Rainheart

## Book Appearances

### Living

Shadows of Blood, Beyond the River, Deserve's Beginning, Starfaith's Fate, Rainheart's Love, Milkblaze's Suspicion

### Dead

Shadows of Blood, Rainheart's Love

**Rainheart** is a light gray tabby tom with yellow eyes.

## Appearances and Mentions

### Beyond the River

#### Allegiances

Rainheart is listed under the Allegiances, Allegiance Update 1, and Allegiance Update 2 as an apprentice of Shadowclan being mentored by Greenpine.

#### Chapter 17

At the gathering, Stormstar announces that they have several new warriors, and after naming Maplefur, Rosebreeze, and Milkblaze, he adds that two more apprentices earned their names just yesterday: Rainheart and Bloomfire.

The clans cheer their names, and Iceslide sees the siblings sittin among the ShadowClan warriors, looking ready to burst with pride. Though unnamed, Poppywing is sitting near Rainheart, looking at him warmly.

### Deserve's Beginning

#### Allegiances

Rainheart is listed under Allegiances as a warrior of ShadowClan.

### Milkblaze's Suspicion

#### Allegiances

Rainheart is listed under Allegiances as a warrior of ShadowClan.

### Rainheart's Love

#### Allegiances

Rainheart is listed under Allegiances as a warrior of ShadowClan.

#### Chapter 1

Rainpaw is awoken by Bloompaw at dawn for a training session with their mentors. He is exhausted due to night training at the burnt sycamore and wants to sleep longer, but gets up at Bloompaw's urging.

Greenpine sees that he's tired and tells him that after this training session, he can rest for the rest of the day. Rainpaw thanks her, grateful that he has a kind mentor. He and Bloompaw are amused and awkward at the affection between their mentors.

He asks what they're doing today to break the silence, and Ashcloud tells them that they'll be practicing hunting in the treetops.

When Bluerain and Poppypaw join them, he is excited to see Poppypaw. They have been training together for moons and have become inseparable. She is his best friend. They greet each other and bump heads, and Rainpaw hopefully asks his mentor if they're coming with them.

Bluerain says that's what she came to suggest, asking the warriors if they mind. Rainpaw says "of course not!", and is eager to leave. Ashcloud teases him about being so excited to have his mother with him for a training session. Rainpaw notes that of course he doesn't mind Bluerain's company, but he is most excited to spend time with Poppypaw. He takes every opportunity to hang out with her.

Bluerain gazes at her kits proudly and then suggests that they tell Carrottail about their training when they return to camp. Rainpaw's enthusiasm fades as he thinks about his father's early retirement. Rainpaw and his kin visit him often in the elders den to try to cheer him up and remind him that his kin cares for him.

As they leave the camp, Bloompaw teases Rainpaw about being in love with Poppypaw, but he is embarrassed insists that they're just best friends.

In the forest, Rainpaw and Poppypaw watch as Bloompaw climbs a tree. A thrush swoops over them, and Rainpaw is startled. When Poppypaw asks why, he admits that he's nervous about Bone Shred's rogues attacking them. She reassures him and promises to protect him if anything happens. Rainheart is embarrassed as he says that he'd do the same, though he's sure that the rogues would rip him apart. They gaze at each other warmly.

Bloompaw nearly falls and is dangling from the highest branch in the tree. Rainpaw is terrified and watches as Poppypaw climbs up and helps her down. He is relieved that both cats are alright and admires Poppypaw's skill and bravery.

Afterwards, Rainpaw and Poppypaw hunt in the marsh. Rainpaw is about to catch a toad when he stops and watches Poppypaw stalk a frog. It runs, and Rainpaw intercepts it, sending mud splattering at her, but she catches the frog. They laugh together, and he tells her that she's still the most beautiful cat in the forest even with muddy fur. They confess their feelings for each other and vow to have a bright future together.

#### Chapter 2

Rainheart wakes up in the warriors den, Poppywing laying against him. He gazes at her admiringly, noting how he can't believe she took him a her mate, and he's the luckiest tom in the forest. She wakes up at purrs, asking what he's looking at. He's embarrassed and says just the most beautiful cat in the clan. She rubs her head against his, and they purr happily before she stands and suggests they go hunting.

He agrees and starts after her, only to trip over Cliffshade, who grumbles at him. Rainheart is embarrassed by his clumsiness, but Poppywing doesn't seem to mind. She tells him not to mind Cliffshade, as he's just a grumpy furball. Rainheart is amused and notes that Poppywing is so supportive, as few cats are willing to put Cliffshade in his place.

When they go into the clearing, they see Bloomfire with Flamepaw, talking to him before his assessment. Rainheart is happy for his sister, noting that they'll be mates before long. Poppywing comments that they make a good couple, and he agrees.

They're about to leave when Depthwater asks if they'd like to join Cougarfoot's hunting patrol. Poppywing and Rainheart exchange a disappointed look before she tells him that she and Rainheart wanted to hunt on their own. Depthwater mildly teases them, saying they always hunt alone, but adds that they're both such fine hunters, he'd be a fool to stop them. He wishes them good hunting.

When Depthwater leaves, Poppywing races Rainheart to the burnt sycamore. He knows there's no way he can outrun her, but doesn't care. He loves spending time with Poppywing more than anything else. He notes that he's far from the strongest, fastest, cleverest warrior in the clan, and he's certainly no match for Poppywing in anyway. But she loves him for the cat he is, and he couldn't be more grateful.

When he reaches the burnt sycamore, she's already sitting there, amused as she asked what took him so long. Rainheart calls her a showoff and licks her ear before asking where they're hunting today. Poppywing suggests they go to the woodland near SkyClan territory, as no hunting patrol has been there in a while. Rainheart thinks it's a great idea. On the way, they pad side by side, their shoulders brushing and tails twined together. They occasionally meet each others gaze, finding them alight with the same love and happiness for one another.

When they reach the woodland, Poppywing hears a squirrel, and Rainheart knows she'll go after it, noting that most ShadowClan cats don't like squirrels, but Poppywing seems to enjoy climbing trees to catch them. He can see how happy it makes her and how proud she is of her unusual skill.

As she climbs the tree after the squirrel, Rainheart admires her and notes that she couldn't be more graceful if she were flying, and Stormstar named her Poppywing for this very reason. He notes that she's practically part squirrel herself.

Rainheart is worried when she nearly loses her grip on a branch, and she purrs that he worries far too much, and nothing is going to happen to her. Rainheart says she doesn't know that.

Just then, they hear distant yowls and snarling, and Rainheart realizes that it's the apprentices who were completing their assessment. Something has gone wrong. As he and Poppywing near, they pick up the reek of fox, and Rainheart knows exactly what's happening.

When they reach a clearing, they find Stormstar, Silverblossom, Milkblaze, Bluerain, Copperpaw, Timberpaw, Flamepaw, and Bloomfire taking on two huge foxes. Rainheart thinks they're the biggest foxes he's ever seen. He freezes when he sees Bluerain crouched, wounded, and he runs to her side, nudging her and urging her to move. When she slumps onto her side, he turns and calls for Poppywing, but she's already there with leaves, and they press them to her wounds.

When the fox grabs Bloomfire by the leg, Rainheart is terrified and is about to start toward his sister when Flamepaw attacks the fox. After the fox throws Timberpaw into a tree and stalks toward him, Rainheart realizes that he's stunned and yowls that he needs help.

Stormstar hears, and Rainheart watches in shock as the clan leader lunges for the foxes throat and kills it. The other fox chases after Stormstar, and when Milkblaze says that he knows he can't outrun it, Rainheart is shocked and sad, realizing that Stormstar is sacrificing himself so that they can get away.

In the distance, they hear a screech of agony, and Rainheart knows that the fox caught Stormstar. He notes that judging by Silverblossom's behavior, this must be his last life. He shuts his eyes as he thinks that their leader is dead.

Rainheart and Poppywing help Bluerain up, and he licks her cheek fur as she leans on his shoulder, worriedly asking if she can walk. She says yes, and they travel back toward the camp. Rainheart and Poppywing exchange a dull look, and every cat is quiet and solemn as they know their leader won't return with them.

#### Chapter 3

The cats are quiet as they slowly enter the camp. Rainheart glances worriedly at Bluerain, who is limping between he and Poppywing. He hopes her wounds aren't serious.

As cats begin to approach them, Rainheart and Poppywing slowly lower Bluerain to the ground. She thanks them, and Poppywing tells her that Hawkfeather and Dewpaw will fix her up. Rainheart anxiously wonders if they can't, and fears she'll join StarClan. He tries to push the horrible thought away, but can't.

Hawkfeather joins them and asks what happened. Poppywing tells him before Rainheart can respond. When the medicine cat tells them Bluerain will be fine, Rainheart lets out a sigh of relief and relaxes. As Poppywing and Hawkfeather take Bluerain to the medicine den, he watches and lets out a shaky sigh, telling himself that she'll be alright. He turns away and tenses when he catches sight of Bloomfire.

Poppywing addresses him, and he turns to see her pad over to him. She sits down beside him, and he meets her gaze anxiously. She tells him that Bluerain will be alright, and Hawkfeather is taking care of her. She pauses and studies him in concern, asking if he's alright. Rainheart says yes and gives himself a shake, relaxing against her and saying that he was just worried about Bluerain.

As the cats question the group about the fox, Depthwater asks Rainheart to tell them what happened. Rainheart grows uncomfortable as every cat looks at him. He shuffles his paws as he admits that he wasn't there to see how it started. He and Poppywing were hunting when they heard yowls and went to see what was going on. Depthwater says he sees and goes on to ask Milkblaze, who joins Rainheart at the front of the group.

As the cats begin to gather for Stormstar's vigil, Rainheart and Poppywing sit together behind Cougarfoot and Cliffshade, lowering their heads respectfully.

When Silverblossom says that she and Stormstar will hunt again in StarClan one day, Rainheart feels sorrow pierce his heart at her words. He silently notes that she's right. It won't be easy, but one day they'll be together again. He thinks there's peace in knowing that.

Rainheart notices movement at the corner of his eye and turns to see Poisonedsap leaving the vigil. He notices how angry Milkblaze looks as he watches her. He's puzzled that she would leave in the middle of the clan leader's vigil. He supposes that because she used to be a rogue, she doesn't believe in StarClan and finds the vigil pointless. He notes that she should still have the decency to be respectful.

Seeing Milkblaze's anger, Rainheart thinks that there's something more to this, but whatever it is, it's their business, and perhaps this story will be revealed someday.

Rainheart awakes early in the morning to sobbing. He goes into the clearing and feels a pang of sadness when he sees Silverblossom trying to get past Crowmask, Dewpaw, and Diamondpaw to find Stormstar's body. Rainheart hesitantly approaches Dewpaw, apologizing for interrupting and asking how Bluerain is.

Dewpaw quietly tells him that she's fine, and her wounds will heal, she just needs rest. He tells her he can see her if he likes, and Carrottail is already there.

When Rainheart enters the medicine den, he sees Carrottail talking to Bluerain. They look at Rainheart when they notice him. Bluerain asks if he's alright, and he tells her he's fine. He sits with them and stares at her worriedly, asking how she's feeling. Bluerain tells him she's a bit sore, but she'll be alright.

When Carrottail urges her to retire, he says that they could spend the rest of their days in the elders den, watching Rainheart and Bloomfire be the best warriors in ShadowClan. He adds that they can tell stories to their grandkits, because StarClan knows they're both having some. He gives Rainheart an amused look, and he grows hot with embarrassment.

Rainheart notes that he'd love to have kits with Poppywing, his heart warming as he imagines tiny bundles of red and gray fur. He thinks they'd be the best kits ShadowClan has ever seen. But as he goes back to thinking about Bluerain retiring, his spirits sadden. It isn't easy to accept that his parents are growing old.

When Cliffshade exclaims that Depthwater and Hawkfeather are back, Rainheart flicks his ears back. He nods to his parents before going into the clearing.

When Depthstar leaps onto the meeting rock, Rainheart gathers below with the other cats. He realizes that Depthstar is going to choose a deputy and wonders who it will be, studying the cats around him. He guesses Crowmask or Maplefur.

He's startled when Depthstar chooses Cobratail, Poppywing's brother. As the cats chant his name, Rainheart joins in, watching Cobratail as his clanmates congratulate him. He notes that Poppywing will be so happy for him.

Just then, he turns to see that Poppywing has awoken and watches her run to her brother. When Flameheart becomes a warrior and Bloomfire nuzzles him, Rainheart notes that they're finally warriors together, his heart warm with happiness for his sister. He guesses that he'll be seeing a lot less of her now that she can spend time with Flameheart.

When Timberpaw interrupts his ceremony and says he has a request, Rainheart stares at him curiously, noting that this never happens, and wondering what it could be.

Rainheart solemnly notes that they'll never forget Stormstar, but Depthstar will be a great leader.

#### Chapter 4

Rainheart is laying against Poppywing by the side of the clearing, basking in the sunlight. They purr loudly as they relax together and watch their clanmates contently.

Poppywing purrs that it's a lovely day, and the heat feels nice. Rainheart purrs in agreement and licks her ear, saying that it feels great, especially when she's with him. As she begins grooming his fur, he sees Cobratail pad to the center of the clearing.

It's noted that it had been difficult for Rainheart to see Bluerain give up her warrior duties and join the elders. He looks toward the elders den and sees her and Carrottail telling a story to Blackkit and Brownkit. Rainheart notices Sunflower sitting by the nursery, watching her kits from a distance sadly.

After it's noted that Silverblossom has died, Rainheart thinks that she's with Stormstar now, and they're hunting together in StarClan, just as Silverblossom said they would.

Bloomfire calls Rainheart's name, and he looks up to see her and Flameheart padding toward them, Stripedpaw following. Bloomfire's eyes shine with happiness as she tells him that Flameheart is going out for a hunting session with Stripedpaw. She says that she's going along and asks if he and Poppywing would like to join them.

Rainheart purrs that it sounds great, then hesitates, turning to Poppywing and adding, if she'd like to, of course. She looks at him warmly and says of course. She rises to her paws, and he quickly joins her, arching his back and stretching. Flameheart purrs "Great!", and the group head out of the camp.

In the forest, Rainheart sits between Bloomfire and Poppywing, watching Flameheart demonstrate a hunting crouch to Stripedpaw. Rainheart wonders if he'll ever have an apprentice.

When Bloomfire comments that Flameheart is a great mentor, Poppywing purrs "yes" and exchanges a warm look with Rainheart, who notes that his sister makes it obvious how much she admires Flameheart. Poppywing says that Rainheart will be too. He shakes his head and says that she'll be a much better mentor than he could ever be. He reminds her with a purr that she's the best hunter in ShadowClan. Poppywing gently flicks him on the shoulder with her tail.

As Poppywing begins climbing a tree to catch a bird, Rainheart watches her admiringly, silently noting that she's so talented and brave, and she could catch anything. When she's halfway up the tree, Rainheart feels himself tense as he watches her. Though he's seen her hunt in the treetops many times before, he still worries about the possibility of her falling. He worries that she'll break a leg, a paw, or fall to her death. The thought of losing her terrifies him. He gives himself a shake and tells himself that Poppywing isn't going anywhere.

He waits for Poppywing to catch the bird, but she hesitates and begins climbing back down the tree. He blinks, surprised and silently noting that she could have caught that, and it isn't like Poppywing to give up on a catch.

When she returns to the ground, Rainheart asks what happened and steps forward, staring at her anxiously and asking if she's okay. She purrs that she's fine, just didn't want to risk it. He asks "risk what?" as he stares at her, puzzled, and silently notes that she's never been afraid of falling before. He wonders if something happened.

Poppywing hesitates and looks at the others, asking if the others will excuse them, as she'd like to speak to Rainheart alone. As the others agree and leave, Bloomfire casts Rainheart and Poppywing a worried look over her shoulder before following Flameheart and Stripedpaw.

Rainheart stares at Poppywing, his stomach churning with anxiety. He knows something is wrong and wonders what it is. He wonders if she's hurt, or if she doesn't want to be mates anymore. She meets his gaze, and Rainheart's fur prickles as he worriedly asks what's wrong. To his surprise, she lets out a purr and tells him that nothing is wrong. She leans forward and licks his ear before adding that she's been meaning to tell him something, and wanted to wait until she was sure. Rainheart blinks at her curiously as he asks what it is, his heart pounding nervously.

She gazes at him for a moment before letting out a purr and revealing that she's expecting kits. For a moment, Rainheart just stares back at her, his mind blanking as he tries to understand her words. His heart skips a beat and begins to race as he understands. He gasps "Really? Our kits?"

Poppywing snorts in amusement and says yes, who else's? For a moment, Rainheart remains frozen. Then he lets out a purr and rushes forward, rubbing his head against hers. He blurts out excitedly that he can't believe it, and it's fantastic. Poppywing purrs loudly as she nuzzles his neck fur and happily says that she's so excited, and he's going to be a great father.

Rainheart purrs that he hopes so and licks her head, adding that she'll be an even better mother. His heart swells with warmth and excitement at the thought that he's having kits and he's going to be a father. He notes that suddenly, the world around him has changed into something new and exciting. Nothing feels more perfect. He says that their kits will be the best ShadowClan has ever seen.

#### Chapter 5

Rainheart races into the camp carrying a mouse. He nearly crashes into Cougarfoot, who rears back just in time and exclaims for him to slow down. Rainheart silently apologizes, unable to respond while holding the mouse. When he enters the nursery, Poppywing raises her head and purrs warmly, saying "Hello, my love."

He drops the mouse and sits in front of her, purring that he caught it just for her. She thanks him with a purr and takes a bite out of the mouse. On the other side of the den, Poisonedsap watches them from her nest. She snorts that he's back again, narrowing her eyes as she adds that he was just here this morning.

It's noted that Poppywing has been in the nursery for over a moon now. Every day, Rainheart tries to visit her as often as he can when not on patrols, bringing her prey, water, and fresh moss for her nest. He knows that Poppywing misses being able to go hunting. He wants to keep her company and make sure she's comfortable, as the kits are due any day now.

He dips his head to Poisonedsap and asks what's wrong with that, as he's excited for his kits. She mutters that if Maplefur were in the nursery as much as he was, she'd shred his ears. Poppywing purrs at her to stop acting like a grumpy old badger, adding that she likes it when Rainheart visits. Poisonedsap grunts that maybe she does, but the sooner these kits arrive, the sooner he'll stop being a nuisance.

Rainheart is too excited to let Poisonedsap offend him. He's going to be a father, and nothing can crush his happiness about that. All that matters is he, Poppywing, and their future kits. Nothing else feels as important, and certainly not Poisonedsap's opinion. He asks Poppywing if she needs anything else, gazing at her warmly as he adds that he'll find whatever she names. She purrs that she's fine, thanking him.

Bloomfire pokes her head into the den and tells him that Cobratail wants to know if he'd like to join a patrol. She adds that he spends so much time in here, he's starting to smell like a queen. Rainheart lets out an amused purr and says very funny, then hesitates, saying he should stay with Poppywing. Poppywing cuts him off and gently nudges him, telling him to go on. She adds that she loves seeing him, but he can't avoid his duties. She'll be here when he gets back.

He hesitates for a long moment, then sighs, agreeing and gazing at her lovingly. He tells her he'll see her later. He touches his nose to hers before turning away. As he follows Bloomfire into the clearing, she looks at him in amusement and comments that any cat would think he's the one having kits. He shoots her a look, and she purrs that she's just teasing, her eyes warming as she says she's happy for him. Rainheart thanks her happily, gently nudging her and asking if Cobratail really wanted him for a patrol, or if she was just trying to get him out of the nursery.

She purrs that he does and leads him to the center of the clearing where Cobratail and some other warriors are. When he spots them, he greets Rainheart and dips his head, asking how Poppywing is today. Rainheart tells him that she's fine, and the kits should arrive any day now. Cobratail nods and purrs that they all can't wait. He pauses before telling him that Cougarfoot is leading a patrol to refresh the scent markers along the ThunderClan border, asking if he'd like to join them.

Rainheart dips his head and says sure, padding over to join Cougarfoot. He's joined by Cliffshade, Greenpine, and Diamondrain. Cougarfoot gives Rainheart an irritated, but mildly amused look, and Rainheart ducks his head in embarrassment, apologizing for almost knocking him over earlier. He purrs in amusement that it's alright, then turns to the other members of the patrol, telling them to come on.

Rainheart pads through the forest with the patrol. Cougarfoot suddenly stops and tells them to wait, raising his tail to the others. When Cliffshade growls "fox", Rainheart quickly picks up the scent and feels his fur prickle with unease. He remembers the fight with the two foxes that cost Stormstar his life all those moons ago. He certainly doesn't want to see a fox again anytime soon. He uneasily comments that the scent is fresh.

Cougarfoot decides that they'd better check it out and tells every cat to stay close. He slowly heads onward, and Cliffshade and Greenpine follow. When Diamondrain hesitates, Rainheart steps to her side and quietly tells her not to worry, as there are five of them, and a fox would be mouse brained to attack them. She slowly nods and says that's true. She follows Greenpine, and Rainheart joins her.

He can't deny the fact that he's a bit nervous too. He notes that he and Diamondrain have to be the weakest cats on the patrol, but Cougarfoot, Cliffshade, and Greenpine are strong and skilled fighters. He feels ashamed to think that he's relying on them for protection.

The forest is eerily quiet as they slowly head through the trees. Rainheart glances around him warily, half expecting a fox to leap out of the bushes at them. Suddenly, Cougarfoot stops. Rainheart peers over Greenpine's head and feels his fur prickle. Up ahead is a badger's den. With a start, he remembers that the den belonged to the badger that killed Silverblossom several moons ago. The badger abandoned the den, but it looks like something else has made it it's home.

When Cliffshade confirms that it looks like the fox has moved into the den, Rainheart worriedly thinks that it isn't good that the fox has made its home here, and it doesn't look like it's leaving anytime soon. Cougarfoot decides that they'll return to camp and report it to Depthstar, adding that every cat should avoid this area until they figure out how to drive the fox away.

As the cats turn away, Rainheart hesitates and looks back at the fox den. He silently notes that if any cat got near that den, the fox would tear them apart. He uneasily hopes that he'll never have to face it. With a shudder, he turns and hurries after the others.

#### Chapter 6

Rainheart tosses and turns in his nest, struggling to get comfortable. Though he's exhausted, he finds himself restless and unable to sleep. He can't stop thinking about Poppywing and their future kits. He's excited as he silently notes that they'll be born any day now. He wonders what they'll look like, how many toms and she-cats there will be, and what they'll name them.

Copperstripe whispers "Rainheart, for StarClan's sake!" And he turns to see that he had sent a tuft of moss flying into Copperstripe's face. He glares at him and asks him to please stay still and sleep. Rainheart flattens his ears and apologizes, then rests his chin on his paws and sighs. He decides that it's hopeless, and he won't get any sleep. He decides to visit Poppywing in the nursery and makes his way around the sleeping cats toward the exit.

He accidentally steps on Crowmask's tail, and his head shoots up, his eyes flaring as he starts to speak, but Rainheart hisses at him that he's going, mildly amused. He continues toward the exit as Crowmask huffs out a sigh and settles back down.

He peers into the nursery and sees Poppywing asleep in her nest. But she seems to be awake and raises her head, blinking warmly when she sees him. She purrs softly and asks what he's doing here. His heart warms as he pads into the den and settles beside her, murmuring that he just wanted to see her. He gazes at her happily as he asks how she's feeling. Poppywing tells him that she feels great, as she has the best mate in the clan, and she's having kits soon. She pauses, amused as she tells him that he'd better be quiet, as if Poisonedsap wakes up and sees him, she'll be grumpier than ever.

Rainheart lets out an amused purr and rests his head against hers. He whispers that he can't wait, and he'll visit his kits every day until they're made apprentices. She murmurs that she knows he will, her eyes filled with warmth. She adds that they'll watch them grow up together and be there for them every step of the way. Rainheart says "of course" and licks her cheek, adding "always". He curls up against her and closes his eyes. He feels her purring against him and joins in, feeling happiness spread through his body as he dozes off. He silently notes that the day these kits arrive will be the best day of his life.

The day seems to go painfully slow. After waking up, Rainheart was chosen to go on the dawn patrol with Bloomfire, Timberstorm, and Rosebreeze. He's noted to have been distracted most of the time, daydreaming about what his kits would be like. But no cat got angry with him, as they all seemed to understand his excitement. It's sunhigh when they return to camp.

Rainheart goes straight to the nursery, eager to see Poppywing. When he ducks inside, he sees her sitting up in her nest, and she and Poisonedsap are watching Swiftkit and Stonekit. When Poppywing notices Rainheart, she lets out a purr, her eyes bright as she tells him to look, as Stonekit and Swiftkit have opened their eyes.

He looks at the kits and sees Stonekit blinking tiny amber eyes. Swiftkit turns his head to Rainheart, revealing light blue ones. Poppywing turns to Rainheart and starts to ask what color eyes he thinks their kits will have, when she breaks off, looking alarmed as she drops into a crouch. Rainheart shoots to her side, his heart skipping a beat as he asks her what's wrong. She isn't able to say much before she slumps onto her side.

Rainheart realizes that it's time for the kits to come. He feels frozen for a moment, then snaps out of it, looking down at her anxiously and telling her that he'll get Hawkfeather. He shoots out of the den and across the clearing to the medicine den. He staggers to a halt in the entrance of the den and tells Hawkfeather and Dewstorm to come quick. The medicine cats look up at him in surprise, and Hawkfeather starts to ask what's wrong. Rainheart gasps that Poppywing is kitting and spins before he can hear their response, rushing back across the clearing.

Rosebreeze says his name and blinks as he whisks past her, and beside her, Copperstripe starts to speak. Rainheart ignores them and races into the nursery, crouching beside Poppywing. He tells her that it's okay, and Hawkfeather is coming, then licks her cheek. Poppywing says "okay" and flicks her gaze to him. Despite the pain she's in, she looks happy, adding that their kits will be here soon. As Rainheart's heart races in a mixture of excitement and anxiety, the medicine cats rush into the den.

As Hawkfeather crouches beside them, Dewstorm asks Poisonedsap to leave with her kits. When she leaves, Dewstorm moves to Rainheart's side and rests his paw on Poppywing's flank, confirming that the kits are definitely coming. Hawkfeather suggests to Rainheart that he wait outside, as he doesn't think he wants to see her like this. He opens his jaws in protest, but realizes that he's right. He doesn't want to see Poppywing in pain, but he has to be here for her. He looks down at her anxiously, asking if she wants him to stay.

Poppywing hesitates, rasping that she doesn't want to worry him, and it's okay. As Rainheart continues to hesitate, Dewstorm looks at him and tells him they'll let him know as soon as the kits arrive, adding not to worry. Rainheart agrees and stares at Poppywing for a long moment before saying he'll see her soon. He turns and steps out of the den.

He's surprised to see many cats in the clearing watching him curiously. Ashcloud is the closest, sitting beside Copperstripe, and guesses that Poppywing is kitting. Rainheart nods, trembling nervously. Maplefur purrs that it's great, and tells him not to worry, and it won't take long. Rainheart silently notes that it feels like it's been long enough already, but blinks gratefully at Maplefur.

He sits down and looks over his shoulder, unable to see Poppywing, only the backs of the medicine cats. He wonders why he's so nervous, as the kits are coming, and everything will be fine. He finds himself digging his claws into the ground, his tail swishing impatiently.

Eventually, he finds himself unable to stay still and begins pacing back and forth outside the nursery, looking in every so often to catch a glimpse of his mate. He hopes she's alright, and wonders if she needs him.

Bloomfire says "Great StarClan, Rainheart, stay still for a moment!", and he pauses, resisting the urge to continue pacing. He sees his sister sitting with Flameheart not far from him, her eyes gleaming with amusement. Rainheart admits that he can't help it, his heart pounding in his chest as he says he's so nervous, but excited. He pauses, his anxiety peaking, and turns to the nursery, poking his head in and starting to ask Hawkfeather how it's going. Hawkfeather sharply responds for him to keep his fur on, as he acts like he's the first cat ever to kit.

Rainheart silently decides that Hawkfeather isn't going to tell him anything. He huffs out a sigh and steps back, sitting down. A moment later, Dewstorm pokes his head out, and Rainheart looks up at him hopefully, wondering if the kits have arrived. Dewstorm quietly tells him not to mind Hawkfeather, as he gets quiet when he's focused. He tells him that Poppywing is going to be fine. Rainheart hesitates and shuffles his paws, starting to speak, but Dewstorm cuts him off and purrs as he tells Bloomfire to talk to her brother, as if he doesn't get his mind on something else soon and stop pacing, he's afraid his paws are going to fall off. As Rainheart sighs, Bloomfire purrs "of course" and waves her tail at him, telling him to come here.

He reluctantly pads over and sits beside his sister, silently noting that she'd be nervous too if her mate was kitting. He looks over his shoulder sharply as Poppywing yowls softly. Bloomfire asks what has him so worried, and he slowly returns his attention to her as she adds that she's never seen him like this. He hesitates, the anxiety churning in his stomach. He decides to confess his fears to his sister. He admits that he's worried about Poppywing, and asks what if something goes wrong, and will the kits like him. Her eyes soften as she starts to respond, and Rainheart interrupts, staring at her anxiously as he asks if she thinks he'll be a good father.

Bloomfire promises that of course he will. She pauses, her eyes gleaming teasingly as she comments that he's a bit young to be having kits. He lets out an amused purr, feeling his stress ease. He points out teasingly that she will be too, curling his tail as he adds that every cat in ShadowClan has noticed she and Flameheart. Her eyes widen, and Flameheart lets out a purr, giving his chest a few embarrassed licks. She purrs "Maybe". Another yowl comes from the nursery, but Rainheart tries to ignore it. He doesn't want to think about Poppywing in pain. He's enjoying conversing with his sister. He's grateful for her company and silently notes that he needs her more than ever now, to distract him. He perks up at a delightful thought and looks at Bloomfire and Flameheart happily, saying that if they hurry up, maybe their kits can play together and train together. Bloomfire exchanges an affectionate look with Flameheart, and she purrs "maybe". Rainheart is amused as he thinks it's much more than a maybe.

He's about to say more when a yowl breaks out from behind him, louder and sharper than the previous ones. A sharp cry of pain follows it. It sends a bolt of shock through his body, and he spins, his heart nearly leaping out of his chest as he bristles and gasps Poppywing's name. When he hears Hawkfeather tell Dewstorm to get cobwebs, he realizes what that means. He bolts forward and pushes his head into the den, panic seizing his body as he anxiously asks what's going on. Hawkfeather snaps at him to get out, and Rainheart asks why, dizzy with panic as he struggles to see past Hawkfeather. He knows something's wrong.

He asks if she's okay, and when no one answers, he starts forward, only to have Dewstorm shoulder him out of the den. He staggers back, stunned as Dewstorm hisses at him to stay out of their way, adding that they'll save her. The words "save her" send shrill terror bolting through Rainheart's body, and he knows that she's hurt and something's wrong. His head spins as he struggles to think straight and asks what's wrong. When Dewstorm doesn't respond, he yowls Poppywing's name and surges forward. Dewstorm shoves him back again and urges him to stay out of the way.

Rainheart thinks "No!" as his mate is in there and something's wrong. A mixture of fury and terror numbs his body, and he snarls, unsheathing his claws and preparing to lash out at Dewstorm, willing him to get out of his way. He's about to slash at him when Bloomfire gasps his name and grabs him, pulling him backwards. He stumbles back and spins, finding himself glaring into Bloomfire's alarmed face. Beside her, Flameheart stares at him in shock.

Rainheart realizes that he nearly attacked a medicine cat. He trembles on his paws, his heart pounding as he rasps that something's wrong and he has to be there, unable to hide his fear. He turns toward the den again, but Bloomfire intercepts him and sits down, wrapping her tail around him and telling him it's alright, her voice filled with concern. He tells him that Hawkfeather and Dewstorm will take care of everything, and it'll be okay. She gently begins lapping at his fur, but he's unable to relax. He keeps his anxious gaze fixed on the nursery as he trembles against his sister, his fur bristling in fear as he silently wills StarClan to let Poppywing be okay.

Flameheart tells him that it's okay, staring at him in concern. He says that Hawkfeather and Dewstorm are good medicine cats, and they've handled plenty of kittings before. Rainheart thinks that's true, but is still anxious. He trusts them, but it doesn't make him any less afraid for Poppywing. He can't wait until this ordeal is over, and he can race into the nursery and comfort her. He'd cover her with licks and curl himself around her while they admired their newborn kits. He draws in a shaky breath and shuts his eyes, telling himself it'll be okay and it'll all be over soon.

A quiet cry catches his attention, and he jerks away from Bloomfire, stepping toward the nursery, wondering what's happening in there. His heart thuds in his chest as he trembles, rigid with anxiety. Suddenly, Hawkfeather's face appears at the entrance of the den, and he starts to speak. He immediately bolts into the nursery. The scent of blood fills his nose, and his veins turn to ice the second he sees Poppywing. He lets out a horrified cry.

He shoves his way past the medicine cats and feels his shaky legs almost give out from under him as he crouches over Poppywing, lapping at her cheek fiercely and crying for her to stay with him. Her eyes part slightly at his voice, meeting his terrified stare. She rasps that she's sorry, and says goodbye. His heart throbs with despair as her eyes close again, and he begs her to stay with him, pressing his muzzle into her fur. When she doesn't respond and goes still, he thinks that she can't be gone. He trembles as he raises his head and stares at her face. He whimpers her name as he stares at her closed eye, waiting and praying it'll open again, and she'll tell him everything is fine.

He's hardly aware of Dewstorm padding to his side and resting a paw on Poppywing's flank. He murmurs that he's sorry. The words send thorns through his heart, confirming the horrible truth that he didn't want to accept. Rainheart lets a long wail escape him, screaming out all the pain and despair that grips his heart until it shatters under the weight of it all. He buries his face into her fur, beginning to sob and tremble uncontrollably in grief. He tries to drink in Poppywing's warm scent, but the reek of blood poisons it.

When Hawkfeather murmurs that he'll tell the clan, Rainheart's agony melts into fury. He silently notes that he trusted him. He stands shakily and faces Hawkfeather, hatred blazing through his grief stricken body as he snarls that he calls himself a medicine cat, and he's supposed to save cats. Hawkfeather hesitates and meets Rainheart's gaze solemnly, telling him quietly that medicine cats cannot always save their clanmates, sometimes they have no choice but to accept the fate StarClan has laid down.

His words only fuel Rainheart's anger. He's unable to contain his fury that Hawkfeather would dare say it was Poppywing's fate to die. He snarls that this wasn't fate, and she wasn't supposed to die. He forces his heavy paws forward and moves toward Hawkfeather, who backs up warily as Rainheart hisses that she was supposed to have his kits, and they were supposed to name them together and raise them together.

Dewstorm quietly urges him to come here, and he'll give him some thyme. Rainheart thinks that Dewstorm is a fool if he thinks some herb is going to fix this. His tail lashes madly as he silently notes that Poppywing is dead, and nothing can heal his heart. He glares at Hawkfeather angrily, snarling that he killed her. He notes that Hawkfeather could have saved her, but instead let her bleed to death.

Hawkfeather's eyes fill with unease as he sees how out of control he is. He backs up against the wall of the den and eyes him warily, telling him that they did everything they could. Rainheart thinks that if he had, she'd still be alive. He feels rage seize his body and bares his teeth, crouching and unsheathing his claws, digging them into the earth. His muscles burn to take out his agony on something, and Hawkfeather is just the thing. The medicine cat tenses, preparing for his attack, and Rainheart growls as he glares at him, breathing heavily. Suddenly his fury fades into heart wrenching agony once more. He knows that Hawkfeather isn't to blame. He trembles and shuts his eyes before bolting out of the nursery, noting that he can't stay here any longer.

The second he bursts into the clearing, Bloomfire leaps to her paws in alarm and starts to speak, but he shoots past her, the world bright and fuzzy around him as he pushes his way through the camp, thinking to the others to get out of his way, and he has to get out of here. Cats call out to him, but he ignores them and charges through the thorn tunnel, hardly aware of his surroundings now. The trees around him blur as he runs, and he can't hear anything but his heartbeat roaring in his ears. He slowly becomes aware of himself and staggers to a halt, nearly collapsing, wondering where he's going and what he's doing.

He finds himself in the middle of the pine forest, breathing heavily and trembling as he stares down at his paws. He sees blood on his toes and guesses that he tore a few claws while running. His head aches terribly, and his whole body feels numb. He thinks of Poppywing and shuts his eyes, letting out a cry of grief as he sits down and slumps forward. He notes that he's been injured in battles before, but he's never felt any kind of agony like he feels now. It feels as though some cat has slashed his heart in two. It's a wound that can not be healed.

He begins to cry for Poppywing as he trembles uncontrollably. He sobs harder as he remembers how excited he was to have kits and raise them with her. All those dreams have been shattered. He pleads for Poppywing back, but receives no response. He knows the truth, that no cat comes back from StarClan. She can't come back to him. A thought flickers in his mind, slightly easing the pain in his heart as he thinks that he can go to her. He has a choice to make. Live in a world without the cat he loved more than anything, or spend eternity with her. He trembles and slowly rises to his paws, knowing what he has to do. Without another thought, he runs in the direction of the ThunderClan border.

He charges through the trees, his mind numb and fuzzy. He knows exactly where to go. He pushes his way through the bushes and tenses, finding the fox den he'd found yesterday on Cougarfoot's patrol. Instinct screams at him to turn back, and any sane cat wouldn't be anywhere near here on his own. For a moment he hesitates, wondering if he can really go through with this and let himself die. As he thinks about Poppywing again, his heart burns with agony, and he swallows back a cry, silently deciding to, as he would do anything for Poppywing, including this.

He slowly steps out of the bushes toward the den. He half expects the fox to leap out and attack him, but it never does. He realizes that it must be asleep inside. He trembles as he creeps closer to the mouth of the den. He stares into the darkness for a moment, then sits down, lowering his head and shutting his eyes. He remembers how Silverblossom grieved deeply for Stormstar when he died. Now they were together in StarClan. He silently notes that that'll be he and Poppywing very soon.

Bloomfire asks what he's doing here, and he's startled to hear his sister's meow behind him. Part of him wants to turn to her and cry into her fur, and let her comfort him as she had earlier. But the truth is that she can't comfort him, no cat but Poppywing can. That isn't all. He knows that he couldn't go through with this if he saw Bloomfire's face. It would change his mind, and he has no will but to do anything but be with Poppywing once more. He rasps that he can't live without Poppywing, his head low as he refuses to look at her.

Bloomfire says that she has great news, one of his kits is alive, he was hidden in the blood and moss. She tries to sound happy, but her voice shakes. She's afraid for him, and it makes Rainheart's heart ache even more.

He's surprised at this news, but feels agony pierce his heart at the thought of Poppywing. He shuts his eyes, silently wondering how he could ever live in a world without Poppywing. Even if he has a kit, he will never be Poppywing. His heart is too broken to love anything more. He growls that he doesn't care, feeling his heart twist with misery as he speaks words that he thought he'd never say. He says that the kit means nothing to him now. He opens his eyes and looks down into the shadows of the den, the stench of the fox filling his lungs. He says that all he wants is Poppywing.

For a moment, it's silent. Then Bloomfire speaks, her voice shaking as he suggests they go back to camp. The sound of his sister's voice is killing him. Rainheart knows that if he's going to do this, it has to be now. Poppywing is waiting. He rasps at Bloomfire to name the kit Bloodkit, hardly understanding his words as he speaks his heart. He adds that that's all he is, a scrap of Poppywing's blood. He silently adds, the blood that got her killed.

He shakily rises to his paws, drawing in a deep breath as he stares down into the fox den, thinking that this is it. He swallows back a sob and quietly tells Poppywing that he's coming, his voice cracking as he adds that they can be together in StarClan. The thought of being with her again gives him courage, and he leaps forward.

Bloomfire yowls his name, but he ignores it and runs further into the tunnel, the heavy reek of fox and dirt overwhelming him. His hind paw trips over something hard, and he lets out a gasp as he falls and thuds his chin onto the earth. He staggers to his paws and turns, blinking as his eyes adjust to the darkness. He expects to see a tree root, but as his vision clears, he lets out a gasp, feeling his blood turn to ice. Before him lies the mangled skeleton of a cat. He thinks it's Stormstar and sways on his paws, growing nauseous and dizzy with fear.

A loud snarl rises from behind him, and he spins just as the fox lunges at him and fastens its teeth around his body. Rainheart lets out a screech of agony and twists instinctively to free himself, but it only causes the teeth to tear at his flesh. The furious fox continues to toss him around and rip at his body mercilessly until all he's aware of is excruciating pain and the stench of his own blood under the snarling of the fox until finally, the world fades around him to black.

When Rainheart opens his eyes again, he feels warm grass under him. He trembles as he opens his eyes, half expecting to see the fox, but he's in StarClan. He slowly stands, relieved to feel that his pain has vanished. He's happy that he did it, and he's in StarClan. He looks up and feels delight blaze through his body when he sees Poppywing up ahead.

He joyfully cries her name and bounds toward her. At his voice, she freezes and turns around, her eyes wide with shock as she gasps his name. He reaches her and presses his head into her soft warm fur, his heart swelling with happiness and love. He cries that he's so happy to see her. She seems stunned and steps back, staring at him in bewilderment as she asks what he's doing here. She notices the stars and his fur and gasps, realizing he's dead and asking what happened to him.

He steps forward and gives her a nuzzle, murmuring that he needed her and couldn't live without her. He loves her more than anything. He gazes at her happily, ready to burst with affection. For a moment, Poppywing doesn't respond, her wide eyes fixed on him. She gasps as she realizes what he did. He warmly says that he had to, adding that they're together again, and this time nothing can change that.

Poppywing stares at him and whispers that a kit survived. He says that he knows, and her eyes light with disbelief, shocked that he knew this and still killed himself, abandoning their son. Rainheart's happiness fades as he hears the pain in her voice. He moves closer to her and says that he wouldn't have had a mother. Poppywing suddenly snaps that now he doesn't have a father either, and he steps back in surprise. She says that he left their kit to be an orphan. Rainheart stares at her pleadingly, saying she's more important to him, and he'd do anything for her. Poppywing stares back at him in heartache, rasping that if that were true, he should have stayed with their son.

Rainheart takes a step toward her and says that he loves her. She stares into his eyes for a long moment, then turns away. He says her name and starts after her, but she breaks into a run and disappears into the forest. He slowly stops and stares after her numbly, his heart throbbing with sadness and loss.

He silently tells himself that he did the right thing, as he's with Poppywing now. He sits down and stares at his paws, wondering if she'll ever forgive him for this. He looks down into a strange clear pool and sees Bloodkit curled up asleep in the ShadowClan nursery. He feels a flash of admiration for him, then guilt. He silently tells Bloodkit he's sorry, but had to choose Poppywing over him. Bloomfire will take care of him, and he trusts her with him more than anyone. He will be a great warrior.

### Shadows of Blood

#### Allegiances

Rainheart is listed under the Allegiances as a warrior of Shadowclan.

#### Prologue

Rainheart is pacing outside of the nursery where his mate, Poppywing, is giving birth. His sister, Bloomfire, urges him to calm down, and he tells her he can't help it. He's nervous and excited.

He tries to ask Hawkfeather how the kitting is going, but the medicine cat snaps at him to calm down. The medicine cat apprentice, Dewstorm, apologizes for Hawkfeather's behavior and says he gets cranky when he's focused. Dewstorm tells him Poppywing will be fine. When Rainheart is still concerned, he suggests Bloomfire talk to him and try to calm him down.

Bloomfire asks him why he's so worried, and Rainheart tells her he's afraid something will go wrong, the kits won't like him, or he won't be a good father. Bloomfire says he will be, and teases him, saying he's young to be having kits. Rainheart points out that she will be too, as every cat in the clan has noticed her and Flameheart. The couple is embarrassed, and Bloomfire responds with "maybe".

Rainheart hears Poppywing yowl and cry in the nursery and pokes his head into the den. The medicine cats are panicking. When he asks what's going on, Hawkfeather snaps at him to get out. Dewstorm urges Rainheart to give them room to work. He tries to push past him, but Dewstorm refuses to let him. Rainheart prepares to attack him, but Bloomfire pulls him away and tries to comfort her brother, telling him Hawkfeather and Dewstorm will take care of everything. Rainheart prays Poppywing will be okay.

Meanwhile, the medicine cats try to stop Poppywing's bleeding. She weakly asks where Rainheart is and says she wants him there. Dewstorm points out that the bleeding isn't stopping and that they should let Rainheart see her before she dies. Hawkfeather is angry with him for giving up, but Dewstorm insists that she's in the paws of Starclan now and that Rainheart deserves to see her one last time.

Hawkfeather calls for Rainheart, who races into the den and is horrified at Poppywing's condition. He crouches and starts licking her cheek, begging her to stay with him. Poppywing apologizes and says goodbye as she grows weaker. Rainheart presses his muzzle into her fur and whimpers her name as she doesn't respond. Dewstorm rests his paw on his shoulder and says "I'm sorry." Rainheart wails and thinks to himself that she just can't be gone.

When Hawkfeather turns away to go tell the clan, Rainheart turns on him, saying he shouldn't call himself a medicine cat. He's supposed to save cats. Hawkfeather tells him that they can't always save them, and sometimes they must accept Starclan's fate.

Rainheart insists it wasn't fate, and she wasn't supposed to die. She was supposed to have his kits. They were supposed to name and raise them together. Dewstorm offers to give him thyme, but Rainheart ignores him, claiming that Hawkfeather killed her. The medicine cat says they did everything they could.

Rainheart crouches to attack, but after a moment, runs out of the den instead.

Outside the den, the clan is murmuring anxiously. One cat says they haven't seen Rainheart. Suddenly, he races out of the den. Bloomfire starts to ask what happened, but he ignores her and races into the forest.

When Bloomfire goes into the nursery, Dewstorm asks where Rainheart went. She tells him he left the camp and thinks he needs some time alone.

When a surviving kit is found, Bloomfire says she must tell Rainheart, thinking he'll be so happy. She tells Flameheart what happened before racing out into the forest.

She finds Rainheart at the mouth of an old badger den that a fox had recently moved into. Rainheart says that he can't live without Poppywing. Bloomfire tells him that a kit survived, but Rainheart says he doesn't care and that the kit means nothing to him. He only wants Poppywing. Bloomfire urges him to come back to camp. He tells her to name the kit Bloodkit, then quietly tells Poppywing that he's coming and they can be together in Starclan. He leaps into the den, and Bloomfire knows that he's cornered in there. She hears the fox snarling and tearing him apart until it goes silent, and she knows Rainheart is dead.

That evening, Depthstar speaks highly of Rainheart, saying that he was one of the finest young warriors he'd seen in moons and had much to offer to his clan.

When discussing who is to take care of the kit, Bluerain points out that it is her son's kit and she should be the one to take him in.

It is decided that Bloomfire and Flameheart will raise the kit. Depthstar asks what they'll name him, and Bloomfire says "Bloodkit", as it was Rainheart's last request.

#### Chapter 4

In Starclan, after Bloodkit wakes up after meeting Poppywing, Rainheart steps out of the bushes and comments that he's a fine kit, and brave and smart like her. Poppywing doesn't respond for a moment, then comments that it's interesting he takes an interest in him now and not before he abandoned him. Rainheart apologizes and tells her he needed and couldn't live without her.

Poppywing retorts that Bloodkit needed a father, and he abandoned him. She'd never imagined he would do such a thing. Rainheart asks her to remember how excited they were to have kits and raise them together. He couldn't do it without her and doesn't regret his decision. She says she has nothing left to say to him, and the cat she fell in love with wouldn't have abandoned their son. She thinks she didn't know him as well as she thought and says goodbye, leaving him numb and upset.

#### Chapter 11

Bluerain mentions Rainheart when Bloodpaw is giving she and the other elders fresh moss, though not by name. She says she was Bloodfur's father's mother.

#### Chapter 17

Flameheart reveals to Bloodfur that Rainheart is his father. He describes him as a great and loyal warrior, and explains what happened on the day of Bloodfur's birth. Bloodfur is hurt knowing his father didn't want him.

When Bloodfur runs away from Flameheart to be alone, he lets out a cry and looks up at the stars, wondering if Rainheart and Poppywing are up there and if they've been watching him suffer all this time too.

#### Chapter 30

During the battle, Revengeheart taunts Bloodfur, saying it's a shame that his father wasn't like Cougarfoot. He then corrects himself, saying he forgot that Rainheart was dead and had decided he'd rather die than raise Bloodfur. He prepares to deal the killing blow to Bloodfur, commenting that at least he'll finally get to meet him.

#### Chapter 32

When Bloodfur dreams with Starclan, Poppywing tells him there's someone who wants to meet him. She steps back and Rainheart joins her, looking hesitant as he faces Bloodfur. He says he wished they'd met sooner. When Bloodfur asks who he is, Rainheart tells him his name and that he's his father. Bloodfur asks why he left him, and Rainheart feels guilty. He tells him that he loved Poppywing too much and was horrible to make Bloodfur an orphan. He reveals that he and Poppywing are no longer mates in Starclan, as she's refused to forgive him. He apologizes to Bloodfur for abandoning him and giving him a horrible name that pained him his whole life.

He tells Bloodfur that he's proud of the cat he's become, and wishes he could have been there for him, but he was young and stupid. He says he can't thank Flameheart enough for raising him so well, better than he could have himself.

Bloodfur thinks to himself that though they share blood, he will never think of Rainheart as his father, and rather Flameheart, the cat who raised him.

Bloodfur forgives Rainheart, who is relieved. He thanks him and hesitantly touches noses with his son, saying he'll always watch over him. Bloodfur purrs.

### Starfaith's Fate

#### Allegiances

Rainheart is listed under Allegiances as a warrior of ShadowClan.

## Quotes

*"If you hurry up, maybe our kits will play together, and train together!"*

-Rainheart to Bloomfire in *"Shadows of Blood"*, prologue

*"Fate? This was not fate! She wasn't supposed to die! She was supposed to have my kits! We were supposed to name them together, and raise them together!"*

-Rainheart to Hawkfeather after Poppywing's death in *"Shadows of Blood"*, prologue

*"I can't do it. I can't live without Poppywing."*

-Rainheart after Poppywing's death in *"Shadows of Blood"*, prologue

*"Name the kit Bloodkit. I'm coming, Poppywing. We can be together in Starclan."*

-Rainheart's last words to Bloomfire in *"Shadows of Blood",* prologue

*"Poppywing! Don't you remember? Remember how excited we were to have kits? We were going to raise them together! I couldn't do that without you. It was against everything we had planned. I don't regret my decision. I love you more than anything."*

-Rainheart to Poppywing in Starclan in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 4

"*I loved your mother too much to live without her. But I realize now that it was horrible of me to make my son an orphan. We are no longer mates in Starclan. She has refused to forgive me. I only hope that you can. There are no words strong enough to express how sorry I am for abandoning you... For giving you that horrible name that has caused you pain since you were a kit."*

-Rainheart to Bloodfur in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 32

*"I'm proud of the cat you've become. I wish I'd been there for you. But I was young and stupid. I can't thank Flameheart enough for raising you as well as he did. Better than I could have."*

-Rainheart to Bloodfur in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 32

*"Even with all that mud, you're still the most beautiful cat in the forest."*

-Rainpaw to Poppypaw in *"Rainheart's Love"*, chapter 1

*"We're meant to be. StarClan has laid out the path to a bright future ahead of us, and I can't wait to follow it with you!"*

-Rainpaw to Poppypaw in *"Rainheart's Love"*, chapter 1

*"Do you need anything else, Poppywing? I'll find whatever you want, you name it!"*

-Rainheart to Poppywing in *"Rainheart's Love"*, chapter 5

*"Oh, Poppywing... I'm so sorry... It shouldn't have been this way. We were supposed to be together! I just want you back... Please! I need you, Poppywing...!"*

-Rainheart after Poppywing's death in *"Rainheart's Love"*, chapter 6

## Gallery

### Covers and Headers

Rainheart on the cover of Rainheart's Love
### Scenes

Rainheart grieving for Poppywing after she dies.
### AMV Shots

Rainheart and Poppywing - Rewrite the Stars
### Other

Rainheart sticker / button designRainheart in Bloodfur's photo album meme

## Character Development and Origins

Rainheart was created to be the father of Bloodfur when I decided to give him a backstory. I didn't feel the names of his parents were too important, so Rainheart and Poppywing were very hastily named. He was the sister of Bloomfire, mate of Poppywing, and father of Bloodfur.

 Rainheart is originally described as a light gray tabby tom with a silvery chest, muzzle, chin, and paws, and yellow eyes. It is noted that he cares most about Poppywing and dislikes death.

Ancient art of Rainheart