"The Thunderpath," repeated Sun, looking from his friend to the black path behind them. "I think that's a brilliant idea, my friend."

Lion smiled and his eyes lit up with pride. "I'd like that a lot."

"Come on, Lion, let's go ask my bravest cats what they think."

"Right behind you buddy," Lion still smiling and using his favorite name for his best friend, but his voice was laced with lingering sadness. They walked together toward the cats who weren't keeping vigil. Sun, by himself, paced to where he thought was the center and raised his head high.

"Bravest cats! We have finished our vigil for Thunder Of Early Dawn Storm. She will be greatly missed by all, I am sure, especially her family and friends." He spoke formally, which he didn't particularly like, but knew he had to. His next proclamation had to be formal as well. "Lion thought of an idea, one to immortalize Thunder's spirit and commemorate the way she died. If all agree, we shall now call the Monsterpath the Thunderpath."

He saw Shadow's eyes fly open in surprise but their glow was true and satisfied. Lion's head was bowed and Feather looked up, giving a nod of approval. Wing stepped forward with Pool at his side. The blue-gray she-cat's face was unchanged but she did not look disapproving. It was the tom that spoke.

"Sun," he rumbled, his clear blue eyes looking him up and down, "Thunder may have irritated me at times, but she was a good To-be. She was small and quick and she died with a cause. The Thunderpath would be appropriate."

Sun was overwhelmed to have Wing say such things about his friend. He knew, as did every cat that Wing thought Thunder an annoying pain but apparently even he liked her a bit.

Rip stepped forward too, and River stood just behind him. The young tabby looked like he wanted to come forward more but stopped himself as soon as the old tortoiseshell began speaking. "I agree with Wing, the Thunderpath will show generations to come. I don't know if this is near our new home or not, but from what Blueberry has told us, there are Monsterpaths all over the place so I'm sure we'll cross another."

Rain also stepped forward, falling in line with the other two speakers. Blue was behind her, standing tall and blinking at Sun with purpose. "I think they have covered all that needs to be said," She began, "but I also approve the idea of the Thunderpath. I'll admit I didn't know Thunder too well, but she always seemed like a nice, young, she-cat."

Lion, wordlessly padded up and gave a small, "thank you," and stood in line with the rest. Ash stood behind him, her blue eyes sad and Sun realized how much Shadow's mother had grown to like Thunder over the past moons.

"Thank you, all of you," meowed Sun, "Now, does any cat have anything else to say. Agree or disagree with us?" No response came, only nodded heads and shining eyes. "Then it's decided, from this day forward the path in which the Monsters prowl will be referred to as the Thunderpath!" yowls of approval went out and Sun himself gave a short yowl before calling back their attention.

"Thunder will be buried at Sunhigh. Lion, Shadow, you two put together a burial mission." He, as usual, called all the Medicine Cats to speak with him after. Then the yellow eyed tom sent out hunting missions and patrol mission. He knew the entire time he was pushing sadness deeper and deeper down, trying to ignore the pain he was feeling for his close friend's death.

Finally he was done giving orders and caught Shadow before she went to burry her friend. "Hunt with me?" he asked, eyes pleading as he added, "Please." She nodded and brushed her pelt against his as they walked. Sun knew that it's usually Shadow who needed the reassuring and gentle affection but now they both needed it.

"Sometimes I hate this. I hate having to give orders and be a leader when I just want to grieve for my friend."

"She doesn't want you to grieve," the smoky she-cat reminded him gently.

"And I won't, not for long, but I miss her." he had to admit that Thunder's request from StarClan was hard on him too.

"I miss her too. Thunder was right when she said never doubt your leadership. Everyone trusts you."

He sighed and stammered, "I…I guess I know that. You know I'd never be mousebrained enough to leave you, right?"

"I know." They walked for a very long time, wandering in step around the unknown territory and talking. Finally, the quiet little she-cat seemed tired and they walked back together, having caught a rabbit and a mouse.

Sun placed the rabbit he was carrying by Leopard who nodded his thanks. He turned to Shadow, "I've noticed that there aren't any hawks around to be caught, only rabbits, mice, some little birds, squirrels and…oh, what did Moonset call those funny little furry things?"

"Voles."

"Voles. Oh well, food is food and there seems to be a lot more of it around here." Shadow nodded silently and tucked into her mouse. From afar, Sun noticed Lion carrying Thunder's body towards a large tree. "Shadow, why don't you help Lion burry your best friend?"

"I'd like that…aren't you coming."

Sun shook his head and Shadow's eyes flashed with disappointment. Immeditely feeling guilty, the black tom looked down. "I'm sorry, I'd like to but I have barely slept for two days."

This time Shadow nodded in understanding and reached up to lick Sun's ear. "I'll come back as soon as I can."

"Take your time, my Shadow." She smiled shyly and he spoke, and Sun knew her fur was probably prickling hot but didn't comment. Instead, he quickly scratched himself a bed out of moss and lay down to sleep.

Sun opened his eyes and looked around the familiarness of Place With Four Great Oaks. Goldenstar, Gingerstar, Swiftstar, Runningstar and Tigerspirit stood before him. Peak was there, and next to her was Thunder. Sun wanted to say something, ask how this could happen, but he couldn't. His awe of the warrior ancestors kept him silent.

Finally, Tigerspirit spoke. The small orange tiger loomed over Peak and Thunder, pushing them forward. "These two cats show the strength of your Clan, Sunstorm. Soon you will see your new home."

"But…but Lion and…and Shadow…and Flower and Cloud and the little kits…" he babbled incoherently, collecting his thoughts. "Why? Why did they have to die for us to come to our new home?"

Thunder stepped forward, purring affectionately and wisely. "Mousebrain. I got to save two kits who will grow up in the Clans. And you better remember what I said, if you grieve too long you won't be able to lead your friends. And like I said, I'll always watch over all of you."

With that, she and Peak faded into the starry sky. The four great Clan leaders stood strong with Tigerspirit in front. It was Gingerstar who spoke. "This is something you need to understand, Sunstorm, but not our only reason for calling you tonight."

"Very well," he dipped his head respectfully. "I shall listen to your wisdom."

Runningstar, stepped forward. "You have visited every territory in your dreams."

"You have walked the skies with StarClan," meowed Swiftstar.

Gingerstar gave a short purr, "You have learned to teach, to learn, to love and to respect. You do what is best for your Clan-mates, your friends and your loved ones."

"You have visited the Moonstone," added Goldenstar, "And completed the requirements for an apprentice to become a warrior."

Tigerspirit was the last to speak. "Your future is in your own paws, Sunstorm, remember that. You follow in the steps of StarClan but you hold your own future."

As his dream faded out her heard the chanting of the prophecy given to him moons before, at the beginning of his journey…"Watch your heart, your mind and your tail, for many twists and turns lie ahead."

As he faded back to a dreamless sleep he could have sworn he heard Thunder's voice, no more then a whisper in the rapidly fading sky. "But you're almost home…"

Brightfang: Yeah, it's shorter then usual, but only by about half a page. I hope you liked the dream, they're fun to write.