“And the gray one should be Sleek Fur,” Thunderstar said, looking down at the sleeping tom affectionately. “He has the softest fur I’ve ever felt.”
“Wonderful,” Violet Dawn said. “Thank StarClan they have names now. I wouldn’t want them getting jealous of their littermates.”
A cool breeze ruffled Thunderstar’s fur, and he glanced back out of the nursery into the clearing outside. Clouds were gathering overhead; it looked like a storm was brewing. A flash of lightning lit up the sky for a moment, followed by a rumble of thunder that echoed around the camp.
Thunderstar purred. Lightning and thunder together, just like he and Lightning Tail had always been.
He knew that, from now on, whenever he saw lightning in the sky, he would remember the best friend he had ever had. And his own kit, beautiful, spirited Lightning Stripe, would remind him of his first deputy every day.
It was all right to be happy again, to look forward to his kits’ growing up, to accept his new deputy. He hadn’t lost Lightning Tail, not forever.
Lightning Tail will always be with me… and with all of ThunderClan.