AN/ Today's public service announcement: ASSUMPTION. It has recently caused a lot of problems amongst my friend, so I'm asking my readers to think: What did you assume today? Have your assumptions hurt someone? Just think about it. Anyways, on with the story! :3

Floss, true to her word, walked her back up the hill back to the den. In it they found to wide-eyed kits and an incredibly anxious Drift.

"Floss? What are you doing here-Spot! Where were you?"

Drift ran and scooped her up and started grooming her head.

Floss replied "This little rascal came all the way down to the horseplace and demanded to know more about the clans. I wouldn't think a scrap like her could make it this far! All the same, she looks dead on her paws."

Drift drew back and growled "You snuck out of the den while you were supposed to be napping? And all the way to the horseplace at that! You aren't leaving the den for the next Moon! No, two moons! Go in there now and don't you dare move or talk!"

She wasn't very affected by Drift's scolding. She felt bad for making her worry, but this had been important. She padded meekly into the den and lay in the nest. Her brothers soon joined her.

"Wow Spot! You went so far! What was it like?" Stripe demanded.

Spottedleaf didn't answer. She was already fast asleep.

When she slept, she dreamed.

She was in a bleak, barren stretch of dry earth. She looked around and saw something surprising: her old mentor Featherwhisker.

"Greetings Spottedleaf. I am happy to see you. It certainly wasn't expected."

"Featherwhisker! I am happy to see you too! But, where are the forests of Starclan?" She was very curious. She had never seen this dismal little plain before.

"Spot, I don't know how to explain. You see, you are not yet welcome in Starclan. It took special permission for me to walk in your dreams."

"What do you mean I'm not welcome in Starclan?" She was shocked. This was the one thing she was not expecting.

"You see, Ma'at did not give you a second life with our permission. That is the only reason you have your memories. Starclan is worried. But further explanations must wait until later. Now I have a message."

"You must return to Thunderclan as soon as possible. Dark times are coming, and they will need you to make it through. In the aftermath of the battle, all clans are weak. The enemy they will face will be more dangerous than they imagine. You must be there to help them see the light."

Featherwisker was already starting to fade away when Spottedleaf yowled " A new enemy? Please, tell me more!"

She woke more exhausted than when she went to sleep. Now, however she had to plan. Drift was asleep in the nest next to her with her tail over her. She assumed Stripe and Branch were out playing. Okay, so the next time i'm alone I'll need to go.

Featherwhisker's urging to go as soon as possible came back to her.

Tonight. She decided. Tonight I will return to my clan.

Eventually Drift woke up and called her brothers back to the den. She fed them and they all slept, except for Spottedleaf. She waited untill she was sure they were all asleep and crept out of the den.

She had only made it a few fox lengths when she heard a voice calling her.

"Spot, where are you going?"

She looked back and saw Branch and Stripe behind her.

"I... I'm going away." She awkwardly told them.

"Like last time? Can we come with you?" That was Stripe, eager as ever.

"Spot, Stripe, you'll get in so much trouble with Drift!" Branch sounded anxious.

"No, not like last time. This time, I'm not coming back." She wasn't sure why she was telling them.

"You're going to live on the farm with Floss?" Now Stripe just looked apprehensive.

"No, I'm going beyond the horseplace. I'm going to go to the clan cats."

Stripe and Branch spoke at the same time "You can't!" "I'm coming with you!"

She looked at them "Branch, I can and I will. Goodbye to both of you."

Stripe spoke "Didn't you hear me? I'm coming with you!"

"I can't stop you, so you may as well travel with me." She told Stripe reluctantly. Featherwhisker hadn't mentioned taking Stripe with her, but if she didn't he might tell Drift and keep her from going. She started padding away with Stripe following behind her.

The last thing she would hear from yer other brother for a long time was him calling after them "Stop! You can't go! Please!"

AN/ Expect the next chapter soon. Really soon.