Bristlefrost/History

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

Template:Shortened

#### *River of Fire*

Alderheart goes to check on the queens in the nursery, and finds Ivypool curled around her three kits, who snuggle into her stomach. Fernsong, the father, sits beside his mate, proudly looking at his kin. Ivypool tells Alderheart that she's chosen names already, and introduces her daughters, Bristlekit and Thriftkit, and her son, Flipkit. Alderheart tells the queen that her kits are beautiful, his resentment vanishing, and bends down to check the kits quickly.
He asks whether or not their feeding is regular, prompting a cheerful reply from Ivypool, who says her litter doesn't stop feeding, her dark blue eyes gleaming. Fernsong adds that he can't be happier, and neither can his mate; Ivypool goes on to talk about her sister Dovewing, and when she had left, all she felt was betrayal and anger. The silver-and-white tabby admits that now she has her own kits, she can understand what's truly important. After finishing their conversation, Alderheart notices Cinderheart gazing over at Ivypool and her litter with an affectionate gaze.
After learning that Briarlight is ill, the ginger tom knows all too well they need to get her away from the nursery and the vulnerable kits. Alderheart manages to get the she-cat away, but not long after, Briarlight dies of the sickness, and Jayfeather blames himself. He says that she must've contracted it from him as he helped with Ivypool's kitting, but Alderheart reassures him that it wasn't his fault. He notes that Ivypool and her kits might have died without a medicine cat, so Jayfeather did all he could to help.
A quarter moon later, Alderheart observes the kittypet, Velvet, pad around camp, before stopping to look at Bristlekit, Flipkit, and Thriftkit playing and tumbling.
As Dovewing, now a ShadowClan cat, but once ThunderClan, pays her old home a visit, Ivypool shoots forward, greeting her sister happily. Her kits squirm after, and they sniff the newcomers curiously as their mother reunites with their aunt. Dovewing asks if the kits are Ivypool's, and the tabby she-cat introduces Bristlekit and her siblings to Dovewing's kits, Lightkit, Shadowkit, and Pouncekit. Lightkit touches noses with Bristlekit, saying that the kits are small, unlike her and her littermates.
Ivypool corrects the young kit, telling her that Bristlekit, Flipkit, and Thriftkit are only a few days old, and their eyes opened just earlier; Pouncekit gratefully states that it's nice to have kin. However, despite Dovewing's joyous return with Ivypool, when she breaks news of living in ShadowClan, her sister gathers her kits, then turns her back on the pale gray she-cat. As Dovewing departs, Ivypool still doesn't look at her, staying with her kits.
#### *The Raging Storm*

When Dovewing visits ThunderClan as part of a patrol to check on Puddleshine, Bristlekit notices her and pushes past Ivypool to get a look at her. Bristlekit wonders why they would not be allowed to talk to Dovewing, and tells the older she-cat that while Ivypool says Dovewing came to visit her and her littermates, she does not remember it.
Bristlekit is excited to know she has ShadowClan kin, and when Flipkit asks if they can go and see their kin and live in ShadowClan, Bristlekit and her siblings are hushed by their mother, Ivypool, saying that cats are loyal to the Clan they were born in. Bristlekit points out that Dovewing was not loyal to ThunderClan.
Later, Bristlekit asks about the old Tigerstar, saying that she learned that the old Tigerstar murdered Firestar. She worries that all Tigerstars are murderers, but her mother assures her that Graystripe was only telling a tale, shooting an uneasy look at Daisy as she does this. Bristlekit protests, saying that Graystripe knew Tigerstar, but Ivypool didn't, but her protests are silenced by Ivypool, who sends her away to play with her littermates.
When Alderheart returns from ShadowClan, Bristlekit dashes from the nursery to meet him and asks about ShadowClan and what his life was like there. Alderheart noses Bristlekit and her siblings away, saying that he would tell them later. Ivypool ushers her kits back into the nursery, worried that the damp weather would give Bristlekit greencough. Bristlekit says that warriors going on patrol do not have to worry about greencough, but she obeys her mother and goes back into the nursery den.
Bristlekit, Flipkit, and Thriftkit are excited when the rain falls, because she and her siblings can go and play in puddles. Splashing after her siblings, Bristlekit proudly declares that she can swim, although the water only goes up to her paws. Ivypool reprimands her kits, saying they look like drowned mice, and carries Bristlekit back into the nursery, Flipkit and Thriftkit in tow.
### In *The Broken Code* arc

#### *Lost Stars*

"*Oh, come on. You all heard the leaders. We have to do whatever we can to reach StarClan!*"
―Bristlefrost to the other Clans Lost Stars

Bristlepaw has romantic feelings for Stemleaf, and hopes he'll notice her despite being an apprentice. While on a patrol, Bristlepaw dives into the freezing lake to rescue Rootpaw who had fallen in. She convinces Rootpaw to let him recovery in their camp, and Stemleaf praises her bravery. Her littermates, Flippaw and Thriftpaw, compliment their sister's courage, and Bramblestar asks her to join a patrol to inform Leafstar what occurred. After Stemleaf admires her catch, Bristlepaw reflects how they'll one day become the strongest pair in ThunderClan.
Bristlepaw frequently visits Rootpaw in the medicine cats' den, and the SkyClan apprentice grows to admire her. She advises him to stay away from Kitepaw and Turtlepaw. Impressed by her apprentice's courage, Rosepetal allows her to take her assessment early. Noticing a lack of prey due to the cold weather, Bristlepaw wonders if she could take it in new-leaf. However, she is determined to prove herself a worthy warrior. She detects a vole across the WindClan border and, despite reflecting she could easily catch it, decides not to break the warrior code. Rosepetal praises her, but still admits Bristlepaw had failed due to not catching any prey. She frets how she'll never become a warrior in time for her and Stemleaf to become mates.
Half a moon later, Bristlepaw is still struggling to catch any prey, though Rosepetal admits every cat was struggling. After overhearing that the medicine cats were struggling to communicate with StarClan, Bristlepaw huffs that they should be worried about the lack of prey, and Jayfeather publicly rebukes her. Deciding the apprentices need to learn more about StarClan, Bramblestar decides to let them come to the Gathering, much to Jayfeather's surprise. She runs into Rootpaw who excitedly chatters how he caught a massive crow for his Clan to feast, much to Bristlepaw's annoyance.
Rootpaw decides to give Bristlepaw a vole as a proper thanks for rescuing him. She attempts to deny his gift, but distantly thanks him and gives the prey to the elders. Thoroughly embarrassed now, Bristlepaw is determined to pass her assessment after Stemleaf teases her about Rootpaw's obvious crush. She wakes up Rosepetal early in the morning and successfully catches a mouse. Her family is beyond thrilled, and Bramblestar names her Bristlefrost. When Stemleaf congratulates her, Bristlefrost finally admits her feelings and wishes to become mates one day. Stemleaf awkwardly reveals he likes Spotfur instead, and believes he saw her as a friend. Heartbroken and humiliated, Bristlefrost goes to her den. Fernsong attempts to comfort his daughter, but she turns him away.
Rosepetal later confronts Bristlefrost for moping after eagerly wanting to become a warrior, and Bristlefrost confesses what occurred. Rosepetal sympathizes with her, since the same thing happened to her, and encourages her she will find someone else to love and to use her skills for the Clan. Bristlefrost and Stemleaf notice Bramblestar's unusually harsh behavior when he leads their hunting patrol, and they carry him back to camp when he collapses. Jayfeather orders her out of the medicine cats' den, but she witnesses Bramblestar reveal his terrible dreams before he faints.
She and several of her Clanmates join WindClan, SkyClan, and RiverClan to attempt to break the ice at the Moonpool, which they believe was severing their connection with StarClan. Rootpaw runs into Bristlefrost, and she apologizes for her prior rude behavior. She confesses she felt like she hadn't done much to help her Clan, but Rootpaw insists she's one of the best warriors he knows.
She and Snaptooth successfully catch a rabbit, and he remarks they made a great team. Bristlefrost is sharply reminded of her feelings for Stemleaf. They overhear Berrynose and Mousewhisker conversing in secret about Bramblestar's ailing health, though Snaptooth's sneeze reveals them. Tigerstar and Shadowpaw arrive with the latter revealing he's received a message from StarClan how to cure Bramblestar. While the medicine cats are skeptical of Shadowpaw's idea, Alderheart has Bristlefrost lead a patrol to gather some borage. She's initially annoyed that Spotfur joined the patrol, though realizes what Stemleaf saw in Spotfur when she saves Bristlefrost from the lake. Though she did gather the borage, it proves fruitless and Squirrelflight agrees to proceed with Shadowpaw's idea.
After Bramblestar's death, Bristlefrost mourns with the rest of her Clan and seeks comfort in Ivypool and Fernsong. When the others are sharing their memories about Bramblestar, Bristlefrost joins in and shares that the proudest day of her life was when Bramblestar made her a warrior. However, Bristlefrost notices his body moving and Bramblestar comes back to life, and joyfully exclaims he's alive.
When Tree insists he and his family should leave the Clans after Bramblestar's unconventional suggestion to punish the codebreakers, Rootpaw internally insists he could never leave Bristlefrost.
#### *The Silent Thaw*

"*I'm glad you see it that way. In fact, you seem to understand me more than any cat in the Clan. I appreciate your loyalty. You deserve more responsibility. I wish I could have made you deputy; it's a shame you're far too young. But I trust you, and I hope you realize that I rely on you to keep me informed about the Clan. You're so observant and you take your warrior duties very seriously. Now that Squirrelflight has left, I value you as a confidante more than ever.*"
―Bramblestar's impostor to Bristlefrost The Silent Thaw

Bristlefrost cleans up the elders' den with Stemleaf, Spotfur and Thriftear, still dissatisfied with Stemleaf's choice of a partner. Bramblestar begins to act odd and frequently forgets things. The other warriors are unsure of their leader, but Bristlefrost stands up for him, insisting it's just a side effect of losing a life. She asks Squirrelflight and Bramblestar if anything needs to be done, and Bramblestar makes it so she will organize patrols so he can spend more time with Squirrelflight. At a Gathering, Bristlefrost briefly speaks with Rootpaw, and Needlepaw teases Rootpaw for his crush on the ThunderClan warrior.
While on a hunting patrol with Lionblaze, Thriftear, Rosepetal, and Dewnose, Bristlefrost comes up with an idea that they should thank StarClan for their catches out-loud in hopes of pleasing StarClan who had still not returned. Rosepetal tells Bramblestar of Bristlefrost's idea after a bountiful catch. Bramblestar gleefully approves of the idea and tasks Bristlefrost with another job: to make sure her Clanmates are following the warrior code to the detail and inform Bramblestar of otherwise. After Bramblestar twists the warrior code so he and Squirrelflight can eat first, Bristlefrost is surprised, but still believes he wants what is best for ThunderClan and for StarClan.
Bristlefrost reports to Bramblestar that some of the cats are still uneasy about the new rules and informs him how Lionblaze and Spotfur accidentally caught prey on WindClan territory. However, she is horrified when Bramblestar banishes Lionblaze from camp and forbids any cat from speaking with Spotfur for a quarter-moon. That night, she catches Stemleaf speaking with Spotfur about Bramblestar, and Stemleaf warns her danger is coming to ThunderClan. She, Molewhisker, and Finleap catch Rootpaw sneaking into camp, and her Clanmates accuse Bristlefrost of meeting with him.
Bristlefrost insists she has nothing to do with Rootpaw, even when he lies that he wanted to see her. Bramblestar orders Bristlefrost to guard him, and Rootpaw reveals the real Bramblestar is a ghost and the living Bramblestar is an impostor. Bristlefrost refuses to believe it, but Rootpaw asks her to pass a message to Squirrelflight from Bramblestar's ghost. Her Clanmates confront Bristlefrost about Rootpaw, but she continues to insist she doesn't have feelings for him. She speaks with Squirrelflight and passes on Rootpaw's message, though Squirrelflight initially dismisses it.
After a Gathering, Squirrelflight tries to convince Bristlefrost about the validity of Rootpaw's message due to Bramblestar's odd behavior. Bramblestar speaks with her for an update of their Clanmates, and Bristlefrost reveals Sparkpelt had brought less prey than usual on a recent hunting patrol. Bramblestar confronts her and Sparkpelt admits she was searching for Lionblaze. As punishment, Bramblestar sends Sparkpelt to gather catmint at the abandoned Twoleg nest. Lionblaze returns, and Bramblestar makes he, Jayfeather, and Twigbranch swear an oath of loyalty, to which Bristlefrost still finds fair. However, Sparkpelt returns gravely injured by dogs, and seeing, Bramblestar's cold expression, Bristlefrost realizes he is an impostor.
At a secret meeting of cats with concerns about Bramblestar, Bristlefrost arrives and Twigbranch accuses her of spying on them. However, Bristlefrost admits she also shares concerns and believes they need more support in ThunderClan before they can overthrow Bramblestar's impostor. The others agree Squirrelflight is their best option for their cause. Bristlefrost speaks to Squirrelflight, and she convinces Bramblestar's impostor to let her atone for her codebreaking so she could speak with the other Clans. At a Gathering, Bramblestar's impostor gains support from others that the codebreakers should atone for their crimes and Bristlefrost stares in horror at Rootpaw. Berrynose catches them and accuses them of codebreaking. Bristlefrost denies Rootpaw's feelings when he admits them, and Berrynose makes sure Rootpaw won't act on them.
Bristlefrost later overhears Bramblestar's impostor accusing Squirrelflight of falsifying her atonement, and she cannot recognize the voice. Bramblestar's impostor accuses his mate of being a traitor and exiles her, and Bristlefrost is shocked that the majority of the Clan agrees with him. She dislikes Berrynose as the new deputy, but is pleased she doesn't have to organize patrols anymore. She deeply regrets her earlier obedience to the impostor and silently vows to never rat out her Clanmates again. Bramblestar calls her up and shares new rules for the Clan. She pretends to agree with them, and Bramblestar admits he considered her for deputy but she is too young. He sends her to track Squirrelflight, and Bristlefrost suspects that he's worried about her due to the distracted and anxious look in his eyes.
Bristlefrost meets with Rootpaw at the border and warns him that Bramblestar's impostor is suspicious about her. She also voices her suspicion and confusion about the impostor being worried about Squirrelflight, but Rootpaw brushes it off. He reveals Squirrelflight is in ShadowClan, and she convinces Shadowsight that she knows about the ghost. Squirrelflight insists once Puddleshine and Shadowsight reveal the truth to the other medicine cats, the other Clans will support ShadowClan. Bristlefrost returns to camp and lies that Squirrelflight was in the Twolegplace. Bramblestar's impostor uneasily believes her, but threatens her if he catches her lie. Bristlefrost fears she's not safe in ThunderClan anymore.
#### *Veil of Shadows*

"*No! We just told you the real Bramblestar is still around! How can you suggest killing his body? What would happen to the real Bramblestar then?*"
―Bristlefrost at a meeting of the rebels Veil of Shadows

Following Shadowsight's disappearance, Bristlefrost spots the impostor and Berrynose return to camp late at night, and notices blood soaking the former's chest fur. The next morning, Bristlefrost tells Spotfur and Stemleaf about her discovery but are unsure what to do. The impostor calls a Clan meeting and announces he believes Shadowsight fled the Clans. He takes this as a sign the codebreakers must be punished and banishes Jayfeather and Lionblaze but allows Twigbranch to atone in exile. Bristlefrost secretly tells them the truth about Bramblestar and leads them to ShadowClan where they seek refuge with Squirrelflight.
Bristlefrost accompanies the impostor and Whitewing to speak with Leafstar about punishing the codebreakers. She notes the impostor has begun to trust her more and frequently confides with her about their Clanmates. Upon their return to ThunderClan's camp, Bristlefrost explains what happened to Stemleaf and Spotfur, though they are silenced when Thornclaw joins them. Bristlefrost asks to speak to the impostor in order to cover for Finleap's angry outburst, and Bristlefrost realizes the spirit inside Bramblestar has lost interest in leading ThunderClan now that Squirrelflight is gone. On their way to the emergency Gathering that night, the impostor fruitlessly tries to detect for Squirrelflight's scent, and Bristlefrost realizes he misses her. At the meeting, the impostor convinces Harestar and Mistystar to exile Crowfeather and Mothwing, and Bristlefrost feels a spark of hope when she spots Stemleaf trailing after them to recruit them.
Bristlefrost helps refurbish SkyClan's old camp for the exiles and the rebels' base camp. Bristlefrost announces that Bramblestar is actually an impostor and beckons Rootpaw to explain the rest. Bristlefrost also reveals that she suspects the impostor did something to Shadowsight. While not surprised how the rebels would react upon hearing the news, Bristlefrost agrees with Squirrelflight that they cannot murder Bramblestar's body or else his spirit will be trapped.
Despite valuing her inside information with the impostor, Bristlefrost regrets how her position damages her relationships with her family and Clanmates as they suspect she'll tattle to Bramblestar. She is surprised when the impostor promotes her brother, Flipclaw, as Alderheart's medicine cat apprentice following a vague dream he had that the impostor interpreted as a warning from StarClan. Afterwards, the impostor admits to Bristlefrost that he's been searching for Squirrelflight in the Twolegplace to no avail. He orders her to find Squirrelflight and bring her back to ThunderClan, and Bristlefrost brings her concerns to the former deputy, worried the impostor will discover the rebels' camp. She, Squirrelflight and Mothwing come up with a plan to fake evidence suggesting Squirrelflight's death, and it successfully convinces the impostor, who is genuinely devastated.
While the impostor mourns for Squirrelflight, Bristlefrost attends another secret rebel meeting and is surprised to see their numbers growing. Rootpaw reveals he discovered Shadowsight alive but gravely injured. Some of rebels are more convinced that they must kill the impostor, though Bristlefrost promises Squirrelflight she'll do her best to protect Bramblestar's body. Following Twigbranch and Alderheart's banishment, the impostor leads Bristlefrost into the forest to ask her opinion about their Clanmates, but before she can respond, five members of the rebels launch a surprise attack on them. Outnumbered, the impostor cries for Bristlefrost to get help, and Bristlefrost, conflicted, rushes to find the nearest patrol. She discovers Berrynose and he leads a patrol to rescue the impostor. However, Bristlefrost realizes in horror that the impostor has already murdered Stemleaf, Dappletuft and Conefoot, and she faints in shock.
Bristlefrost wakes up in the medicine cat's den and remembers that Stemleaf is dead. The impostor believes Berrynose has been plotting against him; he demotes and exiles Berrynose, and names Bristlefrost his new deputy despite not receiving an apprentice. Several of her Clanmates object, but the impostor insists his word is the code. At the rebels' meeting, they question Bristlefrost's allegiance to their cause since she defended the impostor during their failed assassination attempt. She is isolated further from her Clanmates following her promotion, and her rank startles several cats at the following Gathering. Sparkpelt confronts the impostor about his behavior and he furiously exiles her. Graystripe, Bumblestripe, Blossomfall, Finchpaw, and Thriftear decide to leave as well. Bristlefrost goes to speak with the impostor afterwards, but is frightened when he snarls at some hidden cat in his den.
Rootspring sneaks into ThunderClan territory to confront Bristlefrost about her loyalty, and she is dismayed to hear he believes that. Rootspring apologizes, and admits he still has feelings for her. Bristlefrost reveals she has feelings for him too, but believes their feelings can't go anywhere. In light of the upcoming battle, Rootspring has a feeling things will change afterwards, and the two agree hopefully they can be together after.
Bristlefrost participates in the battle against ShadowClan with WindClan and RiverClan, and she worries the rebels still believe she is a traitor. SkyClan arrives, but they attack ThunderClan instead, and Bristlefrost is pleased Leafstar finally accepted the truth about Bramblestar. Dewspring attacks Bristlefrost, and she manages to dislodge him, hoping to stay out of the fight. She attempts to protect Bramblestar's body and tries to stop Lionblaze from killing Harestar. However, Harestar loses a life, but he is unexpectedly revived, having seen faint StarClan spirits. The Clan cats challenge the impostor, and Tigerstar and the impostor fight. Bristlefrost and Squirrelflight stop Tigerstar from killing the impostor so the real Bramblestar can return to his body. As the battle draws to an end, Bristlefrost is horrified to see so many of her Clanmates dead, including Rosepetal and Berrynose. Squirrelflight is chosen as ThunderClan's leader, and while she believes Bristlefrost is a fine cat with a bright future, she is not ready for the responsibilities as deputy. Bristlefrost happily agrees, and Squirrelflight appoints Lionblaze as deputy.
#### *Darkness Within*

Template:Impostor

"*I couldn't leave ThunderClan either. It's where I was born and raised. And being a good ThunderClan warrior has always been the most important thing to me. Whatever I feel, my Clan must come first.*"
―Bristlefrost to Rootspring about her feelings Darkness Within

Squirrelflight believes the impostor is really Ashfur seeking vengeance on Squirrelflight for choosing Bramblestar over himself. Bristlefrost recalls hearing stories about Ashfur and finds it difficult to believe a warrior would betray their own Clan. While heading back to camp, Bristlefrost questions Squirrelflight why the identity of the impostor matters and wonders if Ashfur is truly working alone. Squirrelflight asks to speak with Bristlefrost alone, and she worries she offending her acting leader. Instead, Squirrelflight explains how Ashfur was obsessed with her and believes her plan to get the impostor to reveal his identity, albeit a tad reckless, will work. After the impostor reveals himself as Ashfur, the Clans hold a vigil for those who died. Bristlefrost comforts Spotfur as she grieves for Stemleaf, but feels guilty for getting over her own crush on Stemleaf. She asks Rootspring if he got over his apprentice crush on her, and he replies he hasn't. He attempts to comfort her worries about ThunderClan's future before Squirrelflight gathers her cats to return home.
Bristlefrost is woken up from her nap by Thornclaw and Lionblaze arguing in the middle of camp. Thornclaw questions whether Squirrelflight is a true leader and accuses Lionblaze of being complacent since he's deputy. Bristlefrost and several other Clanmates believe Thornclaw is frustrated because he wasn't chosen as deputy. However, she agrees with Thornclaw's observation that the leadership succession has been sticking to Firestar's lineage since their leaders should come from ThunderClan's strongest warriors. She is relieved when Squirrelflight returns from a patrol to stop the argument and supports Squirrelflight when she believes Bramblestar will still return. However, when Flipclaw, Thornclaw, Graystripe, Flywhisker and Snaptooth decide to leave the Clan to wander, Bristlefrost is horrified that her own brother decides to abandoned his Clan. Squirrelflight allows them to leave with a moon long condition to make their final decision. Bristlefrost is greatly concerned and asks Squirrelflight if they'll come back, but she snaps at Bristlefrost that she doesn't have time to reassure her. Realizing her sharp tone, Squirrelflight asks Bristlefrost to focus on being a loyal warrior.
When Tree and Rootspring learn that the spirits of their fallen Clanmates might be in trouble, Bristlefrost is chosen to go on a mission to retrieve the Sisters to help. She is excited to venture outside Clan territory, though a bit taken aback by Rootspring's distance. While searching the Twoleg nest for clues about Pancakes, they are chased by a dog and learn of Leaf, a former member of the Sisters, from Pancakes' kits, Eggs and Bacon. The Clan cats make camp for the night, and Bristlefrost and Rootspring take first watch, much to Needleclaw's ire. Bristlefrost struggles to maintain her feelings for Rootspring and notices how much he's grown since she first met him as a gangly apprentice. They share a quiet night in the moonlight as Rootspring comforts Bristlefrost over her brother's departure.
Needleclaw urges Rootspring to forget about his feelings for Bristlefrost when they encounter a large Twolegplace. After narrowly crossing a wide Thunderpath, the group manages to transverse the Twolegplace when they are cornered by a dog. A large gray tom rescues them and introduces himself as Leaf. They are please to finally find him, and Leaf reveals that Spotfur is expecting. Bristlefrost encourages Spotfur that Stemleaf will live on in her kits, but Spotfur isn't so sure. Leaf manages to locate the Sisters by listening to the earth, but Needleclaw and Bristlefrost are hesitant to trust them. However, Leaf holds no transgressions against the Clan cats for their history, and agrees to lead them to the Sisters.
While hunting with Rootspring, the pair talk about ThunderClan's stability and Rootspring wonders if Bristlefrost would ever leave ThunderClan. She insists she won't, but is unsure how confident she is of that fact. They hear Spotfur's shriek and discover a hawk attempting to carry her away. Together with Needleclaw, they manage to free Spotfur but Bristlefrost is horrified when Spotfur tries to cling to the bird before it flings her away. She attempts to comfort Spotfur, but Spotfur snaps she's not entirely pleased about having her kits since Stemleaf is gone and she's alone. Bristlefrost promises to help raise Spotfur's kits.
The group finds the Sisters and explains their situation. The Sisters agree to help them after Moonlight's ghost encourages them to help due to the strange behavior of the ghosts. The Sisters perform a welcoming ceremony for Spotfur's kits and Bristlefrost joins in on their chanting, pleased that Spotfur appears calmer after the ceremony. She shares prey with Rootspring but whisks her tail away from his when Sunrise comments on their closeness. Both Bristlefrost and Rootspring awkwardly insist they are just friends, and Needleclaw supports their claim by insisting their code prohibits warriors from taking a mate from a different Clan. When Spotfur insists that Finleap and Dovewing both left their birth Clan to follow their hearts, Bristlefrost agrees they were very brave for following through with something they firmly believe. They spend a few moments alone, both commenting how they couldn't leave their birth Clan.
When they arrive at Clan territory with the Sisters, Bristlefrost rushes ahead to gather Squirrelfligh to SkyClan's camp. She arrives in camp just as Squirrelflight is admonishing Lionblaze for attacking Ashfur while on guard duty, though several Clanmates agree that Ashfur is better off dead. Squirrelflight hopes the Sisters will be able to summon Bramblestar's spirit and leaves with Bristlefrost to SkyClan's camp. The Sisters ask Rootspring to help them, and he feels reassured by Bristlefrost's presence. However, the spirits are heavily agitated, frightened, and moaning in pain when they are summoned, and Bristlefrost comforts Rootspring after the ordeal.
When the Sisters leave to make camp in SkyClan's territory for the time being, Sunrise urges Rootspring to not let go of Bristlefrost because he loves her. Rootspring rushes to find Bristlefrost and admits he loves her. Bristlefrost reciprocates his love, but the two debate which of them should leave their Clan for the other. Bristlefrost doesn't want to leave her Clan when they need her most and respects Rootspring's decision to think about it. Meanwhile, ThunderClan pressures Squirrelflight to give up on Bramblestar, and she agrees to consult with the other Clan leaders. At the emergency Gathering, the Clan leaders decide to kill Ashfur much to Squirrelflight's agony. Bristlefrost and Rootspring follow Squirrelflight as she rushes ahead to ShadowClan's camp where Ashfur is being held prisoner. On their way, Bristlefrost reveals she intends to stay in ThunderClan, and Rootspring accepts her answer. They convince her that Bramblestar is really gone, and comfort her when it appears the Clan leaders have killed him. They watch Squirrelflight somberly head to the Moonpool. Rootspring decides to follow her and Bristlefrost wishes him to be careful.
#### *The Place of No Stars*

"*I've never been more sure of anything in my life. This is what I'm meant to do.*"
―Bristlefrost to Tree about venturing into the Dark Forest to find Rootspring The Place of No Stars

Bristlefrost paces anxiously around camp as Lionblaze and a few others went to ShadowClan's camp to kill Ashfur after the Gathering and worries what the Clan will do now that Bramblestar appears to be gone. However, Flipclaw suddenly returns to camp, having returned from his wander, and Bristlefrost excitedly greets her brother. As Flipclaw explains how he met the Tribe of Rushing Water, how Graystripe left for the forest territories, and how Flywhisker and Snaptooth decided to become kittypets, Lionblaze returns to camp with news that Shadowsight helped Ashfur escape and Squirrelflight is missing. The Clan argues if Squirrelflight was involved in helping Ashfur escape, and Lionblaze—now acting leader—decides to lead a patrol to question Shadowsight in ShadowClan's camp where he is held prisoner, and Bristlefrost volunteers. However, Rootspring arrives bearing news that Ashfur dragged Squirrelflight into the Moonpool, and the Clan leaders agree to meet with their medicine cats at the Moonpool.
Lionblaze sends Bristlefrost to WindClan with Harestar's permission to fetch Kestrelflight. Breezepelt, Crouchfoot, and Songpaw stop her at the border until Bristlefrost explains the danger Squirrelflight is in. Breezepelt leads her to WindClan's camp, and Crowfeather allows her to take Kestrelflight to the Moonpool, but also tags along. At the Moonpool, the Clan leaders and their warriors search the area around the Moonpool while the medicine cats attempt to communicate with StarClan. They find nothing, and StarClan still remains silent. Mistystar, Mothwing, and Willowshine attempt to swim through the Moonpool to reach the Dark Forest, but to no avail. Shadowsight volunteers to dream into the Dark Forest as he has experience, though the Clan cats decide to send Willowshine instead. However, Willowshine is killed attempting to enter the Dark Forest.
Back at ThunderClan's camp, Lionblaze forces Bristlefrost to tell the Clan what had happened at the Moonpool and that it was Shadowsight's idea. As Lionblaze lets it slip that he intended to kill Shadowsight earlier, the Clan argues about Lionblaze's rightful claim to ThunderClan's leadership with Squirrelflight and Bramblestar gone. As Bristlefrost grows fearful of ThunderClan's destruction from within, Graystripe returns and Bristlefrost notes how authoritative and younger he seemed as Graystripe asked her to explain what had happened as the Clan bickers. Graystripe orders hunting patrols and reigns in a calming authority, and Bristlefrost suggests that Graystripe should be temporary leader until Squirrelflight and Bramblestar return. Lionblaze and Jayfeather agree, and Graystripe accepts Bristlefrost's offer. He asks Bristlefrost to share some prey with him in Bramblestar's den to go over everything that had happened while he was away.
Bristlefrost, Graystripe, Rootspring, Leafstar, and Tree arrive at the Moonpool to see Mothwing and Shadowsight already there with Shadowsight fast asleep. Mothwing explains that Shadowsight dreamt his way to the Dark Forest. As the group waits for the other Clan leaders to arrive before doing anything, Rootspring is dragged into the Moonpool by Willowshine's spirit. Bristlefrost attempts to swim in after him but is unable to find him. Mothwing rescues Bristlefrost from drowning. The Sisters arrive, having been brought there by Leafstar to help, and Bristlefrost encourages Tigerstar to let them help. She notices Tigerstar and Dovewing exchange affectionate glances, and wonders if that could be her and Rootspring one day.
That night, Tree and Bristlefrost speak about Rootspring, with Tree voicing that he knows the two care for each other and that he worried Rootspring would join ThunderClan to be with her. Bristlefrost explains that they decided not to leave their Clans and that they can't be together, to which Tree surmises they must really love each other then. He questions what ThunderClan means to her, and Bristlefrost replies that it reminds her of her family. Tree than asks if she's thought about leaving ThunderClan one day, and Bristlefrost insists she couldn't. However, while hunting, she briefly wonders if she could, especially if ThunderClan changes into something she's not recognize and StarClan still silent. Bristlefrost has a strong urge to suddenly want to hear Rootspring's comforting voice, and she tries to convince Mothwing to teach her how to dream into the Dark Forest, but the medicine cat is still grieving over Willowshine's death.
Bristlefrost dreams of Rootspring joining ThunderClan, but wakes up in the Dark Forest, having harnessed her dark thoughts into dreaming there. She spots Squirrelflight and Bramblestar about to attack each other, the latter possessed by Ashfur. Shadowsight attempts to attack Ashfur, but the ghost cat swipes him away. Ashfur spots Bristlefrost in the distance and yowls that he can indeed see his faithful warrior. As Shadowsight's gaze locks on Bristlefrost's, she wakes up in the real world. However, Shadowsight wakes up in a pain-filled yowl from his injuries caused by Ashfur. As Mothwing examines him, Bristlefrost reveals she went to the Dark Forest to try to find Rootspring.
Bristlefrost refuses to believe that Rootspring has been captured or killed by Ashfur and wishes to return to the Dark Forest. Shadowsight also wishes to return to save Bramblestar and Squirrelflight, but their Clanmates, and more importantly their parents, disagree. Bristlefrost attempts to convince her mother to teach her how to go to the Dark Forest, but Ivypool adamantly disagrees, recalling her time training there as a young warrior. Ivypool scolds Bristlefrost for falling in love with a cat in a different Clan, but Bristlefrost insists they decided to remain loyal to their own Clans, though she secretly has doubts about that. Ivypool finally relents and tells her daughter how she harnessed her jealousy of Dovewing to enter the Dark Forest. Bristlefrost also asks Shadowsight for help, but he warns her that exposure to the Dark Forest changes a cat. He decides they should speak to the Sisters to see if there's a different way to enter the Dark Forest without the negative effects corrupting them.
Before Snow can begin her ceremony to send Bristlefrost and Shadowsight to the Dark Forest, Bramblestar and Squirrelflight emerge from the Moonpool, much to every cats' delight. However, Rootspring does not follow them out, and Bristlefrost and Shadowsight decide to venture in to find him. Snow has them lie down by the Moonpool and lures them into a trance. Bristlefrost and Shadowsight wake up in the Dark Forest and begin to search for Rootspring. They quickly find him in the midst of battle against Snowtuft, a Dark Forest cat, with other ghosts, including Stemleaf, cheering them on.
#### *A Light in the Mist*

"*Don't say that. There* is *hope, even in the Dark Forest. And, if you help me get to the barrier between the Dark Forest and StarClan, I'll show you what it looks like.*"
―Bristlefrost to Maggottail, Redwillow, and Sparrowfeather about saving the Dark Forest, StarClan, and the Clans A Light in the Mist (book)

Bristlefrost charges into the mob of spirits to save Rootspring, and Shadowsight manages to distract Ashfur's grip over the spirit cats by shouting that Squirrelflight never loved him. While Ashfur orders his Dark Forest followers to capture the spirit cats, Bristlefrost saves Stemleaf from Mapleshade but Ashfur regains control of his mind. Snowtuft manages to distract the dark warrior long enough for Bristlefrost and her friends to escape, and are reunited with Stemleaf and Spiresight. Shadowsight leads them to the path to StarClan, and the group is surprised to see dark water expanding over the terrain at a quick pace; Rootspring explains how the dark water can drain a cat's life almost instantly. Willowshine reunites with them and explains that Ashfur killed Snowtuft. She leads them to the entrance to StarClan, which is blocked with thickly tangled brambles. When Bristlefrost informs Stemleaf that Spotfur is expecting his kits, Stemleaf's happiness loosens the brambles slightly and the cats realize that hope can break the barrier. Their limited hope allows Leafpool to speak through the branches, and Bristlefrost quickly explains what happened with Bramblestar and Ashfur. Leafpool informs them that StarClan is also slowly disappearing due to being cut off from the Dark Forest and the living world: all three need each other to survive. As they hear pawsteps approaching, the group splits up with Shadowsight tasked with returning to the living world to fetch more cats.
Bristlefrost overhears Maggottail, Redwillow, and Sparrowfeather worrying how the Dark Forest is disappearing under dark water and fog and question Ashfur's promises. The three Dark Forest cats spot her spying on them and give chase. However, instead of capturing or fighting her, the three spirits attempt to take over her body by shoving their bodies into her. It doesn't work, much to Bristlefrost's amusement, since her body was still by the Moonpool. She explains how Ashfur lied to them and manage to convince them to help her, citing how Ashfur's the reason their home is disappearing and they deserve a place to call home. When they arrive at the barrier, Bristlefrost inspires hope in them by explaining they can save their home from Ashfur, and their combined hope and physical efforts allow Needletail, a StarClan cat, to slip through a gap.
Rootspring sends a message through to Bristlefrost's mind of Ashfur's imminent arrival. Ashfur and his possessed spirits arrive and attack them, but Bristlefrost is pleased when her Dark Forest allies fight alongside her. When Rosepetal is almost killed by Sparrowfeather, Bristlefrost realizes in horror the risk of permanent death if they die in the Dark Forest, and she urges her allies to retreat. As they flee, Bristlefrost nearly falls into the dark water and narrowly prevents Maggottail and Sparrowfeather from falling in as well, but Redwillow runs too fast to stop and falls in, his spirit disappearing under the black water forever. Needletail leads them up some trees to hide and they capture Berrynose, Stemleaf, and Willowshine. Ashfur and his spirits continue searching elsewhere, causing him to lose his grip on Berrynose, Stemleaf, and Willowshine. Rootspring and Silverhawk, another Dark Forest cat, reunites with them, and Bristlefrost is pleased to see that he is alive. Rootspring explains how Firestar took over his body and fought for him, and the group returns to the StarClan barrier. More of the vines have loosened, and Firestar, Onestar, Feathertail, Silverstream, Redtail, and Larksong manage to push through. Bristlefrost happily informs Larksong that his mate and kits are doing well, and is in awe of meeting Firestar, who coyly remarks that Rootspring thinks a lot about her.
Shadowsight leads Crowfeather, Graystripe, Mistystar, and Violetshine through the Dark Forest from the Moonpool. After joyful reunions, Firestar leads the living and spirit cats to higher ground to find Ashfur. Bristlefrost wonders if Violetshine will mind if she walked with her and Rootspring, but is delighted when Violetshine warmly speaks to her. When they come across a wide stretch of dark water, Bristlefrost notices trees on the shore leaning over the water and concludes they can dig up the roots to push it over. Bristlefrost climbs to the top of the tree and uses her weight to help topple it while the others dig up its roots. She safely lands on the other side and the other cats commend her bravery. Not long after, they locate Ashfur alone in a clearing talking to himself and they surround him. However, Ashfur is pleased to see them and Darktail and several rogue spirits step from the bushes, and they attack. Bristlefrost fights alongside Rootspring, and the yellow tom is pleased by how well they work together; he resolves that after they escape the Dark Forest, he would join ThunderClan to be with her.
When Shadowsight falls from his tree and a tabby tom attempts to shove him into the dark water, but Bristlefrost saves him. Ashfur summons himself into Shadowsight's mind and attempts to convince him to kill Bristlefrost; once she is dead, Rootspring will be too heart-broken to fight and the rest of the battle will be won. Shadowsight refuses. As Bristlefrost continue to grapples with the tabby rogue, she notices Ashfur dragging Shadowsight's body towards the dark water. She kills the tabby spirit and she resolves to save him. Several spirits attempt to stop her, including Antfur, Mapleshade, and Thistleclaw, but Bristlefrost calls Shadowsight's name in a panic. Rootspring and Violetshine help her free, and during the fight, she locks eyes with Rootspring briefly, knowing she had so much she wanted to tell him. They notice Shadowsight's body at the edge of the dark water, and Bristlefrost spares Rootspring another glance before rushing to save Shadowsight. She charges at the dark warrior, throwing both herself and Ashfur into the dark water, and drags him under. Ashfur disappears into the darkness, and Bristlefrost imagines a future with Rootspring and their family as she lets go, feeling only love.
Rootspring wails for Bristlefrost and attempts to save her, but Violetshine stops her son. The battle stops and the dark water recedes, but her spirit is gone. Rootspring attempts to communicate for Bristlefrost's spirit, but knows that she's gone forever. Shadowsight realizes in horror that he did kill Bristlefrost as Ashfur wanted, but Juniperclaw warns him not to think that way as Bristlefrost risked her life for something she loved. In StarClan, Rootspring attempts to look for Bristlefrost, but Firestar concedes that she's not there and offers his apologies. Rootspring reflects on the life they could've had, but knows that she would've wanted him to be the best warrior he could be. When they return to the living world, Mistystar breaks the news of Bristlefrost's death to Ivypool, who struggles to understand her daughter's death and the fact that her body disappeared from the Moonpool. At the Gathering a half-moon later, Bramblestar thanks the cats who saved him and honors Bristlefrost. He names those who entered the Dark Forest to save the Clans as Lights in the Mist.
StarClan has given the Clans three moons to decided changes to the warrior code, and Rootspring advocates for changes be made so cats can have mates in other Clans, citing how he and Bristlefrost spent much of their time together wondering if they would give up their Clans for one another. Crowfeather agrees, and brings up the possibility of a formal solution for cats to change Clans for someone they love. During the vigil for the fallen warriors, Spotfur asks Rootspring if he can make Stemleaf appear and Ivypool and Fernsong ask if he can make Bristlefrost appear. Despite knowing that Bristlefrost is gone forever, Rootspring tries to summon her spirit, but only receives visions of them being together and raising a family. As Rootspring heads back with his Clan, he resolves that Bristlefrost will forever be with him as long as he remembered her, and at last feels his grief being to fade away.

### In the *Super Editions*

#### *Squirrelflight's Hope*

**Bristlepaw**: "*We should send them home already.*"

**Alderheart**: "*Sunrise needs more time to heal properly.*"

**Bristlepaw**: "*The others aren't wounded. They should have left days ago.*"

—Bristlepaw to Alderheart about the Sisters in camp Squirrelflight's Hope
Bristlepaw is now an apprentice with Rosepetal as her mentor. Squirrelflight spots Bristlepaw searching for mice near the edges of camp. Thriftpaw barges into camp exclaiming for her sister and brother. She shows off her large rabbit that she caught and her siblings are very impressed. While Squirrelflight and her patrol help Sunrise to camp, they run into Rosepetal and Bristlepaw, the latter of whom is very defensive about the Sisters. Bramblestar later orders Rosepetal and Bristlepaw to repair the nursery while they wait for StarClan's word. She later insists to Alderheart that Snow and the rest should leave. On the way back from the Gathering, Squirrelflight notices Bristlepaw and Thriftpaw walking behind Jayfeather.
She attends a Gathering, and later helps Hollytuft, Squirrelflight, and Flippaw bury the fresh-kill after Larksong falls ill. Hollytuft later takes them hunting for fresh prey. She and her littermates wait anxiously in camp as Sparkpelt also falls ill. Bristlepaw attends Larksong and Flickerkit's vigils. When Squirrelflight visits ThunderClan's camp as a spirit, she spots Bristlepaw and Thriftpaw clearing the elders' den.
#### *Graystripe's Vow*

When Thornclaw and Lionblaze argue about Squirrelflight's leadership, Bristlefrost and other warriors stand in a ragged circle to watch. Their argument teeters to physical confrontation, and Bristlefrost pushes her way between the two toms to stop them. Thornclaw hisses at her to stay out of it. When Flipclaw suggests that he should go on a wander to decide whether or not Clan life is for, Bristlefrost yowls in outrage. Later when Flipclaw and Graystripe head into the mountains, Flipclaw is eager to tell his sisters about it.
### In the *Novellas*

#### *Tawnypelt's Clan*

Bristlekit is briefly mentioned by Fernsong when Dovewing asks how Ivypool and her kits are doing, to which Fernsong replies they are doing well.
#### *Daisy's Kin*

Daisy spots Lionblaze organizing Cherryfall, Bristlefrost, and Stormcloud into a patrol. A while later, Daisy notes that Bristlefrost, Spotfur, Rootspring, and Needleclaw had gone to look for the Sisters. Later, Mousewhisker and Daisy return from the horseplace, and upon spotting them, Bristlefrost makes Squirrelflight aware of their presence.
*End of spoiler warning*