graves.

LOYALSTAR

I'll find a way.

DARK FOREST.

Gourdstar stands in front of a crowd of Dark Warriors. Each dark warrior is missing facial features or is otherwise distorted.

GOURDSTAR

You're all going to die.

They ignore him and head down a tunnel. He follows them.

GOURDSTAR

This is foolish! Stop.

They turn down a corner. When he turns the same one, they're gone. He runs down the tunnel and through it to the surface.

SHININGCLAN CAMP.

He emerges in ShiningClan camp. Coalstar (in living post color change form) stands in front of him. Coalstar leaps at him and the two exchange blows before Gourdstar pins him. He puts a paw on Coalstar's neck.

GOURDSTAR

Stop.

Coalstar snarls at him. Gourdstar starts choking, blood dripping from his lips. He staggers away from Coalstar. Coalstar rises to his paws. A sharp stone protrudes from Gourdstar's neck.

GOURDSTAR

Please! Brother…

Coalstar steps forward, suddenly changing from his post color change design to his pre color change design. He brings a paw down on Gourdstar's head.

DARK FOREST.

Gourdstar opens his eyes in the Dark Forest.

STAR

Have you made your choice?

GOURDSTAR

Just let me out.

Star grins. Against the darkness of the forest, it's the only thing visible on his face.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

》 SCENE 1. SOUP'S HOUSE. SUNRISE, FALL.

[Note: Use Deadpaw's apprentice/Deadpaw design for this episode until scene 3. Use Salad's young design until scene 3 as well.]

Salad and Deadpaw are sleeping in a cat bed. Above them, Soup and Breadheart stare out the window.

SOUP

So, Little Bread-

BREADHEART

Her name is Deadpaw.

SOUP

Little Bread. What happened to her?

BREADHEART

Her father didn't want her. He thought she'd die without milk, so it wasn't worth getting attached.

SOUP

You thought otherwise.

BREADHEART

I couldn't just sit by and let her die without trying. It worked.

SOUP

And the scars?

BREADHEART

Her mentor. I'm not sure what exactly happened, but when I arrived, she was pinning Deadpaw down. I fought her, and she blamed me for the fight. When Loyalstar arrived, she convinced him this must've been the sign from StarClan that got her the position of deputy.

SOUP

Sign? If StarClan appoints kitten abusers as deputies, they can fuck off.

Breadheart looks away. Soup flattens her ears, realizing that she's growing too harsh.

SOUP

I just... don't understand why you would want to be there. It sounds terrible.

BREADHEART

I thought it was a beautiful place. Everyone helped each other, and no cat went hungry even though we had to catch our own prey. But I was wrong.

A brief silence passes. Soup is about to speak, but Breadheart takes a breath and talks again.

BREADHEART

Everyone was nicer than they were here, but now everyone is just as awful. Maybe I don't belong anywhere.

SOUP

You belong here-with me. I missed you, Bread. I thought you were dead.

Breadheart brightens slightly, though it's obvious that he's still upset.

BREADHEART

Thanks, Soup.

Soup licks his ear. He leans into her.

SOUP

Just don't forget-as long as I'm here, at least one cat around cares about you.

》 SCENE 2. SOUP'S HOUSE. DAY, FALL.

Deadpaw wakes up to a kick in the head.

SALAD

Get out!

Deadpaw, unamused, shifts her head away from his feet.

SALAD

I said, get out!

Salad kicks her in the hip.

DEADPAW

(mumbling)

Maybe you should get out if you're so awake.

SALAD

This is my bed and my home!

DEADPAW

So?

Salad stands up.

SALAD

So get out!

Deadpaw ignores him.

SALAD

Get the fuck out!

He pauses. His eyes go wide.

SALAD

Aw, shit! I'm not supposed to swear!

Deadpaw turns to him.

DEADPAW

That's a swear?

SALAD

...yes?

DEADPAW

Swears are things like 'fox dung' and 'mange-ridden flea pelt,' not 'fuck.'

Salad blinks at her, stunned. Then, he laughs.

SALAD

Forest cats are so weird. Those definitely aren't swears.

Deadpaw squints at him.

DEADPAW

Sure.

SALAD

I mean it!

Deadpaw stretches and gets up. Then, she heads over to the water bowl and takes a drink. Salad watches her the whole way, not moving an inch.

DEADPAW

Why can't you swear, anyway? Did your mother tell you not to?

Salad scrunches up his face in annoyance.

SALAD

Mother?

DEADPAW

Soup. She said you're her son.

SALAD

She takes care of me, but she's not my mom. We aren't even related!

DEADPAW

Breadheart is my dad, and we aren't related.

SALAD

No, he's not! You have to be related. Otherwise, it's not real.

Deadpaw unsheathes her claws and her fur spikes.

DEADPAW

Not real?

SALAD

Not. Real.

Deadpaw leaps at Salad. He dodges at the last moment, but she manages to scratch his face. He runs out the cat door and she follows.

DEADPAW

Take it back!

Salad looks back over his shoulder.

SALAD

No! It's true!

He jumps onto a trash bin and over a fence. Deadpaw follows. A sign on the fence reads, "BEWARE OF DOG."

They land in the yard. A dog house is on the other side of it. Deadpaw finally pins Salad.

DEADPAW

Take. It. Back.

Eyes flash in the back of the dog house. A low growl travels through the yard. Both of the kittens freeze. Guard Dog emerges from the dog house.

Deadpaw leaps off of Salad as Guard Dog runs forward. Salad barely dodges Guard Dog as it chomps at his tail.

Salad and Deadpaw are backed into a corner as Guard Dog storms forward again. It growls at them. Deadpaw steps in front of Salad and assumes a Halloween cat pose.

DEADPAW

(to Salad)

Run.

Salad looks at the fence. It towers over him.

SALAD

(whispering)

I can't jump that high!

DEADPAW

The dog house! Now!

Deadpaw launches herself at Guard Dog's face. Guard Dog yelps.

Salad runs for the dog house and jumps onto it. He looks back toward Deadpaw, who is holding onto Guard Dog as it flails. She bares her teeth and bites Guard Dog's eye.

Guard Dog howls in pain as she drops off its face and runs. Too distracted by its injured eye, it doesn't pursue her. As Deadpaw reaches the dog house, the door to the (human) house opens.

Deadpaw nudges Salad and they both jump over the fence. They land, panting from exertion and fear.

SALAD

You saved me...

DEADPAW

(slightly offended)

Why wouldn't I?

SALAD

I thought you were just a nasty forest cat, but I was wrong. That was amazing!

DEADPAW

(ambivalent)

Sure.

SOUP'S HOUSE.

Deadpaw and Salad are home now. Soup and Breadheart are with them.

Soup is licking Salad's face where the scratch from earlier is. Salad pulls away, but she just pulls him back.

SOUP

What did you say happened again?

SALAD

(suddenly enthused)

There was a huge dog, and Deadpaw bit its eye out!

SOUP

Yes, I heard that part. How'd you get there?

SALAD

...we were playing tag.

Deadpaw, surprised by the lie, makes eye contact with Salad. Salad grins.

TIME CHANGE: NIGHT.

Breadheart, Soup, and Salad are sleeping. Deadpaw sits awake. Slowly, taking care not to make noise, she creeps to Breadheart's side. Then, she taps him. He stirs.

BREADHEART

(under his breath)

Deadpaw?

Deadpaw settles beside him. He snuggles up to her.

DEADPAW

(whispering)

You're the best dad ever.

Breadheart licks her head.

Fade out.

》 SCENE 3. TWOLEGPLACE BORDER. DAY, WINTER.

[Note: Since enough time has passed, use Deadpaw's adult/Deadheart design from this point on. Same with Salad and his adult design.]

Deadpaw, Salad, and Breadheart are under the bench. Snow has piled on top of it, making it a terrible sitting place. Despite this, Boris, Buster, and Bruce are half-buried in the snow.

Bruce yawns and it knocks some of the snow off of him. The snow lands in front of Deadpaw and Breadheart. They exchange a disgruntled glance.

Boris looks at Bruce. Then, he looks at Buster, who has caught the yawn from Bruce.

BORIS

Well, looks like we should head out.

BREADHEART

Wait—

Boris, Bruce, and Buster jump off of the bench, sending snow flying in all directions. It forms walls around the bottom of the bench.

BREADHEART

—you'll drop snow on top of us.

Breadheart shakes his head to clear the snow from his muzzle.

SALAD

Great job, f—

Breadheart glares at him.

SALAD

Fidiots. Idiots.

BREADHEART

Alright. Time to dig.

Deadpaw nods and shovels a pawful of snow out. The snow hits Salad. He grumbles, but shakes it off and joins her. After Breadheart joins in, they clear the way quickly.

Deadpaw slips out first, followed by Breadheart. Salad exits last.

When Breadheart makes it out, Deadpaw is staring at something a short distance away. Then, she runs.

BREADHEART

Deadpaw?

Breadheart chases after her. Salad hesitates before also running. All three run for a while, passing by a few houses. At one point, Breadheart hesitates at a familiar scent. The ground grows progressively icier as they near a wetland.

Then, Deadpaw pounces. The thing she was chasing—Fuzz, one of Tailfur's rats—squeaks beneath her. Breadheart and Salad come to a stop.

TAILFUR

Hey!

Deadpaw freezes, Fuzz still in her claws. Tailfur appears from behind a dead tree.

TAILFUR

Let Fuzz go!

Deadpaw is confused, but she releases Fuzz. Fuzz runs over to Tailfur. Tailfur sniffs him before turning back to the group.

TAILFUR

Do you chase everything you see?

His eyes scan the group. He pauses as he recognizes Breadheart.

TAILFUR

Hm. What are you doing here?

DEADPAW

Living.

Tailfur looks at her for a moment before looking back at Breadheart.

BREADHEART

We were exiled.

Tailfur's expression changes from irritated and off-put to sympathetic.

TAILFUR

Oh.

He takes a breath.

TAILFUR

You could come with me, if you wanted. I'm just here to check if the kittypets saved any of the herbs from their twolegs' gardens, but they usually forget. NastyClan needs warriors as much as we need herbs in leafbare.

Breadheart looks at Deadpaw.

BREADHEART

Um, well—

DEADPAW

Yes.

Breadheart and Tailfur turn to Deadpaw. Then, they look toward each other.

BREADHEART

Uh, yes. We'll go.

Tailfur turns away.

TAILFUR

Good. We should head back—

SALAD

Wait!

Everyone turns toward him. He runs toward Deadpaw.

SALAD

You can't just leave like that!

Deadpaw stares at him.

SALAD

What about me?

DEADPAW

(confused)

What about you?

Salad blushes.

SALAD

I, uh! I really, really like you!

DEADPAW

Okay.

SALAD

So, you should stay!

Deadpaw turns away.

DEADPAW

No thanks.

Breadheart looks between the two. Silence stretches on awkwardly.

BREADHEART

Tell Soup where we went, okay?

Salad's face falls as Breadheart, Deadpaw, Tailfur (and Fuzz) walk away.

》 SCENE 4. SHININGCLAN CAMP. DAY, WINTER.

Strongclaw enters the camp. Longstep and Tremortail follow her. She nods to them before heading toward the Leader's Den.

SHININGCLAN LEADER'S DEN.

Strongclaw pokes her head in. Loyalstar is curled in his nest.

STRONGCLAW

The midday patrol is finished.

Loyalstar doesn't react.

STRONGCLAW

Spinepaw and Thornpaw are almost done with their training. Do you have any ideas for their names?

Loyalstar stirs.

LOYALSTAR

No.

STRONGCLAW

You should start thinking.

Loyalstar shifts back to the same position he was in when Strongclaw entered. Strongclaw takes a step into the den.

STRONGCLAW

You should get up.

Loyalstar stays still.

STRONGCLAW

You're being pathetic.

LOYALSTAR

Don't you have something else to do?

STRONGCLAW

The patrols are set, so no. Don't you?

LOYALSTAR

There's nothing else for me to do here.

STRONGCLAW

You're our leader. You lead.

LOYALSTAR

It doesn't matter.

Strongclaw digs her claws into the ground.

STRONGCLAW

Fine, then. I'll lead the Clan myself. Maybe StarClan chose me to save ShiningClan from your incompetence.

She's almost out the exit when Loyalstar speaks, causing her to freeze.

LOYALSTAR

Do your best. The stars are fickle.

Strongclaw's eyes widen, her fur bristling with shock. As she looks back at Loyalstar, her face morphs into a snarl.

STRONGCLAW

I always do my best.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

》 SCENE 1. NASTYCLAN CAMP. DAY, WINTER.

Tailfur leads Breadheart and Deadpaw into camp. They walk through the center to the leader's den. Some of the cats in the camp look up. Their gazes are purely curious; there is no hostility behind them.

The group reaches the leader's den. Tailfur sticks his head in.

TAILFUR

(in a singsong voice)

Sharpstar!

Sharpstar emerges with Darkfang at his side.

SHARPSTAR

Yes?

He sees Breadheart and Deadpaw.

SHARPSTAR

If they're here to 'negotiate'—

TAILFUR

They're here to join!

Sharpstar blinks at him.

SHARPSTAR

Alright. You're welcome in NastyClan. That's Breadheart, but... what is your name?

As he speaks, he leans into Darkfang as he says Breadheart's name, then gestures to Deadpaw when he asks for her name.

DEADPAW

Deadpaw.

SHARPSTAR

How far along are you in your training?

BREADHEART

She was exiled less than a pawful of moons after she started. We were living in twolegplace.

SHARPSTAR

Ah. Would you like to complete her training, then?

BREADHEART

Me?

SHARPSTAR

You'll get help from the other warriors, but you know what she needs to learn best.

BREADHEART

Um, sure.

SHARPSTAR

Good. Furpelt will be back with the midday patrol soon, so you can feel free to make yourselves comfortable.

Breadheart dips his head.

BREADHEART

Thank you.

Breadheart and Deadpaw settle in the corner of the camp.

》 SCENE 2. NASTYCLAN TERRITORY, TRAININGHILL. DAY, WINTER.

Breadheart and Deadpaw face each other. Then, Deadpaw launches herself at Breadheart. The two grapple for a short while before Breadheart pins Deadpaw.

BREADHEART

Good job. You're getting quicker. Do you know how to escape from this?

Deadpaw kicks at his belly, but she isn't strong enough to dislodge him.

BREADHEART

That's a good gue—

Deadpaw bites his paw and he lets out a startled yell. He picks it up, giving her just enough space to slip out.

BREADHEART

(licking his leg)

Smart.

He notices that he's bleeding and makes a displeased noise.

BREADHEART

But maybe bite a little softer in a practice battle.

Deadpaw laughs and comes closer. She watches the blood drip from his paw as he licks it. He gives her a confused look.

DEADPAW

Should we head back?

BREADHEART

Sure.

NASTYCLAN CAMP.

Cut to Breadheart and Deadpaw entering the medicine den. Tailfur, who was cuddling Fuzz, Flick, and Flare, looks up at them.

TAILFUR

What happened?

DEADPAW

I bit him.

Tailfur laughs.

TAILFUR

Alright, c'mere.

Breadheart obeys. Tailfur examines the injury and tsks.

TAILFUR

That's pretty deep!

He turns to Deadpaw.

TAILFUR

You did this?

Deadpaw nods.

TAILFUR

You absolute gremlin!

He gives it one last look before heading toward the herb store.

TAILFUR

(muttering to himself)

I should have some dried marigold... aha!

He pulls the dried marigold out and chews on it. Then, he spits it onto a leaf, picks up the leaf, and slaps it onto Breadheart's wound. Deadpaw watches him with immense interest the entire time.

TAILFUR

That should be it for now. Come back tomorrow and I'll check it.

Breadheart dips his head.

BREADHEART

Thank you.

They exit the den.

》 SCENE 3. NASTYCLAN CAMP. SUNRISE, SPRING.

Another one of the thousand time skips that occur throughout this script. Deadpaw is sleeping in her nest. Breadheart's paw taps her nose. She grumbles and stirs.

DEADPAW

(muttering)

Too early...

BREADHEART

(whispering)

Dawn patrol, Deadpaw.

Deadpaw gets to her feet groggily and follows him out. As they meet up with the rest of the patrol—Furpelt, Quickspring, and Wormpaw—Deadpaw squints at the rising sun.

NASTYCLAN TERRITORY.

Furpelt walks at the head of the patrol. As they step into a beam of sunlight, she pauses and lets out a sigh.

FURPELT

Where do you want to start?

QUICKSPRING

How about near the shadetree?

FURPELT

Good idea. That'll keep us moving. Are you alright with that, Breadheart?

BREADHEART

Uh, yeah. I'm okay with it.

Furpelt smiles.

FURPELT

Then let's head out.

SHADETREE.

Cut to them approaching the shadetree. Furpelt approaches a tree, sniffs it, makes a face, and marks it. The other members of the patrol do the same with other plants, with the warriors ending up near each other and the apprentices ending up close to one another.

Deadpaw sighs and marks a dead tree stump.

WORMPAW

(quietly)

I'm almost done with my training.

There's a brief pause.

DEADPAW

Cool.

WORMPAW

I can't wait for the Clan to hear the new name I picked. If I tell you, will you keep it secret?

Deadpaw tilts her head.

DEADPAW

Sure. You get to choose your own warrior name?

WORMPAW

Yeah! Mine's gonna be Wormbite! Do ShiningClan cats not pick theirs?

DEADPAW

They don't.

WORMPAW

That's so weird. Your name is you. Why would some other cat pick it for you?

DEADPAW

Your parents picked the first half of it.

WORMPAW

But I still get the second half. And if I really wanted, I could get it changed.

Deadpaw looks away.

WORMPAW

What will your name be?

DEADPAW

I don't know.

WORMPAW

You should at least change the first half. I'm surprised you haven't already.

Deadpaw is fully facing away from Wormpaw now.

DEADPAW

I like my name.

WORMPAW

Well, I just thought it seemed a little mean. Who names a kit Deadkit?

DEADPAW

My dad—my real one—calls me Deadpaw, and when I was a kit, he called me Deadkit. He never said it with malice. It's just my name. When my mom died giving birth to me, Loyalstar thought I wouldn't survive. I was named Deadkit because he thought I was one. He was wrong, and every time they say my name, it's a reminder.

WORMPAW

So, you want other cats to call Dead because you're... alive?

Deadpaw laughs.

DEADPAW

It sounds silly when you say it like that, but yeah. I'm Deadpaw because I'm alive.

Shift focus to the other portion of the patrol. Breadheart, Furpelt, and Quickspring are marking territory, not paying attention to the apprentices' conversation. Breadheart sniffs a rock to see whether it needs to be marked when he's interrupted.

QUICKSPRING

So, what's ShiningClan like?

BREADHEART

Huh?

Quickspring comes closer to him. Her question finally registers.

BREADHEART

Oh. Well... it was...

Quickspring sits in front of him.

BREADHEART

Cold? Not physically, but socially? Cats like Tailfur, Sharpstar, or Darkfang wouldn't be where they are if they were born in ShiningClan. They'd probably be in the elders' den at best.

FURPELT

Elders' den?

Furpelt comes closer.

FURPELT

Darkfang is so good at commanding cats, and they would've put him in the elders' den? He still has a working nose and ears!

BREADHEART

I'm not saying I agree with it. It's just what they would've done.

FURPELT

I'm not accusing you of agreeing. I'm surprised. But should I have been? Every time there's an attack, ShiningClan targets Darkfang.

BREADHEART

I'm sorry.

FURPELT

You don't need to apologize.

BREADHEART

But I do. I've always been there—during the attacks—and I never said anything.

QUICKSPRING

In a Clan of cats who fight dirty and look at others with disdain, it's hard to speak up.

The other two warriors turn toward her.

QUICKSPRING

I'm sure you would have if you could. You were Loyalstar's friend, right?

Breadheart nods, his face falling.

QUICKSPRING

What happened?

BREADHEART

(voice breaking)

I don't know.

Quickspring and Furpelt look at each other.

FURPELT

How about we continue this later?

She looks toward Deadpaw and Wormpaw, who are also talking rather than marking territory.

FURPELT

We should probably remind Deadpaw and Wormpaw that we're on patrol.

》 SCENE 4. SUNSPOT. DAY, SPRING.

Loyalstar [Loyaleye], Breadheart, Blankspots, and Lambpaw are on patrol. Lambpaw pounces on a butterfly.

LOYALEYE

Stay focused, Lambpaw. Birds, not bugs.

Lambpaw frowns, but releases the butterfly.

BLANKSPOTS

Let him play, Loyaleye. Prey is plentiful this season.

LOYALEYE

He needs to learn discipline or he won't be able to sit vigil.

BLANKSPOTS

Breadheart agrees with me.

Breadheart, who was facing a completely different direction, turns toward them.

BREADHEART

I do? Um, I mean yes! Whatever it was…

Blankspots laughs.

BLANKSPOTS

(amused)

Your head is always in the stars.

Breadheart blushes and stares at his paws.

BREADHEART

I just have a lot to think about…

Lambpaw starts to wander off again, this time chasing after a fly. As the other characters continue to talk, he comes closer to the cliff edge.

LOYALEYE

And what has you so distracted today?

BREADHEART

It's nothing interesting. It's a little silly, actually-

LOYALEYE

Just say it.

BREADHEART

Well, um-remember when you told me about how Palefur-

Lambpaw slips on mud and falls over the edge. The others hear him slipping and turn.

LOYALEYE

(yelling)

Lambpaw!

Cut to black.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

》 SCENE 1. NASTYCLAN CAMP. DAY, SPRING.

Breadheart, Deadpaw, Wormpaw, Furpelt, and Darkfang are sitting at the entrance. Quickspring enters the camp.

QUICKSPRING

Everything is ready.

Darkfang nods.

DARKFANG

Is there anything you need to do before the assessment begins, Wormpaw?

WORMPAW

Just a moment!

Wormpaw turns to Deadpaw.

WORMPAW

You'll have yours soon, and then we'll both be warriors!

Deadpaw looks away subtly, just quick enough that the audience can see.

DEADPAW

Yeah. Warriors.

Wormpaw smiles. He, Furpelt, Quickspring, and Darkfang head out the entrance. Deadpaw sighs.

BREADHEART

Wormpaw is a fine cat.

Deadpaw stares at him for a moment, blinking.

DEADPAW

It's not like that.

BREADHEART

Then what's it like?

DEADPAW

I don't want to be a warrior. I've been thinking about it since we left ShiningClan.

BREADHEART

(carefully)

Then what do you want to be?

DEADPAW

A medicine cat.

BREADHEART

That's fine! That's great! I mean it! I just, uh... didn't expect it.

Deadpaw makes a face at him.

BREADHEART

We can talk to Tailfur. I'm sure he'd love to have an apprentice.

Cut to Wormpaw and the others (Darkfang, Quickspring, Furpelt) returning. Wormpaw runs through the entrance, immediately heading for Deadpaw, while Furpelt and Darkfang head toward the leader's den. Quickspring settles near Breadheart.

WORMPAW

Deadpaw, Deadpaw, Deadpaw!

Wormpaw nuzzles Deadpaw.

WORMPAW

I passed! I passed!

DEADPAW

...congratulations.

Wormpaw grins. He takes a breath to speak, but is interrupted by Sharpstar's yowl.

SHARPSTAR

Cats of NastyClan, meet me here!

Wormpaw squees and races ahead. Breadheart, Deadpaw, and Quickspring follow at a more typical pace.

Sharpstar smiles down at the crowd.

SHARPSTAR

Today is a special day. Wormpaw, step forward.

Wormpaw hops forward.

SHARPSTAR

Wormpaw has completed his training. He is ready to reveal his warrior name. Speak it, Wormpaw, so we may speak it as well.

WORMPAW

Wormbite!

The Clan cheers his name.

Wormbite grins. His eyes meet Deadpaw's. She smiles weakly.

The cheers die down.

SHARPSTAR

Congratulations, Wormbite! May your name serve you well.

Sharpstar's words dismiss the crowd. They disperse, leaving Wormbite, Sharpstar, Darkfang, and Tailfur at their places. Breadheart and Deadpaw stand still as the crowd moves.

When the crowd is fully dispersed, they head toward the meetingplace. Wormbite is bouncing in place.

DARKFANG

(lightheartedly)

Are you sure you can sit vigil tonight, Wormbite? I can hear you fidgeting from here.

WORMBITE

I can do it!

Deadpaw and Breadheart's shadows fall on Wormbite. He turns toward them and gets even more joyful—if that's even possible.

WORMBITE

Deadpaw!

Deadpaw sits in front of him. Breadheart heads toward Tailfur.

DEADPAW

Congratulations. Again.

WORMBITE

Yeah! I'm gonna have to sleep in the warriors' den after tonight. I'll miss you, but we won't be separated for long!

Deadpaw is silent. Wormbite isn't off-put.

WORMBITE

Have you thought about your name?

DEADPAW

I have.

WORMBITE

What's it gonna be?

Deadpaw looks toward Breadheart, who is speaking with Tailfur, Darkfang, and Sharpstar.

DEADPAW

(quietly)

I think I'll pick a family name.

WORMBITE

Dead... heart?

Deadpaw smiles at him.

WORMBITE

It's nice.

Give the two a moment to be happy. Then, it's crushed like a bug when Breadheart and Tailfur approach.

TAILFUR

Congrats, Wormbite.

WORMBITE

Thanks!

Tailfur makes eye contact with Deadpaw.

TAILFUR

And you too, Deadpaw.

Wormbite looks at Deadpaw, confused. Deadpaw dips her head and closes her eyes. Tailfur touches his nose to it.

TAILFUR

It'll be nice to finally have an apprentice.

Wormbite's eyes widen.

WORMBITE

(shocked)

Why didn't you tell me?

Deadpaw opens her eyes. Tailfur pulls his nose away.

WORMBITE

I've been saying all this stuff to you about becoming warriors together! Aw, foxdung! I must've sounded so silly!

DEADPAW

This was recent. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do until now.

WORMBITE

Well, I'm glad you figured it out. I'll miss having my nest next to yours, but I'll get to visit you next time I have a thorn in my paw!

DEADPAW

Sure.

Wormbite laughs.

》 SCENE 2. NASTYCLAN MEDICINE DEN. DAY, SUMMER.

Sharpstar is laying on his side in a nest. Darkfang sits in front of him (rostral). Deadpaw and Tailfur sit behind him (dorsal). Deadpaw picks up a stiffened leaf and tips it over, letting water drip onto a wound on Sharpstar's leg. Sharpstar flinches.

SHARPSTAR

Cold.

DEADPAW

It reduces the redness.

SHARPSTAR

Still cold.

Tailfur snorts.

DARKFANG

(lightheartedly)

Our mighty leader, defeated by cold water.

SHARPSTAR

(in mock irritation)

I will take your portion of the nest out of the den.

Deadpaw chews a small bundle of herbs into a paste and spits it onto a leaf.

DARKFANG

But then you'd be cold!

SHARPSTAR

I'm not the one who'll be sleeping outside.

Deadpaw slaps the leaf onto Sharpstar's wound. Sharpstar barely twitches. Darkfang leans down until his nose touches Sharpstar's forehead. Then, he gives it a lick.

DARKFANG

Better?

Sharpstar touches his nose to Darkfang's.

DEADPAW

We're done. Avoid going on patrols or engaging in other strenuous activity until our next check-in.

Darkfang holds back a laugh at 'other strenuous activity.'

Sharpstar stretches carefully and stands up.

SHARPSTAR

Alright. Thank you.

Sharpstar and Darkfang exit the medicine den. They lean against each other, with Sharpstar's tail along Darkfang's back. When they're out of earshot, Tailfur speaks.

TAILFUR

Good work. You're almost ready to become a full medicine cat.

DEADPAW

So soon?

TAILFUR

You're a quick learner, and I'll still be around. Besides, it feels weird to still call you an apprentice when you and Wormbite are almost the same age, and he's had his name for moons.

DEADPAW

Are you really giving me my name just because you don't like calling an adult-sized cat paw?

TAILFUR

(nervously)

No.

Deadpaw squints at him.

TAILFUR

Maybe.

Deadpaw continues to stare.

TAILFUR

There's still one more thing we need to do. Every medicine cat has to visit the Starpool before they can receive their name.

While speaking, he makes his way toward the herb stash. He reaches it when he finishes, and hesitates for a moment, as if he didn't realize he was there.

TAILFUR

But first, it's finally warm enough for us to collect some fresh herbs. We definitely need some.

NASTYCLAN TERRITORY, near the NastyClan-ShiningClan border.

Tailfur and Deadpaw walk along the border. Deadpaw is carrying herbs in her mouth while Tailfur has his mouth open as he searches for more.

TAILFUR

This close to ShiningClan territory, starleaf should be able to grow. Last newleaf, they were right around here...

He trails off as he spots the starleaf just across the border. Deadpaw looks at him.

TAILFUR

We're gonna have to cross.

They make their way across the border cautiously. Build some tension. When they reach the starleaf, release it.

[Note: Starleaf is a fictional herb. It should resemble Indian Cucumber.]

Tailfur digs up the roots of the starleaf. Just as he finishes, a twig snaps. He and Deadpaw jump. Tailfur picks up the starleaf root and they prepare to run back across the border when Clevertail emerges from the ferns nearby.

Clevertail blinks.

CLEVERTAIL

Tailfur! And... is that Deadpaw?

Tailfur places the starleaf root back on the ground and steps forward.

TAILFUR

Clevertail! I'm glad it's you.

CLEVERTAIL

I'm glad to see you, too. But we can't talk for long. Strongclaw is leading a patrol near here soon.

The mention of Strongclaw irritates Deadpaw, making her tail flick and her ears flatten. Clevertail and Tailfur take note of it but don't comment.

TAILFUR

They're always leading patrols now.

CLEVERTAIL

Strongclaw is convinced she smelled Breadheart here. She must have, if Deadpaw's here. Loyalstar hasn't ordered her to send out any patrols, but she's been sending extra anyway. He's barely left his den since the day Deadpaw and Breadheart were exiled, so I don't think he even knows.

TAILFUR

Yeah, Breadheart is with us. Why is she so obsessed with him?

Clevertail shakes her head.

CLEVERTAIL

She's the one responsible for their exile. I had a dream that seemed like such a clear omen she'd be a good deputy, but I'm starting to wonder if I misinterpreted it. If it was a warning, I don't know what will happen now.

TAILFUR

You did your best.

CLEVERTAIL

Right...

There's a brief pause.

CLEVERTAIL

Is there anything you need before you leave?

Tailfur is about to answer when pawsteps come from nearby. He, Deadpaw, and Clevertail exchange glances before he grabs the starleaf root. Then, he and Deadpaw run across the border.

CLEVERTAIL

(intentionally loud)

Oh! Hello, Strongclaw!

Deadpaw looks over her shoulder. Strongclaw is staring straight at her. Deadpaw's expression intensifies into a glare. She breaks eye contact and catches up with Tailfur.

》 SCENE 3. NASTYCLAN TERRITORY, near the NastyClan-Clanless border. SUNSET, SUMMER.

Deadpaw and Tailfur walk across the border. Tailfur turns his head toward the sky. It's sunset.

TAILFUR

We'll be there just after nightfall.

Deadpaw nods.

Insert a brief compilation of them walking. The journey needs to feel like it actually existed, but it can't be fully fleshed out. Make it change from sunset to night as the shots progress.

Cut to them standing before the Starpool. The stars are reflected in its waters, hence the name. Deadpaw and Tailfur approach slowly. Looking around, Deadpaw sees her face reflected in the water.

DEADPAW

What do I do?

Tailfur crouches beside the pool.

TAILFUR

You take a drink and a nap.

DEADPAW

That's it?

TAILFUR

That's it.

Tailfur leans down and laps up the water. Deadpaw hesitantly copies him, starting off with a single lick and then actually starting to drink. She licks her lips when she finishes, trying to get the taste out of her mouth.

She looks to Tailfur, who is already lying down with his eyes closed. She tries to do the same, but the taste is still there. She licks her lips again.

She closes her eyes, then opens them. Again, she licks her lips. Blood drips from her nose. She watches it fall into her reflection.

Cut to Tailfur waking up. He turns to see Deadpaw curled in front of the starpool, blood dripping from her nose and mouth. She blinks at him.

DEADPAW

Finally.

TAILFUR

Are you okay?

Deadpaw licks her lips, attempting to get the blood underneath her nose.

DEADPAW

I didn't see StarClan.

TAILFUR

What happened?

DEADPAW

I drank the water.

TAILFUR

I've never seen them refuse entry so violently.

Deadpaw looks away, dismayed. Tailfur comes closer.

TAILFUR

I can't even guess why, but that doesn't matter. You're a good healer. That's more important than a connection to StarClan.

DEADPAW

(surprised)

It is?

TAILFUR

If they're really desperate to send a message, they can just send it to someone else. If a cat really needs to be healed, StarClan warriors don't descend from the sky to save them.

Deadpaw laughs.

TAILFUR

Now, speak your new name, Deadpaw. Even if StarClan doesn't want to hear it, they'll have to.

DEADPAW

Deadheart.

TAILFUR

A beautiful name.

There's no shock or hesitance—Tailfur accepts her and her name fully. He smiles, then looks her over again.

TAILFUR

C'mon, let's go get you cleaned up.

He and Deadheart head away from the starpool.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

》SCENE 1. NASTYCLAN TERRITORY, near camp. SUNRISE, SUMMER.

Tailfur and Deadheart are heading home directly after the events of the previous episode. As the camp comes into view, they pause. Yowls echo through the sky.

Tailfur and Deadheart exchange fearful glances. Then, Deadheart takes off in a run. Tailfur follows her.

NASTYCLAN CAMP.

Deadheart runs through the entrance and freezes. The camp is filled with fighting cats (make sure to show named background characters in addition to unnamed/filler ones-Furpelt, Quickspring, Wormbite, Strongclaw, Grasstuft, Spinethorn, Thornspine, Longstep, and Tremortail; Check further on in the script for positioning). Closest to her, Strongclaw launches Furpelt into the camp walls.

Then, Strongclaw turns. Her fur bristles as she locks eyes with Deadheart.

STRONGCLAW

You!

Strongclaw runs toward her and prepares to leap. Just as she starts the leap, Deadheart dodges. While evading attacks, Deadheart searches the crowd.

Quickspring fights off Grassheart and Thornspine. Tremortail attacks Furpelt. Wormbite defends himself against Spinethorn. Sharpstar hisses at Longstep from the front of the leader's den with Darkfang inside.

Strongclaw finally pins Deadheart, putting a paw in her neck. Her unsheathed claws draw blood.

STRONGCLAW

Pathetic. You're still weaker than a kit.

DEADHEART

Where's Breadheart?

Strongclaw pushes her paw down and sneers.

STRONGCLAW

My claws are on your neck, and that's what you care about?

DEADHEART

You don't matter. The moment I get out of this hold, I'm going to find him. Where is he?

STRONGCLAW

I'm supposed to kill you, but I'd rather see you suffer.

Strongclaw drags her claws down Deadheart's neck, leaving shallow scratches. Deadheart tenses but otherwise doesn't react.

DEADHEART

Why?

STRONGCLAW

You don't deserve to live. StarClan wants you dead. What else is there to it?

Deadheart rolls, using her momentum to kick Strongclaw off, then strikes her face as she lands. Strongclaw stumbles backward and Deadheart takes that brief moment as a way to escape. She sprints across the camp, dodging a couple of scuffles.

She staggers sideways when Wormbite is knocked into her.

WORMBITE

Deadheart!

Deadheart looks at him. He grins.

WORMBITE

Help me tackle this mange-pelt!

Spinethorn charges forward, then freezes.

SPINETHORN

Deadpaw?

Deadheart stares back at them.

DEADHEART

Spinepaw?

SPINETHORN

Spinethorn, now. This is where you went?

Deadheart takes a step closer to Spinethorn.

DEADHEART

I'm Deadheart now. I'm a medicine cat.

SPINETHORN

I won't fight you, then. Not that I was planning to. I didn't know you were here.

DEADHEART

I gathered. Have you seen Breadheart?

SPINETHORN

No, I haven't.

WORMBITE

I did at the start of all this. He was near the back exit. Maybe he's still there.

Deadheart gives Spinethorn and Wormbite one last look before she runs. Spinethorn and Wormbite exchange awkward glances before sitting. Reminded of their shared friend, it's too weird to fight now.

Deadheart dodges more fighting cats before reaching the corner of the camp. She skids to a stop, panting. Before her, Breadheart is pinning Loyalstar to the ground, obviously winning. Hearing her approach, Breadheart looks at Deadheart.

In the split second he's looking at her, Loyalstar kicks him off and bashes his head to the ground. It lands on a rock with a CRACK and blood spatters. Deadheart gasps.

Loyalstar stalks toward her.

DEADHEART

Why?

LOYALSTAR

He was in my way.

DEADHEART

He was your best friend.

LOYALSTAR

He wasn't.

They circle each other with arched backs.

DEADHEART

He was my dad.

LOYALSTAR

(dismissively)

I suppose he was. If he wanted to live, he shouldn't have gotten in my way.

DEADHEART

In your way of what?

LOYALSTAR

StarClan told me to kill you. I shouldn't have hesitated. I hoped you'd starve when you were a kit, but he protested. I hoped Strongclaw would kill you, but he stopped her. I hoped you'd die outside the Clans, but he had allies in twolegplace. I hoped you'd stay away forever, but you came back.

Loyalstar punctuates 'back' with a swipe of his claws. It barely misses.

DEADHEART

Why does StarClan want me dead?

LOYALSTAR

I never asked.

Loyalstar backs Deadheart into the camp walls. Deadheart dodges another strike by launching herself off of the walls and over him.

DEADHEART

What's the point in doing something if you don't know why?

Loyalstar turns toward Deadheart.

LOYALSTAR

It doesn't matter why StarClan asked me to. I just have to.

DEADHEART

Can't you just say no?

Loyalstar's expression shifts from irritated to enraged. He launches himself at Deadheart, who, surprised by the sudden anger, barely has enough time to react. His claws rake across her chest before she jumps backward. She responds by slashing him across the cheek.

He rears up and she rises to meet him. They exchange a couple of blows before Loyalstar lowers himself back onto the ground and charges into her. She falls backward and he pins her. Both of them are panting.

LOYALSTAR

I was going to offer you a chance to run, but I don't care anymore.

Loyalstar puts his teeth around Deadheart's neck. He starts to bite down when a shadow passes over both of them. He stops.

Framed by the sun, Breadheart's body rises against a red sky. Blood falls from the wound on his head.

BREADHEART'S BODY

(yelling)

I'm Loyalstar!

Everything goes silent. The battle stops.

BREADHEART'S BODY [LOYALSTAR]

(slurring slightly)

I don't know who's in my body, but it hasn't been me since the battle at the Sunspot!

[Henceforth, the real Loyalstar, who is in Breadheart's body, will be referred to as Loyalstar. The character previously referred to as Loyalstar will be referred to as False Loyalstar.]

The other cats stare. False Loyalstar releases Deadheart.

Sharpstar steps into focus with Darkfang beside him.

SHARPSTAR

At that battle, you lost a life in the water, didn't you?

LOYALSTAR

I did. When I tried to return to my body, it was already occupied.

Sharpstar turns to False Loyalstar.

SHARPSTAR

Who are you?

False Loyalstar stares back at him.

FALSE LOYALSTAR

Gourdstar.

[Henceforth, False Loyalstar will be referred to as Gourdstar.]

Sharpstar's expression shifts from stern to horrified. The crowd echoes his response.

DEADHEART

(confused)

Gourdstar?

GOURDSTAR

You don't know my name?

Deadheart stares at him. He shakes himself.

GOURDSTAR

Of course you wouldn't. You were apprenticed early and spent the majority of it in twolegplace, raised by a cat who never heard any nursery tales.

LOYALSTAR

Gourdstar destroyed the original five Clans and founded ShiningClan from the remaining cats. He's responsible for many deaths.

GOURDSTAR

Correct, but missing the details.

LOYALSTAR

You don't get to talk.

Loyalstar walks past him toward Sharpstar, glancing at Deadheart on the way.

LOYALSTAR

What are we going to do?

Darkfang, who is still beside Sharpstar, speaks before Sharpstar can.

DARKFANG

Get you and everyone else treated. We can ask Gourdstar questions after we've ensured everyone's safety.

Sharpstar nods as Darkfang speaks, approving his mate's commands.

LOYALSTAR

Alright.

》SCENE 2. NASTYCLAN MEDICINE DEN. SUNRISE, SUMMER.

Clevertail and Tailfur (separately) treat background characters while Deadheart works on Loyalstar. As Deadheart inspects his wound, his head starts sinking.

DEADHEART

Keep your head up.

Loyalstar awkwardly obliges. Deadheart finishes inspecting the injury and moves on to palpating his pulse. She sticks her nose into his neck, searching for the carotid artery. When she's satisfied with that, she pulls away.

DEADHEART

Turn on your side. I need the inside of your back leg.

Loyalstar turns, lowering his head in the process.

DEADHEART

Keep your head up!

Loyalstar pulls his head back up. Deadheart comes around him toward his back legs. She noses the top one out of the way and sticks her nose on the interior of the other one to palpate his femoral pulse.

Deadheart hums and brings her head up, looking toward the exit of the den. Furpelt is heading out of it.

DEADHEART

Furpelt?

FURPELT

Yes?

DEADHEART

Could you get a rock and some moss? Loyalstar needs to keep his head elevated and he's having trouble.

FURPELT

Consider it done.

She exits the den. Deadheart turns back to Loyalstar, whose head his already drooping.

DEADHEART

(sternly)

Loyalstar.

Loyalstar lifts his head. It immediately starts drooping again. Deadheart sighs and lays down in front of him. He puts his head on her back and closes his eyes.

They sit for a moment.

LOYALSTAR

(mumbling)

I'm sorry.

DEADHEART

For what?

LOYALSTAR

Being... overtaken.

DEADHEART

Not your fault.

LOYALSTAR

I should've been there.

DEADHEART

(slightly irritated)

Not your fault.

Another brief silence passes. Loyalstar takes in a deep, tired breath. Deadheart closes her eyes.

》SCENE 3. NASTYCLAN MEDICINE DEN. DAY, SUMMER.

Deadheart exits the medicine den. Clevertail and Tailfur sit near the entrance. They look at her, obviously interrupted mid-conversation.

DEADHEART

Loyalstar is asleep. His head is elevated and the bleeding stopped, so he should be okay as long as one of us checks in on him.

TAILFUR

Good.

CLEVERTAIL

StarClan willing, he may just survive.

DEADHEART

StarClan definitely had a role in this. Gourdstar told me he was sent to kill me during the fight.

CLEVERTAIL

Loyalstar said he'd been in his body since the fight at the Sunspot the day you were born. You don't think...?

DEADHEART

That he was supposed to kill me as a kit? I don't know why. Gourdstar said he didn't ask.

TAILFUR

Whatever it is, we won't get answers just sitting around. Gourdstar left the den after I treated him. We should find him.

SUNSPOT.

Gourdstar stands at the edge of the cliff, one of his paws hanging off of it. He knocks some pebbles off the edge when Deadheart appears.

DEADHEART

We were looking for you.

GOURDSTAR

You found me.

DEADHEART

Why did you leave?

GOURDSTAR

Why did they let me? I'm a dangerous villain possessing their dear leader's body.

DEADHEART

You have nowhere to go.

Gourdstar stares down the cliff again. 'Except down there' remains unsaid.

DEADHEART

Loyalstar's body needs to be kept safe.

Gourdstar glares at her.

DEADHEART

If he left it, he can return to it. Once we figure out how to do it safely, you don't have to stay.

GOURDSTAR

Of course.

Gourdstar pulls his paw away from the edge. A small wind blows.

GOURDSTAR

The night I came here-after Breadheart took you in-I went into the nursery. He was curled around you. I leaned over to pull you away from him. All I needed to do was strangle you. There would be no signs. It would've been easy to say you just died of weakness. But I looked at him holding you so tightly and I couldn't.

DEADHEART

Because you would've woken him up?

GOURDSTAR

No. I just couldn't. I killed countless cats, but I've never killed a kit. The situation reminded me of someone I used to know.

DEADHEART

Who?

GOURDSTAR

My sibling. They... we grew up hearing about a prophecy.

The background fades away as Gourdstar speaks. Behind him, visuals following his descriptions appear.

GOURDSTAR

Two siblings would be born. One, a brilliant golden cat, would save the Clans from a great evil and lead them into an age of prosperity. The other would commit crimes beyond imagination. Coalstar was born with black fur, while mine was orange. Obviously, Coalstar was the evil brother. When we were both apprentices, one of the Clan's warriors attempted to kill him. I saved Coalstar's life by taking theirs. When the rest of the Clan arrived, they assumed it was him, and he let them. He was exiled and I vowed to change the Clans. I succeeded. But, years later, he returned. I didn't recognize him at first. Somehow, his fur had turned golden.

The visuals fade, leaving only Gourdstar.

GOURDSTAR

StarClan's prophecy was a lie. Without it, Coalstar wouldn't have been exiled. We would've been happy. I couldn't do that to you.

DEADHEART

Thank you.

GOURDSTAR

What?

DEADHEART

You let me live. If you had blindly obeyed, I wouldn't be here.

Gourdstar stares at her, speechless.

DEADHEART

I have an idea. If you were able to enter Loyalstar's body, and Loyalstar was able to enter Breadheart's, then we can bring Breadheart back. All we need to do is get Loyalstar to leave his body so he can come back in, and then you can leave Loyalstar's. You can take action against StarClan for what they've done to you.

Gourdstar is silent for a moment, contemplating.

GOURDSTAR

I'll do it.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

》SCENE 1. INT NASTYCLAN MEDICINE DEN. DAY, SUMMER.

Deadheart and Gourdstar enter the den. Loyalstar is awake but zoned out with his head resting on a moss-covered rock [the one Deadheart asked Furpelt to get in the previous episode].

DEADHEART

How are you feeling?

Loyalstar blinks at her, then lifts his head.

LOYALSTAR

Fine.

DEADHEART

Has the headache gotten any worse?

LOYALSTAR

No.

Loyalstar stares at Gourdstar, finally noticing him.

LOYALSTAR

Why is he here?

DEADHEART

I have a plan. He's part of it. You can be, too.

LOYALSTAR

What's it...

Loyalstar's head falls back onto the rock. He struggles to speak.

LOYALSTAR

...for?

Loyalstar's eyes are half-closed. Gourdstar looks disapprovingly at Deadheart. She doesn't look at him at all.

DEADHEART

We can bring Breadheart back.

Loyalstar's eyes widen. His claws scramble against the floor.

LOYALSTAR

Back?

DEADHEART

Yes. If you and Gourdstar could come back, so could he.

LOYALSTAR

(with inappropriate volume)

Let's do it!

Gourdstar flinches at the yell. Deadheart is unfazed.

TAILFUR

(casually)

Do what?

Tailfur comes in from behind Deadheart and Gourdstar. Gourdstar cringes.

DEADHEART

We're bringing Breadheart back to life.

Tailfur stares at her for a moment, processing. Then, he breaks out in laughter.

TAILFUR

You're what?

GOURDSTAR

(defensively)

It's not that outlandish. I'm here.

TAILFUR

I'm sorry. If anyone could figure it out, it would be Deadheart. How are you going to do it?

DEADHEART

We go to StarClan. We find his spirit. We bring him home.

TAILFUR

I'm coming with you.

Deadheart smiles.

DEADHEART

Okay.

TAILFUR

But is Loyalstar really coming?

LOYALSTAR

I am.

TAILFUR

You can barely stand. Your brain is bleeding.

LOYALSTAR

He's my best friend. He raised my daughter.

He takes a shaky step forward. His legs nearly give out. His eyes start falling shut again and he fights it.

LOYALSTAR

I wasn't there to help him. I can be... now.

TAILFUR

(to Deadheart)

You'll need to wait until he's recovered, or he won't make the journey.

Gourdstar steps between them to draw attention to himself.

GOURDSTAR

We won't have to wait. This is my fault, and I know how to fix it.

DEADHEART

How?

GOURDSTAR

Lives are tied to the body, not the spirit. I still have seven of them.

Gourdstar steps toward Loyalstar. Loyalstar looks at him.

LOYALSTAR

Do it.

Gourdstar touches his nose to Loyalstar's forehead. Both of them close their eyes. Then, Gourdstar opens his. They glow.

Gourdstar's paws shake. He collapses to the ground. The wounds on Loyalstar's head turn to scars as the wrappings fall off. He stares down at Gourdstar's unconscious body.

Tailfur and Deadheart also stare. Deadheart takes a cautious step forward. Gourdstar stirs.

GOURDSTAR

(quietly)

Did it work?

LOYALSTAR

Yes.

Gourdstar stands up.

DEADHEART

Thank you.

Gourdstar looks at her with confusion.

GOURDSTAR

You shouldn't thank me. I'm just fixing my mistakes.

DEADHEART

That's exactly why I should.

GOURDSTAR

In that case, you're welcome.

》 SCENE 2. INT NASTYCLAN MEDICINE DEN. SUMMER, NIGHT.

Deadheart sleeps in her nest. Eyes appear behind her, reflecting the moonlight. A paw taps her forehead. She opens her eyes.

TAILFUR

(whispering)

How are you getting into StarClan?

Deadheart stares at him.

DEADHEART

I hadn't thought about that.

TAILFUR

I have.

Deadheart blinks at him and tilts her head, silently urging him to continue.

TAILFUR

If StarClan ties lives to bodies and not spirits, then they might've done the same with whatever they placed on you to keep you from entering StarClan. If you can go into another cat's body, they might let you in.

DEADHEART

How?

TAILFUR

A low dose of poison—just enough to cause near death. Our souls will leave our bodies, and in that brief amount of time, we'll switch.

DEADHEART

How will we flush it out afterward?

TAILFUR

Some kittypets have access to porous charcoal. I can ask around.

GOURDSTAR

Do you have bees in your brains?

Deadheart and Tailfur turn toward him quickly, surprised.

TAILFUR

You should be asleep.

GOURDSTAR

It's impossible to sleep when you two are talking. You can't go through with this.

DEADHEART

I have to.

Deadheart and Gourdstar glare at each other. Gourdstar unsheathes his claws, growing tense, then finally relents.

GOURDSTAR

Fine, but I'm coming with you. I still have six lives. That's more than I'll ever need.

DEADHEART

Thank you.

GOURDSTAR

Go to sleep.

Gourdstar turns away from them and curls up.

NASTYCLAN MEDICINE DEN. SUMMER, DAY.

A paw (Loyalstar's) pats Deadheart on the forehead. She grumbles.

DEADHEART

(groggy and irritated)

What?

LOYALSTAR

Someone is here to see you. He came all the way from Twolegplace.

Deadheart gets out of her nest and follows Loyalstar into the center of camp.

NASTYCLAN CAMP. DAY, SUMMER.

Salad stands in the middle of the camp. At his paws is Breadheart's collar. When he sees Deadheart, he visibly jumps.

SALAD

Deadpaw!

DEADHEART

It's Deadheart, now. I got my medicine cat name.

SALAD

I don't know what any of that means.

Deadheart sighs.

DEADHEART

What did you come here for?

Salad pushes Breadheart's collar toward Deadheart.

SALAD

He left this behind. I tried to give it to... um...

He motions toward Loyalstar.

SALAD

But he said something about not being Breadheart. Does he have a twin?

DEADHEART

No. He's my father possessing my dad's body.

Salad looks between Loyalstar and Deadheart, confused.

SALAD

This is some fucked up forest cat religion thing, isn't it?

DEADHEART

Yeah.

SALAD

Well, if he's not Breadheart, then this is yours. What happened to Breadheart?

Deadheart puts a paw on the collar.

DEADHEART

He's dead, but we're going to fix it.

SALAD

How?

DEADHEART

Does your twoleg have any porous charcoal?

SALAD

She brought some home recently. Why?

DEADHEART

I need to get into StarClan, but they'll recognize me if I'm in my body. Tailfur and I are going take poison so our spirits will leave our bodies. We'll need the charcoal to flush it—

LOYALSTAR

No.

Deadheart turns to him.

DEADHEART

You can't control me.

LOYALSTAR

I just came back. I've already lost my best friend. I don't want to lose my daughter, too.

DEADHEART

We'll be fine. Gourdstar will be there.

SALAD

If you do it at my house, I can get my person if something goes wrong.

Deadheart glares at Loyalstar.

LOYALSTAR

Fine. But I'm coming with you.

DEADHEART

That works.

》 SCENE 3. EXT SUNSPOT. SUMMER, SUNSET.

Gourdstar loafs at the edge of the cliff, watching the sunset. Strongclaw approaches him from behind. He doesn't react as she sits beside him.

GOURDSTAR

The sunset is beautiful. I missed seeing it.

STRONGCLAW

You missed a lot of things when I was running the Clan for you.

They stare at the sunset together. Strongclaw looks away, distracted by her thoughts.

STRONGCLAW

Was the dream real? Or was that just another one of your lies?

GOURDSTAR

I never lied. You just didn't ask me if I was actually Loyalstar. The dream was real. I wouldn't be able to get Clevertail to falsify an omen if I tried.

STRONGCLAW

You're lying.

GOURDSTAR

You haven't listened to a word I've said.

STRONGCLAW

You're evil. You're a murderer. You were destined to kill countless cats and attempt to destroy the Clans, and now you're doing it again. Why wouldn't you be a liar?

Gourdstar looks at her. Then, he turns back to the sunset.

STRONGCLAW

And if you're a lying villain, then what does that make me? I'm the deputy you chose. Am I a terrible cat?

GOURDSTAR

I didn't choose you. StarClan did.

STRONGCLAW

Then why? Why would they choose me?

GOURDSTAR

Why does StarClan do anything? They're the ones who sent me here.

Strongclaw's eyes widen. Her fur bristles. She bares her teeth.

STRONGCLAW

(yelling)

Liar! You're lying!

Gourdstar is outwardly unaffected.

STRONGCLAW

(voice breaking)

You have to be lying.

GOURDSTAR

Maybe StarClan isn't what you think it is.

STRONGCLAW

You...

She slumps against the ground. Gourdstar stares at her for a moment, uncertain. Then, he leaves. Strongclaw screams.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

》 SCENE 1. SOUP'S HOUSE, DAY, SUMMER.

Salad lays a paper plate with activated charcoal on it on the grass. Across from him, Gourdstar lays one with lily petals on it.

GOURDSTAR

Is that everything?

TAILFUR

Yes.

GOURDSTAR

You're certain you want to do this?

DEADHEART

It's the only way.

LOYALSTAR

We'll be here.

DEADHEART

I know.

Deadheart takes one of the petals in her mouth and chews. Tailfur does the same. Loyalstar and Gourdstar, across from each other, exchange nervous glances. Beside Loyalstar, Salad stares at Deadheart.

Deadheart coughs as her mouth starts foaming. Salad gasps.

GOURDSTAR

(to Salad)

You should go inside. We'll come get you if we need you to retrieve your twolegs.

Salad cringes and runs away. Just before he reaches the cat door, he looks back. Then, he goes inside.

INT SOUP'S HOUSE.

He lands on the other side clumsily and sinks to the floor. With a distressed noise, he puts his paws on his face.

SALAD

A coward, I'm just a coward...

EXT SOUP'S HOUSE.

Deadheart and Tailfur are both unconscious. Gourdstar and Loyalstar hover over them.

LOYALSTAR

Do you think it's working?

Gourdstar give a humph.

GOURDSTAR

There's no way for me to tell. We'll just have to wait.

Deadheart's paws twitch. Her claws scrape against the ground.

LOYALSTAR

She's moving!

GOURDSTAR

That doesn't indicate anything. Tailfur briefed me on the symptoms of this kind of poisoning. It includes tremors and twitching.

LOYALSTAR

Is there anything we can do?

Gourdstar motions toward the charcoal.

GOURDSTAR

We can give that now.

Loyalstar immediately dives toward the charcoal.

INT SOUP'S HOUSE.

Salad watches from the window, distressed.

SALAD

They know what they're doing. It's going to be fine...

He forces himself to leap off of the window.

SALAD

It's going to be fine...

EXT SOUP'S HOUSE.

Loyalstar sticks his nose on the inside of Deadheart's back leg, feeling her pulse. He turns to Gourdstar with wide eyes.

LOYALSTAR

Do it now!

Gourdstar presses his nose against Deadheart's forehead.

INT SOUP'S HOUSE.

Salad is pacing the doorway.

SALAD

(mumbling)

She'll be okay, she'll be okay, she'll be okay...

His mumbling grows in intensity.

SALAD

She'll be okay! She'll be fine! It's fine! It's—

He rushes outside of the house.

EXT SOUP'S HOUSE.

[Note: The body swap was successful. From this point until specificied otherwise, Deadheart uses Tailfur's design and Tailfur uses Deadheart's.]

Salad skids to a stop in front of Deadheart, Loyalstar, Tailfur, and Gourdstar. Deadheart and Tailfur stand, while Loyalstar stares down at an unconscious Gourdstar.

SALAD

(yelling with relief)

She's okay!

Deadheart blinks at him.

Salad pauses, looking at Gourdstar.

SALAD

(hesitantly)

Is he okay?

GOURDSTAR

(muffled)

Yes.

SALAD

(to Tailfur)

So, you...

TAILFUR

Successfully switched bodies? Yeah.

SALAD

Okay...

He hesitates before turning to Deadheart, still reeling from the idea that she's not in her body.

SALAD

Will I see you again?

DEADHEART

Maybe.

She turns away. The other Clan cats hesitate before doing the same.

SALAD

Bye.

Deadheart turns back toward him.

DEADHEART

Bye.

The Clan cats leave. Salad's ears fall as he watches them.

》 SCENE 2. TWOLEGPLACE BORDER. DAY, SUMMER.

Deadheart, Loyalstar, Gourdstar, and Tailfur walk along the side of a road. Loyalstar pauses at a very familiar bench.

DEADHEART

What is it?

LOYALSTAR

We met here.

DEADHEART

You and dad?

LOYALSTAR

(fondly)

It was summer. His fur was the color of the sun. I attacked him for trespassing.

GOURDSTAR

How lovely.

Loyalstar ignores him.

LOYALSTAR

He fought back and won. Then, he told me he'd never fought another cat before! I didn't understand how an unpracticed kittypet could fight so well.

GOURDSTAR

Maybe you were just bad at fighting.

LOYALSTAR

(slightly irritated)

I'm not the best, but it was still impressive. I met up with him here the day he decided to join ShiningClan, too. He let me take his collar off.

GOURDSTAR

Sounds like you were close.

LOYALSTAR

(bordering on anger)

Obviously. I was—am his best friend. Did you even know that before you stole my body?

GOURDSTAR

There are no windows to the living realm in the Dark Forest. They were eliminated after the Spirit War.

TAILFUR

So, you haven't seen any of what's happened since you died?

GOURDSTAR

I've been told things by... visitors. The rest I had to infer.

LOYALSTAR

Visitors? Who would visit you?

Gourdstar glares at Loyalstar before turning away and walking ahead of the group.

DEADHEART

(quietly)

It was probably whoever sent him.

Tailfur and Loyalstar turn toward her.

Deadheart

He said StarClan sent him, so someone must have been speaking to him.

TAILFUR

But who?

Deadheart looks away. The conversation ends and the group is left with their thoughts. They walk toward the setting sun.

》 SCENE 3. STARPOOL. SUMMER, NIGHT.

Gourdstar stops in front of the Starpool. He doesn't look at the water.

GOURDSTAR

We're here.

The rest of the group catches up to him. They exchange awkward glances before settling at the edge of the water. Gourdstar closes his eyes, still not looking in the water.

The group drinks.

A few moments pass.

Tailfur rises from his spot, coughing. Blood leaks from his nose. He grins.

EXT STARCLAN.

[Note: Now that the characters are in StarClan, they should go back to their regular designs. These are their spirits, not their bodies.]

Gourdstar takes a step with Loyalstar and Deadheart behind him. He pauses in front of a puddle and hums.

LOYALSTAR

What is it?

GOURDSTAR

I expected to look... darker.

LOYALSTAR

In what way?

GOURDSTAR

(irritated)

The 'Dark Forest spirit' way, mousebrain. I look like I did when I was alive!

DEADHEART

Does that make you uncomfortable?

Gourdstar's irritation drops immediately.

GOURDSTAR

I'm not alive.

DEADHEART

That's not what I asked.

Gourdstar turns away.

GOURDSTAR

Let's go find Breadheart.

The group walks through StarClan. StarClan cats watch them silently. Loyalstar stares back at one of them after he notices. Deadheart turns toward him and he gives up the stare in favor of catching up with the group.

LOYALSTAR

They're watching us.

GOURDSTAR

That's what they do. Don't look at them.

Gourdstar walks straight into Lambpaw. He makes a frustrated noise.

GOURDSTAR

Why are you—

LOYALSTAR

Lambpaw?

Loyalstar runs to Lambpaw.

LOYALSTAR

It is you! How are you?

Lambpaw tilts his head.

GOURDSTAR

He won't tell you anything. They can't talk anymore.

DEADHEART

Anymore?

GOURDSTAR

They stopped after the Spirit War.

LOYALSTAR

Spirit War?

GOURDSTAR

You're asking now?

Loyalstar glares at him. Gourdstar sighs.

GOURDSTAR

The Spirit War was between StarClan and the Dark Forest. I didn't participate.

Lambpaw taps Loyalstar. Loyalstar turns to him. Then, Lambpaw takes off.

LOYALSTAR

Wait!

Loyalstar runs after Lambpaw. Deadheart glances at Gourdstar before following. Gourdstar flattens his ears before doing the same.

Cut to him finally catching up with the group.

GOURDSTAR

(muttering)

There's no point in this. He won't tell them anything—

He gasps. Lambpaw stands beside Coalstar, with Deadheart and Loyalstar in front of them. Gourdstar closes his eyes and takes a breath before stepping forward.

GOURDSTAR

Coalstar.

Coalstar sways before looking at him.

GOURDSTAR

We aren't here to speak with you.

Coalstar blinks. Then, she stalks forward and unsheathes his claws. Gourdstar assumes a defensive stance.

GOURDSTAR

We need to get to the center.

Coalstar launches himself at Gourdstar.

LOYALSTAR

Hey!

Lambpaw leaps on Loyalstar. Deadheart turns to help him and is suddenly brought to the ground by Blankspots.

Gourdstar attempts to get out of Coalstar's hold, but goes slack with a yelp as Coalstar sinks his claws into Gourdstar's scruff.

LOYALSTAR

Lambpaw, why—?

Lambpaw slashes him across the face.

Deadheart explodes from underneath Blankspots, slashing his face as she lands. Then, she leaps onto Coalstar's back and sinks her claws in. Coalstar whirls to face her and releases Gourdstar in the process.

Gourdstar springs forward and forces Lambpaw off of Loyalstar. The three cats draw closer to each other, panting. In the time they were pinned, Other StarClan cats emerged, surrounding them.

GOURDSTAR

We need to go.

Deadheart runs back toward where they came from, leaping on top of the StarClan cat in front of her, then over. Before the cat can get up, the rest of the group follows.

DEADHEART

Where?

GOURDSTAR

I'll take the lead.

He runs ahead. The group passes the StarClan cats who stared at them earlier. They continue to stare.

Then, they cross the border into the DARK FOREST.

Gourdstar, hunched over, addresses the rest of the group.

GOURDSTAR

Welcome to the Dark Forest.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

》 SCENE 1. DARK FOREST.

Pick up after where the last episode left off. The group walks through the Dark Forest. Loyalstar cringes after stepping in a puddle.

DEADHEART

It's so empty.

GOURDSTAR

It didn't used to be.

DEADHEART

What was it like?

GOURDSTAR

Cold. Foggy. Loud. There was always a fight going on. None of us liked each other, but we were all we had.

He glances at Loyalstar. Loyalstar looks away.

GOURDSTAR

We were codebreakers, so all we could talk about was what we'd do to the cats that put us here. They stayed away from me most of the time, but I could still hear them. Sound carries far here.

A stick cracks somewhere in the distance. Gourdstar jumps.

LOYALSTAR

We aren't about to be caught in the claws of a dark warrior, are we?

GOURDSTAR

There shouldn't be anyone here but us.

DEADHEART

What about the other cats you mentioned?

GOURDSTAR

They died in the Spirit War. There hasn't been anyone here except me for decades.

LOYALSTAR

Decades? That explains a lot.

GOURDSTAR

Keep your mindless mouth shut. There's someone here. They must've followed us.

A stick cracks again. Gourdstar places himself in front of Deadheart. The bushes rustle.

Palefur emerges.

Loyalstar takes a step forward.

LOYALSTAR

(quietly)

Palefur?

She runs up to him. The two nuzzle.

LOYALSTAR

I missed you...

She nuzzles him again. Then, she motions toward something.

GOURDSTAR

This is not happening again.

LOYALSTAR

It's not. I trust her.

GOURDSTAR

How long has she been dead?

LOYALSTAR

You should know.

Gourdstar looks at Deadheart. Then, he turns back to Loyalstar.

GOURDSTAR

We can follow her.

Palefur touches her nose to Loyalstar's forehead before walking ahead of the group. They pass through empty forest and fight their way through thorny bushes before Palefur stops in front of a hole in the ground. She turns toward them, tilts her head, and then enters the hole.

The group hesitates before entering. It's a tunnel.

DARK-STAR PASSAGE.

Loyalstar ends up at the head of the group. Deadheart lingers beside Gourdstar.

DEADHEART

What was the Spirit War?

GOURDSTAR

They finally made a plan instead of just talking. It didn't work. I told them it wouldn't.

Deadheart stares at him. He keeps walking.

GOURDSTAR

They were stupid, but so are most other cats. All anyone wants to do is fight.

DEADHEART

What about me?

GOURDSTAR

You're different. You don't care.

DEADHEART

I care about a lot of things.

GOURDSTAR

But not my past. Not where a cat's allegiances lie and why you should hate them for it.

DEADHEART

If you're doing the right thing, it doesn't matter who you are or who you belong to.

Gourdstar pauses, pensive.

GOURDSTAR

How do you know everything and yet nothing at all?

DEADHEART

I'm good at guessing.

They walk a bit further. Then, they pause at a fork in the tunnels. Palefur takes the left one. They group follows.

GOURDSTAR

We'll probably have to confront him.

DEADHEART

Confront who? Coalstar?

GOURDSTAR

Him too, but no. There's a force beyond StarClan that delivers prophecies.

DEADHEART

You've spoken with it.

GOURDSTAR

He's spoken with me.

DEADHEART

He sent you.

GOURDSTAR

(bitterly)

Yes.

Suddenly, Palefur stops in front of them. She looks back at them, pitting a paw between herself and them, then takes the next corner. The group stays behind the corner, though Deadheart sticks her head around it.

Palefur stands in front of Lambpaw and Blankspots. They tilt their heads at her. She shakes hers, her tail lashing. They turn away and head down the tunnel.

Palefur comes back to the group. She pushes Deadheart backward and takes her place. The group sits in silence for a moment, only their breaths and the dripping of water off the ceiling of the tunnels audible.

Then, Palefur takes them in the opposite direction. Her ears are pinned and her tail flicks irritably.

LOYALSTAR

Where are you taking us?

She turns back toward him and touches her nose to his forehead. Then, she puts a paw on his chest.

LOYALSTAR

Heart... you know where Breadheart is?

She nods. When she starts walking again, Gourdstar walks beside Loyalstar.

GOURDSTAR

He'll be in the center. She's taking us there.

LOYALSTAR

The center?

GOURDSTAR

It's exactly what it sounds like. The center of StarClan.

LOYALSTAR

Is it different from anywhere else?

GOURDSTAR

Only in what cats are allowed to enter.

The conversation is interrupted when Loyalstar steps in a puddle. He makes a noise of disgust and shakes his paw off. The group walks a bit further before they start speaking again.

LOYALSTAR

Why did you do what you did?

GOURDSTAR

You'll have to be more specific.

LOYALSTAR

Kill your brother's mentor and blame it on him. Start wars between the Clans. Lie about being the subject of the prophecy.

GOURDSTAR

I never blamed it on him. He told our clanmates that he did it before I could say anything. I never knew the shining cat wasn't me until he returned. The Clans tore themselves apart.

LOYALSTAR

But you facilitated it.

GOURDSTAR

Perhaps. But if they let go of their prejudices, I wouldn't have been able to.

LOYALSTAR

You're just trying to avoid accountability.

GOURDSTAR

Believe what you want, but I didn't kill all of those warriors by myself. Even now, there are cats with irrational hatred in their hearts. Their distaste for NastyClan is what led me to discover that Breadheart and Deadheart returned.

LOYALSTAR

Pass blame all day. You didn't have to do any of this.

Gourdstar turns away.

》 SCENE 2. STARCLAN CENTER TUNNEL.

Palefur stops in front of the group. Light shines from the exit in front of them. She turns back toward them and tilts her head in the direction of the exit.

LOYALSTAR

Are you not coming with us?

Palefur walks toward him and touches her nose to his forehead.

LOYALSTAR

Goodbye...

Palefur walks back into the tunnel. The group watches her disappear into the darkness.

Gourdstar sighs.

GOURDSTAR

Alright, let's go.

He's about to climb through the entrance when Loyalstar interrupts him.

LOYALSTAR

Shouldn't we make a plan?

GOURDSTAR

He already knows we're here. There's no point.

Gourdstar hoists himself the rest of the way up. Deadheart pushes past Loyalstar to do the same.

STARCLAN CENTER.

Star lounges in the center of the clearing, flat on his back with his legs up in the air. As the group reaches the surface, he blinks. Then, he rises to his feet with a grin. Behind him, the sun frames his face.

STAR

Hello, kits. I see you made it after all.

GOURDSTAR

Leave the dirt where it belongs. You know what we're here for.

Star tilts his head at an unnatural angle, his grin growing wider.

STAR

Why wouldn't I? He's right here.

Star steps aside. Behind him, Breadheart is encased in a cage of branches.

DEADHEART

Let him go!

STAR

I don't see why I should. He was trespassing, and he refused to join my Clan. You know how it is, don't you? Territories are so important to keep defended. Which, speaking of...

StarClan cats emerge from the bushes, including Lambpaw, Coalstar, and Blankspots. They creep toward the group.

GOURDSTAR

Wait! If we win a duel against you, will you let him go?

Star flicks his tail. The StarClan cats stop advancing.

STAR

As long as I get to pick my opponent.

Gourdstar nods and steps forward, taking a fighting stance. Star walks toward him and weaves around him as he speaks.

STAR

Great. Now, as much as I'd like to fight you, pumpkin, I have someone else in mind.

Star stops in front of Loyalstar.

STAR

Cougar cub. Come here.

Loyalstar hesitates before following him to the center of the clearing. Gourdstar watches them ready for the duel with bristling fur.

DEADHEART

Pumpkin?

GOURDSTAR

He likes to choose his own names.

Loyalstar lunges at Star. Gourdstar looks away and makes a frustrated noise.

DEADHEART

What's wrong?

GOURDSTAR

He didn't pick me—

Star dodges Loyalstar's attack effortlessly, materializing behind him. Then, he kicks Loyalstar and brings both his paws down on his head. He smiles as Loyalstar struggles beneath him.

STAR

Looks like I get to keep the kittypet.

He releases Loyalstar, who scrambles to his feet.

STAR

You and your friends can run home, now.

DEADHEART

No.

Star turns toward her with unnatural speed.

STAR

Oh, you. It doesn't matter what you think, cursed kit. Get out of my sight.

DEADHEART

I'm not leaving until you give me my dad.

STAR

You'll find you have no choice.

Star flicks his tail. The StarClan cats move forward.

Deadheart, Gourdstar, and Loyalstar exchange glances. Then, Deadheart runs and leaps past Star.

Gourdstar and Loyalstar assume fighting stances as the StarClan cats pick up the pace. Gourdstar strikes at the closest one and it backs off. Then, he strikes at another. Loyalstar does the same. But as they strike one, the others recover. It's endless.

Deadheart is about to reach Breadheart when Star appears in front of her, forming from liquid light.

STAR

As much as I've dreaded this confrontation, I suppose it must occur. How did you get past the ward?

Deadheart doesn't respond.

Star makes an irritated noise.

STAR

It doesn't matter. You're here, no matter how hard I strove to keep you away. I won't let my hard work be ruined.

DEADHEART

Why are you keeping him like this?

STAR

He resisted.

Star launches himself at Deadheart. Deadheart barely manages to dodge. She takes the moment he's gathering his liquid light to reach Breadheart.

DEADHEART

Dad!

BREADHEART

Deadheart! He's done something to the spirits! You can't let him—

Star lands on Deadheart.

STAR

Got you!

He examines his claws while using his other paw to pin Deadheart by the shoulder.

STAR

How would you rather die? Suffocation or blood loss? I can't let you leave now that you've made it clear this won't end peacefully.

Breadheart pushes against the branches enclosing him. They barely give. He pushes harder, but they still don't move enough for him to slip out. He leaps, aiming for the top. Rather than falling out, the branch snaps and falls in.

Breadheart tries to squeeze through, but it still isn't wide enough. Now having to dodge the broken branch, he leaps up to grab another one. It falls with a crack and lands on his chest, knocking the wind out of him.

Deadheart attempts to kick Star in the belly, but it's too far. She tries to bite him, but she can't reach his arm.

Breadheart finally catches his breath. He shakes himself off and pulls himself out from underneath the broken branches. Then, he flings himself at Star.

CUT TO GOURDSTAR AND LOYALSTAR.

Gourdstar and Loyalstar pant as they continue to fight off the StarClan cats in the fashion they were before. Loyalstar strikes one last StarClan cat before they back up in unison.

LOYALSTAR

(out of breath)

What?

Blankspots, Lambpaw, and Coalstar step past the crowd.

GOURDSTAR

Not again.

Coalstar launches himself at Gourdstar. Gourdstar leaps to meet him. The two strike at each other on their hind legs, but quickly sink to all fours. Gourdstar runs past Coalstar and they circle each other.

GOURDSTAR

There's no point in talking to you.

Gourdstar attempts to strike Coalstar's face, but Coalstar dodges and retaliates with a strike of his own. Gourdstar backs away.

GOURDSTAR

Are you going to kill me again, brother? Is that what this is?

Coalstar steps toward Gourdstar. Gourdstar backs away, but he doesn't have anywhere further to go. He runs into one of the StarClan cats in the crowd.

CUT TO LOYALSTAR.

Loyalstar faces off against Blankspots and Lambpaw. They quickly back him into a corner as he strikes at one, then the other. Neither Lambpaw nor Blankspots relent.

From the corner, Loyalstar sees Coalstar and Gourdstar. He bares his teeth, knowing he has to help. Then, his eyes widen as he reaches a realization.

LOYALSTAR

Palefur helped me. You can too.

Lambpaw doesn't react, but Blankspots hesitates. Loyalstar dodges Lambpaw's attack and tries again.

LOYALSTAR

Do you remember me, Blankspots? You taught me how to climb trees without getting stuck.

Blankspots takes a step forward, but doesn't attack. Lambpaw glares at him before attacking Loyalstar again.

LOYALSTAR

You suggested my warrior name to Haystar. I told you I loved it.

Lambpaw glares at Blankspots again and leaps on Loyalstar. Loyalstar puts up a struggle, but he's more focused on Blankspots.

LOYALSTAR

You were there when I was appointed deputy, and when Lambpaw died. I looked for you when Gourdstar took over my body, but I couldn't make it to StarClan.

Lambpaw puts his claws on Loyalstar's neck and digs them in. Loyalstar makes a pained noise, but it's too late to struggle now.

Then, Lambpaw is gone. Loyalstar rolls onto his feet. Before him, Blankspots and Lambpaw are exchanging blows. Blankspots looks at Loyalstar, allowing Lambpaw to land one on his face. Loyalstar gets the message.

He runs to the other side of the fight and launches himself onto Coalstar's back.

CUT TO STAR, DEADHEART, AND BREADHEART.

Breadheart pins Star to the ground. Star melts beneath him and reforms on the other side of Deadheart.

STAR

So, the kittypet got free. That makes this more difficult than it needs to be.

Deadheart jumps out of the way just before Star can slam his paws against her back. She stops beside Breadheart.

DEADHEART

We should go.

BREADHEART

Go?

DEADHEART

We're bringing you back. Dead cats can return to their bodies.

Star tilts his head.

STAR

You wasted your chance. None of us are leaving StarClan, cursed kit.

DEADHEART

Why?

STAR

Breadheart knows. I'll let you two speak if he doesn't waste time.

Deadheart turns to Breadheart.

BREADHEART

When you were a kit, I was given a vision. In it, you destroyed StarClan.

Breadheart pauses.

BREADHEART

I know why now. Star has done something to them. We need to save them—

Star appears beside him and puts a paw on his mouth from behind.

STAR

That's enough, kittypet.

Star melts away and appears before them. Deadheart launches herself at him.

DEADHEART

What did you do to them?

STAR

My name is Star. We're in StarClan territory. Put those two together.

Deadheart dodges an attack. Breadheart tries to take Star by surprise, but Star turns to liquid when he pounces. He reforms a short distance away from Deadheart.

STAR

What I want to know is why you're the cursed one. What makes you so different?

DEADHEART

Cursed one? What does that mean?

Star dodges an attack from Breadheart and sinks into the ground. He reappears with his muzzle next to Deadheart's ears.

STAR

Two of us are destined to die today. I need to make sure I'm not one of them.

Deadheart whips around and lands a blow on his face. He backs away.

DEADHEART

Give me a real answer. What have you done to the StarClan cats?

STAR

Nothing direct.

Deadheart bares her teeth and takes a step closer, about to speak. Gourdstar slams into Star and Loyalstar leaps in behind him. Star growls and turns into liquid light, then reappears a short distance away.

Breadheart and Loyalstar attack him, leaving Gourdstar and Deadheart watching.

DEADHEART

(to Gourdstar)

Breadheart said Star did something to the StarClan cats, but Star won't say what it was. Do you have any idea?

GOURDSTAR

StarClan and the Dark Forest corrupt spirits in different ways. It's a long process, but what remains by the end of it can barely be considered the same cat.

DEADHEART

What about you?

GOURDSTAR

I never said it didn't affect me.

Star disappears from beneath Loyalstar and Breadheart and emerges in front of Deadheart and Gourdstar.

STAR

Now that you're done with your chat, we can truly get on with this. Step aside, pumpkin.

Gourdstar stares at him.

STAR

Fine, then. We'll do this the hard way.

Star melts away and materializes behind Gourdstar. He grabs Gourdstar by the scruff and tosses him into Loyalstar and Breadheart. Then, the StarClan cats swarm them like earlier.

STAR

That should keep them busy for long enough, now that the traitors are gone.

Deadheart's eyes widen. She leaps at Star, who dodges easily.

STAR

What is it about you—

Deadheart strikes Star across the face. He turns away, and she strikes him across the side.

STAR

(satisfied)

That's it.

CUT TO LOYALSTAR, BREADHEART, AND GOURDSTAR.

Loyalstar, Breadheart, and Gourdstar are surrounded, but the StarClan cats aren't fighting them. Breadheart attempts to push through them, but the sheer number of spirits makes it impossible.

LOYALSTAR

I have something important to tell you before all of this is over.

Breadheart turns to him.

LOYALSTAR

I wasn't the one who rejected Deadheart, or exiled you, or killed you. My body was being controlled.

Breadheart smiles, though it's strained.

BREADHEART

I'm glad to hear that.

LOYALSTAR

The entire time I was disconnected from my body, all I could think about was how much you were being hurt. I should've been there.

Breadheart shakes his head.

BREADHEART

I should've known. I thought something was off. Deadheart kept saying she saw you, but I dismissed it.

GOURDSTAR

You couldn't have realized it was possible. It isn't your fault.

Breadheart stares at Gourdstar, confused, before a realization passes over him.

BREADHEART

It was you.

Gourdstar tilts his head downward.

GOURDSTAR

Yes. I'm here to correct my mistakes.

BREADHEART

Star talked about you while he was holding me prisoner.

Gourdstar raises his head, eyes wide.

BREADHEART

He thought he had you fully under control. He... mentioned that you spent decades alone in the Dark Forest. I can't imagine what that would've been like.

GOURDSTAR

I did everything I could to get out. When that didn't work, I hoped I'd just fade away. And then he asked me...

BREADHEART

I forgive you.

GOURDSTAR

You shouldn't. I killed you.

BREADHEART

I know what it's like to feel trapped and isolated. You're working to correct your mistakes. That's all anyone can ask.

Gourdstar looks downward somberly before suddenly smiling.

GOURDSTAR

You're where she gets it from.

Breadheart smiles warmly.

CUT TO DEADHEART AND STAR.

Deadheart moves to pin Star, then pivots and strikes him. He melts into liquid before she can get another hit in and reappears a short distance away.

DEADHEART

How real is your body?

STAR

As real as yours is right now, cursed kit.

Deadheart lunges at him, aiming for his throat. Just before she can hit it, he melts. Blood from a wound on her leg drips into the puddle and sizzles. The puddle moves away.

Star tsks. The sound echoes through the area, traveling without a body to contain it.

STAR

I won't die easily.

Star forms behind her and leaps onto her, pushing her face into the ground. She struggles underneath him for a moment, then gets an idea. She rolls to the side, slipping out of his paws, then brings the back of her head up to his jaw. Star bites his tongue from the force.

He snarls at her and starts melting away, but she strikes his neck. The blood on her paw seeps into his neck. He staggers backward, his form still dripping with liquid light. His eyes widen.

Deadheart strikes him again. Liquid drips from his mouth and neck. He lowers his head to protect himself.

Deadheart shakes her head, then bites into her wound, deepening it. Then, she launches herself at Star and pins him. Her blood drips onto his body, burning him.

STAR

(panicked)

You can't kill me! I'm the only thing keeping the spirits here. If I die, all of StarClan and the Dark Forest will fall apart.

Deadheart takes a moment to process. Then, she turns around and runs toward the StarClan crowd that surrounds Breadheart, Gourdstar, and Loyalstar. She leaps over the closest cat, landing on the next closest cat's back before hopping into the center.

BREADHEART

Deadheart!

DEADHEART

We need to leave now.

BREADHEART

What about freeing the StarClan cats?

Deadheart shakes her head.

DEADHEART

If they go, you go too.

Breadheart prepares to respond when Star appears behind Deadheart. He slams her to the ground, pushing on the back of her neck. With a yell, Breadheart launches himself at him. Star rolls to the ground and melts.

BREADHEART

I'm okay with that.

Deadheart looks up at him, shocked.

BREADHEART

These cats deserve to be free. If that means I don't go home, it's okay. I'm happy with the time I've had.

Deadheart's claws sink into the ground. From behind Breadheart, Loyalstar takes a step closer.

BREADHEART

You can leave me behind.

LOYALSTAR

No.

Gourdstar stands, watching them. Star appears behind him.

LOYALSTAR

We came here to save you.

BREADHEART

I don't need saving. These cats do. Let me go.

Gourdstar notices Star behind him. He prepares to warn the others, but Star grabs him.

LOYALSTAR

I can't—

Breadheart nuzzles Loyalstar.

BREADHEART

You're saving Palefur and Deadheart, too. I love you, Loyalstar. I always will. Listen to me.

Loyalstar backs away.

STAR

So sweet and heartfelt.

He makes eye contact with Deadheart. Beneath him, Gourdstar is limp.

STAR

That's one of the two, cursed kit. Now which of us is the second?

DEADHEART

There doesn't have to be a second. Set the spirits free.

Star releases Gourdstar and walks toward her with a snarl.

STAR

I've been building this Clan for centuries. I won't let it go.

DEADHEART

Then you'll die.

They leap at each other. This section should be short and storyboard-driven with callbacks to previous fights, particularly the dog one. Involve the other characters if possible, but it's not necessary—this needs to be fast-paced and brief.

At the end of it, Deadheart pins Star and bites his neck. His blood singes her mouth. Surprised, she accidentally lets go.

STAR

(out of breath)

They're going to hate you.

Deadheart pauses.

STAR

When you come home and tell everyone that you destroyed StarClan, they'll call you a villain. They'll kill you.

Deadheart bares her teeth and leans toward his face.

DEADHEART

I don't care what they think.

She sinks her teeth into his neck, this time biting harder even as it burns. The others watch.

Deadheart rises, blood covering her mouth.

DEADHEART

(quietly)

I did it. They're all free.

She steps over the puddle that used to be Star as it begins seeping into the ground. She approaches Breadheart.

DEADHEART

This is goodbye, then.

BREADHEART

Goodbye, Deadheart.

He nuzzles her.

BREADHEART

I'm proud to have raised a kit like you. I love you.

The StarClan cats around them dissipate. Then, Breadheart does the same, still nuzzling Deadheart. Deadheart closes her eyes.

StarClan falls apart around them. Chunks of land crumble into nothingness. Trees shrink into non-existence.

STARPOOL.

Deadheart opens her eyes in front of the Starpool in Tailfur's body.

Chapter Text

Chapter Text

》 SCENE 1. NASTYCLAN MEDICINE DEN. DAY, SUMMER.

[Note: Deadheart and Tailfur use their regular designs, but Loyalstar still uses his Breadheart's Body design, and Gourdstar should use Loyalstar's regular design. Deadheart and Tailfur swapped back offscreen, but Gourdstar and Loyalstar didn't swap.]

Deadheart is doing inventory on the herbs. Fuzz, Flick, and Flare are helping her. She sniffs at a particularly dry leaf before pushing it toward Flare, who carries it to a spot with other dried herbs.

Clevertail, carrying a bundle of herbs, enters with Grasstuft beside her. She sets them down next to Deadheart and sits.

CLEVERTAIL

You should take a break.

DEADHEART

I'm almost done.

Clevertail motions toward the bundle of herbs she just placed down. Deadheart stares at her, irritated.

CLEVERTAIL

Please.

Deadheart gets up. She stops in front of Grasstuft, who's still standing at the entrance.

GRASSTUFT

Hello, Deadheart.

Deadheart dips her head.

GRASSTUFT

Do you want to share prey with me?

DEADHEART

Sure.

They exit the medicine den.

NASTYCLAN CAMP.

Cut to them heading toward the prey pile. In the background, show a mixture of characters from NastyClan and ShiningClan (exclude Wormbite, Strongclaw, and Tailfur—they appear later). Grasstuft stands beside Deadheart while Deadheart picks a piece of prey. She grabs a fish and the two sit down a short distance away.

GRASSTUFT

Quickspring and Furpelt are talking about finding a tom to help them have kits.

DEADHEART

That's nice.

GRASSTUFT

I thought so, too.

They sit in silence for a bit. Deadheart eats the fish without paying much attention to anything else as Grasstuft watches her with a smile.

Wormbite and Strongclaw come through the entrance. Wormbite sees Deadheart and rushes over.

WORMBITE

Deadheart! Hi!

Deadheart looks at him. He grins.

WORMBITE

We found an old bird's nest. It fell on Strongclaw's head.

STRONGCLAW

It didn't.

DEADHEART

There are sticks in your fur.

STRONGCLAW

Maybe it did.

DEADHEART

You look ridiculous.

STRONGCLAW

You're ridiculous.

DEADHEART

Spar?

Strongclaw nods.

STRONGCLAW

After the sundown patrol.

She walks away.

WORMBITE

She's so cranky. Does she stick fire ants in her nest every night?

DEADHEART

She used to be worse.

WORMBITE

Still...

Deadheart returns to eating the fish.

NASTYCLAN TERRITORY. SUNSET, SUMMER.

Deadheart stands in front of Strongclaw. They circle each other briefly. Then, Deadheart makes a feint. Strongclaw jumps backward. Deadheart leaps at her, smacking her face with her paws. Strongclaw attempts to retaliate, but Deadheart dodges.

Then, Deadheart pushes herself into Strongclaw and pins her by the shoulder. Strongclaw struggles underneath her for a moment before giving in.

STRONGCLAW

I yield.

Deadheart releases her.

STRONGCLAW

How did you become so skilled? You're a medicine cat. When I taught you, you could barely land a blow.

DEADHEART

I was afraid. I learned not to be.

They stare at each other for a moment. Deadheart starts walking toward camp, but pauses. Ahead of them are Gourdstar and Loyalstar. Gourdstar and Loyalstar approach.

LOYALSTAR

Strongclaw, Deadheart. We figured you'd be here.

STRONGCLAW

How?

GOURDSTAR

You spar every sunset.

STRONGCLAW

Oh.

LOYALSTAR

(to Deadheart)

Tailfur is almost finished his portion of the herb count. It took a while to get catmint from twolegplace. He said Soup and Salad want you to visit them.

Deadheart nods. She turns back to Strongclaw.

STRONGCLAW

Bye.

Deadheart and Loyalstar head out, leaving Gourdstar and Strongclaw alone together.

Gourdstar turns toward the sun.

GOURDSTAR

Let's go watch the sunset.

He walks away. Strongclaw hesitates before following him.

SUNSPOT. SUNSET, SUMMER.

Gourdstar and Strongclaw loaf at the edge of the cliff, staring at the sun.

GOURDSTAR

There was no sun in the Dark Forest.

STRONGCLAW

Are you glad it's destroyed?

Gourdstar stares at the sun, frowning as he contemplates.

GOURDSTAR

I don't know.

Strongclaw sighs.

STRONGCLAW

StarClan is gone. Is a starless Clan even a Clan?

GOURDSTAR

You place all of your value in faith. How much time did you spend trying to please StarClan rather than living for yourself?

Strongclaw looks at the water below the cliff.

GOURDSTAR

Was any of this because you wanted to do it?

Strongclaw doesn't respond.

They stare at the sun again. Gourdstar looks back and forth from Strongclaw to the sun, unsure of what to say.

GOURDSTAR

The Dark Forest was empty for decades. It was nothing but me and the endless forest. No wind, no stars or moon. I gave up on keeping track of time. I saw no point in hoping that I'd make it out. Sometimes, I feel like I'm still there.

Strongclaw looks down toward the water again, ashamed.

GOURDSTAR

I think you're there with me.

STRONGCLAW

What?

GOURDSTAR

We're both lost. I was hopeless until Deadheart gave me a goal. Now that it's accomplished, I'm here—one sunset at a time.

STRONGCLAW

One sunset at a time. I think I can do that.

End the scene with a wide shot of them sitting in front of the sun.

SCENE 2. SOUP'S HOUSE. NIGHT, SUMMER.

Deadheart and Tailfur are in front of the door. Deadheart puts her nose to the cat door and it doesn't budge. She stares at it, confused. It beeps and she jumps backward.

Salad sticks his face out the door. When he sees the others, he smiles.

SALAD

Hey, Deadheart! And Tailfur. Our person installed a new door, so it only opens when I or Soup are near it. If I stand next to it, you guys should be able to come through.

He steps out of the way. Deadheart and Tailfur enter.

DEADHEART

Why did you want us here?

SALAD

We've got some news.

Salad leads them into another room. In it, Soup wrestles with a small kitten (Crouton). Crouton hears them approach and turns around, stopping the play fight.

SALAD

This is Crouton.

Croutons blinks at them.

CROUTON

(quietly)

Hi.

DEADHEART

Hello.

CROUTON

Are you here to wrestle, too?

Deadheart stares at him. Tailfur glances at her and steps forward.

TAILFUR

I'll wrestle.

Crouton smiles.

CROUTON

Great!

He launches himself at Tailfur. The others watch them for a little bit. Then, Deadheart turns to Soup.

DEADHEART

Crouton looks just like...

SOUP

Mhm. Spitting image.

DEADHEART

I miss him.

SOUP

I do, too. But looking at Crouton makes me wonder if Buster's theory is right.

DEADHEART

That we get recycled?

SOUP

Yeah. If it is, then he's here with us right now.

DEADHEART

That would be nice.

Fade out with a shot of Tailfur and Crouton playing.

》 SCENE 3. ENDING MONTAGE.

Images should scroll like a pop-up book with slideshow transitions. If the theme song is long enough, it might be ideal to play here. Otherwise, either get something custom or find slower-paced happy music. This section isn't necessary and can be cut or modified as preferred.

Tailfur and Deadheart stand near a Quickspring who has just given birth to a litter of kits. Her mate, Furpelt, embraces her.

Crouton meets Loyalstar (who, reminder, is in Breadheart's original body) and is confused by the resemblance.

Fuzz nurses pups while Tailfur shows Deadheart with uncontrollable joy.

Salad gives Deadheart a neck kerchief patterned with the aroace flag.

Wormbite and Spinethorn flirt awkwardly while Deadheart and Thornspine watch, embarrassed.

Deadheart sleeping in her nest with the neck kerchief Salad gave her.

Deadheart and Gourdstar watching the sunset at the Sunspot.