| "I don't want to talk about the Dark Forest. And I certainly don't want to talk with you." |
| — Lightleap snapping at Sunbeam in River, page 97 |
Lightleap is a dark[10] brown tabby she-cat[11] with a striped tail[12] and amber eyes.[13]
Lightleap is a ShadowClan queen under Tigerstar's leadership in the lake territories. She was born as Lightkit to Tigerheart and Dovewing during their stay with the guardian cats along with her siblings, Pouncekit and Shadowkit. She joined ShadowClan when her mother chose to follow Tigerheart back to the Clans. As an apprentice, Lightpaw was mentored by Stonewing, and she later earned her warrior name, Lightleap. She volunteered as ShadowClan's representative to enter the Dark Forest to defeat Ashfur, but Shadowsight took her place when she got too anxious. As a result, Lightleap grew frustrated with herself and began performing reckless behavior to prove herself, much to her parents' and Sunbeam's duress.
Lightleap participated in a journey to a distant Twolegplace to find catmint to cure her brother Rowankit, though he died before they arrived, and Lightleap blamed herself for not traveling faster. She became closer with Blazefire, eventually becoming mates with him, and leaving her best friend Sunbeam depressed. Despite their conflicts, they were able to eventually make amends and become friends again. After Splashtail's reign of terror comes to an end, Lightleap and Blazefire had a litter of kits: Quickkit, Beechkit, and Poolkit.
Quick Answers
Who were Lightleap's parents and what impact did they have on her life?
Who was Lightleap's mentor?
What's the significance of Lightleap's name?
Who are Lightleap's mate and kits?
History
In the A Vision of Shadows arc
River of Fire
- "They're kind of small. Not like us!"
- ―Lightkit about Ivypool's kits River of Fire, page 265
- Lightkit appears unnamed, huddled up with her siblings beside Dovewing at the Moonpool. Alderheart rushes over, greeting Dovewing. He looks down at the kits and notes how the dark brown one looks just like her father, and Dovewing reveals her name to be Lightkit, along with her siblings. When the others discuss Tigerheart being dead, Shadowkit speaks up, claiming he is not dead, and that he had a dream of him and his family in the ShadowClan camp, playing moss-ball together. Tigerheart is revealed to be alive after all, and is now named Tigerstar and will be rebuilding the fallen Clan. Dovewing decides she will be joining him in ShadowClan, but wants to visit ThunderClan first, bringing Lightkit, Pouncekit, and Shadowkit with her. On the way, Alderheart and their mother help the kits climb over the terrain, and bounce around Dovewing's paws, demanding to know all about Clan life and their kin.
- Once they reach ThunderClan's camp, they meet Ivypool's kits, and Lightkit remarks they are kind of small, and warily touches her nose to Bristlekit's. Dovewing explains to her kits that Ivypool's kits are their kin. After discussing the events at the Moonpool, Dovewing gathers all three kits together and they are escorted to ShadowClan.
The Raging Storm
- During Shadowkit's vision, Lightkit cowers with her sister and denmates at the other end of the nursery. After Shadowkit is spending much of his time helping Alderheart in the medicine den, Lightkit and Pouncekit attempt to get him to come out and play. Pouncekit says Strikestone and Blazepaw are going to give them badger rides, and Lightkit adds they are going to race while they ride them. Shadowkit declines, stating he is having fun in the medicine den. Lightkit looks unconvinced, wondering how looking after the sick can be as fun as badger rides. Pouncekit nudges her out of the den, saying they are wasting their time.
- When Shadowkit goes missing, Lightkit says he was playing a game, pretending he was on an important mission to save the Clan, and Pouncekit wanted to go with him, but he told her it was something he had to do alone. Dovewing weaves frantically around them, asking if he said where he was going. Lightkit tells her he just said he had to save them, then sneaked out of the den.
In The Broken Code arc
Lost Stars
- "[…] we made a good job of those scent markers. SkyClan won't dare set paw over our borders."
- ―Lightleap after getting back from a border patrol Lost Stars, page 38
- Lightleap has completed her apprenticeship and is now a full warrior of ShadowClan. She and Pouncestep return from a border patrol, and Pouncestep announces she is starving and thought they would never get to the end. Lightleap agrees, but also states they made a good job of the scent markers and SkyClan will not dare set paw over the border. As the two warriors share a vole, Shadowpaw comes over, asking if they have seen Cinnamontail and Blazefire. Pouncestep replies that she has not seen a whisker of them, and Lightleap adds that she has not either, not since yesterday. Shadowpaw tells them that Dovewing is leading out a patrol to look for them, and Lightleap blinks nervously, mewing she hopes she finds them and she cannot imagine why they would wander off in this weather.
- Shadowpaw heads back to his den, but spots Lightleap waving her tail at him, and she tells him to come and play with her and Pouncestep. Tail curling with amusement, Shadowpaw points out that since he is not trained like them, they would claw his fur off. Lightleap promises they will go easy on him. Pouncestep pretends to be a badger invading camp, while Lightleap and Shadowpaw are two warriors driving it out. Lightleap rears up and swipes Pouncestep's muzzle, telling the filthy badger to get out. While Shadowpaw distracts Pouncestep, Lightleap jumps in and rolls her sister over. Once they trap Pouncestep, Shadowpaw asks what they should do, and Lightleap answers that they will shove it out of camp, and begins to push Pouncestep across the ground. After their playfight, Shadowpaw has another seizure. Once it passes, he sees Lightleap and Pouncestep watching him from further away, eyes wide with fear. Later, Tigerstar calls a meeting and Shadowpaw finds a spot to sit near his sisters.
The Silent Thaw
- Shadowsight: "Go and finish your hunting. We'll take care of Snowbird."
- Lightleap: "But I want to see that she's okay."
- The Silent Thaw, page 74
- Lightleap and her sister proudly gaze at their brother as he leaves to receive his full name. Later, Lightleap frantically calls for Shadowsight as she and Flaxfoot carry Snowbird into camp. He orders them to carry Snowbird into an empty nest in the medicine cats' den, and Lightleap explains how Snowbird slipped and broke her paw while hunting. Shadowsight noses Lightleap out of the den and when she insists she wants to stay, Shadowsight has her fetch sticks for a splint. He later goes to search for them when they take too long.
Darkness Within
- Lightleap notices that Shadowsight is looking down and invites him to come hunting with her, Gullswoop, Blazefire, and Hollowspring. While out, Lightleap teaches her brother some basics when it comes to hunting and gladly indulges him when he asks her to teach him how to scent for prey. Shadowsight scares away sparrows when he is startled, and Lightleap assures him that they will find more. Hollowspring is sullen about losing the prey and she defends Shadowsight. When they return to camp with their catches, she reassures Shadowsight that he will get better with time and that his scenting had improved.
The Place of No Stars
- "Well, I see now that Dovewing and I have to take a step back. Pouncestep and Lightleap are warriors now, and we have to accept that they might be badly injured in battle-or even killed."
- ―Tigerstar to Shadowsight about Pouncestep and Lightleap The Place of No Stars, pages 252-253
- Tigerstar mentions that now Lightleap and Pouncestep are warriors and Shadowsight is a full medicine cat, he and Dovewing must back off and face the fact that their daughters or son could be killed or seriously injured, and that they have to take risks for their Clan.
A Light in the Mist
- Tigerstar tells ShadowClan cats that someone is needed to enter the Dark Forest but he cannot condemn someone to it, and that a volunteer is required. He adds that if no cat comes forward, he will be the fulfilling volunteer, causing yowls of opposition. Cloverfoot, Snowbird, Cinnamontail, and Lightleap all volunteer. Lightleap cites that as deputy, Cloverfoot cannot be risked, and Snowbird cannot either because although she is a great warrior, she is almost an elder. Lightleap also acknowledges that Cinnamontail is a great warrior, but counters that Cinnamontail has not been practicing battle moves since kithood, looking at her mentor for praise. Nodding, Stonewing adds that she was one of his greatest apprentices, causing Lightleap to prompt Tigerstar for a response. Shadowsight turns to Dovewing, noting that Tigerstar cannot say no as to not show priority for his kit, and she agrees, desperately wondering why Lightleap volunteered. Whorlpelt and Flowerstem yowl praise for Lightleap, while the entire Clan starts chanting. To enter the Dark Forest, one must be very calm, but Lightleap becomes too anxious to quiet her mind. Shadowsight volunteers in her place, and he goes into the Dark Forest.
In the A Starless Clan arc
River
- "No cat is angry with you, Lightleap. We're just worried. You shouldn't be working so hard to prove yourself to the Clan. I've done the same thing in the past—you know that as well as I do—as it caused me to make some pretty serious mistakes. You're a strong ShadowClan warrior and a valued member of our family. Can't you be content with that?"
- ―Shadowsight to Lightleap River, page 73
- Lightleap asks her best friend Sunbeam to go hunting with her, though Sunbeam notes how reckless she has become since her fear prevented her from entering the Dark Forest with the Lights in the Mist. The previous half-moon, she had sneaked across the RiverClan border because Hopwhisker had dared her, and was punished by her father. When Lightleap attempts to jump across some tree branches to chase some squirrels, she falls and lands on Sunbeam's back, hurting her friend. Lightleap presses Sunbeam not to tell anyone what had happened, and while Sunbeam reluctantly agrees, she grumbles that her friend could be a tad more grateful. However, Lightleap's brother Shadowsight pressures Sunbeam to tell him the truth and he tells their parents. Lightleap finds out after her parents scold her and she confronts Sunbeam about it. Shadowsight steps in that he was the one who informed Tigerstar and Dovewing and urges her to stop acting recklessly. Lightleap turns on her brother and storms off, and Sunbeam asks her friend Blazefire to speak to her.
- Lightleap continues to ignore Sunbeam and snaps at her when she tries to apologize. While on a hunting patrol, Sunbeam decides to hunt separately to avoid Lightleap's ire, though she hears a strange yowl from RiverClan. While attempting to investigate it, she runs into Lightleap, who is limping and explains that she had trodden on a thorn. Sunbeam is suspicious of Lightleap's strange behavior, though Lightleap snaps at her for asking questions. After RiverClan arrives asking about Reedwhisker since he is missing, Sunbeam wonders if Lightleap had anything to do with it, though Blazefire brushes her off when she asks him about it. Lightleap begins to spend time with Blazefire, and Sunbeam grows jealous, since she intended to be Blazefire's mate. However, Lightleap dares Blazefire to catch some mice in a shallow tunnel when rocks fall and trap him. She rushes into camp for help, and Sunbeam scolds Lightleap for her reckless behavior. She insists she and Blazefire are only friends and have a lot in common, especially since Sunbeam is a rule follower. Sunbeam learns from Blazefire that he also views Lightleap as a friend, and Berryheart informs Sunbeam that she believes Lightleap and her family can get away with a lot of things since their father is Clan leader.
Sky
- Lightleap watches Dovewing anxiously after learning about Rowankit's sickness. Tigerstar later assigns Lightleap to join Sunbeam on the journey to find catmint instead of Puddleshine, and Lightleap looks at Sunbeam with hope and wariness in her eyes. Lightleap promises Tigerstar that they will not take any unnecessary risks, and that they will bring back catmint. She tries to make conversation with Sunbeam, who ignores her. She sees a cracked branch above them and mews for Sunbeam to watch out. Sunbeam brushes her off in frustration while Lightleap tries to explain that the branch could have fallen and hurt her, but Sunbeam just pulls ahead.
- Lightleap and Sunbeam meet Rootspring, Fidgetflake, Alderheart, and Nightheart, and Lightleap informs them that Rowankit is very sick. Lightleap joins the other cats in conversation once they begin the journey, much to the annoyance of Sunbeam, who thinks that Lightleap has always enjoyed the sound of her own mew. The patrol stops to hunt, and she hunts rabbits with Rootspring. While the patrol eats Lightleap excitedly tells them about how she and Blazefire explored the rocky tunnel and how Blazefire was injured, though she does not mention that she had dared him to go into the tunnel.
- Alderheart suggests making camp for the night, and Lightleap, alarmed, insists that they must keep going in order to save Rowankit, mewing that they do not need sleep and should push on. The patrol comforts her and she eventually agrees that they need to rest. After crossing a Thunderpath they settle for the night, though Lightleap asks if the area is safe to hunt and suggests the patrol stay together. Lightleap grows anxious for Rowankit when Sunbeam worries about being able to find catmint, fretting that kittypets will not let them take any. When Nightheart asks Sunbeam if she thinks the new code changes are a good idea, Lightleap immediately answers that Sunbeam does. Sunbeam angrily reflects that Lightleap used to answer for her when they were friends. Lightleap goes on to mew about Dovewing and Tigerstar's relationship, mentioning how they suffered because of the code and is glad that they left the city to take their kits back to ShadowClan.
- The next day, Lightleap greets Nightheart, who has come back with prey, and playfully winks and asks if it is for her. When Nightheart offers prey to Sunbeam, Lightleap eyes Sunbeam warily and joins Rootspring. When the patrol sees a monster, Sunbeam mews they might eat cats, to which Lightleap seems momentarily disturbed before confidently mewing that if they did the cats would know about it. Lightleap loses some fur pushing under a fence, and watches when Sunbeam gets stuck. When Sunbeam is freed, Lightleap weaves around her and Nightheart, mewing that she thought they were monster food. The patrol finds catmint and Lightleap helps gather it, still worried for Rowankit. Nightheart and Sunbeam join the patrol with Twoleg food, and Lightleap excitedly eats some.
- Once the patrol returns to the Clans, Sunbeam notes how nervous Lightleap is for Rowankit. They reach ShadowClan and upon noticing the gloomy mood in camp, Lightleap rushes into the medicine den. Lightleap wails upon finding out Rowankit is dead, asking when it happened and insisting the patrol should have traveled faster. At Rowankit's vigil, she sits beside Blazefire, her eyes glistening with grief. She sits all night for the vigil with Blazefire, their pelts touching.
- Sunbeam notes that Lightleap has been keeping her distance as if having given up on trying to repair their friendship, and she is spending more time with Blazefire. Later, Sunbeam tells Nightheart that Lightleap and Blazefire have begun being friendly to her again. Upon leaving camp Sunbeam finds Lightleap and Blazefire, their pelts touching and their muzzles close together. Lightleap notices Sunbeam and stiffens, embarrassed and looking away from her. Blazefire explains to Sunbeam that they had not meant for their feelings to grow, but that they could not help it and are now together.
Shadow
- "No cat can answer that for you. You'll just have to listen to your heart."
- ―Lightleap to Sunbeam about Nightheart Shadow, page 104
- As Berryheart gives Fringewhisker increasingly difficult and dangerous tasks, Lightleap is one of the cats to speak up against them. Later, Sunbeam and Lightleap cross into RiverClan territory, as Tigerstar has been making them patrol together recently. Lightleap declares her hunger and decides to hunt RiverClan prey, despite Sunbeam's misgivings. The pair split up, to Lightleap's disappointment, and after catching a vole, Sunbeam is confronted by a furious RiverClan patrol. Lightleap finds them and reminds them that Tigerstar is in charge.
- The two she-cats are led back to camp by the patrol, and Icewing is informed of what happened, causing RiverClan and ShadowClan to erupt into an argument. Icewing ends the argument with a compromise, ordering Lightleap to leave her rabbit on the fresh-kill pile. She and Cloverfoot speak with Lightleap and Sunbeam in the leader's den, and Lightleap is infuriated by RiverClan's lack of gratitude. Icewing points out that any Clan could end up in RiverClan's position, bringing Lightleap shame.
- On the way home, Sunbeam tries to talk to Lightleap about Frostpaw's decision to no longer be a medicine cat, but Lightleap is dismissive. Sunbeam recalls a near-fight between Lizardtail and Owlnose in the RiverClan camp, and how Cloverfoot had confided in her and Lightleap about RiverClan's accusations and strange happenings. Sunbeam wants to confide in Lightleap about the issues Tigerstar is causing, but knows Lightleap will only defend him. Instead, Sunbeam talks about Nightheart, and Lightleap advises that she had known she loved Blazefire because she had to lose Sunbeam's friendship for him, and still wanted to be with him. When Sunbeam frets about the possibility that she may change her mind about Nightheart, Lightleap tells her to follow her heart.
- As she navigates her relationship with Nightheart, Sunbeam often thinks about Lightleap's relationship with Blazefire, comparing the two. She also remembers RiverClan's hostility and problems while she and Lightleap had been there. Upon returning to camp after listening to Berryheart's group, Sunbeam notices Lightleap watching her curiously, but knows she cannot talk to her about Berryheart's grievances. Later on, as Berryheart tries to convince Sunbeam to take a ShadowClan mate, Lightleap calls Sunbeam to eat with her and Blazefire. The three are awkward together, but Lightleap and Blazefire soon start telling Sunbeam stories, and Sunbeam recognizes that the two mates work well together. Tigerstar soon decides to send more warriors to live in RiverClan and watch for suspicious activity, and he sends Lightleap on the patrol, to her excitement.
Thunder
- During a Gathering, Sunbeam sees Lightleap with RiverClan and feels guilty when seeing how exhausted she is. She tries to greet her but Lightleap is cold to her. Tigerstar praises Lightleap's work with RiverClan, but she is not pleased. Sunbeam worries about Lightleap when ThunderClan discusses Tigerstar. At a following Gathering, Lightleap appears happier and less tired being back home. When Berryheart challenges Tigerstar, Lightleap argues that her father is not a danger to their Clan.
Wind
- Lightleap is upset when Tigerstar suggests that he can step down if he is no longer wanted as leader. As her patrol takes Squirrelstar and Nightheart into camp, Nightheart feels awkward around her and she will not look at him. Tigerstar sends her to get Frostpaw, and she is relieved.
Star
- Lightleap comes out of the warrior den after waking up and asks what is going on, as she sees an injured Berryheart and Brackenpelt talking to Tigerstar. Tigerstar tells his daughter that he wants her, Gullswoop, Stonewing, and Puddleshine to join him on a patrol to help RiverClan begin to rebuild. Frostpaw joins them. As they reach RiverClan territory, Gorseclaw tells the patrol that Splashtail retreated to the island. They discuss what to do next, and Lightleap clarifies with Gorseclaw that Splashtail is indeed injured. The tom says he has been hurt badly and Lightleap and Whorlpelt agree that they should capture him now. Tigerstar decides to send Puddleshine to the RiverClan camp to help the wounded while his patrol confronts Splashtail on the island. On the island, the patrol quickly realizes they have been tricked and are now trapped on the island. Lightleap attempts to bat Lizardtail away when he tries to drag Whorlpelt into the water and yowls for Stonewing when the tom is pulled into the water by Brackenpelt. Frostpaw saves both toms and Lightleap crowds around her Clanmates, thanking Frostpaw.
- Lightleap catches a mouse on the island and Gullswoop sighs apologetically, saying that it was all they could find, but Lightleap optimistically says that there must be more. She offers the mouse to Frostpaw but the medicine cat apprentice declines, saying she might get a cramp while swimming. The patrol finds out that Frostpaw wants to swim for help and Lightleap says that she should swim to WindClan since their shore is closest. Frostpaw worries that Harestar will not want to get involved, but the others remind her of Splashtail's recent violence and Lightleap points out that she saved WindClan's kits recently. They decide that WindClan is their best chance and Lightleap sees her off once Tigerstar and the others have distracted the RiverClan guards.
- Frostpaw's swim proves victorious, as WindClan sends three warriors to help Lightleap and the others escape the island. They wait for a signal from Harestar, but grow restless. Frostpaw attempts to sneak near the RiverClan camp to see what is happening, but finds herself fighting Splashtail in order to save Floatkit. Lightleap and the rest of the patrol sense the commotion and come rushing over. Lightleap yowls for the young apprentice, rushing ahead of the other cats. She saves Frostpaw from Splashtail and tells her that the others are on their way. Splashtail gets a hard hit on her but she manages to get on top of his back. Her comeback is short-lived however, as he rears his head into her chin, throwing her off. Splashtail prepares to slash her throat when Frostpaw jumps into action, throwing herself at him before he can attack. Enraged, Splashtail fights Frostpaw viciously, but ultimately the small apprentice kills him. Lightleap checks on Frostpaw afterwards, but the young she-cat faints from her injuries.
- A half-moon after Splashtail's death, Lightleap sits with Blazefire, Nightheart, Sunbeam, Spireclaw, and Fringewhisker. They discuss the ongoing situation with RiverClan and Lightleap notes that Tigerstar has vowed not to put a paw in RiverClan again. The conversation moves onto how many RiverClan cats are attempting to permanently join other Clans, and Lightleap says she does not blame them for not wanting to live in an unstable Clan.
In the Changing Skies arc
The Elders' Quest
- After returning from a patrol, Tawnypelt pads over to Lightleap and Blazefire in the nursery. She asks to see Quickkit, Poolkit, and Beechkit, and Lightleap tells her they are with Oakfur. When Birchfeather prepares to leave for SkyClan, Lightleap and her littermates gather around him to say goodbye, and she nuzzles her brother solemnly. Later, Lightleap, Sparrowtail, and Gullswoop greet Tawnypelt as they return from the dawn border patrol.
Hidden Moon
- "Settle down, kits, Tawnypelt's still getting better, so this is just a short, calm visit. They missed you, in case you can't tell."
- ―Lightleap to her kits and Tawnypelt Hidden Moon, page 93
Chasing Shadows
- Lightleap and Blazefire's kits are announced as apprentices at a Gathering.
In the Super Editions
Tigerheart's Shadow
- "I bet no kits as young as us have ever walked along a Thundersnake before."
- ―Lightkit Tigerheart's Shadow, page 311
- Lightkit and her littermates, Pouncekit and Shadowkit, are born to Dovewing and Tigerheart. When Tigerheart returns from scavenging, he finds Dovewing and the kits asleep. The dark tabby catches a thrush, and his mate excitedly wakes her kits up. Lightkit scrambles from the nest, her tabby fur ruffled from sleep, and sniffs the prey. The small kit comments the bird smells sweet. Dovewing peels meat strips from the fresh-kill, and lays a strip in front of each of her kits. Lightkit grabs her meat piece and tugs it with her teeth. Later on, the tabby she-cat looks from beneath the ledge sheltering their nest and asks if there were more nests. Behind her, Shadowkit and Pouncekit chase each other. Lightkit blinks at her father and questions why her father calls the healers 'medicine cats'.
- Pouncekit mentions Dovewing's story about the Clans and Lightkit eagerly asks if they will go there one day. Lightkit gazes up at the wall and mews she likes sunshine and does not want to hide in darkness. As Tigerheart is heading out to scavenge, Dovewing meets Lightkit and her siblings as they charge up to their mother. Tigerheart gives the kits a badger ride, and while clinging to her father's back, Lightkit asks what a badger is. Tigerheart tells them a story of how he and his Clanmates fought a badger once, and Lightkit is breathless as she asks how they beat it. Lightkit is disappointed she has to go to sleep, complaining she wants to hear more about badgers, and Dovewing promises they will tell them about hawks tomorrow.
- The kits are taken out of the Twoleg nest to watch the guardian cats battle train. Lightkit bounces on the grass, squeaking it is soft, then asks Tigerheart if he will play with them. She does not pay attention to his answer, preoccupied with following Pouncekit onto the stone slabs. When Pouncekit gets caught in a Twoleg trap, Lightkit and Shadowkit scrabble at the outside, trying to reach her. After Pouncekit is freed, Lightkit looks out from below Dotty, asking if the Twolegs are trying to hurt them. Later, Lightkit, Pouncekit, and Shadowkit give their parents a scare when they sneak out of the nest and climb up a tree, sitting on the branch like a bunch of starlings. Lightkit looks down at her parents, telling them they are watching the Twolegs gathering. Lightkit climbs down the tree, along with her siblings. Once out of the tree, Pouncekit tells her Tigerheart said they were not ever allowed out of the den alone, making Lightkit's eyes spark with horror.
- Dovewing and Tigerheart decide it is time to return to the lake and begin the journey home. Lightkit is clearly excited at the news, squeaking they are going to be warriors. She is carried by Cinnamon as they walk through the Thundersnake tunnel. When Pouncekit and Shadowkit are placed on the floor, Lightkit wriggles in Cinnamon's jaws, saying she wants to walk too. Once on the ground, she proudly comments that she bets no kits have walked along the Thundersnake tunnel before. When Pouncekit begins complaining of her sore pads, Lightkit tells her to imagine the ground is the soft grass outside the Twoleg den. When a Thundersnake passes, Lightkit hides underneath Cinnamon. After it passes, she wriggles out, exclaiming that was exciting, with shining eyes. Once out of the tunnel and city, Lightkit sounds frightened as she comments how big everything is.
- Later, Lightkit sniffs some sweetbriar buds, asking if they can eat it. Dovewing says no, but Jayfeather might use them to make medicine, and Lightkit blinks, asking who Jayfeather is. A Thundersnake approaches them, and Lightkit freezes in the tracks, but Spire saves her before the Thundersnake reaches her. Cloverfoot gives Lightkit a badger ride as they reach a river. They cross a Thunderpath going over the river, but it begins to split and rise in the center. Lightkit and Shadowkit squeal in panic, sliding down past Tigerheart, but Rippletail catches Lightkit as she falls toward him, wrapping his paws around her. She plays with Berryheart's kits. Tigerheart asks her where Shadowkit is, and she explains Dovewing took him out of their temporary camp to discuss something. She then shows Spirekit how to strip out the meat on prey. After an owl drops Tigerheart, Lightkit and her littermates sit beside Dovewing, fear in their round eyes as they gaze at their injured father.
- They continue the journey back to the lake, and Lightkit's eyes are misted with fear as she asks if Tigerheart will be okay. As Tigerheart slips away, Lightkit and her littermates cling to their father's pelt. After he dies, Tigerheart sees his body being carried, and Lightkit follows, her eyes misted with grief. Tigerheart is resurrected as Tigerstar, ShadowClan's new leader. Pouncekit and Lightkit crowd around him, eyes as wide as moons.
Squirrelflight's Hope
- Lightpaw is now an apprentice with Stonewing as her mentor. She practices battle moves against Pouncepaw. Later, she and her family attend a tense Gathering and her father weaves protectively around them.
Ivypool's Heart
- When Whistlepaw describes the mountain she saw in her dream, Tigerstar chimes in that he recalls that mountain from passing it after his kits were born. Later, Dovewing reminisces on how giving birth to Birchkit and Rowankit in ShadowClan was superior to her first litter's birth in the Twolegplace.
In the Novellas
Tawnypelt's Clan
- Tawnypelt is woken up from a dream because of Lightkit and her siblings' loud play. Lightkit yowls at Shadowkit that that is not how he should play, then Pouncekit screeches at Lightkit to get off of her. Juniperclaw exits the warriors' den, furiously telling the kits that they need to settle down right now, they are waking the whole camp. The three kits freeze and stare up at him, then Dovewing apologizes, and Tigerstar comes in, telling the kits to quiet down. Shadowkit tells Tawnypelt that they are sorry if they woke her, and his sisters nod earnestly. Tawnypelt meows that it is fine, and Lightkit cheerfully tells her littermates to come on, they will be so quiet now, as quiet as they were when they hid from the Twolegs. Later, Lightkit plays with her siblings and the other kits of the Clan, squealing with delight as they chase each other around the clearing.
Character pixels
The pixel artwork is fanart based on the canon description; undefined traits are left to the artist's interpretation. |
Official art
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Please do not edit this gallery. Lightleap's Warriors website fact sheet Lightleap's Warriors website fact sheet for A Starless Clan Lightleap's silhouette on the Warriors website Lightleap's icon on the Warriors family tree |
Personality and traits
- Coming Soon
Relationships
Dovewing
- Coming Soon
Tigerstar
- Coming Soon
Shadowsight
- Coming Soon
Pouncestep
- Coming Soon
Sunbeam
- "I'm so happy you've found some cat. I'm sorry that I came between you and Blazefire. I hope you know I didn't intend to—well, I didn't mean to hurt you."
- ―Lightleap to Sunbeam Shadow, page 108
- When Lightleap and Blazefire go hunting together, she dares the tom to enter a narrow tunnel, which causes him to become gravely injured. Sunbeam is angered by Lightleap's role in Blazefire's injury and confronts her. Additionally, Sunbeam expresses the hurt she feels from Lightleap spending a lot of time with Blazefire despite knowing of Sunbeam's crush on him. Lightleap expresses her remorse for causing Blazefire's injury, and insists she and he are only friends.[18] When Lightleap joins Sunbeam on the travel for catmint, she attempts to be friendly and look out for Sunbeam's safety. This, however, is met with further irritation from Sunbeam.[19][20] When Lightleap and Blazefire become mates, they hide their relationship from Sunbeam, not wanting to hurt her. However, Sunbeam eventually discovers the nature of their relationship.[21] While guarding RiverClan's camp, Lightleap and Sunbeam make amends, and Sunbeam asks her for relationship advice, to which she gives.[22]
Blazefire
- Coming Soon
Family
- Main article: Lightleap/Family
- Lightleap's parents are Tigerstar and Dovewing, and her littermates are Pouncestep and Shadowsight. Her younger siblings are Rowankit and Birchfeather. For more of Lightleap's family, click here!
Appearances
- Tigerheart's Shadow (First appearance)
- River of Fire
- Tawnypelt's Clan
- The Raging Storm
- Squirrelflight's Hope
- Lost Stars
- The Silent Thaw
- Veil of Shadows (Allegiances only)
- Darkness Within
- Graystripe's Vow (Allegiances only)
- Daisy's Kin (Allegiances only)
- The Place of No Stars
- A Light in the Mist
- River
- Sky
- Shadow
- Thunder
- Wind
- Star
- Ivypool's Heart (Indirect mention only)
- The Elders' Quest
- Hidden Moon
- Chasing Shadows (Allegiances appearance; mentioned in text)
- The Ultimate Guide: Updated and Expanded Edition
Trivia
Interesting facts
- Lightleap has ThunderClan blood via Dovewing[23] and Tawnypelt,[24] and kittypet blood through Cloudtail[25] and Hal.[26]
- She looks just like her father, Tigerstar.[10]
- Hers and Shadowsight's favorite prey is mouse.[27]
Author statements
- Kate has said Lightleap was named to celebrate the differences between her parents, Tigerstar and Dovewing.[blog 1]
Mistakes
- She was mistakenly called Shadowkit.[28]
Quotes
- «Why should she get away with being so stupid? Because she's my friend, I guess. She could try being a bit grateful!»
- —Sunbeam's thoughts about covering for Lightleap River, page 39
- Lightleap: "Yes, you told Shadowsight. When you promised not to tell any cat. I trusted you!"
- Sunbeam: "I'm sorry, but I only wanted to help. I know how unhappy you are, Lightleap. But, honestly, no cat blames you for not going into the Dark Forest. I wouldn't have dared to set paw in there, not for all the mice in the forest. You don't have to—"
- River, page 97
- Lightleap: "It was just a game. I had no idea Blazefire would get hurt."
- Sunbeam: "I'm not just talking about that. You know I've loved Blazefire since I was a kit. So why..."
- River, page 163
External links
Exclusive! Veil of Shadows: Excerpt on Warriors official website (backup link) (Indirect mention only)
Exclusive! Graystripe's Vow: Excerpt on Warriors official website (backup link) (Allegiances only)
Exclusive! Darkness Within: Excerpt on Warriors official website (backup link) (Allegiances only)
Exclusive! The Place of No Stars Excerpt on Warriors official website (backup link)
Exclusive! A Warrior's Choice Excerpt on Warriors official website (backup link) (Allegiances only)
Exclusive! A Light in the Mist: Excerpt on Warriors official website (backup link) (Indirect mention only)
Exclusive! River: Excerpt on Warriors official website (backup link)
Exclusive! Sky: Excerpt on Warriors official website (backup link)
The journey so far: River on Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
Exclusive! Shadow: Excerpt on Warriors official website (backup link) (Allegiances only)
The journey so far: Sky on Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
Exclusive! Thunder: Excerpt on Warriors official website (backup link) (Allegiances only)
Exclusive: Wind chapters on Warriors official website (backup link) (Allegiances only)
Exclusive! Ivypool's Heart chapters on Warriors official website (backup link) (Indirect mention only)
Grief and hope in Ivypool's Heart on Warriors official website (backup link) (Indirect mention only)
Exclusive! Star chapters on Warriors official website (backup link)
The cats of A Starless Clan on Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
Exclusive! The Elders' Quest chapters on Warriors official website (backup link)
New chapters! Hidden Moon on Warriors official website (backup link) (Allegiances only)
New chapters! Chasing Shadows on Warriors official website (backup link) (Allegiances only)
A Legacy of Fire on Warriors official website (backup link) (Indirect mention only)
Nothing But Stories on Warriors official website (backup link) (Indirect mention only)
Sunbeam and Nightheart: an unlikely Warrior Cats love story on Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
Nightheart and Sunbeam: our favorite moments on Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
Forbidden Romance on Warriors official website (backup link) (Indirect mention only)
True warriors? on Warriors official website (backup link) (Indirect mention only)
Forbidden romance in the world of Warriors on Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
Clan-swappers: are they here to stay? on Warriors official website (backup link) (Indirect mention only)
Changing Skies family tree updates - a sneak peek! on Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
River: A look at the most popular fan theories on Warriors official website (backup link)
Shadow: A look at the most popular fan theories on Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
Thunder: A look at the most popular fan theories on Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
Star: A look at the most popular fan theories on Warriors official website (backup link) (Mentioned only)
Dovewing and Tigerstar's family artwork on Warriors official website (backup link)
Warrior Cats love stories on Warriors official website (backup link)
Our favorite Leap Day artwork on Warriors official website (backup link)
Our favorite Tigerstar (the second) artwork on Warriors official website (backup link)
Notes and references
- ↑ Revealed in Tigerheart's Shadow, page 409
- ↑ Revealed in Tigerheart's Shadow, page 187
- ↑ Revealed in Tigerheart's Shadow, page 301
- ↑ Revealed in Veil of Shadows, page 150
- ↑ Revealed in Tigerheart's Shadow, chapter 18
- ↑ Revealed in Tigerheart's Shadow, page 191
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Revealed in Squirrelflight's Hope, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in Lost Stars, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in The Elders' Quest, allegiances
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 Revealed in River of Fire, page 251
- ↑ Revealed in The Silent Thaw, allegiances
- ↑
A Starless Clan characters - a visual guide on Warriors official website (backup link)
- ↑ Revealed in Tawnypelt's Clan, chapter 1
- ↑ Revealed in Tigerheart's Shadow, chapter 33
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Revealed in River, chapter 6
- ↑ Revealed in River, chapter 3
- ↑ Revealed in River, chapter 8
- ↑ Revealed in River, chapter 15
- ↑ Revealed in Sky, chapter 7
- ↑ Revealed in Sky, chapter 8
- ↑ Revealed in Sky, chapter 18
- ↑ Revealed in Shadow, chapter 8
- ↑ Revealed in Sunrise, page 317
- ↑ Revealed in Rising Storm, page 19
- ↑ Revealed in Fire and Ice, page 220
- ↑ Revealed in Yellowfang's Secret, allegiances
- ↑ Revealed in Tigerheart's Shadow, pages 376-377
- ↑ Revealed in Tigerheart's Shadow, page 306
Author references
| Leader | Tigerstar |
|---|---|
| Deputy | Cloverfoot |
| Medicine cats | Puddleshine • Shadowsight |
| Warriors | Snowbird • Tawnypelt • Scorchfur • Sparrowtail • Dovewing • Grassheart • Stonewing • Yarrowleaf • Slatefur (Poolpaw) • Whorlpelt • Snaketooth • Flowerstem (Beechpaw) • Blazefire • Cinnamontail • Gullswoop • Pouncestep • Spireclaw • Hollowspring • Flaxfoot • Hopwhisker (Quickpaw) • Fringewhisker • Firbark • Streamripple • Bloompetal • Whisperbreeze • Redcloud • Sprucetip |
| Apprentices | Quickpaw • Beechpaw • Poolpaw |
| Queen | Lightleap |
| Kits | N/A |
| Elders | Oakfur |
| Guardian cats | |
|---|---|
| Members | Boots • Bracken • Cobweb • Dotty • Feather • Fierce • Marigold • Mittens • Peanut • Pipsqueak • Rascal • Scowl |
| Former members | Antfur • Blazefire • Cinnamontail • Dovewing • Lightleap • Pouncestep • Pumpkin • Shadowsight • Spiresight • Tigerstar |






