Chapter 12

They mourned for the rest of the night some tried to sleep but the storm was still strong so most was awoken by the storm when they would just finally fallen asleep. Shimmer had stayed awake and heard from Talon and Rose that they named their kits Flutterkit, Cinnamonkit,Wolfkit and Nightkit. While at the same time, Whitedream urged his own kits to sleep but he didn't think they would with the fact they lost their mother that night as well as nearly died themselves. He just kept them close and hoped and wished this was just a dream but he knew that this was reality.

The storm did finally die down sometime in the night and they woke up to peacefulness and sunshine as the birds chirped and things were now calm. He woke up and moved his kit's with Ivy who was more that happy to watch them as they slept. He wanted to go out and see about finally Wind's and Night's body and see if they were there so they could bring them back but he was also afraid as well. He woke up and let his kits sleep in when he told Shimmer of his plans.

" Take Loki, Fox, Starling and Drizzle with you they can help you just in case you find them." Shimmer told the white tom who nodded, " Just tread carefully out there we haven't sent a patrol to see how much damage the storm and the flood caused. Loki if you can try to see if there is any prey that would be appreciated. Rose and her kits need the prey. I will be sending Talon and a few others today to look for some prey." The molly said as the ginger-and-white tom nodded as he brushed his pelt against her's as he passed by. The two had finally admitted to everyone on being mates and acted like so around others.

" Of course we'll try to find something while we're out there."

When they left the Skystones they saw the damage and it was just...rough...The forest below the mountains there was a path made by Mother Nature seperated the forest; trees on each side and on the other side of the trees laid a river that if you followed the stream lead to the lake near the Remnant's old home. The forest was eerie and silent of noise what-so-ever. Along the path stood Whitedream; his white fur shining and glistening in the sunlight. He definitely stood out of the now damaged forest as trees laid destroyed seeing how the flood and storm destroyed everything in it's wake. He glanced around looking for any signs of life at all as images flashed through the tom's head as he remembered the flood that happened just last night. It had crept on them like a fox creeping on it's prey before it attacked them with no warning even though Starclan had warned them of this storm many times just not when it was coming. The tom blamed Starclan for not doing their best to protect them and save Night and Wind but he knew there was no way of stopping something that was a part of nature and he was jusr glad they made it out and that the storm had long stopped and things were returning to normal. He just remembered the sadness in his mate's eyes before the wave had crashed over her ending her life as she breathed her very last breathe. He was angry that they took his mate, the mother of his kits away.

They made their way through the forest following the path of destruction that crossed their path as they dread over tree branches and trees that had been blown over. They finally made it to the spot where he had left Wind's body and he was expecting to see her fluffy brown-and-white motionless body still there along with Night's but they were gone.

It was his worse nightmare, he never thought she would die and leave him so soon, Die far away from him as he watched weakly as she lost her life saving a tom she had just met...He cursed Starclan for taking her away from him and their kits too soon. He couldn't help but chuckle pathetically which earned looks from Loki, Fox, Starling and Drizzle who watched silently and sadly at him. He swore he thought she was going to grow old with him and watch their kits grow up but he guessed that the flood stole those thoughts away from him. He choked on a sob and dipped his head in some effort to control himself but he just began to cry again. He just kept remembering everything about her.

How they met, how they became mates, how they were adopted together and had their kits...She had taught him to let go of the past and gave him a chance of a future, gave him something he thought he would never have...Having taught him everything he knew he was forever grateful and would love her and no one else.

Once he gained his composure somewhat he padded slowly with the others following as he stepped off the path and headed through the forest for a couple of miles before following the small rocks and arriving towards some makeshift steps made of rocks that were dug into the ground. They decided they were gonna look for their bodies if they were washed away and brought to another spot but as they continued time passed and the sun began to shine brightly in the sky. Bringing back the blue sky that had disappeared for awhile during the storm and it just reminded him that it was Newleaf even though the dread of the storm felt more chilly than it ever was in Leafbare.

" Whitedream." Loki called as he looked over towards the tom who had called his name, " We should head back...their bodies are gone...the most I can say is a fox or something grabbed them once they were washed away I'm sorry..." He said holding the small crow that they had managed to find and kill, " We've been out for a long time and we should get back." He said as Drizzle nodded no sound coming out of his mouth as the white tom looked away before nodding.

" Ok let's head back." He said and they did so heading back to the Skystones.

Whitedream was greeted by his kits who came up to him when they returned. He guessed they wanted to see if they found their mother's body because when they stepped inside they looked defeated and he couldn't help but fill more guilt about it. He looked away from them and turned sadly as Shimmer greeted them.

" I see you haven't found them...i'm so sorry they will be forever remembered Whitedream but I must speak with you about something." She said turning to head off towards a different spot away from everyone, " What do you plan to do now Whitedream?" She asked, " I will tell you that we plan to get strong and wait for Rose and Talon's kits to be old enough before we travel and make ourselves known to the other clans. Your friends Sweetpoppy, Lark, Silver, Ivory and Ebony have decided to join us as offcial Cloudclan cats. I plan to go to the Star's Cavern close to where Stormclan and Lightclan are and retrieve my nine lives. I would love for you and your kits to join us." She told him looking at him her amber eyes looking into his soul.

Whitedream looked down, " I don't know what I want to do...haven't thought much on it seeing that I just lost my mate...and I...I just don't know at the moment..." He explained to her glancing over to where his kits were sitting crying to one another.

" Perhaps you need to consult the Stars and your kits and see what they want to do. They are old enough now to know what they want to do." She said resting her tail on his shoulder, " Follow me." She urged as she lead him down a tunnel where there was a beautiful lake underneathe where the waters was as clear as day. Sounds of a distance waterfall laid off in the distance that was the only sounds as they two stared at the lake.

Whitedream was astounded at this and he wondered how something so beautiful could be here hidden away from the world, " How did you know?"

" Misty showed me last night when everyone fell asleep. She said that this lake was once where the clans in the beginning came to meet the Early Starclan cats not the Modern ones." She explained looking towards him as she put her paw in the water causing a ripple.

" Wait the Early...? Oh you mean like River?" He asked as she nodded before looking at him.

" I assume you've met her?" She asked as she continued.

" Yes she came to me and warned me about the Modern Starclan...that they were gonna do something..." It dawned on him, " D-do you think they caused the storm? Or Wind's death!?" He asked.

" Whitedream I don't know think so, things happen and Starclan can only control so much but I understand you have your own issues with them but I don't think they would cause this. They only have so much power and controlling nature isn't one of them. Please go speak with River and she will give you some advice. I know she's hard to understand but she means well and she understands being divided as you are." Shimmer said, " I understand it as well but not as much so please speak with her she will help you." She added before padding off but stopped, " Oh i'll watch over your kits for you." She said as she stepped off as Whitedream walked over to the water and looked down before he laid down and lapped at the water as if he knew. Before he knew it he was out like a light.

When he came to he woke up in the same cave but something was different about it he looked over seeing the see starry faded form of the blue-gray she-cat standing ontop of the waver and she definitely looked as if she belonged. Maybe it was because this was where the Clans came to speak with Starclan in the beginning. He stood and waited as she made her way towards him.

" Welcome Whitedream, you remember correct?" She asked as he nodded and before he could reply she continued, " You have issue and come to me." She said ripples underneathe since she was standing on the water.

" Shimmer said you've dealt with the same as I am right...I don't know what I want to do stay here or leave with my kits...I-I dunno I just lost my mate..." He mewled looking up, " You warned me of our Starclan that they were gonna do something bad was it this storm, the flood? Wind's death?" He asked.

" No they cause death of twoleg so all leave kittypet life that all." She explained before looking away, " But you ask if I dealt with same as you I did. Back then I lead group of cats that is now Stormclan but a cat name Stormwalker came and gain acceptance of group and became leader. I no wanted to step down so I try be best leader but in end they choose him and I forced to step down." She explained as he listened she looked sad to explain this, " Close ones, loved ones chose him and I felt no right to be there so I left and try find place but...no place for me...came here to mountain to..." She said before stopping.

" To?" He asked curious as to what she did.

" To die." She said not ashamed of it as he gasped to hear that, " No be shocked, I die in place I learn to love, I find peace in." She stated, " You no do what I did, you have other place to go where family lies need you now." She added before looking at him, " You know truth and wish to go."

" Back...to Stormclan?" He asked as she nodded.

" They, too effected by storm, one they follow lost and need be found."

" Wait...Rainstar? My brother Rainstar!?" He asked shocked and worried for him.

" He live but gone you need go." She told him as her body began to fade, " First talk to youngers." She said before disappearing.

He woke up and headed back knowing he needed to speak to his kits as River had said and then he needed to head back to Stormclan and see how they were. He didn't feel right bringing his kits with him on this seeing it was dangerous outside so he thought of keeping them here but he needed to speak with them first.

He saw them talking with Speckle and Dove as he made his way towards them, " Kits." He called as they turned.

" Papa.~" Featherkit said smiling but he could tell her smile was sad she was trying to be strong and he knew it wasn't working.

" Shimmer said you went to think by yourself." Fluffykit pointed out and Whitedream had to admit it was hard to look at her since she looked just like her mother and it always brought sadness out of him.

" Yes and I wish to speak with you all about something." He said as they nodded and huddled into another part of the cave, " Listen all of you...I did some thinking and...well I'm going to go back and check on Stormclan, you all are gonna stay here and be apart of Cloudclan." He said.

" Dad no." Slatekit began, " We want to come with you and help anyway we can." He added as the others agreed.

Rowankit looked at him, " Daddy no you can't go out there what if we lose you too?!" She asked tears in her eyes.

" Yeah...we don't want to lose you." Fluffykit confirmed their fears as he looked at them and tried to force a smile.

" Guys I'm not going anywhere but I don't want you going out there it is...rough. Here you are safe and with friends and they will take care of you while i'm away. I promise this is not pernament and i'm not leaving i'm going to check on them...Slatekit you were right before when you called me a coward for leaving them behind you were right and I need to go back and see them once more." He said looking at the smal gray tom who looked down.

" Go dad we'll still be here when you returned. We don't know how long you'll be gone but maybe when you get back we'll be apprentices right guys?" He asked looking at them as they smiled and all nodded.

" Yeah we'll make you proud dad." Runningkit said smiling at him as Rowankit puffed out her chest as Whitedream smiled.

" You all already make me so proud same with your...mother...she's watching you all now and is very proud I promise. I will be back as soon as I can but I must do this." He said licking each and every one of their heads.

" We love you Papa and will be waiting for you." Featherkit smiled.

" I hear you have come with a decision i'm happy to hear and you are very welcome here whenever you return and your kits will be safe. I plan to start acting as leader of Cloudclan while you are away." Shimmer said walking up to them.

" Thank you for watching over them." He thanked as she smiled.

" You are one of us as they are and I would never just throw out kits." She said resting her tail on his shoulders in a kind gesture that she did, " I will see about getting you some prey before you leave tomorrow." She said turning and stalking off.

Once he got some prey he was eating as Sweetpoppy came up to him and sat down, " Mind if I join?" She asked as he shook his head pushing the prey somewhat her way so she could snag a bite, " So I hear...you're going back to Stormclan...? That it's bad I would offer to go with you but I wouldn't be welcomed fondly so please be safe and tell Sorrelcreek I'm so sorry." She said as he looked at her nodding as he swallowed.

" I will Sweetpoppy i'll tell her that you are alive and well and she will see you soon. You tried to save Wind and that means alot to me that you tried...I do miss her but i'm trying to stay positive as she would want me. I leave early tomorrow and I want you to do one thing for me."

" What's that?"

" Keep an eye out on my kits while i'm away I know they'll try to do some crazy things so I want you to watch over them and be there for them. They're still upset over the loss of their mother and I want someone close to be there for them." He asked as she smiled and nodded.

" Of course i'll watch over them for you it's the least I can do." She smiled as they sat and chatted while eating.

He woke up in Starclan and he had to admit it had been awhile but he saw everyone there and he had to hope to see Wind but she wasn't there. Icypaw stepped forward now bigger than he previously remembered seeing her. She somewhat had a sweet and kind smile that he remembered when she was alive. Whitespots sat besides Redstar as everyone watched.

" I'm no longer just Icypaw I have recieved my full name Icyrose." She explained to him now the same height as him able to look him directly in the eyes, " I must apologize for advice for everything." She said which confused him, " I have long forgiven you but I wanted to push you and I know it was wrong but it did and look where you are now. I'm proud of you now that you are heading back to Stormclan."

That statement confused him because it was opposite of what she said before, " Wait you've...forgiven me?" He asked as she nodded and he stepped forward and she further confirmed by continuing.

" Yes listen we of Starclan wanted you to learn to get over the things that Dovestar did and you have thanks to Wind. I needed to be hard on you and others to do so and I never wanted to but it was just what I needed to do."

" Did you all cause Wind to die? And where is she?" He asked as Whitespots stepped forward tail brushing Icyrose as she made her way towards Whitedream.

" No we did not cause her death, we may be Starclan but we don't intervene in the lifes of the living." She said as Whitedream laughed.

" Funny you tried to lead my two kits to Stormclan that sounds like intervening and I don't understand why River had to warn me that you all were gonna cause something bad and then she further told that you caused the death of my twoleg."

" We can't even control twolegs lives we pushed for it because we wanted you to leave that lifestyle and you wouldn't listen to us or even your own kit but we didn't cause her to die she was very old." The white spotted she-cat spoke trying to get him to understand.

" If you all didn't do that then...Wind would be alive..."

" No...err I mean yes she died...and we are sorry..." Jadeeyes said stopping as he looked around them, " But you know we can't just judge every step we make to save the lives of others. Its better to lose just one or two than lose alot. If you all stayed in that Twoleg home you would all die due to the flood. We needed you and your family to survive and it's a shame Wind didn't she died trying to save a cat."

" Why isn't she here?" He asked.

" She's...not gonna show herself right now Whitedream you have more important things and you will find that you have to continue on." Redstar said looking at him with seriousness in his tone, " I miss Softfeather but i'm glad she is living this better life in Lightclan. We all left someone and it was hard for them, for us and you will move on from this sadness and grief and when you do Wind will show herself."

" Ok." He said turning, " I'm leaving." He said.

That day passed and the next morning came, he woke up very early and stretched before silently saying bye to his kits while they slept before heading out. He was met with Shimmer, Ember, Maple, Rosaleaf, Loki and Sweetpoppy, " We wanted to wish you luck and safe travels." Shimmer smiled.

" Thank you may Starclan guide you." Rosaleaf said smiling as she didn't know anything but she knew that Stormclan would probably be a mess thanks to the Storm, " Tell everyone in Stormclan I said hello." She said as he nodded before heading out.

He left the Skystones and all that behind and headed towards south to get to Rosaleaf's barn. He was going the way he remembered he came from all those moons ago but he did wish he could skip the swamp but he knew he would have to go that way and so he did. He passed through so much tragedy and destruction that the storm and flood left coming across some trees here and there and he could see Twolegs trying to move them out of the way as an attempt to clean up and he steered clear of any Twolegs and he figured he could by going the way Sweetpoppy did when she had left after the battle with the rogues and so he tried to remember what she told him. He kept going completely dodging Rosa's Barn and going east remembering some things here and there but everything was mostly destroyed so he did have a hard time remembering obstacles and such.

But he managed and he arrived at the Thunderpath but the path was blocked off and he had no choice but to go the long route. He would have to head towards the Star's Cavern and then towards Stormclan that way. He was tired by the time he even got close to Star's Cavern and it was nighttime so he decided to take shelter and rest for awhile he wouldn't be able to see if he continued and besides he was starting to get hungry and he needed to catch some prey. He just hoped everything was ok.

That next morning he woke up when a drip of dew fell onto his nose from a leaf in the trees and he was woken by the sunshine and he was glad that there was no signs of the storm coming back. Now it's been two days since the storm and flood and he found himself sheltering in the trees. His white fur was mucky and dirty from the mud and he hated it. Never before had he been so dirty. He rose to her paws and stretched before continuing on and while he was walking he passed by some mountains and wondered something but he had no time he needed to get to Stormclan camp. He finally got there and he saw the entrance was trashed but he pushed his way through the bushes and saw it was destroyed. The ledge leading up to the Leader's den was destroyed, trees and it was just a mess...something he wasn't expecting to come back to and it broke him because last time he saw this camp it was flourished and full of life now it was empty and dull of life.

" Hello?" He called hoping atleast someone was here but he recieved no reply as he grew dishopeful. He shook his head he couldn't be like that and he had to believe they would find a place to get out of this.

He headed out of camp and went to look around the territory maybe someone would be around getting an idea of how bad the damage was. He looked around sniffing the air and around him getting some scent of Stormclan. He could only hear the silence of the forest and he was just glad he lost the bell that had been attached to his green collar during the flood or he would have alarmed the entire forest and he didn't want that just in case there was trouble around. He felt he heard something so he swiveled his ears backward to hear ir better, he could hear some sort of sound and thought maybe it sounded alot like pawsteps. He wondered who it could be but kept his eyes fixed up ahead where the Snakerocks were. He was about to take off once again when the faint rustling behind him became loud and fast-approaching leaf-crackle that he realized he was in danger. Whatever hit him like an explosion he couldn't see who as he was thrown sideways into a clump of brambles. Twisting and yowling, he tried to throw off his attacker that had fastened itself on his back. He was rusty in his skills and definitely losing in this attack but he was trying to manage. It was gripping him with incredible sharp claws that reminded him that he was glad he still had his sharp claws. Whitedream could feel spiked teeth pricking at his neck in an attempt to defeat him but he wasn't about to go do.

He writhed and squirmed as his fur began to ruffle in an attempt to scare off his attacker and show them that he wasn't about to go down easily. It was a tactic Stormclan cats used when fighting. He tried to struggle and throw them off but couldn't free himself. He felt helpless and then he froze. What if whoever this was killed him and his kits were without both parents. He couldn't have that. He flipped over onto his back and he knew this was risky but he had to. He managed to kick up his hind legs to knock the breath out of his attacker. Thrashing fiercly, he managed to free himself and then pounce onto his attacker ready to show him how he wasn't just about to let whoever this cat was take him out. He had his paw on the cat's windpipe ready to cut away at windpipe.

But when he realized it he caught sight of darker gray splotches and focused better to see familar gray tabby fur and he knew who this was. Happiness and sadness pricked their way to his heart as he smiled at the tom who had yet to realize he just attacked his older brother.

" I-If...you're going to kill me do it!" The tom said eyes still close as he waited for the moment of death but the paw retracted from his throat and the weight on him disappeared since Whitedream got off of him and stepped away and he opened his eyes confused as he rose to his paws, " Huh?"

" It hasn't been that long, Jaysnow." Whitedream stated as Jaysnow looked at him before noticing the scar and the familar green eyes.

" Oh my Starclan...Whitedream is that you?" He asked as the white tom nodded as his brother looked him up and down noticing how his fur was dirty and he wore a green collar, " Your wearing a kittypet collar?" He asked as Whitedream nodded.

" Yeah...uh...I became a kittypet for awhile had some kits with a kittypet named Wind...who...uhh...I lost during the storm then I came here after to check on you all..." He said as Jaysnow pushed him.

" You've been gone for moons and now you come back...god you...you..." He began as Whitedream thought his brother was really angry but then he pulled him close and hugged him crying, " You goofball! We were all worried!" He sobbed and Whitedream held him close breathing in the scent of his brother.

" I'm sorry I needed to go to get myself settled but i'm back for now so come on dry the tears." He said as he let go and his brother nodded wiping the tears away.

" R-right...Oh man I need to find Drizzlepaw! He's my apprentice and he disappeared in the flood...well with alot of others while some..." He said stopping, " Rainstar's missing and Scarredfoot is dead. He tried to save Ripplekit and Doestep but they all died..." He explained.

" Starclan told me Rainstar was missing and I came to help find him...and know how everyone is doing." The white tom said as Jaysnow looked at him, " It must be a sign then...help me look for Drizzlepaw and then we'll go back to where we're staying which is Snakerocks." He explained as Whitedream nodded.

They continued on down the path passing the destruction the flood left in it's wake. He had to wonder how they Lightclan was and hope they were alright especially Softfeather.

He stopped looking down at his paws as green eyes looked up noticing two rocks between them gray fur with black ripples clung towards the rocks with blood matted in the fur. They both gasped and ran over moving the body gently and saw that it was Drizzlepaw and he was dead.

It was such a bad way to die far away from your clanmates...He watched his brother mentally curse Starclan for taking his apprentice too soon and he watched him bury his nose into his fur and mourned as he began to crying softly. Whitedream watched sadly as the tom rose his head before choking on a sob before picking up his apprentice's body.

" C-come on lets see if we can find anyone else..." He said as he sadly walked off. Along the way they found Brackenwish his body layind motionlessly in the water eyes dull of life. He was dead and they picked him up and headed back to the temporary camp.

When they got there he was met with looks from everyone since they probably didn't remember him due to his scent, the fur and the collar but he noticed Scarredfoot's, Doestep's and a white-and-black dappled tom's body sprawled out in the center so he put Brackenwish's body there as his brother dropped Drizzlepaw's.

" Excuse me for a moment I got to go tell Mistywater and Wavepaw about his death." Jaysnow said as he stepped off and in a matter of seconds he was tackled to the ground as he saw Soaringwind; who was now much taller than the last time he saw her; she had tears in her eyes and she smiled.

" I knew it was you Whitedream!~" She purred as he looked away still feeling guilty when he noticed the scar he had caused, " Don't be upset over it please I understand you had alot going on back then and i'm not mad." She added.

" O-ok..." He said as she got off him and he rose to his paws.

" So a kittypet?" She asked, " You're too dirty to be one." She pointed out as he looked at himself.

" Well I was one for a time but then things happened and i'm not anymore..." He said not wanting to go too deep into it, " Anyway it's been awhile Soaringpaw."

" Soaringwind." She corrected as he gained a sad look when she said wind.

" Oh...Wind..." He looked down as she tilted her head.

" Oh hold on there will be some cats that want to see you." She said stepping off into the caves as he heard wailing and saw Mistywater run out with Wavepaw in tow as they ran to Drizzlepaw's body and cried. They didn't notice him and he was glad since he didn't want anyone noticing him as of yet.

Cloudsky ran out with Winterdusk, Jaysnow, Brambleberry and Soaringwind as Cloudsky flew herself towards him and he swore he was just keep getting cats thrown at himself, " Oh Whitedream i'm so glad you're back!~ That you're alright." She smiled looking at him, " Jaysnow did explain everything and he told me you have kits? Where are they, I want to meet them."

" They're back with some friends of mine like Rosa. I didn't want them out in this mess when I came here. I promise you'll get to meet them soon enough." He explained to her.

" Welcome back." Winterdusk said.

" Wait the same Rosa who lead us here?"

" Yes I met her and she's helped me out but i'll explain that all later." He said looking around, " Where's Leopardsplash?" He asked.

" She's missing...last we seen her was going after Rainstar and he's missing too and we...just...don't know. Shadewhisper is taking over being in charge but we're losing our minds not knowing where they are." Brambleberry explained, " Oh come on Arcticsky will want to see you too. She's in the cave about to have kits." She said.

" Maybe later I'm here to look for Rainstar and Leopardsplash, Starclan told me to come here for this exact moment." He explained, " Tell her I promise I will come see her." He said seeing Sorrelcreek appear, " Oh hold on just a second." He said as he went to her, " Sorrelcreek."

" Oh Whitedream you're back?" She asked confused.

" Yes...but I got something to tell you...Sweetpoppy is alive and well...she wanted me to tell you sorry."

" She's...alive? Wait I thought you would hate her?"

" I mean I did but while I was gone i've learn to let go and she's a good friend to me now...she even tried to save my mate in the storm but failed...but I don't blame her she's back watching over my kits." He explained to her as she smiled.

" I'm glad she's ok really thank you for telling me." She said tears forming as he smiled and passed his family.

" I'm going out to look for Rainstar and Leopardsplash." He said as Shadewhisper came out frantic.

" I just recieved a vision about Rainstar!" He called.