Chapter 1
Firestar awoke to a familiar voice calling his name. It was Graystripe.
"What is it Graystripe?" Firestar yawned, getting up and padding out of his den below the Highrock. "Is something wrong?"
"The dawn patrol scented Shadowclan warriors on our territory, and there was blood by the border. Thornclaw even saw a rabbit bone." Graystripe panted, as if he'd already told the story a few times.
"Ok. Make sure the patrols look out for any more signs. And if they find a Shadowclan warrior, they have the right to attack."
"I'll get right to it, Firestar." Graystripe replied, dipping his head before padding towards the warriors den.
Firestar sighed. It had been 3 moons since the battle with Bloodclan and he still hadn't got used to being leader of Thunderclan. Whenever a warrior like Graystripe dipped his head Firestar felt like yowling aloud. The honor they gave him was somewhat unnatural.
"Firestar!" A voice purred a little way away. Sandstorm was padding out of the warriors den.
"Hi Sandstorm," he mewed, his voice muffled as he rubbed muzzles with her.
"I have great news!" She yowled suddenly. "I'm pregnant with our kits!"
"What? I mean, great!" He purred back. He was about to be a father! "How long is it?" He asked.
"Cinderpelt said about 6 moons. I guess you're going to move me into the nursery until then, aren't you?" She replied.
"Well, it would be best. . . "
"But I can still carry on with my warrior duties! I'm the same cat!"
"I know, I know. It's just better for the kits if you stay in the nursery."
"How?"
Firestar sighed. Sandstorm would never want to give up her warrior duties, even to become an elder!
"Look, Sandstorm. As your leader I am telling you to stay in the nursery."
She flicked her tail in anger, but Firestar noticed the gleam of amusement in her eyes. "You really want me in the nursery, don't you? Fine then, I'll stay in there. For you and the kits," she purred. Firestar sent a silent thanks to Starclan she had agreed.
"Ok. I'll get Goldenflower to help you settle in. She has plenty of experience with the nursery," he told her. For once, she nodded and padded over to where Goldenflower was sharing tongues with Bramblepaw, her son.
It's about time Bramblepaw became a warrior. I'll have to do his ceremony tomorrow. He thought to himself. As if in reply, Bramblepaw padded up to him and looked at him expectantly. He must know it's time.
"I'm going to hold your warrior ceremony tomorrow Bramblepaw." He mewed.
"Really? You think I'm ready?"
"More than ready." He replied. And he meant every word. "For now, go and get some sleep. You'd hardly notice if a badger ate you right now you're so excited!" He added, seeing his apprentice's whole body bounce up and down repeatedly.
"Ok Firestar!" Bramblepaw nodded, looking up at Firestar with respect that shone with all of Starclan. Then he turned and padded over to the apprentice's den yawning. Almost at once Ashpaw ran out to greet him. They talked for a few moments before both slipping into the apprentice's den.
So much was going on lately it was hard to keep track. Shadowclan trespassing, Sandstorm having kits and Bramblepaw becoming a warrior. How was he going to remember it all? He suddenly felt tired, so, without another word he padded to his den.
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Firestar looked out over Fourtrees. As a starry blue warrior padded over to meet him, he knew he was dreaming.
"Firestar, I have bad news. Starclan will no longer walk these skies." She mewed.
"What? You're leaving the forest? But why?" He questioned, perplexed Starclan would do this to the clans.
"We have chosen another forest to look over." Bluestar meowed calmly, not meeting his eyes.
"Where is it then?"
"That is not for you to know."
"But Bluestar. . . "
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Firestar woke with a start. It was midnight.