"Wake up, Horsemoon!" Hissed a voice. Horsemoon's eyes fluttered open, blurry with sleep. It was sunrise, she saw the sun peaking over the trees. Why was she awake that early? She wasn't a warrior, she didn't have to go on dawn patrols.

It was Crowpelt. The she-cat looked terrible, her black fur clinging on to her bony frame. She was one of the cats who were very sick, but made an amazing recovery with the flower, and was better. But she was still ill.

"What are you doing up this early?" She mouthed to Crowpelt.

Crowpelt coughed. "You've got to take me to the Moonstone."

Suddenly, the memories of last night and the last few days flooded into Horsemoon's mind. She fell back down, and closed her eyes. "I don't wanna go,"

Crowpelt made a noise kind of like a sigh. "I know, but the clan's weak and leaderless. We've got to go now, before the night hits the stone." She hesitated. "Have you ever been to the Moonstone? I mean, I've never seen Creamleaf take you there..."

Horsmoon immediately opened her eyes. She was right. Creamleaf had never taken her! How would she know which way to go?

She stood stiffly, feeling like Creamleaf. The memory of her mentor leaving hurt her too much, so she dismissed it.

"I don't know where it is," she admitted to the deputy.

Crowpelt frowned and then coughed. "It's okay. Creamleaf never took you because she thought you were going to be a warrior, so what was the point? She also thought that you weren't ready, but now she doesn't get to show you..." she trailed off awkwardly.

Horsemoon was awed about why Creamleaf never took her to the Moonstone. She just always thought that she forgot to take her. But she was still mad. If she had went, she could have predicted so many accidents. And that Creamleaf would stay in the Twolegplace. She could have asked her to come back to the clan. But now Creamleaf was gone forever. 

They exited the camp and stopped. Which way next? She looked both ways and sneaked a peek at Crowpelt. She looked annoyed even in her fragile state.

Horsemoon looked at the sky and the sun. It was beating down on their pelts like a hawk on its prey. She squinted. Suddenly, a wind picked up, blowing cool air on the two she-cats. Horsmoon closed her eyes, letting the cold air blow through her fur.

"Go follow you're heart... it'll lead you to it..."

Creamleaf's voice rang in her ears. Horsemoon opened her eyes, and the voice stopped. She smiled.

Crowpelt's jaws were agape. She turned to Horsemoon, yellow eyes wide. "You heard that too, right?" She whispered.

Horsemoon nodded. They started off towards ShadowClan territory and Horsemoon knew she was going the right way because she felt it in her heart. Creamleaf might have left her to be in the Twolegplace, but her mentor will be in Horsemoon's heart to guide her through tough times.

They padded towards the Highstones at a steady pace. Crowpelt and Horsemoon didn't even need to stop; their curiosity to see the Moonstone was feeding them.

Crowpelt was the first to start panting. It was a very hot day. Since she was still sickly, Horsemoon was worried. She asked repeatedly if they needed to stop, but Crowpelt always refused, saying that making it to the Moonstone was more important than her health.

"Well," Horsemoon retorted silently, "we can't go to the Moonstone if you die! The clan has no deputy or leader! Who would lead the clan?"

Crowpelt nodded and coughed. "I'm okay," She croaked, then she hesitated. "Who do you think will make a good deputy?"

Horsemoon was caught by surprise. The future leader actually looked unsure. Horsemoon had always known Crowpelt to be a strong she-cat, not wanting to accept help. She was independent and she never asked for other cat's opinion. "Maybe... Frogclaw?" She mouthed.

Crowpelt's eyes brightened. "Yes," She whispered. "He's smart and loyal. He's perfect,"

Horsemoon turned and smiled. She knew it! Crowpelt did secretly have a crush on Frogclaw! Deputy and leader mates. Perfect.

<•>

"We found it!" Horsemoon exclaimed silently. They were at the Highstones, standing in front of Mothermouth.

Crowpelt grinned, her old self coming back. "I knew we'd make it."

Horsemoon noticed that the sun was going down. They'd have to wait next to Mothermouth until it was time. So she collapsed, legs weary from the journey. Crowpelt laid down, a sigh escaping her as her belly fur hit the stone.

Horsemoon looked up. How would she know when it was time to go in?

"Go in when the moon touched the tip of the Highstones... that means it's time..."

Creamleaf's voice came back. Horsemoon exchanged a glance with Crowpelt, who had a small smile in her face. Horsemoon returned it, and she knew that she wasn't alone.