Willowcloud's paws followed those of her clanmates as they returned from ShadowClan's camp. Her muscles ached furiously yet she couldn't be more content.

Earlier, a stubborn tree trunk had taken their combined strength to roll down to the lake. She recalled the hardest part being maneuvering it through the peaty forest.

As the group of cats crossed back into their own scent markers, Willowcloud was struck with the memory of the tunnels. The tunnels that she had followed the other apprentices through so long ago. 

She had checked on them of course. Only a sunrise after the Gathering, her and Sunstrike retraced their old pawsteps to the secluded clearing where the entrance lay. 

Only to find it collapsed and muddy.

From there, Willowcloud knew her old life was over and it was up to her to create a new one. 

Once Willowcloud brushed into camp she laid down beside Sunstrike, her mate's red fur warm. An entire moon had passed since the Gathering and ThunderClan had just returned to the gorge, most of the water having left.

She wrapped her tail tightly over her nose. Her sleep had been dreamless since her best friend's death, which felt like so long ago. As it began to swamp her, rather than running away she acknowledged it, and its grip on her lessened. It was something she was working on, and didn't always succeed, but it helped.

Beside her, Sunstrike rolled onto his back. "Goodnight," He yawned.

"You too," She replied.

Usually, sleep came to her slowly, but tonight it washed over her like a dark wave.

Willowcloud opened her eyes to find herself under the long branches of a willow tree. More specifically, the exact willow tree she had seen when returning to ThunderClan. The same white flower was at its base, although it was now complete and vibrant.

Dappled sunlight broke through the leaves and Willowcloud saw the shadow of another cat against the tree's trunk.

A quick glance back revealed a fiery pelt radiating with light.

"Firestar," Willowcloud breathed, dipping her head in respect.

The orange tom returned the gesture. "How have you been faring?" he asked, sitting beside her.

"Okay, I suppose," Willowcloud said. A whirlwind of questions pleaded to be asked. She couldn't help but blurt out, "Everything's over, but I still don't understand. Why was I chosen? There's nothing I could have done to stop the storm. I... I just don't get it." She looked to the tom, begging he would divulge the answers.

He stood before her. "Willowcloud, you were chosen because we could foresee some of your future. You had growing to do but so much potential to fulfill, thus a prophecy was the best way to accomplish it."

"And yes, perhaps there were some things that could have gone differently, but much of it was fate. You carried it with the dignity and strength of a true warrior. Maybe. . . even more. Your story isn't over quite yet." His dazzling eyes glimmered for a moment.

Before Willowcloud had the chance to analyze his words, Firestar rose and parted the curtain of leaves with his tail. "I believe there's someone here to see you."

Willowcloud felt all the breath leave her body as she glanced up to see a ginger and white she-cat approach. Countless glittering stars sparkled in her pelt and shimmered in her pawprints. Her bright blue eyes met with Willowcloud's green ones and the two best friends rushed for each other, purring furiously.

"Frostflower," Willowcloud breathed. "I've missed you so much! It's like I've lost my other half."

Frostflower gently pulled away so she could look Willowcloud in the eye. "You think it's any easier up here? I can see you but can't offer my sarcastic suggestions when you do something stupid – which is a lot."

Willowcloud purred louder in amusement. Seeing Frostflower as a warrior of StarClan was the most bittersweet she had ever felt. Her purring trailed off and her gaze darkened.

"You don't. . . you don't blame me, do you?" She said softly.

"For wha- oh." Frostflower shook her head. "oh, no. I should have known better."

"But you shouldn't have died over something so naïve. In that case, I should be here in your place since it was my idea." Willowcloud felt her throat tighten and couldn't bear to look up.

Frostflower sighed. "Willowcloud. Back in ThunderClan I would have never understood, but once I entered StarClan, I realize that there are some things that just happen." She paused, and Willowcloud saw starry water gathering in Frostflower's eyes. "While it's unfortunate-- no, it's terrible that we won't be able to share our lives together, we can't change what has happened."

Frostflower nuzzled her friend. "I, too, have seen great things in your future. So you better not let a dead cat hold you back!" 

Willowcloud nodded silently. She noticed the edges of her vision fading away and looked frantically between Firestar and Frostflower.

"No! Please, don't go!" She begged, succumbing to her emotions. Somewhere, deep down in her heart, Willowcloud knew she wouldn't see her friend again until it was her time to don the stars. 

Frostflower, her form beginning to vanish, touched noses with her friend. "I'll save a spot for you up here. Until then, go be a hero. That way I can brag about being your best friend."

Willowcloud chuckled and watched as Frostflower disappeared, and Firestar padded in front of her.

The former leader rested his chin atop her head. "Go now. Live your life. And be the cat you were destined to be."

Willowcloud nodded, feeling her heart swell with resolve. She knew she would be able to handle whatever else came her way. She was a warrior.

"I will. You have my word."

-

And with that, the book is over. I would like to thank all the readers, commenters, voters, and everyone else for making this book possible. I really couldn't have done it without you guys - this would have ended up as an abandoned draft stuck in some folder. 

I hope you've enjoyed my book, and if not please don't hesitate to let me know why. Like I've said before, I'm always looking on how to improve.

Well I should be wrapping this up.

Thanks once again, and I hope to see you around. 

~ May StarClan light your path ~