Bluestar led Pinestar through the clearing. She stopped in front of another den, where the golden tabby Lionheart was sharing a shrew with the white warrior. They looked up at Bluestar and Pinestar and nodded respectfully.

"Good day Bluestar, guest. Can we help you?" Lionheart sat up, licking his lips for the last of the shrew. The white warrior got up and left the three cats alone.

"Yes, you can Lionheart. I thought you'd want to meet this cat. Pinestar, this is Lionheart. Lionheart, I think you remember Pinestar."

Lionheart's eyes widened and his mouth dropped in shock. "Of course. Pinestar, welcome home. I never thought I'd see you again." Lionheart rubbed pelts with Pinestar, purring loudly.

*Flashback*

Pinestar was sitting on Rusty's fence. He was staring at the Twoleg nests, deep in thought. He didn't see or hear the small apprentice until it was too late.

"Why are you in Twolegplace Pinestar?" The golden tabby was staring at him, curious and innocent. Pinestar didn't know what to say. He panicked.

"I'm-I'm-I'm going to be a kittypet." Pinestar bowed his head in shame, as if StarClan themselves were punishing him. Lionpaw was in utter shock.

"But Pinestar, why? You're our leader. You're supposed to stay with us!" Now there was utter shock and confusion on Lionpaw's face.

"I know Lionpaw. I'm sorry. But I'm on my last life. I don't want to lose it that fast. Kittypets get taken care of. They never go hungry. Always have a place to stay. Being a warrior isn't for me anymore. You have to promise me that you won't tell any cat this, especially not Sunfall. Do you hear?"

"I promise Pinestar. I swear to StarClan." Now there was utter shock, confusion, disbelief, weariness, sadness, and anxiety on Lionpaw's face.

Pinestar's gaze softened. "Alright then. Let's go back to camp."

*End of Flashback*

"Lionheart. Sunfall named you that after all. I could never have thanked you enough." Lionheart's eyes glowed with pride as he remembered how proud Pinestar had been.

"It was an honor Pinestar." Lionheart purred loudly before he got up and walked away. Pinestar turned back to Bluestar.

"Now what? Is Leopardfoot still here? Can I see her?" He looked eagerly across the clearing before Bluestar cleared her throat.

"Leopardfoot died a few moons after you left, in another battle over Sunningrocks. But your son is still alive and well."

Pinestar was devastated, but instantly brightened. "So who's my son?"

"Tigerclaw."