Prologue

The dark gray tom laid still, unmoving. Blood oozing out from a wound in his throat. His breath came out ragged and rough. The medicine cat could no longer do anything for him, so he was in the paws of StarClan. He stared at the lighter gray tom who stood over his body, blood dripping from his mouth.

The other cat stared in horror. "I.. I didn't mean to Havocstrike.." He said softly.

Havocstrike slowly closed his eyes. Just like Smallpaw. This same cat didn't mean to kill his sister either. He took in a shuddering breath. But the only way to tell that he was still alive was by the faint rise and fall of his chest.

He glanced at his daughter. So beautiful, so much like her mother.

Cats were crowding around him, and the other warrior. The leader of the clan stepped forward. "Smokeheart, what on StarClan have you done?" She asked.

Smokeheart stared at Havocstrike's unmoving body, then back at the leader. "I.. uh.." he stumbled for words. "I didn't mean to!" He sighed to himself, as he forced himself to glance at the cats around them. "Uh.. I.." He backed away, his ears flattened.

The leader narrowed her eyes. "Get out of here!" She hissed.

Smokeheart staggered backwards, then he turned around and headed back towards ShadowClan territory.

Havocstrike's eyes remained closed.

A cat with stars in their fur appeared to him. "Havocstrike," she whispered.

Havocstrike opened his eyes and glanced at the she-cat. "Mother?" He asked, hopeful. "You were depressed last time I saw you!"

The she-cat nodded. "I know." She had a serious look on her face. "Listen to me. You have done some very bad things in your life."

Havocstrike glanced at his paws. Was she going to send him to the dark forest? "I know," was all he managed to say.

The she-cat sighed. "When you first learned you'll be a father, I thought for sure you'll turn your kits away and not claim them as your own. But you didn't." She went on. "I have managed to speak with the wise cats of StarClan, and they have decided your fate."

Havocstrike held his breath. Where would they send him? To the Dark Forest? He shivered.

The she-cat's eyes shone proudly. "StarClan have decided to accept you into their ranks." She said. "You struggled, but you never once blamed Smallpaw's death on us. I am proud of you, son." She purred. "StarClan's known about the bad things you have done, and they are willing to overlook them. Since close to the end of your life, you did redeem yourself." Pride shown in her eyes. "Are you ready to go?"

Havocstrike nodded, not glancing back to his mangled body. "I'm ready," he couldn't wait to see Smallpaw again.

The she-cat led him to StarClan's hunting ground. "This is it, my love." She said softly. "I'm so proud of you!"

He perked his ears as a familiar voice called his name.

"Havocstrike!" She called excitedly, tackling him.

Havocstrike blinked. "Smallpaw?" She was the size she was when she died. He quickly got up, then nuzzled her cheek. "I've missed you," he whispered.

Smallpaw flicked her tail. "I missed you too, silly." She purred. She didn't bear her scars anymore.

He purred as she showed him around and realized. I'm home! He said excitedly, chasing after her.