Sun and Flower walked together to the peak of Hidden Silence as Sun helped her three kits along the way. "Mother," the mottled tom squeaked, "Where are we going? It's cold out here."
"Shh, my kit. It will be warmer in the morning. I promise, you're going to like it."
Sun urged on the white she-kit, Wish Of Shooting Star and her sister Peak Where Birds Take Flight. "Please tell us mother?" Asked Peak, and Sun silenced her with a flick of his tail. "You'll know all soon."
"Flower," he finally broke the long heart beat of silence, "Thank you for coming. I couldn't have been an easy decision for you."
"No, Sun, but I don't belong here. It makes me too sad to think about Cloud and hope he shall return every time I pad out of the cave or look at my little Wish." Sun explained who else he knew was coming and how everyone who planned to leave with him would meet them at this peak tonight. "I cannot think he is dead, but I cannot wait here either."
"How did you find this place, Sun?" Asked the golden she-cat as she helped her last kit onto the Peak. "It's so far away and there's no way any other cat can find you."
Sun let out a sigh and decided to tell her. "Lion and I were hunting one day when we were To-be's after Darkpools sent out a mission. It was the first one I can remember and we needed to get away. Not long after we showed it to Feather and Rip knew about it too. That's all there is." He gave a shrug, hoping to drop the conversation.
"And you have used it always to get away from Darkpools?"
"Yes," he answered, looking at the three little kits. Wish was white tabby like her father had been, and Peak was a golden color like her mother. Season was a mottled white tom who stood taller then the rest and his whiskers twitched as he looked at he surroundings.
Cats started to show up a few at a time. As always, Lion, Feather and Rip appeared first. Wing came soon after with Edge, both of them gave Sun a nod of agreement but said nothing. Rain, Ash and Dream came soon after. Eventually, half of the Tribe, and all the cats that had trained with him in the past moon or so, were standing nervously on the Peak.
"Bravest and most trusted cats of the Tribe," he hissed, and all eyes fell on him, "I assume you are all here to join me on our quest away from the mountains. Does anyone have anything to say before we leave?" every cat was silent, either too afraid or too in shock to speak. Sun continued with a confidence and knowledge he did not feel. To himself, he was scared as every other cat but knew that if he showed it he would only unnerve the others.
"Very well then. StarClan told me to follow the rays of the setting sun and this is what I plan to do. We shall break into two groups as we walk so every cat can be looked after." He looked around carefully to make sure who he was looking for was there. "Lion, I want you to lead one group. I will stay ahead and warn the cats of what is to come. Rip, you shall lead the other group. Wing, Rain, Ash and River, you will be lookouts for what ever group you are in. I want two of you in each group so that all cats are looked after." He looked for one cat in particular, "Edge, I know you know healing from Darkpools?"
"Aye," he agreed gruffly, "I suppose I am the only one who can heal?"
He nodded solemnly, "I want you to look after cats that may fall behind or get overly tired, so they cannot continue. Dream," he flicked his tail to Feather's best friend, "You help him." She nodded back and stood beside him. The cats split themselves easily, as if the had planned who they would follow all their lives.
"Thunder," he hissed to the young To-be, "I want you and Shadow to stay together. Follow Lion and don't stray." He aimed his last comment at Thunder, who's eyes shined bravely. "Don't worry you hawk-head," she teased, giving an amused purr, "I won't fall behind my brother. Come on, Shadow, let's go make sure none of the big strong warriors fall off the cliff." She walked off with a bounce in her step and Shadow followed, giving a quick look back with a look of happiness shining beneath the mist of her eyes.
He looked around to see the nervous clouds in the eyes of all the cats, but in many he could also see hope, and this gave him a feeling to hold onto as they started off from the mountains.
For two days they padded onward, stopping only for short amounts of time and always with at least four cats on guard. It wasn't until their third day that Sun felt safe enough to rest. They were on the other side of the mountain, further then any cat had ventured since the time of the ancient Tribe.
"Wandering cats, bring your attention here!" he called, louder then ever. He saw the tired faces of many cats turn towards him. "For the first time I think we should make ourselves nests for the full night and have a well-deserved sleep!" Approving yowls and cheers came from the cats, but others still looked wary. "I assure you we are far enough from the Cave of Rushing Water that no Cave Guard or Prey Hunter of the Tribe shall find us. Are there any volunteers to sit watch for a short amount of time? I will myself, I assure you."
"I will," said Rain, padding forward and lifting her tail.
"I as well," to Sun's surprise he saw Wing pad forward. He nodded his appreciation, still not able to fully accept the dark tomcat.
"Very well. The rest of you shall rest and sleep tonight!" More yowls came and he padded up to Edge. "Excuse me," he meowed, dipping his head to the gray tom, "I want you and Dream to check over Flower and her kits. She needs her strength."
"Of course."
"We'll help," came Red's voice, and Sun turned to see Red and Blue standing side-by-side. "If you shall allow us."
"It would be appreciated," although Sun wished to leave the Tribe rituals behind, formality seemed appropriate at times still. He desperately hoped that would go away between cats of the same stature. "Check over Leopard too because he is the only Beyond we have with us and I'm sure he must be weary."
The three she-cats padded off. "Sun, as the only healer here, I want you to get sleep too. We need you."
"Thank you," he whispered, "I will." Until Sun fall he padded around their make-shift camp, making sure cats were okay. Finally, he stood until Moonhigh and Rip finally convinced him to sleep.
In his nest beside Feather and Lion he tossed and turned, willing himself to sleep. Finally, the familiar darkness of StarClan gripped him, but it was different. It wasn't light, but it wasn't as dark as usual.
"Greetings Sunstorm," came the voices of StarClan, and Sun stood in the strange darkness. "You are following the rays of the setting sun. But the path is not as straight as you think. Many twists and turns await you, young Sunstorm."
"Yes, cats of StarClan," he answered, hitting his paw to the unseen ground.
Suddenly he noticed silhouettes and shapes around him, and an idea struck him. "When can I see you, great cats of StarClan?" Taken aback by himself as he realized that he wasn't so direct his first time speaking to StarClan, "I know you by name, great ancient leaders, and who you are and what you want of me, but I have never seen your eyes."
He recognized Goldenstar's voice, "This is true Sunstorm, but we cannot see you."
"Our connection works both ways," spoke Spottedstar.
"And you have been chosen by StarClan, and choose to believe," that time he noticed Gingerstar.
Finally, Runningstar spoke as well, "And we will see you soon. You will live our lives and learn the ways of the Clan."
"What do you mean?" he asked, but no answer came. Instead, the silhouettes began to vanish and Sunstorm sat, waiting for his dream to disappear. "Please, cats of StarClan show me what you wish me to be."
"Sunstorm," hissed a voice he had only heard once before, "We cannot." With that, Tigerspirit's voice faded as well. This hiss he had come to recognize hissed through his ears, "Watch your heart, your mind and your tail, Sunstorm. Many twists and turns lie ahead."
Sun woke to see some Wing and Edge bring back caught-prey and Lion and Feather were sharing tongues under the sun. Red was helping Flower and her three kits to get comfortable and settle the little squeaking mouths. His gaze found Thunder and Shadow play-fighting while Ash and Eagle watched approvingly. The two she-cats seemed to be getting along rather well for their different personalities. He saw Lion glance over at the To-be's as well, eyes shining at his sister's playfulness. He quickly beckoned Sun with his tail and the black tom padded over to the side of his best friend.
He found himself smiling at every cats ease. This is the way Clan life was going to be. He had never seen everyone so relaxed, not even inside the Cave. He was so wrapped in good thoughts he didn't dare to think what would happen when they had to split up in their new home, or where he would belong.
Brightfang: Aw, poor Sun. anyway, review please
Flamestreak: Hey awesome-readers! Hope you liked this chapter. I know it seems like everything is happening really quickly but it'll all even out. Reviews are appreciated.