Flamepaw stared at Silverpelt, twinkling brightly in the dark sky. For two sunrises, she had been sheltering under the tree, trying to regain her strength. She missed her clan greatly, she had never felt so alone.

Where could they be? Are they hurt? If they are all right, then are they looking for me?

Flamepaw sighed, then settled down into her moss nest. She had spent the day hunting and resting. Flamepaw had no idea where she was; the only thing she knew was that she was no where near Thunderclan, or any other clan for that matter. She had only walked a few tail-lengths, before she got lightheaded and had to lie back down. Stupid smoke! It'll be in my lungs for ages!

Flamepaw curled her tail over her nose, then fluffed out her fur. Tonight was a chilly night. The damp weather didn't help either. It was the middle of leaf-fall, and to Flamepaw, it was colder than ever.

Flamepaw rested her paw over her nose, then closed her eyes.

Tomorrow, I'll find my clan. I must....

* * * * *

"Flamepaw, wake up."

Flamepaw jolted awake at the sound of a familiar, yet almost forgotten, voice. She jumped to her paws, then turned around and looked into the beautiful, but pained, blue eyes.

"Greycloud." Flamepaw whispered.

The light grey she-cat dipped her head. She flicked her ears, then began to speak, "Listen to me, you don't have much time."

Flamepaw backed away in surprise, "Why? W-What's going to happen?"

Greycloud's voice suddenly grew dark, "Starclan can't see the clans anymore. You're lucky that I was able to find you." She drew another breath, then continued,"You must find them."

Flamepaw tilted her fiery head,"Who?"

Greycloud rolled her eyes, then raised her voice, "Don't you know by now? Fire saved the clans once, it shall do it again!" Her voice shook, "Flamepaw, you must find the fifth clan."

Flamepaw's legs suddenly felt like they wouldn't support her. Fifth clan? How? She didn't even know there was a fifth clan for Starclan's sake!

"Why? I mean, where? How? What happened to them? How come-" Flamepaw was interrupted.

"Silence!" Greycloud shouted, "The roaring lion will show the way to the fading sky. You'll find out the rest all in good time." She sighed, "Now, an old friend will reunite with you along the way. They will come to you." Greycloud stepped forward and rested her chin on her daughter's head, "Remember, you aren't alone. I'll always be with you, even if I cannot see you, alright?"

Flamepaw solemnly nodded, knowing that no words would come.

Greycloud pulled away, her blue eyes filled with emotion. She licked Flamepaw's cheek, then mewed, "You won't fulfill your destiny without help. There are shadows within your clan. Shadows that you cannot defeat alone." She began to slowly fade away.

Flamepaw wanted to ask so much more, but she knew that she couldn't. The world around her was growing hazy. The last thing Flamepaw heard before everything went black was her mother's smooth voice, "I love you Flamepaw..."

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

The sound of singing birds roused Flamepaw. She blinked open her eyes and stretched. The forest was bright, and alive. The scent of vole lingered in the air.

Flamepaw remembered her dream. I must find the fifth clan! But, how? Where? I don't even know where to start! Flamepaw got out of her nest and yawned. Her eyes grew wide. Greycloud said I would find an old friend. Who could that be?

A strange voice seemed to echo in her ears, "The roaring lion will show you the way to the fading sky."

Flamepaw closed her eyes. A roaring lion will show me the way? A fading sky? I thought I was supposed to find the lost clan!

Flamepaw dug her claws into the ground in frustration. Why did Starclan cats always make things so difficult? Why couldn't they just tell her where to go?

Flamepaw's stomach growled. She let out a sigh, "I can't do anything if I'm hungry. I better start hunting."

She flicked her tail, then dived into the undergrowth. A few heartbeats later, she reappeared with a plump vole hanging from her jaws.

She settled down and began to eat. The vole was small, but juicy. Flamepaw closed her eyes and chewed the fresh meat. She let her mind soar. Why did the burden of this prophecy fall on me? I never asked to save the lost clan. The weight of Starclan is on my shoulders! Flamepaw sunk her claws into the damp ground. Greycloud said I won't fulfill my destiny without help, what could she mean? There's so many things I don't understand!

Flamepaw shook her head, then stood. If I don't save the clan, who will? I'm already far from home, how far away could the lost clan be?

Flamepaw took a deep breath, then began to walk. The huge oak trees gave way to an open field after a few heartbeats. She trudged through the tall, thick grass, not knowing where she was or supposed to go.

Feeling a bit winded, Flamepaw sat down and looked to the sky. The clouds were scattered across the bright blue sky in small swirls. Though they were all different, one in particular stood out to Flamepaw. It looked like a cat. No, not a cat. It looked like...A lion! A roaring lion!

Flamepaw leaped in the air with joy. Thank you Starclan! Thank you! Flamepaw studied the lion closely. It was definitely the great roaring cat that Greycloud was speaking of.

I must be going in the right direction, or else I wouldn't be seeing it. Perhaps I should keep walking, and if I don't see the lion, I'll know I'm going the wrong way.

Pleased with her discovery, Flamepaw continued. She went straight through the field, glancing at the sky every few steps.. The scent of mouse was heavy in the air, but that wasn't the only scent on the breeze. I've smelled that before! It's the smell of a cat!

Flamepaw whipped around to see a dark brown tail sticking through the grass. Crouching down, Flamepaw edged closer. When she was only a few mouse-lengths away, she jumped. Flamepaw landed clumsily on the cat's flank with her claws unsheathed. The stranger let out a growl of surprise.

Flamepaw looked down at the cat she had beneath her claws, then gasped. Great Starclan it can't be!

The cat that was staring up at her, was Jaggedfang.