Chapter IV

It was morning in DuskClan, just days after they'd gotten settled down in their new Clans. These eight Clans were simply called the New Clans to all the cats, and the name stuck.

Every cat had changed their name, for they were no longer who they were before. Poppyseed's name was now Rosepool, and Applewhisker - who had thankfully gone to the same group of cats - was Reedfall.

None of the New Clans had a leader yet, but Rosepool was sure of each Clan's name, at least. The one that had Reedstar - Reedwhisker, she should call him - and Nettlepelt was DawnClan.

The one where Brindlesky cheerfully resided was EmberClan, and the one where most of the warriors of RiverClan had gone was named LakeClan, in memory of the old RiverClan.

Most of the queens and their kits had found a safe home in SorrelClan, and the old ThunderClan cats and ShadowClan cats had finally harmonized and created SageClan.

The last two Clans were called LightClan and DarkClan. They were the Clans who had moved away, since there wasn't enough space for them to live. Rosepool missed Mallowheart and Flowerfern, who were in LightClan.

For the moment, StarClan cats were the temporary leaders. The leader of Rosepool's Clan was Lionblaze - the golden cat who had come to speak to them that night.

"All cats of DuskClan gather beneath the Burnt Log!" He now called. Little groups of cats quickly filed into the small area. The dens were all underground, to prevent the Clan from being attacked.

This had been Reedfall's idea - to build the dens underground. "As you all know, the major positions of the New Clans have yet to be decided." Lionblaze said, breaking Rosepool out of her thoughts.

The she-cat brightened up. This was her chance to become the medicine cat again! How lovely it would feel to be the peacemaker, tending to other cats' worries again. The starry warrior went on, unfazed by the snarky looks some of Rosepool's Clanmates held.

"I have been observing all of you for the last couple of days." Lionblaze meowed. "And in the end, I have chosen some cats with exceptional personalities to become a medicine cat, deputy or leader."

The youngest member of DuskClan, Blazepaw would be a good contender for the spot of medicine cat apprentice, Rosepool pondered. He didn't seem to like socializing with others his age and seemed to always like helping others.

All the cats sat straight up, hoping it would be them. Honestly, Rosepool didn't mind if she got any positions or not, so she just listened eagerly to Lionblaze's words.

"I have seen that Blazepaw would be a good medicine cat apprentice." Lionblaze smiled, welcoming the young cat onto the Burnt Log. "And I know that Swallowpath will fulfil her place as deputy very well."

The black-and-white she-cat, who was around Rosepool's age padded up to the Log. It was hard to believe that just a few days ago she was thin and starving. Goldenfern - the ginger tabby - secured the place of medicine cat, which was fine with Rosepool.

"It is time to make the biggest announcement of today," Lionblaze went on. The cats watching whispered loudly to each other.

I think Leafstripe would be the leader. He's so strong and kind. One said. That's just because you have a crush on him! The other teased.

What about Fawnberry? She's so relaxed and sensible. Another suggested to her friend. Not a chance. There's no way Lionblaze would let her lead the Clan. was the jealous response.

"From my observation, I believe Rosepool is worthy of being the leader." Lionblaze finished. Rosepool was stunned. There was no way she could be the leader.

Heads swiveled in her direction. Some faces were jealous, others were curious and quite a few were kindly and welcoming. Surely he doesn't mean someone like… Applewhisker, or Thorntail? Rosepool's thoughts were tumbling in her head.

Finally accepting that she hadn't heard the wrong thing, she stepped up to the Burnt Log. "Rosepool, you may go to the Moonpool to receive your nine lives. Goldenfern shall go with her."

Lionblaze nodded once and the Clan dispersed, going back to whatever they were doing. Goldenfern came up to her. "Shall we leave? It will be sunset when we arrive." Meowing a clear "Okay", Rosepool set off to the Moonpool, with Goldenfern beside her.

A/N: Whew, long chappie! Again thanks for all the positive reviews. Next chapter will be uploaded on Tuesday or Wednesday!

-Kay