CHAPTER 1

Firestar shifted in his nest, his ginger fur brushed up against the ferns lining his bedding and he stifled a purr at its warmth. Another cat was lying beside him. It was Sandstorm, his new mate, her pelt gently rose and fell in soothing rythm as she buried her nose under Firestar's chin.

It was three days after the battle with BloodClan. The ThunderClan cats had come home to warm greetings and praise from their Clanmates, and there had been plenty of topics to discuss regarding the recent war. Firestar had lost a life, but only Cinderpelt knew about that, for now. Just the thought made shiver. The reality of being a Clan leader still hadn't struck him. Despite this, he did understand that he still had plenty of lives left in him to lead his new Clan into prosperity, despite the hard times ahead. Firestar knew that they would need his strength, just as he needed the strength of StarClan to guide him through seasons of darkness and doubt.

Shifting in his position, Firestar rose from his nest, trembling as he stretched his broad shoulders and back legs. He eyed his mate who twitched slightly in response to Firestar's moments.

He bent down to give her cheek a quick lick. "Good morning, Sandstorm. I'm heading out."

Her response was a muffled purr, and Firestar felt a rush of affection for the ginger she-cat.

A moment later, he was poking his nose out of his den and peering out into the ranks of the camp. Dawn was just over the horizon, a dawn that reminded him so much of the victory of the BloodClan battle. The scents of newleaf were truly apparent, and along with it came the mouth-watering aroma of prey. Today promised to carry good weather and good hunting.

Just ahead, the familiar faces of his warriors were slinking out of the warriors den, obviously enjoying the morning as much as he was. He spotted among their ranks, Frostfur, Brackentail, and Goldenflower. Mousefur followed them out more slowly, and Firestar noticed that she was getting older and slightly frail. However, the other cats stepped out of her way as she padded past them with her chin held high.

She's gaining seniority. Firestar realized, marveling at how he was watching time go by within his Clan.

He waved his tail in greeting at the warriors, and they responded with warm nods and waving tails. More warriors were beginning to stir from the warriors den and along came Graystripe, Longtail, and Dustpelt. Firestar watched as they headed for the fresh-kill pile and waved his tail in greeting. Graystripe mrrowed a greeting. Dustpelt and Longtail both stopped and dipped their heads in unison before turning back to the fresh-kill pile.

Ever since the recent battle, Firestar believed he had finally managed to earn the respect of Tigerstar's last remaing allies. It was as if the hostility they've felt for him vanished over night. And Firestar couldn't help but thank StarClan for their change of heart. StarClan knew it would be better for them to forget the past and move on. They weren't as close, or friends, but he knew that they would put aside their differences and follow him, rather, as their leader.

The lichen to the leader's den shivered and out came Sandstorm to sit by her mate's side.

"It's a quiet morning today," she mused, glancing around the camp.

"Yeah," Firestar meowed. "Everyone's been resting since the battle, but that's going to have to change, starting today."

Sandstorm nodded, her eyes were curious. "What did you have in mind? You still haven't told me."

"That's because I want all of ThunderClan to hear this."

At that, Firestar turned to face the Highrock, gathered his muscles, and sprang upon the ledge until he was on the peak of the massive rock, staring out into his Clan.

He let the warmth of rising sun behind him fill his heart with strength, as he made the familiar call, "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey, join here beneath the Highrock for a Clan meeting!"

The camp came to life as excited murmuring filled the air. Cats sprang up to meet at the foot of Highrock while the rest of warriors began filling in; within their depths were Frostfur, Goldenflower, Cloudtail and Brightheart, along with the youngest warriors, Thornclaw and Brackentail, who looked up towards Firestar with admiration. Dustpelt and Longtail blinked up from a chat and paced themselves towards the gathering cats. Ashpaw and Fernpaw, their apprentices, emerged from the apprentice's den and followed them. Bramblepaw appeared after them, giving his thick tabby coat a quick shake before heading towards the group. The current nursing queen, Willowpelt, stretched out of the nursery, and quickly shooed her kits back inside, while half of the current elders, Dappletail and Speckletail, slowly padded together towards the Highrock and sat besides the other warriors. Graystripe was sitting in the very front along with Sandstorm. Cinderpelt was last to arrive, limping quickly towards Sandstorm, who offered her shoulder to support the grateful medicine cat.

Firestar beamed down at his Clan. They were all here, this was his family, and he couldn't have been happier. And by the bright expressions they returned to him, they couldn't be prouder.

"Good morning, ThunderClan!" Firestar began. "It's been three days since the battle with BloodClan had occurred. And I've given us three days to rest and recover and grieve for our departed."

Willowpelt bowed her head solemnly, and Frostfur brushed her tail against her shoulder in comfort.

"And now three days have passed and I believe ThunderClan is ready to rise to it's paws once again!"

Everyone yowled in unison, voicing their agreement. Cloudtail leaped to his paws, his white fur fluffing out as if he were ready for a challenge. Thornclaw and Brackentail exchanged eager glances. Excitement and readiness were coming off the warriors, even the elders seemed aflutter at Firestar's speech.

Firestar waited for their voices to die down and he spoke again. "Newleaf has arrived, ready for us to take advantage of its abundance. And our borders need maintaining for the seasons to come. Soon our apprentices will become warriors and our Clan will prosper with new life."

He glanced down at Sandstorm and she returned his glance with a look filled with affection.

Firestar returned his gaze towards his Clanmates. "I believe in us ThunderClan and I am honored to lead you."

The cats yowled their alliance and called out in thrill. "Firestar!" "Firestar!"

Firestar dipped his head slightly in embarrassment, but then lifted his head proudly, soaking in their praise. "Right then, ThunderClan. Dismissed!" Firestar finished.

The cats immediately began to disperse and head off into their duties, and the camp became fast-paced and busy-bodied with many voices echoing the camp walls. Firestar leaped off the Highrock and stared around. If felt good to give leadership to his Clan. He was going to make sure to make the best decisions for ThunderClan that he possibilly could.

Firestar winced at a flick on his shoulder and turned to face and a pair of friendly yellow eyes.

"Spoken like a true leader, Firestar," Graystripe meowed. "Bluestar would be proud."

Firestar dipped his head solemly at such warming words. "Thank you, Graystripe. I feel even more confident knowing I have a friend like you by my side."

Graystripe tipped his head somewhere beyond Firestar. "I'm not the only one by your side."

Firestar curiously turned his head and noticed Sandstorm over by the nursery. She and Willowpelt were mewling to each other and purring lightly.

Firestar embarringly nodded. "Thanks, Graystripe. I know I have a lot to do." Meowing, he continued, "Come to me with anything you need to discuss. The Clans may have had a period of peace, but that could change in a heartbeat."

Firestar still hadn't forgotten about the suspicious new leader of ShadowClan, Blackstar.

Graystripe nodded. "Can do." With that he padded off towards a group of warriors expectantly waiting for him to give the patrol orders.

Standing alone, Firestar began to ponder his duties. He looked towards the apprentice's den, where he noticed its clearing was bare, expect for Bramblepaw, sitting just outside the den. The young tabby tom was calmly scanning the camp, as if in deep thought.

It'll take a few more moons of training before he can become a full warrior. Firestar informed himself. Best get started as soon as possible.

With a flick of his tail, Firestar padded over to Bramblepaw. When Bramblepaw noticed him, he jumped up and dipped his head in respect.

"Hello, Firestar!" Bramblepaw meowed.

Firestar dipped his head. He wondered what had been on the young one's mind. "Good morning, Bramblepaw. Did you eat?"

Bramblepaw glanced over at the fresh-kill pile, where Willowpelt was just leaving. "Yes, Firestar."

"Then let's get some hunting practice in."

Bramblepaw's tail lifted in excitment and he meowed, "Yes, Firestar!"

Firestar and Bramblepaw went together towards the camp entrance and slipped outside. Firestar could fell his fur brushing agaisnt the new growth of the entrance tunnel and his paws stepping onto the flat glass, it reminded him of his first time entering the Clan.

As they popped out the gorse tunnel and into the beginnings of the forest, Firestar stopped, wanting to take in the fresh scents. Bramblepaw stopped too.

The air was filled with the scent of newleaf. Sunshine danced off the trees and rained upon the dust of the ground. Everything seemed to spring with life. The buds of the leaves from tree branches were growing out, little flowers littered the area, and the birds could be heard above, singing their joy in the branches and their nests. Firestar scattered sunshine warm his fur. His young apprentice, Bramblepaw, followed him paw for paw, his amber eyes were bright with determination. They stopped near a small clearing.

"We'll start here," Firestar meowed. "Why do you think that is?"

"Because it's newleaf; the prey will be busy outside their borrows and gathering nuts," Bramblepaw answered holding his broad muzzle high.

Firestar beamed. "Correct! Well done, Bramblepaw. Now, scope out the area and see what you can find."

Bramblepaw obeyed and lifted his nose into the air, sniffing. His ears twitched in response to the numerous sounds surrounding them. That's when the apprentice noticed a hole.

Firestar watched as Bramblepaw suddenly crouched down and kept his tail still. His eyes were focused on the potential hunting spot and he began to make his way towards it, his eyes pinned to the spot. Suddenly, in a swift moment, he pounced and landed at the hole and loud squeak sounded. Bramblepaw turned around with a mouse dangling out of his jaws.

"Well done!" Firestar praised.

Suddenly, another mouse zipped out from inside the hole and past Bramblepaw's paws. Firestar quickly leaped at it and snapped at its throat. Then he stood up and dipped his head. "Thank you StarClan for providing us with an abundance of prey. Thank you for their life shed for us, so that we may live in turn."

Bramblepaw followed his mentor and dipped his head, sending a silent prayer to StarClan.

The toms covered their prey with dirt and headed down the to riverbank. Firestar was aware their would be plently of prey there. Once they reached the bordering river, a RiverClan scent traveled under his nose.

Firestar froze and sniffed the air. Bramblepaw noticed his mentor stop and stopped, too.

"RiverClan," Firestar growled attentively. "Their scent is fresh... and close."

Bramblepaw's hackles rose. "Are they invading?"

Firestar narrowed his eyes. "No, their aren't enough cats. But they're nearby, probably on our territory." He flicked his tail. "Be very quiet and follow me."

As Bramblepaw nodded, Firestar lowered himself to the ground until he could feel the soggy earth on his belly fur. Carefully, he and his apprentice stalked through the tall grass, treading lightly so as not to be detected.

Firestar's ears perked at the sound mocking yowls and jeers and he slightly hurried his pace. His heart collectively sped up as his fury grew in insult.

He and his apprentice halted once they were able to peek out of the fronds and towards the beginnings of the Sunningrocks. Three young RiverClan cats, probably apprentices that Firestar didn't quite recognize, were hopping about the stones, shouting at each other in mock laugher. One made a dash for the edge of a stone and made a courageous leap that landed him right in front of the ThunderClan leader.

The young apprentice noticed Firestar immediately and all together his bliss faded as he shrunk soundlessly to the ground. Firestar calmly padded up to him with Bramblepaw just behind.

Glaring down on the RiverClan apprentice, Firestar hissed, "And just what are you doing on ThunderClan territory?"