The next day simultaneously came in what felt like two seasons and two heartbeats. And already, sunhigh was fast approaching.

Despite the sun's heat, a light breeze brushed through my long fur and chilled my front paw as I rose it up in the air. And I could feel both bewildered and curious gazes burning into me as I then explained the simple motion.

"StarClan forbid you'll ever have to use this, however... it is useful if the circumstances come to it," I warily explained to the cats in front of me. "I know that you all are taught to slice throats, but this approach is a little different..."

I then very gently demonstrated my words, slowly beginning to lower my paw down to the ravine ground. "Instead of slashing sideways, I was taught to slash downwards – towards me, if that makes sense."

As I then looked back up, I quickly noticed the intent pale blue gaze of the newly-made warrior, Thornclaw, staring back at me. "What's the difference between going in either direction?"

I gave the young golden brown tabby tom a shrug. "Well, while either could do a lot of damage, I was told it's almost..." I then paused for a moment as I felt a chill run down my spine. "easier to come from above as opposed to the side. It almost gives you more momentum, and it's less awkward. Here..."

Then, after a deep breath, I took a glance down at the clump of moss that was at my paws, and then proceeded to demonstrate the slash on it, causing little green bits to fly around me. "And because a little more is going into the slash, you'd likely get the result that you want."

I then noticed Brightheart's white and ginger head nodding out of the corner of my eye. "I see... that makes sense!" the she-cat exclaimed. She then nodded to the moss I had just attacked. "Could I have a go?"

So excited that one of the cats I was teaching was showing some enthusiasm, I eagerly stepped back and gave a lash of my tail. "Of course! Go for it!"

And with that, I simply watched as Brightheart pawed at the moss, bringing it over to where she had been standing. Then, after she shifted a bit – likely trying to adjust and accommodate for the one good eye she had – she lifted her paw up in the air and then slashed at the clump.

And my mouth immediately dropped as I saw that she had managed to completely slice the moss in half. "Wow, that was amazing!" I breathed.

"Well, of course it was."

I then rolled my eyes as I watched Cloudtail pad up to stand next to his mate, giving her a nuzzle of her neck fur with his muzzle. "These BloodClan cats will never know what hit them!"

"Yeah – that was great, Brightheart," Thornclaw then meowed, giving his sister a nod. "Really."

Brightheart also gave a roll of her one good eye, flashing both her mate and her brother an affectionate, grateful look. "Oh, please." She then nodded to me. "These moves make it all significantly easier. Thank you, Mist."

"Oh, whatever," Cloudtail then huffed, causing me to let out a sigh. "For all we know she's still plotting against us."

I then raised my eyebrows in surprise as the fluffy white tom then flashed me a shy look full of reluctance. "Maybe."

"These are really moves that you learned in BloodClan?" Thornclaw then asked me, his blue eyes narrowed with both fascination and wariness.

I sighed and gave a shrug, having no reason to lie to the young tom. "...Unfortunately," I admitted. "In fact... I learned them all from Scourge himself."

I then shifted my gaze quickly over to Cloudtail and Brightheart, who were both now staring back at me in shock. "I'm not sure if that gives me more or less credibility..." I then muttered sheepishly.

I simply stood frozen for a moment, watching as Cloudtail seemed to hesitate, then let out a groan. "Well, either way, I suppose you taught them to us," he then muttered, suddenly looking at any place but me. "Thanks."

With that, I then couldn't help but let out a sigh and close my eyes in relief, genuinely so glad that I was being accepted with what I was doing. Along with that, these moves really seemed to be helping these cats and were giving them more reassurance. And... it's all so much more productive than just stealing food from the Twolegplace all day and sneaking around... and all for cats that just lie around all day and pretend to be vicious...

And as wonderful and productive as it all felt, I also knew that this was costing me quite a lot – for one, I missed my kit so much that it almost seemed to hurt physically.

Or, maybe it hurt physically because I was still pretty fresh out of giving birth to little Wrenkit. To be honest, I was absolutely exhausted, and what was worse was that I hadn't even managed to meet with every cat in the Clan yet and teach them what I knew.

But if I really wanted to make a mark and help these cats out, I knew that I would have to push through and keep going. Luckily, I was forced to do that when Thornclaw's voice broke through my thoughts. "Yes, thank you," he purred just a moment after Cloudtail's meow.

I then flicked my ears in surprise as his eyebrows quickly furrowed, and the golden brown tabby seemed to be trying to peer past me. "Hey, what's going on?"

Of course, immediately curious, I first looked over my shoulder and then proceeded to fully turn around as I quickly noticed many cats that seemed to be gathering around the ThunderClan entrance. I only had to wonder for a moment what all of the fuss about as I then could see a cat that I had never seen before – a black tom with white paws – pad through the gorse tunnel.

And considering just how calm the ThunderClan cats around him appeared to be, I had to assume that this was someone that they all knew. Someone from another one of the Clans, perhaps?

I then continued to watch curiously as I saw the flame-colored pelt of Firestar run excitedly up to meet the stranger. "Ravenpaw! Welcome. And..."

My eyes then widened in anticipation as Firestar narrowed his green eyes and peered past Ravenpaw towards the tunnel. "Barley?"

No...

I actually thought that I had completely misheard Firestar for a moment, and I even still thought my brain was messing with me somehow when I quickly recognized the black and white pelt of my old friend pad into camp behind Ravenpaw.

I felt both my heart and my stomach drop. It is too good to be true...

The tom then seemed to give Firestar a nod in greeting before proceeding to nervously look around the camp. And even though I knew Barley pretty well, I felt that any cat would be able to deduce that he had never been here before with how uncomfortable he looked.

And as much as I wanted to run up to him to greet him myself, I could only stand in shock for several heartbeats as I watched him, I suppose almost waiting for him to notice me first. If he even does! I thought to myself nervously. It's been so, so long...

But soon enough, my worries were answered and appeased. After Barley's gaze then went to my general direction, his blue eyes seemed to flash with surprise as the two of us locked gazes.

I continued to stand still as he only stared back at me for a few moments, now looking almost urgent as Ravenpaw and Firestar continued to speak with each other.

But it was only after a moment that Ravenpaw seemed to notice Barley's strange stance. Although I wasn't within earshot of either of them, I could very easily see Ravenpaw mouth "are you okay?" to his friend.

Barley then gave a slow nod. "Yeah..." I could just barely hear him reply. I then couldn't help but let out a small, excited gasp when the tom then began to pad away from Ravenpaw, whose eyes were now wide with shock. "I'll be right back."

Then, as I both half expected and didn't expect at all, Barley very warily began to approach me as other ThunderClan cats seemed to watch in curiosity and surprise from afar.

And still, I could do nothing but stare at back at him, honestly trying to process and figure out this warm, at-ease, and comforted feeling that I was experiencing – something I don't think I had felt fully since I'd been with my parents.

And it all only grew stronger when the tom finally spoke to me, his eyes now narrowed. "Pardon me if I'm simply making a stranger uncomfortable, but..."

He trailed off for a moment, but when I gave him a shy but bright look, his gaze grew warmer. "But I don't think I am..." He then took another step closer me, and his familiar scent wafted into my nose. "Is that really you, Mist?"

Still overwhelmed with the amount of comfort and happiness I felt, I could only shrug for a moment and give a shake of my head. "In all of my glory," I eventually forced out, my voice thick with emotion.

"Oh my gosh!"

I then let out a purr as the tom ran forward, proceeding to touch his nose to mine and then nuzzle my head with his tail. "Wow, I hardly recognized you, you've grown so much! Well, no wonder..." He then stepped back, revealing his sad, solemn gaze. "It's been so long."

"Oh, too, too long!" I immediately replied to the tom, then not being able to resist burying my muzzle into the tom's fur. "Oh, Barley, I've missed you so much, you have no idea." Oh, the amount of times I wanted to visit you, even when I felt like I couldn't...

After a few heartbeats, I then pulled away to see Ravenpaw and Firestar quickly padding up to the two of us. Luckily, they only looked a little concerned, and mainly just amused.

I then watched, suddenly intrigued, as Ravenpaw flanked Barley, flashing him a deep, affectionate look as he gave the tom a nudge. "I'm sorry, did I miss something?"

Barley flashed me a brief look before looking back at his friend. "Oh, sorry – Ravenpaw – this is Mist! Do you remember me telling you about her? She and her parents used to stop by the barn all of the time, before you got there."

Ravenpaw's eyes then widened, and he gave me one of the kindest glances I had ever seen. "Of course I do!" the black tom then replied, just when I thought my heart couldn't feel any warmer or any bigger. "Mist, it's wonderful to meet you."

I still was shaking my head in disbelief. Barley told one of his friends about me, Chrissy and Sparrow? So gosh darn sweet...

I then blinked with intrigue as Ravenpaw's eyes widened, and he looked back and forth between Barley and me. "Wait, when was the last time you saw each other? It's had to have been moons and moons, right?"

"Longer, my goodness!" I breathed, exchanging a look of disbelief with Barley.

"Last time I saw you, you were, what? Like six or seven moons old?" Barley then asked me, his eyes wide.

"My goodness, that's insane..." I then replied. I then locked eyes with the black and white tom again as I murmured, "So, so much has changed."

Barley then began to shake his own head. "Well, the fact that you're... here is one thing, among many, I-" I then let out a purr of amusement as he then seemed to grow frantic, giving a quick nod back at Ravenpaw. "Well, where to start, well – Mist, this is Ravenpaw. He came over to live with in the farm just a little while after you and your parents stopped coming by."

I then raised my eyebrows as Barley gave a lash of his tail. "Before that, believe it or not, he actually lived here in ThunderClan. Who knew I'd end up living with a wild cat, huh?"

Genuinely shocked by that, I let out another purr and gave a shake of my head. "No way!" I exclaimed before then nodding to Barley's friend. "Well, it's nice to meet you, Ravenpaw. You've got an incredible denmate you're living with – I hope you know that."

I then found myself having to suppress another purr as I then observed yet another quote affectionate look that Ravenpaw gave to Barley. "Aw, I do," Ravenpaw meowed warmly as he gave the black and white tom a nudge. "And he's told me wonderful things about you and your parents."

I then watched as he then let out a sigh and gave a shake of his fur. He then gave a nod back to Firestar, who had simply been watching our interaction with a warm green gaze. "And as much as I would love to chat some more, and as much as I'm sure you and Barley want to catch up, we have to talk to you, Firestar."

As any cat would with those words, Firestar's eyebrows rose high. "Uh, oh," the leader breathed. "Yes?"

My curiosity was at an all-time high once again as I awaited Ravenpaw's reply. "Well, last night we met Onewhisker on the border of his territory and he told us about Scourge and BloodClan."

After a flinch, I found myself completely frozen all over again.

"We want to help," Ravenpaw went on, his next words a bit more foggy. "But more importantly, Barley has some information for you."

Barley has information? I thought in complete bewilderment. About what?

And I actually grew a bit worried when I felt Barley glance over at me nervously for just a moment, but he quickly looked away as Firestar spoke. "We're grateful for any help that we can get," the ThunderClan leader replied, suddenly sounding quite exhausted.

He then began to pad away towards the Highrock, giving a single lash of his tail. "Perhaps you'd better come to my den."

Darn it.

Suddenly filled with immense disappointment that I wouldn't be able to hear what the three would discuss, I forced myself to step back, giving a nod, as they all gave me murmurs in farewell and then made their way to the Highrock.

Goodness, was I so tempted to follow them and somehow eavesdrop. However, I already respected all three of these cats greatly, and also knew that I didn't want to sneak around them like that. Thank goodness, Thornclaw happened to approach me just moments later and ask me a question about one of the earlier moves I had taught his group. But as I gave my answer, I tried so hard to not to take glances towards the Highrock as I did so.

And to be honest, once Thornclaw had left, I couldn't help but just sun near the Highrock and wait for the three to finish.

It was immensely hard to stay still though. Sure, not only did I want to know what these two toms, especially Barley, had to tell Firestar, but I could hardly believe that Barley and I were even within close proximity again. I had no idea when I'd get to see him again...

I suppose that I had hoped that I would get to see him soon since the ThunderClan cats apparently knew him, but these circumstances were more than ideal. And... getting to see such a familiar face and a presence I had always associated with such kindness and comfort was exactly what I needed after all that I had been through.

I cannot wait to speak with him more! I then though just moments before I felt my stomach drop again, and then my heart sink. But... what will he think about all that has happened?

I then gave a shake of my head as I looked over my shoulder up at the Highrock. And what the heck do Barley and Ravenpaw have to say about BloodClan? Does Barley know more about them than I had ever originally thought?

I then nearly let out a gasp, quickly standing up as I heard movement come from above me. I then urgently looked up to see Firestar leading Barley and Ravenpaw out of his den. They all then leapt down onto the ravine floor, and I felt a twang of excitement as they became within my earshot again.

"Ravenpaw, I'm sure there are so many cats here that would like to see you," Firestar was telling the black tom. He then let out a snort as they all paused by the fresh-kill pile. "And I'm sure they'd appreciate the break and the distraction."

Ravenpaw shrugged and let out a sniff. "Aw, I'd definitely believe the latter a bit more." Then, after Firestar rolled his eyes and gave a purr, Ravenpaw worriedly looked over at Barley. "Will you be okay if I say hi to some of my old Clanmates?"

My heart then rose with hope as Barley immediately gave his friend a nod. "Sure I will! I've got somebody I've got to catch up with as well."

Oh my goodness, is it me?

I then had to keep back a squeal of excitement as Ravenpaw smirked, nodding in my direction. "Ah, yes, you do." I then had to hide my own smirk as I watched him warmly touch his nose to Barley's. "We'll catch up in a bit then."

Barley then let out a small purr as Ravenpaw pulled away. "Sounds good," he then meowed softly. "See you later!"

"Great," Firestar then meowed before proceeding to lead Ravenpaw away, looking as excited as a young kit. "Let's go see Graystripe first. I know you've just seen him, but..."

I then watched as Barley slowly padded over me, still looking over his shoulder as he watched the two toms go off. "Hm, well, we've got a while," he muttered to me as his eyes gleamed. "When those three toms spend time together, it can never be brief."

I gave a dismissive flick of my tail. "Fine by me! Speaking of spending time together..."

I then had to hold back a squeal once again, giving Barley a flick over the ear as I recalled some very interesting things that I had noticed earlier. "You and Ravenpaw seem to be pretty well acquainted."

Just as I had hoped, Barley immediately grew shy and looked down at his paws. "Well, we do live together..." he then muttered in the most pitiful way.

I started shaking my head back at the tom. "Sure, but... I saw the way he looked at you," I then meowed, becoming incredibly giddy picturing it all over again. "Barley, he looked at you like you were the most glorious sunrise. It..."

I then felt both warmth and immense sadness at the same time as I let out a sigh. "It was just like how Sparrow always looked at Chrissy..." And not anything like how I was ever looked at by cats I thought loved me...

Then, giving a quick shake of my head, I gave the black and white tom a gentle nudge. "Come on, I know I'm not loony."

"Oh, don't worry, you're not..." Barley eventually meowed after letting out a sigh. And now, even just by looking at him, I could almost feel the tom's hot ears. "Sure he's... been great."

I then simply watched in excitement as he began to shuffle his paws back and forth. "Strangely, he was first brought to the barn because he was in danger here in ThunderClan."

He then let out a huff, flashing me an exasperated glance. "Long story, but Tigerstar – you may have heard that name by now – had basically threatened to kill him, so he had to get out of there."

I simply stared in disbelief back at the tom for a moment, also trying to push down anger as I continued to hear just how horrible that Tigerstar was. Sure, he did not deserve to be killed at all, but it sounded like he could be blamed partly for the rift between the Clans right now, and... he's pretty much the cause of me losing my parents...

After taking a moment to let my anger diminish, I then shook my head at Barley. "From what I've heard and seen of Tigerstar, that's no surprise."

"Not at all," Barley said solemnly before giving another shy shrug. "But anyway, Ravenpaw and I immediately got along, and... he's been wonderful to have around. He's definitely my dearest friend."

Now forgetting all of the anger I'd felt so strongly just moments ago, I was now practically overwhelmed with warmth at my old friend's words. "That's so, so wonderful," I purred. "I'm so happy for you, Barley." This tom genuinely deserves the world, and I'm so glad he's found someone that makes him so happy...

"And I'm so happy that you actually got to meet him!" Barley immediately exclaimed in reply. He then gave yet another shrug. "I'd... I'd actually kind of held out hope that you and your parents would come by again after he'd arrived, but you never did."

With this, I immediately found myself closing my eyes and having to push down guilt. This fact was something that I'd feel remorse for for a very long time. "No, we didn't," I nearly whispered. "And I'm so, so sorry about that."

"Gosh, don't be sorry!" Barley then meowed in his usual incredibly kind tone, and to my relief, it sounded genuine. "I was honestly shocked that you all had come to visit me so many times, considering how much you all love to travel. But that's besides the point."

I then let out a purr as he gave me a nudge. "Either way, I am so curious to know what you have been up to since we last saw each other..." I then raised my eyebrows as he quickly looked at me up and down. "...When you were still significantly smaller than me..."

After giving another purr, I then let out another sigh, already figuring what I would need to disclose to the tom first. "Oh goodness, just you wait..."

I then took a deep breath, making sure that I was calm and articulate when I gave my friend the news. "Well, firstly, as you've maybe observed already... Chrissy and Sparrow aren't with me."

Barley's gaze immediately washed over with sympathy, and he gave me the lightest nod. "Yes, I did notice that," he nearly whispered.

"Yeah, well..." I then took another deep breath, trying to keep my voice steady. "They're gone. Both of them. They..."

I then swallowed hard, trying to fight back emotion as it rose in my throat. "They actually were killed by two of the dogs that Tigerstar sent out. The ones that were meant to be targeted towards the Clans..."

Barley simply stood in silence for a few moments, eventually letting out a sigh and closing his eyes, then proceeding to stay silent for yet another few moments. "Oh, Mist..." I then breathed. "Oh, Mist, I am so, so sorry. I can't even begin to..."

"It's okay," I reassured the tom, hating to see him look so dejected. "Well... you know, not really, but... it gets a little easier every day."

I then shook my head, truly baffled at myself as I recalled how I'd handled my grief leading up to this point. "For a while, I didn't even let myself grieve when I should have, thinking that it would make things easier, but..." I then gave a shrug. "As soon as I let myself be sad, things have been getting a little better."

Barley nodded, his eyes full of sympathy all over again. "I'm glad," he meowed warmly, though I could tell he was trying to push back his sadness while he spoke to me. "They were truly two of the most wonderful cats I'd ever gotten the pleasure to know. I'll miss them a whole lot."

I then purred as he gave me a nudge, and he changed the subject. "Well, what did you do once you were on your own?"

Well, things aren't getting much better from here... "Oh, goodness..." I then breathed.

"Uh, oh," Barley then meowed, his eyes quickly widening.

"Uh, oh, indeed," I sighed in reply. "Um..."

I then hesitated for a few moments, having absolutely no idea how to go into this next phase of my life. But nevertheless, I tried to push through. "Well, as juvenile as it sounds, I needed a change, and... I actually found my way to the Twolegplace, and..."

Despite me already feeling Barley's completely appalled gaze burn into my fur, I went on. "And... to BloodClan..."

As I had expected, Barley then fell completely silent at these words. But, despite that, I tried my best to explain what I had experienced there – everything from beginning to end. Everything from trying to take care of myself there despite every cat questioning my presence, running into Scourge, to being saved by the dog, to fighting a dog in order to be welcomed into the Clan, to me and Scourge getting together, and everything leading up to a couple of days ago.

Luckily, Barley listened intently, his eyes wide the entire time, and honestly, sometimes I couldn't tell if he was concerned or sickened by my words... maybe both.

"And after I gave birth to Wrenkit, ThunderClan took me in," I then meowed as I finally tried to bring everything to a close. "And since then, I've done nothing but take care of her and make sure that these cats feel ready for this battle."

I then took a deep breath, exhausted as I had to recall everything. However, I was so thankful to still feel satisfied by the end of it, and because of how it all ended. "Things... things are okay, really."

As I had expected, Barley took a moment, simply shaking his head slowly back and forth as he tried to process everything. "My word..." he then eventually breathed.

"Right?" I then purred despite my immense nerves.

The black and white tom then let out a snort. "To be honest, this isn't exactly what I pictured when I always wondered what you were up to..."

"Fair enough!"

"Wow... so..." Barley then gave a shake of his head again, as if he was trying to make sure everything that he was experiencing was real. "You were a BloodClan cat, huh?" He then asked me with wide, concerned and sympathetic eyes.

And with that gaze, I was filled with shame and regret all over again. "Yeah... I don't even know what I was thinking. I don't even think I knew what I was thinking at the time!" I nearly laughed as I began to explain. "I mean, I remember all those moons ago when you had told me about the cats that lived in the Twolegplace, and how dangerous they were, but..."

I then shook my own head in disbelief. "I guess I was just desperate to be apart of something that didn't remind me at all of my past."

I then flashed Barley an apologetic, immensely regretful look. "Unfortunately, I guess you were once apart of that list..." I then let out a hiss, almost having to keep back an irritated growl. "Gosh, what was I thinking?"

"Hey, it's okay," Barley quickly meowed to my relief as he put the tip of his tail on my shoulder. "You have regrets, sure, but all of that eventually led you here, right? And I guess you learned some lessons..."

He then let out a small purr and nudged me with his tail. "You just learned them the hard way!" he then exclaimed. "And listen, I'm glad that you came to realize the darkness behind BloodClan. You definitely never belonged there."

With how certain Barley sounded of his words, I couldn't help but narrow my eyes as I recalled the fact that he very likely knew some about this place that I had lived in for so many moons. And the fact that he knows enough to know that I don't belong there really says something... "How... how did you even know about BloodClan?" I asked in a whisper. I then narrowed my eyes as I recalled some of the reactions I'd seen when telling him about my time in the horrible place. "You... you didn't seem surprised about anything I was saying."

After a moment's hesitation, the tom gave a shrug. "Well, to put it simply, I wasn't." A chill then ran down my spine as his gaze grew significantly more solemn and grave. "That's because I was born there, Mist. I definitely think I had enough experience to tell you what they were like, or to confirm or validate anything that you went through."

No way...

Completely shocked, the only word I could force out to Barley was, "...what?"

"It's the reason that I was so determined to come with Ravenpaw to talk to Firestar about them," the loner then began to explain. "Like you, I had to experience their treachery firsthand. I was probably about your age when I finally decided to leave."

Barley then closed his eyes as he then seemed to recall his experience. "I snuck out one night, terrified that someone might catch me, but I made it..." He then took a moment to let out a sigh. "And after that is when I found my way to the farm, and..."

I then let out a purr as he flicked my ear with his tail. "Soon after that is when you and your parents made your first visit."

"...Wow, Barley..." I said after a moment, now being the one to have to take a bit to process words. Well, I suppose his words from long ago all make sense now. He'd definitely be able to tell me if BloodClan was bad news, and... I didn't listen...

Then, after a quick shake of my head, I asked, "So, you heard from a cat from another Clan that this battle was happening?"

"I did, and Ravenpaw and I immediately agreed that we wanted to help ThunderClan," Barley then meowed, his tone now much more light. "In fact, we want to fight beside you."

I couldn't help but let out a gasp of excitement. "You're going to fight?" I nearly squealed. "With ThunderClan?"

"No doubt about it!" Barley replied with a proud nod. "Sure, we're fighting to defend the farm as well, but Ravenpaw and I are more than happy to fight beside friends."

I was shaking my head slowly all over again, amazed by just how much loyalty Barley and Ravenpaw were already showing this Clan that they didn't even believe in. But then again... I then thought. That's exactly what I'm doing. Wow... this place really has an effect. "That's amazing, Barley," I then purred, now actually having to push back the smallest twinge of jealously at the fact that he was going to be able to fight in the battle. "I'm sure that Firestar more than appreciates that."

"Gosh, it sounds like he appreciates you too, Mist!" Barley then purred, giving me another flick on the ear. "I've heard what you've been teaching these cats."

I looked down at the ground shyly for a moment, honestly flattered that Firestar had told Ravenpaw and Barley about my work. "Oh, anything I can do to help."

I then gave a shrug, flashing Barley an amazed look as I decided to vocalize my earlier thoughts to him. "I've only been here a couple of days, but with how welcoming they've been to me, it's easy to want to help."

Barley gave a slow nod as his eyes gleamed. "They sure have that effect," he then murmured, practically repeating my thoughts.

"They do!" I agreed enthusiastically. "And... it's honestly so refreshing to find a group of cats that have something to fight for."

Barley then slowly nodded back at me, an almost knowing look in his eyes that we both exchanged. "It really is, isn't it?"

"Oh, yeah."

"I'm proud of you, Mist," Barley then meowed warmly, looking as joyful as if he were my own parent. "I'm so glad that you found your way here – I know your parents would be as well."

My heart then seemed to well up with pride, not only by Barley's words, but also because of the fact that he was right. If Chrissy and Sparrow were to give in and settle down anywhere... it would definitely be in a place like this. I'm certain. "Thank you, Barley," I then meowed, my voice thick once again.

Barley then sighed, flashing me another warm look. "Sure." I then was surprised to see him give an urgent flick of his ears. "Now, before Ravenpaw tries to drag me away, where is that little kit of yours? I have to see her!"

At those words, my heart immediately felt heavy. Oh my goodness, I've been so caught up in fighting lessons all morning that I haven't been able to see Wrenkit since I woke up! My gosh, do I miss her! "You know, I was thinking the exact same thing!"

Now feeling rushed with excitement, I padded forward and began to lead Barley through camp. "Follow me – she's over here in the nursery!"

And as I continued forward, I almost felt like a kit myself as we both trotted towards the nursery, talking and joking as if there had never been a departure between me and my old friend and mentor.