Lost In The Stars (Book Two)

Chapter Thirteen- Stoneclaw

Stoneclaw stared in awe at the cats on the rock. He curled his tail around Silverwing's, their kits sitting in front of them.

"We have quite the announcement to make." Rainstorm began. "First, we will introduce the leaders of the returning StarClan cats. These are Muddy Feet and Green Eyes, the creators of MudClan and GreenClan."

Stoneclaw didn't have time to process that before Muddy Feet spoke. "Just as we created the clans before, we will help to create a new clan again."

"From this day forward, MudClan and GreenClan will be no more." Green Eyes spoke. Shocked gasps rippled through the cats, but no cat dared to say any different. "Stripedstar will lead this new clan. Hawkstar has chosen to retire to the elders den, a ceremony that will be performed later."

"We spoke to your leaders.." Muddy Feet's eyes scanned over the watching cats. "And have decided that Owlflight would be the best choice for deputy."

All eyes turned to Owlflight, who's jaw had dropped. He didn't say anything, but Green Eyes and Muddy Feet didn't seem to mind. "All other cats will remain in the ranks that they are currently in." Green Eyes went on.

"We will accompany you on the journey to a new territory, far away enough that ShadeClan will be no threat to any cat. We leave tomorrow at dawn. Be ready." Muddy Feet leaped off the rock, signalling that the meeting was over.

Stripedstar began to call orders at once. "Flamefur, lead a hunting patrol at once. Every cat will need to eat tonight. Frostytail, gather some cats to help collect herbs. Dawntail, are the kits strong enough to make this journey?"

"I think so." Dawntail said, but there was a worried tone in her voice.

"Good. Stoneclaw, take the apprentices out to practice their hunting. They're going to need it." Stripedstar waved her tail.

"Alright guys, let's go. Where are Leopardpaw and Frostpaw?" Stoneclaw asked.

"That way, I think." Ashpaw flicked his tail towards where Firestorm and Robinwing were sitting, waiting for their orders. Stoneclaw walked over to them, asking if they'd seen the apprentices.

"Leopardpaw went somewhere with Coldwind." Robinwing replied. Stoneclaw dug his claws into the ground, frustrated. Where is Coldwind?

Just then he saw the white cat near the edge of camp, sharing tongues with Cloudpool. Leopardpaw and Frostpaw weren't far off. Stoneclaw yelled to them that they needed to go hunting, so they rushed over to stand with the other apprentices.

"Okay, let's go." Stoneclaw said, his tail flicking. The four followed him out of the camp, where everything seemed to be more peaceful. Prey was easy to catch, and the clan ended up with quite the pile when they returned to camp. Every cat got their share of fresh kill.

Stoneclaw picked out a fish and settled down beside Silverwing. "Do you know who all of these StarClan warriors are?" He asked the older cat.
"Some of them. That's your mother over there," She flicked her tail to Firepelt.

"I know that." Stoneclaw rolled his eyes. "Who is that?" He dipped his head towards a small white she-cat.

"Echopaw." Silverwing replied, "Rainstorm and Bloodshed's littermate. She died when she fell in the river on the way back from a gathering."

Stoneclaw winced. That must have been terrible. He thought. Only one of the StarClan cats remained unidentified. "Alright, who's that?" He pointed to a silver and white she-cat who was eating with Rainstorm and Thorncloud.

Silverwing shrugged. "Beats me!"

Stoneclaw couldn't help but go to meet the strange cat. "Hello," He greeted her.

"Hello, Stoneclaw." She dipped her head.

"This is Moonlight." Thorncloud introduced her. "She was my mentor, the first ever moon cat." He explained. Stoneclaw found it hard to believe that Rainstorm was only the third moon cat, but then he remembered how long moon cats were meant to live. It made sense for them to last longer than expected.

"Hi!" Stoneclaw's attention was pulled from Moonlight when Stormkit bounced up beside him.

"Shouldn't you be with Dawntail?" Rainstorm asked sweetly. "Don't get lost!"

Stormkit ignored him, licking her belly. "I heard that you should get an apprentice soon, now that Thorncloud is dead!"

Thorncloud shifted uncomfortably, but Rainstorm just laughed. "Would you like to be my apprentice, Stormkit?"

"Yes!" She squealed.

"Perhaps when you are old enough." Rainstorm dipped his head to the kit, "But for now, go play with your siblings. We're busy discussing where we will go. You leave, too, Stoneclaw."

Stoneclaw nodded and followed Stormkit back to her mother to make sure that she wouldn't get into any trouble. What will happen tomorrow? He wondered. Will any cats die on this journey?