Well hello there lovelies! It's great to be back isn't it?

Prologue

The ThunderClan camp is busy, but like in the old days. Warriors chatter and patrols come back laden with food and good news. In the clear space outside the nursery, three mothers sit watching their kits. Midnightstar, Echosong and Ravenclaw rest, talking like the three friends have not done for ages. Echosong's four kits, apprentices now, and are teaching battle moves to the others.

"It's like this…" Silverpaw mews to Featherkit. Lightingkit and Snakepaw chatter together, while Frozenpaw and Fallenpaw talk to Hopekit. Moonkit, Eaglekit, Emberkit and Heatherkit are planning an escape out of camp, but are caught by Blazefeather and Nightwhisper. Laughing jovially the two toms join the group.

Nightwhisper sits happily by his mate, watching their kits play, while Blazefeather laughs and tells stories for his nieces and nephews; all animosity gone.

The rest of the Clan glories in the relaxed atmosphere, other kits and apprentices play, and Purdy starts one of his legendary stories.

* The Tribe of Rushing Water, many moons ago. Stormfur's dream*

"Brother, wake." Feathertail mews. Stormfur awakes and blinks, staring at her starry figure in shock.

"Am I dead?" he blurts out the first fear that enters his mind.

"No brother. But the news I bring is grim." Feathertail mews, shaking her head.

"I –" Stormfur stammers in shock and apprehension.

"What is it?" Feathertail asks, not unkindly.

"I just… I have kits, and Brook and I still have to be careful with the rest of the tribe. I suppose I don't want to hear bad news." He admits, hanging his head in shame.

"Brother, Brambleclaw is dead." Feathertail mews.

At her words, Stormfur scrambles up, loss and fury shining in his eyes. "When? Who? How?"

"The Place of No Stars is rising brother. The home you left behind is in danger." Feathertail replies, her words a warning.

"The Place of No Stars? What is this?" Stormfur demands, confusion muddling his face.

"Not every cat goes to StarClan, or The Tribe of Endless Hunting when they die brother. Some cats, bad cats, like Tigerstar or Darkstripe, go somewhere else. For the Clans, they go to the Place of No Stars, also known as the Dark Forest. For moons these cats have wandered an eternally Dark Forest alone, never to meet another. But somehow, they did meet, and have banded together, leading a revolution. If they succeed, they will overthrow StarClan, destroy us all and the Clans will live in darkness evermore.

"Our old friend died last night. His half-brother Hawkfrost killed him, perhaps you remember him?" Feathertail asks.

"Of course – but, sister, he is dead." Stormfur replies uncertainly, his tail flicking and giving away his uneasiness.

"Yes, oh yes." Feathertail agrees.

"I – I don't understand."

"You don't want to understand." Feathertail corrects him gently, "The Dark Forest has grown so strong, that the dead cats can kill the living. How did Brambleclaw die? In a battle of course, he wouldn't have gone any other way. His adopted daughter had her kits the night he died."

"Why are you telling me this?" Stormfur asks, shaking his head as his tears fall thick in horror.

"It is your home – or it was – you deserve to know." Feathertail mews softly, "I will leave you know, your young ones are up."

"Good-bye sister." Stormfur whispers.

"They are lovely. StarClan forbid anything like this ever happens here." And then she is gone.

*Six or so moons later*

"Back again with more bad news?" Stormfur asks, have woken in a dream to see his sister.

"Well that depends on how you look at it." Feathertail replies brazenly. "But first, say hello to an old friend."

"Brambleclaw…" Stormfur's voice cracks when he sees his friend.

"Hello Stormfur, I am sorry we have to meet like this. But I am very happy for you and Brook." Brambleclaw mews with a smile.

"What? Oh yes our kits…." Stormfur remembers distractedly, still watching his old friend sadly.

"There is no need to look so sorrowful. Hawkfrost would have gotten me eventually, I am just glad he took no one else." Brambleclaw mews, shaking his head seriously.

"What has happened to my home Brambleclaw? What has happened to my home?" Stormfur asks, breaking down.

"Come, and walk with me." Bramble mews, preparing to tell the story of the Clans. Stormfur joins him and when they have walked a few foxlengths, Brambleclaw continues, "You know, of course that Hollyleaf disappeared, what you do not know is that she was found. And the night I died she had three kits, who are now Ravenpaw, Jaggedpaw and Blazepaw."

"Blazepaw as in Lionblaze?" Stormfur asks causing Brambleclaw to chuckle.

"Yes. And funny you should mention him, as he is now deputy."

"Good. I can think of no one better." Stormfur mews warmly, thinking of the kit he should have watched grow to warriorship.

"But there is more surprising news." Brambleclaw mews, resuming his tale.

"What?" Stormfur asks wearily, feeling his stomach drop.

"Jayfeather has broken the code." Brambleclaw admits, causing Stormfur's mouth to drop open, "And StarClan allowed it. They believed it was for the best. His mate Icecloud now has three kits, Midnightpaw, Bluekit, and Snowkit who are reincarnations of Bluestar and her sister Snowfur."

"Why –?"

"Midnightpaw was apprenticed early because…. She is an extraordinary cat Stormfur. A chosen cat. She has, powers, as it were. But trust me, it was for the best." Brambleclaw mews, answering his friends unasked question.

"But wouldn't Bluestar be –?"

"One would think." Brambleclaw concedes, interrupting his friend again, "But she agreed to be reincarnated only on the grounds of her having a semi-normal life. StarClan obliged."

"This is messed up." Stormfur states flatly, feeling for the young cats involved.

"I quite agree." Brambleclaw mews in approval, "But a prophecy has been made about young Midnightpaw and StarClan is desperate."

"That's not quite fair." Feathertail mews suddenly, coming up behind them and interrupting the old friends.

"You care for her too, do not lie to me." Brambleclaw mews sternly.

"Of course I care for her!" Feathertail exclaims, looking insulted, "Few cats who meet her don't! But of course we're desperate! She is our only chance!"

"That does not make this right!" Brambleclaw shoots back.

"Ahem." Stormfur coughs, "Did you highjack my dream just to argue?"

"No. No of course not." Brambleclaw mews, turning his attention back to Stormfur, "And she will not be making this journey alone in any case. Ravenpaw has powers as well, visions. And a kit, Echokit will soon have powers."

"But will this help?" Stormfur questions.

"StarClan willing, and they are. But only time will tell." Feathertail admits.

"But I still do not understand why you are showing this to me…."

"You need to know. Sometime soon we may just be obliged to ask you a question we have no right to ask you. And to make that decision, you must have all the facts." Brambleclaw mews, looking suddenly grave.

"What –?"

"No, brother. Do not make us tell you until we have to." Feathertail mews grimly.

"All right." Stormfur mews. A strong wind cuts through the dream, and Feathertail and Brambleclaw look into it, brows furrowed.

"We must go." Feathertail mews, suddenly fearful.

"Wait!" Stormfur calls, "Brambleclaw, our next kit we are naming for you."

"You don't have to –"

"I already talked to Brook and she agreed." Stormfur mews, brushing away Brambleclaw's humbleness, "You did so much for us. You too sister."

"Oh Stormfur..." Feathertail mews sadly.

"We really must go." Brambleclaw whispers in regret.

"Visit again soon…" Stormfur mews sadly.

"We shall try."

*The Night of the Attack on the Gathering*

"There's been an attack! A huge attack!"

Stormfur's dream comes into focus and he sees his sister sobbing on the grass in front of him. "What? What's happened?" he asks, running to her.

"The Dark Forest attacked the Gathering! And killed Firestar!" She exclaims, more tears spilling from her eyes.

"No." Stormfur mews, ice filling his veins. His sister gives him a hopeless look.

"Then… who is deputy?" Stormfur asks quietly.

"Midnightstorm." Feathertail replies. "Yellowfang got her wish."

"Great StarClan… what now?" Stormfur murmurs, looking lost as he hovers over his sister.

"I don't know…" Feathertail confesses, more tears leaking form her eyes, "I'm sorry."

"Don't be…"

"I suppose I should get back." Feathertail mutters.

"Are you all right?" Stormfur asks in concern.

"As I ever will be." She replies with a bitter laugh.

"Look after yourself sister." Stormfur mews seriously.

"I promise."

*The Night of the Attack on ShadowClan*

"Hello Brambleclaw. Where's my sister?" Stormfur asks as his old friend appears in middle of a hunting dream.

"Out." Brambleclaw replies, a hint of terseness in his mew, "But I have more bad news. ShadowClan was attacked and Blackstar and his deputy were killed."

"What?" Stormfur exclaims, his claws sliding out and fur standing on end in shock.

"Yes…." Brambleclaw confirms with a heavy sigh, "I wish I could stay but –"

"No I understand, get back." Stormfur mews, eyes wide.

"Just so you know Stormfur, things are not going well at all."

"I figured." Stormfur mutters as he watches Brambleclaw fade.

*After Midnightstar's Leadership Ceremony*

"Please no deaths." Stormfur mews before his sister can open her mouth. He's been living his days in fear that when he slept more terrible news would haunt his dreams.

"Not deaths…" Feathertail mews delicately.

"Then what?" Stormfur demands.

Feathertail pauses then mews, "ThunderClan has taken in a band of rouges."

"That's nice I suppose." Stormfur mews.

"Not really…" Feathertail sighs, "Most of the Clans were against it, but one of the cats was recognized as a reincarnated StarClan cat and so the whole band was accepted. But not everyone in the Clan agrees. Discord is spreading." Feathertail pauses, wondering if she should tell him about Ravenclaw. But really he has no need to know and it's not her secret to tell. Or to know really.

"What else?" Stormfur asks, sensing that there is more to her story.

"Midnightstar is leader." Feathertail admits in a small voice.

"I though you said there weren't any deaths!" Stormfur explodes.

"There weren't!" Feathertail insists, "We – StarClan that is – told Lionstar to step down, it is her time."

"Ah. The prophecy." Stormfur mews. "She is young, to have the weight of all the Clans upon her."

"It has always been the young who fight, who rebel. They see what others have forgotten." Feathertail states.

"It is not fair sister."

"Life is not fair. Do you think I like it? I hate it! But there is nothing else to do! Blame destiny not me. And in any case she has accepted her fate. She will not stop until she has done her duty." Feathertail mews bitterly.

"And what is that? Giving her life? Fighting in death? Until she dies again? But after that… there is nothing. Is that her fate?" Stormfur snarls.

"I don't know." Feathertail mews quietly, tears glistening in her eyes at the thought of little Midnight dying. She had nurtured that cat, been there for her when no one else was. And still she betrayed her. A small sob escapes her throat.

But her brother is too angry to hear, "What was that? I didn't quite hear you!"

"I DON'T KNOW!" Feathertail yells in fury. "I don't know."

"I am sorry sister." Stormfur whispers, his guilt rising as he move closer to her.

"As am I brother, as am I." she replies, though somewhat hollowly.

"Let me show you my new kits." Stormfur mews. Feathertail's eyes light up.

"Just born?" she asks excitedly.

"Yes, you'll be their first visitor." And then they are in the cave and Stormfur leads the way, into a small cozy room. "Lark and Pine kept watch all day to make sure their mother was not disturbed." He whispers and points to Brook, fast asleep with three kits snuggled close to her.

A small, light gray she-kit is the closest to them, snuggled against a brown, gold striped tom. Then on his other side is a white she-kit with black tabby markings.

"The gray is Feather Floating on a Gentle Breeze. The brown and gold tom is Bramble that Watches Over the Forest. Then the white and black tabby is Moon Beam that Lights Our Path."

"Oh Stormfur they're beautiful." Feathertail mews softly, with wide happy eyes.

"I can't wait to see their eyes." Stormfur confesses his own eyes lighting up.

Feathertail whimpers quietly and closes her eyes, "Do you remember," she whispers, "Brambleclaw saying that we might have to ask you something? Something that we don't have the right to ask you?"

"Yes…" Stormfur replies slowly.

"Will you and Brook come back to the Clans? Just for a little while, to help fight?"

"What difference would two warriors make?" Stormfur asks.

"A difference that you wouldn't believe." Feathertail replies softly.

"Feathertail…"

"I know." she whispers, shaking her head, "And if I had any choice in the matter I wouldn't be asking you. Forget about it, it's outrageous. And horribly rude."

"What are you talking about?" Stormfur asks, looking baffled, "Of course we'll come. Or at least I will. Brook might stay with the kits. But the Clans gave us everything. Of course we will help. I'll talk to Brook and we'll leave as soon as she's ready.

"But your kits!" Feathertail protests, alarmed.

"We'll take them with us." Stormfur replies easily.

"That's way too dangerous!" Feathertail yelps.

"Feathertail I know what I'm doing." Stormfur replies calmly.

"Do you?" his sister demands, "Is this your final word?"

"Yes." Stormfur replies stubbornly.

"Fine. Then I'll check up on you in a few moons." Feathertail replies stiffly, and then looks at the kits. "Please don't take them. They'll be in so much danger." She begs desperately.

"About as much as they'll be in here." Stormfur mutters. Feathertail looks at him alarmed, but then voice floats through the dream and Stormfur is gone.

*StarClan*

"Well I hope you're all happy!" Feathertail snarls, glaring at those gathered around her. "You're endangering my nieces and nephew! And my brother and sister!"

"She not really your sister." Leopardstar points out.

"She's good enough!" Feathertail shoots back fury sparking in her eyes.

"Feathertail calm yourself." Silverstream mews firmly. "We have many other things to worry about."

"You cannot be okay with this!" Feathertail roars.

"No, daughter, I am not." Silverstream replies coolly, "But there are far bigger fish to kill at the moment. Now if we could deal with the matters at paw, I think the Clans would be rather grateful."

At her words StarClan's council assembles and they begin to deal with the many, many issues at paw.

Isn't that an awesome prologue? A round of applause for dear Midnightstar! She did a wonderful job writing this and the other few chapters that we have completed. So I can't wait for you guys to read them!

Oh so if you didn't already figure it out, this is Echo :) Yes I'm alive. Sorry for disappearing off the face of the earth guys. But Midnight did a great job of carrying out the duties of posting, and you guys seem to like her a lot more than me ;) haha

But anyway...I'm just going to come out and say that I'm suffering from depression. It has hit me pretty hard, but I am getting help from therapy and medication. I'm determined to stay strong! And writing really helps, so sorry in advance if I write really depressing stuff...it's just me getting my feelings out.

Sorry for spilling all of that to you! But I'm just really happy that I'm back! It's so nice to be writing again! I hope you guys like this and give us feedback!

Have a lovely night/day

~Echosong