Fernstar's Clan

Fernstar's Clan is many moons before Dark Sky. The main protagonist is Fernstar. The cover is by 52Blue.

''When Fernpaw becomes a medicine cat apprentice, will she accept her role? Or will she decline?''

Summary:

Fernkit is playing with her brother, Driftkit when Owlstar comes to tell their mother, Birchflower that it's time for Driftkit to be apprentice. Birchflower asks about Fernkit and he replies that she will become a medicine cat apprentice. Driftkit says that she doesn't want to be a medicine cat, but Owlstar has made his choice.

Fernpaw is sorting herbs when her mentor, Moonberry, comes in and tests her about all the herbs, and Fernpaw gets them all right. Moonberry says that she is ready to become a medicine cat. Fernpaw's tail swishes in happiness, but remembers that Driftpaw wanted her to become a warrior. Fernpaw tried to tell Moonberry, but was interrupted by Driftpaw. He says to them that he is becoming a warrior, and Moonberry congratulates him. Driftpaw becomes Drifttail, and Fernpaw goes to the moonpool to become a medicine cat. Fernpaw wants to delay the ceremony so she asks if the can do it after. Moonberry agrees, but she looks sick. They touch their noses to to water and Fernpaw falls asleep. Fernpaw is in a grassy clearing, and sees a starry she-cat. She turns and Fernpaw sees that it is Moonberry. Moonberry says that he was never meant to be a medicine cat. She says goodbye to Fernpaw, and the dream ends.

Fernpaw runs over to Moonberry and shakes her, then stops. When her paws had touched her mentor, her fur had felt cold. Fernpaw returns to the camp, carrying Moonberry. They buried her and Fernpaw tells Owlstar that she wants to become a warrior. The whole Clan is surprised, except Drifttail. He knew that she wouldn't want to be a medicine cat. Fernpaw is now Fernberry,

A border skirmish with TreeClan kills Elmfur, Sweetpaw and Sliverpaw's father. and the deputy. Owlstar appoints Fernberry as deputy, to her surprise. Owlstar soon lead a patrol and when they came back they were carrying Owlstar's body. Fernberry went to the moonpool and received her nine life's. (Her nine life's were given by Owlstar, Brightflower, Birchflower, Moonberry, Drifttail, Raystorm, Smokewhisker, Sparkkit, and Cloudfur.)