Short Stories

## THUNDERLIGHT'S DREAM

SETTING: Moon 39 (Year 4, greenleaf)

Thunderlight stood on the deck of the shipwreck, gazing out to the horizon. The deep blue river worked up to meet the sky in the distance, the distance they had never seen before. She sighed, remembering her kittypet roots. It had been a calm, almost too calm, life before Sandstar and Firpeak had found her after a Thunderpath accident almost 2 years ago. Since then her life had turned around completely. She lived in a Clan now, and she got to hunt and fight and patrol; which was her favourite thing to do by far. Well, she did love fighting. That could be the exception. But she longed for more.

“Thinking about exploring again?” Hazelswoop’s voice came from behind her.

Thunderlight nodded. “I wish Firpeak would assign me to another patrol.”

“Another??” her friend smirked, her whiskers twitching. “Thunder, you’ve been on the dawn patrol today already. And yesterday. And the day before…”

“And they were so boring!” The long-furred cream she-cat shook her head sadly.

Hazelswoop’s eyebrows raised. “You found Jackdawivy.” The young warrior angled her ears toward the white-and-ginger tom.

Thunderlight nodded, ducking her head. “Yeah, I guess.” The young tom was certainly an asset to their Clan, a fast runner and competent cat, especially with all the deaths in the past moons. Her heart still ached for Spottedclash, the scarred three-legged tom who still gave so much to their Clan. And Toadsprout, the longest-standing elder in FloodClan. Though she knew the loss must have hit her friend harder; Toadsprout, his best friend Bushburst, and her mother Petalbellow had all taken care of Hazelswoop as a kit. And they had all recently joined StarClan.

Hazelswoop flicked her tail, but she was smiling. “You’ll get an adventure someday, Thunderlight,” she meowed. “But for now, come on to the warriors’ den. Catch some Zs before the hunting patrol.” Her jaws parted in a wide yawn.

Taking one last longing look at the horizon, Thunderlight padded after her friend. She spotted Sandstar and Firpeak in the leaders’ den, probably discussing Clan matters. At the side, Fumblefeather was by herself, rebuilding the Clan bramble walls. She seemed to enjoy both the aloneness and building. Well, great for her, Thunderlight thought. But that could never be me.

“Aw, but I don’t want to nap!” a high-pitched mew reached Thunderlight’s ears as they passed the nursery, paws sinking into the soft greenleaf sand. She smiled, turning to see Spiderkit pouting at her mother and Clan medicine cat, Doeghost.

Doeghost gently wrapped her tail over Spiderkit’s, muffling her mews of protest. “Just close your eyes!”

“No! Napping is for the weak! And you know, I’m never ever wrong ever.” Spiderkit struggled under her mother’s grasp. Thunderlight caught Doeghost’s eye and winked at her, hoping she could tell it was for good luck. Doeghost was her friend after all; she and her mate Firpeak had helped her settle into the Clan and took care of her after the Thunderpath incident.

She was glad Spiderkit had come along. After her first son, Spottedclash, had died in a flood last leaf-fall, Doeghost had spent moons grieving.

Not long now before you’re an apprentice, Spiderkit! Thunderlight thought. She wondered who the kit’s mentor would be. She had never had an apprentice before, so maybe she would get a chance…She glanced at the young warrior beside her. Hazelswoop has never had an apprentice either. Well, I wouldn’t mind if she got Spiderkit instead. I could help train her too!

They reached the warrior’s den, a warm hole dug out in the sand. Palm leaves surrounded it, which would cover the hole when it rained or snowed. Jackdawivy was already there with Popbone and Palemoss, the mediators. Palemoss had only gotten his full name a moon ago.

“Hi,” Thunderlight gave a friendly mew to Jackdawivy. “How’re you settling into the Clan?”

The tom nodded in an impressed manner. “Great. You’re all so brave and your camp is awesome.”

“Yeah, that’s mostly thanks to Fumblefeather.” Thunderlight purred. She and the light brown she-cat had found Jackdawivy on a patrol together.

“And how’s being a full mediator, Palemoss?” Hazelswoop asked tenderly. The two of them were around the same age, as Hazelswoop had only been made a warrior a few moons before Palemoss.

Palemoss shared a look with his old mentor, Popbone, and shrugged. “Okay.”

Thunderlight let her friend have this one. Palemoss didn’t seem to like her or her need for adventure that much, and Popbone had grown distant after his close friends, Bushburst and Toadsprout,’s death. The only one he really talked to now was Hazelswoop and of course, Palemoss. Thunderlight looked at Hazelswoop—if anyone knew what losing someone to StarClan was like, it was her. How did she manage to carry on like that? Admiration for the brown she-cat sparked in her fur.

Leaving Hazelswoop to carry on the conversation, Thunderlight settled in her nest of moss and dried seaweed, sighing, and soon was asleep.

Running. She was tearing through the trees, shooting for the stars and rivers and mountains. There was so much to explore. Thunderlight couldn’t believe it; her heart soared, she was free! And Hazelswoop was running by her side—and up ahead was the thing she had always been searching for—what was it? A bright light, shining and dancing as she drew nearer—

Thunderlight was dimly aware of her body shifting…she was waking up. “Great StarClan, no,” she moaned softly.

Just as the words left her mouth, stars appeared around her, glowing around her long fur. She breathed in mist. Was this…StarClan? A thrill of excitement ran through her; she had been here before in dreams.

“Hello, Thunderlight.”

Thunderlight’s fur spiked along her back as she glimpsed at the starry cat. Then realisation hit. “Spottedclash!” she purred. “How are you?”

“I am good,” the young tom answered, dark blue eyes softening. “Listen, Thunderlight, I need to ask you something.” He gave a moment to let her wonder before continuing. “StarClan doesn’t normally ask this, but…are you happy in FloodClan?”

Thunderlight frowned. “Um, yeah.” But the dream of her running in the greatest adventure ever had her having second thoughts.

## POPBONE'S CONFESSION

SETTING: Moon 56 (Year 5, leaf-fall)

“Sandstar, I need to talk to you.” Popbone padded over to his leader, heart beating so fast in his chest. The white she-cat had been his friend for so long, they had practically started the Clan together. And now so many of the Clan founders were in StarClan. He remembered with a pang how Sandstar had had a crush on him from way back in the beginning. He had been so uncomfortable then. Popbone didn’t know Sandstar like he did now, now that they had spent seasons together working together as mediator and leader. He knew how she made decisions now, how she was so ordered and serious—but also so skilled and confident. And his feelings had changed since then. She wasn’t the random loner he had just met anymore. She was his friend, his good friend, who had been there for him when Petalbellow, Bushburst, Toadsprout, Spottedclash had died. And he was always there to support her. They had spent so many moons jokingly laughing together at Firpeak and Doeghost’s romance. He knew he sometimes acted cold around other cats (except for Palemoss who somehow had been able to break that), but Sandstar’s eyes still shone when she looked at him and they remained such good, good friends.

Popbone couldn’t take it anymore. He needed her to know. Although…part of him wondered if she would be confused. He had rejected her twice in the past before, why should she say yes to him now? It hurt, but Popbone buried his feelings and stepped to the edge of the leader’s den.

“Popbone!” The familiar voice was matched by Sandstar’s face, her hazel eyes blinking up at him fondly. “What’s the matter? Come on in.”

Popbone did, mind whirling and part of him wanting to run and desperately trying to calm down and hide like he always did.

“Is this a mediator matter?” the leader asked.

Popbone shook his head, barely believing he was even really there, about to confess to the she-cat who had confessed to him multiple times already. One of the last remaining original FloodClan members left…

He realised he had blanked out, leaving Sandstar waiting for him. Forgettinng to breathe, the bengal tom whispered the words he had prepared.

“We’ve been through so much together,” he began. “I’m so sorry I didn’t feel this before…I needed time…you’re my—you’re my best friend.” He hated this. He hated how emotional he felt, he hated imagining the look on Sandstar’s face when she saw him. “I needed time to get to know you, to see how incredible a cat you are. You take such good care of the Clan, more than I could ever dream of doing myself. And…” I love you.  But he couldn’t say the last part.

“Look at me, Popbone.” Sandstar whispered. He did. He saw her eyes glimmering at him with all the emotions he couldn’t read. “For what it’s worth, you’re my best friend too.” She dipped her head sadly. “I know that’s all you ever wanted to be.”

Popbone felt the wind knocked out of his body. “No,” he whispered, reaching up to touch her muzzle. “I told you, I needed time. That’s not all I want to be anymore.” He gazed at her, lost in her eyes. The logical part of his mind kept telling him this is stupid. This is stupid…get out of here before she rejects you!

She huffed a forced laugh. “You sound like you’re asking me out, Popbone…” Disbelief flooded her words as a smile pushed itself across his face and his ears met hers. Hope rose in her expression. And Popbone didn’t need to say anymore. He purred, wrapping his tail around her body and breathing in her warm, familiar scent.

“Are you sure this is what you want?” Popbone had to ask. “I know I rejected you so many times, and I’m sorry…”

Sandstar purred. “Hey, this is what I’ve wanted since day one. Are you sure you’re ready?”

Popbone stared at her for a while, then nodded. He was. He was ready to face whatever life leading the Clan had to throw at them, as long as Sandstar was there. She was the best cat for any job and the best mate he could ever have asked for.

“I love you.” Popbone told her, not expecting her to reply. I’ve always loved you, but now I love you even more.

Sandstar buried her nose in his fur, purring hard. “Thank you, Popbone.” Pause. “I love you too.”

## JACKDAW AND SLEET

SETTING: Moon 52 (Year 5, greenleaf)

“Hazelswoop, has your apprentice trained hard in the ways of the warrior code and is ready to become a warrior?”Sandstar projected the same words as Sleetpaw had heard during his brother, Robinlilac,’s ceremony two moons ago. His aching joints that he had been born with as a kit had set him back a little—but not anymore. Hazelswoop nodded, her eyes glimmering.

”From this day on, you shall be known as Sleetblotch. You always take the time to learn our Clan lore, so now we will be honoring your background. StarClan honors your energy, and we accept you as a full member of FloodClan.” Sandstar touched her head to his muzzle, then stepped back with a slight smile.

“Sleetblotch! Sleetblotch!” the Clan called out his name. Through the gathered cats Sleetblotch could see his brother, Robinlilac, practically screaming out his congratulations, and his sister, Hemlockpaw, who simply gave him an approving nod. He grinned, then searched for his mentor; there she was! Hazelswoop was looking at him with so much pride in her gaze. Sleetblotch knew he was the first apprentice under her to be made a warrior.  Her previous apprentice, Spiderpaw, had died from a poisonous sea-creature only a moon into her training. Warmth burnt fiercely in his heart.

Sleetblotch. Hadn’t that been his mother’s name?

“Sleetblotch!” Jackdawivy, a young warrior, approached him once he was on the sandy ground again. His heart started to pound as he saw the tom’s long white fur blowing slightly in the wind, shining like the stars, and his well-groomed face was lit with joy for him. Sleetblotch gazed up at him. He had admired the white-and-ginger tom from afar when Jackdawivy had become Robinlilac’s mentor.

“Congratulations, young one.”

With that, the tom padded away to where Fumblefeather was standing with Thunderlight.

He caught Hemlockstalk looking at him from the side and he gave his chest fur a couple licks, embarrassed.

“Why don't you just ask if he wants to be friends?” His sister’s voice was as dry as ever.

Sleetblotch felt his pelt heat up. “Yeah, but he probably doesn't want to be my friend…and I’m kind of a boring cat…”

Hemlockstalk touched her nose to his cheek, but didn’t say anything.

SETTING: Moon 61 (Year 6, newleaf)

Popbone was pacing outside the nursery. As someone who usually didn’t show emotion, the brown spotted cat was looking very apprehensive.

“Congratulations, Sandstar!” Doeghost’s voice was filled with warmth as Sleetblotch passed the nursery. The medicine cat purred. “I’m so proud of you two. So so proud. Popbone, come see your kit!”

Sleetblotch couldn’t help peering into the den too. He saw a tiny white kit snuggling up to her parents, who’s pelts were practically intertwined and tails touching. The adoring look in their eyes as they stared at each other was all he needed to see before turning away.

Would that day ever come for him? Would he ever find a cat who loved him that much? Or…would Jackdawivy ever look at him like that, as a best friend? He tried to push the thoughts away, but he couldn’t stop thinking. He wanted to know the handsome, confident tom so much.

Firpeak was assigning patrols in the clearing. “Hey, Sleetblotch! You can go with…let’s see…”

Sleetblotch raised his head. “I’d like to go.” Jackdawivy spoke up.

Everything inside Sleetblotch died and rose to joyous life again. Or, that’s what it felt like.

Sleetblotch could have sworn Firpeak rolled his eyes, but he nodded. “Okay, you two can hunt by the Thunderpath.”

Before he knew it, Jackdawivy was at his side and they were heading toward the clearing.

Sleetblotch didn’t know what to say. He felt awkward, but so happy and he couldn’t stop looking at Jackdawivy. He always felt so comfortable around him.

“Does my fur look good today?” the tom asked him.

Sleetblotch nodded immediately. “Your fur…your fur always looks good.” As soon as the words left his mouth, he regretted saying them.

Jackdawivy straightened up. “Thank you,” his voice held relief. “And you look not bad yourself.” He looked like he was sizing Sleetblotch up with his sunlit ice eyes. Sleetblotch ducked his head as the older warrior nodded approvingly. From a cat like him, that was a huge compliment.

Suddenly, Sleetblotch heard a rabbit. Rabbits, he knew, took a team of cats to catch. He glanced at Jackdawivy and noticed him with his ears perked. Their eyes met; and it felt like they knew exactly what each other was thinking.

Within seconds they were in position. Sleetblotch waited, and Jackdawivy pounced from the trees and galloped toward the rabbit. For a second, his thoughts drifted to how majestic the tom looked…but he quickly snapped back to reality and pounced as the rabbit ran straight into his paws.

“Hey, good work!” The older tom meowed to him. He sniffed the rabbit and shot a heart-melting smile at Sleetblotch. “We make a good team, don’t we?”

Jackdawivy purred softly as he saw the brown tabby in front of him look at the ground, pleased. Sleetblotch was way too fun to fluster; it was payback for all the times Sleetblotch had flustered him. His awkwardness really was funny sometimes. Maybe that was why Jackdawivy had volunteered to hunt with him.

After a pause, Sleetblotch purred. “We’re just like Bushburst and Toadstep.”

“Who?” Jackdawivy frowned. “Never heard of them.”

“The two old elders? Best friends? Hazelswoop told me all about them, apparently they took care of her together as a kit.” The brown tabby said this as if it was common knowledge.

Jackdawivy half rolled his eyes, half grinned as he cuffed his paw over his friend’s head. “Sure, smart-paws.”

“Heyyy, don’t call me that!” Sleetblotch purred as he gazed up at him.

“Smart paws.” He had to say it again, making Sleetblotch purr again. “Come on, let’s bring this rabbit back to camp.” Jackdawivy was still so surprised they had caught it. He had thought he was the best hunter in the Clan, but now it looked like there was someone else like him. How much they could catch when they were together! He was sure the Clan would look up to them even more if they hunted by each others’ side more often. He gazed at his friend, and suddenly the thought that was in his mind since Sleetblotch had become a warrior was stronger than ever. They were friends, but Jackdawivy had always seen Sleetblotch as a best friend. Should he ask him to be his mate? But that was wrong, Jackdawivy didn't love the tom romantically...although he did feel strongly toward him.

Jackdawivy remembered what he had thought when he was younger; if he were to have a mate, it would be because that was what all the well-liked cats did. But that wasn’t even a thought in his mind now as he looked at Sleetblotch.

“Sleetblotch…” Jackdawivy cleared his throat. It was the first time he was doing something like this and he wanted to do it properly. The tom angled his head in a question. “Um…do you consider me your best friend?”

Sleetblotch’s eyes widened. “Oh my StarClan.”

“What?”

“Oh my STARCLAN.” Sleetblotch laughed, dropping the rabbit and touching his muzzle to Jackdawivy. “Thank StarClan! Jackdawivy!”

“...is that a yes?”

“Of course you are!” Sleetblotch blurted out, making Jackdawivy’s pelt heat up. He hadn't realised the tom felt the same way back. Joy filled his heart. “Well, I see—um. It's funny. I love you, but not the way two mates love each other.” He raised his head, hoping the younger cat would understand.

“So...like platonic mates?" A slight grin passed over Sleetblotch's face, and when Jackdawivy nodded enthusiastically, he looked like he was going to explode with joy. Finally, Jackdawivy had the words to describe their relationship: not exactly mates, but just as close as them. He licked the tabby's shoulder and smiled. A juicy rabbit and a platonic mate? This was the best day ever.

## HEMLOCKSTALK'S DRAMA

SETTING: Moon 52 (Year 5, greenleaf)

Hemlockstalk watched as Thunderlight padded into the medicine den, looking uncharacteristically shy. She rolled her eyes. Thunderlight had a crush on both Apricotrun and Doeghost, while both of the other medicine cats had crushes on Thunderlight, too. The problem was that Doeghost already had a long-time mate who she loved and was practically made for—but that didn’t stop both her and Firpeak from having tiny crushes on their other Clanmates from time to time. It was very funny, actually.

“Hi, um, Sablepaw got a little overexerted during training today, uhh, could you—one of you—check on him?” Thunderlight stammered.

Doeghost stood up. “Oh, of course.”

Beside her, the tortie medicine cat frowned. “Why don’t I take care of it? You can continue sorting herbs or something.”

“Sorry? I just want to see if Sablepaw’s okay.” Doeghost countered, going red. Hemlockstalk snorted. And you want to take the chance to talk to Thunderlight. She shot the cream she-cat a look, and Thunderlight gave her a smile back. She knew what Hemlockstalk thought of the whole thing, of course.

“Okay, you can. I’ll just be clearing up the StarClan cursed mess you made here,” Apricotrun snarled at Doeghost.

If I don’t step in now, no one will. For StarClan’s sake. Do you think I have nothing better to do? Slightly annoyed, mostly amused, Hemlockstalk meowed, “I’ll do it,” and left with Thunderlight before the others had any time to object.

“I wish they would get along better,” Thunderlight meowed to her once they were clear out of the medicine den. “I mean…they’re both such pretty and strong-headed she-cats…good thing you left them to sort it out!”

Hemlockstalk twitched her whiskers. “Yeah, it’s good that they’re practically at each others’ throats. Of course. Thanks, Thunderlight.”

The warrior shook her head. “Isn’t that the best way to solve a problem?”

## FIREY ECLIPSE

Setting: Moon 61 (Year 6, newleaf)

“You’re Eclipse, right?” Firefleck asked as he sat down. The light brown tabby nodded. “Welcome, I’m Firefleck! I joined the Clan not too long ago either! Nice to meet you.”

“Hi,” Eclipse gave a small smile. “I met Palemoss, Jackdawivy and Dartstep a few moons ago actually. I only joined now because, well, starry cats appeared in my dream and I followed them here.”

“Nice!” Firefleck nodded. “I mean, that’s not a very smart decision, but I’m glad you’re here.” He thought this was a pretty good compliment, but Eclipse looked slightly uncomfortable.

“Ha, yeah.”

“So, uh…how’re you settling in??” Firefleck reasoned that he could give her tips if she wasn’t doing too great, and started thinking about what advice he would give.

Eclipse perked up. “I’m learning all about Clan lore so I can understand everyone better!” she meowed, and Firefleck sighed inwardly. He knew he wasn’t very great with other cats but that was his only chance at connecting with another. He didn’t even have good friends in the Clan…she was his only chance at a friend.

Eclipse had started telling him about what she had learnt, but after a while of ‘mmhmms’ and nods, he didn’t know what to say anymore.

“I’m sorry, Eclipse,” he mewed. “I don’t think I’m very good at making friends at all. I’ve been here for moons, but…no one seems to want to talk to me…” He hung his head.

To his surprise, Eclipse gave him a warm look. “Aw, Firefleck. You know what? You’re the only one who tried to make friends with me since I came.”

Firefleck glanced up, surprised.

“So…you don’t mind being friends?”

“You seem like a nice cat. Why not?” She broke into a purr. “We can be each others’ first friends here. How about that?”

Firefleck nodded, not believing his ears. Maybe living here would be the best thing that ever happened to him.

## DARTPAW'S ADVENTURE

SETTING: Moon 54 (Year 5, Leaf-fall)

“I’m going swimming with Thunderlight.” Dartpaw mentioned as she passed by her parents, already starting to pad away. At the corner of her eye she saw Firpeak and Doeghost exchanging a worried look.

“Listen, Dartpaw…” her mom needs hesitantly. “We would prefer you stay on land.”

“What?” Dartpaw stopped in her tracks, shocked. Her parents had always been protective of her, but this was new. “Why?”

Doeghost suddenly looked like she was going to cry, so Firpeak meowed, “It’s not safe. Maybe when you’re older.”

Dartpaw couldn’t believe her ears. “But I already promised her…Thunderlight’ll be there the whole time. We’re going on an adventure.” The cream she-cat was counting on her. But her parent's faces were unyielding.

“Seriously, Dartpaw.” Firpeak paused, eyes full of emotion. “We lost your brother and sister to the waters way before their time. We can’t afford to lose you too.” Her dad was usually so full of jokes, Dartpaw had never seen him so serious before. But it only made irritation spark in her.

“Why are you…always comparing me to my dead siblings I never even met?” she hissed. “I’m not them. At least I know how to look after myself.” Her gaze caught Doeghost’s eyes, silver just like hers. It wasn’t a big deal. It’s not like they would go far. Why were they treating her like a kit? She was almost a *warrior!* “I’m going anyway!” Dartpaw growled, turning away and sprinting before her parents could say another word. She ran across the sand, paws sinking with each step. Rage slowly gave way to guilt. But it was too late now. She wasn’t a little kit; and she had lived next to the sea her whole life.

“Dartpaw, over here!” Thunderlight called from up ahead. The warrior grinned as Dartpaw ran up to her, before her facial expression turned serious. “Hey, um…you okay?”

Dartpaw shook off any traces off guilt and annoyance she still had and shrugged. “My parents didn’t want me swimming.”

“Oh…” Dartpaw had expected Thunderlight to be as startled as her at the news, but the cream she-cat had a distantly sympathetic look on her face.

## BOUNCEPAW'S HEART

SETTING: Moon 49 (Year 5, Newleaf)

Bouncepaw’s heart pounded in his chest as he sat in front of his Clan. He saw them cheering; he saw Sandstar, his new mentor, looking at him. What was she thinking? Her hazel eyes were a mix of emotions, it seemed, pride clashing with held-back apprehension. *I’ll do my best Sandstar!!* Bouncepaw thought, touching his nose to hers.

Then he followed his brother Sablepaw down the shipwreck along with his new mentor, Thunderlight.

He wasn’t like other apprentices, he knew. Other apprentices could sense things he couldn’t. Other apprentices knew their Clanmates were yowling out to them without seeing them open their jaws. Sometimes he only knew things were happening because Sablepaw had lifted his head or twitched his ears. He hoped that wouldn’t make a difference in his apprentice training. *Not with Sandstar as my mentor of course! She’s the leader!* Bouncepaw couldn’t help feeling important that he was apprenticed to the most important cat in FloodClan.

He smelled Hazelswoop’s scent as she approached him, eyes bright with excitement. She pointed at him with her tail, asking him: *how does being an apprentice feel?*

*It’s great!* Bouncepaw thought, nodding and purring at her. *Sablepaw and I aren’t kits anymore; we’re going to be the best warriors FloodClan has ever seen.* His tail naturally flipped this way and that as he thought the words. *I wish you were my mentor, though.* He held his paw over his head at the word ‘mentor’.

Hazelswoop purred. *I know. Just have fun, won’t you? Palemoss and I really had fun as apprentices together.* She nodded towards the mediator, a pale ginger tom with leaves sticking to his pelt.

Bouncepaw nodded, then spotted his mother Apricotrun sprinting toward him. Hazelswoop quietly stepped out of the way as the medicine cat ran up to him and pressed her muzzle fiercely to his cheek.

Bounceskip purred, gently pulling away when he saw Hazelswoop smirking from the side. His mom could be so protective of him. But she was the best; and she had brought them to the Clan to make so many new friends.

## SKYBURST’S HOME

SETTING: Moon 57 (Year 5, leaf-bare)

Sky curled up in his cozy little Twoleg den, belly full of the leftover hotdog he had found from his favourite garbage can. He had been living here so long, he knew all the best places for food. And of course he knew that he would probably stay there for a long, long time; the abandoned nest had become his home.

If Sky remembered hard enough he could remember being a kit and playing with his littermates, mostly grey like him. He had been the one to plan a lot of the games, especially ones where they all pretended to be exploring, or something. That was where that memory ended. He didn’t mind, anyway, what mattered was that he was alive and living in the Twoleg den and he was safe. The loner did miss having a group of cats to play with of course.

He blinked out the cracked window at the neighboring dens, where a few fellow loners lived. But all he could see was a flurry of snow. Winter was his least favourite time. But at least his long pelt kept him warm. His friend Burst couldn’t say the same, often spending her winter curled up in the den. Sky sometimes brought her food. Burst wasn’t much older than him, and their conversations usually ended in laughter and a warmth that made Sky realise he didn’t mind this life at all.

The silver tabby stretched, letting thoughts of what he was going to do the next day fill his tired mind as he drifted off to sleep.

He was awoken with a loud rushing sound. The first thought that drifted into his mind was, is it raining? He opened his eyes. Once Sky’s vision cleared, a jolt of shock pulsed through his fur. The sun had come out for a bit and now he was staring back at what used to be a huge pile of snow, quickly melting away. Sky leaped off his nest and out the window as fast as he could, but stopped short when he noticed the area around the den was all flooded. His heart began to pound. Last leaf-bare hadn’t been like this. Floods happened it summer, not winter… but the slowly rising water looked like it would reach up to his chest at least. This was bad. *I have to alert everyone!* Sky leapt out the window, grimacing when water sunk into his fur. He was right, the water came up to his chest. Taking a deep breath, Sky yowled out as loud as he could, stretching across the abandoned Twolegplace. “Flood! Get out of your dens now!” He caught sight of Burst on her window and called out to her urgently. “Burst, get out of there!” The water had seeped through the entrance and was slowly filling tbe den.

Burst looked at him, an anxious look on her face. “Sky, what’s happening—“

The pale grey-blue she-cat shuffled her paws as if wanting to jump but couldn’t.

“Mouse-brain.” Sky hissed, nimbly managing to get below the window and stared up at her. The den was filling with the steady rush of water that had seeped in. It was up to his neck now. “Get. Down. We have to alert the others and get somewhere dry.” At the corner of his eye he saw other loners escaping from their dens as well, yowling out for each other as they went. It was how they all kept track of each other. Even though they were loners, living their separate lives, everyone was looking out for each other. Burst still wasn’t moving. “It’s too deep.”

“The water in your den’s catching up,” Sky meowed harshly, annoyance lacing his panicked mew. “Burst, come on!…don’t you trust me?”

Burst locked eyes with him. The water was getting higher now, and Sky had to raise his head to not get swallowed by the flood. The pale blue cat’s eyes narrowed. Her ears layed flat. But she jumped, showering Sky’s fur in a giant splash.

“Nailed it.” Burst purred weakly.

Sky nodded, glad to have her on the ground with him. He always felt better around her. She was the only family he had left.

The two cats half padded, half swam to where the other loners had gathered, on a high wall at the edge of the row of dens. He spotted Wing, a white tom, leaping down on the other side of the wall with a surprised purr. “It’s safe over here, mates. A little wet, but all good…”Between them and the wall was a higher pool of water, flowing right back down toward them. Sky swam, pushing fiercely against the water. Beyond the wall was dry land, beyond the wall was safety…He saw the other loners jumping over the edge, landings softened by piles of snow.

He was almost to the wall…he could touch it…

Then he heard furious splashing from behind him and turned to look. Burst was swimming as hard as she could against the water that lapped against the wall. But she was a small cat, and the floodwaters threatened to both pull her under and backwards. “Sky!” she managed through a mouthful of water. Her yellow eyes met his. An expression of desperation.

Without hesitation, the silver tabby let the flood carry him back towards her. Splashing and gurgling sounded in his ears as he swam, gasping, toward the pale blue shape. His paws stretched out as he reached her. But before he could reach, the shape sank under the water with a gasp.

*Burst!* Panic rang through his mind as Sky watched the spot she had disappeared, hoping she would appear again. And to his relief she did. Her fur was heavy and sodden with water and her mew was strained as she told him, “Thank you for coming back for me.”

“No problem.” Sky was itching to get out of there. He smiled a worried smile at his friend. “Please don’t drown, mouse-brain.”

Burst returned a grin at him. But at that moment, another rush of melted snow came at them. Sky braced himself, grabbing Burst’s scruff like she was a kit. But when the flood came, his grip was loosened. Burst disappeared under the water.

Desperate, Sky dived down to try and find her. Burst was there, slowly drifting down as she was pulled downwards by the flood.

*No no no no no*. Sky swam strongly towards her, wondering whether he could still pull her to the surface. He grabbed on to her fur and tried to go upwards. But she was so heavy, too heavy. He was exhausted from the whole ordeal already; how could he carry her up by himself? Fear and horror swam around in his mind much like the swirling water around him, but then he saw her eyes were open and gazed into his.

A warm shade of yellow. Sparkling like they always had. The same eyes that had always been with him since he found the empty Twolegplace. Burst, his best friend, was going to die.

Her fur seemed to pull itself out of his mouth as he realised she was sinking. “No!” Sky screamed, although all that came out were the sound of air bubbles. His weary paws scrabbled in the water as he tried to grasp her again. But Burst had never been a good swimmer. Sky could only stare as she looked at him, paws reached upward as if trying to get to him, but expression almost saying “it’s okay. It’s okay.” She seemed to have accepted her fate. Succumbed to the waters. And then those eyes disappeared.

Hardly able to control himself, Sky shook with emotion as he swam back up again. His heart was a fury of despair and horror. What could he do? Wait for the flood to be over, and see if somehow, by a miracle, she had survived?

He was dimly aware of a few fellow loners splashing toward him, yowling. “Sky! Are you okay? Where’s Burst?”

Sky’s head drooped, he no longer had the words to explain.

“Don’t worry…we’ll get you to dry land…”

Those were the last things he remembered before the darkness inside consumed him.

~~

Now that his home was destroyed and Burst was gone, the group of loners had shifted to a patch of land quite a way away to start anew. Some of them had left to become kittypets, others had scattered. But most of his old friends had stayed.

The itch to go back and find Burst was always in the back of his mind. It didn’t feel right to Sky that they hadn’t even buried her body.

“I’m going to find her,” he decided one day.

“Yeah?” Wing meowed, worried. “Our old home isn’t very near, and it’s still leaf-bare, you know.”

“I’m going anyway.”

“Okay.” Wing nodded, touching his tail to his shoulder. “Travel safely, will you?” Sky nodded. After saying goodbye to his other friends, Sky set back out to his old home.

Things were going well until he came to the Thunderpath. He stepped on the rough path carefully, then carried on. Suddenly, he felt the ground shake. A loud rumbling entered his ears as he stopped, seeming to be frozen. A large monster came into sight, roaring and zooming. He sprinted away, but not fast enough, and horrible pain coursed through his leg, making him yowl and screech in agony. Sky collapsed onto the ground, wanting to lie there forever. His entire hind leg was in immense pain. *I’m sorry, Burst…*he thought, as if somehow her spirit would hear him from there. *I’m sorry I couldn’t come back for you*.

He lay there for a while. Sky thought about getting up, finding a proper place to rest…but every time he tried   to get up a sharp jolt would shoot up his leg and into his body.

What in the stars was he to do now?

Then suddenly: muffled meows. *Wing*? Sky thought deliriously. But it wasn’t anyone he knew. A white she-cat, light brown tabby she-cat and cream she-cat padded out of the bushes. The cream one gasped when she saw him. “Oh! Sandstar, come quick!”

The white one apparently called Sandstar padded over, eyes widening when she saw him. “A loner?”

“He’s hurt,” the brown one meowed quitetly. “We should get him back to camp so Doeghost, Apricotrun or Hemlockstalk can treat him.”

Sandstar nodded, and before Sky knew what was happening he was lifted onto the three cat’s backs. Agony buzzed terribly through Sky’s pelt and he gave a soft moan.

“Go slowly now,” Sandstar warned.

“This is so exciting,” the cream one whispered almost happily. “Another new member of FloodClan!”

FloodClan? A flood? Sky frowned, confused. It was a flood that claimed his home…and now these cats were taking him to theirs.

*What a coincidence.*

Sky relaxed as much as he could through the blinding pain that coursed through him. He wasn’t afraid of death if that meant he could join Burst again.

But for now, he had a feeling he was safe in these cats care. He was going to be safe. He was still alive.

The waters hadn’t claimed him yet.

## STARCLAN SHENANIGANS

SETTING: Moon 69 (Year 6, leaf-bare)

The evening air was cool and clear, as it always was in StarClan. Spottedclash breathed in the starry-filled wind, gazed at the unending forest as he stood on the soft grass of the camp. He decided to go for a stroll in the sparkly forest for a while. The three-legged cat padded through the inviting trees. Then he paused as someone caught his eye.

It was Spiderpaw over by the bushes. Spottedclash frowned, stepping over to take a closer look. The young cat was leaping onto the grass as if she was fighting an invisible opponent, writhing around and flipping over. She obviously hadn't noticed him, so Spottedclash mewed, "Spider? What're you doing?"

The white she-cat jumped up with a start, clearly not expecting his voice. When she turned to look at him, Spottedclash noticed she was panting and her long fur was tangled up. But her silver eyes shone when she told him, "I'm training!"

Spottedclash's eyes widened. *Training?* Seriously? There was absolutely no need to train in StarClan; it was free from danger. So he wasn't sure if he had heard Spiderpaw correctly. "Training?"

Spiderpaw gave a dramatic sigh. "Did you not hear me correctly? Yes, I'm training! I want to be a warrior." She hopped from one paw to the other as if anxious to get back to practice. Spottedclash felt a surge of sympathy for his sister. Technically, the apprentice wasn't his biological sister; her parents Firpeak and Doeghost had adopted him as their kit when he was still alive and Spiderpaw had been born after he died. He had never got to meet her when they were both alive, but he had of course been keeping an eye on Spiderpaw from the stars. It had been a shock to everyone that she had died only a moon into her apprenticeship after being stung by a poisonous sea creature. Spottedclash had been very glad to be able to truly meet to his sister; but Spiderpaw sometimes seemed frustrated that now she would never be a warrior. Spottedclash hadn't realised her ambition had been so strong.

"I *will* get to be one one day, right...?" The she-cat gazed up at him worriedly, her gaze pleading. Spiderpaw's eyes were just like Doeghost's, he realised. Not able to bring himself to tell the truth, Spottedclash wrapped his scarred tail around the apprentice and whispered, "Of course." He pointed his muzzle at a black-and-white cat lying on the sand up ahead. "We'll get Floodtrot to give you a name or something."

At his words, Floodtrot turned her head to stare at them. "I'm not doing that! Apprentices in StarClan don't get to become warriors. That's how it always has been." The elder said this very matter-of-factly. Spottedclash found himself narrowing his eyes warningly at her when he felt Spiderpaw deflate next to him.

"That's not true." Spiderpaw glared at Floodtrot, voice shaking.

The old cat looked like she was going to retort, but just then, Aphidspots padded up to them. "Oh, Aphidspots!" Floodtrot called out. "Is it true that apprentices in StarClan can't be warriors?" Aphidspots had been in StarClan longer than any cat. Spottedclash had heard that the tom used to be a loner who used to have affiliation with Clan cats, and frequently visited StarClan after he had died many moons ago. Aphidspots was also the one sent to watch over FloodClan when they had first formed seasons ago and now walked their StarClan grounds instead. Although he had not been a Clan cat in life, Aphidspots claimed himself a mediator in StarClan.

The white tom shrugged. "Never happened in other Clans, no." Spiderpaw lashed her tail in frustration as Floodtrot nodded satisfactorily, but then the mediator continued. "Although I don't see why that couldn't change."

"See, Spide?" Spottedclash meowed, trying to cheer his sister up. "I can help train you, and I know Cypressleaf would too!" Finally the apprentice's face brightened up and she nodded. "Thanks, Spottedclash!" She had already darted to a nearby tree, scaling it with no hesitance. "Look how good I am already at climbing trees!"

"Living up to your name, huh?" Spottedclash grinned. He remembered how desperately he had wanted to prove himself after getting a scarred tail from a rogue and losing his tail from a fox attack. He couldn't stand the thought of being useless to his Clan, so he had sparred with his Clanmates almost every day. It made sense that Spiderpaw wanted to prove herself too, even more so because their father was the deputy, and mother was the medicine cat.

Floodtrot had ignored them after this with a soft huff. Spottedclash knew that the elder had been like a mother to Firpeak...but he was never close to her when they were alive, or even now. He was having much more fun hanging out with Cypressleaf and Bushburst. Getting to see them again had been the absolute best part about going to StarClan.

After a while of sparring together, Spottedclash and Spiderpaw padded back to camp, exhausted but happy. Spiderpaw gently tapped the pool of water where they looked down on the living cats and ripples went across it gently. The water cleared to form the familiar FloodClan camp, which had changed by leaps and bounds since Spottedclash had been a kit in the Clan. It was almost an entirely new group of cats now. His sister zoomed in with a sigh on a ginger she-cat sharing tongues with Thunderlight. Firpeak and Doeghost's third kit.

"Even Dartstep has been a warrior for a full year now." Spiderpaw whispered disappointedly.

Spottedclash brushed his light brown speckled fur against hers as melancholy rose up in him. "Do you think...do you think they think about us anymore?" It hadn't felt like that long ago from when their parents had adopted him as a young warrior, but at the same time, it had been seasons and seasons. And now their Dartstep was a warrior too.

Spiderpaw let out a soft purr. "I mean, I didn't think of you much when I was alive." She licked her dark brown back paw, the only part of her fur that was closer to Firpeak's colour than Doeghost's. "And Dartstep has no littermates either...so I don't know if she really understands she has siblings at all."

"That's not very comforting!" Spottedclash teased her.

Spiderpaw nudged him pack, purring harder. "Shame. Imagine when she gets up here, along with Firpeak and Doeghost..." A dreamy look glazed her eyes. Spottedclash found himself wondering about that time too. A big family reunion, what could be better than that!

*Until then, I promise we will watch over you. Always.*

## SABLESPOT'S FROST

SETTING: Moon 72 (Year 7, newleaf)

Sablespot stared up incredulously at Hemlockstalk. His ears were so cold, and they hurt—but that wasn’t what we making him freak out. What was more scary was the fact that Hemlockstalk was using tail signals, the kind cats used with his brother, to talk to him.

Since he had been using tail signals to talk to Bounceskip since young, he could hold a conversation quite well. But it felt like his brain was all fuzzy when the medicine cat signed:

*Too cold. Hearing loss.*

Disbelief rose in his chest. It couldn’t be; no, he was a warrior. He was Bounceskip’s ears. He couldn’t be deaf, it had to be a mistake. *You don’t know what you’re talking about.*

Hemlockstalk lashed her tail irritably. *Fine. Call me when you find out yourself.* Sablespot couldn’t believe she was being so unsympathetic, when he was the one who had lost his hearing. Then again, had Hemlockstalk ever been sympathetic?

Dustyseek nudged the medicine cat. Her lips moved, but he couldn’t read it. Whatever she said made Henlockstalk roll her eyes but step back to let her friend examine him.

Dustyseek’s copper eyes looked sympathetically into his. *Sorry*, she signed. Sablespot shrugged, fixing his eyes on the corner of the medicine den, where Sleetblotch and Jackdawivy were looking after Luckkit and Nettlekit for Hemlockstalk. Palekit was playing with her adoptive cousins, running around with a moss ball. Nettlekit pounced on the moss ball a little too enthusiastically, while Palekit backed away quickly.

Just then, Apricotrun rushed into the den, followed by Bounceskip. He knew she was panicked from the way she didn’t even meow a greeting to Jackdawivy.

*You too?* His mother signed rapidly, licking his poor, frost-bitten ears. *StarClan!*

Meanwhile, Bounceskip looked at him with what looked like shock, a wry smile twisted on his face. *You ok?*

It then dawned on Sablespot that he would never hear his mother’s voice again, or Dartstep, Sleetblotch or Thunderlight’s…he would never hear Sandstar calling a Clan meeting, he would never hear his own pawsteps as he slunk through the trees…

Sablespot let his head fall, silently cursing the horrible silence in his ears. Why wouldn’t it go away?

“I’m fine!” he told Bounceskip uneasily as he couldn’t hear the words he spoke.

Bounceskip padded closer, wrapping his tail over Sablespot’s body and letting him sink into his soft pelt.

## FIRSTAR'S REIGN

SETTING: Moon 73 (Year 7, newleaf)

Firpeak burst into camp, hazel eyes wild with horror and despair. He couldn’t believe it…what had he just seen…Sandstar’s lifeless body draped over him, and his heart was racing so fast he thought he might drop to the sandy ground. He lowered it to the ground, shaking.

Doeghost was the first to see him, and he was extremely glad for that. He needed support from his mate now more than ever. He watched her shining silver eyes fill with horror as she noticed the body.

“Firpeak…” she stuttered. “What…I thought…”

“Dogs,” Firpeak meowed breathlessly, burying his muzzle in her fur. “They mauled her…took all her lives—“

Doeghost let out a feral grief-stricken yowl and tangled her tail with her mate’s urgently. It made him feel a tiny bit better. By now, other cats had padded over to see what was going on.

“Sandstar??” Fumblefeather pushed her way through the other cats to see the old leader’s body. The sticks she was using to repair the camp walls had dropped to the ground, forgotten. “No,” she whispered, and Firpeak pulled his friend close to him as well.

“What happened to Sandstar?” A cold voice meowed. Firpeak knew it as Tidalpaw, Sandstar and Popbone’s son. But he could barely speak. He could barely think. Not even when someone reminded him that he was now the leader of FloodClan.

“You need to get to the Moonpool.” Apricotrun meowed.

“Give him a sec!” Doeghost snapped at the tortoiseshell.

Firpeak blinked, touching his nose to Sandstar’s fur. It was surprisingly cold but it still smelled like her. He felt so alone now. We were supposed to do this together, he thought, wanting to yowl out his grief. You were supposed to lead the Clan with me, don’t you remember?

“I want to keep vigil for her tonight.”

“You have to get your nine lives, Firpeak,” Thunderlight meowed softly, and he knew she was right.

He couldn’t let his Clan down.

He watched Bounceskip, Sandstar’s former apprentice, getting ready to sit vigil with her son, Tidalpaw. Fumblefeather and Thunderlight lay beside her body, tails tangled with each other.

~~

“Ready, Firpeak?” his mate meowed, pressing her cheek to his firmly.

Firpeak stared down at the sparkling water. “You know, I hate that we’re the only Clan founders left, and we can’t sit vigil for her.”

“We’ll be staying up all night anyway, won’t we? We’re keeping vigil in our hearts.” Doeghost’s smile was sad, but her words always gave Firpeak comfort.

He touched his nose to the Moonpool and closed his eyes.

Firpeak was immediately surrounded by his loved ones, friends, and Clanmates who had passed on. Stars shined throughout their pelts, and their eyes were warm as they greeted him, the new leader.

Firpeak couldn't help but notice that Popbone looked pleased as he trotted up. His longtime friend...joy surged through his paws, but he didn't move as the brown tabby touched his muzzle to Firpeak's, a familiar touch.

"I give you a life for unity," Popbone whispered. "Do not hesitate to make peace within the Clan so that you all stand together as one." As the life zapped through him, he felt like his spirit was one with the others, one with his Clan. A feeling of strength filled him.

The mediator smiled, a smile just for him, and stepped back. "FloodClan is surely in good paws," Popbone murmured.

Then, it felt like a dream when Spiderpaw emerged from the star-filled crowd. Firpeak could barely stand his ground, resisting the temptation to run forward and press into his kit's fur. Spiderpaw, who had been so determined to be a warrior, who had been with them for such a short time...she was here now, beaming up at her father.

Love shone in the white apprentice's eyes as she tilted up to touch Firpeak's muzzle. "I give you a life for empathy, that you can love and understand all cats like you always understood me." Spiderpaw's voice's high-pitched voice was the best thing Firpeak had heard that day. A sensation of all kinds of feelings washed upon him as she gave him the life, intense waves of joy, terror, sorrow, rage, pride...and new understanding for other cats came with it.

Spiderpaw stepped back and then it was another of Firpeak's close friends who padded up; Petalbellow. Her pelt was as smooth and shiny as ever, just the way she would have wanted in life.

"I give you a life for instincts. Trust what your gut tells you, and you'll do just fine." The dark brown she-cat blinked warmly at him. Firpeak gritted his teeth as the life rushed through him. It felt like danger. Like he was standing at the edge of a cliff, about to jump off. It took all the trust his insticts gave to not run off and hide.

Firpeak returned her smile as she stepped away to let another cat pad up. He looked around the familiar faces: who could it be? He squared his shoulders when he saw, standing up as straight as he could as Floodtrot approached him. The old cat had always been his favourie elder, and now a rush of love for her swept over him. Floodtrot's whiskers twitched in amusement as she meowed, "I give you a life for farsightedness." And it was like Firpeak was inside a tunnel, able to see the shining light at the end.

The black-and-white she-cat stepped away, and then...*Spottedclash!* His former apprentice and adopted son...Firpeak realised that all his injuries in life were healed, and he was walking on four paws again. The younger tom dipped his head in greeting as he touched his father's muzzle. "With this life, I give you bravery. Not just bravery against rogues and foxes, but to stand up to anything that threatens you. Even if that may be yourself." Energy surged through Firpeak pelt like lightning as he received the life. Nothing could stop him now. Jolts ran through his entire body, leaving with a shudder as Spottedclash took a step back. He gazed at Firpeak with compassionate dark blue eyes. "You're almost done, Firpeak."

A light grey speckled she-cat walked up to him next, and Firpeak instantly recognised her. He had been one of the cats to find her, after all. As Greyspeck touched her nose to his, Firpeak felt a rush of excitement run through him. He loved Doeghost dearly...but both of them knew that each other had little crushes on some other Clanmates too, and Greyspeck had been one of his. It was silly thinking about it now, Firpeak thought, shaking his head slightly.

"With this life, I give you endurance," she meowed seriously. "Keep going, because what's waiting at the end will be worth it."

Weariness spread through his body, clinging to his muscles and straining his back. Firpeak felt his eyes water at the roughness, but soon enough it had passed and was replaced with strength pulsing through his fur. "The Clan will do well under your leadership," Greyspeck stated with a smile.

Next, Cypressleaf strode forward. There was energy in the good-natured white tom's steps, Firpeak noticed, that wasn't present in his last moments. The tom looked much healthier than when he was alive, silver eyes brightened with hope. As he touched Firpeak's nose, he meowed, "With this life, I give you humility."

Tall shapes prowled around Firpeak like clouds. He was suddenly aware of how small he was compared to them. Then Cypressleaf allowed the next cat to give him his eighth life.

Firpeak squared his shoulders, standing up as straight as he could again, as Toadsprout approached. He had never liked the older tom when they were both alive, and Firpeak knew Toadsprout thought he was a bit of a know-it-all as well...but for the smoked tom to be here, giving him his next life, that was pretty special.

Toadsprout twitched his whiskers in casual amusement before pressing his nose to Firpeak's. "I give you a life for acceptance. No matter what others say about you, or what may happen: do not get hung up on the past. You must accept it and move on." Unlike his other lives, this one felt like a soothing breeze washing other him, releasing all his worries. Firpeak dipped his head to Toadsprout and the starry tom nodded back in acknowledgement.

Finally, Sandstar stepped forward. Seeing her took Firpeak's breath away. Just earlier that day, he had run into camp with her lifeless body draped over him. But now, she looked as lively as ever. Pride shone in her gaze as she stared into Firpeak's hazel eyes.

"Oh, Firpeak," she purred, voice ringing through the star-filled forest. "The most loyal of deputies and completely amazing friend. Your ideas and voice will carry you and the Clan far." The white she-cat pressed her nose to his. "With this life, I give you strength to overcome all your fears. Don't worry so much what the Clan thinks of your leadership. You are doing a great job." The life passed through him with a *whoosh*, like a light drowning out his doubts. Firpeak gazed at Sandstar, heart racing. He was the leader of FloodClan now. He always knew this day would come, but he didn't think it would be so soon. But if Sandstar believed in him...

Sandstar kept her muzzle against his as she hailed him by his new name. "Firstar!" she meowed, eyes locked into his. "Your old life is no more. You are granted guardianship of FloodClan, so use your new power wisely." Firstar nodded, breathless. The group of starry cats yowled Firstar's name in support, chanting it into the night.

Suddenly, Firstar found himself next to the Moonpool again. His heart was racing, his legs still wobbly from the intensity of receiving his lives; but there was new strength within his body too. He looked up to see Doeghost gazing at him lovingly, and Firstar knew with all his heart that he was now ready to lead the Clan.

~~

“Are they back?”

“That’s them!”

“Firstar! Firstar!”

Firstar lifted his head. It was just before moonhigh; he still had time. His body was weak with exhaustion, but he managed to climb onto the shipwreck and yowl out, “Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather under the shipwreck for a Clan meeting!”

At the sound of his voice, his Clanmates all rose sleepily from their dens. Those keeping vigil for Sandstar waited at the ship, tired but eager to hear his words. He noticed Hemlockstalk and Jackdawivy were still in the nursery.

Once everyone was gathered, Firpeak took a deep breath.

“I say these words words before the body of Sandstar, that the spirits of our warrior ancestors may hear and approve my choice. The deputy of FloodClan will be Hazelswoop.”

Chaos broke out among the gathered cats once the words left his mouth. Hazelswoop was looking shocked and delighted, Thunderlight and Palemoss were yowling their congratulations as they nudged the hazel she-cat. Rippleshade and Sleetblotch, her former apprentices, were pushing their way toward Hazelswoop already, while Bounceskip had practically jumped on her at the news.

"Hazelswoop! Hazleswoop!" his clanmates cheered.

Hazelswoop glanced up at Firstar incredulously. "Oh Firstar, me? Really?"

Firstar grinned down at his friend. "No one deserves it more. Come on up here, Hazelswoop." Once she did, the two locked eyes with each other. New leader and new deputy.

"I promise I won't let you down." The new deputy's voice shook with excitement.

Firstar grinned at her. "I know you won't."

## THE KITS

SETTING: Moon 73 (Year 7, newleaf)

Velvetkit paced around the den in front of Palekit, Luckkit and Nettlekit. “So, who wants to be the attacking rogue?”

“Can we ask your brother?” Palekit suggested. He had made an awesome ‘rogue’ last time he played with them.

Velvetkit frowned, remembering what he had said a day before.

“No.” Tidalfur had looked absolutely exhausted, white fur messy and fluffed up as if he hadn’t bothered to groom in days.

Velvetkit now shook her head. “I think he’s still sad about Sandstar.”

All the kits paused to look sad for a moment.

“I can be the rogue!” Nettlekit suggested, hopping excitedly from one paw to the other.

“Okay! I can be the leader of FloodClan.” Luckkit purred eagerly. “Or do you want to be, Velvetkit?”

Velvetkit quickly shook her head. “Sorry. I don’t think I would make a good leader,” she meowed hastily.

“Could you not be a scary rogue, Nettlekit?” Palekit requested. The white tom-kit reluctantly agreed.

“Wait! What about Heartkit and Quietkit?” Luckkit asked, eyes wide as he pointed toward the two few-days-old kits snuggled up to Doeghost’s belly.

“They can be elders. They’re always sleeping, anyway.” Nettlekit offered.

He thought he heard his mother, Hemlockstalk, snort at this comment form nearby.