Sun was sitting in a meadow. No, it wasn't a meadow. It was a big, grassy area with four, huge oak trees around it. There was a rock in front of him and the warm, water-flow A/N: Greenleaf air brushed his fur.

"We have escaped the darkness," he whispered aloud, looking around for an answer.

"No Sunstorm," came the familiar voice of Lionstar, "Your winding path has only begun."

"Where are you!" he hissed angrily, "Show yourself to me, StarClan! Why is it I have never seen you? Destined to lead my cats to more darkness!" His loud hiss bounced off the rock and back to his ears. He was angry. Angry at StarClan for bringing down his cloud of happiness.

"You could not see us in the mountains, Sunstorm, because we could not see you. You were not only chosen by StarClan but the Tribe of Endless Hunting as well. Do you doubt their decision?" Sun didn't answer. His blood was cooling but his eyes held his anger.

"What do you want from me?"

This time Gingerstar spoke, "Only what you know is right." StarClan's voice rang together, "Sunstorm of two skies, are you ready to see us? To know StarClan in ways of only the past, the leaders and the Medicine Cats?"

He figured "Medicine Cat" meant healer and nodded, "I am."

Sun stepped back in shock as four huge figures faded in before him. One was golden with a large main that Sun realized was a lion. Next to him was just slightly smaller and dark red with thick black stripes. Beside her, were two golden cats. One had a lead body but one was far more spotted then the other.

"Welcome, Sunstorm, first cat to lay eyes on StarClan since the time of Tigerspirit." The black tom felt small in their presence and his voice was caught like a kit's. Another cat faded in, she was a small tiger, not quite as dark as Gingerstar. "Greetings, Sunstorm," she greeted.

"Tigerspirit," he purred respectfully, remembering her from the mountains. One last cat faded in. She was a golden she-cat, smaller then Sun. he didn't take a moment to recognize her. "Peak!" he exclaimed, "You made it to StarClan." Relief poured though him and his confidence came back. He straightened himself and stared into the eyes of these glorious cats.

"You are leading your Tribe well, Sunstorm. Are you ready to spend time with StarClan?" Sun's first thought was that this was a prophecy of death, but StarClan continued, "You will live the life with each Clan every night until you learn the ways of the old and place the ways of the new. Tradition only goes so far, Sunstorm."

"I am ready, StarClan." His answer was definite as he nodded his black head, "I'm ready."

Goldenstar stepped forward, "Come, Sunstorm, spend a day in LionClan. The setting around him changed. He saw a large amount of space with few trees and a lot of grass. There were many lions, big and, small, dark and light pacing around. Their pelts varied from the palest yellow to an almost-dark brown. One padded beside Goldenstar. "Sunstorm, this is Lightstep, the first Medicine Cat of the forest."

"Greetings Lightstep of LionClan. A Medicine Cat is a healer?"

The light lioness answered promptly, "Yes, We are like your healers. But we only heal, not lead. And we speak with StarClan in ways no other cats can." Another lion padded up to them. He was Goldenstar's height but his main was a different color. As Sun looked around, he noticed that all of the lion's had darker manes then Goldenstar. "Sunstorm, this is Wildfang, my greatest deputy."

"Greetings Wildfang of LionClan." He looked at Goldenstar who said, "A deputy is the one a leader trusts most. One who can help a leader with all their problems, concerns and decisions."

The surrounding disappeared and only the four leaders were left, "Go now, Sunstorm. You have spent too long in StarClan, you will see the other AncientClans soon. Go lead yours."

"I won't fail you," he whispered, "I can't. I can't fail Shadow. I can't fail Lion and Feather, Thunder and Rain. I can't fail, Ash, Wing, Rain or Rip. I can't fail Shadow." As his spirit drifted back to earth that thought repeated in his head.

I won't fail Shadow

He woke to find his fur ruffled and sweaty from tumbling in his nest all night. As he opened his eyes his eyes met concerned, yet kind, green ones.

"You met StarClan," she said, her voice shaking slightly and Sun could tell she was trying to restrain her fear. "You-you were talking in your sleep."

Oh no, Sun thought desperately, what did he say? He couldn't ask but instead stupidly shook himself. "Is…is Lion here?"

She shook her head, "He left with Rip to hunt and explore at Sunrise."

He nodded absent-mindedly. As much as he wanted to confide in Shadow but part of him couldn't. "What about Rain?"

Shadow was rarely anything but calm but her green eyes flashed with annoyance that didn't last more then a heartbeat. "Yes, she's there, sharing tongues with Fog and Leopard."

Thinking it was a trick of the light he meowed, "Thanks. I am going to go talk to them."

She nodded, but before he could walk off her tail was on his shoulder. "Is it scary?" He gave her a blank look, "Speaking to StarClan. Is it scary?"

The question caught the black tom off guard. "It was at first," he answered honestly, "But they tell me what I need to hear, no matter how much I dislike it." Hesitantly, he added, "Can I tell you later?" She nodded and let him go. As he turned, he locked eyes with Thunder.

"Hi there," she greeted, "Where are you going?"

"To talk with Rain," he answered, shortly. He was still too shaken from his dream to deal with Thunder's smart-aleck attitude.

The ginger she-cat didn't seem to notice, "Really? Because I see another she-cat behind you that you would be better off talking to."

"Not now, Thunder." He snapped, "Look, can I talk to you later? Why don't you and Shadow go…I don't know-hunt? Make yourselves useful." He turned sharply and narrowly avoided Shadow's eyes. As he walked to Rain he felt awful. Thunder was his friend, and Shadow. Well, she was more. He wanted to turn and apologize to both of them but his feel wouldn't turn. He kept walking towards Rain. As soon as the gray and white she-cat spotted him she stood.

"Are you alright?" she asked, her strong blue eyes looking him over from head to talk, "You look like you lost a fight with rock."

He didn't smile but instead motioned her far away from Fog and Leopard. "I…I had a dream from StarClan last night." Her eyes betrayed nothing as she nodded, allowing him to continue, "I've always told Lion and Rip when they call me, but I think it's important for others to know too. I trust you, Rain, and so do other cats."

"I understand," she said clearly, "Is there not a fourth cat you will tell? You said there are four Clans, and four StarClan leaders that speak to you. Do you not think the numbers should be even?"
Sun felt his fur stand on end. He had thought about this and was hoping that it wouldn't have to be so, but Rain's clear mind forced him to say it. "Yes, I know you're right. Please…" he couldn't believe the next words that left his mouth, "Get Wing so I can tell him." He expected shock, disbelief or anger, in fact he wanted to see it, but she held his steady gaze and finally nodded.

The time she was gone felt like forever. Sun sat in silence, feeling worse and worse by the heartbeat. He had blown off Shadow to speak with Rain, and gotten mad at Thunder. And he was about to confide in Wing…how far he had come since they left the mountains.

Wing appeared, followed by Lion and Rip who were obviously back from hunting. "Hi, buddy," greeted Lion, touching noses with him and, by the look in his amber eyes, Sun figured his friend noticed his ruffled fur.

"Hi," he greeted weakly, looking at the four cats before him. He chose his words carefully as he spoke, "I wish to tell this to you for many reasons. Not only because of your skills in hunting and fighting, and the fact that you're trustworthy, but that others trust you."

That was it, the plain truth. He told them about his dream with StarClan, about spending time in LionClan, even though he had no idea how that was possible. After he was done he studied their faces to try and see what they were thinking. Rip's old blue eyes held understanding and a clam that warmed Sun. Wing's eyes were determined, and there was a hint of shock that couldn't be concealed. Rain looked proud, as always, and confident. Last he looked at Lion, whose amber eyes hadn't shaken as he appeared as calm as Rip. Sun saw no shock in the eyes of his best friend, just a strong sense of compassion and wonder.

Sun let them think while his yellow eyes burned into each of theirs. They didn't seem to notice or lose his gaze, but instead seemed lost in their own thoughts. Finally, Lion gave him a slight nod and a warm blink. At the same time, Wing stepped forward.

"Sun," he meowed deeply, his eyes now betraying nothing, "I'd be a fool not to believe that you can lead us to a new home. You've gotten us so far, and to safety from Darkpools." Sun nodded his thanks at the praise before the black tom continued, "I'm not sure I believe in StarClan, not yet. I do know that you are leading us well. What can we do to help you? You make it sound as if you know something bad is coming."

Sun nodded again. Perhaps Wing understands more then I do.

"Yes and no," he answered evenly, "We have no reason to believe our journey is done. We don't need a sign from StarClan to show us that."

No expression graced Wing's face, "I have one other question for you." Sun flicked his tail for him to continue, "Are there already Clans in the forest, or are we starting new Clans?"

Sun stopped dead, trying hard to keep an expressionless face. This idea had never crossed him. StarClan always came to him as Ancient Cats and the AncientClans. No Tribe Cat thought there were cats outside the mountains, but there could be. It took him a few heartbeats to realize he still hadn't said anything.

With one deep breath he said, "I cannot answer that, nor did I consider that. I don't believe there will be cats there but I never know." He sounded like Lionstar, he knew, giving an indirect answer. "I don't know how we'll know when to stop going, but I think we'll know the place when we see it." Hesitantly he added, "I'm sorry I cannot better answer your question."
Wing gave a grunt of agreement. "I'm going hunting." He meowed finally, "Do you know how hard it is to hunt below the montains? The hawks don't come down for the food, so we'll have to learn to catch smaller prey. Pool and I have found a few ways to stalk."

Sun nodded in agreement, wondering why he hadn't thought of that. he had been so proud that the cats had made it and problems that lay in the future he hadn't thought of what could be hard now. "That's good Wing. Show as many cats as you can so we can be well fed before we leave." Wing nodded and flicked his tail before padding off towards Pool and Edge.

Rain dipped her head, "How long until we continue moving?"

"What do you think?" He asked his three friends. He was beginning to realize he hadn't put much thought into anything except his dream.

"A few days, at least. We can tell this place is safe. No eagles, mountain lions or red foxes. We could stay here and get our strength up for what lies ahead."
Sun nodded, "Good idea. Lion, Rip?"

Rip nodded as well, "Flower and her kits are exhausted. They need rest."

"So does the rest of the Tribe," chimed Lion, his amber eyes glowing with sympathy for his friends, "I think we could all do with a bit of sleep."

"I'll inform every one soon. For now, I think we should keep watch-missions out and camp guards. There's a lot to be done if we'll be staying a few days."

Rain dipped her head slightly, "I'll go ask Fog and Bark to come on a watch-mission." She looked over all three toms and held Sun's gaze for a moment, "Get some sleep, tomcats." With that, she gave Sun a flick on the shoulder and padded off towards the assembled cats.

With his two closest friends Sun relaxed his unknowingly-tense shoulders. There was one question biting at his tongue, "Was that dumb?"

"Staying here?" asked Rip, "No, not at all. I think it's very wise to allow your cats to rest."

"Not staying here," he sighed, wondering if Rip already knew what he was getting at, "Telling Wing and Rain about my dream."

"And that was just as wise."

"Thank you," he whispered, looking to Lion to see if his friend had the same advice.

"You didn't get along with Wing because he disliked you tailing along on his fighting missions, and you disliked him for not letting you. Now that we're all learning hunting and fighting, and our skills need to be modified anyway, it was a good decision." He blinked to his friend in thanks. "Have you told Shadow yet?"

Sun shook his head, "She knows I spoke with StarClan but I went to speak with Rain before that."

"Okay, I think she left with Thunder just as we got back," Rip said. Lion mumbled something Sun didn't catch, "Don't worry, I saw Ash with them." Both toms visibly relaxed. "Why don't the three of us go exploring?"

Sun nodded, grateful for the distraction. He quickly ran and told Rain before she left, and for her to let Wing know if she saw him. As he turned back he saw River talking to Rip. They said something he couldn't hear and was gone before he got close enough.

"He's a good tom," Rip said as they walked off, "He really does want to help. Actually, he was wondering if he might help Flower a bit more." For a heartbeat Sun wondered just how much Flower meant to River but pushed the thought from his mind. It wasn't any of his business and he didn't think Flower would ever forget her mate, Cloud.

They walked away from the mountain towards the big stone structure that Sun saw before they touched the ground. They traveled toward the setting Sun to see where they might be headed.

For awhile they walked in silence and Sun dipped into his own thoughts. It really was amazing they made it this far. He thought of the friends he made on this journey, like Rain, and how fond he grew of Shadow. A wave of guilt hit him.

"Maybe we should head back now," he said, feeling guilty for leaving Shadow all day. Lion and Rip both seemed to sense something was wrong and agreed right away. All the way back Sun pushed Shadow from his mind, with great difficulty, and thought about what Wing said. Would they have to create their own boundaries or would there be cats waiting for them. The sun was sloping below the horizon as they returned.

Every cat had made a nest in the soft ground. Wing came and reported the caught-prey they had caught and Rain told them that they found no dangers around. Edge said he wanted to check for herbs the next day.

"Actually, Edge, I would like to talk to you." Edge nodded, "Do you believe in StarClan?"

The gray tom held his gaze for some time, "I think I do. I think Red and Blue and Dream do as well." Sun gave a brief version of his dream and meowed, "Medicine Cats is what you are called in the Clans. You learn the herbs but do not lead, and you can speak with StarClan."

"StarClan have not come to me."

Sun sighed, "I don't know what it means but I'm hoping StarClan will show me more. Please tell the other cats for me?"

"Of course. Thank you, I never wanted to lead and it is good to know I will have a place in the Clan."

"Darkpools trained you, yet you never wanted to lead the Tribe?"

"No, he chose me because we have been good friends not because it's what I wanted. Healing was what I enjoyed, not ordering cats around."

Sun smiled, "It's not the most appealing job. And you'll always have a place in the Clans." Edge flicked his tail and walked away. He made a quick announcement to the cats that they would be staying here a few days to work up their strength. Then he went to go find Shadow.

He spotted her green eyes quickly. She was sitting next to Thunder, Feather and Lion and Sun couldn't help but think she was deliberately avoiding his gaze. He padded over and she turned her head away, Thunder did the same.

As he padded close she muttered something he couldn't hear and stalked off. "Shadow!" he called to her, hoping she just didn't see him but she didn't respond. She kept walking away from camp as the sun sank below the horizon.

He looked over at Thunder for help. "Go get her, you great hawk-head." Was all she said, flicking her tail impatiently. Lion left Feather to stand by his side.

"She knows what she's saying Sun," he whispered to her, "Go after her. Bring her back before it gets to dark to see her."

"What if she doesn't want me?" he whispered to his best friend in anguish.

"Go."

With that his mind was made up. He quickly padded after Shadow into the blood red horizon. He wanted to know what was wrong and to get her back to him. If he had to follow her forever to do so he would.

Brightfang: Hey everyone! I hope I haven't bored you all or lost your intrest because I got no reviews last chapter. That may also explain why it took so long for me to update (reviews tend to inspire me). Constructive criticism is always useful!

Flamestreak: Hope you enjoy the chappie! We're looking for helpful ideas on what you want. Please let us know! hint, hint haha.