"Are you sure your ancestors will hear you?" Leafstar questioned.

Sandstorm was less than a quarter-moon away from kiting. WindClan was getting restless about hunting within the trees. My clan was beginning to miss sleeping on soft soil. SkyClan complained of the over-filled dens.

"I have to try, Leafstar. I can sense time is running out."

She nodded. I took my place and allowed StarClan to speak.

.

I dreamed I was back in the forest. I was young and carefree again. I smell mouse, I thought. Could it be? Yes. This was the dream I had had many years ago as Rusty, the soiled young kittypet. According to my instincts, I dropped into a hunting crouch. I'm going to get that mouse!

Sure enough, I was finally able to kill the mouse. I triumphantly sunk my teeth into the juicy prey. After I had eaten every last morsel, I felt strong. I felt as if I were re-experiencing the life Runningwind had given me. I heard a snap and turned my head. Once again, I saw many pairs of yellow eyes starting back at me.

.

I awoke next to Spottedleaf. She had a peaceful look on her face. "Did you enjoy the mouse?"

I was confused. "Why would StarClan send me this dream?"

Spottedleaf's eyes sparkled as she meowed, "Why exactly did you decide to join ThunderClan?"

I hesitated. Didn't StarClan know this? "I felt like it would give me a sense of freedom and joy. Kittypet food tasted so bland, and the water had a metallic taste to it," I replied.

"Exactly. That was a StarClan mouse you ate. When you ate the fish Silverstream gave you, she was giving you confidence. Whenever StarClan gives a living cat something to eat, they get a feeling of joy, confidence, and sometimes even light in the darkest times. You know what you must do, Firestar. StarClan will be with you, I promise." My vision darkened as we touched noses.

.

I tripped over a rock rising to my feet. Why do I feel so stiff?

A cat shrieked in front of me. They turned. "F-Firestar! It's Brakenfur!"

I tilted my head. "Why do you look so surprised?"

Brakenfur took a deep breath and seemed to calm down. "You've been asleep for two days."

I felt confused. Has it really been that long? I thought.

Brakenfur told me how Leafstar and the medicine cats tried to wake me. When they tried to move me away, they saw a fire in front of them, so they had guards take shifts. I stood up. "I should go tell them," I meowed.

"Wait," Brakenfur stopped me. "One more thing I should mention. Sandstorm was so upset." I looked at him closely. He sighed. "Sandstorm has kitted yesterday."