The Warriors series does not belong to me. So far, I have not been able to convince those making up the Erin Hunter name to let me in. Never fear, I shall break them soon...

Prologue

The sun was at its highest point in its daily journey across the sky. Warm light lit all, cold and shadows nowhere to be found. Mistystar padded across the soft green grass, looking around in awe. It wasn't her first time seeing StarClan, but every time she came she was filled with wonder. She looked up at the clear sky, watching for storm clouds she knew would never come.

"Mistystar," A familiar purr greeted Mistystar's ears and she turned to see a golden tabby making her way across the lush fields. Her heart lurched and she bounded to her friend and predecessor. It had been moons since she had seen Leopardstar in her dreams. They met and brushed pelts, then separated, eye to eye, "It's been quite a while."

"You look so healthy," Mistystar noted, eyes flicking over the sleek she-cat, "The last I saw you, you were- you were-"

"On my last life, I know," Leopardstar bowed her head and didn't meet Mistystar's icy gaze. She began to pace, ears flattened to her head. Her nervousness was making Mistystar anxious, wondering what could have the strong she-cat so worried in such a beautiful place, "I'm afraid I don't come baring good news. Just a warning. A- A prophecy."

Mistystar pricked her ears up. It had been a while since RiverClan had a prophecy. How bad could this prophecy be, one that had Leopardstar so spooked? "Than by all means, let me hear it. How bad is it? Can you give me any-" The she-cat broke off. Leopardstar had taken a step forwards, meeting her old friend's eyes once more.

"A great storm is coming..." Leopardstar spoke with the voices of many cats, leaders whose voices Mistystar vaguely recognized. There were the voices of RiverClan ancestors who went far back, cats in old stories like Crookedstar and Hailstar, "Prepare…"

"A storm is coming?" Mistystar mewed incredulously, "I know that! The storm clouds have hung over RiverClan for days. That was the prophecy?"

The other cat gave no answer. The entire world slipped from under Mistystar's feet and she fell into darkness, away from the cheerful light of StarClan.

StarClan wants me to know that a storm is coming? Are they all going mouse-brained? Mistystar pulled herself to her paws and shook her pelt. Dampness pressed her fur to her body, making her look even thinner than she was already. She could tell without straining her ears that a constant assault of raindrops was hitting the earth outside. She squeezed her eyes closed, just wanting to sink back into unconsciousness. Rainy days always got into her bones, bringing the feeling that she had aged way beyond her years.

"Mistystar," Mistystar raised her head, watching as a black tom rushed into her den. His pelt was drenched, but he didn't seem to notice. RiverClan cats didn't let water effect their duties. Instead, they relished the feeling of cool liquid against their skin, "Mistystar, Icewing is having her kits!" The warrior's eyes were lit from the inside, a warm glow of love and excitement taking over his body.

"That's fantastic Reedwhisker," Mistystar forced herself to move and joined her deputy's side, "Come on, you should be with her. She's going to need you for support." That was enough for the tom. He bounded off without another word, leaving Mistystar to chuckle behind him. She padded slowly, wincing as the rain first touched her pelt. Rain water was completely different than river water. River water was a constant stream, smooth and silky. Rain was individual droplets, spray that could pound into you so violently it felt like it was trying to drill into your bones.

So there is a storm. It is a mighty storm to be sure, but nothing we need to prepare for. RiverClan has always stood strong against all enemies. Water can never shake the morale of any RiverClan cat. StarClan, I pray you know what you're doing. Mistystar bent her head against the constant downpour. Her paws were covered in thick mud, nothing unusual, but definitely not the best feeling to wake up to.

The determined she-cat fixed her gaze on the nest of brambles and pricked her ears. It was no use thinking of a confusing dream when there were new cries of life in the air. Mistystar gathered her strength and bounded the last few hare-lengths, pushing her way into the crowded nursery. The scene greeting her eyes was a heartwarming one.

Icewing lay exhausted on her side, staring lovingly at the three kits snuggled close. Reedwhisker stood above his kin, protecting them from any danger. The other queen was curled in the corner of the nursery. Two kits were held behind her, trying to catch a glimpse of the newborns.

"Beautiful, aren't they?" Mistystar turned her head towards the dappled golden she-cat in the corner. The medicine cat dipped her head and continued, "A she-kit and two toms. All wonderfully healthy additions to the clan."

"Almost as gorgeous as my own kits," Mistystar teased gently. She saw Icewing turn a wary eye on her and mewed, "Did you think of names?"

"Yes," Icewing turned her loving gaze back on her three young kits. All three squirmed to get their mother's milk, none paying the slightest bit of attention to their surroundings, "The female, the golden one, her name is Hailkit. The little black tom will be Thunderkit," Mistystar winced at the thought of a kit with a name of another Clan, but said nothing. Icewing had obviously put thought into these names. She seemed not to notice her leader's discomfort as she continued, turning her gaze on the biggest of the three kits, "And the grey one here, he is my little Stormkit."

StarClan's words replayed in Mistystar's mind as she peered down at the last kit. His fur was as grey as the storm clouds above, rustled and untamed like the very things that brought water to their camp. She couldn't help but bristle, wondering exactly what the prophecy meant, "You're destined for great things little one," She murmured softly, "You have a long path ahead of you."

A/N- First warriors fanfic that I've posted as of yet... Woo! I actually wrote the prologue a while back and just left it for a bit, not thinking there would be any interest. Now I'm back, I have several ideas that I'm pretty happy about, and I kind of love the characters. The next chapter might be in a POV you're not expecting (because I'm certainly not sticking with Mistystar the whole time XD). Chapter One will be out soon!

I'd love to know what you thought, so feel free to leave me thoughts and critiques.