Leopardfire had arrived at the Jewel Cave. Just yesterday, she was deputy. Now, she was about to be leader of the entire clan. Could she really handle such a life of leadership? She made her decision, and walked into the Jewel Cave. Down the long tunnel she went, to the Moonstone within the cave. She took a deep breath.

My old life is no more. I'm leader of the clan now.

She had her nose touch the Moonstone. She fell asleep, and couldn't move for a moment.

After a few heartbeats, she saw the StarClan ancestors around her. Nine cats were there, waiting to give their gifts.

"I'm ready, Blackstar." Leopardfire said.

Blackstar appeared. "You were always ready to lead, Leopardfire. Thunder, will you start things off?"

Thunder nodded his head. "Of course."

He walked over to Leopardfire and touches nose to the top of Leopardfire's head. "With this life, I give you bravery. Use it well in dark times when all hope seems lost."

Leopardfire felt a sense of bravery within her, like she could take on a pack of dogs, like Firestar.

River was the next to give Leopardfire a life. Touching the nose to the top of Leopardfire's head, River said, "With this life I give you courage. Use it well when facing enemies that may seem too difficult to pin down alone."

Leopardfire nodded, trying to ignore the pain from getting her second life.

Wind was next. She walked over to Leopardfire, touching nose to the top of Leopardfire's head. "With this life I give you curiosity. Use it to discover things you never knew before."

Leopardfire felt like she was a kit again, chasing after a butterfly flying by in the camp.

It was Clear Sky's turn. He walked over to Leopardfire, touching nose to the top of Leopardfire's head. "With this life I give you healing. Use it well in times of illness."

Leopardfire felt as if all had been forgiven with her past.

Shadow appeared, and walked over to Leopardfire. "With this life I give you love. Use it well during dark and tragic times."

Leopardfire felt her fur was warm, as if she was in the sunlight.

Rock was the fifth cat to give her a life. "With this life I give you justice. Use it well when taking action in what you think is right and wrong."

Blackstar was the sixth cat. "With this life I give you tireless energy and determination. Use it well during a long and tiring journey."

Leopardfire now felt as if she could run forever, wherever that might be.

Now Bluestar was in front of Leopardfire. "With this life I give you wisdom. Use it well during times requiring big decisions."

Leopardfire spotted two more cats. They seemed familiar.

Blackstar appeared once more.

"They are not yet in StarClan, but tonight they shall share this moment with you."

Tigerfoot ran toward Leopardfire.

"Leopardpaw...You're alive."

"Yes I am, Tigerfoot."

"With this life, I give you hope. Use it during your clan's darkest hours. Remember, even the smallest shred of hope is enough to believe in miracles."

"Thank you, Tigerfoot. I miss you."

Tigerfoot nuzzled Leopardfire. "So do I, Leopardfire. I am proud to see my sister become a leader."

Tigerfoot faded away, and sat behind Blackstar.

A flame-colored she-cat approached Leopardfire. "With this final life, I give you compasion and forgiveness. Use it well to patch up old relationships with cats you have known well."

"Thank you, Foxwing." Leopardfire said.

Blackstar stood, and the rest of the cats stood as well.

"I hail you by your new name, Leopardstar. Your old life is no more. You have now received the nine lives of a leader, and StarClan grants you the guardianship of CatnipClan. Defend it well; care for young and old; honor your ancestors and the traditions of the warrior code; live each life with pride and dignity."

"Leopardstar! Leopardstar! Leopardstar!"

Leopardstar woke up, and looked around. The glowing light of the Moonstone reminded Leopardstar where she was. She stood up, and made her way back to the camp.

She felt a sense of eagerness. Perhaps she was meant to be a leader all along? Only time would tell.

"Let all those who are old enough to catch their own prey join me by the stone boulder for a clan meeting."

All of CatnipClan joined.

"According to traditon, every clan needs a deputy to take over if the leader dies or retires. I have chosen our first official deputy. Angelfur shall be the new deputy of CatnipClan. Angelfur, you are ready for your first apprentice. You shall train Nepiapaw alongside me. Train her well."

Nepiapaw touched noses with Angelfur.

"Nepiapaw! Nepiapaw!"

"One more thing has to be done. Frostfeather, can you help me with your claws?"

Frostfeather sat next to Leopardstar. Her collar had stayed on her since she became a kittypet.

"Today begins a new era of clans." Leopardstar said, "The era of CatnipClan."

Frostfeather scratched off the collar, which fell to the ground.

"Long live CatnipClan!"

"CatnipClan! CatnipClan!"