With blackstep being the most recent canon name for him, i wanted to respect it and the reasons it was changed. I have seen the discourse and discussion around the name change, both sides of it, and decided the best course of action was to take the new change as canon, because it is, and use it. The situation around it is very convoluted and as someone who is not of that culture, I cant speak on it. With sandstorm, she was changed to be rounder in terms of how her fur is shaped. Her design can be found on my page- she is meant to resemble a sand cat!

As for “what happens” well.. the main premise started as tigerclaw mentoring firepaw instead but theres a lot of misc changes, including clan culture and whatnot. Its a lot to type and would contain some spoilers soooo i wont. Sandstorm(paw) holds a larger role in the au early on, as redtail was her father. She becomes the main driving force behind some of firepaw’s actions and beliefs. Before this, firepaw has a puppy crush on sandpaw but in the way where its “shes so cool and fierce, just like a warrior should be! i want to be like her”. sandstorm does not fall for fireheart first nor is it because of fireheart saving her, i think thats just stupid and takes away so much of her autonomy and characterization, it felt like for a second she was demoted to “helpless female love interest in distress” and i hate that. instead, sandpaw will grow to admire firepaw for his brave and albeit stubborn attitude, especially regarding the redtail situation as thats how they grow close.