Soft strands of grass tickles his paws as Cloudfur scampered over the moist earth. This place was unrecognizable, though he's been to Tinder Valley before. Warm and blazing, the sun lit the sky with a radiance beyond the hazy sunrise of the Frozen Forest.

The tom rolled his body on the ground, marking it with his scent. "I'm here."

It was the scent of a loner, desperate for a companion. Cloudfur laid on his back a few seconds, about to flip to his paws when suddenly a little white speck dripped onto his nose.

In his line of view, a cat appeared and Cloudfur bristled.

"W-Who are you?"

"Shush...," the silver tabby purred, "I'm Birchspark. And you're Cloudfur? Of FallClan?"

"Yeah, but how-"

"Don't worry about it," the tom purred, touching his tail gently to Cloudfur's shoulder. "Just follow me."

If he was being honest with himself, Cloudfur would say that Birchspark was a very attractive tom. His light, creamy scent brought forth a side of Cloudfur that he didn't know existed. The charcoal-furred cat eagerly followed.

Birchspark led him into the cool woods, slipping in and out of the sunlight as leaves caressed the trees that held tightly onto strong branches. Most trees back at home were nimble, worn away from years of the persistent onslaught of frost.

Time was limitless and before he knew it, the sun was at its peak. He embraced the gentle heat shining from the big bulb; but, fear itched at the back of his mind. If he was dead, was his soul currently wandering in the Starry Night or the Burning Light?

Cloudfur had not a clue but Birchspark's abrupt pause reassured him that his questions would soon be answered. They were paused at a large puddle of water. Birchspark whipped around sharply, flicking his tail towards the calm water.

"Get in."

Cloudfur did as he was told and waded in the surprisingly warm ripples of blue. A surge of energy coursed through his veins and a sense of belonging tingled in his dark fur.

He turned, confused, "Now wha-"

Before he could stop him, Birchspark slammed his weight against Cloudfur, splashing droplets of water. He bristled, shocked by the sudden intrusion, but noticed the cheeky smile in Birchspark's dark blue eyes.

The silvery cat began to purr, "Cloudfur, you're so strong I would hate to meet you in a battle..." Birchspark rasped his tongue across his ear.

"Mph...?" Cloudfur mewed, blushing under his fur. He wasn't sure what was happening but delight spread from his head down to his tail tip. He embraced it though, rubbing his face against Birchspark's neck fur. The tom's scent wafted in the air, alluring Cloudfur and he pressed his paws against him so that they switched positions.

The white tom's amused gaze settled on Cloudfur and he smiled, "Stop." Birchspark vanished with a snap, and Cloudfur's paws fell onto where his back used to be.

In an instant the water was freezing cold and he leapt onto the bank, surrounded by the dead trees of winter as a blizzard roared victoriously against his body.

Little specks of snow

Is but a vision to a crow

Circles in the sky

Reveals the light that might die...