Poppywing

## Book Appearances

### Living

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

### Dead

Shadows of Blood, Rainheart's Love

**Poppywing** is a light red-brown tabby she-cat with light blue eyes.

## Appearances and Mentions

### Beyond the River

#### Allegiances

Poppykit is listed under Allegiances, Allegiance Update 1, Allegiance Update 2, and Allegiance Update 3 as a kit of ShadowClan, the daughter of Buzzardglare and Foxshine.

Poppypaw is listed under Allegiance Update 4 as an apprentice of ShadowClan, being mentored by Bluerain.

Poppywing is listed under Allegiance Update 5, Allegiance Update 6, Allegiance Update 7, Allegiance Update 8, and Final Allegiances as a warrior of ShadowClan.

#### Chapter 6

It is the night of a gathering. When Stormstar speaks for ShadowClan, he announces that Foxshine has given birth to two healthy kits: Poppykit and Cobrakit.

#### Chapter 17

At the gathering, Stormstar announces that Rainheart and Bloomfire have become warriors. Though unnamed, Poppywing is sitting near Rainheart, looking at him warmly as the clans cheer their names.

#### Chapter 30

When Maplefur returns to his patrol with a frog, the others look at him approvingly, and Poppywing and Cobratail look impressed. Poppywing praises his catch, and he dips his head in thanks.

When Maplefur defends Poisoned Sap, Bluerain says that they'd better let Stormstar know she's on their territory and find out what her excuse is. She turns to Poppywing and tells her to fetch Stormstar. She nods and turns, racing through the trees.

It isn't long before Poppywing returns, followed by Stormstar.

As Stormstar hesitates and considers letting Poisoned Sap join ShadowClan, Poppywing studies her and comments quietly that she seems innocent enough.

Stormstar allows Poisoned Sap to join the clan, and the patrol leads her back to camp.

### Deserve's Beginning

#### Allegiances

Poppywing is listed under Allegiances as a warrior of ShadowClan.

### Milkblaze's Suspicion

#### Allegiances

Poppywing is listed under Allegiances as a warrior of ShadowClan.

### Rainheart's Love

#### Allegiances

Poppywing is listed under Allegiances as a warrior of ShadowClan.

#### Chapter 1

When Rainpaw, Bloompaw, Ashcloud, and Greenpine prepare to go out for a training session, Bluerain joins them with Poppypaw. Rainpaw perks up when he sees her, and they bump heads in greeting. They have been training together for moons now and have become inseparable. Poppypaw is his very best friend. He hopefully asks if she and Bluerain are joining them, and Bluerain confirms.

Rainpaw is eager to go, and Ashcloud teases him about being so excited to train with his mother, though Rainpaw is only excited to take any opportunity to spend time with Poppypaw.

As the cats head for the gorse tunnel, Bluerain and Poppypaw follow Ashcloud and Greenpine. Behind them, Bloompaw teases Rainpaw about Poppypaw, though he insists that they're only best friends.

In the forest, Rainpaw and Poppypaw are crouched together, watching Bloompaw climb a tree. Rainpaw jumps when a thrush swoops overhead, and Poppypaw is worried, asking why he's so jumpy. He admits he's afraid of being attacked by Bone Shred's rogues. Poppypaw reassures him and says that she'll protect him if they're attacked. He is embarrassed and says he'd try to protect her too.

Bloompaw falls and finds herself dangling from a branch. Before Ashcloud can start up the tree, Poppypaw races over and quickly scales the trunk. She catches Bloompaw before she falls and helps her down. Every cat admires her skill, and Ashcloud and Greenpine comment that they've never seen anything like it. Greenpine asks if Bluerain taught her that, and her mentor says that they only had one tree climbing session, and she herself certainly can't climb like that. She says that Poppypaw seems to be a skilled climber.

Ashcloud jokes that they'd better not tell SkyClan that, or they'll want her for themselves. He tells her that ShadowClan will be proud to call her one of their warriors. Poppypaw is embarrassed and grateful for the compliments. Rainpaw thinks that she's a very talented cat, and wishes he could be like her.

Ashcloud and Greenpine send Rainpaw and Poppypaw to hunt. Rainpaw finds himself watching her as she stalks a frog, admiring her. It runs, and Rainpaw intercepts it, sending mud splattering at her, but she catches the frog. They laugh together, and he tells her that she's still the most beautiful cat in the forest even with muddy fur. They confess their feelings for each other and vow to have a bright future together.

#### Chapter 2

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

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

When they go into the clearing, they see Bloomfire with Flamepaw, talking to him before his assessment. Poppywing comments that Bloomfire will be happy when Flamepaw earns his warrior name, noting that they make a good couple. Rainheart agrees.

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

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

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

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

As she climbs the tree after the squirrel, Rainheart admires her and notes that she couldn't be more graceful if she were flying, and Stormstar named her Poppywing for this very reason. No other ShadowClan cat has such skill. He notes that she's practically part squirrel herself.

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

Just then, they hear distant yowls and snarling. Poppywing says something's wrong and to come on, abandoning the squirrel and running toward it, Rainheart following. As he and Poppywing near, they pick up the reek of fox.

When they reach a clearing, they find Stormstar, Silverblossom, Milkblaze, Bluerain, Copperpaw, Timberpaw, Flamepaw, and Bloomfire taking on two huge foxes. When Rainheart finds Bluerain wounded, he turns and calls for Poppywing, but she's already there with leaves, and they press them to her wounds.

After Stormstar kills one fox and lures the other away, Rainheart and Poppywing help Bluerain up, and they travel back toward the camp. Rainheart and Poppywing exchange a dull look, and every cat is quiet and solemn as they know their leader won't return with them.

#### Chapter 3

The cats are quiet as they slowly enter the camp. Bluerain is limping between Rainheart and Poppywing.

As cats begin to approach them, Rainheart and Poppywing slowly lower Bluerain to the ground. She thanks them. Poppywing tells her to hold on and gives her ear a reassuring lick, adding that Hawkfeather and Dewpaw will fix her up.

Just then, Hawkfeather joins them and asks what happened. Before Rainheart can gather himself, Poppywing tells him it was a fox. She asks if she'll be alright. Hawkfeather assures them that she'll be fine. As he gently nudges Bluerain to her paws, Poppywing steps to his side and says she'll help. Hawkfeather gives her a nod of gratitude, and together he and Poppywing slowly guide her to the medicine den. Rainheart watches them for a moment, letting out a shaky sigh.

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

When Depthwater asks Rainheart to tell them what happened. Rainheart admits that he wasn't there to see how it started. He and Poppywing were hunting when they heard yowls and went to see what was going on.

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

When Rainheart awakes early in the morning to sobbing, he rises to his paws and glances down at Poppywing before making his way out of the den.

He's startled when Depthstar chooses Cobratail, Poppywing's brother, as deputy. He notes that Poppywing will be so happy for him.

Poppywing calls out Cobratail's name, and Rainheart turns to see that she has awoken and is rushing toward her brother, purring and touching her nose to his. She congratulates him and tells him that he'll be an amazing deputy. Cobratail purrs and rests his chin on her head, thanking her and saying he'll do his best.

Poppywing steps back and stares at him, pretending to be serious as she says that he'd better not put her on patrols all the time just because she's his sister. He snorts in amusement, his eyes gleaming as he says no promises.

#### Chapter 4

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

Poppywing purrs that it's a lovely day, and the heat feels nice, her eyes shining. Rainheart purrs in agreement and licks her ear, saying that it feels great, especially when she's with him. She begins grooming his fur.

Bloomfire pads over and tells them that Flameheart is going out for a hunting session with Stripedpaw. She says that she's going along and asks if he and Poppywing would like to join them.

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

In the forest, Rainheart sits between Bloomfire and Poppywing, watching Flameheart demonstrate a hunting crouch to Stripedpaw. When Bloomfire comments that Flameheart is a great mentor, Poppywing purrs "yes" and exchanges a warm look with Rainheart, saying that he will be too. He shakes his head and says that she'll be a much better mentor than he could ever be. He reminds her with a purr that she's the best hunter in ShadowClan. Poppywing gently flicks him on the shoulder with her tail.

Bloomfire hears rustling and looks up into the tree, commenting that there's a bird up there. Poppywing's ears prick forward as she says "Is there?" and turns to face the trunk, peering up into the tree. She says "Not for long" and with a mighty leap she starts making her way up the trunk. Rainheart watches her admiringly, silently noting that she's so talented and brave, and she could catch anything.

Stripedpaw forgets about his hunting lesson and says "Whoa!", his eyes wide as he stares up at her and says "Look at Poppywing go!". Flameheart follows his gaze and purrs that that's Poppywing for him, and she's part squirrel.

Poppywing is halfway up the tree and crouched on a branch, her attention fixed on a sparrow on the branch above her. Rainheart feels himself tense as he watches her. Though he's seen her hunt in the treetops many times before, he still worries about the possibility of her falling. He worries that she'll break a leg, a paw, or fall to her death. The thought of losing her terrifies him. He gives himself a shake and tells himself that Poppywing isn't going anywhere.

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

Stripedpaw stares up in confusion, asking why she didn't catch it. When Poppywing reaches the ground, she looks embarrassed as she apologizes and says that was silly of her. Rainheart asks what happened and steps forward, staring at her anxiously and asking if she's okay. She purrs that she's fine, just didn't want to risk it. He asks "risk what?" as he stares at her, puzzled, and silently notes that she's never been afraid of falling before. He wonders if something happened.

Poppywing hesitates and looks at the others, asking if the others will excuse them, as she'd like to speak to Rainheart alone. Flameheart dips his head and says "of course", and he and Stripedpaw turn away. Bloomfire casts Rainheart and Poppywing a worried look over her shoulder before following Flameheart and Stripedpaw. Poppywing sits down and watches until they disappear through the trees.

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

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

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

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

#### Chapter 5

Rainheart races into the camp carrying a mouse. When he enters the nursery, Poppywing is laying in her nest of moss with her chin on her paws. When she hears his arrival, she raises her head and purrs warmly, saying "Hello, my love."

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

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

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

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

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

He hesitates for a long moment, then sighs, agreeing and gazing at her lovingly. He tells her he'll see her later. He touches his nose to hers before turning away. In the clearing, Cobratail greets Rainheart and dips his head, asking how Poppywing is today. Rainheart tells him that she's fine, and the kits should arrive any day now. Cobratail nods and purrs that they all can't wait.

#### Chapter 6

Rainheart tosses and turns in his nest, unable to sleep. He can't stop thinking about Poppywing and their future kits. When he can't sleep, he decides to go visit Poppywing in the nursery.

He peers into the nursery and sees Poppywing curled up in her nest, her red fur noted to be like crimson in the darkness. She lays with her tail wrapped around her and her chin on her paws. She seems to be awake and raises her head slowly, blinking warmly when she sees him. She purrs his name softly and asks what he's doing here. His heart warms as he pads into the den and settles beside her, murmuring that he just wanted to see her. He gazes at her happily as he asks how she's feeling. Poppywing tells him that she feels great, as she has the best mate in the clan, and she's having kits soon, so how could she not be? She pauses, her eyes gleaming with amusement as she tells him that he'd better be quiet, as if Poisonedsap wakes up and sees him, she'll be grumpier than ever.

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

When Rainheart returns from the dawn patrol, he goes straight to the nursery, eager to see Poppywing. When he ducks inside, he sees her sitting up in her nest, and she and Poisonedsap are watching Swiftkit and Stonekit. When Poppywing notices Rainheart, she lets out a purr, her eyes bright as she tells him to look, as Stonekit and Swiftkit have opened their eyes. Poppywing warmly comments to Poisonedsap that Stonekit has amber eyes like she does. When Poisonedsap doesn't respond, Poppywing turns to Rainheart and starts to ask what color eyes he thinks their kits will have. She suddenly breaks off, her eyes flashing with alarm. She drops into a crouch, and Rainheart shoots to her side, his heart skipping a beat as he asks her what's wrong. She doesn't respond for a moment, then gasps and slumps onto her side, breathing quickly.

Rainheart realizes that it's time for the kits to come. He feels frozen for a moment, then snaps out of it, looking down at her anxiously and telling her that he'll get Hawkfeather. He tells the medicine cats that Poppywing is kitting and runs back into the nursery, crouching beside Poppywing. She lays in her nest, her flanks heaving. He tells her that it's okay, and Hawkfeather is coming, then licks her cheek. Poppywing says "okay" and flicks her gaze to him. Despite the pain she's in, she looks happy, adding that their kits will be here soon. As Rainheart's heart races in a mixture of excitement and anxiety, the medicine cats rush into the den.

Dewstorm moves to Rainheart's side and rests a paw on Poppywing's flank, confirming that the kits are definitely coming. Hawkfeather suggests that Rainheart wait outside, as he doesn't think he wants to see her like this. Rainheart is about to protest, but realizes he's right. He doesn't want to see Poppywing in pain. But he has to be there for her. He looks down at his mate anxiously and asks if she wants him to stay. Poppywing hesitates, then rasps between breaths that she doesn't want to worry him, and she'll be okay.

Rainheart continues to hesitate, and Dewstorm looks at him and tells him they'll let him know as soon as the kits arrive, adding not to worry. Rainheart agrees and stares at Poppywing for a long moment before saying he'll see her soon. He turns and steps out of the den.

When Rainheart goes into the clearing, Ashcloud guesses that Poppywing is kitting. Rainheart nods. Maplefur purrs that it's great and tells him not to worry, it won't take long. Rainheart sits down and looks over his shoulder, but can't see Poppywing, only the backs of the medicine cats.

As Rainheart begins pacing, he looks into the nursery every so often in hopes of catching a glimpse of her. He hopes she's alright and wonders if she needs him. When Rainheart pokes his head into the den and asks how Poppywing is, Hawkfeather tells him to keep his fur on, adding that he acts like she's the first cat ever to kit. Dewstorm assures him that Poppywing is going to be fine.

As Rainheart sits with Bloomfire, he looks over his shoulder sharply when he hears Poppywing yowl softly. When Bloomfire asks what has him so worried, he admits that he's worried about Poppywing, and that something will go wrong. When Poppywing yowls again, Rainheart tries to ignore it. He doesn't want to think about her in pain. He focuses on his conversation with Bloomfire.

Suddenly a yowl breaks out from behind her, much louder than the previous ones, followed by a cry of pain. It sends a bolt of shock through his body, and he spins, his heart nearly leaping out of his chest as he bristles and gasps Poppywing's name. When he hears Hawkfeather tell Dewstorm to get cobwebs, he realizes what that means. He bolts forward and pushes his head into the den, panic seizing his body as he anxiously asks what's going on. Hawkfeather snaps at him to get out from where he crouches over Poppywing, sniffing her and gently pawing her belly. Rainheart asks why, dizzy with panic as he struggles to see past Hawkfeather. He knows something's wrong.

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

Rainheart thinks "No!" as his mate is in there and something's wrong. In terror and fury, he nearly attacks Dewstorm, but Bloomfire pulls him out of the den. Rainheart chokes to Bloomfire that something is wrong, and he has to be there. As she tries to calm him, Rainheart's anxious gaze is fixed on the nursery, praying to StarClan that Poppywing will be okay.

Flameheart reminds Rainheart that Hawkfeather and Dewstorm have handled plenty of kittings before, and though he agrees, it doesn't make him any less worried about Poppywing. He can't wait until this ordeal is over, and he can race into the nursery and comfort her. He'd cover her with licks and curl himself around her while they admired their newborn kits. He draws in a shaky breath and shuts his eyes, telling himself it'll be okay and it'll all be over soon.

A quiet cry catches his attention, and he jerks away from Bloomfire, stepping toward the nursery, silently asking Poppywing what's happening in there. When Hawkfeather allows Rainheart into the den, he bolts in, and the scent of blood fills his nose. His veins turn to ice when he sees Poppywing laying on her side in the nest of moss, her eyes closed as she breathes slowly and unevenly. Blood pools out from between her legs.

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

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

When Hawkfeather murmurs that he'll tell the clan, Rainheart grows furious and confronts him. Hawkfeather says that sometimes they have no choice but to accept the fate StarClan has laid out for them. His words only fuel Rainheart's anger. He's unable to contain his fury that Hawkfeather would dare say it was Poppywing's fate to die. He snarls that this wasn't fate, and she wasn't supposed to die. He forces his heavy paws forward and moves toward Hawkfeather, who backs up warily as Rainheart hisses that she was supposed to have his kits, and they were supposed to name them together and raise them together.

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

Hawkfeather tells him that they did everything they could. Rainheart thinks that if he had, she'd still be alive. He's about to attack Hawkfeather when his fury fades into heart wrenching agony once more. He knows that Hawkfeather isn't to blame. He trembles and shuts his eyes before bolting out of the nursery, noting that he can't stay here any longer.

He runs into the middle of the forest. When he thinks of Poppywing, he shuts his eyes, letting out a cry of grief as he sits down and slumps forward. He notes that he's been injured in battles before, but he's never felt any kind of agony like he feels now. It feels as though some cat has slashed his heart in two. It's a wound that can not be healed.

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

When he reaches the fox den, for a moment he hesitates, wondering if he can really go through with this and let himself die. As he thinks about Poppywing again, his heart burns with agony, and he swallows back a cry, silently deciding to, as he would do anything for Poppywing, including this. At the mouth of the den, he remembers how Silverblossom grieved deeply for Stormstar when he died. Now they were together in StarClan. He silently notes that that'll be he and Poppywing very soon.

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

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

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

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

After Rainheart is killed and wakes up in StarClan, he looks up and feels delight blaze through his body when he sees Poppywing up ahead, padding through the grass with her back to him.

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

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

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

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

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

### Shadows of Blood

#### Allegiances

Poppywing is listed under Allegiances as a queen of Shadowclan, expecting Rainheart's kits.

#### Prologue

Rainheart is pacing outside the nursery where Poppywing is kitting. When Bloomfire urges him to stay still for a moment, he says he can't help it, as he's so nervous, but excited. He turns to the nursery and pokes his head in to ask how Poppywing is. Hawkfeather tells him to keep his fur on, adding that he acts like she's the first cat ever to kit. After Rainheart sighs and backs out of the den, Dewstorm tells him not to mind Hawkfeather and assures him that Poppywing is going to be fine.

Rainheart goes to sit with Bloomfire upon Dewstorm's suggestion. Rainheart casts a glance over his shoulder at the nursery as Poppywing lets out a soft yowl. Rainheart admits that he's worried about Poppywing and fears that something will go wrong, or the kits won't like him. Bloomfire teases that he and Poppywing are a bit young to be having kits. Poppywing yowls again from the nursery.

Suddenly, a yowl far louder than the ones before rings out from the nursery, followed by a cry. Rainheart spins around, bristling as he says Poppywing's name. Hawkfeather's voice is panicked as he tells Dewstorm to hurry and get some cobwebs. Rainheart pokes his head into the den and asks what's going on as Dewstorm claws up some cobwebs.

Hawkfeather orders Rainheart to get out as he crouches by Poppywing, sniffing her and pawing her belly. Rainheart asks why and struggles to see her past Hawkfeather. No one answers him, and Dewstorm shoulders him out of the den, alarmed as he tells him to stay out of their way and that they'll save her. Rainheart's mind spins as he echoes "save her", and asks what's wrong. He yells Poppywing's name and tries to push into the den, but Dewstorm shoves him back and urges him to stay out of the way. Rainheart nearly attacks Dewstorm, but Bloomfire pulls him back. Rainheart is terrified and insists that he has to be there. Bloomfire tries to calm him and tells him that Hawkfeather and Dewstorm will take care of everything. Rainheart stares at the nursery anxiously, begging StarClan to let Poppywing be okay.

In the nursery, Poppywing raises her head, feeling dizzy as she tries to take in her surroundings. She can just make out the blurred shapes of Hawkfeather and Dewstorm. She feels wet and looks down to see blood pooling out of her. Pain pulses through her belly. She whimpers and asks what's wrong as Dewstorm paws cobwebs at her, but the bleeding doesn't seem to slow. She asks where Rainheart is. Dewstorm tells her gently that he's outside, and not to worry, she's going to be fine. Hawkfeather mutters under his breath "StarClan willing".

Poppywing tries to peer out of the den to catch a glimpse of Rainheart, saying she wants him here. Dewstorm hesitates and looks at Hawkfeather, who shakes his head, saying he's only going to panic and get in the way. Dewstorm gives him a long look and says the bleeding isn't stopping. Hawkfeather shoots him a look and asks what he's saying. Dewstorm says that they should let Rainheart see her before she dies. Hawkfeather snarls and asks how he can give up so easily. Dewstorm snaps that this isn't easy for him, but there's nothing they can do. She's in the paws of StarClan now, and if she is to join them, Rainheart deserves to see her one last time.

Poppywing can hardly believe her ears as she realizes she's going to die. A spasm of pain pulses through her, and she lets out a quiet cry, too weak to yowl now. She rests her head on the moss, her flanks heaving. When Rainheart comes in, he lets out a horrified cry when he sees Poppywing's condition. He crouches beside her and laps at her cheek, begging her to stay with him. Poppywing's eyes part slightly as she tries to focus on him and rasps that she's sorry, and says goodbye. Rainheart begs her to stay with him and presses his muzzle into her fur. She doesn't respond, and her flanks start heaving. Rainheart whimpers her name. Dewstorm hesitantly pads over and rests his paw on her flank, murmuring that he's sorry. Rainheart lets out a long wail and buries his face into her fur.

Rainheart desperately thinks that she can't be gone. He drinks in the scent of his mate, but the stench of blood poisons it. Hawkfeather turns away and murmurs that he'll tell the clan. Rainheart grows angry and confronts Hawkfeather, saying he's supposed to save cats. Hawkfeather meets his gaze solemnly and tells him medicine cats cannot always save their clanmates, and sometimes they have no choice but to accept the fate StarClan has laid down. Rainheart angrily says this was not fate, as she wasn't supposed to die. She was supposed to have his kits, and they were supposed to name them together and raise them together. He snarls at Hawkfeather that he killed her. Hawkfeather says they did everything they could. Rainheart prepares to attack him, then changes his mind and races out of the den.

Outside the nursery, some cat asks "Do you think she's alright?". After Rainheart races out of the camp, Bloomfire is almost certain of what happened. She sighs and pads into the den, preparing for the worst. Her heart lurches as she sees Poppywing laying motionless, a pool of blood under her. She whispers "Oh no". She gazes at the body sadly as she tells Dewstorm that Rainheart left the camp, and she thinks he needs some time alone. She slowly sits with the medicine cats and asks about the kits. They tell her none came.

Bloomfire notices a bloody scrap of moss shifting under Poppywing and discovers a kit. When Bloomfire leaves the nursery, Flameheart quietly asks if Poppywing is dead. She gives a small nod.

When Bloomfire finds Rainheart outside the fox den, he rasps that he can't live without Poppywing. When she tells him a kit survived, Rainheart says that he doesn't care, all that he wants is Poppywing. He asks Bloomfire to name the kit Bloodkit, as that's all he is, a scrap of Poppywing's blood. He quietly tells Poppywing that he's coming, and they can be together in StarClan. He then jumps into the fox den and is killed.

That evening, a vigil for Poppywing and Rainheart is held. Poppywing's body lays in the middle of the camp. It's noted that Hawkfeather and Dewstorm had groomed her body. Many cats crouch around her, sharing tongues with her for the last time. Poppywing's mother, Foxshine, gently laps at her fur while Buzzardglare sits close by, staring at his kit.

From the meeting rock, Depthstar says that Poppywing will be missed. He adds that she was a fine warrior, and she would have been a fine mother. Cobratail's ears are flat, his eyes shut as he slowly swishes his tail back and forth. It's noted that Poppywing was his sister.

It's noted that the clan had already been stunned and upset by Poppywing's death when Bloomfire revealed the news about Rainheart.

While arguing about who will care for Poppywing's kit, Foxshine retorts that she has some right to him too, being Poppywing's mother, Depthstar snarls at them to stop, asking if this is any way to show respect for Rainheart and Poppywing.

After it's agreed that Flameheart and Bloomfire will raise the kit, a cat asks what if some cat at the gathering asks about Poppywing's kits. A she-cat agrees, her tail drooping as she says she saw her talking about how excited she was to Mintleaf and Clovernose at gatherings.

#### Chapter 4

Bloodkit awakes to a paw prodding his side, and he thinks it's Bloomfire. A voice tells him to wake up, and his eyes snap open, his heart skipping a beat as he realizes it's not Bloomfire, or any voice he recognizes. He finds himself in a perfect forest and looks up to see a beautiful red tabby she-cat, who is later revealed to be Poppywing. Her eyes glow with warmth and welcome as she gazes at him. She says hello in a murmur and that she's looked forward to meeting him. Bloodkit stares at her, awestruck as he stammers and asks who she is and where he is. Poppywing doesn't respond right away. She sits down and curls her tail over her paws as she softly asks where he thinks he is. Bloodkit stares at her, eyes wide as he asks if this is StarClan, and when she dips her head, he freezes, asking if he's dead.

Poppywing purrs and reassures him that he's not and only dreaming, licking his head. Bloodkit can't take his eyes off her, amazed that she's a StarClan warrior. She softly purrs that one day he will be a ShadowClan warrior, and a brilliant one too. His heart pounds as he notes that a StarClan cat said he's going to be a warrior, and his future is certain. She murmurs that she has a prophecy for him, and his eyes widen as he gets excited, but asks if she's sure she doesn't want Depthstar, Hawkfeather, or Dewstorm. She tells him that this prophecy is for him and him alone. Bloodkit's eyes are round. He digs his claws into the ground, anxious to hear what she has to say. He breathes that he's listening.

Poppywing leans closer to him and touches her muzzle to his ear as she tells him there are shadows of blood all around him, and a darkness is growing, a poison that will spread and destroy his clan from within. Only the spilling of blood will save ShadowClan. Revenge will guide him. Bloodkit stares at her, the fur along his spine tingling at the ominous message. He anxiously swarms her with questions, and she tells him to slow down, brushing her tail along his shoulder and telling him to have no fear. Bloodkit anxiously asks if she can tell him more, to which she says no.

Bloodkit suddenly feels small and frightened. He whimpers as he asks how he'll know what to do. She says that he'll know what to do when the time comes, and as she gazes at him, he's amazed by the amount of love and compassion in her eyes, as though she's known him his whole life. She hopes they cross paths again soon. She gazes at him for a moment longer, then turns away.

Bloodkit gasps for her to wait, taking a step forward and asking her to tell him how to save ShadowClan, fearing he'll fail her. Poppywing pauses and looks over her shoulder, repeating softly that he'll know what to do when the time comes. She adds that he will not fail her, and she's so proud of him. She'll always be with him.

She watches as Bloodkit begins to fade, then continues through the forest. Rainheart steps out of the bushes, his eyes glowing as he murmurs that he's a fine kit, brave and smart just like her. Poppywing pauses for a long moment, then decides to acknowledge him, though she doesn't face him. She growls that it's interesting that he takes an interest in Bloodkit now, and if only he had before he abandoned him. Rainheart's eyes light with distress as he rasps that he's sorry, stepping toward her and saying he's told her that he couldn't live without her and needed her.

She turns to him, tail lashing as she says that Bloodkit needed a father, and he abandoned him. Her tail droops. She never imagined Rainheart would do such a thing. He whimpers and asks if she remembers how excited they were to have kits. They were going to raise them together, and he couldn't do that without her. It was against everything they'd planned. His eyes light with sorrow as he says he doesn't regret his decision, and loves her more than anything.

She mutters that she has nothing left to say to him, as he abandoned their son. The cat she fell in love with wouldn't have done that, but she guesses that she didn't know him as well as she thought she did. She pads away and says goodbye. Rainheart chokes at her to wait, staring after her numbly. When she doesn't look back, he lowers his head, his tail drooping.

#### Chapter 5

Bloodkit excitedly recalls that he met a StarClan cat, and bets that no cat in the clan had a night nearly as interesting as he did. His excitement fades to anxiety as he thinks of the prophecy Poppywing gave him. He wishes he knew what she meant.

After Revengepaw changes his name, Bloodkit remembers the prophecy Poppywing gave him and wonders if "revenge will guide you" has something to do with Revengepaw.

#### Chapter 11

Bloodpaw finds himself in StarClan's forest again. Poppywing stands before him again, glowing eyes fixed on him. He opens his jaws to speak, but she does first, repeating the prophecy. Bloodpaw begs her to tell him what it means and asks if it has something to do with Revengepaw. He gasps as Poppywing and the starlit forest vanish, and he finds himself at fourtrees standing on the great rock.

As the tide of blood rises, he cries for help. His fur stands on end as Poppywing's voice breathes in his ear "Only the spilling of blood will save ShadowClan". He whips his head aside, expecting to see her beside him, but no one is there.

When Rosebreeze is kitting, Bloodpaw frowns and asks if accidents ever happen during a kitting. Flameheart is quiet for a moment before he says "sometimes", referring to Poppywing.

#### Chapter 17

Flameheart speaks to Bloodfur in the forest and tells him about his real parents, Rainheart and Poppywing. Flameheart describes her as the most beautiful gentle cat he could meet. He goes on to explain how Poppywing bled to death giving birth to Bloodfur, and Rainheart couldn't live without her.

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

#### Chapter 18

As Bloodfur questions his belief in StarClan, he recalls his dreams of Poppywing telling him the prophecy, but thinks they might have just been dreams.

#### Chapter 30

During the battle, Cobratail tells Bloodfur that he has his mother's courage.

#### Chapter 32

Bloodfur freezes when he awakes in StarClan to Poppywing's voice. He leaps to his paws and sees her standing before him, eyes shining at him proudly. Behind her stand more StarClan warriors. She steps forward and tells Bloodfur she's so proud of him, as he's fulfilled the prophecy. She and the other StarClan cats explain it to him.

Poppywing's eyes cloud as she says he broke the code in the process, and caused the deaths of many other cats, like Poisonedsap, Revengeheart, Falconclaw, Blackstorm, and Ravenfeather, who she watches cross into the dark forest.

After Bloodfur vows to spend the rest of his life as a loyal ShadowClan warrior, Poppywing thanks him and promises that one day he'll walk with them in StarClan. He sighs in relief and thanks her. Poppywing purrs and rests her chin on his head, then steps back, saying there's someone who wants to meet him. Rainheart appears at her side, and tells Bloodfur he loved Poppywing too much to live without her. He glances aside at Poppywing and reveals they're no longer mates in StarClan, and she's refused to forgive him. Poppywing twitches her tail, her eyes narrowed at him.

### Starfaith's Fate

#### Allegiances

Poppywing is listed under Allegiances as a warrior of ShadowClan.

## Quotes

*"Don't worry, we'll be fine. There are six of us. No rogue would dare try to attack. And if they did, I'd protect you."*

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

*"Rainpaw... I've felt the same way for a long time. I love spending time with you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you."*

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

*"Stop acting like a grumpy old badger, Poisonedsap. I like it when Rainheart visits."*

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

*"Rainheart, go on. I love seeing you, but you can't avoid your duties. I'll be here when you get back."*

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

*"I feel great. I have the best mate in the clan, and I'm having kits soon. How could I not be?"*

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

*"We'll watch them grow up together and be there for them every step of the way."*

-Poppywing to Rainheart about their future kits in *"Rainheart's Love",* chapter 6

*"You know? You knew this, and you still... You abandoned our son..."*

-Poppywing when Rainheart reveals that he knew about Bloodkit when he committed suicide in *"Rainheart's Love"*, chapter 6

*"Hello, Bloodkit. I've looked forward to meeting you."*

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

*"There are shadows of blood all around you, Bloodkit. A darkness is growing. A poison that will spread and destroy your clan from within. Only the spilling of blood will save ShadowClan. Revenge will guide you."*

-Poppywing giving the prophecy to Bloodkit in *"Shadows of Blood"*, chapter 4

*"You will know what to do when the time comes. I hope we cross paths again soon."*

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

*"You will know what to do when the time comes. And you will not fail me. I'm so proud of you, Bloodkit. I will always be with you."*

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

*"Interesting that you take interest in him now , Rainheart. If only you had before you abandoned him."*

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

*"And what about Bloodkit? He needed a father, and you left him! You abandoned our kit! I never imagined you would do such a thing."*

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

*"Rainheart, I have nothing left to say to you. You abandoned our son. The cat I fell in love with wouldn't have done that. But I guess I didn't know you as well as I thought I did. Goodbye."*

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

*"My son. I'm so proud of you. You have fulfilled the prophecy."*

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

*"Thank you, Bloodfur. I promise that one day you will walk with us in StarClan."*

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

## Gallery

### Designs and References

Old Poppywing designTemporary new Poppywing design
### Covers and Headers

Poppywing on the cover of Rainheart's Love
### AMV Shots

Rainheart and Poppywing - Rewrite the StarsRainheart and Poppywing's bodies
### Other

Poppywing sticker / button designPoppywing in Bloodfur's photo album meme

## Character Development and Origins

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

 Poppywing is later given Cobratail as a brother, and even later Buzzardglare and Foxshine as parents.

She is first described as a light red-brown tabby she-cat with lighter muzzle, chin, chest, paws, and red ears and nose blaze. She is noted to care most about Rainheart and Bloodfur, and dislikes rude cats.