Prologue
The moon shone brightly in the sky, shining down on the treetops and turning them to silver. The stars glittered coldly, dimly lighting a single forest clearing. The wind blew lazily; brushing against the tress and making them shiver.
At the same moment, several strands of bracken parted to reveal a blue-gray she-cat, her fur silver in the moonlight. Her eyes were a startling blue, and full of wisdom. She lifted her neatly shaped head and sniffed the air before padding onto the soft silver grass of the clearing. She picked her way over to the middle and settled down, her fur sleek and shining. She raised her delicately shaped tail, and flicked it.
Almost immediately, cats poured out from all sides of the forest, filling up the clearing with their glowing bodies. Their fur was dotted with stars, their eyes shining with pale fire. A glittery frost trailed after their paws.
"What is wrong, Bluestar?" called a black tom after they were all settled.
"The clans are in danger," Bluestar meowed slowly, her blue eyes narrowing. "A terrible prophecy has risen."
"Can the clans survive it?" asked a bracken-colored tom.
"We may pick cats to save the clans," Bluestar replied. "The clans may have a chance, if those lucky few have the courage to face their destiny."
"Who are these cats?" questioned a gray she-cat.
"We should pick the cats who led the clans to their new homes," a white tom suggested. "They have skill and experience that none of the other cats have."
"Yes but they also have lives, Whitestorm," Bluestar growled. "Brambleclaw has a mate and kits. So does Squirrelflight and Tawnypelt. Crowfeather is still getting over the loss of Feathertail and Leafpool. And Stormfur is busy enough trying to prove his new loyalties to ThunderClan. We can not trouble them when they are just settling into their new lives."
"Then who is worthy enough to protect the clans?"
"That's just the problem," Bluestar hissed quietly. "None of the clan cats are capable."
The gathered starry cats gasped.
"What!"
"How can you say that? All clan cats are worthy!"
Bluestar flicked her tail for silence. "All of the cats are skilled, and have proven their loyalty countless times, but none of them have the skills needed to fulfill this prophecy."
"Then what can we do?" wailed a pretty tortoiseshell she-cat.
"Excuse me."
The cats jerked and turned as one, parting slightly to reveal a beautiful raven-colored she-cat with pretty violet eyes.
"Ravenstar?" Bluestar meowed incredulously. "Why are you here? Shouldn't you be in the Sky of the Elders?"
"Yes, but I have heard of your predicament." Her voice was soft and sweet. "After all, we watch the clans to, and know what is coming. And I think I know the answer to your problem."
"We are listening, great Ravenstar." The cats all meowed as one.
"Well…to save the clans, I think we need to take different approach to saving the clans. For example…I've been watching these two-legs…"