Note: Made a couple of adjustments to fit a different, more interesting path I'm taking with the story. Greencough will be a major factor of the Great Leafbare now, and all the leaders from a clan will be assigned to each kit (ex: Kit A mentored by Sunstar, Bluestar, Firestar, etc). Also, I discovered the horizontal ruler button.

"Spottedleaf?"

"Oh, hello, Firestar," the pretty tortoiseshell mewed, barely turning her ear to acknowledge him. She was staring intently into a still pool, her tail and whiskers twitching rapidly.

Firestar kept a respectful distance, gazing at his old friend with curiosity. In a short time, the other medicine cats of StarClan would join her around the pool to seek out a future for the clans.

Many moons ago, a disaster struck the four great clans. An unprecedented leafbare came about, decimating the clans and their prey. Greencough spread like wildfire, a scourge upon the land, killing cats like a seasoned warrior. When newleaf finally replaced the harsh time, the prey did not return and greencough persisted, even growing worse. Though every cat reached out to the heavens, begging for guidance, for reprieve, even StarClan couldn't find a reason for the horror, much less put an end to it. Now, every warrior lived with their ancestors in the stars, yearning for an era when the cats of the clans may rise once more.

Spottedleaf turned around in frustration. Firestar guessed that she still saw nothing, just like that time so long ago when even the greatest cats were in the dark, abandoned by their future. Would StarClan ever find a way to return to their time of greatness? He met her eyes solemnly, blinking in kind understanding.

A familiar scent came from behind him, and he turned to see the familiar faces of ThunderClan medicine cats. He touched noses with Leafpool as she and the others passed him, joining Spottedleaf beside the water. Other cats joined them as well, cats from WindClan, RiverClan, ShadowClan, and even SkyClan. Firestar silently hoped for a productive meeting. It was vital for peace in the stars to find an answer soon. The warriors were restless.

"Firestar, it's time for us to begin. Go and settle the others while you wait."

"Yes, Yellowfang. I wish you all well," he replied, leaving the clearing in an anxious rush. As he padded away, he could hear the voices of the medicine cats, exhausted and stressed.

Itching to hear about the meeting around the sacred pool, the former leaders of the clans raced forward to greet their medicine cats. Instead of the usually unhappy and apologetic looks, terror was apparent on their faces. None of them spoke for a long while, exchanging glances with their leaders.

Finally, Spottedleaf stepped forward and addressed the cats. "The pool has sent us a vision. Four clans will rise again." She paused to let the leaders talk in excitement for a few moments before continuing. "But in their wake will come a terrible trial, one unlike any that these clans have ever seen."

A haunted look came over the faces of the leaders. Firestar spoke softly. "Worse than the Great Leafbare?"

Spottedleaf could only nod. Her friend shook his head in disbelief, and the others seemed ghostlike. Firestar wondered why new clans should be born if only to be faced with such a horrible destiny.

"But hope still shines, dim as it may be." Leafpool interjected. "StarClan will guide them, and we will change our ways so that they will not suffer the fate that we all did."

"Change our ways?" challenged Leopardstar. "Are you saying that our traditions caused our downfall?"

"No, that's not what she's saying," Cinderpelt said, defending her former apprentice. "The situation requires a few minor adjustments. This is much more than a matter of dividing prey rights. Leopardstar, and everyone else, I ask you to trust us. It is your help that we will rely on the most during the coming moons."

Everyone quieted down, holding the gazes of all the medicine cats unfalteringly. There was an unspoken agreement between the two groups. They would all help each other in any way possible to ensure that the new clans survived their ordeals.

"When will these new warriors be in need of assistance?" Nightstar ventured.

"The kits were born during out meeting. Once they have reached six moons, training will begin. The leaders of one clan will be assigned to each kit, and you will be responsible for ensuring their success. We will meet like this again on the night that we first visit them in their dreams. Please be ready to receive further instruction by then," Cinderpelt finished, dismissing them with a flick of her tail.

Firestar felt a rush of excitement. The next few moons would be busy ones as he and the others prepared for their coming roles in the fate of the clans. He imagined the medicine cats would be busy as well, searching the pool every night to find more information. He bounded away to tell the warriors of ThunderClan the news, his paw pads burning with enthusiasm.