A/N : No longer dead. Back in the Warriors fandom. Yay.

Please bear with me as I get back into my groove.

Of Feathered Crow and Pool of Night

Feathertail and Leafpool crept around in the world of dreams, searching for a place to sit where not even the ears of StarClan would reach their conversations. The two she-cats had become closer after Crowfeather's blacked and hardened heart had frolicked to Nightcloud's side, leading them into bondage as mate and mate, father and mother, parents and child. Leafpool had a feeling that Breezekit was going to be exactly like his father.

In the deeps of StarClan's home, the two friends sat down and shared tongues. Feathertail's fur glowed like the silvery frost of the star that consumed her in death. Her blue eyes shone with mystery and hurt, as she knew why Leafpool had called her to speak. Leafpool's eyes glistened amber pools, telling a story of sadness and pain. She had come to tell Feathertail something she probably already knew; Nightcloud had given birth to Crowfeather's kits.

"How have you been, my friend? Have you found any cat suited to become an apprentice for you?"

"No, Feathertail. There haven't been any recent litters born with kittens that show any promise."

"I see," Feathertail replied. Her dappled fur was beautiful, and Leafpool wondered for a split second if this was the reason Crowfeather had fallen so hard for her in the first place.

"And how is the Clan? Firestar has been feeling better, Yellowfang mentioned—"

"I'm sorry, my friend, but I have not called you here to gossip and such," Leafpool said with a sigh. Feathertail nodded in understanding.

"Do you still love him?" Leafpool asked. The instant change in Feathertail's eyes allowed Leafpool to hear her answer loud and clear before speaking a word.

"Yes, I do. But you must learn to let go."

"I don't want to let go. I want him to be happy, but I want him to be happy with me," Leafpool confided.

"You should talk to him then," Feathertail said with a shrug. "Leafpool, you forget that you're ex-"

"Hush!" Leafpool hissed. Feathertail flicked her tail submissively.

"StarClan saw you mating, Leafpool. Your kits are destined for greatness." Feathertail nodded her head with such confidence that Leafpool's fur, which had begun to bristle, smoothed.

"I have every reason to worry about the safety of my kits. Until then, I have to speak to Crowfeather at the next Gathering. What choice do I have?"

Feathertail bumped her nose affectionately against Leafpool's. "You're very blessed, Leafpool," she said.

"Thank you, Feathertail. For everything." Feeling the cool pull of sleep leave her, Leafpool began to disappear in mid-air. Feathertail smiled at her in such a reassuring way that when Leafpool woke up, she thought nothing of the bastard, mixed kits that currently were growing inside of her.

"Crowfeather?" Leafpool hissed through the crowd, just close enough so that Crowfeather could hear her, but not loud enough for others to take notice.

"What do you want?" Crowfeather hissed. "My mate," the emphasis stung Leafpool like nettles, "recently gave birth to a kit. We'll never be and you know that." Leafpool shook her head slightly, as if trying to be rid herself of a stubborn gnat.

"We need to talk to each other. We need to meet soon. It's incredibly important." Leafpool's voice peaked desperation, and Crowfeather visibly relaxed. After a moment, he responded.

"I'll meet you tomorrow at the border by the stream at sunrise. If you aren't there when I arrive I won't stay." Leafpool nodded vigorously, and without another word, crept back to where her sister sat.

"Squirrelflight, I'm pregnant," she whispered, and jogged away quickly from her sister, who's face betrayed everything.

The next morning, Leafpool was up before the first birds. Creeping towards the border, she stopped only when she thought she scented Squirrelflight. Her sister had hammered her with questions the previous night, obviously upset with the secret her sister had hid from her. Fur bristling uncomfortably, Leafpool recounted the night the one night they had spent together after he had impregnated Nightcloud. Shame filled her in such an overwhelming wave that she felt bile rise to her throat.

"Leafpool?" she heard, a hiss no louder than a mouse's squeak. Leaping up from her sitting position, Leafpool crept over to her had-been mate. Crowfeather's eyes seared into her.

"Crowfeather, I have to tell you something."

"I don't care, Leafpool. I've mated with Nightcloud and she's pregnant." Leafpool looked past him for only a second, which was more than enough time for her to catch a glimpse of a shimmering, star-dappled pelt.

"You mated with me also," Leafpool muttered quietly. Her words and tone shredded Feathertail's heart. Crowfeather flinched, but held his hard exterior.

"So you called me here to remind me that you're hopelessly in love with me?" Crowfeather hissed, disgusted. Leafpool stepped forward to lean against him, but Crowfeather sprang backwards. "Cut it out!"

Silence followed his command. Leafpool felt nothing. Feathertail walked over to her and brushed against her softly.

"Alright, Crowfeather. Good bye." Leafpool stood and walked away from the black tom. Feathertail stared hard at him, watching the conflicted emotions run like cats from a fire in his eyes.

Leafpool left the border as quickly as she could, and then stopped, retching up her shrew from last night. Feeling no better, she stopped and sat, not knowing what to think.

"Leafpool?" The gentle voice of Feathertail wafted through the air. Her reassuring scent assisted Leafpool in ignoring the horrible taste in her mouth. Bending down, she nipped at blades of grass, and then spitting them out after moving them around in her mouth with her tongue. "I love you as one would a littermate. But I can no longer stay with you at this time." Feathertail's beautiful features flashed in the sunlight, and Leafpool said nothing as she sat, truly alone in the world.