Stormynight paused at the edge of StoneClearing, her paws at the very edge of the overlooking cliff. Cloak was by her side, drawing deep breaths of air into his lungs with force. "We're too late." He breathed out. He was right.

The two warriors could hear StoneClearing before they saw it. The air was full of caterwhauls and screams, met with the furious spitting against enemies. The world had become war within moments of coming into earshot. Stormynight felt a cold tremble shake her shoulders, her instincts begging for her to flee. To not continue to the battle. Instead, she had to do just that. Cloak audibly gulped, his gaze scanning the clearing. "I never could have imagined..." He didn't finish his sentence, but the gray she-cat at his side knew what he meant.

Stormynight said nothing.

Hesitation clawed at their pelts, and for a brief moment, they considered retreat. Besides, what could two warriors do to make a difference in a battle as bloody as such? Her paws tingled. It couldn't be that bad, could it? They exchanged an uncertain glance. The two leaped into StoneClearing, and reality bluntly hit them. The thick grass that stretched out was clattered and blanketed with bodies, bleeding their hearts into the ground. Few had breaths sucking into their mouths, their eyes wide with horror as their lives slowly ebbed. The gray warrior had no idea who the heck was winning. The only thing that ran through her mind was the amount of death that revealed itself to her eyes within mere seconds.

A flash out of the corner of her eye warned her instincts to duck. Leopard leaped over her gracefully, turning and facing the two with a hiss. With a shocked grunt, Stormynight took a step back, only for Leopard to pounce once more, landing a strong blow to her shoulder. Cloak took a step back by surprise, his eyes widening by the sudden attack. Stormynight swiped her paw around, trying to catch a claw on the brown she-cat. Leopard managed to kick her, bringing her to the blood-stained ground and pinning her to the grass. She raised her claws, unhesitant in her final strike.

Stormynight had closed her eyes, so the next part had confused her. The weight had been suddenly lifted, taken from her and giving her room to stand. She found Cloak with his teeth in Leopard's neck, pulling her back. She withered and hissed, breaking from his grasp. Unfortunate for her, he merely re-attacked. He bit her shoulder, and she drew away in alarm. "Cloak!" She hissed, meeting the recognizable face with her own eyes.

"Not happy to see me?" He gave a fake purr before attacking again. Stormynight came to his side, leaping at the she-cat and managing to get her teeth around her paw. She twisted, trying to take the she-cat to the ground. Leopard let out a hiss of determination, spinning and rolling Stormynight to the dirt.

"You're finished." She hissed, clamping her jaws around Stormynight's throat. The pain was only quick, for the weight was lifted once more. She turned her head. Cloak and Coalwing were tearing the she-cat off now. Caroline! Stormynight scrambled around, panting for the breath she had lost, and then leaped onto the enemy with the other two. With their combined strength, Stormynight landed a strong bite to Leopard's neck, taking the enemy's life. The she-cat siezed in pain for a moment, her eyes flashing with horror before growing still.

Stormynight panted, the fresh scars stinging on her already sore body. She breathed slowly, flattening her ears as she calmed down her thudding heart. "Stormynight!" Coalwing hissed with such urgency, that Stormynight's head snapped up without a second thought. Coalwing didn't hesitate to report her knowledge. "Leopard attacked Jaggedclaw."

"Alone?" Stormynight caught her breath, her eyes widening with terror. "Where is he? Is he okay?"

Coalwing turned her head away, her ears flattening. She lowered her words to a whisper. "He's dead, Steph."

The reality shot through the gray warrior like lightning, and her paws trembled. This was too much. Too much blood was being shed, too many lives were being taken. Too many lives that she truly cared about. The war continued on mere feet away, but she blocked the noise out. She held her breath, trembling. Ba-thump. Ba-thump. Ba-thump. She could hear her own heart. It pounded in her chest. "Where is he?" She whispered at last, looking up at her best friend with a lost gaze.

Coalwing took her to Jaggedclaw's body with much sadness, bounding around the battle going on in the peaceful gathering home. They found his body soon enough, much to their own dismay. He lay on his side, his breathing coming in shallow gasps. He lay on his side, his legs sprawled out as if he were running. He showed no sign of life. His eyes were dull and empty, and it broke the warrior standing over him. Stormynight choked, attempting to hold back tears. "This is all my fault..." She murmured softly, her eyes watering. Cloak pressed against her side in attempt to comfort her.

"No, no, no." Coalwing soothed, pressing against her other side. "It's not your fault."

The war continued on, the noise shaking back into Stormynight's ears. She raised her head to the war, her eyes adjusting. They had to protect who remained. There was nothing else that could be done outside of the war here, and she felt her heart thud loudly at the thought. She might even die. She didn't know what to do, but she knew that she must fight for her Clan. It was the last thing left in her life that meant anything.

Cloudfrost, Shadeleaf, Clawtooth, Rainstar, only beginning to name the fallen. Each empty gaze that came into Stormynight's sight made her hold back a sob. She loved these cats. How could this happen? When she wanted the life of a warrior, many many moons ago, she hadn't intended for her to lose everyone. She unsheathed and sheathed her claws into the dirt, her mind racing. It came to her like the thunder after lightning, making her hold her breath. She thought it out, racing over her ideas. There weren't anymore options anyway, right? This was the only way. "Cloak, we need to break them apart." She spoke strongly, her voice recovering as she began to turn towards the fight.

Cloak replied with a shocked gaze. "How on earth..."

"Just trust me!" She hissed, leaping into the war. She let out a long, ear-piercing wail throughout the battle. It hadn't done much at first, and all cats continued their fighting. She continued to let it ring out. It wasn't working! She avoided a blow aimed at her neck, leaping backwards and facing her enemy. There wasn't time for this! She leaped over her opponent and raced for the Great Stones. Leaping onto the nearest one, she dug her claws into the crevices and carried her weight to the top. She raised her yowl again, letting it ring out throughout the battle. Cats raised their heads to her, beginning to break apart. There... there we go. She thought, hoping this was worth it. The cats began to break up, backing away from their opponents. This was similar to how warriors would react to their leaders when they fought at gatherings. The survivors backed away and sided on each side of the clearing, regrouping with their own Clans. They shot hostile glares at each other, hissing and spitting with rage.

"Stop!" Stormynight hissed, leaping onto the ground and facing the side of the three Clans that inhabited the home. Cloak made his way to the she-cat, standing on her opposite side and facing GrassClan with a hostile glare. The Clans had successfully regrouped. They could resume fighting at any moment they wanted.

But they didn't.

Stormynight hissed once more so the Clans would keep their distance. She now had their full attention, and she reminded herself not to blow this. She took a deep breath, her wounds stinging once more. She ignored them. It was time to act like a leader. "Don't you all see how ridiculous this is?" She spat loudly, facing her own Clans. "You're fighting for territory that GrassClan lost a long time ago. You're fighting us for something we had no control over." She lashed her tail.

A GrassClan warrior scoffed behind her. "The other Clans refused to give GrassClan aid. They're heartless, and we're taking what we deserve.."

"Do you really think that they'd give up territory that kept their own Clan alive?" Stormynight retorted. "If all three Clans lost their homes, would you divide your territory so that they may have enough to keep themselves alive?" Silence. "I thought so!"

Cloak stiffened against her. She turned around, finding Shard standing before the brown cat with burning eyes. His claws unsheathed into the dirt as he spoke. "I told you to leave long ago, little pest." He seethed, a growl rumbling in his throat. His claws ripped the earth as he paced towards Cloak. "What on earth convinced you to return?" He asked with such gentleness. It shook Stormynight to the bone.

The Clans were looking at Cloak with confusion. Stormynight lashed her tail, breathing heavier. She had forgotten, the Clans didn't know Cloak was once of GrassClan blood. The brown cat at her side took no notice to the stares however, and only focused on the tall leader before him. "I've returned to defend the honor of the Warrior Code. I'm here to help bring peace to the Clans who rightfully own these lands."

Shard continued to glare. Coalwing made her way over to them, pressing against Stormynight's side for support as she cautiously watched the two stare into each other's eyes. If looks could kill, Cloak might be dead by now. She felt her heart continue to thud. The silence continued for agonizing seconds, seeming like seasons. The sky above their heads grew dark, pushing a cold breeze through the air that made Stormynight and Coalwing shiver.

"Leopard." Shard growled at last, breaking the silence. "Get these pests out of my way so I may... speak... to my exiled warrior." He turned his head, expecting his trusted warrior to carry out his law. No cat moved behind him. Four seconds passed before Shard gave up. "Fine. Jack, get over here and get these two out of my way."

A black cat leaped out of the crowds, tackling Stormynight and Coalwing away from the others. Coalwing landed a good blow to his side with quick paws, but he brougt his claws around, digging them into the back of Coalwing's neck. The she-cat yowled in pain, her paws scrambling for movement. This was unmistakably a deathblow. Stormynight caught her balance, turning to attack the one called Jack. But before she gathered her muscles, she froze with a broken heart. He released his claws, letting her best friend fall against the earth with a sickening thud. She didn't move. The world began to spin, her words caught in her throat. She dug her claws into the earth as her motion remained in jagged horror.

Only two heartbeats had passed. It felt like two years. She stared at her best friend, anger bubbling inside of her.

"No!" Stormynight hissed loudly, leaping at the black cat. He ducked, sending her to the ground on his other side. Regaining her balance quickly, she re-struck, lashing out with heavy claws. Her right paw managed to catch his side, drawing a long scar across his pelt. He staggered, turning and kicking Stormynight's jaw. Dazed, she stepped backwards. He leaped again, throwing his weight against her with a powerful maneuver. A warrior move rang through her mind, and she stuck her paws out, catching the warrior and turning him to the ground. Once she had the tom pinned, she reached down for a deathbite. But before her teeth even made contact, she heard the seizing grunt of a cat in pain, followed by a heavy thud against the ground. When she raised her head, her eyes found Cloak on the ground, unmoving.

She was in a trance again. Darkness swam around her as her mind willed her to flee. Run from this place of death! Your heart is weak here, and your mind is scarred for all eternity! She dug her claws into the ground, voices swimming through her mind. She felt like a radio station; emotions channeling into her mind all at once. Jack attacked her once more, but she lifted her paw and sank her claws into his neck. She threw him on the ground and puffed out with new strength.

This new strength felt powerful. As if she had breathed a whiff of StarClan's own stars. She knew then, what she must do. She turned to the leader standing over Cloak, her eyes now trained on him.

"From the words of ancient warriors log ago..."

Power began to surge within her veins. She could sense cats begin to stiffen. Her tears dried away on their own, and she felt her power intensify. Words spilled from her mouth that she had no control over. It was all to the newly found strength.

"And from the prophecy foretold moons ago."

She dug her claws in, suddenly seized with the power. It was intense. She felt ready to burst on the spot, but the words continue to tumble from her whiskers.

"The Storm will be called for unity among all.

"The Clans shall be reminded.

"Of what was told long ago."

She felt like she was having a heart attack. She shivered from the force. The dark sky above continued to shimmer with stars, but the trauma inside her body felt like the world was crumbling around her. It was as if all of StarClan's inhabitants entered her body, breaking the physical skin, yet strengthening her mind.

"Unite."

She opened her eyes. The power was ready to be released.

"Or die!"

She wasn't sure what happened next. She remembered the strength tumbling out of her all at once, sending a powerful burst of light throughout the clearing. She had to dig her claws into the dirt again as she let all the energy spill from her. How on earth had she been able to harness such power? She had no clue. She opened her eyes once her body felt renewed, and she scanned the battlefield before her. The GrassClan cats had backed away, eyes wide with horror.

"Retreat!" Shard yelled out, his voice cracking amongst the terror.

I... I did it. Whatever I did. As Stormynight watched the fleeing enemies, she let her gaze travel over the cats around her. She bent her head, emotions overtaking her body again as she sighed in pain. This night was indeed a victory, though her new family had fallen around her.

Something made her look back up. A light glow had flown around the bodies, and up rose their spirits. Their eyes glowed with a star-like shine, and she caught her breath in her throat. Cloudfrost, Rainstar, Whitestreak, and many others in an atmosphere of stars as they stood. Their gazes turned to Stormynight, all affixed with respected gazes. She let her gaze travel around, watching with wonder. When she turned excitedly to Coalwing, her body was still, with no ghost in her place. Something tore at her heart. Surely Coalwing was fit to enter StarClan? Where else would she go? Jaggedclaw remained still as well. And when she landed on Cloak, her heart felt ripped to shreds. There was no reason he should be stuck on the ground. He was as fit as any honorable warrior to walk among StarClan.

The risen warriors took off towards the sky, following their ancestors within one motion as if a command had been given. Stormynight let a tear escape her eye as she bowed her head. Another glow caught her eye, causing her head to lift. Coalwing's still body began to glow with a soft light. Her hopes risen, she stepped forward. Jaggedclaw's body began to shine like the stars as well, and finally, Cloak's spirit stood. They would walk among the skies.

"I-I-" Stormynight began, shock written across her face. There were so many things she wanted to say before she said goodbye. This couldn't be it, could it? She gulped. Coalwing and Jaggedclaw seemed to glitch, and they began to fade before Stormynight could say another word. Shocked and startled, she grew panicked. "Wait! Don't go!" She leaped forward, too afraid to let her best friend and brother go so soon.

But they were not leaving. Instead, they now stood as the two-legs they once were, long ago. They looked down at their refreshed bodies, studying their arms and legs. They hadn't seen their limbs in a year now. When Stormynight looked down at herself, she realized she was no longer a cat. Instead, she was staring at her sneakers and dark blue jeans. Her long brown hair trailed down her shoulders.

She was no longer Stormynight. Her warrior body had shed, leaving behind her refreshed self.

Loud gasps spread throughout the Clans as they took a long look at the once gray she-cat. Cloak's ghost only stared, with an expression unreadable. Stormynight leaned down, though she still towered over him. There wasn't a way she could get to his eyelevel without laying down. The cats seemed so much smaller from where she crouched now.

"I don't get it. What does this mean?" He asked her, his eyes locking with hers.

She stroked his head with her hand. He did not purr in return, and only continued to stare at her. Her fingers danced through his fur, and she drew in a deep breath. "I'm not a cat." She answered with a soft tone, trying to make the situation seem like it was fine. Though really, she felt embarrassed that all the cat's gazes were trained upon her new body. "Never from the beginning. I have always been a two-leg."

Cloak's starry pelt shed with each touch. Her fingers tingled from the radiant light. "You lied to me?" He asked, narrowing his eyes with another unreadable gesture.

"You would never have understood." She sighed, taking her hand back and resting it on her crouched knee.

He hesitated, suddenly revealing his self-conscious look. "...You were right." He looked at the sky. "About StarClan."

She smiled. "In my world, it's heaven." She answered simply.

"Will you ever return?" He asked hopefully.

Stephanie frowned. "I don't know." She stood up, her eyes looking down at the brown cat. He didn't look like the cat she had seen him as earlier. He now looked like a normal forest cat that would stray near her window sometimes. "It's been fun, huh?"

"Yeah." He agreed. "I guess this is goodbye."

She nodded slowly. She turned to the Clans, who had been listening on each word, lingering with discomfort. But their shocked gazes had transformed within the few seconds of their conversation. She turned back to Cloak.

And he was gone.

She let out a long, overdue sigh. She turned to Caroline and Jacob. They raced towards her, showing off a group-hug to the cats below. They only watched. "I love you guys." She spoke, tightening their grip on them. "I'm sorry this ever happened to us."

They said nothing. They only lingered in her embrace. She drew away and looked down at the grass, catching a gaze watching her. Suncloud was watching her with sadness. She leaned down, stroking him. "You have been a great friend, Suncloud." She said, feeling the need to say a few words. He just blinked slowly in return, his gaze blank. "Forgive me for all the times I've been mean?"

He didn't hesitate to nod. "Of course." He answered.

She stood and turned away, leaving the golden cat to return to the side of his Clan. Her eyes widened as her mother and Tiffany stepped towards her out of nowhere. She put her hand to her mouth, shocked and saddened at their presence. "Guys..." She whispered, tears brimming her eyes.

Tiffany gave a soft smile, and Stephanie didn't hesitate to embrace her. Tears were spilling out of her eyes now. She sniffled, whipping her cheeks and stepping away. She faced her mother. Embracing her parent, she buried her head in her mother's arms. "It's time for you to go home." Her mother said, stroking Stephanie's hair in her fingers, catching locks between her knuckles. Stephanie took a pace backwards and turned her gaze to the Clans. Their ears were pricked, and their tails waved with a silent farewell.

I... I'm going home. She thought. Such thought was an impossible dream. It had been that way for a long time. But now, with her mother's hand on her shoulder, she felt a small power ebb into her. She was going home. She closed her eyes, feeling darkness begin to take her over. A new peace would dawn upon the Clans, and she would return to her rightful home. It was over.