For generations, there have been four clans in the forest. Four clans of warrior cats, that's it. No more, no less. And it has been like that for many, many years now. The four clans, founded long ago, have lived by the noble commandments their ancestors had laid down in the past. And they will continue to live by them for the future yet to come.

Out on the moor is HeatherClan, a group of small lithe cats. Don't let their size fool you, they are skilled fighters that can land multiple blows on an opponent before the enemy gets one lick in. They are the fastest cats, running like the wind. Living out in the open and being the closest to the mystical Spirit Cave gives them pride in knowing they are the closest to their warrior ancestors in SpiritClan.

To the east in the swamplands live MarshClan. Short and stocky, they are the masters of stealth, ambush and surprise. One could slip right by you and you wouldn't even notice. In a fight, you wouldn't notice until it was too late. This gives them the advantage during a battle. In the dark of the night they become a force to be reckoned with.

Deep within the forest WoodClan can be found. These cats are huge, as big as badgers. And they are very muscular. The strongest clan, they are capable of inflicting heavy blows. Be careful not to accidentally cross their borders. They will not hesitate to protect what is theirs. Plus, they are battle hungry and crave a good fight.

And lastly residing by the many rivers just south of our beautiful town is MinnowClan, the bravest clan. The sleek furred cats hold no fear over water. The other clans often hesitate before they launch any kind of attack towards these cats, too afraid to get their paws wet. MinnowClan cats also have the courage to know when there is no need for a fight but for peace instead-

"Do they swim like fish?!" the tiny kitten squeaked, his blue eyes wide with excitement. Duchess could practically see the questions swimming in them. She purred in amusement, delighted by the kitten's curiosity. Her daughter, however, disapproved as she lightly whacked the kitten on the back of the head with her tail as she scolded, "Don't interrupt Sammy!"

"Oh it's alright Snowy, he was only asking a question," Duchess defended her grandson. Leaning down, the white she cat touched her nose to Sammy's head as she meowed, "I believe MinnowClan cats swim even better than fish."

"Have you ever met any of the clan cats?" Amaya chimed in. Turning to her granddaughter, Duchess nodded her head and answered, "Oh yes. In fact, your grandfather was a MinnowClan cat." Awe painted on their little faces, Sammy and Amaya exclaimed, "Wow!" Rolling her eyes, Snowy muttered, "Not this again. Mom, Dad was nothing more than a rogue. The clans don't exist. You're delusional."

"They are real, I swear on my life," Duchess insisted. Just then, she started coughing. A sharp pain in her side flared up as well. Groaning, she moved slightly to get more comfortable. Seeing the hurt in her mother's eyes, Snowy meowed softly, "Come on little ones. Say good night to your grandmother, she needs some sleep."

"Good night Grandma," Amaya mewed, nuzzling Duchess. Giving the white she cat a lick on the cheek, Sammy reassured her, "Don't worry Grandma, I believe you. In fact, I'll join MinnowClan when I'm older and become the greatest warrior who ever lived."

"Oh Sammy, you already are in my eyes," Duchess replied with a soft smile on her face. She gave her grandson a loving nuzzle before sending him off after his mother and sister. Watching as her family went into their home to be with their housefolk, Duchess sighed softly before getting up to her paws.

It was time.

Limping down the sidewalk, Duchess grimaced with each step she took. The lump in her side was unbearable at this point. Yet she perceived as she got herself out of town. The white she cat now stood on the bank of the river, one of many near the place she called home for some time now.

Easing herself down on a soft bed of grass, Duchess gazed out across the rippling water. Beyond was MinnowClan, along with all of the other clans and the warriors and their code. They were real. Closing her blue eyes, she smiled quietly as she thought of her grandson Sammy. He would become the greatest warrior the clans had ever seen. She knew that from the day he had been born, for it was also the day she received a universal message.

The darkness will vanish when the sky clears.

"I hope you are right Sunswift," Duchess whispered, resting her chin on her paws. Sighing softly, she rasped, "I hope you are coming soon." When she opened her eyes, she saw two white paws sparkling like stars standing before her, a whisker away from her nose. One of them stretched out towards her as a voice spoke, "Oh my dear Duchess, I never once left your side."

"I missed you so much Sunswift," Duchess purred, rising to her paws as her own white pelt shimmered with starlight...