Prologue
A tall, dark outline sat hunched on a large boulder. Her dark gray fur, outlined against the starlit sky. Another, leaner and a bit smaller figure sat next to her. He fluffed up his sleek fur, trying to protect his body from the chill of the night. The two sat near each other, watching the night sky. The star shone with great light, illuminating the sky. "It's a beautiful night." The tom meowed. "But I know you never watch the night sky. Something is up. Spit it out." He snarled.
"There is no need to be alarmed." The gray cat meowed gently. "I do not wish to cause trouble."
"Then tell me why you need me! Leaf-bare is coming and I need to make sure my Clan is strong!" The tortoiseshell snapped.
"You do have a temper! My, my, we need to work on that." The she-cat chuckled.
"Just tell me why you are here."
"Prey has been running well. Leaf-bare is almost here. The squirrels are fat from storing up, the mice preparing for a rest." The dark gray she-cat spoke, her voice calm and quiet.
The tortoiseshell tom, nodded. "The river hasn't frozen and the fish are swimming. It has been a warm Leaf-fall." He added.
Both cats turned their heads up, as the night sky suddenly darkened. A single shimmering, silver cloud had covered the half-moon. The gray she-cat sprang up, worried. "Something is coming. StarClan must be trying to communicate with us!"
"There on the rock! We must speak with them!" The calico meowed frantically. Looking at the now darkened night sky she hoped it wasn't too late.
"Calm down, there is no need to be so fussy. We will get there in time" Her mate meowed, trying to calm her.
"We won't get there in time! They have to know!" She urgently meowed.
"You run along if it's so important to you." He meowed, stopping by a stream to get a drink.
She batted him on the head. "We don't have much time! Hurry!
They reached the boulder, and without a thought the calico bounded up to the two cats.
"Greetings, we have come with a warning." The female spoke softly. Behind her, a strong tom, grunted, "Part of our group has been acting strange."
"I feel like something is changing. Something is going to affect us both." The female continued. The moon shone on her worried face. "We fear you are in danger."