Flameheart

## Book Appearances

### Living

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

### Dead

Shadows of Blood

**Flameheart** is a ginger tabby tom with green eyes.

## Appearances and Mentions

### Deserve's Beginning

#### Allegiances

Flamepaw is listed under Allegiances as an apprentice of ShadowClan, being mentored by Bluerain.

### Milkblaze's Suspicion

#### Allegiances

Flamepaw is listed under Allegiances as an apprentice of ShadowClan, being mentored by Bluerain.

### Rainheart's Love

#### Allegiances

Flamepaw is listed under Allegiances as an apprentice of ShadowClan, being mentored by Bluerain.

####  Chapter 2

When Depthwater asks Silverblossom to join a patrol with Copperpaw, she reminds Depthwater that Stormstar said it was alright if they had the apprentices assessments today, adding that they were about to leave.

Depthwater recalls that Stormstar is going with them, looking past her to see the clan leader stepping out of his den. Silverblossom nods and says that he wanted to oversee the apprentices assessments. Depthwater dips his head and tells her he's sure the apprentices will do very well.

As Silverblossom turns away, Copperpaw, Timberpaw, Flamepaw, Bloomfire, Milkblaze, Bluerain, and Stormstar await her return.

Bloomfire is sitting near Flamepaw, who looks nervous. He worries that he won't pass his assessment, adding that Stormstar is going to be there. Bloomfire gives him a nudge and says it's impossible for him to fail. She tells him that he'll do great, and Stormstar will see that. Then they can be warriors together. Flamepaw looks at her warmly, thanking her and saying he can't wait.

Rainheart is happy for his sister, noting that she and Flamepaw be mates before long. Though Flamepaw was still an apprentice, he was only a few moons younger than her. They had spent their apprenticeship together up until a few moons ago when Bloomfire earned her warrior name. Flamepaw couldn't wait to join her as a warrior and be able to hunt, patrol, and share a den with her.

Poppywing comments that Bloomfire will be happy when he's earned his warrior name, adding that they make a good couple. Rainheart agrees.

While Rainheart and Poppywing are hunting, they hear shrieks and snarls. Rainheart recalls that Timberpaw and his brothers are supposed to be completing their assessment, but something has clearly gone wrong. When they reach the clearing, they find the cats fighting two foxes.

Copperpaw and Timberpaw are pressed against the bushes at the side of the clearing, their fur bristling as Flamepaw and Bloomfire crouch in front of them protectively, glaring at the foxes.

The fox lunges at Bloomfire and drags her forward by her hind leg. Rainheart is about to start toward her when Flameheart lets out a furious screech at the fox to let her go, leaping onto the foxes head and biting its ear while he slashes at the fox's eyes and muzzle. It snarls and releases Bloompaw.

Flamepaw is losing his grip, and the fox shakes Flamepaw loose and sends him flying straight into Copperpaw, knocking him off his paws.

After the fox chases Stormstar away, Milkblaze tells them that they need to leave and to help the wounded. Flamepaw and Copperpaw help Bloomfire to her paws, letting her lean on them.

As they head back through the trees toward camp, every cat is silent and solemn, processing the fact that their leader will not return with them.

#### Chapter 3

Rainheart tenses when he catches sight of Bloomfire. She's laying on her side as Dewpaw presses cobwebs to the bite in her leg. Flamepaw is crouched beside her, his eyes lit with anxiety as he tells her not to worry, and everything is going to be okay. He covers her head and ears with licks, adding that she was very brave.

Bloomfire dryly purrs back "So were you", her eyes dull with pain and exhaustion.

While explaining to Depthwater what happened, Timberpaw's eyes are squeezed shut now. Flamepaw looks up from Bloomfire to gaze at him sympathetically. Milkblaze looks over his shoulder and says that the apprentices weren't badly injured, thank StarClan.

After Depthstar appoints Cobratail deputy, he says that he would like to make Flamepaw, Copperpaw, and Timberpaw warriors, as they fought bravely in the fight against the foxes, and that's enough of an assessment for him. The brothers exchange excited looks before they quickly move to the front of the crowd.

Flamepaw is the first. During his warrior ceremony, Bloomfire watches from behind him in the crowd, her eyes shining with pride. When he's made a warrior, Bloomfire purrs his new name and rushes to his side, giving him a nuzzle. Flameheart purrs loudly and twines his tail with hers.

Rainheart notes that they're finally warriors together, his heart warm with happiness for his sister. He guesses that he'll be seeing a lot less of her now that she can spend time with Flameheart. They move aside as Depthstar goes on to name Copperpaw.

When Timberpaw interrupts his ceremony, Flamepaw exchanges a confused look with Copperpaw.

#### Chapter 4

It's noted that Ashcloud and Greenpine's kits have been made apprentices, and Flameheart received the fun and playful Stripedpaw as an apprentice.

Bloomfire calls Rainheart, breaking him out of his thoughts, and he looks up to see her and Flameheart padding toward them, their pelts brushing. Stripedpaw trots happily alongside his mentor. Bloomfire's eyes shine with happiness as they reach them, and she tells him that Flameheart is going out for a hunting session with Stripedpaw. She says that she's going along and asks if he and Poppywing would like to join them.

When he and Poppywing agree, Flameheart purrs "Great!" and turns away, telling Stripedpaw to come on. He adds that he'll get to learn from four warriors today. Stripedpaw's tail is high in the air as he says "Awesome!" and hurries after his mentor. Bloomfire, Rainheart, and Poppywing follow.

In the forest, Flameheart praises Stripedpaw and asks him to show him his hunting crouch. He watches as Stripedpaw drops into a crouch and asks "Like this?", his eyes flashing up to his mentor. Flameheart crouches beside him and studies his position, praising him, but reminding him not to let his tail touch the ground, as if it brushes against leaves or twigs, he'll give himself away. Stripedpaw says "Oh, right" and quickly lifts his tail from the ground.

Rainheart sits between Bloomfire and Poppywing, watching Flameheart demonstrate a hunting crouch to Stripedpaw. Rainheart wonders if he'll ever have an apprentice. Bloomfire lets out a purr and comments warmly that Flameheart is such a great mentor. She gazes at him, prompting "Isn't he?" Poppywing agrees, looking at Rainheart warmly as she says that he will be too.

When Poppywing starts climbing the tree to catch a bird, Stripedpaw forgets about his hunting lesson and says "Whoa!", his eyes wide as he stares up after her and adds, "Look at Poppywing go!"

Flameheart follows his gaze and purrs "That's Poppywing for you. She's part squirrel."

When Poppywing returns to the ground, she hesitates before turning to the others and asking if they'll excuse them, as she'd like to speak to Rainheart alone. Flameheart says of course and dips his head, turning away and flicking his tail. He tells Stripedpaw to come on, and they'll try hunting frogs in the marsh. The apprentice hesitates before following. Bloomfire casts Rainheart and Poppywing a worried look before joining Flameheart and Stripedpaw.

Poppywing watches them until they disappear into the trees.

#### Chapter 6

When Rainheart paces outside the nursery, Bloomfire's meow catches his attention, and he sees his sister sitting with Flameheart not far from him.

When Bloomfire points out he's a bit young to be having kits, he points out teasingly that she will be too, curling his tail as he adds that every cat in ShadowClan has noticed she and Flameheart. Her eyes widen, and Flameheart lets out a purr, giving his chest a few embarrassed licks. She purrs "Maybe", flustered. He perks up at a delightful thought and looks at Bloomfire and Flameheart happily, saying that if they hurry up, maybe their kits can play together and train together. Bloomfire exchanges an affectionate look with Flameheart and wraps her tail around him as she purrs "maybe". Rainheart is amused as he thinks it's much more than a maybe.

When Bloomfire pulls Rainheart out of the nursery before he attacks Dewstorm, Flameheart is beside her, staring at him in shock.

As Bloomfire tries to calm Rainheart, Flameheart tells him that it's okay, staring at him in concern as he reminds him that Hawkfeather and Dewstorm are good medicine cats, and they've handled plenty of kittings before. Rainheart thinks that's true, but is still anxious. He trusts them, but it doesn't make him any less afraid for Poppywing.

### Shadows of Blood

#### Allegiances

Flameheart is listed under Allegiances as a warrior of Shadowclan with an apprentice, Stripedpaw.

Flameheart is listed under Allegiance Update 1 and Allegiance Update 2 as a warrior of Shadowclan.

Flameheart is listed under Allegiance Update 3 and Allegiance Update 4 as a warrior of Shadowclan with an apprentice, Honeypaw.

Flameheart is listed under Allegiance Update 5 and Allegiance Update 6 as a warrior of Shadowclan.

#### Prologue

Bloomfire says "Great StarClan, Rainheart, stay still for a moment!". Rainheart stops pacing and looks at his sister, who sits with her mate, eyes gleaming with amusement.

When Bloomfire teases that he's a bit young to be having kits, Rainheart lets out an amused purr as he points out that she will be too, curling his tail as he adds that every cat in ShadowClan has noticed she and Flameheart. Bloomfire's eyes widen, and Flameheart gives his chest a few embarrassed licks. She purrs "oh, well, maybe". Rainheart perks up at a delightful thought and says that if they hurry up, maybe their kits will play together and train together. Bloomfire and Flameheart exchange an affectionate glance, and she wraps her tail around him as she purrs "Maybe".

Bloomfire and Flameheart are sitting together, looking at the nursery anxiously. When Rainhearts bursts out of the den, Bloomfire says his name and leaps to her paws, starting to ask what happened, but she shoots past her without saying a word and leaves the camp.

When Bloomfire races out of the den, Flameheart looks up when he sees her and stands, quietly asking what's going on and if Poppywing is dead. She gives a small nod and tells him one kit survived, and she needs to tell Rainheart. She runs out of the camp.

During the vigil for Rainheart and Poppywing, Bloomfire sits near the edge of the clearing, her head bowed. Flameheart sits beside her with his tail wrapped around her.

When cats argue about who will care for Rainheart's kit, Depthstar draws in a deep breath and says that he has considered something and has consulted Cobratail about it. He agrees with his suggestion.

When Depthstar asks if Bloomfire will raise the kit, she says she wasn't prepared for this and hesitates, looking at Flameheart and asking what he thinks. He twitches his ear and says he's wanted to raise kits, but he always imagined that they would be theirs. He pauses and says that if they do this, they would have to raise him to believe that he's theirs. They could never have kits of their own.

Bloomfire flicks her tail and says they don't need to lie to him. Flameheart tilts his head and quietly asks if she'd rather have him know that his mother died giving birth to him and his father didn't want to stay with him. Bloomfire's heart sinks, and she thinks for a moment before quietly agreeing, raising her head to Depthstar and saying they'll take him. Depthstar dips his head and thanks her.

When Depthstar asks Bloomfire what she'll name him, she immediately says Bloodkit. There are several gasps, and even Flameheart casts her a startled look, echoing the name. Bloomfire quietly says that it was Rainheart's last request, and she cannot ignore it. It's quiet for a moment, then Depthstar says alright, Bloodkit it is.

#### Chapter 1

When seeing the friendliness in Swiftkit's eyes, Bloodkit notes that only Bloomfire and Flameheart have ever looked at him with such acceptance. As they play mossball, Bloodkit decides that Swiftkit, Bloomfire, and Flameheart like him, and maybe that's all he needs.

When Swiftkit asks if he really thinks his mother would lie to him, Bloodkit decides that she and Flameheart would never lie to him. He puts a lot of trust into them and knows that no matter what, they'll always give him the truth. He feels a pang of comfort in knowing this.

After the thorn incident, Flameheart asks "What's going on here?", and Bloodkit has never been more relieved to hear his voice. Flameheart steps in front of Bloodkit and glares at Poisonedsap, telling her not to talk to his son like that. Poisonedsap echoes "your son", her eyes gleaming, as she knows the truth. She adds that his "son" just pushed Swiftkit into the thorn bushes. Flameheart retorts that Bloodkit would never to that, and he's a good kit. Poisonedsap sneers that he's a worthless hairball. Flameheart growls, tail lashing, and Poisonedsap unsheathes her claws. Depthstar steps between them and says "Enough". Bloodkit is forced to apologize.

After the others leave, Bloodkit is too scared to move. He feels like if he dares step out from under Flameheart, some cat will attack him, especially Poisonedsap. He silently decides that he'll just stay here, and Flameheart will protect him. When he steps back, Bloodkit hesitantly looks up at him and asks if he believes him, expecting to see anger or disappointment in Flameheart's eyes. But Flameheart looks sympathetic and promises of course, adding that he'd never harm any cat. He says they'll go to the nursery, as Bloomfire is waiting. Bloodkit is anxious, wondering if she'll be mad at him. Flameheart promises she won't, and he can tell them both what really happened. He licks Bloodkit's ear and picks him up by the scruff. Bloodkit would normally object to being carried like such a young kit, but today, he just lets him.

#### Chapter 2

When Flameheart pads into the nursery with Bloodkit, Bloomfire asks what happened, adding that she heard Swiftkit had an accident. Flameheart sets Bloodkit down in front of her and tells her Swiftkit had a little quarrel with some thorns, but he'll be alright.

She asks Bloodkit if he's alright, and he looks down, unable to meet her gaze. He wonders if Flameheart will tell her what happened, if she'll be mad, and if she'll believe him if he tells her the truth.

When Bloodkit doesn't respond, Flameheart sits down beside her and tells her that the clan thinks he pushed Swiftkit into the thorns. Bloomfire exclaims that he'd never do that, and Flameheart agrees. He says the clan wouldn't hear him out, and asks Bloodkit to tell them exactly what happened. Bloodkit shuffles his paws and asks what it matters, as the clan still thinks he did it. Flameheart tells him to nevermind that, as they know he didn't. He says if he tells them exactly what happened, they can tell Depthstar, and he'll understand.

He explains what happened, guilty as he says he never meant for Swiftkit to get hurt. Flameheart gives his head a lick and says he'll tell Depthstar right now. He asks Bloodkit if he wants to come, but he shakes his head, too afraid to face Depthstar again. Flameheart tells him not to worry, and promises they'll sort it out. He says he'll be right back and leaves the den. Bloodkit anxiously hopes that Depthstar believes him, as it's his only chance to be a warrior.

When he sees Poisonedsap asleep in the medicine den, Bloodkit remembers how she unsheathed her claws during the argument with Flameheart. He suddenly wonders if she would have attacked him and drawn blood, thinking it's against the warrior code to harm a clanmate, isn't it? He stares at Poisonedsap's thorn sharp claws and imagines them tearing through Flameheart's pelt. He shudders and returns his attention to Swiftkit.

When Maplefur visits Swiftkit, he tells Bloodkit that he just spoke with Flameheart and Depthstar, and knows it was an accident.

When Bloodkit returns to the nursery, Bloomfire is still laying in her nest, Flameheart sitting close to her. They look at him as he runs in. Flameheart tells him that he spoke with Depthstar, and Bloodkit stops in his tracks, staring at him anxiously and wondering what Depthstar said. Flameheart tells him that Depthstar understands and believes he misjudged the situation. He wanted Flameheart to tell Bloodkit that he's sorry for putting the blame on him. Flameheart lays down and rests his muzzle against Bloodkit's shoulder, purring. Bloodkit purrs loudly as his parents cuddle him.

#### Chapter 5

Bloodkit hears Copperstripe ask where Maplefur is and looks into the clearing. Flameheart and Copperstripe are talking to Cobratail. Stripedpaw and Song sit near them, exchanging excited looks.

Cobratail flicks his tail and asks if Maplefur wasn't with them, as he said he'd help them assess the apprentices. Flameheart says yes, but he never showed up. Copperstripe adds that they waited a while for him, but the apprentices were ready to explode, and they couldn't wait any longer. And when they came back after the assessment to talk to Maplefur, he wasn't even in his den. Cobratail figures he must be out hunting and tells them he'll speak to him about it when he returns to camp.

When Depthstar calls a clan meeting, Bloodkit is sitting with Bloomfire. A tail flicks his shoulder, and he jumps, turning to see Flameheart settling beside him and purring a greeting. Bloodkit looks up as Flameheart and Bloomfire touch muzzles. Flameheart then turns his attention to the meeting, his eyes fixed proudly on his apprentice, Stripedpaw.

#### Chapter 6

Just after Depthstar calls for a meeting, Bloomfire lets out a purr, and Bloodkit turns to see Flameheart poke his head into the nursery. He tells them that Depthstar is ready, his eyes gleaming as he gazes at Bloodkit.

Bloodkit starts toward Flameheart, but Bloomfire pulls him close and begins cleaning him. Flameheart lets out a purr and tells Bloomfire that he looks fine. He turns away and waves his tail as he asks Bloodkit if he's ready. Bloodkit eagerly says "of course!" and bounds after him, Bloomfire following.

When Bloodkit freezes in the clearing and Depthstar asks him to come forward, he jumps a little as Flameheart nudges him with his muzzle and gently prompts him to go on. Bloodkit swallows and nervously starts to head through the crowd. He silently notes that the clan hates him. He was okay when he had Flameheart, Bloomfire, and Swiftpaw to like him, but he didn't think about this. If he's going to train to be a warrior, he'll have to face them.

When Bloodpaw is apprenticed, Flameheart starts the chant, and Bloomfire and Dewstorm join in next.

After the ceremony, Bloomfire calls out to Bloodpaw, and he turns just as she and Flameheart reach him. Flameheart rests his tail over Bloodfur's shoulder and purrs that he's going to learn so much, and might be a better warrior than he is. Bloodpaw warmly exclaims "Never!". As Swiftpaw rushes over, Bloomfire and Flameheart pad away.

#### Chapter 8

When Bloodpaw returns to camp and drops his thrush on the pile, Flameheart calls him and pads over, his eyes lit with warmth as he asks Bloodpaw is he caught that all by himself. He nods. Flameheart purrs that he's proud of him, and his heart swells with pride.

#### Chapter 10

During the battle with ThunderClan, Bloodpaw sees Bloomfire's pelt across the clearing, and Flameheart by her side as they face two ThunderClan warriors.

#### Chapter 11

During Bloodpaw's dream, he sees Flameheart and Bloomfire among the cats standing below the great rock, staring up at him in horror. He wails to them and asks why they won't move. The blood rises higher, and Bloodpaw lets out a wail as the cats below vanish under the surface.

When Bluerain asks if he knows they're kin, Bloodpaw looks at her curiously, asking really, and she nods, her eyes shining with warmth as she says she was his father's mother. Bloodpaw blinks, confused and asking if she means his mother, as Flameheart told him his mother's name was Mossbranch. He thinks he sees alarm light Bluerain's eyes for a second, and she corrects herself, saying she meant his mother. She purrs and says old age must be making her forgetful.

Afterwards, Bloodpaw spots Flameheart and Bloomfire clearing snow near the apprentices den and thinks of an explanation for Bluerain's mistake. He races over and calls Bloomfire. His parents turn to him, purring, and Bloomfire nuzzles him and asks what he's been up to.

Bloodpaw tells her he brought moss for the elders, then pauses, asking if she had a brother. She looks startled and exchanges a glance with Flameheart, who looks uneasy. Before she can answer, Rosebreeze yowls, and Dewstorm announces she's begun kitting.

Bloodpaw sits near his parents, his question forgotten as he looks at the nursery.

While weaving twigs into the roof of the elder's den, Bloodpaw pauses and looks to the nursery where Brownstripe is pacing. He wonders if Flameheart did that when he was kitted.

As though his thoughts summoned him, Flameheart pads over to him and asks if he needs some help, his ginger tabby pelt vibrant against the snow. Bloodpaw says sure and nods gratefully, and they begin mending the den together. When Rosebreeze yowls again, Bloodpaw looks toward it and asks if she's alright. Flameheart says yes and that it's normal, there's nothing to worry about.

Bloodpaw frowns and asks if accidents ever happen during a kitting. Flameheart is quiet for a moment before he says "sometimes".

That night at the gathering, Bloodpaw sits near his clanmates, looking around nervously. Swiftpaw, Bloomfire, and Flameheart haven't come, and he feels alone and vulnerable.

After Tornadopaw and Darkpaw make fun of him, Bloodpaw wonders why his parents gave him such a stupid name. He decides that he needs to know.

When the gathering is over, Bloodpaw races into the camp and heads straight for the warriors den. The question has been burning in his mind all night. He wonders why he hasn't asked them before, noting that he should have. He weaves around the sleeping cats and prods Flameheart, whispering his name.

Flameheart awakes and blinks up at him drowsily, starting to ask what's up. Bloodpaw hisses that he needs to ask him something.

Bloomfire awakes and asks what's going on. Bloodpaw opens his jaws to speak, but Cliffshade hisses at them to be quiet. Bloomfire suggests they go into the clearing where they won't disturb anyone. Bloodpaw turns and leads his parents out of the den and to the side of the clearing.

Flameheart prompts him, and Bloodpaw stares at him, saying he needs to know and asking why they called him Bloodkit. They look hesitant to respond and exchange a look. Bloodkit desperately asks why, saying that every cat mocks him because of it, and it's the reason he's been hated his whole life. Bloomfire murmurs that he's not hated. but Bloodpaw insists that he is. He begs them to tell him why.

As Bloomfire hesitates, Flameheart jumps in and says that the answer is obvious, they named him Bloodkit because of his red tabby fur. Bloodpaw asks why they couldn't have called him Redkit or Russetkit, as they would have matched his pelt too. He asks why blood was the first thing they thought of.

Bloomfire steps forward and licks his head, murmuring to him to calm down. She tells him that a name is just a name, and it doesn't define him. He was always meant to be Bloodkit. It was written in the stars. Bloodpaw replies "sure" and looks down.

Flameheart turns away and softly tells him to go to sleep, as he has training tomorrow. Bloomfire follows, and Bloodpaw stares after them.

#### Chapter 12

Bloodpaw notes that recently, even Flameheart and Bloomfire push him away, constantly asking him to give them time to be alone. Bloodpaw is hurt by this and can't understand why they don't want him around.

Depthstar is about to end the clan meeting when Bloomfire stands and announces that she has something to say. Depthstar sits back down as several cats turn to look at her, and he prompts her to go on.

Bloodpaw looks at his mother, blinking. She and Flameheart sit close together, looking excited and proud. He wonders what's going on. Flameheart and Bloomfire exchange a warm look before Bloomfire speaks and purrs that she and Flameheart are expecting kits.

Bloodpaw stares in shock, realizing this is why they wanted him to give them time alone. His heart races with delight for the first time in moons, silently noting that he's going to have brothers and sisters, more kin.

He lets out a purr and bounds over to his parents, pushing through Greenpine and Ashcloud to press his head against Bloomfire's. He blurts out that it's great and he's so happy for them. He turns and bumps his head affectionately against Flameheart's shoulder, and they purr loudly. Bloomfire wraps her tail around Bloodpaw and nuzzles him, purring that he's going to be a great brother.

#### Chapter 13

When Bloodpaw enters the nursery, Flameheart is sitting over Bloomfire and his newborn kits. He turns to him and says his name. Bloodpaw has never seen him so happy, and wonders if he was like this when he was born.

Bloomfire opens her eyes and blinks warmly at Bloodpaw, telling him to come meet his brothers and sisters. Bloodpaw's heart swells as he pads closer and peers down at the kits. Flameheart points his tail at a little red tabby and purrs that he's Cardinalkit, and the orange and white she-cat is Foxkit.

Bloodpaw purrs loudly and admires the kits, happy that he has more kin in the clan, and they'll like him. He says they're amazing and touches his nose to Bloomfire's, and Flameheart wraps his tail around him. For the first time in moons, Bloodpaw feels a warm sense of belonging. He notes that even if he doesn't have the clan, he'll always have his family. They're all he needs.

#### Chapter 14

When Depthstar explains how Bloodpaw helped to save Dewstorm, Bloodpaw sees Flameheart and Bloomfire sitting near the nursery, eyes blazing with pride.

After Bloodfur is made a warrior, Flameheart and Bloomfire cheer his name. The next thing he knows, they're at his sides weaving around him. Flameheart purrs as he praises him and tells him he deserves this. Bloodfur's heart swells with pride. Flameheart prompts him, asking what his first act as a warrior is, and Bloodfur purrs "Sleep!".

#### Chapter 15

It's noted that half a moon ago, Brownstripe and Rosebreeze's kits were apprenticed, and Honeypaw was apprenticed to Flameheart.

When Bloodfur is demonstrating a hunting crouch for Bloomfire's kits, Flameheart comments that he was going to see them, but Bloodfur seems to be doing the fathering for him. Bloodfur turns to see Flameheart padding over, eyes gleaming with amusement. He guesses that he just returned from a training session with Honeypaw.

Bloodfur ducks his head in embarrassment and apologizes, but Flameheart purrs that he's glad the kits have him to be there for them, as training with Honeypaw keeps him away.

The kits run to meet Flameheart, and Cardinalkit weaves around his legs as he eagerly tells him that Bloodfur taught them the hunting crouch. Flameheart purrs "Did he?", and the kits continue to pester him.

#### Chapter 16

When Depthstar calls a meeting to apprentice Bloomfire's kits, the kits race out of the nursery, and Bloomfire follows them more slowly, calling that she has to clean them up first. Flameheart joins her and purrs that they look fine.

After the ceremony, Flameheart and Bloomfire call Bloodfur and approach, eyes shining with pride. As Bloomfire nuzzles Cardinalpaw, Flameheart purrs that he's so happy Depthstar let him mentor one of them, as he knows he can trust him more than any other warrior. Bloodfur promises to train him well, and says he's in good paws. Bloomfire purrs of course he is.

After Bloodfur's fight with Revengeheart, he sees Flameheart and Bloomfire standing near the warriors den, shock lighting their eyes.

#### Chapter 17

When thinking about the fight with Revengeheart, Bloodfur remembers the stunned looks on the faces of his parents and Cardinalpaw, knowing he let them down. It's noted that even though they had understood the situation and forgiven Bloodfur since, he's still ashamed.

After Brownstripe dies, orphaning he and Rosebreeze's kits, Bloodfur silently thanks StarClan that both his parents are still alive.

Crowmask is about to attack Bloodfur when Flameheart leaps in the way and snarls at Crowmask, asking what's wrong with him. Bloodfur crouches behind his father, feeling as vulnerable as a kit. Crowmask spits at him to get out of his way, as Bloodfur is a murderer. Flameheart's ears are flat against his head, his eyes blazing with defiance as he hisses that he isn't, and that Crowmask won't lay a claw on him.

After more commotion, Crowmask snarls at Flameheart to move and let him to what should have been done a long time ago. Flameheart shoulders Crowmask aside and bares his teeth, claiming his son is innocent.

Poisonedsap spits at him to stop that nonsense, revealing that Bloodfur isn't his son, and that he was a fool to take in that kit, he was a sign of trouble since the start. Bloodfur freezes and shakily stands, asking Flameheart what she's talking about. Flameheart looks back at him, eyes lighting with stress.

After the clan backs off, Bloodfur stares at Flameheart and asks what Poisonedsap was talking about. He dares he ask if he is his son, and what she meant by being born in blood. Flameheart doesn't speak, but his eyes are filled with the emotions of a father about to lose everything. Bloomfire says of course he's his son, but Flameheart shakes his head and murmurs that Bloodfur was going to find out sooner or later.

Bloodfur stares at him, numb with disbelief. Flameheart turns away and tells Bloodfur to come. He slowly pads after him, and Bloomfire starts to follow, but Flameheart turns and quietly says he'll tell him alone. Bloomfire hesitantly agrees.

Flameheart takes Bloodfur into the forest to talk. They reach a clearing, and Flameheart turns to face Bloodfur, sitting down. Bloodfur has a horrible feeling that his entire life is about to change. He knows that whatever Flameheart has to say, it's not going to be good.

Bloodfur chokes out for Flameheart to tell him it's not true. Flameheart lifts his gaze to Bloodfur, sadness glistening in his eyes as he tells him he's so sorry, and it's true. Bloodfur's stomach twists in grief, and he asks who is, if Bloomfire had another mate. Flameheart hangs his head as he reveals Bloomfire isn't his mother. Bloodfur's heart skips a beat, as he hadn't been prepared to lose both parents. His mind whirls as he asks who his parents are.

Flameheart draws in a deep breath and solemnly tells the story of Rainheart and Poppywing. He explains that he and Bloomfire were already mates and planned to have kits. They decided to take him in as their own.

Bloodfur's mind spins as he thinks about everything Flameheart told him. he raises his head, trembling as he meets his gaze and whispers that he lied to him. Flameheart stares at him numbly and apologizes again, saying they thought it was for the best. Bloodfur leaps to his paws, growing angry as he asks if it was best that he live his life through a lie and not know the names of his own parents. He can't believe that he and Bloomfire lied to him, as he trusted and looked up to them.

Flameheart's eyes are filled with distress as he tells Bloodfur they didn't want him to feel abandoned. Bloodfur asks if he'd rather he feel betrayed, anger pulsing through him. He can't believe that he's been treated differently just because of the way he was born, and Flameheart and Bloomfire just made it worse by lying to him.

Flameheart snaps they did what they thought was best for him, adding that Bloomfire wanted to have kits, but they put it off for him. His tone softens as he adds that they raised him as their own, and not a moment has gone by where he hasn't been proud to call him his son. They've loved and cared for him. Bloodfur hisses that it doesn't matter, they lied to him, and he'll never forgive them.

Flameheart's eyes light with pain, and he starts forward to rest his tail around him, but Bloodfur yowls that he never wants to speak to he or Bloomfire ever again. He says he's not his father and he'd be ashamed if he was. He sees the hurt in Flameheart's eyes for a moment before Bloodfur spins and runs into the night.

Bloodfur wants to be as far away from Flameheart and the clan as possible. The bushes rustle behind him, and he thinks it's Flameheart, growling that he doesn't want to see him. Revengeheart steps out of the bushes and tells him Flameheart went back to camp.

Bloodfur growls that Revengeheart is right, and his clanmates have done nothing but cause him pain, including Flameheart and Bloomfire. He asks Revengeheart to tell him how to make them pay.

#### Chapter 18

When Bloodfur awakens and remembers the events of last night, learning Flameheart and Bloomfire's secret, he's not their son, and they lied to him. He closes his eyes, grief weighing at his heart, but it only lasts a moment before anger replaces it. He digs his claws into the earth as he silently vows they'll pay for this. It's noted that he didn't return to camp last night, one reason being he didn't even want to look at Flameheart and Bloomfire.

When Bloodfur asks Revengeheart if he knew about his parents, he says no. As they walk through the forest, Bloodfur imagines his claws sinking into every cat who ever wronged him, noting Flameheart and Bloomfire.

When the group returns to camp, Bloodfur hopes that Flameheart and Bloomfire are still asleep.

#### Chapter 19

When Bloomfire's kits speak to Bloodfur, he asks if Flameheart and Bloomfire told them he's not their brother, to which Applepaw says yes. After Bloodfur says he doesn't love them and they turn away, he sees Flameheart and Bloomfire watching him and feels a surge of hatred. Cobratail glances at Flameheart and Bloomfire before going to speak to Bloodfur.

After telling Bloodfur that Poppywing would be proud of him, Cobratail adds that Flameheart and Bloomfire are too. At the mention of them, Bloodfur looks away crossly. Cobratail urges him not to be angry with them, as they raised and loved him as their own, and not every cat can do that for a kit who isn't theirs. Bloodfur is angry, as he didn't come here to talk about Flameheart and Bloomfire. Cobratail starts to talk about how Flameheart took him in despite not even being his kin, but Bloodfur cuts him off rudely.

#### Chapter 20

Bloodfur is still annoyed that Cobratail thought he could change his mind about Flameheart and Bloomfire.

When Deserve talks to Bloodfur in the forest, he reveals that Poisonedsap told him about his situation and how he was raised by cats he thought were his parents.

#### Chapter 21

Bloodfur notes that Cardinalpaw is a constant reminder of Flameheart and Bloomfire's lies.

#### Chapter 24

In the forest, Mistybreeze asks Bloodfur if he really wants to kill Flameheart and Bloomfire, going on to say how lucky he is to have had them when her own parents paid little attention to her. Bloodfur is angered by this.

Later, Mistybreeze apologizes for bringing up Flameheart and Bloomfire, saying she just wanted to help. Bloodfur feels nothing will help and he'd rather act like they don't exist after they lied to him.

#### Chapter 27

When returning to camp with Cardinalpaw's body, Bloodfur dreads the thought of facing the clan, and notably Flameheart.

Bloodfur backs away from Cardinalpaw's body as Bloomfire and Flameheart shoot across the clearing to it, horrified. Flameheart drops into a crouch and lets out a low cry as he rests his chin on Cardinalpaw's head. Heatpaw, Foxpaw, and Applepaw join them. Bloodfur is ashamed and can't look at them.

When Crowmask accuses Bloodfur of murder, Flameheart raises his head and angrily tells Crowmask to stop that nonsense, as Bloodfur isn't a murderer. After Bloodfur confesses to the crime, Flameheart stares at him in shock. After Depthstar exiles Bloodfur, Flameheart lowers his head.

#### Chapter 28

In the forest, Bloodfur explains to Castiel how Flameheart and Bloomfire raised him. He wishes he could take back everything he said and apologize to them both. When Castiel remarks that Revengeheart told him he hated them, Bloodfur is again conflicted. Castiel reminds Bloodfur how Flameheart and Bloomfire were always there for him and loved him despite what the clan thought. Bloodfur thinks that they might have done the right thing by lying to him. He thinks they were the best parents he could have asked for.

#### Chapter 29

Bloodfur admits to Castiel that though a lot of cats treated him badly growing up, there were a lot who were good to him, naming Flameheart and Bloomfire and adding they were the best parents he could have asked for. They raised him and loved him as their own, and he can't thank them enough.

#### Chapter 30

When Bloodfur joins the leaders on the great rock to warn them about Deserve's Army, Flameheart and Bloomfire stare up at him in disbelief and say his name.

#### Chapter 32

Bloomfire cries Bloodfur's name, and he spins. She sits close to her kits and Creamheart, who are huddled around someone. Bloodfur's heart pounded as he dreads who it might be, and shoots across the clearing. Bloomfire steps back to let him in the circle, and Flameheart is seen laying on his side, blood running from a deep wound in the side of his stomach. Creamheart has pressed cobwebs over the wound, blood the blood continues soaking through.

Flameheart rasps Bloodfur's name and flicks open his eyes. Bloodfur says he's here and crouches beside him, heart throbbing as he apologizes. Flameheart is exhausted as he murmurs that he hoped he would come back, and was afraid he wouldn't see him again. Bloodfur is surprised, and Flameheart says he's known since the day he was born that he wasn't the cat Hawkfeather thought he was. He gazes at Bloodfur and apologizes for lying to him, adding that it's his fault he went down the wrong path.

Bloodfur insists it's not his fault, and rests his chin on Flameheart's shoulder, saying he did what he thought was best for him, and was right. He and Bloomfire were the best parents he could have asked for. Flaneheart purrs before coughing, and Bloodfur sees blood running heavier from his wound. He presses a paw to Flameheart's belly and anxiously tells Creamheart he needs more cobwebs.

Creamheart sadly tells Bloodfur it's too late to save Flameheart. Bloomfire and her kits don't react to this news, and Bloodfur understands that they already knew, and Bloomfire had called him over to see Flameheart one last time. Bloodfur lets out a cry of grief and presses his muzzle into Flameheart's cheek fur, thanking him for raising him and loving him as his own. He licks Flameheart's ear and tells him he was the greatest father and wishes he'd really been his son. Flameheart purrs that to him, he's always been his son and always will be. He looks at his real kits and tells them he's proud of them all.

Bloomfire whimpers Flameheart's name and curls around him, resting her head over his. Foxflower, Applefall, and Heatstorm crouch to share tongues with their father one last time. Flameheart tells his family he loves them all and to take care of each other. Flameheart sighs and lets his last breath leave his lungs. The family grieves quietly together for a long moment.

As Bloodfur goes to the medicine den, he thinks about how much he's lost today: Flameheart and Swiftstalker.

In StarClan, Bloodfur's heart aches when he sees Flameheart. Cardinalpaw is beside him. When the cats argue on whether Bloodfur should go to the dark forest or not, Crowmask comments that Bloodfur Cardinalpaw and Silverberry, and tried to kill Creamheart. Flameheart glares at Crowmask and growls that Bloodfur was influenced by Revengeheart and driven by grief and betrayal. Maplefur points out that's how most dark forest cats are made.

After meeting Bloodfur, Rainheart looks over his shoulder at Flameheart, saying he can't thank Flameheart enough for raising him as well as he did, better than he could have. Bloodfur follows Rainheart's gaze to Flameheart, silently noting that though Rainheart shares his blood, he will never think of him as his father. Flameheart is his father, always will be, and always has been.

### Starfaith's Fate

#### Allegiances

Flameheart is listed under Allegiances as a warrior of ShadowClan.

### Mistybreeze's Choice

#### Allegiances

Flameheart is listed under Allegiances as a warrior of ShadowClan.

## Quotes

*"I hope I pass my assessment. What if I fail? Stormstar is going to be there!"*

-Flamepaw to Bloomfire in *"Rainheart's Love",* chapter 2

*"Don't worry, everything's going to be okay. You were really brave."*

-Flamepaw to Bloomfire after the fox attack in *"Rainheart's Love",* chapter 3

*"Very good. Just remember not to let your tail touch the ground. If it brushes against leaves or twigs, you'll give yourself away."*

-Flameheart training Stripedpaw in *"Rainheart's Love"* chapter 4

*"It's okay, Rainheart. Hawkfeather and Dewstorm are good medicine cats. They've handled plenty of kittings before."*

-Flameheart to Rainheart during Poppywing's kitting in *"Rainheart's Love",* chapter 6

*"I've wanted to raise kits. But I always imagined that they would be ours. If we do this, we would raise him to believe that he is ours. We could never have kits of our own."*

-Flameheart to Bloomfire about raising Bloodkit in *"Shadows of Blood",* prologue

*"Bloodkit would never do that. He's a good kit."*

-Flameheart to Poisonedsap when she claims Bloodkit pushed Swiftkit into the thorns in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 1

*"Nevermind that. We know you didn't. And if you tell us exactly what happened, we can tell Depthstar, and he'll understand."*

-Flameheart to Bloodkit in *"Shadows of Blood",* chapter 2

*"You're going to learn so much. You might be a better warrior than I am."*

-Flameheart to Bloodpaw in *"Shadows of Blood",* chapter 6

*"I was going to see them, but you seem to be doing the fathering for me."*

-Flameheart to Bloodfur in *"Shadows of Blood",* chapter 15

*"Training with Honeypaw keeps me away from them. I'm glad they have you to be there for them."*

-Flameheart to Bloodfur about his kits in *"Shadows of Blood",* chapter 15

*"I'm so happy Depthstar let you mentor one of them. I know I can trust you more than any other warrior."*

-Flameheart to Bloodfur in *"Shadows of Blood",* chapter 16

*"No, he isn't! You won't lay a claw on him!"*

-Flameheart defending Bloodfur from Crowmask in *"Shadows of Blood",* chapter 17

*"My son is innocent!"*

-Flameheart defending Bloodfur from Crowmask in *"Shadows of Blood",* chapter 17

*"I'm so sorry. It's true... I'm not your father."*

-Flameheart to Bloodfur in *"Shadows of Blood",* chapter 17

*"Bloodfur, we did what we thought was best for you! Bloomfire wanted to have kits, but we put it off for you. We raised you as our own, and not a moment has gone by where I haven't been proud to call you my son. We've loved and cared for you-"*

-Flameheart to Bloodfur in *"Shadows of Blood",* chapter 17

*"I've known since the day you were born... that you were not the cat Hawkfeather thought you were. You have always had a good heart. I'm s-sorry we lied to you. It's my fault you went down the wrong path."*

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

*"To me, you've always been my son. And you always will be... I'm proud of all of you."*

-Flameheart to Bloodfur and his kits in *"Shadows of Blood",* chapter 32

*"I love you all... Take care of each other."*

-Flameheart's dying words to his family in *"Shadows of Blood",* chapter 32

*"He was influenced by Revengeheart. He was driven by grief and betrayal!"*

-Flameheart defending Bloodfur in *"Shadows of Blood",* chapter 32

"'**Rainheart may share my blood, but I will never think of him as my father... Flameheart is my father. He always will be, and he always has been..."'**

-Bloodfur's thoughts on Flameheart in *"Shadows of Blood",* chapter 32

## Gallery

Flameheart's designFlameheart sticker / button designFlameheart in the nursery with Bloomfire, their newborn kits, and Bloodfur.Flameheart in Bloodfur's photo album meme
## Videos

 Character Development and Origins

Flameheart was first created when I began making Bloodfur's backstory, however his name was Flamefur. He was the mate of Bloomfire and raised Bloodfur with her as his own.

Over time, I got Flamefur's name mixed up with Rainheart's, and I started calling him Flameheart. By the time I realized this, he was already long established as Flameheart, and so Flameheart he stayed.

Flameheart is in the original few chapters written about Bloodfur, which can be seen here.

Years before writing Shadows of Blood, he was given Liontuft and Mossbranch as parents, and Copperstripe and Timberstorm as brothers. It is noted that his ambition is to be a good father and dislikes cruel cats and winter.