A/N: No! It's not the end, people! There IS more to come. This is just a sweet, short little chapter. I've been doing a lot of super-long action packed ones recently. So here's a nice low-key Leafkit and Squirrelkit sweetness chapter. Pweeze review! It means a lot. I especially love hearing your favorite parts of the chapter.

I know there are lots of readers who don't review, so just drop me a line! Just let me know if you're enjoying it.

Chapter 12

Hanging in a Moment, Here With You

Around him, cats came and went. Firestar didn't see them, and it didn't matter. He was with Sandstorm and their daughters, in a private little space behind a rock, and it felt like no cat had ever been happier since the forest had been created. His daughters had been returned, and his mate had triumphed. She hadn't told him anything, but he could see it in her eyes. Jaggedtooth had been punished.

After an unrecognizable amount of time, the delirious happiness was pricked with a worry. He almost felt like he didn't deserve this joy, because he had been willing to sacrifice his family for the Clan.

"That's not true," whispered Sandstorm. Because of their strange new bond, she could read his thoughts even better than before. "You deserve to be happy. I'm proud of you for putting your duty first. Stop blaming yourself and enjoy the moment."

He nodded and bent to lick the kits. They squealed with pleasure at his touch.

"They know you're their father, I think," said Sandstorm. "They . . . seem to know a lot -- more than is normal. I think StarClan has touched them because of the experience. It's hard to explain . . . they had to grow up fast, I guess."

Firestar watched the scrunched little faces. They seemed to have an extraordinary comprehension of their situation, although their eyes weren't even open.

"They're incredible," he breathed. He already sensed feelings, personalities, and destinies in the little bundles.

Sandstorm and Firestar were silent. There was a lot to catch up on, but it could wait. Now all that mattered was the moment, the joy, and the triumph.

o o O O O o o

"You were so brave, Tawnypaw," said Bramblepaw. The siblings were sitting off to the side of the valley as Barkface treated injuries.

She shook her head. "No. I was a coward to be threatened into it in the first place."

"Yes. But in the end you were brave. You laid down your life!" She was incredible! How could I ever have thought she might take after our father?

"I . . . I guess that was kind of brave."

"Kind of? You're a hero!"

"No, I'm not," muttered Tawnypaw.

"You are! You were about to sacrifice yourself!" Tawnypaw scuffed the ground with embarrassment. "Do you think Blackstar'll be mad?"

"I don't think so. He doesn't know what I did. And I think he'll be toeing the line from now on. After all, I was only doing StarClan's bidding."

Bramblepaw nodded. "Maybe when I see you next, we'll both be warriors!" Tawnypaw purred. "Maybe. He did say it would be soon."

They quietly together, and for a moment it was like the seasons had melted away, and they were young apprentices again, not almost-warriors. It was like they were in the same Clan again. I miss her.

But then Tawnypaw stood up. "I should go back to camp before Blackstar does. I'll . . . I'll see you, Bramblepaw."

"Take care, Tawnypaw. You're a hero today."

"Heroine," smiled Tawnypaw shyly.

"Yes." He licked her ear, and she pressed her nose to his side. Then she turned and headed towards the path out of the valley. Bramblepaw looked around for the first time since he and Tawnypaw had started talking. Warriors were all resting together, RiverClan, ThunderClan, and WindClan. Barkface moved among them, slowly patching up injuries.

He saw Firestar and Sandstorm lying together, resting, with their children held close to them. He watched as Tawnypaw picked her way through the warriors, stepping over a tail here, leaping over a leg there. Somehow, it hurt to watch as she made her way away from him. Goodbye, Tawnypaw, rival warrior, beloved sister. Until we meet again.

o o O O O o o

Sandstorm lay curled up next to Firestar. In between his paws, the kits had fallen asleep, exhausted by their ordeal. She rested her head on his neck, her eyes closed. She savored the warmth of his soft orange fur.

They had won. They had fought against all the odds, brushed death, lost their children, been separated without being sure of seeing each other again, met with StarClan, been blackmailed, and triumphed.

Her one regret, the one thing they had lost, was Firestar's second life. The image of him draining the life from himself still haunted her. But though the cost had been great, and he could never regain that life, it meant that they could all be together, alive.

She had come so close to joining StarClan forever. When she thought of her daughters, it frightened her to think that she could be watching them from the stars, right now. Or worse, that she and her daughters could be watching Firestar, alone in the forest. She would never forget her brush with mortality. Now, every minute seemed like a gift.

On the one hand, she realized how very easy it was to die. Leaders have a few chances to make mistakes. The rest of us can only make one, and that's it. It was by a miracle that I got another chance . . .

Part of her felt very fragile, realizing that she could die at any time, easily.

But most of her felt strong, and skilled, and confident, and good. Her feelings of inferiority had vanished like a greenleaf rainshower. She had avenged herself, and she knew that she would never feel so unconfident again, even though she had to spend the next six moons in the nursery raising her daughters. It was as though she had proved her skills, not to anyone else, but to herself. She knew that Firestar had always considered her his equal, but now she considered herself his equal.

She sighed contentedly, her muscles relaxing. It had been a long night. Now the moon had sunk to the horizon.

"Sandstorm?" said a soft voice. Sandstorm looked up. It was Tawnypaw, looking rather frightened. Firestar twitched his ear, wondering if he should get up. "Rest," whispered Sandstorm in his ear. "I'll deal with this."

She stood up and walked the few steps that took her face to face with Tawnypaw. She gazed calmly into Tawnypaw's eyes.

"Sandstorm," began Tawnypaw. "I hope you'll . . . not forgive me, I don't deserve that, but just don't hate me. I—I keep seeing your eyes, staring at me, loathing—"

"Stop," said Sandstorm. "Tawnypaw, you were forgiven from the moment you tried to protect my kits. As far as I'm concerned, that incident at Fourtrees never happened."

Tawnypaw glanced down. "But it did happen. I can't just forget, it will always be a part of me, it'll always haunt me . . ."

Sandstorm shook her head. "I know about guilt, Tawnypaw. Please, just learn from this. You did learn, on the cliffs, you learned not to let any living cat force you to do something wrong. And the good you did tonight far cancels out the bad. You're forgiven." She gently swished her tail over Tawnypaw's ears.

Finally, Tawnypaw nodded. "Thank you, Sandstorm, from the bottom of my heart. It was you, the look in your eyes, the challenge on your face, that forced me to do the right thing." She dipped her head. "And they're beautiful kits, absolutely gorgeous."

Sandstorm's lips curved in a smile. "Believe me, I know." Tawnypaw laughed.

"Thanks again, Sandstorm. I can never thank you enough for forgiving me. I'll see you at the next Gathering."

Sandstorm nodded. "Unless I have to stay with the kits, I'll see you."

Tawnypaw dipped her head and turned, flicking her tail in farewell. She went over to the path, waved her tail to Bramblepaw, and bounded out of the valley.

Sandstorm watched her go, thinking. That's one warrior ShadowClan will be proud to have. She has the empathy and the loyalty. Sandstorm went back to Firestar and flopped down, her heart light.

o o O O O o o

Graystripe stood with Tallstar, Mudclaw, Leopardstar, Mistyfoot, and Onewhisker, watching silently as Blackstar twitched and thrashed.

"No . . . no . . . no . . ." he muttered. "I can't take it . . . the darkness, the emptiness. STARCLAN, WHERE ARE YOU?" His eylids twitched.

"He's waking up!" hissed Mistyfoot.

"Graystripe, go get Firestar, please," said Leopardstar. Graystripe nodded and ran from the cavern, then out into the main area of the cave, and finally he burst out into the valley, which was lit only by the stars, as the moon had sunk below the horizon.

He almost laughed as he saw Firestar and Sandstorm, sitting together like two lovesick apprentices, her head resting against his body.

He made his way over too them, past Bramblepaw, who was staring into space, Ravenpaw and Barley, looking very pleased with themselves, and Stormfur and Feathertail, his children, sitting together and sharing tongues.

He stopped a foxlength away from Sandstorm and Firestar, reluctant to interrupt their happiness. They were so oblivious they seemed to notice no cat except each other and their kits. The other warriors were sneaking furtive glances at Firestar's heirs, but he didn't seem to notice. Graystripe cleared his throat loudly, feeling slightly uncomfortable. Sandstorm raised her head, then, when she saw who it was, sat up.

"Graystripe!" she smiled. "Look, you haven't seen them since the battle at Fourtrees." She flicked her tail towards the sleeping kits. "Two daughters. They're very brave little scraps," she purred fondly.

"I'm sure!" grinned Graystripe. "And they're beautiful, I was right about the orange coat! But I need to talk to Firestar."

Firestar lifted his head when he heard his name. He looked like he'd almost been asleep. "Yes, Graystripe?"

"Blackstar's waking up."

Firestar nodded. "I want to be there." He stood up carefully, making sure not to disturb the sleeping kits.

Sandstorm narrowed her eyes. "I want to be there too. I hope he suffered, the trecherous scum."

"But what about the kits?"

"I'll take them with me. I need to see this," she quickly lifted the orange kit by the scruff. Firestar sighed, but he and Graystripe both knew there was no arguing with her. Firestar gently picked up the brown one, who mewed softly, waking up.

"Come on," meowed Graystripe, leading them back to the Mothermouth. He dove into the cave, his friends behind him.

o o O O O o o

"You have seen what awaits you," said the blue-gray she cat to the crouching black tom.

"Yes," he whispered.

"You have committed some terrible crimes. You will have to work hard the rest of your life if you want to join StarClan and not wander forever alone in the dark forest."

"I will," murmured the tom.

"I am going to send you back to the forest now. Do not forget what you have seen. It could be your future."

The tom shivered, then his sillohette faded into nothingness . . .

o o O O O o o

"Welcome back, Blackstar," said Firestar, watching as the ShadowClan leader rolled away from the Moonstone.

Blackstar leaped to his feet, looking around wildly at the assembled cats, panting. The dim starlight reflecting off the Moonstone cast an odd glow on the pelts of the cats. To Blackstar, we must almost look like StarClan cats, thought Firestar.

"Leave me alone," hissed Blackstar.

"We don't like it when you attack another Clan for no reason," mewed Leopardstar coldly.

"I'll do whatever I want." Firestar watched as Blackstar's eyes snapped onto the kits, sitting safe and sound next to Sandstorm, drooping with exhaustion.

"No, you won't," said Sandstorm. "Jaggedtooth is dead. I killed him. It's all I can do to leave you alive right now, you plotter." She stood up, her green eyes fierce.

"Stay away, Sandstorm! I'm a leader! I'm in charge of my Clan, thank you very much."

Sandstorm squeezed by Leopardstar, leaving their kits behind Firestar. She got face to face with Blackstar,.

"You will stay away from my kits," she hissed. "If you ever dare touch them again, or plot against them, I swear you will die. Whatever StarClan has in store for you will be nothing compared to my wrath."

Firestar knew he should stop her from threatening Blackstar, but she spoke for him too, so he did not. But the wild and terrified look in Blackstar's eyes did not make him happy . . . the ghost of the things he had seen haunted Blackstar. He bared his teeth when Sandstorm mentioned StarClan.

"Blackstar," began Firestar. But Blackstar's eyes were wild. He quickly reached out and wrapped his forelegs around Sandstorm's neck, his claws unsheathed against her throat.

"You all leave me alone! Stay away!" he growled at the leaders, holding his sharp claws menacingly against her.

Sandstorm gave a soft sigh. She moved so quickly Firestar barely saw what happened. She managed to swivel around in Blackstar's grasp and violently kick him in the stomach with her hind legs. He flipped completely upside-down, went flying, and landed on the rocky ground. Sandstorm landed lightly on her feet and walked over to stand over him, surveying him calmly. His face scrunched with humilation and fury.

"I'm done being taken advantage of," she said softly. "I wasn't going to attack you, but you gave me an excuse." Firestar stared at her in admiration. She was perfectly calm and in control. "You lose everything when you go against StarClan," she told Blackstar. "Haven't you learned anything? Tricks like that insure a grim afterlife for you. I'd suggest changing your ways radically." She gave him a contemptuous look and returned to her babies.

"Idiots!" screeched Blackstar, hauling himself upright. "You will never gain anything if you do what dead cats tell you to do! You have to work alone! And you don't help anyone with your pathetic alliances. How can you stand united against me?"

"I don't think you understand, Blackstar," said Leopardstar. "If you start trying to take over the forest, you will make enemies of all the Clans, not just those you attack. And we'll stand together aginst you, because we know you won't stop at attacking one of us."

"Besides, we can't survive without each other," pointed out Firestar. "We always need the other Clans in the forest."

"You need to avoid Tigerstar's mistakes, or we'll all turn against you, like we did against him," said Tallstar. "You don't want to end up like Tigerstar, do you?"

Firestar, Tallstar, and Leopardstar advanced. Sandstorm watched from over by her daughters.

"All the Clans were his enemies, even StarClan," she added.

"And StarClan will punish you, too, if they have to. You must know that?" said Firestar.

Blackstar froze. "H-how did you know about . . . what StarClan showed me?" he asked. His bold act shattered, and the terror of his possible future seemed to overtake him again.

"StarClan told me," said Firestar. "They're on my side, on the side of we who live by the warrior code."

Blackstar suddenly looked very frightened.

"If you don't want to live in eternal lonlieness, walking through that dark forest forever, you're going to have to change your actions. They must have told you this. Now follow their advice!" meowed Firestar. Blackstar's eyes clouded, as if he was back in the dark forest in his mind.

"But it was just a dream!" he yowled. "Dead cats can't touch me!"

"Then how do I know about it? It wasn't just a dream, and they will punish you, if not in life, then in death."

"Stay off my territory," hissed Tallstar.

"Stick to the warrior code," growled Leopardstar.

"Or you will suffer a terrible fate," mewed Firestar.

"They speak the truth," Firestar heard Bluestar whisper. Only he and Blackstar seemed to hear. Blackstar stiffened, terrible fear flooding his eyes. It was then that Firestar realized that he had learned, and that there would be no more blantant attacks from Blackstar.

Blackstar bared his teeth in a feeble attampt to look menacing, then turned and ran. He ran from the cave, past the warriors in the valley, and back to his territory, as though StarClan itself were chasing him.

The stars in the Moonstone twinkled, as though StarClan was reassuring those of faith that all wrongdoers would be punished, in the course of time.

o o O O O o o

Firstar and Sandstorm walked out into the starlight, each carrying a sleeping kit. The warriors were getting up, preparing for the journey home. Firestar set down the orange kit beside Sandstorm and went to bid the other leaders farewell.

"Thank you, Firestar, and you, Leopardstar," said Tallstar, standing outside the cave mouth next to the RiverClan leader. "Without RiverClan and ThunderClan, who knows what might have happened."

"You're welcome," said Leopardstar, dipping her head. "I hope this is the last we see of BloodClan."

"ThunderClan will always happy to help, Tallstar," said Firestar. "The BloodClan cats needed to be chased off, and besides, I've been wanting to put Blackstar in his place. I still don't trust him, but I don't think he'll be invading us anytime soon. He's learned, I think. Thanks to StarClan."

"And Sandstorm," nodded Tallstar. "His face when she flipped him . . . I doubt he'll ever challenge her! He was completely humiliated!"

Sandstorm looked up, triumph gleaming in her eyes.. "I did what I could."

Tallstar smiled at her. "I should round up my warriors and return to the camp. Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart."

"We should go too," meowed Firestar.

"Very well," answered Tallstar. "And Firestar . . . Sandstorm . . . they're beautiful kits, absolutely beautiful."

Firestar and Sandstorm purred in unison.

"Yes, they are," mewed Leopardstar curtly. "Well, I, too, must leave. It's a good ways back to our territory."

"Have a safe journey, both of you," nodded Tallstar.

Firestar nodded, then spoke quietly to Graystripe. "Gather up our warriors." Graystripe quickly went about, speaking softly to the ThunderClan cats lying around. Firestar saw Bramblepaw sitting nearby.

"Well done, Bramblepaw," he said. "You are worthy of your warrior name. I'll do the ceremony very soon." Bramblepaw's eyes, which had been sad and distant, lit up.

"Are you all right, Bramblepaw?"

"I met Tawnypaw in the battle at Fourtrees," Bramblepaw muttered. Behind him, the RiverClan warriors grouped together and pounded out of the valley.

"Ah. What happened?"

"We saw each other but looked away and went off in different directions."

"That must have been difficult."

"It was . . . and then I thought, for a while, that she was following in our father's footsteps . . ." —Bramblepaw gritted his teeth— " . . . but she was a heroine instead. And being with her, outside of a Gathering, made me wish she was still in ThunderClan."

"She's happier in ShadowClan, I suppose. It's still hard though, isn't it?"

"Yes, Firestar. It is."

"They're ready," murmured Graystripe, passing behind Firestar. With a rush of affection, Firestar saw all his loyal warriors gathered in a group around Sandstorm, taking a moment to admire her kits, purring their congratulations.

"So the kits were born during a battle!" mewed Brackenfur. "Fitting, seeing who their mother is!"

"Look at this one! She's almost as orange as her father," commented Rainwhisker.

"And the brown one's the very image of Streakpelt," murmured Mousefur.

"How does it feel to be parents, finally?" asked Brightheart.

"They're great, Firestar," said Bramblepaw, standing up and going to join the warriors.

"Congratulations," murmured Dustpelt, giving Firestar a nod.

"I'll bet they're as stubborn as their parents," chuckled Graystripe.

The kits mewed bewilderedly at the strange sounds, confused by all the attention. They nestled close to Sandstorm.

"All right, we should get back to camp," said Firestar loudly. The warriors looked up at Firestar, then set off across the valley to the exit. Sandstorm picked up the brown kit, Firestar picked up the orange kit, and they hurred after their Clanmates. WindClan followed not far behind. They climbed out of the cliffs and onto the moor.

Firestar cast a last glance towards the brooding dark cliffs, remembering the danger that had lurked there. But then he turned away, facing forward, looking around at his loyal and hardworking warriors.

"Well done, everyone," he said, somewhat muffled by his kit's neck fur. "Without you, we would have lost."

"I think we put ShadowClan and BloodClan in their places," mewed Brackenfur confidently.

"And Blackstar ran yowling back to his camp!" grinned Firestar, and his warriors laughed.

o o O O O o o

Sandstorm was exhausted but determined to carry her daughter home. Leafkit was sleeping, hanging limply from her mother's mouth. Sandstorm couldn't wait to get some rest. The fight with Jaggedtooth had not tired her at the time, but now the night's adventures were catching up to her, and she just wanted to curl up in the nursery and sleep. Firestar stayed close by her side, and Graystripe walked on her other side, exclaiming over the kits.

"Beautiful! Such glossy coats! They're a little small, but they were born early. The brown one really does look like your mother, Sandstorm! And I'll bet the orange one has your eyes! Both of your eyes, really, you both have green eyes, just like you both have ginger fur, so I bet she has green eyes, because she has ginger fur! Green eyes and ginger fur go together . . ."

Sandstorm stopped listening, to absorbed in her thoughts. She finally was at peace, not only with Spottedleaf, but with herself. She now knew that she was Firestar's equal, whether she was doing her warrior duties or staying in the nursery. She smiled to herself, remembering how in control she had felt when she had sent Blackstar flying. That was the last time anyone will threaten me, she thought. Her confidence at that moment had told her that she could deal with the ShadowClan leader, and somehow she had.

"Now!" called Graystripe, and Sandstorm realized they were at the edge of the Thunderpath, with WindClan only a short ways behind them.

The warriors of ThunderClan pounded across the black surface first, then came the WindClan warriors. Luckily, very few monsters ventured out at this time of night, and they crossed without incident. Leafkit mewed softly in her sleep.

On the other side, a few straggling WindClan apprentices and an elder or two awaited the return of the war party. Sandstorm saw Firestar glance shrewdly at one of the younger apprentices. The ThunderClan and WindClan warriors greeted the stragglers, and all bid their farewells and thanks to Barley and Ravenpaw. As soon as Firestar had said farewell to his old friend, she noticed him approach the apprentice and set down his daughter. She followed, and saw him bend down and whisper,

"Be careful and stay out of trouble, Crowkit. StarClan has plans for you." Crowkit nodded. "Goodbye, Firestar. Thanks for everything. I owe you my life."

Sandstorm cast Firestar a curious glance, but he shook his head, as if to say, "Later."

The ThunderClan cats finished their polite greetings to the WindClan elders, and Barley and Ravenpaw prepared to set off for their farm.

"Safe journey, Firestar, Sandstorm. Come see me sometime, and bring your offspring," said Ravenpaw.

"Bye, Ravenpaw! See you," responded Firestar. Ravenpaw and Barley soon disappeared into the shrubbery, and the ThunderClan cats said their last farewells.

"The thanks of WindClan go with you!" called Tallstar. "Good luck with parenting!"

"See you at the Gathering, Tallstar! We were happy to help!" called Firestar through his daughter's scruff, as best he could. Always the diplomatic leader, thought Sandstorm proudly.

The ThunderClan cats started off towards Fourtrees. Firestar and Sandstorm followed at the back of the group.

When they came to the small clearing where Longtail and Cinderpelt were, Sandstorm felt a wave of guilt. It didn't seem right for her to be so happy when her Clanmate would never see again . . . she looked sadly at his sightless eyes, trying not to hear Firestar's soft inquiries about the accident.

"No. There is nothing, absolutely nothing I can do, Firestar, except numbing the pain. Yes, I'll lead him home," mewed Cinderpelt.

"I don't need leading!" spat Longtail. He leaped to his feet, fur bristling. Sandstorm saw the lost expression on his face as he realized he had no idea where Fourtrees was.

"Come on," said Cinderpelt softly, resting her tail on his shoulder. Together, they joined the marching warriors.

Firestar returned to walk with Sandstorm, carrying the sleeping orange kit.

"How are you doing?" he asked gently.

Before tonight, she might have snapped that there was no reason why she wouldn't be fine. But now she realized that, strong though she was, she had been through a lot. And so she simply murmured back, "I'm tired, but probably no more tired than you. I'll make it."

They passed though Fourtrees, past the place beneath the Great Rock where her—their kits had been born.

Finally, they were back on their territory, as pale light began to rim the horizon. It had been a long night, and the dawn was neaer.

o o O O O o o

Cloudtail and Ferncloud came around the Highrock, where they had been keeping watch.

"Oh, great. We missed all the excitement!" complained Cloudtail. "It looks like it was a really good fight!" He surveyed the battered warriors slipping into their den. Then he heard Ferncloud's gasp and noticed the kits lying between Sandstorm and Firestar. "Whoa!" he gasped. "That was a little early. Cinderpelt said it would be a few days." Then it struck him. "They came! I'm a—a cousin!"

He bonded over and sniffed the sleeping kits enthusiastically. "Welcome to the Clan, little cousins! That one certainly is very orange. Wow! That's incredible! I mean, finally!"

"Yes. Well, get some sleep, Cloudtail. Brightheart will tell you all about the battles. Ferncloud, you too. Thornclaw will keep watch." Thornclaw nodded.

Firestar asked Dustpelt to lead the dawn patrol, then watched to make sure all the warriors were back in their den, Bramblepaw back in the apprentice's den, and Longtail and Cinderpelt in the medicine cat's den, and all the warrior's wounds had been treated. It's been a very, very long night. But we're all safe and sound.

Then, with great relief, he picked up the sleeping brown kit and slipped into the nursery, Sandstorm beside him. Finally, we've brought our babies home . . . strange to think that this their first time in the ThunderClan camp.

The nursery, a safe and cozy space, was faintly lit by a few stars and the approaching dawn. In a secluded corner, Willowpelt was sleeping with her kits, Sorrelkit, Rainkit, and Sootkit. Nearby, Goldenflower was snoring. Sandstorm and Firestar set down their kits on a bed of moss and flopped down, exhausted. Graystripe wormed his way in after them, wincing as the brambles caught his fur.

A fresh wave of amazement washed over Firestar as he, Graystripe, and Sandstorm stared in wonder at the crumpled little kits, their eyes closed tightly.

"Aren't they beautiful?" Sandstorm brethed, still in awe.

"They're great!" said Graystripe.

"As beautiful as their mother," purred Firestar, beginning to lick the brown kit all over. Sandstorm licked the orange kit thoroughly, then pulled it close, curling up to sleep. Firestar placed the brown kit next to her sister.

"They've been through so much," murmured Sandstorm.

"It's probably not such a bad thing. It will give them a sense of excitement, of adventure . . ."

"And most likely that knack for trouble you all have," interjected Graystripe.

"Well, yes. It runs in the family," chuckled Firestar. "But the thirst for excitement will stay with them, even if they can't remember it."

"That's probably true. By the end of their ordeal, they seemed to have calmed down a lot. It'll take a good deal to scare them," meowed Sandstorm, closing her eyes.

Graystripe yawned. "I'd best get back to the den. We can catch up with each other's war stories after we grab some sleep."

"I guess I'll be spending the night in the nursery for the next six moons," mewed Sandstorm. She'd stayed in the nursery during the day and in Firestar's den at night all through her pregnancy.

"I'll stay with you tonight," mewed Firestar, and curled up next to her.

"Or what's left of tonight. See you in the morning, lovebirds," smiled Graystripe, slipping out to go to his nest in the warrior's den.

The dawn broke on four pelts, pale ginger, orange, brown, and dark orange. But no one was awake to see it.

o o O O O o o

Firestar got up not long afterwards, to see off the border and hunting patrols.

He checked in on Longtail and Cinderpelt, but both were still sleeping. In the apprentice den, an exhausted Bramblepaw was sleeping like a log.

He sat on the Highrock, surveying the camp. He felt sure that they would live in peace for a good while now.

When the hunting patrol came back, he watched in satisfaction as an ample supply of fresh-kill piled up. He nodded to Dustpelt and his patrol, who crept back into their den, taking some prey with them.

A small part of his mind seemed to jump to life, and somehow he knew that Sandstorm was awake. The connection between him was difficult to understand, but in this instance it made sense. His world wasn't quite complete unless she was in it.

He felt his stomach rumble and realized how hungry he was. He grabbed a squirrel for them to share and went to meet her in the nursery.

"Good morning," she said softly, her eyes shining. The kits were still asleep. He dropped the squirrel in front of her and settled down for a long talk. They lay with their tails twined, telling exactly what had happened to them during the battle. Firestar listened in amazement to Sandstorm's tale of how she had rallied the warriors, and fought Jaggedtooth. He filled her in on Blackstar's punishment by StarClan, and how he had saved Crowkit's life.

"So . . . I suppose your dream was true," she mewed. "Everything you saw, it came true."

"That's right. Your . . . farewell, and the grief I felt . . . but my dreams are never quite what I expect, and we managed to change the future."

Sandstorm purred, leaning her head against his. They both watched the kits breathe slowly.

"Have you thought about names?" asked Firestar.

"The brown one is . . . Leafkit," said Sandstorm softly, not meeting Firestar's surprised eyes.

"After . . . Spottedleaf?"

"Yes."

Firestar stared at her in shock. He had always known that Sandstorm disliked Spottedleaf's affection for him, naturally. To name their firstborn after her? He had not expected that.

"Spottedleaf? Are you sure, Sandstorm?"

"Yes."

"But . . . why?"

"She's . . . all right. She was . . . she comforted me when I was unconscious. She let me make peace with the past. She helped me trust myself, and she was there for me when I fought Jaggedtooth. Leafkit reminds me of her, somehow. The understanding in her face."

"All right then," said Firestar. He watched the unnamed kit, the rays of the sun lighting her orange pelt. He glanced down at the fresh-kill, which was had similar colors in it.

"Squirrelkit," he said. "It's an unusual name, but I think it suits her. The color of her fur, her spirit, and she seems frisky."

"Agreed," said Sandstorm. "She certainly has spirit."

"Leafkit and Squirrelkit it is, then," said Firestar. "I'll have the naming ceremony right after Bramblepaw's warrior ceremony.

The kits woke up and started mewling with hunger. He was strongly tempted to stay there all day, but he had his duties and had to leave them. Throughout the day he kept dashing in to see them.

o o O O O o o

Sandstorm speant the day receiving her Clanmate's complements. All sunhigh the Clan kept popping in to see the new kits, as was customary. They were particularly interested to see what their leader and his mate's first litter would look like. All cats exclaimed about how much Squirrelkit looked like her parents, and the elders all agreed that Leafkit resembled Streakpelt.

Willowpelt congratualated her softly, and Goldenflower groused over not being there for the birth. Sandstorm felt a wave of sadness for Willowpelt. Her mate, Whitestorm, had been killed in the battle with BloodClan and she had raised her children alone. I couldn't do this without Firestar . . .

At sunhigh, Firestar came in to share a meal with her, while Sorrelkit, Sootkit, and Rainkit admired the new arrivals.

Sorrelkit inspected the orange kit, then looked at Firestar, who was buisily eating a shrew.

"Is that your kit?" she asked.

"Yes, this one and the brown one. We're going to name them Squirrelkit and Leafkit. I hope you'll be good denmates." Firestar took another bite.

"Are they her kits too? The orange one looks like her," meowed Sootkit, nodding to Sandstorm.

"Yes, it is. She's their mother. Well, I have to eat now—"

"Where did they come from?" asked Rainkit.

Firestar froze. "I, uh—"

"They're a gift from StarClan," said Sandstorm quickly.

Firestar looked relieved. "That's right. A gift from StarClan." He chewed on the shrew.

"If they're from StarClan why are they your children?" wondered Sootkit.

"Um, well, because Sandstorm gave birth to them."

"But how did they get in her belly? And how are they your children?" pressed Sorrelkit.

Firestar choked and coughed, spitting out his mouthful of shrew."I have to go! Patrols . . . fresh-kill . . . yes, I've got stuff to do . . ." he mewed quickly, and pushed out of the nursery, leaving behind a half eaten shrew. Sandstorm stifled her chuckles.

Sorrelkit turned to her. "Tom-cats are really weird, Sandstorm. I don't understand them at all.

o o O O O o o

Bramblepaw sat beneath the Highrock, his fur ruffled with excitement. His mother, Goldenflower, sat nearby, licking his fur constantly.

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather at the Highrock for a Clan meeting!" yowled Firestar. Most of the Clan was already there, but those who were not slipped into the clearing. Among the last was Sandstorm, who was trying to herd the kits out of the nursery for their naming.

"As Bramblepaw's mentor, I am satisfied that he is ready to become a warrior. He fought well in the battle, and was fast to bring help. I, Firestar, leader of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down upon this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn. Bramblepaw, do you promise to protect this Clan, even at the cost of your life?"

Bramblepaw answered calmly, although he was bursting with excitement. "I do."

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Bramblepaw, from this moment on you will be known as Brambleclaw. We honor your courage and loyalty, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan.

"Brambleclaw! Brambleclaw!" shouted the Clan. Brambleclaw's eyes shone. He finally felt accepted by his Clan. He had had to work hard to show the Clan that he was not like his father, Tigerstar. But he'd done it.

o o O O O o o

Firestar remembered how accepted he had felt when the Clan had called his warrior name, and most had finally realized that a former kittypet could be a good warrior. He watched his Clanmates swarm around Brambleclaw, congratulating him.

When the fuss had calmed down and Brambleclaw had taken his place with the warriors, Firestar nodded to Sandstorm, who shepherded the kits to the base of the Highrock. Firestar lifted them one by one up onto the Highrock. Sandstorm sat at the base of the Highrock, her eyes glowing with love and pride. This would be one of Firestar's first few kitnaming ceremonies as Clan leader. He said the words just as Goldenflower had told him.

"Warriors of StarClan, look well upon these new members of our Clan. From this day forward, until they receive their apprentice names, this kit will be named Leafkit . . ." He bent and licked Leafkit gently on the forehead. " . . . and this kit will be known as Squirrelkit, because of her coat the color of a squirrel's pelt." He gave Squirrelkit a lick. "May the warriors of StarClan always look over them and protect them, until they themselves hunt with StarClan."

"Leafkit! Squirrelkit! Squirrelkit! Leafkit!" shouted the Clan. Firestar's heart swelled. His kits were now a part of the Clan. Sandstorm leaped up onto the Highrock next to him and the kits, ready to carry them down. He could see Graystripe, Cloudtail, and Brightheart cheering in the crowd. When I first came to the Clan, I had no kin, thought Firestar. And now, we've built a family. He looked proudly down at the kits.

Bewildered by the cheering, Leafkikt shrunk against her parent's paws. Squirrelkit gave a squeak of excitement, turning her sightless face in the direction of the noise. Unlike Leafkit, she seemed exhilarated by the exciting chaos. Her little head turned to where she sensed Firestar to be.

Sandstorm was licking the Leafkit all over and reached for Squirrelkit. Squirrelkit squirmed out of her mother's reach and wobbled up to Firestar. She mewed, then:

"F-Fa . . . Father?" she said. Her voice was squeaky, but had a hint of detirmination. He gave her a lick. His anxiety about being their father and their leader shrunk. He knew that his daughters were compassionate and understanding and they would love him as a father and respect him as a leader.

Sandstorm and Firestar carried the Squirrelkit and Leafkit down from the Highrock to meet their new Clanmates.

o o O O O o o

A/N: Review! Only two more chapters to review, c'mon!

As the penultimate chapter looms, I'm gaining a few more faithful reviewers. Thanks, guys. It's not to late to drop me a line and become a regular. Regulars rock!

Just let me know that you're reading, and if you've enjoyed it. If you have any construcutive critisism that's cool too! But I especially love hearing about your favorite parts.

So regulars: keep it up! Semi regulars: keep it up! Non-reviewers: Aw c'mon! It's not that hard! Please? I want to hear from you! Peeps who have reviewed before: It's probably been a while! Let's go for it again!

Everyone: Thanks for reading! I'm going to have a bit more fun with this before I write "The End." So no, it's not the end, not quite yet.

See ya next chapter,

Angela

P.S. Sandstorm rulz. Period.