Ashcloud stared. Swiftflight licked each kit weakly. Though with pride. Ashcloud came up to her and licked her head with happiness. She chuckled and purred. "Meet your kits..." she whispered.

"What's their names?" Asked Ashcloud.

She pointed to the black kit. "Ashkit. After you..."

She pointed to a white kit. "Daisykit. After the flowers."

She pointed with her tail lastly to the small gray kit. "Dovekit. After all, we have been through".

Ashcloud purred and licked each kit. They mewed and squealed. Ashcloud smiled gratefully. Swiftflight was alive. And she had kits. That was the best part.

**

The patrol had been through much. They had found the 5 apprentices and returned to camp. Sunstar was pleased with the new kits. But quite worried about Swiftflight being drowned twice and surviving.

Sunstar punished Sandwing. And condemned her to camp. Ever since then Ashcloud was deputy. 

Since then 4 moons passed and the kits had grown. Dovekit was especially a bit taller. 

Swiftflight had asked Goldenbloom to take care of the kits. Goldenbloom didn't mind plus she loved the strength that the kits had.  Swiftflight had taken her duties back. Ashcloud was relived. Since they were too complicated.

Swiftflight stretched in her nest and laid down to sleep. After a few moments, There was a loud screech for help. Swiftflight was prodded awake by Ashcloud. They burst outside. "Sunstar! She is dead!" cried out Molepaw. 

Swiftflight screeched with defeat. She would have to fight Scourge.

Swiftflight took a patrol to get Sunstar. They mourned her.

Alas, it was Swiftflight's turn. She buried her fur in Sunstar's cold body. "Why did you leave me so early...?" She whispered. Swiftflight felt Sunstar's spirit beside her. "The warrior code taught me to protect my clan. I know It'll be hard fighting Scourge but it's worth it. For the sake of StarClan" said Sunstar. "Good luck," she whispered and Sunstar disappeared.

For the sake of StarClan. The words rang in Swiftflight's mind as she followed Fernspots to the Moonpuddle. They sat in the den as the Moon brightened the small puddle.

Swiftflight lapped a bit of water and watched as she had received her lives. The last life was given by Sunstar. "Good luck fighting Scourge." She replied. I nodded carefully.

"Swiftstar! Swiftstar! Swiftstar!" The names were cheered by the StarClan crowd ever so happily after all they have been through.

The blue eyes of Scourge had shown against the StarClan cats. A wave of death rolled over the cats. They screeched with horror and fear. Swiftstar stood beyond them watching sadly.

"How could you!?" I yowled. Anger ran over my heart. Scourge gave a malicious laugh and disappeared.

**

Swiftstar trotted into camp. It was good to be back. Her kits raced up to her. "Mother! Mother! May I be an apprentice now?". Their eyes were sparkling with excitement. Swiftstar purred. "Not today. When your six moons old. You three are only four moons old". The kits groaned. "Mother! Can I be deputy!!!!" Asked Dovekit.

"Dovekit you silly mouse! That's for warriors only!"Swiftstar smiled. She let out a mrrow of laughter. Dovekit laughed and so did the other kits.

"Let's play warriors!" cried out Ashkit. Jumping from paw to paw. Daisykit shook her head. "That's too boring! Let's play cat and mouse!". "How 'bout you all play Cat and Mouse. It's a fun game. Unless you get into trouble. Just be careful okay?" said Swiftflight. She licked each kit's head and bounded to the HighRock.

She yowled. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey join beneath the HighRock for a clan meeting!!". The cats assembled. "Today! I must announce the new deputy! Ashcloud!". 

The cats cheered. "Ashcloud! Ashcloud! Ashcloud!". Ashcloud's jaw was open. He straightened up and nodded. "I'll do everything it takes!". 

Swiftstar nodded. "Then since I have just become the leader. I will have a feast!". Cats cheered excitedly. "A feast!? Where??????" Asked Whitetail. She was an elder.

The cheering died down as Ashcloud announced hunting patrols. Soon enough every cat had their meals ready to eat. 

"Nom Nom Nom!" munched Dovekit. "Dovekit no, You're going to choke" growled Swiftstar. "Sorry, mother! But it's so good!" murmured Dovekit. Licking her paw. Swiftstar sighed and purred.

 After the feast...

The feast was amazing. Every cat enjoyed their food and other cat's company. But Swiftstar was quiet. She walked to her den quietly and watched the sunset. The sun slowly drowned into the water. 

The sky was wisps of pink, orange, yellow, and purple. Bright stars appeared. Swiftstar breathed in the soft air. She was not excited. She would have to fight Scourge. She breathed and walked out to find Ashcloud. He was in his den. Speaking with Bluebelly.

Bluebelly nodded quickly and walked out. Dipping her head to Swiftstar and Ashcloud.

Swiftstar rested beside Ashcloud. He nudged her. "What's wrong?". Swiftstar curled her lip in fear. Then spoke. "I've kept something from you...". Ashcloud eyes widened. "What?". " Scourge took over StarClan and I have to fight him tonight," replied Swiftflight. She kneaded the nest with her soft White and dark gray paws.

He sighed. "I Kept something from you too." He replied. Swiftstar rolled on her belly and slid near him. Purring. He licked her cheek.

"Scourge tried to kill me"