|| Faith ||

'I always had faith you'd push through, and I always knew you loved me.'

His eyes followed with pride, the dappled she-cat who drew herself proudly through the reeds. She demanded power and respect; he always knew she would make a great leader.

Her eyes drifted over her Clan. Those around her saw nothing but a cat that was strong and courageous to lead the Clan.

But her eyes betrayed her heart. She missed him, so much. Was being leader really enough for her? Or was she missing something?

'Leopardstar, the patrols are done. I will lead the dawn patrol and Blackclaw is going to head the hunting party.' Stonefur, her deputy, meowed with a respectful nod.

'Good.' She mewed and returned the nod, before retreating to the leader's den.

She shut her eyes and willed herself to sleep.

And I hate myself because I never told you how I felt.

Instantly, she felt free. Her dreams were an escape. She could not deny she hated waking. It felt good to allow herself the space she needed in her mind, to not think about her duty as leader.

But this dream was different.

Leopardstar felt a pair of eyes on her and turned, to see Whiteclaw, gazing proudly at her.

'Whiteclaw…' she choked, stumbling forward.

He meowed a greeting, bounding forward to touch his nose to the startled RiverClan leader's head.

She felt safe as soon as he touched her and she took comfort in the purr that rumbled in his throat.

'I miss you.' She whispered softly. She was not afraid to show her feelings.

'I know. But you belong here. You are the guardian of RiverClan.' He meowed wisely, his own pain echoing in his deep tones.

'Graystripe should have paid.' She snarled, glancing at the tom.

Whiteclaw shook his head and flicked her lightly with his tail.

'No. StarClan called. It was not his fault. Do not waste your time chasing after old grudges.'

Leopardstar closed her eyes and wished to the whole of StarClan that he still lived.

'One day, when you have served the Clans the best you can, I will be here. You will join me, and together we will run across the skies.'

The great she-cat purred, her voice shaking with the emotion that swam around her.

It feels good to dream in a world where reality does not matter.

'Is this a dream?' she mewed softly, gazing at the perfect sky above.

'As much as any dream StarClan sends.' Whiteclaw meowed and nuzzled her. 'I am not a figment of your imagination, if that's what you're asking. I am here.'

Leopardstar felt the need to pull away and stare at him.

He was so perfect. She missed every hair on his pelt, and every loving look he had ever given her.

'I never thought I could be leader without you Whiteclaw.' She whispered so lightly, she barely heard herself.

'I know. It was so hard for you. I could see.' He meowed seriously, licking the top of her head gently. 'But you pushed through. And you didn't fail your Clan.'

Leopardstar shook her head and stared at her paws.

'You should have been there.'

'I was there.' He meowed strongly, nudging her flank with his tail. 'I was so proud. I still am.'

'Don't leave me again. Meet me in dreams; I can't go on without thinking about you. I know my Clan matter and I want to help them more than anything. But then I always fail myself… I just think about your death and wish it would have been different.' She rasped sorrowfully.

'Have faith my love. I will never leave you. You must know that.'

'I loved you.' She whispered, burying herself in his pelt.

'You still do.' He pointed out.

'I never told you though. I was too ambitious. Forgive me.'

Whiteclaw looked at his beloved she-cat, the strong RiverClan leader no longer sat before him. It hurt his soul to see her so defeated.

'There is nothing to forgive.' He mewed, pulling her up.

Her eyes became bright with her grief and joy.

'You must wake now. Return to your Clan. I will always be here, waiting for you.' He meowed, taking a step back.

She nodded.

'I do love you Whiteclaw. I promise I will work harder from now on. Until the day StarClan calls.' She mewed solemnly.

He blinked at her. His love reflected off his eyes, the starlight growing lighter as he began to fade.

'And I will answer.' He meowed as Leopardstar began to wake.

Reviews are appreciated! Again, no flames.

- Atra.