Epilogue-2 moons later

"Hey, Leafpool! Nice catch!" Foxleap called from across the clearing.

"Thanks!" Leafpool called back as she put her prey, a mice and a squirrel, on the fresh-kill pile. She looked around the camp in contentment.

"Leafpool, come share with us." Graystripe meowed as he and Millie settled down to eat. The tabby she-cat purred and sat beside her friends. She wasn't hungry but she glad to have friends again. After the prey was finished, the three cats shared tongues.

"How was your stay in Shadowclan?" Millie asked curiously.

"It was…" Leafpool wasn't sure exactly how to describe it. "Worthwhile." She meowed at last. "Dewleaf and I became really close, and it felt great to be working as a Medicine cat again."

"Why didn't you return to Medicine cat duties when you came back home? The clan isn't judging you anymore for the past." Graystripe meowed.

"I understand and I'm thankful. But Jayfeather is more than capable. I don't want him to feel as though I am treading on his tail. He isn't an apprentice; he doesn't need me to help him. There's no reason to have two medicine cats in the clan anyway." Leafpool reasoned.

But the truth was that the tabby she-cat knew her experience as Shadowclan's medicine cat couldn't be repeated. It was something special, something she couldn't get here. So why even try? And Leafpool knew for certain the reason it was so special was because of Dewleaf.

"Leafpool, do you want to go hunting with me?" Squirrelflight meowed, from the thorn barrier. She must have finished a border patrol or something. Although she had just gotten back from a hunting patrol, she jumped to her paws eagerly.

"Bye Graystripe, Millie!" She called over her shoulder as she joined her sister.

"Can I come? Please Leafpool?" Spiderleg asked. Squirrelflight looked at her sister. The two she-cats nodded at the same time and the three warriors sped out of camp.

At this time of year, the forests were full of prey. Birds sang as they flew through the treetops and squirrels chatted with each other as they forged for nuts. They made easy catches for the Thunderclan hunters. The Sun was dancing across the sky when they returned. I could do with a good long sleep now.

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey, meet under the Highledge for a clan meeting." Firestar yowled as he climbed up the rocks. Brambleclaw, who had been discussing patrols with Graystripe, took his place at the bottom of the rocks. Daisy, Poppyfrost, and her kits emerged from the nursery. Berrynose, just back from the Sunset patrol, joined his mate. Poppyfrost gave his ear a lick in greeting. Their kits tumbled around their paws.

The elders, Purdy and Mousefur, ducked out of their large den and sat at the back of the crowd. Jayfeather and Brairlight were the last ones to join. Bumblestripe, who was sitting with Dovewing and Rosepetal, called his sister over. Jayfeather sat beside Brambleclaw and the meeting begun.

"Thunderclan, I have heard complaints from the younger warriors about doing the apprentice duties. So I think the solution is to make some. Molekit, Cherrykit, will you two step forward?"

Cherrykit bounded up to the Highledge eagerly, but her brother stayed put. "You only want to make us apprentice so we can do the nasty stuff!" The clan drew in a collective gasp. Poppyfrosts shut her eyes as though she longed to be anywhere but here. Berrynose was looking at his son with a scowl on his face. He seemed about to say something but Firestar spoke first.

"Yes, Molepaw, there are chores to do, but they are just as important as training. And every cat here took a turn doing them when they were apprentices. That's why I've chosen Rosepetal to be your mentor. She's a skilled and swift fighter, and I know she'll pass her training on to you.

"From this time forward, this kit will be known as Molepaw. Now, go and touch noses with Rosepetal." Molepaw still didn't look quite satisfied.

"Can I do some training first?" the new apprentice asked.

"That will be up to your mentor." The leader told him.

"Ok." He still looked out of temper, but he padded forward to accept Rosepetal's greeting.

"Cherrykit until you receive your warrior name you will be known as Cherrypaw. Your mentor will be Foxleap." The red tom padded through the crowd to reach his leader and new apprentice.

"Foxleap, you have shown courage and perseverance in serving your Clan, and I trust that you will pass on these qualities to your apprentice." Firestar meowed. Foxleap nodded and greeted Cherrypaw with a touch of his nose. Cherrypaw returned it politely and the four cats withdrew back into the crowd. The clan cheered for them and Poppyfrost gave her kits a lick.

"I have one more announcement. Brackenfur has told me Sorreltail is expecting another litter of kits." The two cats blinked at each other proudly as the clan yowled their approval congratulations. Firestar leaped down from the Highledge to show the meeting was at end.

Days passed and Leafpool could start looking forward to the Gathering. I hope I get to go! I want to see Dewleaf again. Leafpool hadn't been to a Gathering since she left Shadowclan. Firestar said it was to protect her, but she and every cat knew it was to ensure her loyalty to Thunderclan. My father didn't doubt me; he only did it to prove myself to the rest of the clan. Not that they doubted me much ether. The whole clan had welcomed her back with open paws.

As Leafpool went into the nursery to see Sorreltail, she saw Sandstorm talking with Brambleclaw. She looks so much better. Leafpool had been so worried about her, but she had pulled through the illness surprisingly quickly. Especially considering how close she was to Starclan. Now the ginger warrior looked as though she hadn't been sick in the first place; her eyes were bright as she took in all the sights of the camp, her fur had been groomed neatly till it glowing like a dying flame, and when she ran out of camp, her movements were as graceful as a dove's. I'm so happy she's ok.

After she had made sure Sorretail was comfortable, she left the nursery. She was happy to see Lionblaze talking with Cinderheart. Both cats looked happy and Lionblaze reach down to give the dark gray she-cat a lick. Suddenly, he looked up and locked eyes with her. Uh oh.

But when he worked over, he wasn't the least bit hostile. He dipped his head to his mother and murmured, "I'm glad you're home." The tabby she-cat guessed he was feeling awkward since he usually just shrugged her away.

"Thank you. I'm glad to be back too." She nodded to him. The two cats stood there rather awkwardly for a few moments before Jayfeather called for Lionblaze.

"Erm...see you around." Lionblaze dashed over to Jayfeather and the two toms left camp. They are fine cats. Oh Hollyleaf, I should have helped you more. Maybe you'd be here now…

"Leafpool. Firestar said you can go to the Gathering tonight, if you want." Brambleclaw said. Leafpool jumped. She had been focused on Jayfeather and Lionblaze she hadn't realized the deputy had come up to her.

"Yes, I'd like to. Thanks." Leafpool tired recover some of her dignity but Brambleclaw was still purring as he walked away. Whatever.

Squirrelflight bounded over and touched her nose to Leafpool's. "Did I hear Brambleclaw asking you to the Gathering?" Leafpool nodded excitedly.

Cloudtail, who was just walking past and happened to overhear, said, "Great. It wasn't the same without you, Leafpool."

"Thunderclan! It's time to leave!" Firestar called from his den and slipped down the rocks to the entrance barrier. His warriors pooled around him like the Lake. Leafpool stood with Squirrelflight, Mousewhisker and Brightheart. When at last every cat was ready, the flame colored leader flicked his tail and charged out of camp. The dash through the forest was fine and there weren't any problems as they crossed the moorlands.

Like a squirrel, Leafpool crossed the trunk and jumped onto the island. The scent of pines and fish flitted into her nose. No, I recognize that smell. There was one cat-scent that Leafpool picked out of the jumble of smells. Crowfeather! Carefully, she took a detour so she would not come into contact with him. Her path led her directly to Dewleaf!

"Hey!" Leafpool greeted her dear friend. The Shadowclan medicine cat turned around and nearly exploded with happiness.

"Leafpool!" she rubbed her muzzle against her former mentor's in greeting. We been through so many special times, seeing her at an ordinary Gathering feels a little weird, especially now that things are so different. She could see Dewleaf was having the same thoughts. At least I get to see her again. I won't ever lose her friendship. There was no reason to speak these thoughts aloud. Surrounded as they were by so many cats, yet the two friends shared an unbreakable, private bond. They were in their own world.

"Starclan, we have Gathered here tonight once more to uphold all of your traditions." Mistystar started the Gathering.

I wouldn't change a thing.

A/N: And there you have it. This story is now officially over. *Sheds a tear. It's been great guys. Still appreciating everyone who had anything to do with it, including anyone who's read/reviewd/favorited/followed. All of you are really amazing. Special thanks go out to ShastamaeFirepool, Mallowfeather of Earthclan, Otterstep of Thicketclan for their kind words from the last chapter. You have touched me beyond words. I never expected such kind reviews.

And I lied. This is forever the last time: The ideas belong to Russell Scottie. The characters belong to Erin Hunter. The words are mine.

I really hope you all enjoyed this journey. I surely have, and like Leafpool, wouldn't change a thing.