Chapter Text
Prologue
The fields of StarClan bustled with activity as the star-pelted cats bounded through the fields. It had been a long while since the stars were as aligned as they were now. Firestar was especially elated with the fact that he could reunite with old friends. These were the few times of the year when all the Clans could meet in one place, including SkyClan.
Ever since the Clan's fell around the lake, StarClan had become more interested with the idea of uniting as one. There was always division among the Clans, even in ancient times. When LakeClan was formed, it gave StarClan a reason to reunite as one. It felt surreal to see cats that Firestar had not seen since he was an apprentice. Spottedleaf had been the first to greet him, followed by Yellowfang and Bluestar. He was more than happy to see so many familiar faces... but he was also disheartened when he saw so many faces of his fellow Clanmates.
So many cats died during the Dark Battle. Innocent lives were taken within heartbeats. The survivors struggled to recover what was lost. Firestar had seen the grief Dovestar experienced when LakeClan first formed. But in spite of her grief, she held her head high and became an efficient leader. She showed that the Clans could work together if they needed to. Tigerheart, in spite of Firestar's earlier misgivings, had also proven himself a valuable ally.
The Clan was thriving now thanks to Dovestar's leadership. Firestar watched on with pride as his kin grew in confidence and skill. She was a leader that ThunderClan, WindClan, ShadowClan and RiverClan could be proud of. Even Leopardstar begrudgingly admitted how much better she was now. The older RiverClan leader hadn't been that thrilled with StarClan's choice, but after the disaster that came of Minnowtail and her coup, Leopardstar saw the error in her ways.
"It feels good to stretch out my legs and run on the hills of WindClan for a change," Runningwind remarked as he joined the rest of ThunderClan. "Tallstar and Onestar showed me some of their hunting techniques the other day, and I was intrigued with their use of the tunnels and how they catch rabbits unaware with them."
"The tunnels are an ancient tradition that was used even back in the old forest," Tallstar said thoughtfully. "We've used them for generations, and I would like LakeClan to learn those skills if it is possible."
Firestar's ears flicked with interest at that.
The topic of how Clan traditions should be upheld was always a touchy one, even when the four Clans were around. He knew and understood why it was so important to uphold such traditions. Some were ancient, well beyond when the Clans were around. There was a strong desire for the cats of StarClan to ensure that those traditions remained alive in LakeClan. Even if there weren't any blood-related WindClan cats left, that didn't stop them from trying to uphold their traditions.
"Is there a way to speak to Dovestar in regards to those traditions?"
Runningwind tilted his head to one side as Firestar sat down beside Sandstorm. Leafpool and Squirrelflight soon joined them, along with Brambleclaw, Jayfeather, Lionblaze and Hollyleaf. His heart fluttered with a mixture of joy and sorrow when he saw all six of them together. It hadn't been easy adjusting to their lives together in StarClan, but Brambleclaw still saw Leafpool's kits as his own. Hollyleaf hadn't been thrilled with the idea of meeting up with her mother again, but at least she wasn't above sitting with them as a family. Even Ivypool joined them with Whitewing, Birchfall, Cloudtail and Brightheart. His whole family was there… all of them. And he couldn't be happier to be with them again.
As guilty as he felt for knowing how they ended up in StarClan, he was also grateful to be surrounded by family. The memory of all four Clans lived on in LakeClan, even if the Clans had fallen at the claws of the Dark Forest. Dovestar had done a wonderful job of retaining those memories, and ensuring that the four Clan's traditions were upheld.
"It is not our duty to walk among their dreams on a daily basis, Runningwind," Bluestar reminded him. "We only do so in serious emergencies, and even that has been done through prophetic measures."
"Which is completely mousebrained if you ask me," Ivypool scoffed with a roll of her eyes. Firestar stifled a purr when she glared at the older ThunderClan leader. "My sister nearly died because she didn't think she earned her place as leader – all because we had to speak in stupid prophecy tongue."
Bluestar was hardly offended with her response. If anything, she seemed more amused that Ivypool was willing to call them out for such nonsense. Ivypool was one of the few cats willing to speak out for the injustice that was caused by StarClan. Between her and Jayfeather, Firestar wasn't sure who was worse.
Firestar was ready to say something in her defense when another scent picked up in the air. His heart nearly skipped a beat with joy when he recognized the scent of SkyClan.
"They're here!" he yowled with relief.
The fields were filled with cats from every Clan. ShadowClan typically kept to themselves, but Tawnypelt and her kits were willing to meet with Brambleclaw. RiverClan was more open to meeting with everyone, especially after Minnowtail's coup. Firestar watched with a mixture of emotions as Bluestar was greeted by Mistyfoot, Stonefur and Mosskit. Oakheart was quick to follow, looking more than relieved to see his old mate again.
"It's good to see you again, Bluestar," he meowed when he reached her.
"I caught a huge trout earlier this week!" Mosskit boasted after Bluestar returned the gesture.
His heart went out to the little kit.
When he learned of Bluestar's story and how Mosskit died in the process of moving her kits to RiverClan, he couldn't help but feel sympathetic towards her. She made a huge sacrifice in removing her kits from the nursery, all so that Thistleclaw would never become leader. He couldn't help but wonder if he would have made the same choice if he was in that position.
I can't imagine losing my kits or Sandstorm for that matter, he thought guiltily.
He tried pushing those thoughts aside as another familiar figure emerged from the crowd.
He recognized Skywatcher anywhere. Though the tabby was no longer old and gangly looking, his gray pelt stood out in the grassy fields. Firestar shared a knowing look with Sandstorm as the SkyClan warrior approached them. Though to his surprise, Skywatcher wasn't alone this time. Another, more ancient looking cat was with him. This cat was pale gray with striking blue eyes and a lithe body that reminded Firestar of Leafstar.
"Firestar, I was hoping we would have this moment to catch up," Skywatcher greeted him with a dip of his head. "And Sandstorm, of course."
"I take it this is more than just a personal visit?" Sandstorm asked curiously.
She eyed the stranger curiously as he sat down beside Skywatcher.
To the trained eye, Firestar could tell the cat was nervous. His shoulders were tense as if he was ready to spring into action. He kept looking around as if he was searching for an escape route. Skywatcher glanced at the stranger thoughtfully before letting out a heavy sigh.
"I would like you to meet the founder of SkyClan, Clear Sky," he introduced the stranger with a flick of his tail. Firestar's eyes widened in disbelief as Clear Sky acknowledged them for the first time with narrowed eyes. "I also apologize for the mousebrain's behavior… it has been a while since he has seen other Clan cats."
"And with good reason!" the tabby spat with annoyance. "The last time I was surrounded by other Clan cats, it ended with bloodshed."
"And you were the reason behind it," another booming voice retorted.
Clear Sky's hackles rose as four more cats emerged from the bustling crowd. Firestar's eyes widened with surprise when he recognized the speaker as Thunder, the founder of ThunderClan. Walking alongside him was Shadow, River and Wind Runner. He had only gotten glimpses of the founders when he went hunting with Sandstorm and Squirrelflight. The four of them were usually surrounded by much older cats who had begun to fade away with time.
"Or have you forgotten that the battle at Fourtrees was your doing?" Shadow quipped. "You chose to ambush us when we agreed to meet on the night of a full moon for a peaceful meeting. Thunder holds a grudge."
"And I also had every reason to that battle," Clear Sky hissed, though his ears flattened with shame when he realized what they were implying. Skywatcher threw him a warning look as he let out a sigh of his own. "Look, I didn't come here to start a fight or get into an argument. We all know why I am here."
"It has been many seasons since SkyClan left the old forest," Skywatcher explained as more and more cats gathered around them. Firestar hadn't realized until then that most of StarClan was watching and listening. He suddenly felt incredibly small compared to the eyes watching the Great Five. "So much time has passed that the Clans have forgotten that SkyClan exists. Until Firestar chose to reunite them. It was through his guidance that Leafstar earned her nine lives, and SkyClan reformed."
"And Leafstar has been a fine leader at that," Thunder remarked thoughtfully.
For once, Clear Sky didn't argue with him.
"That is why I am making a request: It is time that SkyClan returned to the Clans," he meowed. A hushed whisper fell upon those sitting around them. If the four Clans had still been around, there would have been arguments. Firestar had little doubt that the Clans would refuse to give up territory that belonged to them. "With LakeClan currently the only Clan at the lake, there is more than enough room for my Clan to claim territory. It would be foolish to turn them down after so many seasons of exile."
Firestar frowned when he heard other cats whispering in protest. He knew there would be those who were against introducing a new Clan to the lake territories. Yet, Clear Sky also made a good point. The fact was, there was only one Clan left. LakeClan had been thriving for the last couple of moons now, but it was time for a change.
"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but how do you expect us to return a Clan to the lake?" Blackstar asked curiously. "We all had to travel over the mountains after the original forest was destroyed by Twolegs, and I doubt the journey back has gotten any easier."
A shudder swept through Firestar as he recalled that journey. It had been particularly difficult because he lost Graystripe in the process. Their journey took them through the mountains and through treacherous lands. They were lucky to have made it out of that mess mostly intact. Though he knew Smokepaw of ShadowClan died during that journey, along with several others.
"I don't expect this new Clan to travel all the way to the gorge," Clear Sky rolled his eyes in exasperation. "The Clan is already on the verge of leaving their old territory as it is… we would simply need the right push in order to encourage Leafstar to meet whoever goes halfway."
No one said a thing about the cat who would take that lead. Firestar glanced at his kin, suddenly aware that Dovestar was his kin. In fact, her kits were also his kin as well. His tail flicked from side to side as his mind tried to process that information. He couldn't ask Dovestar to leave the Clan behind, not when order had finally been restored. He knew it would have to be someone who could survive on their own for a while, and someone who knew how to emphasize with others.
"Whiteflower would make a wise choice." Firestar stiffened when Ivypool suddenly cut through his thoughts. He glanced at the silvery she-cat in surprise as she looked at him thoughtfully. "She's already a social outcast… I know a little of what that's like."
His heart sank at that.
He knew now of what Ivypool endured before the Dark Battle. Before, he hadn't realized that she felt so out of place when Dovestar received all the attention. She had been working with the Dark Forest for many moons before she and Dovestar reconciled. He knew things would have been very different if that never happened.
He was also aware of the fact that Whiteflower already had a stronger connection to StarClan than her siblings or her Clanmates. Part of what made her different was that notion. He knew somewhere deep down that Whiteflower had a special place in the Clan, though no one was certain what that place was.
"She shouldn't be alone throughout all of this," Whitewing fretted.
"She won't be." Ivypool raised her chin defiantly when Bluestar tried objecting. "I know you silly StarClan cats still believe in upholding that tradition, but it's mousebrained. I will personally guide her if I have to; she is my niece after all."
"That's a bold promise to make, Ivypool," the former leader meowed while eyeing her warily. "Are you sure that you can uphold it?"
"I managed to defy StarClan before," she retorted without missing a beat. "And I will do so again if I must in order to protect my family."
Firestar swallowed hard at that.
Arguing with StarClan was never a wise idea. But he also understood the risks Ivypool was taking. He knew her well enough to understand that she would do whatever it took to keep those she cared about safe. He saw the determination she had when she agreed to spy on the Dark Forest. He also saw how willing she was in order to go above and beyond.
"Very well," Clear Sky cut in before Bluestar could continue arguing. He had been listening to the argument with keen interest. Firestar didn't miss the silent exchange that went on between him and Ivypool. "SkyClan's return to the Clans will be your responsibility, Ivypool. I trust that you will uphold your end of the deal and bring this Whiteflower to my Clan safely."
Ivypool merely nodded in agreement to that. Once that was settled, the Clans went into smaller groups. Firestar let out a sigh of relief once the Clans settled into those smaller groups. The tension from earlier could still be felt as Bluestar went over to Oakheart and the rest of her family. He could tell she was annoyed with the way Ivypool handled the situation, but she wouldn't push the argument.
"Are you sure you can do this?" Lionblaze pressed.
"It's a big responsibility, and one I wouldn't want on my shoulders," Jayfeather remarked with a shrug. "I've got enough to worry about with these two."
Both Lionblaze and Hollyleaf looked at him incredulously as he licked the back of his paw casually. Firestar stifled a purr at the sight. Jayfeather never changed, even in StarClan.
"I believe it's possible," he finally cut in. They all looked at him in surprise when he reached them. "But I should warn you that you will face obstacles along the way… one of them being Whiteflower herself. She may not be ready to accept this responsibility, especially since she wasn't given a choice."
He hated forcing cats into positions they weren't comfortable with. It had been difficult naming a new deputy when Graystripe was taken by Twolegs. He learned the hard way that forcing a cat into something they were uncomfortable with would never end well. Tawnypelt was a perfect example of that notion. He still felt incredibly guilty for pushing her to the point of fleeing ThunderClan, all because everyone kept comparing her to Tigerstar. He knew better than to believe she was anything like her father. Tawnypelt had proven herself ten times over, and her family had as well.
His greatest regret was not telling Brambleclaw sooner that the young cat was better than Tigerstar. That Brambleclaw could easily rise above his father's legacy, which was tainted in treachery and bloodshed. Brambleclaw had never once turned on the Clan, even when the Clans themselves were under siege from the Dark Forest.
"Thank you for putting your trust in me, Firestar," Ivypool dipped her head gratefully.
"I know you will succeed," he reassured her with a knowing look.
He would not make the same mistake this time. He trusted her to finish the job at paw. He just hoped that LakeClan was ready for the chaos that would follow. He knew the Clan was ready for a change, but he didn't know how ready they were for a new Clan to move in.