The moon shone down on the cat crouched by the crystal pool, turning her fur to silver. She sat up and gazed at the stars. "It's been a long time," she mewed softly to the sky. "Thank you for letting me return to you."
"It's been too long." A flame-pelted warrior stepped out of the mist, his pelt frosty with starlight and eyes shining with love.
The cat's eyes shone with joy and she bounded over, happy as a kit in the nursery again. The two rubbed muzzles, and a purr rumbled in both their throats as greetings were shared. "Firestar!" the she-cat purred. "Thank StarClan I've found you at last. I almost thought you weren't here!" Her mew became choked with grief. "..It wasn't your time to go! You still had moons left to serve your Clan.."
Firestar gently laid his tail over her mouth. "Peace, dear one. I had always known from the moment I met him that my destiny and Tigerstar's were bound together. It was my time to die." He bent and touched his nose to her head. "Though I am here among the stars, I will always be with you.." he murmured. Then, the mighty warrior stepped back, his gaze turning serious. "I'm sorry. There already have been too many dark seasons for the Clans.. But there is yet another prophecy, which may again determine the fate of the Clans."
The she-cat felt an icy claw of fear run down her spine. "What do you mean? We only defeated the Dark Forest a few moons ago! Surely there is not yet another danger?"
The fiery warrior bowed his head. "I wish I could say no.." he murmured, so softly that the she-cat could barely hear. Then Firestar lifted his head, his gaze tinged with sorrow, and uttered a prophecy that would haunt her for moons to come.
"After the Four, cloud and moon will rise, but only flame will calm the storm."
