Chapter One

Firestar woke with a start and immediately tried to open his eyes to no avail. He must still be too young, he laid his head down in defeat. Not being able to see was frustrating and in a way terrifying, he couldn't even remember his own kittenhood so suddenly reverting to such a vulnerable state was wreaking havoc on his battle-worn instincts.

He took a deep breath and tried to scent the air. He could smell ThunderClan but the cats were somewhat unfamiliar. He opened his mouth and a familiar scent wafted over his tongue, Speckletail. That was who he was laying against, a deeper breath and he could pick up another familiar scent - underneath the overwhelming scent of milk there was Goldenflower. It had been so long since he last saw Lionheart it didn't surprise him that the golden tabby's scent had been forgotten. Beyond them he couldn't make out much, just ThunderClan and milk. He must have been too panicked earlier to get a good read on the situation.

The Founders must be mouse-brained indeed to think that sending a fully grown warrior into a kitten's body was a sound idea. It'd be a miracle if he didn't lose his mind in this fool of a plan. Add on that it's not even a somewhat familiar body, no it wasn't even the right gender. A high pitched squeal had his head jolting up and him straining to open his eyes once again, only to fail. Cloudberry had said he'd be more developed when he woke so he had hoped that would mean opening his eyes. Frustrated, he settled it back down on Speckletail's stomach. He could feel the gentle rumble as Speckletail started purring. This body must be a little under a moon old considering he can hear pretty well but its eyes not being open yet is unusual. In a normally developed kitten it usually happens at the same time. That's what happened with his kits.

"Morningkit is a good name right, Moonflower? I already named my other kits but this one keeps giving me trouble. Every time I think I have the perfect name it just doesn't seem to fit." Firestar heard Speckletail's familiar voice say albeit unusual in its gentle youth. Also Morningkit? The name was unusual, he didn't know many - only recalling Morningflower from WindClan. It would be strange to be called by a completely different name, at least he'll apparently have an entire kittenhood to get used to it, he grumbled mentally.

Firestar felt one of his littermates shift next to him and he felt Speckletail's tail whisk away, probably to land on the other kit.

A she-cat, presumably Moonflower, spoke up, "Morningkit is a good name. It'll suit her just fine, don't worry so much, Speckletail."

Firestar sighed and decided to try again to open his eyes. He strained against the seal covering his eyes and with a sudden break of tension his eyelids flew open. He blinked rapidly, trying to get them to focus as he turned his head around. He was surrounded by ginger tabby fur and the scent of milk. His vision was blurry as he peered around, relief flooded through him as he squirmed around. At least Cloudberry was true in saying he'd be more developed. He squinted trying to get his eyes to adjust faster but to no avail. The entire area was still blurry and out of focus, he could barely even see the fur in front of him.

Sudden movement from the queen startled him and he let out an involuntary mew as the queen's face came into view. Amber eyes shone with concern as Speckletail, a tad unfamiliar in her youth, peered down at him. The old elder was almost unrecognizable without her graying muzzle.

"Oh my, Morningkit just opened her eyes!" Speckletail exclaimed, peering closely at the little kit. Speckletail gave him a brisk lick on the head and Firestar let out a plaintive mew, that would take some getting used to. It'd be a miracle if I make it out of this without losing my mind - a fully grown cat reverted to a kitten, he thought again in disbelief. He squirmed slightly before Speckletail let out a comforting purr. He looked around and confirmed that Goldenflower and Lionheart were there - almost exactly how he remembered them - albeit much smaller.

He let himself be soothed but jerked up at the sudden appearance of a white kit peering into the nest.

"They're so small, were we ever that small Bluekit?"

Bluekit? Is that Bluestar then? Firestar almost jumped out of his skin with the sudden need to see his old mentor but when he tried to move he couldn't quite get his paws under him before a soft tail was resting on him. He watched the white kit get gently shooed out of the nest by a pretty silver tabby before turning toward Speckletail.

Amusement glittered in her amber eyes, the queen's tail stroked down his back before purring, "Hello my dear, why don't you wait for your siblings before trying to explore?"

Firestar blearily looked up at her before letting himself settle back down, pressed up against Goldenflower - Goldenkit. He cast a glance at himself and ignored his alien pelt for the time being much more concerned with his gender. Female. Cloudberry wasn't wrong, StarClan had truly messed up - even more than usual which was a feat in and of itself. Firestar shook his head before refocusing on the rest of his body. The coloring was off putting and the pattern was unfamiliar. Pale ginger with large patches of gray breaking up the faint tabby stripes. The ginger was almost comforting - similar enough to his mate, Sandstorm's pelt but the harsh gray patches were entirely unfamiliar. It was shocking. He sighed, laying his head back down, the fact that this was not some nightmare was sinking in the longer he listened to the calming breaths of Speckletail.

What will happen now? How long will it take before he can see the Clan he knew - the Clanmates he fought alongside? They wouldn't even recognize him now, even if they met he'd be a completely different cat. Firestar closed his eyes wishing to be anywhere but here. Even fighting against BloodClan would be better than simply waiting here. With his luck though, it wouldn't take too long before everything went to pieces. With those thoughts lingering he fell into a troubled sleep.

Firestar's ears twitched as a cat whispered to him, "Morningkit, wake up, I wanna explore."

A jab in the ribs followed shortly after and his head came popping up a hiss escaping before he could stop himself. Lionheart stood in front of him, eyes wide, clearly taken aback by his reaction. Firestar chastised himself, Lionkit - he's not Lionheart yet. He clumsily pushed himself to his feet, letting out an apologetic purr before glancing around the nursery. It had only been about a moon since he had been sent back and he was still adjusting. Lionkit pushed his shoulder and started herding the kit toward the entrance, Speckletail calling out after them, "Stay close to the older kits! Bluekit, Snowkit, please keep an eye on those three!"

Firestar looked around more alertly and noticed the tip of a blue-gray tail disappearing into the brambles. He quickened his pace, only stumbling every now and then as he got more acquainted with his new body. Lionkit followed after him, nudging Goldenkit along as well. It was hard enough to just sleep let alone try to investigate his surroundings though he couldn't lie there was a faint sense of curiosity broiling under his skin, it'd be interesting to see the differences between this version of ThunderClan versus what he knew.

He slipped into the brambles and blinked in the bright light as he emerged into the clearing. Scents bombarded him from every direction and he sneezed as he adjusted. A warm breeze rippled through his fur and he waited for his vision to adjust before focusing on a familiar blue-gray pelt. Bluestar. Her bright blue eyes were full of curiosity as she looked down at him, she must be a few moons older than him then.

StarClan she's young, it was hard to reconcile this energetic kit with the noble leader he saw not even two moons ago in the Silverpelt. Even in StarClan she had that iconic scar on her shoulders and to see a Bluestar without it was weird, like a part of her was missing. Now his former mentor was only a little bit older than him, it was uncomfortable to say the least. Firestar flinched as a tail flicked his ear, he turned and looked up at a white cat, Snowkit if he recalled correctly. She looked annoyed and he tuned back in, turning away from his old friend turned stranger.

The white kit sighed and started speaking, "Now that all of you are paying attention, me and Bluekit will show you around. We'd invite Poppydawn's litter but they're napping and having eight kits going on a camp tour might be more trouble than it's worth. Anyway, follow me."

She turned on her heels and led the way toward the warriors' den, Goldenkit hurried after her Lionkit not far behind the pale tabby. Firestar blinked after them and turned to look at Bluekit. She was waiting patiently and twitched her tail. He huffed before following after the others at a more sedate pace. Peering around with what he hoped looked like curiosity not nostalgia as he kept up with the tour.

The white she-kit came to a stop and waved her tail, "That is the warriors' den. That's where all the Clan's warriors sleep, and over there"

She pointed to the nettle patch, "Is where they usually hang out. We should keep going though before Bluekit tries to convince you to sneak in there."

"Shush you, that was one time and it was my first time out of the nursery. How was I supposed to know?" Bluekit huffed behind him, a touch of embarrassment bleeding into her eyes at the memory. Snowkit snorted but moved on anyway, pushing the younger kits along to the Highrock. Firestar padded along after, gazing almost intently at the old rock. It had been a long time since he had seen the old camp and in a way he was happy to see it despite the circumstances.

From what little he could see it hadn't changed much if at all from how he remembered it. The nursery didn't have as many brambles as it did in his time but everything was practically the same despite the years. He bumped into Lionkit and they went sprawling, he scrambled to his paws and mumbled an apology stifling a flinch at hearing the unfamiliar voice coming out of him. Lionkit merely flicked his ear and sat up, staring avidly up at Snowkit.

The white cat ignored their incident and continued, "This is Highrock. When Pinestar, that's the leader, has something to say to the entire clan he'll jump up there and call a meeting. And you see that green stuff hanging down, that's lichen and behind that is the leader's den. And before you ask, no you're not allowed in."

She shot a sly look at Bluekit and laughed as the gray cat huffed, Snowkit continued the tour walking ahead before nodding toward the medicine cat den. She sat on her haunches and shared a look with Bluekit before speaking, "That's the medicine cat den. When you're sick or injured you'll go there and one of the medicine cats will help you. Goosefeather is the official medicine cat but his apprentice, Featherwhisker is just as good."

Goldenkit piped up, "Can we at least go in there? We haven't been able to see any of the dens so far!"

Lionkit backed her up, "Yeah we want to see everything!"

Snowkit laughed and with another look at Bluekit led the way in, slipping into the fern tunnel with ease. Firestar padded after them, Cloudberry had mentioned a Goosefeather, he wondered if she had spoken with the medicine cat already. Bluekit overtook the lead, guiding the younger kits into the den keeping herself firmly in between them and the supply of herbs in the cool cracked rock.

A pale silvery tom was sitting near the back of the den, piles of leaves in front of him. It was clear he was in the middle of sorting through the herbs, picking out the bad ones. Bluekit chirped out a greeting, "Hello Featherwhisker. Me and Snowkit are giving Speckletail's litter the full tour of camp."

He looked up and his amber eyes were glittering with amusement at seeing the group. He pushed the herbs behind him with a gentle paw and flicked his tail, letting the kitten's approach him. Firestar peered around, if this is Featherwhisker I wonder where Goosefeather is?

"Ah yes, Lionkit, Goldenkit and I believe Speckletail finally decided on Morningkit? Yes, it's nice to officially meet you three." The tom said, his voice oddly calming, like cool stone on a hot day. Firestar cocked his head, staring at him curiously, as Goldenkit delicately stepped closer, "What are you doing?"

"Yeah, what were all those leaves?" Lionkit asked, always ready to back the molly up. Featherwhisker chuckled and shook his head, "Those were herbs. I use them to treat both illness and injury in the Clan."

Goldenkit's eyes widened, "Really? How do you know what will work?"

"Experience for the most part. I've been training for a long time now."

He glanced conspiratorially around before leaning closer to the kits, "Plus StarClan guides all medicine cats. They won't let us just experiment on our Clans."

Firestar mentally scoffed, yeah they don't let medicine cats experiment but have no problem experimenting on us themselves. A hacking cough interrupted his thoughts and his head swiveled around, making eye contact with pale blue eyes. A ragged speckled gray tom pushed his way into the small clearing, not breaking eye contact with Firestar as he did so.

"Ah Goosefeather, Bluekit and Snowkit were just introducing the kits to the camp. Come sit!" Featherwhisker spoke up, waving his tail at a spot next to him. The older cat trudged into the small clearing, carefully skirting around the group of kittens before settling next to his apprentice. Firestar watched with curiosity as Bluekit shifted closer to the gray tom. He was pulled out of his thoughts by a nudge and he blinked, Lionheart - Lionkit was trying to get his attention. The golden tabby was trying to inconspicuously get him to pay attention, and from the mix of amusement and annoyance on the rest of the group's faces someone had been trying to talk to him.

He tilted his head and Goosefeather snorted, "I asked what your name was, Lionkit and Goldenkit already gave me theirs. What's your name?"

"Oh, it's Morningkit," Firestar internally cringed at the sound of his voice but tried to keep his face blank. Apparently too blank if Featherwhisker's concern was anything to go by. Goosefeather went to speak but Snowkit suddenly leaped up as if a mouse had bitten her tail and hurriedly mewed, "Well I guess we should continue making the rounds. Kits, let's go!"

Firestar stared at her in confusion, did I miss something? That was…odd? Bluekit shot the medicine cats an apologetic look but started herding the younger kits out after her sister. Firestar gave a final glance back and met Goosefeather's eyes. The tom seemed to have starlight emanating from the pale blue eyes and it unnerved Firestar in a way he hadn't felt for sometime. The usual comfort he drew from StarClan had abandoned him in this strange time and now the light just seemed cold and distant. The staring match was broken as Bluekit nudged him, almost sending him sprawling with the gentle nudge.

Firestar blinked and forced himself to turn away from the cat, leaving with a strange sense of forbidding. The camp had gotten a little more crowded in their brief soiree into the medicine den. A small crowd had gathered around Highrock, Firestar assumed it was sunhigh patrols reporting back, he peered around, trying to make out who was in charge. From what he could guess there was a bright orange tom listening with rapt attention to a blue-gray tom giving a report. Ah that must be either the deputy or leader, which one he didn't know.

He turned his attention back to the rest of the kits only to find himself alone. The others must have gone to the elders' den, though he did expect at least Lionkit to nudge him out of his thoughts before disappearing into the fallen tree. Firestar sighed before shrugging, he didn't really need a tour so he didn't think he was missing out on much. He was a lot more interested in the cats milling around. Firestar clumsily stepped closer and made no attempt to hide himself, curiously watching the cats as they went about camp.

A few took double takes at seeing a kit wandering by itself but besides a queer look or two no one stopped to investigate, apparently just assuming he was being watched by someone. He had gotten all the way to the Highrock before he heard someone calling out, it took a few calls before he realized that they were calling for him, sharp 'Morningkit'-s were coming from somewhere behind him and he craned his neck, seeing a worried Bluekit stampeding toward him, the other kits close on her tail.

"Morningkit! Why didn't you answer when we called you? I was worried you had gotten lost or swooped up by some bird! You're way too young to be wandering alone!" Bluekit huffed, concern glittering in her blue eyes.

"I thought you were right behind me! I'm so sorry!" the gray kitten stated, ears flat against her head. Firestar shook his head, "Sorry I didn't hear you. I was looking at the other cats."

"I think we should end the tour here, we can pick it up again later if you want." Snowkit declared, not waiting for a response before she darted back toward the nursery, Goldenkit hot on her heels blinking sleepily. Lionkit hesitated and looked at Firestar, waiting for his other littermate. Firestar mentally shook himself before padding over to the kit, letting the golden tabby tom lead the way back to their den, leaving Bluekit to follow them.

He pushed his way through the brambles and made his way to Speckletail. Goldenkit was already there, curled up and drowsily nursing. Lionkit settled down next to her pressing his thicker fur against her. Firestar settled down on the other side of Goldenkit barely paying attention as he lost himself in his thoughts, other littermate? I guess that's really how he thinks of me. I'm his sister. He has no memory or even concept of me as I really am. None of them do, to them I really am Morningkit.

He set his head on his paws, perhaps it would truly be better or at least easier on him if he thought of himself as Morningkit instead of Firestar-in-someone-else's-body. It would help with integrating into the Clan and perhaps make it easier for him when Rusty showed up. He would have plenty of time to work on this at least, Tigerstar's not even alive yet let alone Rusty.

With those thoughts still lingering he fell asleep with a sudden resolve to fully accept what had happened. There was no going back, he wasn't even the real Firestar anymore he would have to make do the best he could.