This fanfic begins six moons after The Last Hope. I have recently re-written Chapter One.
Disclaimer: If I owned Warriors, I wouldn't be writing this,would I?
Prologue
There was no sound to be heard around the pool that night. One after another, cats slipped silently out of the shadows, gathering at the edge of the pool. The water was still as one cat with blue-tinged fur spoke up in a rasping voice.
"Six moons have come and gone since the Great Battle against the DarkForest warriors – six moons full of peace and prosperity." Her eyes shone in the half light, reflecting the moon which shone down through the trees.
"You speak like that peace is coming to an end, Bluestar," another cat, this time with black and white fur and along tail spoke up.
"I have seen," Bluestar reported, her voice echoing with old memories. "A time will come when old friends must be re-visited and only by inviting new blood into the Clans will they survive." She twitched her tail, accidentally flicking a leaf onto the surface of the pool, making the water ripple. She then curled her tail firmly around her paws.
"I have seen this too," a pretty white cat with black spotted fur spoke up.
"Brambleberry," Bluestar dipped her head to acknowledge the medicine's cat support. "You see, I have not-" the old ThunderClan leader began to address all of the gathered cats, but Brambleberry cut her off:
"As Cinder and Heather merges,
Sky and Forest draw apart;
To save this tragic destiny,
The quest must be sent.
Along with the Lion and the Breeze,
The DawnStarling and the MossyRush must join,
United or not against the urge for action,
Evil will prevail."
As she recited this, Brambleberry's fur stood on end, as if the very words that came out of her mouth were spiking her and her claws gripped the earth beneath her paws. Once she had finished, she relaxed, sheathing her claws.
"It cannot be undone, the prophecy has been sent," a mangy, flat-faced grey cat with matted fur stated in a rough voice.
"No, Yellowfang – the Clans have already endured so much. Is it really fair to burden them further?" a voice full of sadness said from somewhere in the middle of the gathered cats. All the cats parted in one smooth movement, like wind flattening grass, to reveal a flame-pelted cat with bright green eyes.
"Firestar, if I could prevent this…" Bluestar spoke gently to her old apprentice, her eyes glowing with sympathy. She understood better than most the troubles he faced.
"You have endured much for one cat," Brambleberry mewed. "Now it is time to let your burden rest with another cat."
"I gave up everything to save the Clan I love," Firestar's voice was broken, weighed down with grief. "Spottedleaf died twice for the Clan – for me."
There was a sudden disturbance from the back of the crowd as a large, sturdily built creature with a black and white striped face lumbered forwards.
"Fear no more, Firestar," rumbled the badger. Silvery orbs shone like the moon from the badgers face. "Forest Clans in no danger. SkyClan in much trouble – needs friends."
"Midnight," the black and white cat with the long tail greeted the badger. "This is welcome news. After the war, the Clans deserve a rest."
"No, Tallstar," Midnight shook her great head. "DarkForest is beaten, but there are other dangers ever present. If one Clan in trouble, so is every Clan." Looking up at the slowly sinking moon, she sighed a deep breath. "I must go – is nearly morning."
Tallstar gazed around at his fellow warriors. "What Midnight says is true. We must help the fifth Clan."
"What do you propose we do?" Firestar asked his old friend, his gaze clouded.
"We must send Brambleberry's prophecy to each Clan. Then it is up to them." It was Bluestar who replied.
Firestar stepped forward. "But – can't we give them more help than that?" He stirred the leaves on the ground with his tail as every cat watched him. With his flame coloured fur, he stood out even in the darkness.
"I think you already know the answer to that," Bluestar replied softly as Midnight disappeared completely from sight, swallowed up by the gloom.