Chapter 25

Excitement coursed through Raincloud for the first time in moons.

The valley loomed ahead, stained white by the snow. Raincloud tried to see where MoonClan's territory was from this distance. The caves were right between the streams and the other side of the valley. FireClan was the first territory they would reach.

"This is the valley?" Risingstorm's mew was filled with awe.

"It's our home," Leafclaw murmured.

Raincloud didn't miss the longing in his voice. It hadn't been that long since they left. But it did feel like moons had passed. She hoped that everyone was alright. And that no battles had taken place while they were gone.

Clans usually fought over territory during leafbare. Since Silverstar was taken down, the Clans have been at peace. Raincloud wondered how long that treaty would last. Sooner or later someone would need to expand their territory. Especially with SunClan arriving.

"Where will our territory be?" Brookpaw demanded. "It's not a very big valley."

"It's bigger than it looks," Raincloud told her.

A FireClan patrol was approaching them. Raincloud felt her fur bristling slightly when she saw who was leading the patrol. Darkfang glared at the newcomers when he finally noticed them. Floodstar's tail raised defensively as he took a threatening step forward.

Once Darkfang had been a loyal follower of Nightfeather and Silverstar. But once his mother disappeared he changed his ties with the Clan. Raincloud wondered if his brother was any different. These two were trouble waiting to happen. Beetlewing and Cinderlight were also part of the patrol. At Beetlewing's side was an apprentice Raincloud recognized as Smokepaw.

"You're back!" Beetlewing mewed before Darkfang could speak up. The black and white tom shot him an icy glare before shaking his head.

"How is the Clan doing?" Spidergaze asked after rubbing noses with Beetlewing.

"We're doing great," Cinderlight purred. "Snowdrift gave birth to her kits while you were gone. Hollowpaw and Smokepaw are getting their warrior names tonight." She nodded to Smokepaw, who puffed out her chest fur in response.

Raincloud tried not to roll her eyes in annoyance. It was only fair that she be so proud. Every apprentice dreamed of becoming the best warrior they could be. Raincloud knew from experience that she had let pride get the better of her when she became a warrior.

"Snowdrift's kits came early!" Spidergaze muttered. "I should get back to my Clan," she added after looking at Leafclaw and Raincloud.

"But you need to help us with SunClan," Leafclaw protested. "StarClan chose us to get them here safely."

"And they're here," Spidergaze retorted. "I've done my part of the prophecy. From here on you're on your own." She glared at Floodstar one last time before joining her Clanmates. Cinderlight didn't even protest when she realized what was happening.

Why are you doing this? Raincloud wondered angrily. Didn't StarClan want them to work together? What was the point of sending them on this journey? Surely SunClan would have found the Clans on their own.

She shook her head and tried to push the irritating thoughts aside. StarClan worked in mysterious ways. She would never understand why they did the things they did. All she could do was hope for the best and wait to see what happened next.

"We need to keep going," Leafclaw meowed. He glared after Spidergaze. She turned back, eyes narrowing with what Raincloud thought was hate.

"If I catch you on my territory, your ears will be clawed off," she spat.

Leafclaw only rolled his eyes on response. Spidergaze bounded off with her Clanmates, ignoring the fact that they had already crossed the border.

"What about finding our territory?" Floodstar demanded.

"I think for now we need to get you to shelter," Raincloud replied. She tried to keep calm despite the rising anger. Spidergaze shouldn't have abandoned them. SunClan needed them now more than ever. "We should hold a meeting between all three Clans once you've had enough rest."

Floodstar looked like he was ready to argue when he thought better of it. Instead he glanced at his Clanmates before nodding in agreement. "We need rest, more than ever. Gingertail's kits are getting sick with whitecough." The worry in his voice was evident. SunClan couldn't afford to lose any kits.

They continued making their way deeper into the valley, towards MoonClan territory. Raincloud thought of where they could possibly find shelter. Another storm wasn't on it's way, thankfully, but she knew that the cold would eventually get to the Clan.

"Raincloud, I think it's best you take them to the caves," Leafclaw murmured after seeming to read her thoughts. "They'll be safer there until we can get the other Clans together."

Raincloud narrowed her eyes thoughtfully. She knew Redstar would be more than willing to give them a place to rest. But how would the rest of the Clan react? The caves were large enough to hold another Clan. Eventually she dipped her head before turning towards Floodstar.

"What do you think?" she asked warily.

The SunClan leader exchanged a look with Kestrelsong. "We must find proper shelter," he sighed. "Even if it means spending time with another Clan."

They'll be spending more than just time with the Clans, Raincloud thought. Once they were settled in the valley, they would be considered enemies among the other Clans. Unless of course one Clan decided to become allies with them.

During times of hardship the Clans would often seek out one another for help. Or they would try stealing territory. When battles were inevitable, the Clans that were considered allies would fight for one another. The elders would often share stories of this happening more than once.

"I suppose I should get back to my Clan," Leafclaw meowed. "We'll meet up again soon." He locked gazes with Raincloud until she nodded in agreement.

With Spidergaze gone, there was no point in keeping their little group together. She could easily take the Clan back to the cave.

He disappeared into the undergrowth, towards StreamClan. Once he was gone, Raincloud felt her shoulders sag with disappointment.

"Was this supposed to happen?" Risingstorm asked.

"I don't know," she replied. "But I suppose we'll find out."

AN: Short chapter, I know, but it's better than nothing. And I have to say three things. WINTERJAM IS AWESOME! Went with a friend of mine here on FF, and it was the best thing we ever did! Got to see TAN, Newsboys, Lacrae and all other artists. TAN was awesome, the lead singer was two seats in front of us singing with the crowd :D Big thanks to Cookies and Cream for reviewing!