Dusk crept closer, slowly. I felt restless, pacing the nursery. Eaglekit and Rainkit were sleeping in Ferncloud's nest; she was curled around them. I felt relaxed by the gentle rising and falling of her flank. Whatever he had done, Onestar was still my father, and I still cared about him.

I looked at my kits one last time, and left the nursery. I walked slowly across the clearing. Lionblaze was dozing against the wall, but he woke as I approached. He purred comfortingly, and I nuzzled into his warm, familiar-smelling fur. "I'll come back," I promised.

"I know," he replied. I looked around, feeling eyes watching me. Firestar and Brambleclaw were stood by the Highrock, and Firestard nodded his head at me. I dipped mine in thanks, touched my nose to Lionblaze's one last time, and turned and ran up to the woods. I didn't stop until I reached the stream, which I crossed quickly, and arrived on the moorland.

I stood for a minute, feeling the strong wind blowing through my fur. I closed my eyes, and let myself believe that nothing had ever changed. But a cold drop of rain splashed onto my nose, and I was shaken out of my reverie. A rabbit darted past, and I watched it sadly as it zigzagged away. I moved forward slowly, my paws heavy. I was soon soaked.

I arrived at the WindClan camp. Heads turned to look at me; there were mostly spiteful glares. I saw Breezepelt crouched beside Nightcloud. He lay his ears flat back and hissed softly at me, so Ashfoot couldn't hear. I stared determinedly ahead, and joined Ashfoot, Crowfeather, Whitetail and Kestrelflight on the far side of the camp. Whitetail brushed against me in greeting, and purred. Kestrelflight took a step forward nervously, and laid a bundle of travelling herbs at my paws. I thanked him, and bent to eat them. The bitter taste smothered my tongue, but I swallowed the pulp. Ashfoot flicked her tail, beckoning Weaselfur and Owlwhisker.

"I will be staying here - Whitetail, you are the most senior warrior. I'd like you to be in charge, but it would be better if you worked together. Crowfeather, you are a responsible warrior, and you have made a similar journey before, so you can help Whitetail. Heathertail, Owlwhisker and Weaselfur, please obey your senior warriors. I wish you a good, safe journey. Do what you can to bring our leader back. May StarClan light your path."

She finished speaking, and I moved to Whitetail's shoulder. Crowfeather came up on her other side, and nodded, his blue eyes sparkling with the prospect of adventure. Their Clanmates called goodbye, and Nightcloud bounded over to say farewell to her mate. Crowfeather touched noses with her, though I noticed that the shine died from his eyes for a bit, to be replaced with a duller glaze. Did he still love Leafpool? He saw me looking and twitched his ear, and I quickly looked at my paws.

The moon had risen by the time we left, and we raced over the moorland turf. I felt good to be running with WindClan again. We stopped in front of the Twoleg nest where Onestar had been kidnapped, and Owlwhisker and Weaselfur sniffed around. There was still a small patch of dried blood in the soft grass. I turned my gaze from it.

"This is where he was put in the monster," Weaselfur said, leading us round the back of the nest to a dirt track. "I think we should follow the track."

Whitetail agreed. "He may be in the Twolegplace," Crowfeather meowed. "Let's start our search there."

We began our trek along the dirt track, which climbed slowly upwards, until we reached the top of the hill. Ahead in the distance lay the glittering maze of Twoleg lights. I turned my head to look back. I could see the lake, the moon reflected on its surface. I made out the trees of ThunderClan territory, black silohuettes against the indigo sky. Will we return with Onestar? Or worse, will we return at all?

The journey had begun.

A/N: I'm so sorry I haven't uploaded for moooonths. I remembered this story, and I will definitely finish it.

Here's the next chapter! Their journey has begun :o

I have planned some unexpected twists! Thanks for all the reviews, comments and support!

~Acacion x