Moth Flight’s Vision

They all wanted land. They fought over who owned the forest and the moor. Many died. So we divided the land fairly among us and became the Clans.”

“But the Clans still fight each other,” Spider Paw pointed out. “That’s how Windstar got hurt.”

Moth Flight nodded. “That is why you must each join a

Clan. You are littermates. Your bond is strong. One day, when you are grown up, that bond will make the Clans into one family once more. You are the petals of the Blazing Star.”

Honey Pelt narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. “So we won’t fight anymore?”

“Exactly.” Pride warmed Moth Flight’s pelt.

Bubbling Stream looked unconvinced. “Why do we have to join new Clans? Why can’t Storm Pelt and Eagle Feather and Dew Nose?”

Spider Paw glanced at his sister. “Because we’re special.”

Blue Whisker stared at Moth Flight. “I don’t want to be special.”

Moth Flight hesitated. Her mind whirled back to the moor, all those moons ago. She remembered her father’s words. Dust Muzzle will make a fine hunter one day, but Moth Flight is special. How little she’d understood. She thrust her muzzle close to Blue Whisker, her heart twisting. “I need you to be brave, little one. I’m asking you to do something very hard. I know you’re scared. But you will be safe. ThunderClan cats are kind. You’ll love the forest. It’s full of beautiful plants, and it’s warmer than the moor. The wind whispers high in the trees so you’ll never feel lonely. And the Clan will raise you as its own.”

“But I want you to raise me.” Blue Whisker’s breath warmed Moth Flight’s cheek. The pain in her heart was almost too much to bear, but she forced herself not to tremble.

Honey Pelt nosed between them. “Come on, Blue Whisker.

It’ll be exciting. You’ll see Moth Flight at Gatherings and the rest of us won’t be far away.” He looked at Moth Flight. “Which

Clan will I go to?”

“SkyClan,” Moth Flight told him.

“You see?” Honey Pelt blinked at Blue Whisker. “I’ll be living in the same forest as you, and Bubbling Stream or Spider Paw will be in RiverClan.”

“Spider Paw is going to live with RiverClan,” Moth Flight told him.

Spider Paw’s eyes widened with horror. “I’ll have to eat fish.

And swim!”

Honey Pelt nudged him. “At least next time you fall in the river, you won’t half drown.”

Spider Paw tipped his head thoughtfully.

Moth Flight was still watching Blue Whisker. She had guessed that her shyest kit would take it hardest. But Blue

Whisker’s eyes were sparkling with curiosity. “Do ThunderClan cats climb trees?”

“I don’t know,” Moth Flight confessed.

Blue Whisker’s gaze drifted upward. “I’ve always wondered what it’s like to look down on everything, like a bird.”

Honey Pelt flicked his tail encouragingly. “I bet

Thunderstar’s always climbing trees. It’s probably the first thing he’ll teach you.”

Bubbling Stream was staring up the slope, where darkness swallowed the forest. “I’ll be going to ShadowClan.” She sounded uncertain.

Moth Flight’s thoughts flicked back to the moon she’d spent there. “It’s peaceful in the pine forest. And Juniper Branch’s kits are only two moons older than you. You’ll have someone to play with.”

“You’ll have to eat frogs,” Spider Paw snorted. “That’s even worse than fish!”

Bubbling Stream ignored him. “Are ShadowClan kits allowed out of camp?”

“They’re probably allowed to roam anywhere they like,” Honey Pelt told her. “Buzzards can’t hunt in forests.”

Moth Flight blinked at him gratefully. He sounded so much like his father: so optimistic and ready to take on any challenge.

She purred. “I will miss you all so much.”

Blue Whisker brushed her muzzle along Moth Flight’s jaw.

Spider Paw weaved around her legs.

Bubbling Stream clambered onto her back. “One last badger ride!”

Moth Flight began to lumber heavily across the clearing, making Bubbling Stream sway on her shoulders until the kit mewled with delight.

Honey Pelt trotted beside her. “Skystar is the bravest leader, isn’t he?”

Moth Flight glanced at him, trying not to imagine what sort of guardian Skystar would be. “He’s the most confident,” she conceded.

Honey Pelt whisked his tail. “I wonder what forest prey tastes like.”

“Better than fish,” Spider Paw muttered.

“Fish tastes great.” Moth Flight halted and blinked at him.

“You’ll love it.”

“Moth Flight.” Blue Whisker’s anxious mew made her stiffen. The kit was staring at the far slope.

Moth Flight followed her gaze. The bracken stirred as a shape moved through it. She shook Bubbling Stream from her shoulders, opening her mouth and tasting the familiar scent of RiverClan.

The stems swished as Riverstar padded into the clearing.

Spider Paw pressed against her. “I don’t want to go.”

“It will be all right.” Moth Flight lifted her chin to greet the RiverClan leader. “Thank you for coming.”

Riverstar dipped his head. “I am honored that you trust RiverClan to care for one of your kits.”

As he spoke, paw steps thrummed the slope behind. Moth

Flight looked up as Thunderstar bounded into the clearing.