A/N: Eeek! I'm so, so sorry for not updating. I started this chapter, and then I forgot all about it. Updates will be a lot slower now, because of all my finals in May. After that I'll have all the time in the world to finish this.

Chapter 3

"Jayfeather? You've looked different; moony, the whole way back," Lionblaze was speaking, "Did you hit something when you fell?"

How was Jayfeather supposed to tell Lionblaze who Crescent really was? No one except him knew of his visits to the ancient times, or that he and the other three were all reincarnations of the original three. What's more, should Firestar know about this? After all, the prophecy was sent to him.

No, Firestar had said he wouldn't be responsible for this secret any more. But Dovewing and Lionblaze had to know, Ivypool too. She deserved to know everything about her sister's destiny; she was putting her life on the line every night for it.

The patrol strolled into camp, with Jayfeather stumbling behind them. Cinderheart, who had been dozing in a patch of sun, sat up at the sight of the loner.

"What happened?" She ran up to the group and paused in front of Lionblaze and Crescent, "WindClan?"

"It's nothing; we found a loner on the ShadowClan border. We're taking her to see Firestar."

Jayfeather nosed past Cinderheart, trusting Lionblaze and Crescent would follow.

He stopped in front of the Highrock and turned to face Crescent, "Our leader's den is up there. He can…" Jayfeather trailed off, wondering what Firestar should do. Crescent would have to stay, maybe she could help Jayfeather find out more about the prophecy, "He'll know what to do." Jayfeather finished.

Crescent was silent for a while, and Jayfeather began wondering if she had already started walking. Until she finally said, "I believe you."

Jayfeather's fur started to bristle at the familiar phrase, "Don't say that!" He spat.

Waves of surprise radiated from the loner, "I… I mean, you should get going."

Mouse dung! Jayfeather thought as he left his stupid response hanging. He turned away from Crescent and shouldered Lionblaze as he walked past.

"Jayfeather, what's wrong with you? Crescent's a perfectly nice cat and you just…"

"She's not who you think she is." Jayfeather stopped his brother mid-sentence, wondering when Lionblaze had become so concerned with respecting intruders, "Dovewing and Ivypool need to hear this too."

"Ivypool's out on a patrol, and Dovewing was with Cinderheart just a moment ago. Does Firestar know anything?"

Jayfeather shook his head, "He told me he wouldn't be a part of this anymore. Whatever comes out of this is our responsibility now."

Lionblaze sighed, "Well, let's go get Dovewing."

The two were stopped as Firestar's familiar call rang out from the Highrock. Jayfeather swung his head in the direction of the sound, and then followed Lionblaze into the clearing. He took a seat by Dovewing, hoping he could catch her before Brambleclaw put her on a patrol.

"Cats of ThunderClan," Firestar started, "A small patrol has found a loner on the ShadowClan border. She recalls nothing of her past, and seems to have hit her head. She poses no threat to us, and has asked to stay." Here, Firestar paused, and Jayfeather could sense tension in every one of his Clanmates, "I have decided to welcome Crescent into our Clan."

The Clan was silent, which surprised Jayfeather more than if they had all sprouted wings and started chirping like birds. Did this mean they approved of Firestar's decision? After all, Cloudtail, Millie, Daisy, and Purdy were all from outside of the Clans.

Finally, Brambleclaw spoke up, "What will the other Clans say?" The Clan remained silent, waiting Firestar's response.

"They don't have to know," Firestar said carefully after a pause, "When we took in Cloudtail and Yellowfang, we didn't tell the other Clans. They don't have to know." Firestar repeated himself uncharacteristically.

At this, there was the familiar low chatter of various groups of cats. Luckily, no one seemed to be extremely opposed to the idea, or else they would have yelled out a protest before.

"Crescent! Crescent!" Lionblaze started chanting.

Is he out of his mind? Jayfeather waited for someone to join in, and about half the Clan began cheering the loner's name half-heartedly. Lionblaze seemed to have forgotten what Jayfeather had told him; he seemed to be the loudest cat in the clearing.

As Jayfeather turned toward the Highrock, he realized he could see the faintest outline of the white she-cat. And her bright green eyes were starting directly at him.