1 Moon after the Dark Forest Battle.
Silverpelt shone overhead, as bright as ever. Sandstorm was outside of camp, on guard duty. She stared up at the stars. The older she-cat was fixated, staring at one of the brightest stars in the sky.
"Can you hear me, my love?" she asked out loud, careful to keep her voice down. The star seemed to shine just a bit brighter at her words. "I have something wonderful to tell you… Well, wonderful and devastating." She bowed her head for a moment, swallowing down a wave of grief that threatened to consume her. After a few moments, she looked back up at the star, and spoke into the silent, dark void of the forest.
"I'm expecting kits."
The forest remained silent, even the gentle breeze stopped, as if shocked at the old she-cats declaration. She bowed her head, as if ashamed.
"Remember, the night before the battle? I know, we didn't expect anything to happen, since we're both so old." she sighed, and drew her paw carefully across the dirt, as if nervous. "Well, Starclan knows, life is full of surprises. I know we always wanted more kits, but we were too busy… Well. I guess now I have the time to be a mother." her voice began to crack, raw with emotion. "I just wish you were here too. What am I going to do? I need you. But… I know your heart always belonged to Spottedleaf. Where ever she is now. " She gazed back up at the stars, her star seemingly dulled, as if saddened with her comment.
"I know I shouldn't think that, you spent your whole life with me by your side. But while I was here in the waking world, I know she always traveled through your dreams. I heard you dreaming. Moaning out her name. But you know what? I never stopped loving you. You stupid furball. No matter how much it hurt" she closed her eyes tight, and unsheathed her claws, trying not to yowl her pain. "I just wish you would watch over me and our kits." she kept them closed, wishing and wishing she wasn't alone.
"Sandstorm?" a quiet, gentle voice spoke.
She opened her eyes, and stared in shock. All around her, she was in a bright forest, seemingly studded with stars. In front of her, was a handsome, young ginger tom, with warm green eyes. A loud purr rumbled in her throat
"There's my strong storm." he purred, and rubbed his face lovingly against his mate."
"You were listening." her voice was barely a whisper. Firestar nodded.
"I heard every word." he murmured, before looking at her, looking serious.
"Sandstorm, I know I wasn't the best mate I could have been for you. I know, I shouldn't have padded after Spottedleaf my entire life. When I had the perfect she-cat right next to me." He licked the top of her head. "But do you know what? I know we were destined to be together, after all… She isn't here in Starclan, but you're still here in the waking world. If you could possibly forgive me for my actions, I promise I will always be by your side, until you eventually join me. We will travel the skies together. Only if… You still want that."
Sandstorm leapt forward and threw her front paws around him, knocking him over. "Stupid furball, I wouldn't have it any other way." The two remained cuddled together, before Sandstorm broke the peaceful silence.
"But for now, I need to return to the Clans. Our kits need me more. "
She looked around, the stars began to fade, and she turned to look at Firestar, to see him starting to fade too.
"I'll be watching over our family, I promise" he vowed. His green eyes shone for a moment then faded.
Sandstorms eyes flickered open. She looked up at the sky. Most of the stars were going away, except for one bright star, twinkling in the early dawn sky. She got up, and stretched her body, feeling her joints as they made a crack noise as she stretched further. She turned and headed into the camp. As she looked over to the Highledge, she saw Squirrelflight stumble tiredly down the Cliffside.
"Squirrelflight, could you go get Bramblestar for me, before you sort patrols?" her dark ginger daughter blinked at her, looking worried.
"Why, are you hurt?"
Sandstorm patiently shook her head. "No, no. I just have some news I think you two should hear."
"Well okay mom…" Squirrelflight turned and started clawing her way up the cliff-face, before disappearing into the den. Her bushy tail just barely visible. Sandstorm padded towards the medicine cat den. "Best go get my other daughter, she'll want to hear the news too."
