A New Beginning

Chapter 15

Dawnmist glanced at the camp entrance as it rustled. A moment later Angel and Breezeflight came padding into camp. They both had happy looks on their faces.

Dawnmist sighed. How could they be happy in a time like this? She longed to laugh again. But she felt drained of all her happiness.

Breezeflight and Angel walked up to her slowly. "Dawnmist, why don't you come with us to talk to Branchstar?" Breezeflight mewed calmly. Dawnmist glared up at him, "Why do we need to talk to Branchstar? There is nothing to talk about."

Breezeflight sighed, clearly irritated, "Just come one Dawnmist. You have to drop this depressed mood. Its unhealthy." Dawnmist snorted, but didn't argue as she climbed to her paws.

She followed Breezeflight and Angel to Branchstar's den. Breezeflight signaled for Angel to stay outside as he pushed his way into the leaders den. Dawnmist followed close behind him.

Branchstar pricked his ears as the two cats padded into the den. "I have been expecting you two," the Sunclan leader meowed. Breezeflight sat down and rapped his tail around his paws comfortably. "You know as well as I do that me and Dawnmist have to start building the new clans sooner or later," Breezeflight meowed, jumping right into the subject.

Branchstar nodded with agreement, "I know. So when are you planning to leave?" "In the morning," Breezeflight meowed. Dawnmist glanced at him with surprise. When was he planning to tell me this?

Branchstar looked surprised as well. "Since Starclan wants two new clans that means they need cats. I will allow any cat who wants to join one of your clans go," Branchstar meowed. Breezeflight's eyes widened, "Branchstar, I do not want to steal your warriors. Anyways there is a band of rogues that could join the clan."

Branchstar shook his head, "The clans are growing Breezeflight. If any cat wants to go they are welcomed to. I will not force them to stay in Sunclan if they truly belong by the rivers or on the moor."

Breezeflight dipped his head to his former leader, "Thank you Branchstar. I hope one day I can be a great leader like you." Branchstar purred, "I'm sure you will be."

Dawnmist and Breezeflight followed Branchstar into the clearing. The Sunclan leader jumped onto the Sunrock and yowled, "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Sunrock."

Dawnmist and Breezeflight sat side by side at the base of the Sunrock. The Sunclan cats gathered below the Sunrock and looked up at Branchstar curiously.

"As you all know Dawnmist and Breezeflight have somewhere to be. They will be leaving at dawn to go create the two new clans. I am now offering every cat a choice. You either stay in Sunclan or go join another clan. If you leave it will not hurt my feelings. I won't force you to stay in a home you don't like," Branchstar meowed.

Dawnmist glanced around the clan. A black pelt moved to the front of the crowd. Reedsong looked up at Branchstar sadly. "I feel that I belong beside the rivers. I will be joining Dawnmist," the black tom meowed.

Branchstar dipped his head to Reedsong, "May Starclan light your path Reedsong. You have shown to be a wonderful warrior."

Reedsong dipped his head politely and went to go sit beside his mother and sisters.

Dawnmist sweeper the crowd for any other cats willing to leave Sunclan. She was surprised to see Fernrose walk to the front of the crowd.

"I'm so sorry Branchstar, but I want to join Breezeflight," Fernrose meowed. Dawnmist glanced to Breezeflight. She sympathy in his amber eyes. When she was an apprentice they used to all gossip about Fernrose at gatherings. About how the she-cat would always moon over Haredash. Dawnmist knew that Fernrose wanted to go with Breezeflight because Haredash had chosen Moonspot as his mate.

Dawnmist saw Haredash hang his guiltly. I guess he already knows about Fernrose's crush on him. Branchstar touched his nose to her head, "Its alright Fernrose. Breezeflight is lucky to have you as one of his warriors."

Fernrose smiled up at him and walked over to her mother and father. Briarwing and Lionfur nuzzled her sadly. Not only were they loosing Breezeflight agian, they were now also loosing Fernrose.

Branchstar looked around his clan. No other cat stirred. "Very well. Reedsong, Fernrose, the whole of Sunclan wishes you luck with your new lives your about to start. We will miss you dearly and Sunclan thanks you for all you've done for us."

Reedsong and Fernrose dipped their head to Branchstar. Dawnmist watched as the clan dispersed. Most cats going to talk to either Reedsong or Fernrose.

Dawnmist looked to Breezeflight. He looked at her as well. "Are you ready?" he meowed. She nodded, "Ready as I'll ever be." He nodded, "Lets get some sleep before tomorrow." She nodded and went to go get a good night's sleep.