Lost Stars/Chapter 16

==Chapter description==
:Bristlefrost is moping and wondering how her Clanmates can be so cheery and happy as they go about their day. Twigbranch asks her if she wants to go hunting with her, to which Bristlefrost says she has to get rid of a thorn in her nest. Although the lie is obvious, Twigbranch leaves her be. Rosepetal forces Bristlefrost to a secluded place in camp and asks her why she's so down, despite her dream of becoming a warrior being fulfilled.
:Despite thinking her issues are nowhere near the scale of what the Clans are facing, Bristlefrost confesses to Rosepetal that her heart has been broken by Stemleaf not wanting to be mates with her. Rosepetal is supportive and understands Bristlefrost's troubles, having been through something similar. Bristlefrost is shocked to learn that someone as graceful and beautiful as Rosepetal was once in the same position. She asks Rosepetal how she got through it, and is encouraged by her words.
:Bristlefrost rushes to join one of the last hunting patrols. She almost decides otherwise when she notices that Stemleaf is part of it, but remembering Rosepetal's words, she convinces herself that her Clan needs her. She focuses on Bramblestar, who is instructing the patrols alongside Squirrelflight. He orders the cats to not return empty-pawed, claiming that if they're true warriors, they would freeze their paws off for their Clan. When Squirrelflight says he is being too harsh, Bramblestar retorts that she is making excuses because she always has a soft spot for weak cats. After a moment of shocked silence, Bramblestar apologizes and decides to lead this patrol himself.
:The patrol isn't having any luck finding prey. Bristlefrost notes that Bramblestar is being extremely loud, slamming his paws on twigs and dead leaves, likely driving everything away from the cats due to the noise. Squirrelflight asks if he's okay, and he snaps at her, before letting out a cry and collapsing. He's unconscious, and Squirrelflight tells the cats to bring him back to camp right away for treatment. Bristlefrost hauls Bramblestar onto Stemleaf's back before rushing to the medicine cats.
:Thornclaw notices the three of them returning to camp and alerts Alderheart. Stemleaf and Bristlefrost carry Bramblestar into the medicine cat den, and Alderheart is at a loss of what to do, not understanding how his father could have gotten this sick so suddenly. Upon Bristlefrost asking, Alderheart tells her Bramblestar is not yet losing a life, but will if they don't figure out what to give him. Jayfeather arrives and snaps at Bristlefrost to leave so he can examine Bramblestar.
:Bristlefrost stops at the entrance when he hears Bramblestar waking up, claiming he's had a terrible dream. He explains the chaotic scene; the sky was dark and starless, unable to see the battling cats, only hearing their yowls. He asks if StarClan has really forsaken them, and despite Jayfeather's protests, Alderheart tells him the truth.
:Bramblestar tells Alderheart that he shouldn't be afraid, that he's done the right thing, and that they need to get back in touch with StarClan. Bristlefrost hurries to fetch Squirrelflight, but not before witnessing Bramblestar rearing up from his nest in order to attack an unseen enemy, letting out a silent wail before going limp once more.
==Characters==
===Major===
===Minor===
===Mentioned===
==Notes and references==
Category:Lost Stars
Category:The Broken Code arc
Category:Chapter subpages