As Firestar padded through the forest, he thought he heard a noise. A whisper carried by the wind coming from the direction of the Moonpool. Glancing around to make sure none of the hunting patrol were around, he slipped into the bracken and began racing to the Moonpool.
When he entered the cave, a familiar sweet scent filled the air. "Greetings, Firestar," Spottedleaf mewed. He jumped back a step taken by surprise. Spottedleaf had only come to him in dreams since she was dead. Yet here she looked as though she had never died. Her pelt didn't hold the usual ghostly, starry shine that all StarClan cats do. Yes, she was truly alive. Churning emotions threatened to overwhelm him; relief, joy, affection, and one that surpassed all others, guilt. Back in the forest when he had only been Firepaw, the apprentice, Spottedleaf had been the medicine cat. They had fallen in love but could never be mates because of Spottedleaf's role as a medicine cat. Then when Tigerstar's obstinacy caused a war between the clans, Spottedleaf was viciously killed by a ShadowClan warrior. After time, Firestar accepted that Spottedleaf was dead and moved on, falling in love with Sandstorm, a pretty ginger she-cat. They became mates with two children, Squirrelflight and Leafpool. Squirrelflight had just given birth to a litter of kits but Leafpool had chosen to be a medicine cat. Even though he was happy with his life, he would never be able to completely give up Spottedleaf. So as he watched her draw near, his heart started pounding wondering what would happen now that she was alive once more. "You look like you're being faced with a pack of dogs," Spottedleaf said, her tail curling in amusement.
"I…I didn't expect to see you here…alive," he stuttered.
"StarClan have given me another chance," she replied, "This time without the role of medicine cat." Her eyes glinted with something Firestar couldn't understand. It took him a while to realize it was hope and longing.
"I'm glad you're back," he said truthfully, then making his voice gentle said, "But what about…Sandstorm?" Spottedleaf's eyes flashed with jealousy, dropping her head in disappointment.
"I thought maybe we," she swallowed, "could figure something out?" Firestar also had to admit that he couldn't let this opportunity fly away but he knew he was sorely missed at camp. I t had already grown dark.
"I have to get back but I'll meet you here tomorrow night," he promised, "I'm afraid you can't come to camp with me. It would be…."
"Dangerous," Spottedleaf finished for him, "I'll find somewhere to stay near here." She leaned forward touching her nose to Firestar's. He drank in her scent before dashing back to ThunderClan territory.