Moth Flight’s Vision

He scrambled to a halt beside Riverstar. “Hi.” His gaze swept the kits, glowing with surprise. “They look so much like Micah!”

Before Moth Flight could answer, more paw steps sounded as Shadowstar followed Skystar into the clearing.

Blue Whisker ducked beneath Moth Flight’s belly. Bubbling Stream backed away.

“This must be very hard for you all.” Shadowstar stopped in front of Moth Flight, her gaze solemn.

Honey Pelt stepped forward, meeting her gaze. “We’re not scared.”

Skystar purred. “I can’t imagine any kit of Micah’s being scared.”

Bubbling Stream tipped her head. Blue Whisker crept from beneath Moth Flight. Spider Paw lifted his muzzle.

Thunderstar blinked at them. “Which one is Blue Whisker?”

“I am.” Blue Whisker’s mew was hardly more than a whisper. She padded slowly forward and stopped in front of the ThunderClan leader. Moth Flight could see her trying not to tremble.

“Violet Dawn has made you a nest,” Thunderstar told her.

“I’ve never slept by myself,” Blue Whisker whispered.

“Then you can share a nest with Milkweed’s kits.”

Thunderstar’s mew was gentle. “They’re not much older than you. Although Milkweed says they fidget like rabbits in a burrow.”

“Bubbling Spring fidgets too,” Blue Whisker murmured.

“So I won’t mind.”

Thunderstar pointed his nose toward the forest. “Are you ready to leave?”

Blue Whisker glanced back at Moth Flight, her eyes glistening. “Can I stay with you, please?”

Moth Flight hurried forward and pressed her nose into the kit’s soft fur. Blue Whisker’s warm scent filled her nose. She fought the urge to scoop her close and never let go. “You must go,” she croaked. “ThunderClan needs you.”

Blue Whisker turned away, her tail down, and began to follow Thunderstar from the clearing.

Bubbling Stream padded toward Shadowstar. “I’m supposed to come with you.”

Shadowstar blinked at her. “You must be Bubbling Stream.”

“I’m not eating frogs,” Bubbling Stream told her bluntly.

Shadowstar’s eyes flashed with surprise. “Okay.”

Bubbling Stream glanced at Moth Flight. “Will you come and visit?”

“Of course!” Moth Flight hurried forward and pressed her muzzle against Bubbling Stream’s.

Bubbling Stream drew away and stared at Moth Flight.

Anxiety darkened the kit’s eyes, but she blinked it away. “See you soon then.” She padded toward the slope.

Shadowstar nodded to Moth Flight. “We’ll take care of her like she’s one of our own.”

Moth Flight dipped her head, unable to speak. Blue Whisker and Thunderstar had vanished over the top of the slope as Shadowstar turned away. At the edge of the clearing, Bubbling Stream nosed her way into the bracken.

Riverstar glanced from Honey Pelt to Spider Paw. “Which one comes with me?” His friendly mew was brisk.

Honey Pelt glanced at his brother. Spider Paw was staring at the RiverClan leader as though Riverstar were a hawk circling prey.

Riverstar swished his tail enticingly. “The cats of RiverClan are looking forward to meeting their new Clanmate.”

Spider Paw edged forward. “I’m coming with you,” he murmured.

Riverstar blinked at him. “You look like you’ll make a good swimmer. You have broad shoulders and wide paws.” He nodded toward Spider Paw’s extra claw. “Fish are slippery. That claw will make them easier to catch.”

Spider Paw glanced down. “I nearly drowned once.”

Riverstar snorted. “That’s because you didn’t have the right swimming coach.” He began to head toward the slope. “I haven’t lost an apprentice yet. You’re in safe paws.”

Spider Paw blinked at Moth Flight. “Do I really have to go?”

Moth Flight leaned forward, pressing her muzzle against his head. “It’s your destiny,” she whispered. “Don’t be afraid.

StarClan is watching over you.”

“I want to be your kit, not RiverClan’s,” Spider Paw whispered.

Moth Flight met his gaze. “You’ll always be my kit.” The words caught in her throat and she looked away as her gaze clouded.

When she looked back, Spider Paw was hurrying after Riverstar.

Skystar padded forward. He dipped his head to Honey Pelt.

“Are you ready to join SkyClan?”

“Yes.” Honey Pelt lifted his chin.

Skystar glanced at Moth Flight. “Are you ready?”

Compassion filled his gaze.

Moth Flight reached for words, but could only stare back, her heart breaking.

Honey Pelt touched his nose to her cheek. “I know you have no choice,” he whispered. “If this is StarClan’s wish, then I’m happy to go.”

“Your father will be as proud of you as I am,” Moth Flight croaked.

“Don’t be sad.” Honey Pelt pressed his muzzle deeper.

“We’ll be fine.”

As he drew away, Moth Flight felt cold air touch the fur his breath had warmed.

She watched numbly as Honey Pelt padded after Skystar.

“Good-bye,” she murmured under her breath.

You’ve done the right thing. Micah’s mew touched her ear fur, as light as the evening breeze.

“Have I?” she whispered.

“You have changed the destiny of the Clans.” Micah’s voice was clear now. She wondered if Skystar and Honey Pelt could hear it as they climbed the slope toward the forest. But neither cat looked back.