| “ | Kill me. Kill me and live with the memory. Then tell the stars that you won. | „ |
| ~ Gray Wing while fighting Clear Sky |
| “ | I have traveled so far and loved so much, and yet I am still following the Sun Trail, heading for my new hunting grounds. | „ |
| ~ Gray Wing's final thoughts before joining StarClan |
Gray Wing is one of the overarching protagonists of Erin Hunter's Warriors books franchise.
He is the brother of SkyClan's founder Skystar - formerly known as Clear Sky, and was one of the cats to move to the forest from the Tribe of Rushing Water. He became horrified with his brother's heinous actions, and later had helped defeat both One Eye and Slash. Before his passing, he gave the five groups of cats settling in the forest the names they have today.
Appearance[]
Gray Wing is a sleek tom with dark gray fur and golden eyes. After The First Battle, he has a torn ear tip.
Biography[]
Dawn of the Clans[]
The Sun Trail[]
Gray Wing lives with his mother and siblings in the Tribe of Rushing Water. He and his brother Clear Sky take down a hawk together, and while Clear Sky wants to eat it, Gray Wing insists they take it back for their starving Tribemates. Upon returning to the cave, Gray Wing is distraught to know that the hawk won't be enough to feed everyone. His younger brother Jagged Peak wails for a bite, but it's instead given to the older members who will be hunting later.
While he's talking with Bright Stream, Silver Frost teases him by saying that Turtle Tail is pretty, knowing he has a crush on her. Stoneteller then tries and fails to get the elders to eat, with Gray Wing silently grateful for the distraction. He then wonders about an apparently meaningful discussion Stoneteller is having with Lion's Roar before his attention is turned to Quiet Rain praising her sons for their catch while watching her two younger kits play.
Stoneteller then calls for a meeting, which Gray Wing assumes to be her naming a successor. He's surprised when instead, she announces that the mountains can no longer support every cat in the Tribe, and tells them of a vision she's had of a place full of space and prey to move to. Gray Wing is skeptical, and along with his mother doesn't wish to leave the mountains, but Clear Sky is more than happy to go on an adventure to this new place. Gray Wing remains adamant about staying with his Tribe, even when Turtle Tail tries convicing him to leave.
A few days pass, and while hunting Gray Wing hears Clear Sky argue with Bright Stream over whether or not they should leave. Bright Stream then joins Gray Wing in hunting, glad to be away from his brother's pestering. While out, she asks him if he believes Stoneteller's words. He admits that he's dubious, wondering why no other cat has had the dream Stoneteller had. Bright Stream then tells him of her fears of leaving the mountains and conflicting emotions over being separated from Clear Sky, and Gray Wing promises to not share what she's told him with his brother.
The two are then distracted by a nearby hare, with the gray tom chasing it down and catching it. As the two eat, Gray Wing affirms his decision to stay in the Tribe. They then bring the remains of the hare to their Tribemates, with Gray Wing declining to join a group that's planning the best way out of the mountains. He instead gives some of the hare to Quiet Rain, who in turn tries giving it to her daughter Fluttering Bird. She tells him that the kit was too weak from hunger to get out of her nest that morning, but upon telling her that he intends to stay with the Tribe, his mother's spirits are lifted slightly. He then nudges Fluttering Bird to wake her up, only to find her barely breathing. He quickly fetches Stoneteller, who grimly tells Quiet Rain that there's nothing she can do, advising her to prepare for the kit's death. Gray Wing says goodbye to Fluttering Bird alongside Quiet Rain as she passes away, trying to assure his mother that her death wasn't her fault, but to no avail. He and Clear Sky then bury their little sister and hold a vigil for her, after which Quiet Rain tells him to go look for a new home with the others, not wanting him to die as well.
As the Tribe cats argue about whether or not they should leave, Lion's Roar suggests holding a vote like the one that decided they would move to the mountains a long time ago. Gray Wing gathers up stones for the cats to vote with, but when it comes time to cast his own, he decides to go against Quiet Rain's and Clear Sky's wishes, voting to stay. Despite this, the decision to leave ends up winning. His mother then tells him to find himself a better future, but Gray Wing is unable to accept the results and goes out to hunt. He fails to find any prey, and is angry to see Stoneteller outside the cave. He questions her vision, which she's still certain about. He then asks why they left the lake for the mountains and if the travel was worth it, and she replies that they'd come for a good reason, adding that she sees all of her Tribemates like her kits and doesn't regret anything. She then tries telling him that the future is unknowable and he should trust in his judgement to know what's right, and he retorts that her believes what's right is staying in the mountains.
As a group of Tribe cats lead by Shaded Moss is about to leave, Gray Wing says farewell to Clear Sky. His brother tries convincing him one last time to go with him, but the gray tom is determined to stay behind to take care of their mother and little brother. He takes note of Stoneteller's apprehension as she warns the departing cats of twolegs and monsters. After the travelers leave, Gray Wing is shocked to realize that the amount of elders and kits in the Tribe is now greater than the amount of able-bodied cats, but nevertheless he stands by his decision and goes to hunt. After bringing some prey back, he's optimistic about the Tribe's survival. Jagged Peak begs him to teach him how to hunt the next day, with the gray tom instructing him how to do so in the harsh terrain of the mountains. When the kitten tries catching a small hare though, a hawk starts to dive for him. As his older brother fights off the hawk, he manages to catch the hare.
Jagged Peak disappears the next day, and Gray Wing is unable to find him nearby, with Quiet Rain worrying she'd lost another kit. With Misty Water's help, he tracks down Jagged Peak's scent following that of the journeying cats, realizing he was trying to join them. Upon reporting this to his mother, she begs him to go find the kit. Eventually Gray Wing finds Jagged Peak hiding from an eagle, which the two are able to fight off. The younger tom is thankful that his sibling saved him, and they then head out to find the traveling cats. Upon finding the group, they decide to join them in their journey.
The group is attacked by four eagles a little while later, with Clear Sky making a plan to kill one of them while some others distract the other three. Clear Sky's mate Bright Stream is carried away however, and Gray Wing blames himself for this, thinking his brother must hate him for failing to save her. Upon apologizing to him though, Clear Sky tells Gray Wing that her blames himself for coming up with the plan, making his brother both relived and sad on his behalf. At last the travelling cats find their new home, settling into a moor as Tall Shadow is made the group's new leader following Shaded Moss' death. Gray Wing encounters two rogues named Wind and Gorse while hunting one day, befriending them despite their initial hostility and learning from them how to burrow underground to catch rabbits.
Later, Clear Sky and a few other cats suggest to leave the moorlands and live in the forest nearby. Tall Shadow says this idea is foolish, as rogues could more easily attack cats in smaller groups, to which Clear Sky says to vote on it. The option to stay in the moorlands wins, but Tall Shadow allows them to move to the forest anyway, saying that it's each cat's choice. Jagged Peak decides to go with Clear Sky, and as he watches them leave Gray Wing promises his brothers that he'll visit. He later discovers that Clear Sky has formed his own group and territory independent from the initial group, collecting many rogues to join it. He still gets opportunities to visit his brothers, but finds that ever since Bright Stream's death, Clear Sky has been changing and may no longer be the cat he used to know.
Gray Wing later meets and falls in love with a rogue named Storm, which Turtle Tail is not happy about. She's been constantly following him around and showing him affection in hopes he's notice her, and upon him falling for Storm she decides to go live in a nearby twolegplace with her friend, a kittypet named Bumble, but despite this the gray tome still visits her frequently. He and Storm start meeting up, but after introducing him to Clear Sky, she decides to go live with his brother instead. He soon finds out that Storm is in love with Clear Sky and is expecting their kittens, which leaves him shocked and hurt, but he accepts her choice.
One day, Jagged Peak falls out of a tree and irreparable damages one of his hind legs. Gray Wing finds this out during one of his visits, and is shocked and horrified when Clear Sky kicks his little brother out for being "useless" to his group. Upon confronting his littermate about this, Clear Sky expresses no regret, saying that it's for the good of his group. Enraged and disgusted, Gray Wing attacks him, but Clear Sky overpowers him, ordering him to leave and never come back. Upset, Gray Wing returns to the moorland with Jagged Peak in tow. As leafbare comes, prey in the moor becomes scarce, forcing Gray Wing to hunt in the forest. There, he encounters Clear Sky, Storm, and a new member of his group named Fox. Gray Wing is attacked by Fox while his brother watches the two fight apathetically. Realizing that Fox intends to kill him, Gray Wing lashes out at his foe, slashing his neck open. Fox dies from the wound, enraging Clear Sky who threatens his brother. Storm, seeing what her mate is truly like, apologizes to Gray Wing and says he was right about Clear Sky before running away to the twolegplace. Gray Wing urges Clear Sky to go after her, but he refuses, saying his group is more important.
Later, Gray Wing goes to the twolegplace to ask Turtle Tail and Bumble if they know where Storm is. Turtle Tail hesitates, still visibly envious, and says she doesn't know. Bumble however shows Gray Wing that she's taken up residence in an abandoned twoleg nest. When he visits Storm though, she refuses to let him see her newborn litter of kittens. He leaves sadly, concluding that she wants to cut him out of her life along with Clear Sky. Despite this, he still brings her a rabbit to eat later. Turtle Tail later warns him that the twoleg nest Storm is in is being torn down, and he rushes over to save her. Once he gets there though, he's distraught to find that Storm and her kits have been crushed under the falling rubble. Before she dies, he asks Gray Wing to tell Clear Sky that she's sorry. Gray Wing and Turtle Tail then find that one of her three kits - a bright orange tom - had miraculously survived. They discover that he doesn't have a name, and Turtle tail suggests naming him Thunder in honor of his mother.
Gray Wing shows Clear Sky his son and explains what happened to storm and his littermates. Remembering the loss of Bright Stream, Clear Sky is distraught and refuses to take Thunder in, saying he'd be a constant reminder of what happened. Instead, Gray Wing takes Thunder back to the moorlands with him, where he's nursed by Hawk Swoop alongside her own litter. Some of his peers are uncertain as to what Clear Sky will think, but after telling them that he disowned his son, Gray Wing states that he'll be Thunder's father from then on.
Thunder Rising[]
Gray Wing raises Thunder while leading the moor cats alongside Tall Shadow. While taking Thunder out for hunting training alongside his adoptive siblings Lightning Tail and Acorn Fur, he reminisces on when he and Clear Sky were young and carefree like them as he watches them play-fight. He notices someone behind him and is stunned to see Turtle Tail, who had lift kittypet life behind quite a while ago. She remarks how much Thunder had grown before telling Gray Wing about her life as a housecat. When she mentions a kittypet named Tom, Gray Wing asks who that is and she becomes uncomfortable. She then says she missed her friends on the moorlands, and when the gray tom notices she's pregnant and asks how it happened, she admits that Tom is the father, and the real reason she left the twolegplace was so her kittens wouldn't be taken away when they were born.
When they meet up with Wind and Gorse, Gray Wing and Turtle Tail are introduced to a silver tom named River Ripple. After sharing a rabbit with him, River Ripple says that he's a cat full of surprises while leaving. Soon after Gray Wing and his patrol are attacked by a pack of dogs, and when they retreat to camp the dogs follow them there. After the dogs are driven out, Gray Wing notices that Jagged Peak and Thunder are missing. After Thunder returns, the dogs come back as well. After driving them away again, Gray Wing finds Jagged Peak hiding in a hole and tells him it's safe to come out. Just then though, the soil comes loose and Jagged Peak is buried, leaving his brother terrified until Wind and Gorse dig him out. The moor cats then return home with Wind and Gorse accompanying them, with the two rogues trying to tell the group about tunneling until Tall Shadow tells them to leave.
Afterwards, Jackdaw's Cry and Shattered Ice criticize Tall Shadow's leadership and suggest Gray Wing lead them instead, and after the conversation escalates into a slew of insults, an offended Tall Shadow stalks away into the darkness. Gray Wing then tells his peers that he doesn't wish to be leader, and after talking over the matter, he tells everyone to go to sleep. He then thanks Jagged Peak for telling the group about Clear Sky's group. His brother replies insecurely that they didn't listen to him anyways, and Gray Wing wonders if his younger sibling will ever regain his confidence.
The next day, Gray Wing and Thunder go hunting together, with the former getting annoyed at the latter's insistence to stalk prey instead of chase it. Upon scolding his adoptive son, Thunder gets annoyed as well. The orange tom then finds some more prey, but just as about Gray Wing is about to praise him for his observation he hears a loud cry. Dappled Pelt yowls that Turtle Tail is going into labor, and Gray Wing knows it's happening too soon. Soon after three kittens are born; two toms and a she-kit. Gray Wing tells Turtle Tail that she'll be a great mother, and she laments that she wishes they had a father. Gray Wing is taken aback by this, wondering if she's hinting that she wants him to be their father.
Gray Wing is visited by Stoneteller in his dreams, who tells them that there's a new future waiting for him and he needs to set his paws unto a new path. She then brings up the idea of him being the leader of the moor cats, but he tells her that Tall Shadow is already the leader. Stoneteller then asks what the coming seasons hold, advising Gray Wing to walk his new path with bravery. Gray Wing later visits Turtle Tail and her kits after hunting for her, and thinks about how she said her litter needs a father. He remembers how he thought he'd never have kittens of his own when his crush Storm died, but with Thunder and now these three kittens, he's no longer so sure. Turtle Tail tells Gray Wing the next morning that she's named her children: the gray tom is Owl Eyes, the tortoiseshell she-kit is Sparrow Fur, and the dark gray tom is Pebble Heart.
Later, Gray Wing and Turtle Tail find Bumble on the moor, covered in claw marks. When asked, she says that Tom had scratched her and she's tired of living with him in the twolegplace, wondering if she could join the moor cats. Gray Wing is shocked by this, knowing there's no way that would work out, and Turtle Tail tells her that Tall Shadow won't accept her. Bumble asks to speak to Tall Shadow herself, sayin she can be very convincing. The two allow her to, and when they bring her to Tall Shadow, the black she-cat asks why they brought her there. Gray Wing explains that she wishes to join them, but Tall Shadow quickly refuses, not allowing Bumble to try convincing her. Wind then tells Bumble that she can't join, surprising the other cats, as she was seemingly trying to undermine Tall Shadow's leadership. Wind and Gorse then escort an angry Bumble back to the twolegplace, and Tall Shadow apologizes to Gray Wing for how she acted. He forgives her, and she then asks if she should let Wind and Gorse join them officially. He doesn't directly say yes, but heavily implies that she should. She then wonders if she should let someone else take take over as leader, commenting that their peers want Gray Wing to lead them. She then asks the gray tom to leave her to her thoughts, and as he walks away, he thinks about how clever Wind is and that there's something about her.
The next morning,, Gray Wing awakes to smoke and finds that the forest is on fire. He instantly worries about his brother, and as he leads some of his peers into the forest to help, he finds that twolegs had started the fire. He and Thunder go into the burning woods despite the other's warnings, and find Moon Shadow on fire. The two help Moon Shadow's campmates to extinguish the flames, after which Cloud Spots and Dapples Pelt guide him to safety. Gray Wing then sees a wall of fire, and determined to save Clear Sky, tries leaping through it against his campmate's wishes. His attempts fail though, and Thunder tells him that there's nothing any of them can do. They then try guiding Moon Shadow to safety, but Jackdaw's Cry yowls that there' no way out. Gray Wing looks around for Clear Sky, with Thunder trying to get him to leap over the flames to escape. He jumps, but a cloud of smoke makes him disappear from view as he does. Thunder soon finds him coughing heavily before River Ripple arrives to guide the cats out. Thunder then asks his father if he's ok, and Gray Wing sharply says that he's fine, with his son hurt that he didn't see how brave he was.
When getting back to the moor, Gray Wing is horrified that his group wants him to lead them, after he was unable to save his friends from the fire and had lead them into danger. River Ripple then tells Gray Wing that it's nice to see him again and tries to lead the group across a river where the fire won't get them, but the gray tom insists on finding his brother. The silver tom retorts that he needs to get to safety first, and after he reaches the other side of the river with the rest of the group, he calls Clear Sky's name. He gets a replying yowl and sees his littermate on the other side of the river, with the fire quickly approaching him. After Clear Sky crosses the river bank, Gray Wing offers that he stay in the moor until they're able to return to the forest. He then tells him that Thunder had been the one to save him, and Clear Sky comments that he's a brave cat, but warns him to stay away from fire.
While walking back to the hollow with Clear Sky after catching a hare, Gray Wing is hurt by his brother's more hostile change in personality, thinking that Thunder didn't seem to mean anything to him despite being his son. When they get back, he notices that the moorland and forest groups are just as separated as ever, the fire doing nothing to bring them closer. Tall Shadow then calls him over and tells him to take over leadership while she tends to her brother Moon Shadow's burns. Gray Wing is shocked and asks if she's certain, to which Tall Shadow replies that their peers no longer want her to lead them. She adds that she wasn't a true leader during the fire, as she was crouching away from the danger while he went in to save the forest cats. He wonders how he could refuse, wondering if the dream he had with Stoneteller meant he should become leader.
He then listens to Clear Sky and Thunder talking and sees Jagged Peak walk over to them. Clear Sky berates his little brother that surviving was the best he could do during the fire, and gray Wing interrupts, saying he was very useful. Jagged Peak, enraged, spits that Clear Sky only thinks of him as a waste of space before storming off. Clear Sky then looks to Gray Wing and says he didn't mean to make Jagged Peak upset, and he just tries to do what's best for everyone. Gray Wing questions him if "what's best" is humiliating his brother. Later, Clear Sky offers to have Thunder join the forest group, and Gray Wing tells him that he's still growing up and doesn't need to decide yet. Thunder retorts that he isn't a kitten anymore, but then points out that Clear Sky had disowned him, while Gray Wing was the reason he's alive. Clear Sky then congratulates him on "passing the test", to which Gray Wing coldly thinks that he must be kidding, and can't believe that he's trying to convince Thunder that he turned him away out of love. He then realizes that Thunder does in fact want to join the forest group to be with his birth father. Clear Sky looks at him challengingly, and he thinks that it's a challenge he's not prepared to meet. Knowing Thunder will be leaving the moorlands soon, he accepts that all he can do is prepare him.
When Tall Shadow announces that Gray Wing is the new leader of the moorlands, all the other cats cheer for him, and Clear Sky comments that he'll make a good leader. Gray Wing replies that hopefully they'll get to see each other more often now, but his brother doubts this, asking who the leader is and saying it's difficult to tell nowadays. Gray Wing is caught off guard by this, and Clear Sky tells him he should make his cats more organized. When the forest cats are about to leave with Thunder going with them, the gray tom is hurt that he seems to have forgotten that he raised him from kithood. He tells Thunder to say goodbye to Hawk Swoop after all she'd done for him, and as his adoptive son leaves he worries when they'll next see each other.
Gray Wing finally accepts Turtle Tail's offer to be the father of her litter, and begins growing closer to her as well. Rainswept Flower remarks that he'd finally figured out what was obvious, and he thinks that he and Turtle Tail might be meant for each other after all. Due to the smoke from the fire though, he develops asthma that gradually gets worse. As he break into a coughing fit, Pebble Heart goes to get coaltsfoot for him while two of his newly-adopted kits, Owl Eyes and Sparrow Fur, ask him to get better. Gray Wing assures them he will, and Sparrow Fur says that they've never had a father like him, asking if he's their birth father. When Gray Wing is unable to answer, Turtle Tail tells them that he's the best father anyone could ask for before beckoning her kits to go take a nap. Gray Wing then asks Cloud Spots if he's going to get better, to which the black-and-white tom rolls his eyes and says that if he can survive the mountains, he could live through a cough. Cloud Spots then adds that not only do his and Turtle Tail's kits need him, but so do all the moor cats he leads. Pebble Heart and Cloud Spots then work together to tend to Gray Wing, who feels hopeful.
Gray Wing wakes up to hear Lightning Tail announcing that Wind and Gorse will be given new names to better fit in. Wind becomes Wind Runner, and Gorse becomes Gorse Fur. Lightning Tail then remarks that he wishes Thunder could see the two new members of their group to help lead. Gray Wing is annoyed by this, saying he though leadership was his job now, and when Lightning Tail tries avoiding the topic, he demands to know what the black-and-white tom meant. Lightning Tail explains that he thinks Gorse Fur and Wind Runner will help stand up to Clear Sky, and Acorn Fur then pads over to ask what their arguing about. Gray Wing says a thinly-veiled jab at Lightning Tail, who walks away, hurt. Gray Wing then thanks Wind Runner and Gorse Fur for joining them, asking his peers if the two of them have their support, to which they yowl that they do.
Gray Wing reluctantly takes Owl Eyes, Sparrow Fur and Pebble Heart out to hunt the day after, where he breaks into another fit of coughing. Pebble Heart uses his extensive knowledge of herbs to help his father, and gray Wing is impressed, comparing his skills to that of Stoneteller's. He then asks if he's had any strange dreams like she has, to which Pebble Heart shakes his head, but the gray tom knows he's lying. After hearing about the coughing fit, Turtle Tail takes her mate out of camp and demands to know what is wrong. Gray Wing tries stalling, but when that doesn't work, he admits that he doesn't feel like a leader, both due to his health problems and because of how he was unable to lead his cats out of the forest fire, having to rely on Thunder and River Ripple to sav them. Suddenly the two are attacked by dogs, but Wind Runner and Gorse Fur come to their aid. As they head back to camp, Gray Wing thanks his mate for keeping his secret, but she sharply replies that she didn't agree to anything before saying they should go home. Back at the camp, Gray Wing reports the dog attack and tells his campmates to stay in the hollow until they're certain the dogs are gone.
That night, Gray Wing notices Pebble Heart thrashing about in his sleep, realizing he's dreaming. He wakes up his son and asks what's wrong, and Pebble Heart tells him he had a dream of walking down a long tunnel and finding a bright star at the end, with voices all around him. He then reveals that he's had this dream multiple times, but has never been able to reach the bright star before waking up. After telling him about the Tribe's Stoneteller, Gray Wing asks what the dream was about this time, and his son starts to tremble as he says it was of a terribly violent battle, remarking that he though he saw Clear Sky there. Gray Wing then thinks about how Pebble Heart is special and needs to be protected, telling him not to share his dreams with anyone else, but to alert him if they continue. He then hears a yowl of grief, rushing outside to see Moon Shadow has died. The amber-eyed tom is horrified to learn that his campmate had died while everyone else was asleep.
After burying Moon Shadow, Gray Wing returns to find Owl Eyes and Sparrow Fur missing. He yells at Jagged Peak, who was supposed to be watching over them, and soon after Sparrow Fur returns and explains that Owl Eyes was trying t hunt. Gray Wing organizes a search party and asks Tall Shadow if she'll help, and she replies that she will, not wanting another cat to die after losing her brother. They search party soon finds Owl Eyes, who had caught a vole. Gray Wing is furious that he snuck off, but before he can scold him, a badger attacks the group. They outrun the badger, but Owl Eyes tries to fight it and is injured. Gray Wing takes him back to camp, wondering anxiously how he can be leader when he can't even protect his own son. Pebble Heart then treats his littermate's wounds, stating that Cloud Spots and Dappled Pelt had taught him how. Turtle Tail glares at Gray Wing, asking how he could have allowed Owl Eyes to fight a badger and saying he could have been killed. Gray Wing, shocked, is about to defend himself before he breaks into another coughing fit. Turtle Tail sharply says he can't be leader anymore, as he's seriously ill and needs time to recover. H's about to argue, but his vision begins fading and he passes out.
Later, when Wind Runner calls a meeting, Gray Wing sees Turtle Tail glaring at her and worries that she may start an argument. As Wind Runner announces how she was attacked by one of Clear Sky's patrols - one with Thunder in it - Gray Wing is disgusted to thinks that his own son is now "one of them". She continues that a rogue named Misty had been found dead, with Thunder's scent on her. The moor cats are surprised that Wind Runner is now acting like their leader, and suggest she take a patrol to question Clear Sky about the incident. Gray Wing offers to lead it, determined to show that he's still the leader. As the patrol makes their way to the forest though, they see Turtle tail's kittypet friend Bumble laying on the ground, fatally wounded. Cloud Spots rushes over and tries to save her, but laments that it's too late to do anything. The patrol finds Clear Sky's scent on her body, and after Wind Runner remarks that there must have been a fight, Clear Sky himself shows up. He claims he was only warning Bumble, and gives Gray Wing a cold glare as he greets him. Gray Wing shrinks under his gaze that accused him of betrayal, and as Clear Sky reiterates that he was only warning Bumble, Turtle Tail lashes out at him. Gray Wing does nothing to stop her, to which Clear Sky says he now sees where his brother's loyalties lie before skulking away. Bumble then dies of blood loss, and after burying her the patrol returns to camp. After relaying what happened, Gray Wing states that they need to get to the bottom of what's happening to Clear Sky. Turtle Tail asks if he'll be the one to do it, and he questions who else it could be.
The First Battle[]
Gray Wing finds himself back in the Tribe of Rushing Water in his dreams. He looks around, reflecting on everything that had happened since he left, and wonders how Quiet Rain is doing. Stoneteller then appears and says his mother is fine. He then wonders how she'd react to Jagged Peak's injury and how different Clear Sky now was. Stoneteller tells Gray Wing that it isn't his fault, stating that having less makes cats share, while having more makes them greedy. She then warns him of an upcoming war, and he worries that it will be against his brother. She then says she's glad he finally recognized his love for Turtle Tail, telling him to remember everyone who loves him. She continues that he'd brought about change, and that she has faith in him, disappearing as Gray Wing calls out for her and abruptly wakes up.
He later sees Wind Runner pacing around camp, fretting about a possible attack from Clear Sky. Gray Wing is hesitant to fight the forest cats, not wanting to hurt his own kin, but Tall Shadow agrees with Wind Runner. Rainswept Flower remarks that they don't want the forest, and Clear Sky doesn't want the moor. Gorse Fur argues that Clear Sky is killing cats to keep control of the forest, but Gray Wing retorts that they have no proof, wondering how his brother could possible be a murderer. Upon asking Cloud Spots for his thoughts, he replies that they need more prey, so Gray Wing orders some of his campmates to go hunt. He, Tall Shadow and Wind Runner then start discussing the threat Clear Sky could pose, with Gray Wing drawing a map in the ground and pointing out places where his brother may next target to expand his territory.
He's interrupted when Rainswept Flower yowling the word thunder, thinking she's referring to a storm until he sees an orange pelt coming into view. He rushes over to his son, who is carrying an injured white tom named Frost on his back, and notices how much he's grown as he greets him. He then asks why Thunder had come to the moorlands, and while at first Thunder doesn't answer, he soon reveals that when Frost was injured from the fire, Clear Sky deemed him no longer useful and told Thunder to take the white tom out of camp and leave him somewhere to die. Disgusted by the request, Thunder refused to, leaving his birth father's group and taking Frost with him. Gray Wing then brings up Bumble's death, asking if Thunder knows anything about it. The orange tom says that Clear Sky hadn't said anything about it.
Thunder then asks Gray Wing to talk sense into Clear Sky, as he's the only one he'd listen to. The gray tom asks Tall Shadow if he could go, but she's hesitant to let him go on his own. He understands this and calls a meeting, asking for volunteers to accompany him, and Gorse Fur and Jackdaw's Cry both offer to go. Cloud Spots tells them to wait though, and Gray Wing obliges. He later visits Pebble Heart, only to find him having a nightmare. Upon waking him, his son describes a nightmare of bloody fighting, saying it isn't right for kin to hurt each other. he then says that the worst part was that Gray Wing and Turtle Tail were both gone, and his father wonders if he has prophetic dreams like Stoneteller, hoping that his dream would not come true. He then tells Pebble Heart that he won't leave him, hoping that Clear Sky to compromise with him when they meet.
When Tall Shadow tells him and Thunder that Wind Runner and Gorse Fur will become official members of the group, Gray Wing notices that his son doesn't seem too thrilled. The orange tom then confides in him, saying that they should find a peaceful solution instead of talking of fighting all the time. Afterwards, Tall Shadow beckons Gray Wing over to tell him that Wind Runner is pregnant. He thinks that it's great news, but she and Tall Shadow disagree, thinking that it's a bad time for kits to be born with the looming threat of Clear Sky. Upon Tall Shadow announcing that Wind Runner and Gorse Fur are not official members of their group, everyone else voices their approval.
Later, Rainswept Flower accidentally wakes up Gray Wing while sneaking out with Jagged Peak, though does not notice. Gray Wing follows and hears the two talking about what to do with Clear Sky. Rainswept Flower suggests making him see reason, but Jagged Peak argues that his older brother can't be reasoned with, as he's seen first-hand how heartless he is. Gray Wing wonders if Jagged Peak will ever forgive Clear Sky for what he's done, and his younger brother says that he doesn't know the danger he's putting himself in. The amber-eyed tom wonders if he should confront the two, but decides against it, wanting to hear more of what they think. Jagged Peak and Rainswept Flower then begin looking for someone who can talk Clear Sky down and show him how much he's changed for the worse. Jagged Peak believes that neither he nor Gray Wing could do it, and suggests to Rainswept Flower that she could. She's shocked, and he explains that her and Clear Sky were childhood friends and she was friends with his old mate Bright Stream. She's unsure, but says she'll thinks about it. As the two go to their nests, Gray Wing thinks that his little brother is wrong about him, and he could get through to Clear Sky.
Gray Wing later sends Thunder and Jackdaw's Cry to Clear Sky's camp without him, telling them to leave as soon as they can if things start to look dangerous. The two go to the forest and tell Clear Sky that his brother wants to meet him at the hollow that would become Fourtrees in between their territories in a few days. Clear Sky agrees to meet him at midnight in two days from then. Thunder then comes back to the moorlands alone, stating that Clear Sky is holding Jackdaw's Cry in his camp until after the meeting. Gray Wing wonders if his brother doesn't trust him and is thus taking a hostage in case of battle. When the moor cats worry that Jackdaw's Cry will be hurt, Gray Wing assures them that their campmate will be fine, wondering if his peers all think that Clear Sky is a monster. Thunder then says that Turtle Tail's ex-mate Tom wants to see her, and when the she-cat says she must go, a shocked Gray Wing tries to stop her. Turtle Tail retorts that if she doesn't, Tom will find her himself and discover her kits. Gray Wing relents but goes with her alongside Tall Shadow.
Thunder then takes the three to where Tom is waiting, who says he came to pay his respects to Bumble. He then asks Turtle Tail to return to living with him as a kittypet, saying he misses their "play-fights". This enrages Turtle Tail, who attacks him until Gray Wing has to pull her off. Tom then notes that Turtle Tail had kittens, and she bluffs that they don't mean anything to her, but accidentally reveals the opposite. Tom, intrigued, says that they probably want to know who their birth father is. Gray Wing then goes back to camp, but on the way his coughing acts up again, and Turtle Tail catches up with him, escorting him home where he collapses in his nest.
Stoneteller visits him in his dreams once more, her eyes blazing as she tells him to wake up, warning that his loved ones are in danger. When he wakes, Turtle Tail informs him that Wind Runner is giving birth to her and Gorse Fur's kittens. He whispers that now isn't a good time for kits with danger on the horizon, but assures himself that Thunder will guide them through whatever happens. Wind Runner then gives birth to a litter of four: Moth Flight, Dust Muzzle, Morning Whisker and Emberkit. Right after though, Gray Wing and Turtle Tail notices that his own kits ae gone. He hears Turtle Tail's cry of alarm realizing that her children are gone.
Jagged Peak reports that Wind Runner's kitting had gone well, and revealing that he saw a kittypet stealing Gray Wing's and Turtle Tail's kids, with the gray tom suspecting it was Tom. As the cats of the moor settle down to eat, Tall Shadow asks if Gray Wing had though of what he would say to Clear Sky, with Shattered Ice commenting that the forest cats' leader was a greedy coward. Gray Wing wonders if his brother is expanding his territory to make sure he didn't lose anyone else like he lost Bright Stream, Storm and his other kits. He then scouts out a place in the hollow to meet Clear Sky at, with Tall Shadow tagging along. He finds a tall rock in the center and figures it would be a good spot, as it may remind his littermate of the mountains and the cat he used to be. He then states that he'll be meeting with Clear Sky alone, but Tall Shadow replies sharply that won't happen. She says that Gray Wing hadn't asked his brother to see him alone, and the golden-eyed tom realizes that he can't predict what Clear Sky will do, thinking they would meet as brothers but now feeling unsure. The black she-cat says that she and Thunder will be going with him to the meeting, and when he asks if she really thinks his own kin would hurt him, to which she replies that she isn't sure what he's capable of.
When Gray Wing and Tall Shadow get back to camp, Gorse fur tells them that Emberkit has passed away. Gray Wing tries comforting Wind Runner by telling her that Emberkit is in a better place now. Wind Runner snaps that he's not a "real" parent, and that just because he pretended Turtle Tail's kit were his own doesn't mean he known what it's like to lose a child. She continues that she hopes he never loses a kid, and if he does, she'll tell him that they're "in a better place" and see if that comforts him. Hawk Swoop then tells Gray Wing that she doesn't mean it, and is just too grief-stricken to know what she's saying. Gray Wing understands, but is still hurt by Wind Runner's words. He then wonders where Turtle Tail has gone, hoping that she'll bring their kits back with her when she returns, as he needs the four of them.
A little while later, Thunder, Lightning Tail and River Ripple find the missing kits and yowl for Turtle Tail when they get back to camp. Gray Wing is overjoyed to see them again, but wonders why Turtle Tail hasn't returned yet and is about to go looking for her before Thunder stops him, somberly informing him that she's dead. He tells his son not to be a mouse-brain, arguing that she would never leave her children, and Sparrow Fur angrily asks why the kits were brought back if their mother is dead. Gray Wing then realizes that what Thunder says is true, and flooded with grief, he promises their kids that he'll look after them just as she had. He thanks thinks back on how she always lifted her spirits and wonders how she can be gone.
Wind Runner apologizes to Gray Wing for lashing out at him the next morning, saying she never should have wished grief on him. After Emberkit's vigil, Turtle Tail is honored even though they can't bury her, as her body is in the twolegplace. During the burial, Gray Wing vows that he'll never forget Turtle Tail and will make sure their litter grow up safe on the moor. Tall Shadow then reminds him that the meeting with Clear Sky will be soon, advising him to rest. the golden-eyed tom wonders how he can argue about territories after the tragedy he's just endured, closing his eyes and imagining Turtle Tail telling him that he's the only one that can stop his brother from bringing about war.
As the cats get ready for the meeting with Clear Sky, Gray Wing asks Pebble Heart if he's ok, to which his son replies that danger is lurking in the hollow they will meet in. On the way to the hollow, Thunder asks why Pebble Heart is behaving so strangely, and Gray Wing explains that he has visions like Stoneteller, asking his son not to reveal this to anyone else, as he only told Thunder in case something happened to him. When they get to the hollow, they see that Clear Sky had brought every member of his group. Clear Sky requests that Gray Wing show himself so they may talk, and as the meeting begins atop a large rock in the center of the hollow, Thunder tries to say something before Clear Sky silences him, telling him he was always Gray Wing's son. Gray Wing then tries to get his brother to remember the journey they went on and how everyone worked together, but his littermate retorts that he remembers everyone who died and how hostile the rogues were. Tall Shadow then pipes up and asks if they can be united in the fact that they don't control the forest. He looks like he's about to agree when Jackdaw's Cry announces that he caught a bat and remarks that he hasn't eaten ever since he joined Clear Sky's group. Thunder is shocked by this and is about to remind Clear Sky of his promise to keep Jackdaw's Cry safe, but the forest leader silences him once more, accusing the orange tom of betrayal and stating that he shouldn't exist.
Clear Sky then orders his cats to attack, and his followers begin fighting the moor cats who were sitting in the clearing. Gray Wing, Thunder and Clear Sky are the only ones left on the rock as Tall Shadow joins the fight, the white-and-gray tom hissing to his kin to watch their followers die. Gray Wing tells Thunder to get reinforcements, trying to distract his brother by asking his cats if they're proud to be fighting his battles for him. Clear Sky retorts by asking Gray Wings cats why they listen to someone who only left the Tribe to follow his brother, stating that Gray Wing is a follower while he is a leader. Soon Thunder returns with a large amount of reinforcements, telling Clear Sky that they're here to save Gray Wing and their campmates. Clear Sky mockingly says to go get them before Fox's sister Petal tackles Gray Wing, yowling that she'll avenge her brother's death. Dew joins her until Thunder drives the both of them off.
Rainswept Flower then tells Clear Sky that he's greedy, and he kills her in a fit of rage, stating that he isn't greedy, just strong. Gray Wing is enraged and attacks his brother, clawing at him relentlessly as Clear Sky taunts that if he hadn't killed Rainswept Flower, someone else would have. Thunder notes that the two know each other's every move from play-fighting in their childhood, but now they were out for blood. Clear Sky snarls as he asks why Gray Wing always has to challenge him, spitting that he could've just let his brother make the boundaries he wanted instead of bringing about war. Gray Wing snaps back that he betrayed his family and everyone he travelled with, asking if he wanted to leave the mountains just for the two of them to kill each other. He adds that he's glad Storm is dead, as she wouldn't have wanted to see any of this, and Clear Sky hurls himself at the gray tom, telling him to never mention Storm's name.
Soon Clear Sky defeats Gray Wing and towers over him, demanding him to give up. Gray Wing retorts that he'll never surrender to him, and Clear Sky lifts a paw in response, ready to deliver the killing blow. Gray Wing tells him to kill him and live with the memory of murdering his own brother, then tell the stars of his "victory". Clear Sky hesitates, telling his brother to not make him do this, saying he only wanted to keep his cats safe. Gray Wing responds that he's so power-hungry that he'd slaughter his own sibling to get what he wants, but Clear Sky instead turns away, saying that he could never before ordering his cats to stop attacking.
As everyone looks over the many bodies of those killed in the battle, Clear Sky sees that Hawk Swoop is one of them, and all her kits (including Thunder) are surrounding her, mourning. He grunts that they're acting like kits, and Gray Wing tells him that's because they are Hawk Swoops kits. His brother retorts that Thunder isn't, and he tells him that she raised him from kittenhood. Shattered Ice then comes up to Gray Wing to ask if he's ok, and after assuring him that he is, he sends Shattered Ice back to camp to have his injuries treated. Tall Shadow refuses to return to camp to get her own wounds tended to though, not wanting to leave Gray Wing alone with Clear Sky after he was nearly killed by him. River Ripple then shows up and remarks that they had brought death to their new home, and Gray Wing concurs, saying that they had taken defending their territory too far. Wind Runner then comments on how greedy Clear Sky is, and the gray tom tells her how he gave his food to his starving sister Fluttering Bird back in the Tribe, stating that no one changes too much. Clear Sky is surprised that his brother is defending him after what he's done, and the amber-eyed tom asks him why they can't live side-by-side anymore.
Suddenly, dozens of spirits appear in the hollow, including all those who had just been killed. Turtle Tail is among them, thanking River Ripple for saving her kits and chastising Clear Sky for what he's done before ordering him to leave so she may speak with Gray Wing. He begs her to stay with him, but she tells him that she's there for everyone, not just him. He wonders if he really wants to know what the spirits have come to tell everyone before seeing a shooting star in the sky. Storm then states that they all live under the same stars, Fircone continues that the same moon shines in all their nests, and Shattered Ice adds that they all must unite or die. Clear Sky understands, promising to change his ways and live as one with the other cats of the moorlands and forest. Turtle Tail then says farewell to Gray Wing as all the spirit cats leave, after which Clear Sky asks what they just saw. Gray Wing answers that he doesn't know, and as all the cats are left confused, Tall Shadow states that they need to start burying the bodies.
The Blazing Star[]
In his dreams, Gray Wing once more finds himself back in the Tribe of Rushing Water, noticing a few new things such as Dewy Leaf having given birth. He then sees Stoneteller entering the Cave of Pointed Stones, a place only she is allowed into. He figures that since it's a dream, she wouldn't know if he followed her in, but to his shock, as soon as he enters the cave she asks why he's following her without even turning around. He wonders how its possible, since he now lives so far away from the mountains, and she turns to him and replies that there will always be a part of his heart belonging to the Tribe. She then tells him that there is a great destiny awaiting him and his allies, but it won't wait forever as the gray tom awakes.
The cats return to the hollow to bury their fallen, and as they work Tall Shadow yowls that the can never allow something like this to happen again. She states that they all must work together peacefully from now on, suggesting that they return to the hollow a moon from now to hear what the spirits have to say next. Clear Sky agrees, remarking how relived he is to have others telling him what to do, and Gray Wing realizes his violence was in part from the stress of managing the forest cats all on his own. Tall Shadow says that any cat should receive help, asking Gray Wing if he agrees since he's a leader. Gray Wing then passes his leadership to Thunder, telling him that he's proved himself a capable leader in battle, and that the gray tom will need time to think about the battle and what the future entails. He then crouches down with grief before everyone goes home, though Acorn Fur decides to go with Clear Sky instead. When the moor cats get back to camp, they find three rogues named Holly, Mouse Ear, and Mud Paws who request to join the group, to which Thunder accepts.
One moon later, Gray Wing looks out upon all the graves in the hollow, promising to himself that it will never be forgotten as a burial place. He also promises that Turtle Tail's life will be honored, and reminisces on how she shouldn't have died alone in the twolegplace. River Ripple then says somberly that he has seen more pain and death last moon than he had his whole life. He adds that by greenleaf, the entire hollow will be sheltered in blooming flowers, suggesting to Gray Wing that he shouldn't return here. Gray Wing questions River Ripple's judgement, and the silver tom laugh before asking if he's learned nothing, pointing out that he's a loner and knows more than most other cats in the forest. HE then tells Gray Wing to stop being so hard on himself and go back to the cats who love him. The gray tom replies that he can't leave the spirits all alone, and River Ripple tells him they won't be alone, as they have each other, and he must now focus his attention on the living cats on the moor. Gray Wing thanks the silver loner for his support, asking if he wants to join the moorland group, but River Ripple declines. He tells Gray Wing that they'll meet again soon though, as he's too curios to stay away, teasing that if he finds him in the hollow again, he'll demand prey from his latest hunt. Gray Wing teases back that he'll have to catch him first though, before leaping away.
Back at camp, Gray Wing is proud to see how well Thunder is lading everyone, remembering how he used to trip over his own paws as a kitten but has now grown into a capable fighter. He then asks Pebble Heart if he's had any more visions, but the young tom claims that he didn't. The amber-eyed tom picks up on the fact that he's lying and wonders why his son wouldn't want to confide in him, but reminds himself that Pebble Heart will tell him of his dreams when the time is right, and pestering him about it won't help. Thunder then tells his father that the next meeting at the hollow will be soon, wondering if the spirits will show up again. Gray Wing wonders the same thing, but they had promised the spirits that they would unite.
At the hollow, Gray Wing is relived to see that the cats of the forest and moorlands are now getting along much better, hoping that the worst is behind them and they can start planning for the future. He also notices that Clear Sky is looking much more relaxed and friendly. Soon the spirits appear again, giving the gathered cats the message of "Cats can fight and fight nd fight. But sometimes even the sharpest claw cannot make a wound. Only the Blazing Star can blunt the claw. To survive, you must grow and spread like the Blazing Star." Everyone is confused, and Gray Wing worries that their troubles aren't over. A ginger tabby she-cat then walks into the hollow, commenting that she wishes the spirits could be more clear. Gray Wing doesn't recognize her and wonders if she's a new member of Clear Sky's group before looking over at Thunder, who's gazing at the stranger with fascination, and he fondly thinks that though Thunder may be a leader, he's still very young.
Gray Wing later leads a patrol to the forest to ask Clear Sky why he let Tom join his group after he attacked Bumble and stole Turtle Tail's kits. In the forest camp, he sees that the ginger she-cat from before - named Star Flower - is there, along with a similar looking, scarred-up tom named One Eye. When bringing up Tom joining the group, Clear Sky states that he though his brother would be open-minded, before lashing out and saying that it would be in Thunder's right to drive out a broken cat like him. Gray Wing falls silent, and upon seeing the hurt in his littermate's eyes, Clear Sky meekly apologizes and tells him that he'd always give him a home. Acorn Fur then invites Gray Wing to join the forest cats, but Clear Sky tells her that he already has a home of his own on the moor. When they get back to camp, Mouse Ear remarks that One Eye is an old enemy of Holly, Mud Paws and him. Holly then explains that One Eye is a bully who manipulates others to cause trouble. Tall Shadow asks Gray Wing for his opinion on the matter, and he responds that Clear Sky thinks he's doing the right thing.
The moor cats decide to train their fighting moves just in case One Eye does something, as well as in case of badgers. foxes and dogs. During training though, Pebble Heart screeches and leaps back in far when finding a dead mouse with a swollen stomach, sores all over its body and foam coming out if its mouth. Thunder has everyone gt back while he, Gray Wing and Pebble Heart bury the mouse, the gray tom saying that they'll need to wash their paws in the stream just in case, knowing that the mouse was not a good sign. Back at camp, Gray Wing informs Holly, Mud Paws and Mouse Ear of the message about the Blazing Star, though they're reluctant to believe him. Mouse Ear suggests that the Blazing Star could be a flower with five petals, and excitedly Gray Wing asks where it is. Tall Shadow recalls seeing flowers with five petals growing near the mountains, suggesting that they go back to find them. Gray Wing is shocked by this, not knowing how she could think to go back after what they've been through. Mouse Ear then suggests crossing a large road known as the thunderpath to find the Blazing Star. Gray Wing is hesitant, but knows that they might have to, because finding the flower is vital. He then sees Holly and Jagged Peak have become mates, and thinks that the black she-cat is good for his younger brother, hoping she won't push him too far because of his leg.
Later, Gray Wing wakes up and hears Wind Runner yowling in grief, coming outside to see that her daughter Morning Whisker has the same ailment that the mouse had. Pebble Hart runs over to help her, and Gray Wing tells him to stay away before remembering that his son knows what he's doing. Gray Wing then tells Wind Runner not to lose hope, as Pebble Heart will help Morning Whisker, but she snaps back that it's easy for him to say when all of his own kids are still alive. He retorts that he still knows grief because he lost Turtle Tail, telling Wind Runner that she can't let her grief overwhelm her because Moth Flight and Dust Muzzle still need her. He then notices that Sparrow Fur is missing and asks Owl Eyes where she went, wincing when he tells him that she went to go see her birth father Tom. Owl Eyes then adds that Jagged Peak let her go, and while the amber-eyed tom is fine with this for a moment, he realizes that she could be attacked by dogs, badgers or foxes. He confronts Jagged Peak about letting her go off on her own, and the younger tom doesn't see anything wrong with it, reasoning that she and her brothers are nearly adults and can make their own decisions. Gray Wing is confused by this, and his younger brother continues that he can't protect anyone forever, no matter how hard he tries. He wonders if Jagged Peak is referring to his overprotectiveness over him, but can't see anything wrong with being overprotective. Jagged Peak then changes the subject and tells him that he's going to be a father, as holly is expecting their kittens. Gray Wing is surprised, remembering when his brother was a tiny kit in the mountains, and Jagged Peak says he hopes to be as good a father as Gray Wing is to Thunder and Turtle Tail's kits. The gray tom then remembers the promise he made to their mother Quiet Rain to protect Jagged Peak, and how he'd done his best to keep that promise.
Thunder calls a meting to warn his peers to b careful while hunting as well as around Morning Whisker. Gray Wing asks when the kit first fell ill, and the orange tom reports that it was sometime after moonhigh. Thunder then confides in the gray tom that he doesn't know what to do, and Gray Wing replies that he's the last cat he should've asked, as he's still grieving too, wondering if he's holding his son back by having him always confide in him. He then turns to see someone running towards the camp from the forest, and soon realizes that it's Clear Sky. His brother bursts into camp, out of breath, and once he's able to regain his breath he states that he's made a horrible mistake. He then explains that One Eye attacked Sparrow Fur when she came into camp, with Tom being killed when he tried to defend her, and a shocked Gray Wing asks if he killed her, but the pale gray tom answers that she's alive, but badly wounded. Gray Wing then gives Jagged Peak a harsh look for letting Sparrow Fur leave, and Clear Sky apologizes, blaming himself for letting One Eye into his group in the first place. Gray Wing tells him that it's Jagged Peak's fault, and their youngr brother apologizes for not checking with him before letting her leave, saying she was adamant about going to the forest. Gray Wing hisses that he doesn't deserve to be a father after putting his daughter in danger, to which the younger tom leaps at him and the two wrestle before Clear Sky breaks them up. The pale gray leader says he didn't come to see the two of them fight, telling Gray Wing that Sparrow Fur should stay in the moorlands camp.
Gray Wing then asks if One Eye is still in Clear Sky's group after what he did, and the leader replies that he banished him, telling him he never wanted to see another hair on his pelt again. He says that he doesn't think Sparrow Fur should be in his group until he can get them settled down, but the amber-eyed tom feels little sympathy, angered that his brother endangered his daughter because he wasn't sure he could protect her from One Eye. He then walks past Clear Sky, telling him he needs to save her and won't allow her to be treated like this, telling Owl Eyes and Pebble Heart that their sister needs their help. The former goes with him to the forest camp while the latter stays behind to look after Morning Whisker. On the way there, Gray Wing asks Owl Eyes why Sparrow Fur was so intent on seeing Tom, and he tells him that she felt like an orphan with Turtle Tail gone and not knowing much about who her birth father is. Gray Wing is hurt by this, wondering if his efforts to be a good father to Turtle Tail's litter means anything. Realizing the implications of what he just says, Owl Eyes stammers as he tells Gray Wing that he and his siblings love him, and always will. Bitterly Gray Wing asks if he's the litter's father, and his son responds that Sparrow Fur just wanted to get to know a cat she shares blood with. The Gray tom then tells him that One Eye killed Tom, causing Owl Eyes to stop walking and tell Gray Wing grief-strikenly that he can't go to the forest camp with him. His father apologizes for not telling him sooner, and Owl Eyes says that he can't face Clear Sky after the rogue he let into his camp killed his birth father. Gray Wing understands, and allows Owl Eyes to run back to camp.
When he gets to camp, Gray Wing is surprised to see how well Sparrow Fur is being tended to. She tells him that she'd like to stay in Clear Sky's camp for a while, asking her father if he'd like to join her. Knowing he can't be in the camp that once housed One Eye, he politely declines. Knowing his daughter is in good care, he leaves, hurt when he doesn't hear anyone calling out for him as he does. Figuring no one needs him anymore, he goes to sulk in the hollow, where he encounters River Ripple again. The silver tom reminds him that he told him not to come back to the hollow, saying that being there isn't doing any good for him. He then invites Gray Wing to his own camp on a small island in the river, which surprises the amber-eyed tom. River Ripple then starts walking away, asking Gray Wing if he's coming or not, and the gray tom begins to follow him to his camp.
The cats of the moor begin to wonder were Gray Wing went, worrying more and more as the days pass. When Clear Sky calls a meeting at the hollow to discuss the sickness, the moor cats see Gray Wing with River Ripple. Thunder is relived to see him safe and asks where he's been, to which he replies that Sparrow Fur doesn't need him, and he needed some time alone. River Ripple then explains that he found the gray tom near the graves in the hollow and took him to his river island home. Gray Wing adds that he'll be staying with River Ripple for a little while longer, as he needs more time to think, but Thunder protests that thy need him in the moor camp. Gray Wing asks if he's getting in the way, and says that he isn't mad, but feels that three leaders is too many and doesn't want to interfere with Tall Shadow and Thunder. He son responds that he though it was going well because they were all working together just fine, but the gray tom states that he can't hold Thunder back from becoming the cat he needs to be, and that the amber-eyed tom needs time alone to think about his future. Tall Shadow responds that she sees his reasoning, but he can't just run off without warning, and that Owl Eyes and Pebble Heart were very worried about him. He apologizes, realizing that disappearing like that was wrong and promising not to do it again.
The gathered cats then begin discussing the sickness, and as Tall Shadow wonders how to stop it, Gray Wing suggests that the groups separate to avoid having it spread. Thunder is shocked, considering from the very beginning his father had strongly opposed having the groups be separated by borders, but Gray Wing points out that the groups are vulnerable now, and have too many leaders for just two groups. Tall Shadow suggests she liv in the marshes and pine forest, but they should all still stay in their two groups, and Gray Wing can keep living with River Ripple. Gray Wing remarks that doesn't sound too different to how they're already living, but Tall Shadow says that it isn't the time to make drastic changes yet.
Back at River Ripple's island, Gray Wing thinks about the past few day's he's lived, there, uneasy at the idea of getting his paws wet, but intrigued by the fishing skills his new peers have. He feels bad that he has to rely on River Ripple and the other island cats to catch fish for him, knowing he can't go on like that forever. He frets that he'll lose his own hunting skills if he lets the others get all his food, not wanting to be cared for like a kit when he was formerly a leader. He is glad that his breathing problems are easing up though, and hopes that Thunder has taken his rightful place as a leader. Wanting to contribute to hunting, Gray Wing asks to go hunt on the moor, and River Ripple goes with him. He encounters a fellow island cat named Dew, who's inspecting a vole with the same affliction Morning Whisker has. After Dew goes back to the island camp, Gray Wing asks if they can hunt the voles in the moor's underground tunnels, and the two are able to scare them out, catching a few. River Ripple urges Gray Wing away when he tries to catch more, which hurt Gray Wing, saying he just wanted to be useful as the two leave. He feels his chest beginning to act up again, and River Ripple tells him that he doesn't need to prove anything to him after the silver cat has seen the way he led. He continues that anyone can see the way the gray tom is hurting, and he's happy to give him a place to retreat to, pushing a vole towards him and saying he knows some kits who could use it, referring to Pebble Heart, Sparrow Fur and Owl Eyes. Gray Wing is astonished and asks how he knew, and admits that he hasn't been able to stop thinking about his children, wondering if Sparrow Fur has recovered and how Pebble Heart is handling being a healer. He also hopes that Owl Eyes doesn't feel overlooked after his brother had grown up so quickly, wanting the dark gray tom to enjoy his kithood. He tells his friend that he needs to go back to the hollow, and River Ripple understands, remarking that he had wondered how long it would take for the amber-eyed tom to realize that. He assures Gray Wing that he'll always be welcome at the island, and he fells bad about leaving the silver tom behind, offering for him to tag along. River Ripple declines, telling him that the island is his home, and he couldn't see himself living anywhere else. Gray Wing then touches noses with River Ripple and thanks him for all he's done, promising not to forget it, before he heads back to the hollow.
When Gray Wing gets to the moor, he finds that Wind Runner has created her own group separate from Tall Shadow's and Thunder's. He then sees a dark gray she-cat, who Wind Runner introduces as Slate, an ex-rogue who joined her group. Slate greets Gray Wing and remarks that they're both named after their fur colors, before asking him if he's going to live in the group. He tells her that he's going to the Tall Shadow's and Thunder's camp, and she offers to come with him part of the way, telling him that her brother Cricket was once killed by a fox. He notes how special it is for a cat to show their vulnerable side to someone they've just met. When they get to the hollow, Slate wishes Gray Wing good luck, and he's confused by this, asking what for, to which she explains that she can see future challenges weighing heavy on his shoulders.
Tall Shadow welcomes Gray Wing back into the group when he gets to the pine forest. She asks if it's good to be home, and he replies that it's good for now, wondering how much longer it will last. Gray Wing then sees that Clear Sky is in the camp as well, and figures out that One Eye drove him out of his own group. Jagged Peak then alerts that Holly has gotten the sickness, and the cats begin discussing how they be able to get the Blazing Star flowers that can cure it, since it only grows in Clear Sky's former territory, and One Eye won't let them have it without a fight. Clear Sky begs Gray Wing to tell him what to do, and his brother responds that it's too early to attack One Eye, as he'll be expecting it, telling everyone to be patient. He then says they'll need to be courageous for what he's about to suggest, stating that they'll need to focus on getting the Blazing Star first so they can heal their sick peers and have more cats to face One Eye with. He then say that it's true many cats have died crossing the thunderpath, like Shaded Moss, but many more have survived, and it's vital they get across to find the Blazing Star.
Jagged Peak is tasked with leading the patrol to find the flowers, and Clear Sky offers to go as well, but Gray Wing tells him that it's a mission for their younger brother to lead, to give him the chance to learn to accept himself. When the patrol tries getting the Blazing Star flowers, One Eye chases them off, and Jagged Peak apologizes for failing. Gray Wing admits he had hoped they'd get chased off, and when a shocked Clear Sky asked if he wanted One Eye to claw their fur off, the gray tom explains that now One Eye thinks they're weak and cowardly, and won't be expecting trouble from them. He states that because of this, they can move on to the next stage of his plan, but says he's still working out the details and will tell everyone about it by sunset.
At sunset, Gray Wing lays out his plan by drawing a map of the territory into the ground and pointing to an empty spot. Clear Sky points out that it's empty, and his brother responds that a sizable distance from the other camps, where a cat out on their own would be completely vulnerable. Clear Sky asks if he's suggesting they attack One Eye there, and Thunder is unsure of this idea. Soon Gray Wing continues that they should find more cats to help them, and attack from all sides, adding that he'll ask River Ripple to help. Clear Sky volunteers to lure One Eye out by challenging him to a one-on-one fight, but Gray Wing protests, saying it's too dangerous to face the rogue alone. His littermate counters that the others will spring out of hiding and join the fight soon after.
Gray Wing then goes to scope out the empty space they'll be luring One Eye to, when he suddenly gets attacked by a fox. Slate comes to his aid and the two fight off the fox together, after which she leads him to a stream and purrs that only special cats are allowed there. Gray Wing then says he's not used to others fussing over him, which surprises Slate, and she asks if he knows how respected he is, remarking that Wind Runner has many good things to say about him. He's flustered by this, stammering that there are cats waiting for him in the hollow. She comments that he gave her the impression that he had conflicted feelings about the hollow. Defensively Gray Wing states he was finding a place to battle One Eye, telling Slate about the bloodthirsty rogue. Slate offers to watch over Wind Runner's and Gorse Fur's kits if the moor group decides to join the fight. Gray Wing thanks her, realizing that he relies on her for a lot and wondering if he'll ever stop thanking her for helping him. Slate assures him that he's capable without her, and walks with him back to the hollow before the gray tom says that he'd like to explore other places and ideas for a while, even if it meant being on his own. Slate mutters that he doesn't have to be alone, and he wonders if she means what he thinks she means, wondering if he can rely on someone he met just a few days ago.
As the battle against One Eye draws closer, Thunder sees Gray Wing standing atop the large rock Tall Shadow usually stands on and asks him why he left, saying he still needs him. Gray Wing answers that he doesn't need him, and he'll hold himself back if he keeps thinking he does. The gray tom doesn't respond when Thunder asks if he's going to stay in the group, just telling his son to go on ahead. When One Eye is lured into the empty land and attacked, the plan goes awry as his flowers appear to back him up. Star Flower also shows up, revealing that she's One Eye's daughter and has been conspiring with him the whole time. Gray Wing is shocked, and upset that he let his peers down/ He sees that the rogues are attacking Clear Sky, and knows he has to do something before they kill him, realizing he can use the sun to his advantage. He climbs up a tree and has others follow, calling out to One Eye. The rogue looks up and is blinded by the sun, before the cats in the trees all pounce down on him. Gray Wing, Thunder, Lightning Tail and Cloud Spots all work together and kill One Eye, driving off his followers. Star Flower tries to intervene, but is kicked away, and afterwards mourns for her father.
Gray Wing and Tall Shadow then finally go to get the Blazing Star, but before they can, Thunder asks what he should do now. His father replies that he should do what his heart tells him, and that the gray tom trusts him. Later, Gray Wing has a shared dream with Thunder, telling the orange tom that it's time to go to the hollow, feeling the spirits there calling out to the two of them. They both go to the hollow and encounter Clear Sky, River Ripple, Tall Shadow and Wind Runner as well. The spirits then appear, and Turtle Tail and Rainswept Flower greet them, repeating the past message of "Unite or die". Turtle Tail says that the Blazing Star has five petals just like a cat has five claws on each paw, with she and Rainswept Flower telling the gathered cats to "Grow and spread". The shared dream then ends when Thunder exclaims, and Gray Wing irritably scolds him. Gray Wing then says he has an idea of what the "Grow and spread" message may mean, going to ask Tall Shadow is she remembers the shared dream as well. When she confirms that she did, he suggests the leaders all go to the hollow to discuss it. At the hollow, the leaders begin arguing over the message's meaning, and Gray Wing mutters that it doesn't mean they can keep living in the same groups. The leaders then announce that they'll unite together, and Thunder wonders what growing and spreading like the Blazing Star is supposed to mean. As the six gathered cats exchange looks of confusion, Gray Wing says that he may understand.
A Forest Divided[]
Clear Sky visits the moor, bringing a rabbit as a gift, and overhears Gray Wing expressing concern that the snow is halting hunting parties, wondering how much longer it will last. Thunder tells him that they'll worry about that when the time comes, but Gray Wing insists that they send out a hunting patrol. Thunder disagrees, stating that the rabbit Clear Sky brought will feed Jagged Peak's and Holly's kits for the time being. As Tall Shadow greets Clear Sky, Gray Wing remarks that Sparrow Fur is a lot like her mother, and that Jagged Peak is a great father. They then begin discussing the spirit cats' message to spread and grow, and while Clear Sky interprets it as them needing to join together, Gray Wing disagrees and thinks it means they need to split up. He then reminds his brother that he thought they needed to split into five groups like the five petals of the Blazing Star. Clear Sky retorts that they didn't agree on that, but Tall Shadow says that when it's time for the groups to split, she would like to inhabit the pine forest and marshes. Clear Sky is baffled by this, but Gray Wing says that Tall Shadow isn't the only one who wants to move, as there has been a lot of talk of not everyone on the moor wanting to live there.
Later, Clear Sky tells his brother that he saw the spirit of Fluttering Bird, which catches the gray tom's attention, asking how their little sister was doing. he then looks at the pale gray leader and says that they will spread and grow just as the spirits told them to. Later still, Thunder brings and injured Clear Sky to the moorlands camp after he was attacked by a badger. Gray Wing is greatly concerned for his littermate, and cats in the moor continue to talk about moving elsewhere in the forest. When Jagged Peak announces that they need to settle this once and for all, Gray Wing is confused, asking how they'll decide where to move when everyone has conflicting choices. His little brother says that they'll vote by casting stones, and Tall Shadow begins the vote. Gray Wing has her add River Ripple to the groups, as he's the leader of the island cats. Soon groups are made for Tall Shadow, Clear Sky and River Ripple, though Wind Runner is left out as Gray Wing comments that she'll probably want peace and quite for a bit. Gray Wing tells his children that they can choose where they want to live, as Turtle Tail told them to follow their hearts. Gray Wing chooses to stay with Tall Shadow, and though he's dismayed that Sparrow Fur wishes to stay with Clear Sky, he accepts her decision. Once everyone has voted, Gray Wing is even more dismayed, as Thunder and Owl Eyes have chosen to go with Clear Sky as well.
Thunder promises to watch over Turtle Tail's kits while in the forest, but he says that it feels like losing Turtle Tail all over again, and can't bare to leave Pebble Heart and Tall Shadow to join them in Clear Sky's group. He wonders how he'll cope without his kids, and Thunder tells him that they aren't kittens anymore, but knows their father will always love them. Gray Wing replies that it won't be the same, as he won't be able to visit them without a border dispute. Pebble Heart assures him that he'll still be with him, telling him to say goodbye to his other kits. He wonders if he's making the right choice, but assures himself that Pebble Heart is special and needs him. He then says goodbye to Sparrow Fur and Owl Eyes, lying that he isn't hurt by being separated from them, and telling the two he'd always be proud of them. Clear Sky promises his brother that he'll take good care of them and asks if he's sure he doesn't want to live in his group. Gray Wing replies that he and Tall Shadow have been through so much together, and he can't leave her behind, as well as the fact that Pebble Heart still needs him. He then goes with the other cats who've chosen to go to the pine forest to their new home.
As they travel, Gray Wing trails behind the others, and overhears two rogues talking nearby. He eavesdrops, finding out that their names are Slash and Fern as the former harshly tells the latter to watch the forest cats every movement, or she knows what he'll do to her. Slash then says that he'll love to see the look of the forest cats' faces when the time comes. Gray Wing is frustrated to have another threat looming, wondering if they'll ever has peace. he then catches up with the group, irritated by Jagged Peak acting as their leader. When they get to the thunderpath, Gray Wings breathing worsens because of the snow, and he struggles to get across. Soon the group reaches their destination, they split up into smaller groups to scope out the area. Jagged Peak has Tall Shadow task Gray Wing and the kits with finding a new camp, which annoys his older brother, and Storm Pelt asks why gray Wing can't go hunting with the others instead. Jagged Peak says that Gray Wing isn't as fast as he used to be, to which the older gray tom snaps that he doesn't need anyone watching over him. Jagged Peak apologizes, telling his brother that he isn't the cat he used to be, which only makes Gray Wing angrier, thinking that love had made Jagged Peak more arrogant rather than softer. He then takes the kittens to go find a new camp while the others hunt.
Later, once Tall Shadow's group finds a camp, Slate shows up to offer Gray Wing to come to the moor and see the cats that have joined it since then, with Tall Shadow suggesting he goes. Instead though he comments on the scarcity of fresh-kill and begins organizing hunting parties, but angrily Tall Shadow tells him that the cats he's chosen have other things to do. Jagged Peak tells Gray Wing hat he's given up leadership and cant take it back, and Tall Shadow adds that he's been ordering their campmates around since they've arrived. Gray Wing says that he just wanted to help before falling silent. Tall Shadow then apologizes for snapping at him, telling him that he's not as strong as he used to be. He's frustrated that she thinks he's weak, and she continues that he's not their leader anymore, and should let stronger cats take charge. Gray Wing hisses that he's as strong as any other cat, but suddenly stops, scenting and hearing Fern. He then chases her, thinking it's a chance to prove that he isn't weak. He stalks Fern, who soon notices him, and politely greets her. He then notices her weakened state and catches prey for her. He then tries convincing Fern to get Slash to leave the forest cats alone, and she replies that she can try, but it won't work forever. She then warns him that Slash will attack soon, and he wonders if she'll have the courage to keep her word and lie to Slash about a prey-rich place elsewhere to distract him from Tall Shadow's group. He's able to find a dead rabbit, but gives it back when he finds out it belonged to a starving rogue named Milkweed, suggesting that the rogue join Clear Sky's group.
A little while later, Gray Wing has a dream where the cave in which the Tribe lives is completely empty. He finds Stoneteller and wails that everyone is missing, blaming himself. Stoneteller tells him that he cant control everything, and needs to focus on the future. After he wakes up, he visits the moor and encounters a fox. Slate shows up to help him, and the two fight it off, but the gray she-cat is wounded. He takes her to Wind Runner's camp, and as she's treated she insists that Gray Wing stay a while, and he agree, remarking that a little nap wouldn't hurt.
After breaking away from Clear Sky's group and establishing his own, Thunder runs into Quite Rain and another Tribe cat named Sun Shadow. He's shocked when he finds out that Quiet Rain is the mother of Gray Wing and his brothers, and takes her to Tall Shadow's camp. They find that Gray Wing is gone though, and Tall Shadow asks Thunder to go find him. Thunder goes to Wind Runner's camp, telling Gray Wing that cats from the mountains were here to see him, and one of them is Quite Rain. Gray Wing is excited to see get to his mother again, and finds out that Thunder and Clear Sky have split into separate groups. He's then taken back to the pine forest, but along the way he gets his paw caught in a rabbit trap. Fern shows up and helps him, and he then tells Thunder about Fern and the threat of Slash. They then get to the pine forest camp, and the amber-eyed tom apologizes to Tall Shadow for being away for so long.
Quiet Rain the reunites with two of her sons, and is elated to see them until she sees Gray Wing's injured paw, explaining that there's nothing but death in the forest. Gray Wing then has Thunder fetch Clear Sky, and soon they are all reunited as the three toms explain everything that's happened since they left the Tribe. When Clear Sky admits that he killed Rainswept Flower, Quiet Rain orders Gray Wing to exit the den she's resting in. Clear Sky then goes to find Jagged Peaks and Holly's kits when they go missing, leaving Gray Wing to comfort their mother. She asks why he doesn't have a mate, and he says he used to be mates with Turtle Tail before her death. He then tells her that Pebble heart, who had been taking care of her, is their son. Quiet Rain says he must have raised the young tom well for him to be so kind. Soon Clear Sky comes back, and Gray Wing tells him that their mother's condition is getting worse, hoping that she recovers and fearing that she came all the way to the forest just to die. As her three sons gather around her once more, she becomes deluded for a moment, trying to talk to Shaded Moss before her head droops down. The three toms think she's dead before she raises it again, telling them not to be sad when she dies. She then drops her head again and her eyes glaze over as she dies for real.
Her sons grieve for their mother's death, and Gray Wing follows Jagged Peak as he leaves the den. They sit vigil for her, and when tall Shadow announces that it's time to bury her, Gray Wing requests that her grave be in the shared territory of the hollow so the three brothers may visit at any time. He then helps carry her there, but soon gets worn out and lets Sun Shadow take over. As Quiet Rain is buried, the spirits reappear and tell the cats to pick a new dawn." Clear Sky is still adamant on the groups uniting,, but Gray Wing replies that isn't what the spirits mean. When it's time to return home, Gray Wing tells Tall Shadow that he won't be returning to her camp, and can not live in the pine forest anymore. Tall Shadow wonders if it's because she accused him of encroaching on her leadership, and Jagged Peak says that their group needs him. Gray Wing shakes his head, saying he cant live in the pine forest because he has trouble breathing and isn't as fast, but he can run without losing his breath in the moorlands. Tall Shadow worries that he'll be lonely, but he assures her that he wont, thinking of Slate. Pebble Heart then tells his dad that he needs to choose his own path, and for a moment Gray Wing reconsiders his choice, wondering if he needs to stay to guide his son. He then asks Pebble Heart if he'll be ok without him, and the young tom replies that if he needs him, he'll know where to find him. Gray Wing then tells the group to take care of Fern before telling Pebble Heart how proud he is of him. he then returns to the moor, explaining to Wind Runner that he can't live in the pine forest anymore, and longs for the feeling of wind rushing through his fur. Wind Runner welcomes him back, and he quickly readjusts to being a moor cat again. He asks Slate if she's happy that they're in the same group now, and she asks him what he thinks.
Path of Stars[]
Turtle Tail visits Gray Wing in his dream to tell him that she's happy he found a new mate in Slate, and that he was a good father to many cats who will be remembered fondly. She tries to say something more, but the screech of an owl wakes Gray Wing up before she can. Slate asks him what's wrong, and he replies that it was just a dream, wondering what Turtle Tail wanted to say. Gray Wing and Slate then go on a hunting patrol with Wind Runner, Gorse Fur and their daughter Moth Flight. The gray tom is frustrated when Moth Flight misses several catches due to her distractedness, scolding her for it. Wind Runner scolds her as well, which makes Gray Wing feel bad for being harsh on her, wondering if the white she-cat just isn't cut out for hunting.
As he and Slate return to camp, they notice Tall Shadow's and Clear Sky's scents in the moorlands, before seeing the two run into camp. Clear Sky begs Wind Runner to help them find his pregnant mate Star Flower, and Tall Shadow informs Gray Wing that Fern left her group shortly after he did. He asks why, and she says that Fern seemed very fretful and couldn't settle into the group. The amber-eyed tom then tells his brother that Slash was using Fern to spy on the groups. Wind Runner rejects aiding Clear Sky because of his selfishness, but Gray Wing stands up for him, reminding her of the time he found Holly's missing kittens and insists that they should help, though Slate is uncertain. He reasons that if it was Slate and her unborn litter in trouble, he'd want everyone he knows to help, and after Wind Runner changes her mind and agrees to help, Clear Sky leaves. The moor cats' leader then asks Gray Wing if planning to meet with the rogues and promise them prey, and he responds that they only offered to meet, not promise prey. She asks what they'll do if the rogues refuse, and he responds that he has a plan for that.
During a meeting at the hollow, the five group leaders discuss what they should do about Slash, while Gray Wing, Lightning Tail, Reed of Wind Runner's group and Leaf of Thunder's group all go on a mission to rescue Star Flower from Slash's group. They encounter Fern on the way there, who had previously promised to help him save Star Flower, and Gray Wing remembers how she didn't know where the she-cat was being kept, but would tell him as soon as she found out. Fern then takes them to where Star Flower is being held hostage, but says she can't help them any further, as Slash would kill her if he found out that she helped them. The four then set their plan into motion, with Lightning Tail and Leaf distracting the cats guarding Star Flower while Gray Wing and Reed go in to get her out. Gray Wing is shocked to see the yellow she-cat half-starved, and she warns the two that more guards are coming. The three then run out of the prison but get ambushed, and Gray Wing defends Star Flower, nearly killing one of her attackers. He pins the attacker down and makes her promise not to harm Star Flower again before letting her go. he then fends off another attacker, then spots Reed crouching over Star Flower and runs over, fretting that the she-cat got hit by a monster. However, Reed reveals that she's instead going into labor early.
The two guide Star Flower somewhere safe for her to give birth, after which Gray Wing runs to Tall Shadow's camp to get help. He runs into Jagged Peak and asks for help, and his younger brother sends Holly, Sun Shadow and Mouse Ear to assist. When they reach her they escort her to Tall Shadow's camp. Leaf asks about Clear Sky, and Gray Wing is shocked that he didn't think of alerting his brother that his mate is kitting. He goes to fetch him, and to his luck, he runs into Clear Sky and the other leaders as they're returning from the meeting. He tells his brother that Star Flower is in labor, but safe, and informs Tall Shadow that she's in her camp. Tall Shadow disapproves, believing that her cats won't know what to do in the event of a kitting, but he assures that Holly will know. Thunder remarks that Gray Wing's plan to save the yellow she-cat worked, and River Ripple hopes that the litter will survive, as kits born early rarely do. Gray Wing states that Star Flower and her kitten will be fine, and the litter will grow up strong and healthy. They get to Tall Shadow's camp, where Star Flower has successfully given birth to three healthy kittens; a tan she-kit named Flower Foot, a tan-and-silver tom named Tiny Branch, and a silver-and-white she-kit named Dew Petal. Clear Sky thanks his brother for helping his mate, and the gray tom replies that it was the right thing to do. His littermate then asks why he wasn't informed of where Star Flower was being held beforehand, and Gray Wing replies that if he'd known, he'd have rushed in recklessly to save her. He then says he'd do the same for him, noticing doubt in the pale gray tom's gaze, but his littermate presses up against him anyways and says he'll never forget what he did.
Later, Thunder calls a meeting at the hollow, where all five leader reveal that prey is being stolen from their groups. They speculate that Slash and his rogues are stealing it, and Gray Wing suggests that he's using Star Flower's rescue as an excuse to justify to himself his hate of the forest cats and steal from them. gray Wing then tracks down Fern, asking why she's returned to living in Slash's group when she hates it there. She instead asks him why they give him their prey, but the gray tom retorts that they aren't handing it over, he's stealing from them. Fern then asks why they don't fight for it, but Gray Wing avoids answering, not wanting to admit that the rogues outnumber them. She then tells him that Slash has plotted his revenge ever since they saved Star Flower, and he asks if she'll stand up to him. Hesitantly the rogue replies that some of her campmates would, then trying to convince Gray Wing not to have the five groups fight against Slash's, stating they would lose. Gray Wing points out that they could win if Fern and her campmates fought alongside them, but Fern retorts that they won't join if they think they'll lose. She then says she needs to go, declining when Gray Wing offers for her to live on the moor, saying she needs to stay with her kin in Slash's group. She then warns that Slash is determined to make the five groups pay, and when a puzzled Gray Wing asks what for, she says it's probably just for being happy.
As Gray Wing walks home, Slate notices he's having trouble breathing again, escorting him to camp where Wind Runner orders him to get some rest. Wind Runner starts posting guards when Gray Wing tells her of the threat Slash poses, and the gray tom goes to his shared nest with Slate, felling a but of pity for Slash, as a cats as cruel as him would never know the warmth he felt with his mate. He wonders why Slash is so hellbent on making the five groups suffer just for being happy. He goes hunting with Slate and Wind Runner later, Slash and a few of his rogues ambush them. The rogue's leader nearly kills Gray Wing before Slate saves him, and when he thanks her, she reveals that she's expecting their kits. Overwhelmed by happiness, Gray Wing buries his snout in Slate's fur and thanks her.
While scoping out Slash's camp, Thunder and Lightning Tail are attacked by dogs. Lightning Tail runs to Gray Wing for help, reporting that Slash had fled the dogs with his closest allies, and the amber-eyed tom is disappointed that Slash isn't as isolated as he thought. He tells Lightning Tail to get anyone injured as far from Slash's camp as possible, shocked at the devastation when he arrives in said camp to help. After the dead are buried, Thunder asks what they'll do with the surviving rogues, and Gray Wing says that they can't stay with Slash anymore after he left them to die. Thunder suggests bringing them to Tall Shadow's camp since it's the closest, but Gray Wing disagrees, reiterating that they need to be as far from the camp as possible. He then says they should be taken to the moorlands, and one of the rogues named Violet asks if they can join Gray Wing in his group. The gray tom is shocked, knowing Wind Runner wouldn't accept so many cats at once, but Violet remarks that they wouldn't all have to live in the same group, before asking to join Thunder's group. They then take a rogue named Frog with a fatal spinal injury to Wind Runner's camp, but he dies soon after. Once Frog is buried, Fern joins Wind Runner's group.
After trying to find Turtle Tail and Jackdaw's Cry in a dream, Gray Wing is woken up by Slate, who alerts him that she's going into labor. Gray Wing fetches Reed to help, and as his mate gives birth Wind Runner advises him to give her some space. He talks to Fern to pass the time, who tells him that she's very happy living on the moor, where everyone is nice unlike in Slash's group. Soon Slate gives birth to three kittens: a dark gray tom with white patches named White Tail, a white tom with black patches named Black Ear, and a pale silver she-kit named Silver Stripe. Gray Wing promises Slate that he'll teach their children how to hunt and help raise them to be as strong and brave as her.
A little bit later, Gray Wing is woken up when Jagged Peak and Tall Shadow come to visit him. His younger brother remarks that his new kits will keep him busy, and he reminds him of how he raised Thunder, Owl Eyes, Sparrow Fur and Pebble Heart. Jagged Peak then comments that he has kin in almost every group besides River Ripple's, and Gray Wing replies that he can't believe he wanted to stay in the mountains, as he can't imagine any other life than his current one. Jagged Peak then confesses that he feels guilty for making him leave the mountains in the first place to look for him, but Gray Wing assures him that he's glad his younger brother ran off, as the amber-eyed tom never would've become mates with Turtle Tail or Slate if he didn't come to the moor. Jagged Peak says that Quiet Rain stated they found enough food in the mountains to survive, but Gray Wing retorts that there's more to life than just surviving. As he's reminiscing on his fond memories with Jagged Peak when he breaks into a coughing fit, but insists that he's fine and just need to take it easy for a bit.
Gray Wing then hears Reed yell that Fern is hurt, and when he checks on her, she says that one of the ex-rogues that joined Wind Runners group, Bee, had attacked her. She then elaborates that Bee called her a traitor for enjoying life on the moor and went to go rejoin Slash. When he gets back to camp, Slate worries if their litter will be safe. Later, River Ripple calls a meeting at the hollow to officially invite the former members of Slash's group into their own groups. Slash then shows up and interrupts by telling his foes not to think they've won, warning that they'll pay the price for defying him. Gray Wing demands to know if the rogue did something to Star Flower and her kit again, but Slash replies that he's grown tired of making Clear Sky suffer, and has now focused his attention on his brother, blaming him for "stealing" his cats away. Worrying about Slate and her kittens, Wind Runner and her group quickly returns to the camp, which they find to have been attacked by Slash's rogues. Gray Wing sees that Slate, White Tail and Silver Stripe are ok, but Black Ear has been kidnapped. He is grief-stricken by this, collapsing to the ground and wondering how he could have let his son be taken.
Soon after Black Ear is rescued by Thunder and Clear Sky, the latter bringing him to his camp. Slate comes to Clear Sky's camp and asks for Black Ear to be brought back to the moorlands so Gray Wing can see him, but falls silent when about to state the reason why she wants him to be reunited with his father as soon as possible. Clear Sky worriedly asks if his brother is sick, and somberly Thunder comments that he doesn't think the gray tom will make it this time. Clear Sky then asks if Gray Wing is dying, demanding to visit him, and when they get to the moorlands they see the gray tom fretting over Black Ear. As he reunites with his son, he remembers the promise he made to Slate to raise them together, remorseful that he won't be able to keep it, as with every breath his time is running shorter. As he's transported to another den, he tries to purr at his kittens, but is too weak to do so. Wind Runner visits him, saying goodbye to her old friend, and when Thunder visits as well, his father asks to have Clear Sky, Jagged Peak and Pebble Heart present as well. White Tail asks why everyone is coming to visit, and not wanting to break the news to him, Gray Wing lies that they're coming to check on Black Ear.
White Tail asks if the cats he wanted to visit were his kin, and he confirms that they are, but live in different groups. He then considers that "groups" isn't the right term to refer to the five factions with, as the cats within them had a strong kinship with their campmates, and declares that the groups are now Clans. He then names Wind Runner's group WindClan, while Silver Stripe names Thunder's ThunderClan, Black Ear names River Ripple's RiverClan, and White Tail names Tall Shadow's ShadowClan. White Tail asks what Clear Sky's group is to be named, and Gray Wing responds that it will be SkyClan. Clear Sky comments that it's just like his brother to name his Clan after something out of his reach, but Gray Wing retorts that the sky is all around them wherever they go, but he just didn't realize it.
Gray Wing then sees Bright Stream's spirit appear to him, accompanied by two newborn kittens. She explains that the kits are who she was pregnant with when she died, and Gray Wing asks Clear Sky if he can see his former mate's spirit, telling him she's there with their unborn kits. The spirits of Stoneteller, Turtle Tail, Fluttering Bird, Quiet Rain, Moon Shadow, Shaded Moss, Rainswept Flower and Storm and her two other kits also appear. Turtle Tail inspects Silver Stripe, Black Ear and White Tail before telling Gray Wing she wishes he could stay with the newly-named Clans longer, but it's his destiny for him to only be with them as a memory. Looking around at all his lost friends and family, Gray Wing realizes that they'd come to guide him into the afterlife, but he wasn't dead just yet. He turns to his kittens, telling White Tail to learn all he can and make his Clan proud, Silver Stripe to have courage and take care of Slate, and Black Ear to forgive harm done to him and be kind to his Clanmates, as they are all fighting their own battles and sometimes just need a little kindness. Black Ear, confused, says that it sounds like he's saying goodbye, and Gray Wing replies that he is. As White Tail begs him not to go, Gray Wing feels his last breath leave his body.
The tightness in his chest disappears, and he rises from his body, now a spirit. He sees his children clinging to his lifeless body and promises to always look after the three of them, before turning to the other spirits and feeling their fur brush against his. He reflects on how he had traveled, and how he loved and lost so many, but is still following the Sun Trail as he heads towards his new home in the newly-formed StarClan.
Moth Flight's Vision[]
After discovering the Moonstone, Moth Flight is lulled into a deep sleep where she visits StarClan in her dreams. Gray Wing and Stoneteller - who now goes by her original name Half Moon again - greet her. Half Moon explains that the moth only Moth Flight could see was sent by her to make sure she was "the one". Moth Flight looks at Gray Wing in confusion, and he says that Half Moon explain everything to her. Moth Flight is then informed of a new role of medicine cat within the Clans, who will be responsible for healing their Clanmates and speaking with StarClan. Moth Flight is made into the first medicine cat, and is shown others who could take on the role as well, with Gray Wing curling his tail across her spine when Pebble Heart is said to be one of them.
Later, at the half moon meeting of the medicine cats, Pebble Heart sees the spirits of Gray Wing and Turtle Tail there, he presses against his mother, fearing that he'd never see her again after her death. Gray Wing tells his son that they'll always be close by, adding that it's good to see him again. He then comments that it's nice to see the medicine cats are sharing their knowledge with each other, requesting that they come back at the next half moon as the spirits vanish.
After Moth Flights mother Wind Runner is severely injured in battle, she takes her to the Moonstone to see if StarClan can help. The cats of StarClan then appear, with Gray Wing telling Moth Flight that she and Wind Runner are more similar than she thinks, as it took more strength and bravery than she knew she had to bring her mother there. He continues that it also took something within her that her mother does not have, remarking that Moth Flight is special in that she can see what others can and interpret signs from the afterlife.
Moth Flight tells him to stop wasting time and heal Wind Runner, but Gray Wing tells her she needs to understand the importance of this skill. Moth Flight argues that anyone can follow a moth, but the gray tom replies that not everyone can know it will lead their Clan to safety. Moth Flight once again asks if they're going to help her mother, but he says that they can't, and she begs for them to not let her die. Gray Wing then states that they can only give Wind Runner their gifts, bending down to touch the leader's forehead with his nose. He says that he gives her a life of determination to unite the Clans before stepping away. Seven more cats then give Wind Runner lives as well, giving her the new name of Windstar. The newly-named Windstar then gets up, and the cats of StarClan begin cheering her new name. Moth Flight is then tasked with getting the other four leaders to go to the Moonstone to be granted nine lives and a new name. During Thunderstar's nine lives ceremony, Gray Wing appears again to give him his first life.
At the next half moon meeting, after Moth Flight decides to make a rule that no medicine cat can have a mate or kits, Gray Wing gives Pebble Heart a choice: he can either return to being a normal warrior with the chance to have a mate and kits, but at the cost of abandoning his medicine cat duties, or he can stay a medicine cat at the cost of not getting the chance to have either. Pebble Heart ultimately decides to remain a medicine cat.
Riverstar's Home[]
During River Ripple's leadership ceremony, Gray Wing is the cat to greet him and grant his first life. He commends the tom for his gentleness and wisdom, before giving him a life of clarity and perspective, telling him to use it to see the truth even when caught up in emotions. After all nine lives have been given, Gray Wing then advises the newly-named Riverstar to choose Night as his deputy, as she is an honorable cat who will support him at his lowest, and will succeed him as leader one day.
Thunderstar's Echo[]
Thunderstar and Lightning Tail wake up in a sunny field after getting killed by dogs, where they are welcomed by Gray Wing. Both rush over to him happily, and h explains that they're in StarClan, describing it as a place where there's no danger, sickness or famine. He then tells Lightning Tail that he's dead and must now stay in StarClan, adding that he'll get to see Hawk Swoop and Jackdaw's Cry again. He then tells Thunderstar then he still has eight more lives left and must return to the living world. Thunderstar is upset at the idea of leading ThunderClan without Lightning Tail by his side, asking if his sacrifice to save him from the dogs was meaningless since he had eight more lives anyways. Gray Wing then tells his son that Lightning Tail did not die in vain, as if he didn't save him, he would've been torn apart by the dogs and lost all his lives at once, remarking that nothing is more important than protecting the ones you love. As Thunderstar and Lightning Tail say goodbye, the black-and-white tom promises to look after his adoptive brother from StarClan, and Gray Wing assures him that hell be able to.
Shadowstar's Life[]
Gray Wing and Moon Shadow greet Shadowstar and Sun Shadow in StarClan after the two get killed by dogs. Shadowstar remarks that she only has one life left, and Gray Wing responds that he hopes it will be enough. He's worried about what will happen to ShadowClan when Shadowstar dies, reminding her that if her Clan falls, the others will as well.
Afterwards, Gray Wing, Moon Shadow and Sun Shadow continue to watch over Shadowstar, and upon losing her last life when she and Quick Water kill each other, the three greet both of them in StarClan. He then shows the two SkyClan's dark future: one day twolegs will begin tearing down their territory and drive them out of the forest, and they would eventually disband. However, he also shows them that SkyClan will be rebuilt many years later, and rejoin the other four Clans by their new home at the lake.
Blackfoot's Reckoning[]
Many decades later, Blackfoot becomes the new leader of ShadowClan and goes to the Moonstone to get his nine lives. There, Gray Wing appears to give him his fourth life. He comments on how hard it is for Blackfoot to relive the past, asking him if he wants the life he's offering. Blackfoot says yes, so Gray Wing gives him a life of unity, telling him to use it to make sure every Clan is strong, reminding him that if one Clan falls, the rest will follow.
Th Broken Code[]
A Light in the Mist[]
After Ashfur is defeated, RiverClan's leader Mistystar confronts Gray Wing on why a cat like him was let into StarClan in the first place. Skystar says that it wasn't solely his brother's fault, and Gray Wing adds that Ashfur had pretended to change his ways, so they let him into StarClan to give him another chance rather than sending him to the Dark Forest. Rootspring then asks if cats already in the Dark Forest who've redeemed themselves like Juniperclaw could be let into StarClan, but Gray Wing replies that the most important thing is not to break the warrior code in the first place.
Violetshine later states that some parts of the warrior code are less beneficial than others, and the code could be revised to put more important rules at higher priority. Gray Wing retorts that they can't just pick only the rules they like, but the rest of StarClan agrees to revise the code anyways. When they're finished, Skystar asks why the rule about Clans defending their borders is put last, and Gray Wing replies that it should've been last all along.
Quotes[]
| “ | Gray Wing: You killed her! You killed Rainswept Flower! Clear Sky: If I hadn't, some other cat would have. Why do you always have to challenge me? You should have just let me make my boundaries as I wanted! Instead, you bring me war. Gray Wing: You've betrayed the cats who were once your kin. The cats who traveled here with you from the mountains. Is that what you wanted? Is this why we left the mountains? To kill each other? I'm glad Storm is dead! She would never have wanted to see this! Clear Sky: Don't mention her name! |
„ |
| ~ Gray Wing confronting Clear Sky |
| “ | They've come for me. They're not dead. They're just waiting for me to go with them. Never forget how much I love you. Silver Stripe, be brave and take care of your mother. White Tail, learn all that you can so that one day you will make your Clan proud. Black Ear, forgive any harm you've been done and show kindness to your Clanmates. For we are all fighting a hard battle, and sometimes kindness is all we need. (Black Ear: You sound like you're saying goodbye.) I am. (Black Ear: No! White Tail: Don't go!) I will always be watching you. | „ |
| ~ Gray Wing's last words |
| “ | Wind Runner, with this life I give you determination to bring unity to all the Clans. | „ |
| ~ Gray Wing during Wind Runner's leadership ceremony |
| “ | You have a kind soul. And I'm glad of it. The Clans need your gentleness and your wisdom. Are you ready to receive your nine lives? (...) With this life, I give you clarity and perspective. Even when you're swept up in emotion, be aware of the situation as it truly is. (...) We've given you the gift we give all leaders. The gift of nine lives. Take Night as your deputy. She will give you strength when you have none of your own. She is a good and honorable cat, who will be a leader herself one day. Go home now and lead your cats, Riverstar | „ |
| ~ Gray Wing during River Ripple's leadership ceremony |
| “ | I know it can be hard to relive the past. As we've said all along, this is your choice. Do you want the life I offer? (...) With this life, I give you unity. Do all that you can to make sure every Clan is strong. Because if one Clan falls, all the Clans will be lost. | „ |
| ~ Gray Wing during Blackfoot's leadership ceremony |
Gallery[]
Trivia[]
- He is the first main series protagonist to die while still being a POV character, with the second being Bristlefrost.
- He was first mentioned in Battles of the Clans, where he was known as Graywing the Wise.
- Gray Wing is regarded by the Clans as being the greatest leader of all time because of his battle strategies.
- He was never meant to be a protagonist in Dawn of the Clans, and was meant to die at the end of the first book. As the arc was written however, his death was pushed back further and further until it was decided he would only be killed off at the very end.
- Gray Wing is author Kate Cary's favorite character in Dawn of the Clans.
- Kate believes that Gray Wing is mates with both Turtle Tail and Slate in StarClan, with no animosity between the two.
External links[]
- Gray Wing on the Warriors Wiki
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