The stars shone in her fur, glistening brighter than the lakeside pebbles on the brightest of Greenleaf days. Her pelt radiated warmth that was betrayed by her icy cold eyes, foretelling the chill that was to rattle the Clans. The spirit's paws took heavy steps, though no sounds were heard. The leader felt powerless as he looked up at his warrior ancestor, soon bowing his head in respect. However, the spirit still seemed displeased.

"Stripestar," Hearing his name coast eerily from the StarClan cat's mouth sent shivers down his tail. His ears pricked in response, eyes wide with shock and awe. The last time he had been in the presence of Starclan had been when he received his nine lives. "Only by serving those under you can you prosper as leader. Protect those who cannot protect themselves and earn their loyalty and respect in turn." The starry cat lifted her head, tail lashing behind her. Her claws dug up at the earth and a low growl tore from her throat. "Banishing the weak and ignoring the hungry will lead you to ruin. I have seen your thoughts, Stripestar. I have heard the impatience in your voice. I have witnessed the tension and distrust you display at the Gatherings towards the other Clans."

The orange cat's shoulders tensed, ears flat against his head as if he were a scolded kit. The male's eyes lowered before rising again, his expression solid, fearless, though it did not match what he felt inside. "I want what is best for my Clan. I cannot defend every cat that needs protection. I cannot feed every growling belly myself. Am I to watch my Clan suffer due to the-"

"Silence!" Outraged, the StarClan cat yowled.

"Am I to watch my Clan suffer due to the weakness of certain cats? Should I allow the other leaders to see how feeble we are? Should I have any patience when an apprentice has been training for six moons, but still cannot perform simple battle moves?"

"SILENCE!" Her yowl boomed like thunder, and lightning flashed overhead. The fur on her neck bristled and every single slither of her claws glinted in the dim moonlight, unsheathed. The dream world seemed to flicker away from Stripestar and the silence was deafening. A lump like burning coal had worked its way into his throat and his mouth shut, voice lost from the she-cat's anger. Fire burned in the leader's eyes, his fear now irritation. She should know that Clans did not thrive from the simple-minded or dull clawed. It took power, determination... everything that he planned to create. The ancient cat seemed to sense his thoughts and she shook her head. "Stripestar, I cannot make your choices for you. Nevertheless, what you are doing, it is wrong. Yes, strong warriors are needed to defend the clan... but even the mightiest of warriors start as kits."

Stripestar, confused with the she-cat's sudden change in attitude, listened on. The tabby took a hesitant step back as the starry warrior prepared to speak again. Her jaws parted, mouth moving and whiskers twitching, but there was no sound. Her tail stood rigid, claws drawing back into her paws. The wind around them picked up, blowing the reeds and tall grasses that sheltered them in the territory of StarClan. The familiar scents of prey and other cats faded, leaving Stripestar scenting fear and distress. Overhead, thick, gray clouds began to group together and in a few heartbeats, rain crashed down heavily on their pelts. Instantly, Stripestar went to dash for cover, only to find that there was nowhere to hide. His eyes widened and he glanced back over his shoulder towards the StarClan cat.

She wasn't there.

Hissing, Stripestar bounded, wind and rain pelting against his face as he ran. What's going on? He thought to himself. Is StarClan really this angry with me? His eyes narrowed against the strong winds until finally he was lifted from the ground. Nothing but air was left under his paws and suddenly, he felt himself falling. The tom yowled as he plummeted the distance, body twisting in the air to prepare for a painful landing. Stripestar's eyes squeezed shut and his life flickered before his eyes, played out on a reel as if he was watching it reflect in a puddle.

Finally, he landed.

The pain he expected never came. Instead, he found himself lying on his side. The striped cat slowly began to rise to his paws, only to find crushing pressure of the unknown cat's paws against his throat. He writhed under the grasp but his body was winded, flanks rising and falling desperately. In the never-ending darkness, he swore he saw wide brown eyes filled with sheer terror, though quickly turned his head at the low, chortling laughter that rang above him. Deep green eyes stared up at glinting yellow that reflected the moon. And in them, Stripestar saw the horror in his own expression.

"Goodbye, Stripestar."

Claws tore at flesh and his vision blurred, leaving nothing but the glistening of fangs visible as the black cat grinned...