Rootspring/History

***Spoiler warning:** Plot and/or ending details follow.*Template:History

Template:Shortened

#### *Lost Stars*

"*I thought I was the only one who felt like an outsider, not quite fitting into my Clan. Now here's Shadowpaw, and he's struggling too. It feels…sort of good, knowing there's another cat with the same problems.*"
―Rootpaw about Shadowpaw Lost Stars

Rootkit is a SkyClan kit, born to Violetshine and Tree alongside his sister, Needlekit. Leafstar calls a Clan meeting to make him and Needlekit apprentices, and Rootkit thinks that he wants to be the best warrior he can be. He is named Rootpaw, with Dewspring as his mentor. However, the young apprentice is sensitive about his father's strange behavior, which the two apprentices Kitepaw and Turtlepaw, pick up on after the ceremony and tease him about.
Two days later, Rootpaw has battle training with his mentor, Dewspring, and the other SkyClan apprentices. He struggles with a battle move that Needlepaw seems to get right away, causing him to become embarrassed yet again, though his sister comforts him. Turtlepaw offers advice, but Kitepaw suggests that Rootpaw is not cut out for warrior life like his strange father. Rootpaw threatens the reddish-brown tom, and Turtlepaw reminds them that they'll get in trouble for fighting, though it's not likely that Rootpaw would win. This causes Rootpaw to snap, and he lunges unsuccessfully at the tortoiseshell she-cat. The older apprentices continue to taunt him, but Rootpaw insists he'll become a strong warrior.
Kitepaw suggests that to prove himself, Rootpaw should help them collect herbs by the lake, though Needlepaw urges her brother not to listen to the tricky apprentices. Rootpaw agrees to come along, though Kitepaw and Turtlepaw continue to tease him, and after one taunt too many, Rootpaw attacks them. However, they dodge, and Rootpaw falls into the lake. He is rescued by a ThunderClan apprentice, Bristlepaw, and brought to the ThunderClan camp to recover.
Kept there for a few days, Rootpaw recovers and grows to admire Bristlepaw. She advises he stay away from Kitepaw and Turtlepaw, and focus on his training. Rootpaw thinks she's very smart, but she just brushes it off as knowing enough to keep away from those kinds of cats. A SkyClan patrol arrives soon after to take him home, and he hears his father, much to his chagrin. Rootpaw reflects on how he doesn't want to be like Tree, and how his father doesn't seem to even try to fit in. On the way back, he also mentally disagrees how Tree talks about the way of the warrior not being the only one, and who is really true to himself when his father lives under rules he doesn't really respect.
Waking up for a training session, his mentor explains that Turtlepaw and Kitepaw are being punished for their part in Rootpaw's almost drowning, and Rootpaw objects by saying it's his fault too. Dewspring says that they're older and should know better, and is he a bit disappointed in his apprentice for going along with them in the first place. Apologizing, Rootpaw goes along with his mentor to train. When he runs into Kitepaw and Turtlepaw, the two apprentices blame him for being mouse-brain enough to fall into the lake. Rootpaw confides in Needlepaw, who believes he should ignore the others and work on being true to himself.
While reciting the warrior code, he and Dewspring overhear Fidgetflake Leafstar discuss the medicine cats' disconnection with StarClan due to the frozen Moonpool. Rootpaw initially frets about it, but Dewspring silences him by reminding his apprentice they should trust in their leader and medicine cats. After, Rootpaw catches a plump crow, and sets off to camp. On the way, he sees Tree lying in the snow pretending to be a bush to kill a vole. After seeing him do that, Rootpaw decides his father belongs with the Clans. The Clan feasts for the first time in moons, and even Turtlepaw and Kitepaw are impressed by Rootpaw's catch.
At the Gathering, Rootpaw boasts to Bristlepaw how he caught the crow, much Bristlepaw's ire since she's been struggling to catch anything. After a successful battle training session, Rootpaw reflects how he wished he could show Bristlepaw, whom he has grown to admire. Noting how frustrated she seemed about the lack of prey, Rootpaw asks Leafstar and Hawkwing if he could catch something to bring to Bristlepaw as thanks for rescuing him. They reluctantly agree, and Rootpaw catches a vole. He, Dewspring, and Sunnypelt travel to ThunderClan's camp, and Rootpaw gifts her the prey. Bristlepaw awkwardly accepts it, and Rootpaw notices something off about ThunderClan's leader, Bramblestar. Meanwhile, Bristlepaw is furious about the scene Rootpaw made, and her Clanmate Stemleaf teases that the younger apprentice is in love with her.
Rootpaw becomes embarrassed after bringing Bristlepaw the vole and frets about his Clanmates despising him for potentially wasting prey. While hunting alone, he runs into Shadowpaw going to the Moonpool. The two amicably chat, and Rootpaw relishes finding someone else who was also struggling to fit in. While traveling together briefly, Shadowpaw treats Rootpaw when the latter accidentally steps on a thorn, and Rootpaw reflects how Shadowpaw will become a great medicine cat. Rootpaw, among with many other cats from SkyClan, ThunderClan, RiverClan, and WindClan, try to break the ice in the Moonpool which they believe is severing their connection with StarClan. Rootpaw runs into Bristlepaw, who is now Bristlefrost, and he forgives her for the way she acted. He helps push the rock onto the Moonpool, but the crack created only reveals more ice.
After Bramblestar is revived following Shadowpaw's unorthodox treatment, Tree calls a family meeting, concerned about Bramblestar's behavior akin to Darktail's. When his father suggests they should leave, Rootpaw argues against. Tree makes them promise to be careful. Afterward, while walking in the snow, Rootpaw bumps into what he assumed to be Bramblestar but was slightly transparent. Frightened, Rootpaw runs away in terror as Bramblestar's ghost cries out for help.
#### *The Silent Thaw*

**Rootpaw**: "*Do you think I can do something about it? Because I can't. I'm not a medicine cat. I'm not even a warrior yet. I don't even know why you keep following me. There must be another cat who can help you.*"

**Bramblestar's impostor**: "*I've tried to find one. But you're the only cat who can see me.*"

—Rootpaw speaking with the ghost The Silent Thaw
Rootpaw runs away from Bramblestar's ghost, refusing to believe what he saw. Dewspring scolds him for being late for training, and Rootpaw asks to join the border patrol to see if ThunderClan was grieving for Bramblestar, suspecting he'd died. The ThunderClan cats reveal Bramblestar is still alive and well, and Rootpaw realizes he didn't see a ghost at all. However, while sharing prey with Needlepaw, Rootpaw spot Bramblestar's ghost watching him and only he can see it.
At a Gathering, Needlepaw accuses him of frequently staring off into space as Rootpaw eyes the ghost. His sister suspects that he's thinking of Bristlefrost again, but Rootpaw lies that he's worried about his warrior assessment. Bristlefrost comes up to speak to him, but she slips off early on. Bramblestar's ghost appears at the Gathering, and Rootpaw realizes Bramblestar's body is holding an impostor. The ghost confronts Rootpaw, and he runs off and accidentally falls off the tree-bridge. Bramblestar's ghost attempts to save him, but he cannot touch anything. Rootpaw crawls out of the shallow water, and his parents fret over him.
A few days later, Rootpaw helps Fidgetflake gather herbs since Dewspring sprained his paw. He asks the medicine cat about ghosts, and Fidgetflake encourages him to always listen to StarClan spirits. They run into Tree and his father attempts to teach Rootpaw how to "think bush" to hunt. Rootpaw realizes that Tree cannot see the ghost and Rootpaw finally speaks to the apparition. Bramblestar convinces him to send a message to Squirrelflight, and Rootpaw begrudgingly agrees.
Dewspring and Leafstar believe Rootpaw is constantly distracted because of his obvious crush on Bristlefrost and scold him. Rootpaw finally explains to his father that he can see Bramblestar's ghost and he panics. Tree figures someone else is inhabiting Bramblestar's body and warns his son from telling anyone else. Bramblestar's ghost presses Rootpaw to sneak into ThunderClan's camp, and Tree wishes him well. The apparition guides Rootpaw through foreign territory until he is captured by a patrol. Rootpaw lies to Bramblestar's impostor that he saw the Sisters nearby and wanted to speak with Bristlefrost. Rootpaw tells Bristlefrost about the ghost and to pass a message to Squirrelflight. She later tells Squirrelflight, who falsely brushes it off as nonsense.
Rootpaw's punishment is to clean every nest in the camp, and Leafstar calls a Clan meeting. Frecklewish explains that Shadowsight had received a vision about codebreakers and they must be punished for breaking the warrior code. At an emergency Gathering, Bramblestar's impostor starts aggressively snapping about punishing the codebreakers, and Bramblestar's ghost pressures Rootpaw to act. Squirrelflight confronts Rootpaw about his message, and, through Bramblestar's ghost telling him what to say, convinces her of the truth. Spotfur and Stemleaf encourage Rootpaw to come to a secret meeting with others who have concerns about Bramblestar.
Rootpaw goes to the meeting and runs into Tree and Frecklewish also attending. They discuss StarClan's wishes for the codebreakers and Shadowsight's vision. Tree lies to the cats that he's seen Bramblestar's ghost and reveals the other is an impostor. Bristlefrost arrives and agrees to convince Squirrelflight to join their cause to overthrow Bramblestar's impostor. At the Gathering, Rootpaw and Frecklewish attempt to speak with Shadowsight before the meeting began, but he brushes them away. When Rootpaw tries to stand up for StarClan, Bramblestar's impostor accuses him of being a codebreaker for seeing dead cats. Tree snaps back that he can see ghosts too, as have several other cats. Due to Tree speaking up against Bramblestar's impostor, he orders Tree into three days of exile and threatens his family if he refuses to atone. Tree attempts to take his family and leave the Clans, but Rootpaw convinces him to say.
Rootpaw and Tree visit ShadowClan's camp to inform them about Bramblestar's impostor, but Tigerstar promptly throws them out. Shadowsight follows after them, and he reveals his visions didn't come from a StarClan cat as he suspected. Tree and Rootpaw explain that Bramblestar is inhabited by an impostor, and Tree quickly explains Rootpaw how to make Bramblestar's ghost appear, posing as Tree doing all the work. Rootpaw is shocked by his power, and Shadowsight takes them back to camp. They discover Squirrelflight there seeking sanctuary after Bramblestar's impostor exiled her. Rootpaw makes Bramblestar's ghost appear for ShadowClan, convincing them of their story.
Bramblestar's ghost helps Rootpaw convince Tigerstar that ShadowClan must help get rid of Bramblestar's impostor. For once, Rootpaw is fine being similar to Tree as long as no cat knew about his powers. He and his father accompany Puddleshine and Shadowsight to the Moonpool to warn the other medicine cats. Rootpaw detects mint, which doesn't grow in ThunderClan territory, and they hear an injured cat and rush ahead to help. Shadowsight is left behind and is attacked.
#### *Veil of Shadows*

"*Rootpaw saved Shadowsight, the young medicine cat who had been missing for some time. And in doing that, he created a strong bond between SkyClan and ShadowClan. While we've had conflicts in the past, Rootpaw has given us a way to heal those divisions. He demonstrated bravery, strength, and clearheadedness in a time of great peril. Not only that, he showed wisdom in seeking help when he needed it. Because of this, I don't think it's necessary to give him a formal assessment. His actions speak for themselves.*"
―Leafstar about Rootpaw Veil of Shadows

Rootpaw and Tree have arrived at the Moonpool with the other medicine cats and are waiting for Puddleshine, who had gone back to fetch Shadowsight. Puddleshine arrives but is surprised not to see Shadowsight among them. Rootpaw suspects something must have happened to Shadowsight, and the group leaves to investigate where Shadowsight was last seen. They come across crushed catmint, but no trace of the ShadowClan medicine cat. Deciding they cannot wait any longer, Rootpaw summons Bramblestar's ghost but the ThunderClan leader appears hazy and disappears not long after. The medicine cats are divided whether or not to believe Rootpaw, and Rootpaw frets about his friend's disappearance.
Two days later, Rootpaw's warrior ceremony is postponed due to him being distracted by the ghost's presence, and his sister earns her warrior name of Needleclaw. The impostor visits SkyClan and asks to speak with Leafstar, before Rootpaw, Frecklewish and Fidgetflake had an opportunity to reveal the truth about Bramblestar to Leafstar. The impostor announces an emergency Gathering that night and pressures Leafstar to punish her codebreakers. Leafstar calls a Clan meeting to discuss the impostor's proposition, and Frecklewish reveals the truth about Bramblestar. The Clan is shocked, and Rootpaw admits he was the first to see the ghost. His attempts to summon Bramblestar fail, and Leafstar is hesitant to make a powerful claim against ThunderClan. She asks Rootpaw if he wishes to become a medicine cat apprentice because of his powers, and Rootpaw agrees if it'll help his Clan.
Rootpaw's attempts to memorize herbs are not optimistic, and he panics at the sight of blood from Rabbitleap's minor injury. Puddleshine arrives to speak with Rootpaw, and on their way to ShadowClan's camp, Puddleshine confesses he fears Shadowsight might be dead. The exiled cats have taken refuge in ShadowClan's camp and Tigerstar is growing irksome by the crowd and the conflicting personalities. They agree to move the exiled cats to SkyClan's old camp, and Squirrelflight asks Rootpaw to summon Bramblestar so she could ask him a few questions. However, Rootpaw admits he can't and somberly wonders what happened to the spirit.
At SkyClan's old camp, Rootpaw reveals to the rebels about Bramblestar's ghost. When Shadowsight's spirit attempts to communicate with Rootpaw and Tree and fails, Spiresight explains that not every cat with Sisters' blood can see every ghost. Later, Tree confers with Rootpaw about the ghost's unusual disappearance, and he helps his father perform the summoning ritual in an attempt to call Bramblestar's ghost. When the ritual doesn't work, Rootpaw dreadfully apologizes for his failure, but Frecklewish suggests they perform the ritual at the Moonpool. During the ritual, Rootpaw spots something glimmering in the Moonpool, but it quickly vanished. Tree suspects Bramblestar's ghost might be vanishing without access to his body. Upon Leafstar's suggestion, Rootpaw decides to return to his warrior apprenticeship.
With Shadowsight's body dying, Spiresight fetches Rootpaw. Rootpaw has a last-minute training session with Dewspring before his warrior assessment the following morning, and he impresses his mentor when he silently leaps into the trees to ambush Dewspring. Spiresight's ghost appears to Rootpaw and leads him to Shadowsight's gravely injured body down a ravine in ThunderClan territory. Upon realizing Shadowsight was still alive, Rootpaw fetches help and runs into Dewspring who scolds Rootpaw for being late for his warrior ceremony. Rootpaw reveals he found Shadowsight and leads Dewspring to the ravine. Together, they carry out Shadowsight's body and take him to SkyClan's camp. Rootpaw challenges Leafstar's neutral stance about Bramblestar's hostility, and he and Violetshine leave for ShadowClan to inform Tigerstar and Dovewing the good news.
At a meeting of the rebels, Rootpaw explains how he found Shadowsight and suspects he was originally attacked. Because of his bravery, Leafstar names Rootpaw a warrior with the name of Rootspring. He checks up on Shadowsight, who remains unconscious, in the medicine cats' den. Shadowsight wakes up and reveals the impostor has done something to Bramblestar's ghost. Shadowsight asks Rootspring to attempt to summon the ghost to prove his theory, but Rootspring fails to. After leaving to let Shadowsight rest, Rootspring catches Turtlecrawl, Kitescratch, Gravelnose and Pigeonfoot eavesdropping on their conversation. They edge Rootspring to join their excursion to find proof about the impostor, but Rootspring declines.
At another meeting with the rebels, Rootspring is surprised to see Berrynose join them, and Squirrelflight explains that the impostor banished Berrynose following a failed assassination attempt and also named Bristlefrost his new deputy. The rebels question Bristlefrost's allegiance to their cause, and Rootspring heartbreakingly begins to doubt his friend. Rootspring realizes he can still see ghosts as he spots Stemleaf's ghost slinking near Spotfur, but questions where Bramblestar's ghost is. Rootspring goes to confront Bristlefrost about her loyalty, but Bristlefrost insists she promised Squirrelflight nothing would happen to Bramblestar's body. Rootspring apologizes for doubting her, admitting he still likes her, and Bristlefrost reveals she has feelings for him too. Although both are doubtful, Rootspring and Bristlefrost agree that if things change, they can be together.
Following the battle against ThunderClan, RiverClan, and WindClan and the impostor's usurpation, Rootspring spots the ghosts of the fallen at the Gathering, and grimly realizes they are not in StarClan. Shadowsight explains to Rootspring how he rescued Bramblestar's ghost from the Dark Forest, but Rootspring insists he still has not seen the ThunderClan leader's ghost. Rootspring is shocked when Mistystar exiles Harelight and Icewing for fighting against RiverClan in the battle and waits in anticipation as Squirrelflight reveals she knows who has taken over Bramblestar's body.
#### *Darkness Within*

Template:Impostor

"*Rootspring watched them, happiness washing his pelt. He suddenly realizes how far he'd come since the other apprentices had called him names. He'd never imagined he'd become a warrior that kits would* want *as a mentor. Maybe he belonged in SkyClan more than he'd thought. His weird powers were a strength now, something he could use to help his Clan. [...] Somehow he'd embraced his and his father's strange powers, and it had only made him a better SkyClan warrior. Now his Clan not only needed him, but wanted him. How could he think of leaving this place where he belonged?*"
―Rootspring about his place in SkyClan Darkness Within

Squirrelflight reveals the impostor is really Ashfur, and manages to trick him into revealing his identity. While he remains a prisoner in ShadowClan's camp, Rootspring and his family attend an all-Clan vigil for those who died as a result of Ashfur's manipulations. Rootspring is surprised and angry that Ashfur terrorized the Clans just because Squirrelflight rejected him moons ago. During the vigil, Rootspring wonders where their spirits will go since he hasn't seem their ghosts since the prior Gathering. The morning after, Rootspring and Bristlefrost speak about Spotfur's grief for her mate Stemleaf and Bristlefrost feels guilty for getting over her crush of him so easily. She asks if he's gotten over his apprentice crush for her, and he replies he hasn't, though he acknowledges they can never be mates. Rootspring attempts to ease Bristlefrost's worries for ThunderClan's future before Squirrelflight gathers her cats to leave. While walking back to their own camp, Rootspring thanks Tree for originally pretending to summon Bramblestar's ghost, though Tree replies it's what any father would do. They encounter the ghost of Cheddar, a deceased kittypet, who reveals she's seen their Clanmates' ghosts fading in and out and looking terrified.
Rootspring and Tree share their fear that their deceased Clanmates might be in trouble and can't find their way to StarClan with Leafstar. She agrees to invite the other leaders to explain their concern, and the Clan leaders argue whether or not Bramblestar is really gone since Rootspring hasn't seen his ghost in a moon. Tigerstar and Harestar wish to kill Ashfur to finally get rid of him, but Squirrelflight adamantly still has hope for her mate's return. Tree suggests they ask the Sisters for advice since they are more familiar with wandering spirits, and the Clan leaders agree to keep Ashfur prisoner until Rootspring, Needleclaw, Bristlefrost and Spotfur return with the Sisters. Rootspring is eager to spend more time with Bristlefrost and wonders if he'll be strong enough to maintain the threshold of their friendship.
Tree had told Rootspring to find a kittypet named Pancakes who knows of the Sisters. Rootspring leads the patrol and is amazed by how much territory lies beyond the Clans. He attempts to avoid Bristlefrost by walking with his sister and hunting with her. Bristlefrost worries they won't be able to convince the Sisters to help them, but Rootspring is confident between her and Needleclaw they'll be able to convince them. Rootspring offers to take first watch, and Bristlefrost decides to join him, much to Needleclaw's suspicion. His fur brushes against hers and he comforts her as she explains how Flipclaw and a few others decided to leave ThunderClan to wander. They share a quiet night underneath the moon, both cats struggling to suppress their feelings. The next day as the patrol searches for Leaf, a former member of the Sisters who recently passed through a Twolegplace, Needleclaw sharply suggests to Rootspring that he should find a new *friend* in SkyClan instead.
Rootspring argues that the warrior code might be changing, but the patrol come across a large Twolegplace. They manage to cross a large Thunderpath and navigate through the large Twolegplace. When they are cornered by a dog, a large tom saves them and introduces himself as Leaf. Leaf is pleased to meet his kin and reveals to group that Spotfur is pregnant. Rootspring explains they need to find the Sisters, and Leaf demonstrates to Rootspring how to communicate with the earth to locate them, something all tom-cats with Sister blood can do. After a while, he locates the Sisters across the river and agrees to lead Rootspring and his friends to them. Rootspring is surprised by Leaf's willingness to help them considering the Clan's history with the Sisters, but Leaf explains he cannot judge one cat by another cat's actions since he and his littermates were nursed by a Clan queen.
After Leaf shows them the general direction of the Sisters, Rootspring reflects how different his life would've been if he'd been raised by the Sisters. While Bristlefrost insists she's happy in ThunderClan, Rootspring challenges her belief since things might not get better. While stalking a rabbit, they hear Spotfur in trouble and discover a hawk attempting to fly away with her. Together with Needleclaw, they manage to free Spotfur, but she clings onto the hawk for a few moments before being flung away. While Bristlefrost comforts Spotfur, Rootspring and Needleclaw return with a rabbit. Sunrise appears and warns them for straying too close to their camp, but Rootspring and the others are glad to finally meet a Sister. Rootspring explains the Clans' troubles to Snow, their leader, she is hesitant to leave since Sunshine is close to kitting. While the Sisters debate whether or not to aid the Clans, Moon points out that one of the Clan queens nursed her and her littermates, and Rootspring realizes she's talking about Violetshine. He's disappointed he doesn't remember her, but is shocked when Moonlight appears in camp. Moonlight introduces herself as Tree's mother and encourages her Sisters to aid them. The Sisters perform a welcoming ceremony for Spotfur's kits, and Rootspring, Bristlefrost and Needleclaw join in on their song.
While sharing prey, Bristlefrost rests her tail over Rootspring's but whisks it away when she notices Sunrise's fond gaze. Sunrise is pleased that her kin has found happiness, but both Rootspring and Bristlefrost embarrassingly insist they are just friends. Needleclaw supports their claim and explains how Clan cats cannot take mates from a different Clan. When Spotfur points out that Finleap and Dovewing left their birth Clan to follow their heart in a different one, Bristlefrost wonders if she would do the same for Rootspring. Both decide to stay out for a few more moments and both agree they couldn't leave their birth Clans.
When they arrive at Clan territory, Needleclaw once again pressures Rootspring to forget about Bristlefrost since she'll always choose her Clan over him. Before he can argue, Moon is caught by a Twoleg trap and Sunrise urges Rootspring to listen to the earth to figure out where the trap is buried. She gently presses his paws on the ground and he closes his eyes, concentrating on the scent of the earth and grass. After a few moments, Rootspring feels something tugging him to a small mound of dirt not far. He digs and discovers a block of wood securing the trap, and he and Bristlefrost chew through the roots to free Moon. Rootspring is pleased he managed to listen to the earth and wonders what else he can do.
When they arrive in SkyClan's land, Snow agrees to summon the spirits for the Clan leaders and asks for Rootspring to help. After the Sisters chant for the spirits to come, Rootspring sees the clearing filled with spirits in agony, with black holes for eyes, fur spiked and snarling and growling. Rootspring recognizes Stemleaf and Spiresight and asks what he should do, but they are in too much pain to reply. The Sisters and Tree are also horrified by the experience and call for the spirits to leave before they can attack, but Rootspring spots Ashfur's spirit watching in satisfaction. Rootspring explains that while he did not see Bramblestar, he saw Ashfur watching them, and Tigerstar suspects Ashfur is able to move freely without Bramblestar's body. Sunrise encourages the leaders to leave their territory since it is infected with bad energy, but they refuse. After they leave and the Sisters agree to take shelter in SkyClan's camp for the time being, Bristlefrost comforts Rootspring from the ordeal.
The following day, Sunrise praises Rootspring for helping them and teaches him how to summon a spirit properly; he must reach out with a physical token of the spirit, such as a piece of fur or bedding. She also instructs him how to bond with the earth by lying down on the ground so the earth can feel his heartbeat, and opening his heart so his power may flow through. Rootspring is self-conscious that his Clanmates might find him even more odd for communicating with the earth. When the Sisters leave to make camp in SkyClan's territory, Sunrise encourages him to not let go of Bristlefrost. He leaves to quickly speak with Bristlefrost and admits he loves her. She reciprocates his feelings, and he believes their love can make them stronger. He asks if either of them can join the other's Clan. Bristlefrost does not wish to leave her kin or abandon ThunderClan when it needs her most, and Rootspring promises to think about his choice. However, after reflecting about his Clanmates and learning that SkyClan's newest members, Beekit and Beetlekit, are fond of his powers, Rootspring realizes he belongs in SkyClan.
At an emergency Gathering, Tigerstar calls up Rootspring to testify that he saw Ashfur watching the spirits in pain. The Clan leaders decide to kill Ashfur, much to Squirrelflight's horror. Rootspring is horrified for Bramblestar's spirit, recalling how he frantically begged Rootspring for help when they first met. He and Bristlefrost discover Squirrelflight running ahead of the Clan leaders and follow her to outside ShadowClan's camp. On the way, Rootspring accepts Bristlefrost's decision that she's decided to remain in ThunderClan. He and Bristlefrost manage to convince Squirrelflight to let go of her mate and comfort her when they believe the Clan leaders have killed him. They watch her head for the Moonpool, believing it's the one place she can get close to Bramblestar, and Rootspring decides to follow her. However, he witnesses Ashfur, who has escaped ShadowClan's camp, attack Squirrelflight. Rootspring attempts to stop him, but Ashfur subdues Rootspring. Struggling to maintain consciousness, Rootspring watches Ashfur drag Squirrelflight's body into the Moonpool. Rootspring searches the water for them, but realizes in horror that he's taken Squirrelflight to the Place of No Stars.
#### *The Place of No Stars*

"*I don't want to die like this, alone, without Bristlefrost. I want to go on fighting Ashfur by her side. And if I must die today, then I want my death to mean something.*"
―Rootspring's thoughts as he nearly drowns in the Dark Forest The Place of No Stars (book)

Rootspring scrambles down the slope from the Moonpool in a fright, unsure if what he had seen was true. He runs towards SkyClan's camp, but comes across Hawkwing and his patrol downhill, and Rootspring quickly informs the SkyClan deputy what he had seen. Hawkwing urges him to find Leafstar at camp, and Rootspring quickly sprints home. Leafstar is prepared to head to ShadowClan's camp when Rootspring arrives, and she ushers him with her. Leafstar and Tree believe Rootspring, but his other Clanmates are doubtful. At ShadowClan's camp, the SkyClan cats discover Lionblaze and Tigerstar in a heated exchange until Rootspring loudly announces that he witnessed Ashfur drag Squirrelflight into the Moonpool. After some debate, the Clan leaders agree that Squirrelflight might be in trouble and agree to meet with their medicine cats at the Moonpool to look for clues. Leafstar has Rootspring fetch Frecklewish and Fidgetflake and meet them at the Moonpool.
At the Moonpool, Rootspring attempts to communicate with the land to try to find Squirrelflight, but to no avail. The medicine cats fail to communicate with StarClan, and Mistystar's, Mothwing's and Willowshine's attempts to swim in the Moonpool to reach the Dark Forest fail as well. The Clan cats deduce that they must dream into the Dark Forest as the Dark Forest trainees used to do. Shadowsight volunteers due to his experience, but the Clan cats decide to send Willowshine instead. As Willowshine sleeps, Rootspring notices her body lie still and witnesses her ghost rising from her body. Rootspring calls out her name in question, which alerts the other medicine cats in horror that Willowshine's not breathing. As they attempt to resuscitate her, Rootspring watches something drag Willowshine's ghost into the Moonpool. Mothwing and the other medicine cats somberly accept that Willowshine is dead, and Rootspring explains how he saw her ghost pulled against her will into the Moonpool and that she must have died in the Dark Forest. Despite Shadowsight's attempts to convince the others that he's the only one who can enter the Dark Forest, Rootspring insists they must wait until they find a safer option.
Rootspring has a nightmare of Shadowsight trapped in darkness and worries what has happened to his friend. Graystripe, now the acting leader of ThunderClan, arrives in SkyClan's camp with Bristlefrost, Lionblaze, and Jayfeather, wishing to speak with Rootspring about what he saw at the Moonpool. They travel to the Moonpool to search for answers, and discover Mothwing and Shadowsight already there, with Shadowsight dreaming in the Dark Forest. Tigerstar and Leafstar decide to gather the other Clan leaders to discuss how to proceed, and as they rest, Rootspring is dragged into the Moonpool by Willowshine's ghost. Bristlefrost attempts to save him, but nearly drowns and is rescued by Mothwing.
Rootspring wakes up in the Dark Forest, and Willowshine apologizes for the scare, but needs his help to save the Clans. As Willowshine leads Rootspring through the Dark Forest, they come across Mapleshade and Silverhawk griping about Ashfur taking control of their territory. Willowshine has Rootspring follow Mapleshade, much to his displeasure. He follows the tortoiseshell she-cat into a cavern with multiple tunnels and caves, and nearly gets trapped in a cave-in and thick fog. Rootspring manages to escape and finds Willowshine next to a dark lake. Willowshine points out an island with the spirit cats of their missing Clanmates guarded by Darkstripe; Rootspring recognizes Rosepetal, Sandynose, Stemleaf and Bramblestar, but is unsure how to rescue them.
Squirrelflight appears, having escaped Ashfur thanks to Shadowsight attacking him, and the three search for Bramblestar's body in hopes that Ashfur can't find it. Squirrelflight explains that Bramblestar's spirit had also escaped, but lost track of him as they ran away from Ashfur. Squirrelflight leads Rootspring and Willowshine to the clearing where Ashfur had brought her and Bramblestar's body only to find it missing. Before they can react, Stemleaf's ghost and three others appear to capture them, and Rootspring, Willowshine, and Squirrelflight frantically run away. However, the ghosts are nimble and are able to mimic Bramblestar's voice to lure them into a trap. Rootspring, Squirrelflight, and Willowshine are taken to the island under Darkstripe's guard, but Rootspring manages to escape while Squirrelflight distracts the possessed ghosts under Ashfur's control. However, Stemleaf and Sandynose chase him, and Rootspring leaps into the dark water to escape. He nearly drowns, but thinking of Bristlefrost reinvigorates him with newfound strength.
Rootspring watches the island from a distance, and to his horror, realizes that Willowshine was possessed by Ashfur all along and had tricked him. Rootspring spots Ashfur dragging Bramblestar's body to the island, and meets Snowtuft, who informs him that Shadowsight attacked Ashfur before returning to the real world. Snowtuft offers to help Rootspring, who is cautious of Snowtuft's true intentions, and the white tom explains how parts of the Dark Forest are disappearing along with its residents behind a thick fog. Snowtuft only wishes to rid the Dark Forest of Ashfur and save his home, and Rootspring agrees to work with him. As he and Snowtuft brainstorm a plan to rescue Squirrelflight, Bramblestar's spirit arrives and together they develop a strategy. Snowtuft lures Ashfur away from the island with promise of Bramblestar's spirit while Rootspring and Bramblestar storm the island. As Rootspring and Bramblestar attack Ashfur's ghosts, Rootspring flings Darkstripe into the murky water and Bramblestar regains possession of his body. Taking advantage of the ghost cats' daze at Bramblestar reuniting with his body, Squirrelflight leads Rootspring and Bramblestar away from the island. However, Ashfur meets them at the edge of the forest, and Rootspring quickly launches himself at Ashfur so Bramblestar and Squirrelflight can escape. Snowtuft helps Rootspring, and they lose him and his followers in the chaos.
Snowtuft leads Rootspring, Bramblestar, and Squirrelflight to the living world, but Rootspring is captured. When Bramblestar and Squirrelflight emerge from the Moonpool, Bristlefrost and Shadowsight notice Rootspring is missing and the Clan cats assume he has been captured. The Clan leaders are hesitant to send a rescue patrol to save one cat, but with Snow's help, Bristlefrost and Shadowsight re-enter the Dark Forest in their dreams. They quickly discover Rootspring in a heated battle against Snowtuft as Stemleaf and the other spirit cats cheer them on.
#### *A Light in the Mist*

"*Rootspring's heart soared. The pain of his wounds seemed to fade. They were going to win. He was fighting beside Bristlefrost and they were working together as though they'd shared a mentor. Suddenly he knew that she was more important to him than anything. Why had he ever hesitated? If there was any cat he'd give up his Clan for, it was her. And if they escaped the Dark Forest, that was exactly what he would do.*"
―Rootspring deciding to give up SkyClan for Bristlefrost A Light in the Mist (book)

Rootspring defends himself from Snowtuft's attacks, noticing how the white tom doesn't wish to hurt him, though wonders himself if he can kill another cat. When Snowtuft and Rootspring both refuse to kill each other, Ashfur commands the other spirits to finish the job. Bristlefrost charges into the battle to save Rootspring, and he finds newfound strength to fight alongside her. Snowtuft distracts Ashfur long enough for Bristlefrost, Rootspring, and Shadowsight to escape. Stemleaf and Spiresight join them, and as they search for the blocked entrance to StarClan, Rootspring notices that the dark water is rising and warns the others to avoid it. Willowshine arrives, having escaped Ashfur's control momentarily, and leads them to the entrance to StarClan. They discover a thick wall of brambles blocking it, and learn that hope weakens the vines. Their combined hope loosens the entrance enough for Leafpool, a StarClan cat, to speak through a tiny gap: StarClan and the Dark Forest are slowly disappearing due to Ashfur sealing all entrances. Realizing they need more cats, Rootspring and Bristlefrost leave to divert Ashfur while Shadowsight returns to the living world to fetch help.
As he runs away, Rootspring begins to hear a voice in his head calling his name. He does his best to ignore it, and comes across Ashfur and his spirits. He orders the spirits to search for the living cats, and notices that strong emotion may be enough to break from Ashfur's control when he spots Conefoot momentarily breaking free to snap at Houndleap. The learn that the island is submerged under the dark water, and it is rising at an alarming rate. The voice in his head stops him from nearly falling into a hidden stream, and Rootspring is caught by Mapleshade and taken prisoner. Ashfur reveals his plans to destroy both the Dark Forest and StarClan to take over the lake and make Squirrelflight suffer. The voice in Rootspring's head provides him words to scare Ashfur momentarily and cajole Darkstripe. Darkstripe freaks out over changes in Rootspring's eyes, and prepares to attack Rootspring. The voice in Rootspring's head asks to take over his body to fight for him, revealing himself to be Firestar. Rootspring agrees, and Firestar takes over Rootspring's body and kills Darkstripe. Firestar relinquishes control over Rootspring's body, and Silverhawk, a Dark Forest spirit, agrees to help Rootspring save the Dark Forest.
He reunites with Bristlefrost, who has recruited Maggottail and Sparrowfeather, and Needletail from StarClan. Rootspring explains that Firestar is with him, much to Bristlefrost's and Needletail's delight. They return to the StarClan barrier and are delighted to see that it has loosened. Firestar explains to Rootspring's mind that he must leave and comforts the young tom that he's strong enough without him. Through a small gap, Onestar, Silverstream, Feathertail, Redtail, Larksong, and Firestar arrive. Firestar thanks Rootspring for trusting him, and coyly notes that the young tom thinks a lot about Bristlefrost. Juniperclaw's Dark Forest spirit arrives wishing to help, though the StarClan and Dark Forest cats scold him for poisoning another Clan's fresh-kill pile, but Rootspring stands up for Juniperclaw since the Dark Forest cats deserve a chance to save their home. When Silverhawk as well confesses his wrongs, Rootspring also stands up for him as well. Shadowsight returns with a patrol of living cats: Graystripe, Violetshine, Crowfeather, and Mistystar. Violetshine is pleased her son is alive, and introduces him formerly to Needletail.
As the patrol of living and deceased cats search for Ashfur, they come across a wide channel of dark water. Bristlefrost and Rootspring come up with a plan to topple a tree near the shoreline, and he worries for Bristlefrost's safety when she volunteers to climb to the top of the tree to topple it down. They discover Ashfur alone in a clearing, but to their surprise, Darktail and several rogue spirits arrive from the bushes. A battle ensues, and Rootspring sends a ginger rogue she-cat toppling into the dark water, unnerved by how quickly it kills its victims. When Darktail prepares to kill Needletail, Rootspring rushes to help her. The white rogue nearly kills him until Violetshine and Needletail kill him themselves. Rootspring fights alongside Bristlefrost and is pleased how well they fight alongside each other. He suddenly realizes that he's willing to give up SkyClan for her, and vows to join ThunderClan to be with her.
However, when Ashfur prepares to throw Shadowsight into the dark water to kill him, Bristlefrost shares a brief glance with Rootspring and charges at the dark warrior. Despite Rootspring's cries, Bristlefrost shoves both herself and Ashfur into the dark water, drowning them both. Her final thoughts are of Rootspring and their family, surrounded by love. Rootspring wails for her by the dark water, but Violetshine stops him from jumping in. With Ashfur dead, the dark water disappears, but so is Bristlefrost. He attempts to communicate with her spirit, but since she died in the Dark Forest, her spirit is gone forever. With their connection to StarClan restored, Firestar allows the living cats to receive a glimpse of StarClan. Rootspring wonders if Bristlefrost might be there despite everything, but Firestar mournfully replies that she is not. After a discussion, StarClan agrees to hear changes to the warrior code in three moons time. When they return home, Rootspring apologizes to Ivypool, Bristlefrost's mother, for her death.
Rootspring busies himself in camp by joining patrols and his sister stays close by his side. A half-moon later at the next Gathering, the Clans welcome Bramblestar back. He thanks those who helped him and offers a eulogy for the fallen. He also names those who entered the Dark Forest as Lights in the Mist. The Clans discuss changes to the warrior code, and Rootspring advocates for changes to be made for cats who love another in a different Clan. He explains how they spent so much time worrying about the warrior code and leaving their Clans that they never got the chance to be together. Crowfeather agrees, and proposes a formal change for cats to change Clans. Rootspring attends the vigil for the fallen, and Spotfur, Ivypool, and Fernsong ask if he can summon Stemleaf and Bristlefrost. Rootspring explains that Stemleaf is already in StarClan and can't be summoned. However, he tries for Bristlefrost but instead receives visions of them together and having a family. Rootspring's heart still aches for Bristlefrost, but he knows that she'll forever be alive in his heart. As his Clan begins to leave, Rootspring's grief begins to loosen.
### In the *Super Editions*

#### *Squirrelflight's Hope*

"*But Rootkit and Needlekit will have a father and a mother for as long as they need them, and if they're in trouble, they'll always have a Clan to turn to.*"
―Tree to Squirrelflight Squirrelflight's Hope

During a meeting of the leaders and deputies, Leafstar insists her Clan is growing since Violetshine had recently given birth. While speaking with Squirrelflight, Tree reports that his kits are doing well and Violetshine can't wait for Twigbranch to see them. Tree greets his kits when they arrive in camp, and they ask their father if he can play with them. Rootkit is excited to learn that Squirrelflight is from ThunderClan like their kin, Twigbranch.
After the battle against the Sisters, Violetshine nurses Moonlight's kits, Leaf, Squirrel, and Moon. Rootkit plays with them as they drag the bedding Violetshine is attempting to remove. Tree later remarks to Squirrelflight that he will always be there for his children.
### In the *Novellas*

#### *Spotfur's Rebellion*

At the first meeting of the rebels, Spotfur notices Rootpaw present and wonders if he invited his father to join them. The cats are shocked when Rootpaw nervously reveals that Bramblestar's body is inhabited by an impostor.
#### *Daisy's Kin*

Daisy recalls how Rootspring is on a journey with Bristlefrost, Needleclaw, and Spotfur to fetch the Sisters to see if they can find Bramblestar's missing spirit.
*End of spoiler warning*