Prologue
A cat came running up a small ledge to a circle of four other cats. Yellowfang of ThunderClan, Tallstar of WindClan, Leopardstar of RiverClan and Russetfur of ShadowClan.
"Berryblossom, what brings you to our meeting?" Yellowfang rasped at the small, pretty, cream-colored she-cat.
"A new Clan is coming!" Berryblossom hissed.
"Impossible, there are no more than the four Clans, besides SkyClan that is." Tallstar answered.
"Not anymore, they have grouped together." Berryblossom said as a new shadow climbed onto the ledge.
"Berryblossom not lie, they coming, plan to stay." Midnight the badger insisted.
"Should we welcome them?" Tallstar wondered to everyone.
They all looked at each other waiting for an answer.
"There have always been four Clans," Leopardstar meowed, catching the attention of the other three cats.
"Yes," Russetfur agreed. "The new Clan would just be another group of soft mouths to feed. LeafFall has been hard as it is."
The other cats nodded. Midnight retreated into the shadows and Berryblossem frowned.
"B-but having another Clan could be helpful!" Berryblossem insisted.
"How?" Tallstar asked.
Berryblossem hesitated, obviously not prepared for the question. Suddenly, she gasped. A trance-like look came over her and she recited words as though another cat was controlling her tongue.
"A new Clan of Leaves will arrive, but with it comes danger. For the Teeth of Rock will set the forest alight and all will be burned by Water."
Yellowfang looked at Berryblossom skeptically.
"This is bad. I must warn my Clan!" Leopardstar yowled. She started to run away but Midnight stepped forwards and blocked her path.
"No." She said the simple word in the cat tongue.
Leopardstar hissed and bared her fangs but made no move to run.
"Leopardstar!" Tallstar yowled, running over to her. "This must not reach our Clanmates' ears. This is meant for StarClan to hear and StarClan alone." He meowed convincingly.
Leopardstar shot him a cold look but stepped away and sat back down with the other cats. Tallstar, looking relived, sat down next to the spotted she-cat and licked his paw.
"We will send them a warning. But the rest they will have to find out by themselves." Yellowfang decided.
Russetfur nodded and looked at the other cats. Tallstar nodded without hesitation but Leopardstar looked up and licked her chest.
"I'm just worried about my Clan." Leopardstar mewed.
"Don't be," Tallstar whispered. "They'll be fine."
Leopardstar sent him a I'm-not-a-kit look and then nodded half-heartedly.
"Then it is settled?" Yellowfang asked, looking at the cats.
"Yes." Russentfur nodded.
Berryblossem cheered silently and Midnight smiled.
"Clans will be ready. But nothing prepare them for him." Midnight rasped.
Russetfur sent her a glare and Tallstar gave her a questioning look but Midnight just stomped away from the clearing. Berryblossem trotted after her and the other four cats, after nodding to each other in silent goodbye, followed.
