Tallstar hadn't found the need to return to the forest for a long time. Simply watching from the stars and predicting what would happen had served him well, while he spent time with all of his fallen friends. But eventually, there came a day when Tallstar had to deliver a message to a cat that was still alive.

Onewhisker doubted his place as leader. In his swiftness, Tallstar had been unable to say the proper ceremony when he chose Onewhisker as deputy, and some cats even doubted whether Onewhisker and Firestar had not made up the entire thing. Onewhisker was beginning to lose faith in him and in his power as leader. He had not been given his nine lives because he had no moonstone, and he was near giving up his position.

Tallstar had decided that he must go and reassure Onewhisker that all would be well. Even though he was dead, protecting his Clan was still one of the most important things to him. His duty didn't end in death, and it might never end. But for now, there were still cats in his Clan that knew him well, and Onewhisker would probably believe Tallstar above everyone else.

The leader took himself back down to the forest, running smoothly across the moorland. It felt good to do that again, to run like a true WindClan cat. It was another gift entirely to be allowed to run the territory that belonged to his Clan now, although he was no longer truly one of them.

Onewhisker was sleeping out in the open, just like all of his clanmates. He was lying on his own, tossing and turning in an uneasy sleep. Tallstar gently touched his nose to Onewhisker, trying to soothe him. When Onewhisker refused to calm in his sleep, Tallstar entered his dream.

They were on the moor, and Tallstar was standing before Onewhisker. He saw the leader's eyes widen with surprise, and then happiness.

"Tallstar… What are you doing here, Tallstar?" Onewhisker asked, bemused.

"I see that you have come to doubt your position as leader," Tallstar meowed, and Onewhisker's eyes flashed with understanding, followed by fear. Did Onewhisker really think that Tallstar had come to tell him that he should step down?

"Although the words I used were not traditional," Tallstar meowed, "StarClan has recognized you as leader. You cannot receive your nine lives yet, but they will be with you soon enough. Until then, you must lead your Clan as best you can. Your lives and your name will be granted soon."

Onewhisker shook his head, his eyes filled with confusion. "But why can I not receive my nine lives and my name? Onewhisker is the name of a warrior, not a leader. The cats are starting to doubt me, and many will support Mudclaw if he tries to seize leadership from me. I'm not certain that I can defend myself, if he does. The cats are not convinced that StarClan supports me…"

"As long as you believe," Tallstar meowed. "StarClan will support you in any way they can, but you must be strong on your own, as well. Only then can StarClan truly protect you."

"Wise words," Onewhisker meowed softly. "Thank you, Tallstar. I will do my best to obey your advice."

Tallstar smiled at his old friend. "That is all that I ask of you, Tallstar. I must go now, but I will be with you, as you lead."

Onewhisker nodded. "That is reassuring, Tallstar."