AN: Sorry it took me a while to get this posted. I've been busy /=

Ein Storm - I've already got plans for Sageleaf's kits, but there will be more mothers on the way. You're more than welcome to include your charrie in the story if you want ;)

Obssesive Bookworm - I'm glad the chapter had that effect on you XD For some reason I'm better at writing about StarClan than I am about the regular cats. I suppose that will come in handy in the near future though :P

Pearlfeather - what a pretty name. I'm glad you like Brownleaf, she's definitely one of my favorites (considering I created her). Based off of a real cat that belongs to my friend.

fernstripe - happy belated birthday :D

Shadow Of Your Wings - awesome penname! Casting Crowns fan I assume? Thanks for reviewing every chapter so far, makes my day!

Mallowfeather of EarthClan - Glad you like her, is this fast enough for an update?

Pebblepaw - Yep, they finally found a place to communicate with StarClan. And don't worry, I have big plans for the Clans in the sequel (there will be one, but I'm not giving anything away). Thanks for the review!


Chapter Eleven

She had pulled him aside shortly after returning from her visit to the Mooncave. That was what Brownleaf had decided to call it after her encounter with StarClan. She knew that it was a good sign for DustClan. StarClan wanted the Clan to survive, despite the fact that it went against the warrior code. Now she was sitting in front of Dustyhead, her tail wrapped neatly around her paws as she explained what had happened during her nightly walk. His eyes widened in disbelief when she told him about StarClan and what they had said to her.

"So does that mean we can stay here?" he asked after she finished speaking. Brownleaf would have laughed if he could see his reflection. Dustyhead looked like someone had just told him Sageleaf's kits were coming.

"Of course it does mousebrain," she snapped. "It also means that a leader and a deputy must be chosen for the new Clan." She swallowed as she thought of who the next leader would be. She had already decided who would make the best choice as leader. It was someone who could keep the Clan together even during the darkest times. "Dustyhead, I think you would make the best choice for leader," she finally meowed after silence filled the air. "Before you say Foxear is a better choice let me say one thing about her: She is impatient and easy to anger. She would jump into battle given the chance," Brownleaf added when Dustyhead opened his mouth to argue.

He closed it and studied her cautiously. For a moment Brownleaf feared he might turn down her offer. Foxear was a skilled warrior in battle, but she was right about her being quick-tempered. Amber would most definitely not make a good leader, at least for now. Maybe when she had proper training and understood Clan life a little better.

"I... I don't know what to say," he stammered after ducking his head in embarrassment. "I don't even have an apprentice!"

"You can train Ripplepaw or Stripepaw," Brownleaf reassured him. "You have to become the leader. It is your destiny, and your destiny alone."

She stared at him calmly, hoping that he wouldn't turn her down after what she had said. Dustyhead closed his eyes as if to think of what to say next.

"Very well," he finally sighed in defeat. "If it means keeping them safe, than yes." His eyes suddenly opened when he looked at her.

Brownleaf let out her own sigh of relief she didn't even know she was holding. "The thanks of the Clan will go with you," she purred. "Now we should let them know."

By now the sun was beginning to rise as she and Dustyhead returned to the makeshift camp. As usual Amber was the first one awake. Brownleaf was surprised that she hadn't wandered off like she usually did. Instead she was watching the sunrise from atop a branch that loomed over the clearing.

"I saw you leave earlier," she meowed in a bored voice.

"Something came up," Dustyhead replied with a shrug. He glanced at Brownleaf before sitting down beside where Sageleaf was sleeping. By now her belly had swollen to twice it's size.

I can't wait for this group to finally become a Clan, Brownleaf thought as she laid down nearby. Finally she could put her medicine cat skills to good use. She wouldn't have to worry about killing innocent kits like Thistlestar had promised.

. . .

It was close to sunhigh by the time the Clan was awake. Dustyhead's heartbeat quickened as he watched them gather around the clearing. Olive, Sydney and Eagle were watching him carefully. Even Blue looked nervous as he lingered in the back of the small crowd. Brownleaf rose to her paws and approached them calmly.

"I have just spoken with StarClan," Brownleaf announced when the cats were gathered. Olive, Sydney and Eagle blinked in confusion, while Blue's eyes widened in wonder. They had never heard of StarClan, even when Dustyhead told them about the warrior code. He winced to himself and wished that he had the time to explain it to them.

"How is that possible? The Moonpool is at least a three-days journey from here!" Foxear meowed.

"There is a cave in the distance, maybe half a day's journey," Brownleaf explained. "StarClan led me to it, and... they told me that it is where we can communicate with our ancestors. And receive nine lives." This time Foxear's ears pricked forward with interest. Dustyhead knew that she wanted to find out who the future leader would be. "StarClan has told me who the first leader of DustClan should be, and that new leader is Dustyhead."

Dustyhead felt his stomach drop with fear. Foxear's eyes narrowed into tiny slits, but instead of shouting an insult like he had expected, she nodded in approval. Even Ripplepaw and Stripepaw looked pleased with Brownleaf's decision. The rogues on the other paw were a different story. Dustyhead found it difficult to read their expressions as he studied their reaction.

"Dustyhead! Dustyhead!" Sageleaf was the first to cheer his name, and he ducked his head in embarrassment when Foxear followed. The rogues blinked in confusion until they joined in, followed by Ripplepaw and Stripepaw.

Once the cheering had died down, Brownleaf turned to face him. "You should choose a deputy before you receive your nine lives," she rasped in an urgent voice.

This time Dustyhead swallowed back his fear. Now he had to make the important decision of a deputy. The rogues wouldn't make the best choice, and he wasn't sure if Sageleaf was up to the task. That left him with only one other cat.

"Foxear will be my deputy," he announced.

The brown she-cat's eyes widened in surprise. "I... Thank you," she purred while dipping her head thankfully.

Amusement washed over Dustyhead when Stripepaw swatted a paw across Foxear's muzzle. She deserved to become DustClan's deputy after what had happened to her. He knew that she would lead the Clan wisely when the time came.

"Now we must travel to the Mooncave, where you will receive your nine lives," Brownleaf rasped after the meeting was finished.

Dustyhead looked at her anxiously. The Clan was finally beginning to look like an actual Clan. And now they could get their lives started thanks to the help of StarClan. Now, it was time to live.


AN: So everything is all set up. Now all Dustyhead needs is his nine lives, which will be the next chapter :P