Hawkpaw was awoken by a grief-stricken yowl. Huh? What now? It's barely dawn yet. Hawkpaw went outside to see Raindapple darting back and forth in the camp, nosing any plant and wailing frantically. Daisypelt was watching from the entrance of the nursery with Cloudchaser, who had almost completely healed, standing protectively beside her. The whole Clan was starting to wake up as the queen kept racing around. Sparrowclaw was trying to calm her down but to no prevail. Morningstar finally stepped in and grabbed the dappled she-cat's scruff, holding her back.

She thrashed, trying to escape his grasp while hissing. "Let go of me! I need to hurry, she's in trouble!"

Brighteyes padded forward speaking quietly, "what happened, Raindapple?"

The queen paused and broke down into a sob, "Mosskit! She's gone! I can't find her anywhere!" Sparrowclaw's gaze darkened and Daisypelt looked uncomfortable. Why is our Clan being plagued with misfortune? Do we deserve all this? Hawkpaw felt despaired. Rabbitpaw and Snakepaw stood next her.

"I can't believe this," Rabbitpaw whispered.

"Just one thing after another," Snakepaw growled. "StarClan must be punishing us for something." Is that true? But I'm training with StarClan, they wouldn't hurt my Clan, right? Ugh, I don't understand! Hawkpaw collapsed and covered her head with her paws. A milky scent hit her nose on the ground. She blinked.

"Do you smell that?"

"Smell what?" Snakepaw mewed. Hawkpaw crouched low and breathed deeply. She was certain now, it was a kit scent. She followed the trail to the secret tunnel, seeing a quivering gray shape next to it. She breathed a sigh of relief and grabbed it by its scruff. It let out an indignant squeak and wiggled.

"Mosskit!" Rabbitpaw said. The tiny she-kit mewled and Raindapple cried out overjoyed.

"My kit!" She gently took the wriggling bundle in her mouth and purred happily. Sparrowclaw joined her and started furiously grooming his daughter.

"Wow! Hawkpaw that was amazing!" Appelpaw blurted out. Raindapple blinked gratefully at the apprentice and she ducked her head in embarrassment.

"It was nothing," she mumbled.

"Nothing? You just saved my sister." Lightningmask exclaimed and Moonface nodded.

Morningstar padded forward. "You did well to pick up Mosskit's scent. The Clan thanks you, and I'm sure Raindapple is very grateful." He licked her shoulder and she shuddered.

"Thank you, Morningstar."

Flareheart purred, "I'm so proud of you! You aren't far from becoming a warrior." Hawkpaw's chest swelled proudly. She butted her mentor with her head delightedly who continued, "in fact, I think it's about time for you guys to travel to the Moonpool. You would have too eventually anyways so we might as well get it done with." Hawkpaw felt a fresh surge of excitement and she had to stifle a squeak of enthusiasm.

"The Moonpool," Applepaw breathed.

"I can't wait," Snakepaw flexed his claws and Rabbitpaw smiled.

"When do we leave?" she asked.

"Now. It's already dawn so we have a full day to go there." Hawkpaw nodded and felt a hot breath on her flank. She turned around to see Duckfeather.

"You will need traveling herbs. Come to the medicine cat's den," he grunted. He led them inside where Fuzzypaw was busy pulling out leaves. "Did you get everything?"

"I have chamomile, sorrel and daisy leaves," she answered.

"Don't forget burnet," he meowed gruffly.

"Oh yeah, my bad." She fetched some extra leaves and wrapped everything up in several bundles before pushing them forward. "Here you are! Make sure you eat everything," she instructed.

Hawkpaw grabbed a set and started swallowing them up, cringing with every bite.

Applepaw spat out a seed and wrinkled his nose in disgust, "this is terrible!"

"You have to eat everything," Snakepaw muttered.

"You'll be grateful for it later, I promise." Gentleleaf meowed sympathetically as she took a heap of herbs for herself, her round belly brushing the ground as she kneeled. She must be visiting the prey heap quite a bit. Tallwhisker stormed in right then.

"Gentleleaf! You can't go!"

She bristled, "why not? My apprentice is going and so am I, you won't be changing my mind."

"But what about...er, the..." He stammered as he glanced around at the alarmed cats in the cave. "Can I speak to you outside?"

She met his gaze evenly, "anything you want to say to me you can say here." He growled in frustration but gave up.

"What about...our kits?" he finally mumbled. Flareheart gasped in astonishment.

"You are having kits?"

Gentleleaf purred, "why do you think my stomach is so swollen?"

"I thought you were just getting fat," mewed Applepaw rewarding him with a scuff to his ear.

"How rude!" she fumed. The cats laughed.

"But, Gentleleaf, you are a senior warrior. Are you sure about this?" Flareheart meowed.

"Yes, the Clan needs warriors and there has been too much tragedy lately. I think some more kits will the lift the spirits of a lot of cats. Besides, I miss raising children. I'd like a change of things for a little."

Tallwhisker gazed at her lovingly and nuzzled her cheek. "I also miss those times. Before I become an elder I'd like another litter to carry on my legacy." Hawkpaw finished the herbs and stood up.

"Well I'm happy for you guys," she said. "Can we leave now?"

Flareheart guffawed. "You are certainly impatient. We might as well get a move on, don't want to waste daylight."

Tallwhisker cut in, "what about Gentleleaf? The journey could be too much for her."

"Don't talk about me like I'm not here," she rumbled. "I'm not that old."

Duckfeather meowed, "she'll be fine. I can tell she has a little while until her kits arrive anyway so I believe she can handle it." He faced Flareheart. "Just make sure she is okay, if she is lagging even the slightest take a small break. Knowing Gentleleaf she will try to say she is okay, but take five minutes. In the worst case scenario I trust you could handle it?" Flareheart nodded.

"Guys, I'm right here!" Gentleleaf snapped. "Honestly, you are all acting like worried fuzz-brains. I will be fine. I'll see you tomorrow, Tallwhisker." She got up and licked her mate's cheek before trotting away. "Pick up your paws!" Applepaw sighed and bounded after his mentor.

"Let's go," Hawkpaw charged away excitedly. I'm going to the Moonpool!

The cats walked through the forest, creaking boughs and crooked limbs whispering in the wind. Gnarled roots were writing into sodden earth beneath their paws, blanketed by a carpet of leaves so dense that not a single glimpse of mud was found.

"How do we get to the Moonpool?" She heard Applepaw whisper to her brother. Hawkpaw slanted her ears in their direction as Rabbitpaw hummed in thought.

"I am pretty sure I heard Moonface say that they had to cross WindClan territory to get there. I'm guessing it's right next to the moor."

"What happens if a WindClan patrol sees us?"

Snakepaw snorted, "don't worry about those rabbit-chasers. If any of them dare to threaten us I'll turn them into mousefodder!"

Hawkpaw suppressed a laugh, "that's a load of badger droppings. You couldn't fight off a mouse!" He glared at her and stomped ahead, traveling next to Webfur who gave a quick glance to his apprentice, his whiskers twitching slightly.

Applepaw purred, "that was a good one, Hawkpaw."

"Ha, thanks." She smiled to herself. I wonder if I'll get a prophecy from StarClan! Maybe they were waiting for me to go to the Moonpool just to make it official or something like that. Will I see the others in my dream? She looked at the warriors padding ahead of her. Did any of them get a prophecy or omen? Did they ever train with StarClan? The more she thought about it the more excitement bubbled up inside her to the point of her almost exploding. I can't wait, I hope Thistleclaw does something special for me.

Suddenly, the group halted and Hawkpaw almost ran into Cloudchaser. "Why are we stopping?" she mewed impatiently as she looked over.

"We're at the WindClan border," Cloudchaser meowed. Her eyes widened at the view. All that could be seen in front of her was rising moors, rolling on for miles and visible up until a touch of emerald light scathed the horizon. The late greenleaf riot of violet surprised her, speckles of heather dotting the moor. Gorse sprouted here and there, clumping in thick swathes like patches of sunshine against the green heath.

Flareheart took a deep breath, "follow me." She led the group over the scent line, the stale smell of WindClan bothering Hawkpaw. No dawn patrol yet which means we might encounter one. They swept through the tall grasses, a sweet tang of heather blossoms curling in the air. The sun was climbing into a pale blue sky where gray clouds massed on the horizon beyond a sea of wind-whisked heather. Hawkpaw narrowed her eyes against the glare.

They had traveled for only several fox-lengths when a few cats leaped out. In the lead, a stocky, light brown tom with slender shoulders let his gaze inspect her patrol.

He finally meowed, "are you traveling to the Moonpool?" Flareheart bowed, signaling for the rest of them to follow her lead. Hawkpaw scowled but listened, not wanting to stir up trouble.

"We are, Weaselflight," she spoke stiffly.

"It's a rather large group for the Moonpool, don't you think?"

"ThunderClan is brimming with youth," she responded coolly. Weaselflight's gaze hardened but he didn't push it.

"My patrol will escort you."

"Is WindClan worried about an invasion?"

"As if. I just want to make sure you make it there safely." Hawkpaw rolled her eyes, yeah right. What could possibly happen to us on the moor? Get cuddled by a sheep?

"Thank you for your hospitality, please lead on then." Weaselflight spun around and an orange calico sniffed disdainfully. Spottedfire! Hawkpaw felt dread grip her upon seeing the warrior who was also training with StarClan. Will she give away my secret? How would my clanmates react? She tried to hide behind Gentleleaf but it was too late, the she-cat had spotted her. Spottedfire didn't do anything apart from stare. She gave a very slight nod that went unnoticed from everyone else as if she understood. Thank StarClan, Hawkpaw eased up and collected herself, the fur along her spine lying flat once more.

Hawkpaw and her clanmates were escorted by the WindClan patrol to their border. Weaselflight stepped back to allow them passage to the other side. Cherrywind, a dark brown she-cat, scowled as they passed her. Hawkpaw was tempted to shoot her a sly look but voted against it and walked away quietly, her head held high. They reached a stone hollow where, situated at the bottom, was a small, clear pool.

"Is that it?" Applepaw whispered. Gentleleaf nodded her head. The cats slowly descended and Hawkpaw took in every detail. On one side, there was a steep cliff with water flowing out from a cleft, feeding the pool. There was also a narrow path dimpled with ancient pawprints that lead down to a flat stone beach next to the pool. The bright moon reflected on its mirror-like surface.

Flareheart spoke up, disturbing the awestruck silence. "Touch your nose to the water and close your eyes. StarClan will visit you." Hawkpaw padded forward and put her nose to the still water, soft ripples dancing away. The cold liquid shocked her and she shivered before leaning back and lying down, tucking her paws neatly underneath her body. She closed her eyes and fell asleep.

Darkness pressed in from all sides, clinging to her body like a damp blanket. She still found the lack of light disturbing. The moon was gone, inky blackness engulfing her as she strained her eyes to see anyone. A white face with gray patches mottling it appeared followed by a gray-and-white body.

"Thistleclaw! Am I going to get a prophecy?"

The tom purred with amusement, "unfortunately not. Come with me, I'd like to show you around."

"Oh." Disappoint settled in her stomach like a heavy stone. She trotted after her mentor, her pads scraping the rough ground as she dragged her feet. I've already seen StarClan, I want something more special. Hawkpaw frowned as no scent of prey was to be found, only the smell of decay. "Is this really StarClan's hunting ground?"

"Of course. This is where the strongest and greatest cats come after they die." Thistleclaw padded up the slope, his eyes glinting. "You will come here one day too."

"After I'm ThunderClan's leader?"

"Not just the leader of ThunderClan, the greatest leader all the Clans have ever known." He turned to face her. "At least if you follow me."

A shadow moved between the trees at the corner of Hawkpaw's vision. She whipped her head around and saw a pelt moving through the half-light. White fur gleamed, a ginger tail with a hypnotic black swirl on the tip lashed.

Thistleclaw brushed past the she-cat. "Leave us, Shatteredgaze. I don't have time for you." Shatteredgaze? Hawkpaw stared at the she-cat who was snarling angrily.

"You think you're actually a special cat?" she spat at her. Thistleclaw froze and scowled. "Thistleclaw is lying to you, he's a liar! You're such a foolish cat, thinking you're any better than the rest of us. You don't deserve to be here, what did you ever sacrifice?" Confusion racked Hawkpaw's brain. What is she talking about?

Thistleclaw's voice was barely audible. "Don't speak anymore."

"Guess what, you don't have a great destiny. He is only using you, like the rest of us trapped here!" Trapped? How can she be trapped in StarClan? "Do you even know where this is? Your-" Thistleclaw cut her off by biting into her tail, making her howl in pain. Shatteredgaze tore away while yowling behind her, "It's all a lie!"

Hawkpaw shook with fear and bewilderment. What was she talking about? "Thistleclaw?"

He was still growling to himself and muttered, "You must go back to your Clanmates now. They'll be waking from their dreams."

"Is that it? What about Shatteredgaze?"

"Ignore her, she's a crazy old fleabag."

"Wait!" She fought to stay, digging her claws into the slimy earth as the forest began to fade around her. "No! I'm not ready!" She woke, bristling with frustration. Light was starting to peek over the steep cliff. The moon had passed. A salmon and purple sky hung above now. What was all that about? What did Shatteredgaze mean by lies? Wasn't I supposed to meet my ancestors and learn wise stuff, and how to achieve my destiny? Hawkpaw stood up, surprised to find that her muscles felt stiff. Snakepaw and Rabbitpaw were getting to their paws beside her. Gentleleaf was stretching while Flareheart was pacing back and forth as if she couldn't wait to leave. Webfur and Cloudchaser were already grooming themselves.

"Applepaw?" Hawkpaw mewed as she nudged the apprentice gently. He snapped awake, his yellow eyes clouded with drowsiness. Hawkpaw wondered what vision he'd had. Had he met his ThunderClan ancestors? Or perhaps he was as disappointed as her.

After everyone was ready, the patrol headed home in silence. At the camp, Hawpaw eagerly trotted to the fresh-kill pile, her stomach growling hungrily. She sniffed at a small water mole before picking it up and carrying it a few mouselengths away to eat.

"How was your trip to the Moonpool?"

Hawkpaw looked up from her meal as Lightningmask stopped beside her.

"It was great," she lied. If only he knew. She took another bite of her water mole thoughtfully. Who is Shatteredgaze? I wish I understood what she meant, maybe she is just crazy after all. She sighed and looked across the camp at Fuzzypaw who was chatting with Owlpelt. She snarled to herself. That stupid kit! Did she get a prophecy? She certainly acted sure of herself when she came back from the Moonpool. I am not going to be beaten by a know-it-all mouse-brain!