'Till We Meet Again, My Friends.

[.:spottedwing::.]

It was a cool leaf-fall afternoon. Not all the leaves had fallen- in fact, not all the leaves had even changed color. Still, it was evident that it was leaf-fall, for everyday the temperature would drop, the trees were tinged with more color, and more leaves crackled beneath paws.

Spottedwing, medicine cat of the clan called ThunderClan, sighed. She'd dreamt often of helping the world- the entire world, and not be limited to just her Clan alone. This spotted silver tabby, with her limp and her torn left ear, wanted to do more, for what she was doing now was simply not enough. Of course, dreams were just dreams.

However, today, she took a step forward.

Today, her dreams would become reality.

Her grey-blue eyes became teary, and a practically invisible mist swept around her. "You don't have to do this, you know," It whispered, it's ghastly pelt swooshing around her. "Roughclaw," Spottedwing whispered to the spirit. "I WANT to do this. It's going to be a little hard, but I'll get used to it. I'll be okay."

Roughclaw nodded in understanding, and licked her cheek. "If that is your choice, you'll never be alone. I'll stay with you for as long as you're away."

"Roughclaw, you don't need to abandon StarClan for me. I'll be fine."

"No cat shall ever be alone," The spirit went on. "You've always been such a loyal she-cat. However, your loyalty doesn't belong to ThunderClan- you have loyalty to everyone. And that's why you're leaving- to keep your loyalty to everyone else."

The medicine cat shook her head, and sighed. She felt Roughclaw's presence dissolve from her, perhaps returning to his homeland of stars to say goodbye. I need to say goodbye, too.

She paced to her den, and smiled at the little bundle of kits. Her heart ached at the thought of leaving them. She nuzzled each tiny pelt awake. She was greeted by yawns and minor hisses, to which she giggled. "Good morning, my loves." She said, as any mother would.

"Why'd you wake me up?!" The youngest, and most unique of the kits, complained. "I was having a really good dream, mama! I dreamt that I was a warrior! A big strong warrior! And ya wanna' know what my name was, mama? Do ya?"

Spottedwing was a bit wry, but forced her enthusiasm. "Of course, dear," she meowed. "What was your warrior name?"

"Braceplague!" The little kit cheered, bouncing around. "I was Braceplague, mama! One of the strongest, most feared cats in ThunderClan!"

The mother winced, she was aware that this kit was the reincarnation of someone who'd hurt her badly, whom she'd never truly forgiven. "That's great dear. That's really great." The brown tip of her tail twitched impatiently. "But anyways... I have a question for you three."

None of the kits really took much interest. Passionatekit was sniffing at the herb supply, while Purgatorykit chased a leaf, and Bracekit tried to tell her siblings all about her dream.

"Would any of you kits be interested in going on a journey, away from the Clan?" She stated, in a much louder voice.

Suddenly, all the kits were paying attention. "A journey?!" Young Passionatekit squeaked. "I'd love to go! Can I? Can I? Can I?!"

Both Purgatorykit and Bracekit remained uninterested. The two went on about how they were loyal to the Clan, and wanted to grow up to be strong warriors.

Spottedwing smiled proudly at Purgatorykit, though showed a lack of interest in Bracekit's decision. If anything, she was relieved that Bracekit wouldn't be coming along. She turned to Passionatekit. "Well, love," She said. "If you came with me, you'd have to go very far. You may never see your Clanmates or siblings again. So think about it- do you really want to come?"

Passionatekit's fur bristled with excitement. "Of course I wanna' go mama!" She pranced around the den. "We'll come back someday! I know we will!"

The spotted silver tabby gave a sigh. "I sure hope you're right, Passionatekit..." she murmured. "I sure hope you're right..."


The sun was now setting on the forest, and by now, all of ThunderClan was aware of Spottedwing's decision to leave. It wasn't an issue- there was Rushfur to take over for her. Most of the camp was filled with disappointment, though parts were filled with outrage and disbelief. They were especially shocked at the idea that the she-cat was taking one of her only recently-born kits along, and separating her from the rest.

"Understand that it was the kits' decision, not mine!" She'd tell them.

"They're only kits, they don't know any better! You're their mother, you should know better!" They'd reply.

Spottedwing sighed. She made sure to say goodbye to every single cat, especially her best friends, and to spend some time with them. But now, the time had come to leave. She grabbed little Passionatekit by the scruff of her neck, and place her on her back.

"Goodbye, ThunderClan!" She yowled, grief unfortunately clear in her voice. "I'll never, ever forget you! Thank you for all you've done for me, I love you so and will never stop! Perhaps I'll come back someday for a visit! Farewell!" After taking in everything, she jerked her head away, and went forward- not knowing where she was going, or how she'd get there, but knowing she was going to do many great things. Tears streamed down her face, but she knew she'd be alright. "Goodbye, ThunderClan!" Passionkit shouted, waving her paw. "Goodbye, Purgatorykit and Bracekit! Goodbye, Shyfire! Goodbye, Swiftheart!" The kit continued to list names, until the clan was out of site.


Moons had passed, so that it was now leafbare. Spottedwing had grown much leaner, but much stronger, and much wiser. She had learned many things, such as fighting techniques, hunting techniques, and even healing techniques. She had aided many on her journey, though she still had a long way to go. Occasionally, she could feel the breath of her uncle against her pelt, and she would smile, knowing she wasn't alone.

Passionatekit had grown. Had the kit remained in ThunderClan, she'd still wouldn't have been the proper apprentice age. Still, already she had experience much more than most cats will experience before warrior-hood. She already knew some fighting techniques, how to hunt, and how to use certain herbs. She was learning rapidly, and was enjoying every experience, rarely ever complaining.

Often, Spottedwing would turn back and stare at the direction of where she believed her clan was, and she would think. Tears came no more, and she had accepted leaving her clan. The silver tabby was happy, truly she was, but she would miss them pretty often. She thought about them frequently.

And during this time, Passionatekit would rub against her. "I know we'll be back, mama," she purred. "We will."

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