They walked for several more days before Moonclaw spotted the Clans.

The first signs were the faint scents on the breeze, like the ones that she had smelled on a tuft of fur from her great-grandfather.

Then there were the prey furs and bones, and pawprints in the soft, marshy ground. 

And finally, there was the cats themselves.

The sight of them gave Moonclaw new energy. She grasped Lightkit more firmly in her jaws, and took a huge leap forwards.

When she managed to catch up with the Clans, every cat turned to stare at her. Hazelpaw came up behind her.

"I think we can drive off a couple of loners and a kit." sneered a pale gray tom. 

Moonclaw took a deep breath. "I am searching for SeaClan. I mean you no harm. This is Hazelpaw, although she had no mentor. She is seven moons old. The kit is my sister, Lightkit. I am Moonclaw. My mother mentored me. I wish to speak with Dolphinstar."

Murmurs rose from the cats. 

"SeaClan?"

"Did she say Dolphinstar? Who is that?"

"I don't like her."

"What's SeaClan?"

An elderly blue-gray she-cat stepped forward. "I am Dolphintail. In the old days, I was Dolphinstar, leader of SeaClan. SeaClan is...no more."

Moonclaw frowned. "No more?"

Another older cat stepped from the Clans. "I am Currentstripe. I was part of SeaClan, and I believe others have the right to know what happened to us! We moved away from the Sundrownplace. We moved to the mountains. There was good territory for FireClan, NightClan, and StoneClan-but not us. We were devastated by the loss of prey. Then we found a pond. It was perfect. There were fish again. But the other Clans wanted that water for their hunting. Birds of prey came down and roosted-perfect for NightClan. Thousands of snakes for StoneClan. FireClan hunted the mice and rabbits that came to drink. There wasn't enough room for all of us, and SeaClan was already weakened. Many cats went to other Clans. The loyalists were either killed in battle, starved, or eventually gave up and left to the other Clans. I am proud to say that I was still there when Dolphinstar gave the order to surrender and go into the other Clans. We did, and no one has been ever taught the tragedy of SeaClan. But I remember. And I taught my kits, in secret. They are warriors now, one with her own kits, who she has told the story to. Others must have done the same! Even if they haven't, even if my own kits and grandkits refuse to join...if SeaClan will reform, I will be there with it."

"I will too. So will Hazelpaw and Lightkit." said Moonclaw. 

Dolphintail hesitated. "But...the other Clans betrayed us last time...and I'm on my last life..."

"I'll join, and my kits." said a she-cat who could only be Currentstripe's daughter. 

"Me, too!"

"Me, too!"

"Count me in!"

"Me, too!"

"Me, too!"

"Me, too!"

Dolphintail waved her tail for silence. "No need to yell. Any cat who wishes to join SeaClan will be welcome. And I assume the title of leader again, so I am now known as Dolphinstar."

"Dolphinstar!"

"Dolphinstar!"

"Dolphinstar!"

"Dolphinstar!"

"Dolphinstar!"

Dolphinstar nodded. "I choose Currentstripe to mentor Hazelpaw. Currentstripe, will you teach Hazelpaw all that you know?"

"I will."

"Then, oh, umm...Hazelpaw, from this moment on, until you receive your warrior name...you will be known as...Hazelpaw?"

Hazelpaw nodded. 

"And," Dolphinstar said, "I must choose a deputy."

All of the Clans quieted, holding their breaths.

"I say these words at Moonhigh, so that my warrior ancestors in StarClan may hear and approve my choice. The new deputy of SeaClan is Moonclaw!"

Moonclaw's eyes widened, but she merely nodded politely to her leader. 

 All she could think was Deputy. Me. Deputy.