Ivypool's Heart/Cliffnotes

Contents

These notes reflect a bulleted list of major and minor events in Ivypool's Heart that can be easily navigated. They are intended to serve as a reference for those looking for specific events in re-reading and book discussions and include links to the relevant chapter subpages further detailing each chapter's events.

Prologue - Whistlepaw

• Whistlepaw stands on a rocky ridge.
  • The water's surface shifts, which makes the medicine cat apprentice dig her claws further into the soil.
• She hears the sound of kits wailing, but cannot locate them.
  • Whistlepaw feels a sense of guilt wash upon her and insists to herself she would not hurt the kits.
• She spots a tabby tom heading towards the sound of the kits' voices.
  • He stops and tells her she must make it right.
  • A group of ten cats moves away from the water's edge and leaves the area.
• Whistlepaw enters a cave and attempts to rescue the kits, but falls into a hollow tree instead.
• Mistystar appears and tells her the debt must be paid, and the stream near RiverClan's camp flows with blood.

Chapter 1 - Ivypool

• Ivypool and Rootspring meet at the WindClan border near the lake to reminisce about Bristlefrost.
  • Ivypool confesses that she is no longer happy about being Squirrelstar's deputy since her daughter's death, as life is not the same.
  • Rootspring reveals that Wrenflight wants to be his mate, but he is not interested in her as he still loves Bristlefrost.
• Ivypool realizes she is late for her duties, and runs back to the ThunderClan camp.
  • She lies about needing to use the dirtplace and assigns patrols.
• Squirrelstar and Ivypool discuss Nightheart, Sunbeam, and Frostpaw's mission to spy on RiverClan and Splashtail.
  • Ivypool advises Squirrelstar to wait instead of going after Splashtail.
• Several WindClan cats enter the camp with an important message for Jayfeather and Alderheart.
  • Kestrelflight briefly explains Whistlepaw's vision and requests the medicine cats meet at the Moonpool that night.
• During the night, Ivypool struggles to sleep, guilty over sending Bristlefrost to the Dark Forest.
  • Her mate, Fernsong, wakes, and reveals that he knows about Ivypool's secret meetings with Rootspring.
• Alderheart and Jayfeather return from the medicine cat meeting and inform Squirrelstar that Whistlepaw's vision had been serious.

Chapter 2

• Squirrelstar leads Ivypool, Alderheart, and Jayfeather to the emergency Gathering to discuss Whistlepaw's vision.
  • No cat from RiverClan is present due to Splashtail refusing to attend.
• Kestrelflight invites Whistlepaw to explain her dream.
  • Tigerstar recognizes one of the places she describes.
• Every cat in attendance shows concern over the vision, and Kestrelflight explains that StarClan did not send it.
  • Several StarClan cats recognized the symbol from Whistlepaw's dream, but do not recall its origins.
• Harestar suggests that one cat from each Clan go on a quest to discover the vision's meaning.
• Representatives from four of the five Clans are chosen: Ivypool from ThunderClan, Dovewing from ShadowClan, Rootspring from SkyClan, and Whistlepaw from WindClan.
  • Harestar decides to travel to RiverClan himself to ask Splashtail directly.

Chapter 3

• Ivypool bids her surviving kits, Thriftear and Flipclaw, along with her mate, Fernsong, goodbye.
• Before Ivypool departs, Squirrelstar tells her that Cinderheart will be filling in as deputy.
  • Ivypool and Cinderheart go over what duties Cinderheart will need to cover in Ivypool's absence.
• Before she leaves, Squirrelstar talks to Ivypool, and expresses her hopes that this quest will allow Ivypool to move on from her grief.
• Ivypool meets Whistlepaw, Dovewing, and Rootspring at the Moonpool.
• Icewing emerges from the undergrowth as the others travel over the moor, and explains that Tigerstar sent her to represent RiverClan.
  • Icewing updates the group on RiverClan's leader succession crisis, including how she, Duskfur, and Mothwing all left RiverClan.
• During the beginning of their travels, Dovewing and Ivypool briefly discuss their grief over their lost kits.
• The cats stop to make camp for the night after getting lost.

Chapter 4

• Ivypool reflects on the poor weather preventing the group from moving forward.
• Rootspring attempts to use the techniques the Sisters taught him to connect to the earth, but is unsuccessful.
• Dovewing pulls Ivypool aside and convinces her to open up about her grief.
  • Ivypool, Dovewing, and Icewing all speak about their lost kits, which helps Ivypool feel less alone.
• The cats go hunting in a nearby barn, meeting Zeke, Pumpernickel, and Curry.
  • The kittypets reveal that they know about warriors, as they have met WarriorClan cats.
  • The Clan cats fight the kittypets but are forced to flee from the dogs the kittypets summon.

Chapter 5

• The poor weather continues, forcing the cats to find a different food source. They decide to try the Twolegplace for kittypet food before meeting Slate and Beach.
  • Slate and Beach reveal they are from the Sisters, but were sent to wander after being deemed old enough to live on their own due to the group's rules on toms.
  • Ivypool is disgusted by this, as the young cats do not seem to know how to care for themselves.
  • The two loners invite the others to their camp and offer to help discover where they should go next.
• Ivypool reflects on the two young toms, who remind her of her own kits when they were young.
  • The Clan cats teach the loners how to care for their den and treat their own wounds with basic herbs.
  • Ivypool suggests that Beach and Slate go with them and become Clan apprentices. The two toms refuse the offer.
• Beach and Slate attempt to connect with the earth, but are unsuccessful.
  • They offer to take the Clan cats to see the Sisters instead.

Chapter 6

• Ivypool wakes to see Whistlepaw treating Beach's wound and Dovewing sitting nearby.
  • Dovewing says the other cats have gone to hunt. Beach, Icewing, and Rootspring return with prey for the cats to share.
  • They decide to bring mice as a present for the Sisters.
• Slate and Beach lead the other cats past the Twolegplace and barn, but the dogs return and chase the cats.
  • Ivypool decides to fight back against the dogs, leading the confrontation.
  • The other cats admire her bravery, reminding Ivypool of why Squirrelstar appointed her deputy.
• The cats continue to travel, eventually finding the Sisters' current camp.
  • Beach and Slate enthusiastically greet their kin, and Rootspring's aunt, Sunrise, greets her nephew.
  • Whistlepaw explains Beach's and Slate's wounds, and Snow promises to treat them.
  • Ivypool feels anger at how the Sisters treat young toms, frustrated that they are sent out to fend for themselves.
• Snow and the Clan cats discuss what has happened since the Sisters moved on.
  • Rootspring informs them of Brambleclaw's retirement, Graystripe's death, and Bristlefrost's sacrifice.
  • The Sisters express sympathy for Ivypool's loss, though they are confused at Ivypool's explanation that Bristlefrost's spirit no longer exists.
• The Sisters hold a feast in Graystripe and Bristlefrost's memories.
  • Ivypool's guilt returns.
  • The Sisters tell the Clan cats where they traveled after leaving Clan territory, and Ivypool reflects on the differences between the Clans and the Sisters.
• The Sisters hold a ceremony to honor Graystripe and Bristlefrost and channel the spirits of several StarClan cats.
  • They fail to summon Bristlefrost's spirit, and Ivypool decides to return to her nest to be alone.

Chapter 7

• Ivypool struggles to sleep, and emerges from her nest to find the camp empty. She wanders and decides to hunt.
• Once the other cats wake up, the group discusses their next steps and explains Whistlepaw's vision.
  • Ivypool emphasizes that they are not asking for any help, just directions, as she recalls the Sisters vowing to not assist the Clans again after the battle against Ashfur.
  • The Sisters provide directions to the mountains.
• Ivypool goes to round up her companions, but cannot find Rootspring.
  • She sees Rootspring and Snow discussing Rootspring taking a new mate, angering Rootspring and prompting an argument.

Chapter 8

• Three sunrises later, Ivypool and the Clan cats travel along a Thunderpath.
  • Ivypool vows to stop allowing grief to control her, intent on completing the quest.
• Whistlepaw has another dream, this time telling them to follow a white feather.
• They leave the Thunderpath to go hunting, but Twolegs riding horses spook them and force them to flee.
  • They decide to try hunting again once they have reached safety, but their rabbit escapes into a strange looking Twolegplace.
  • Another horse startles, and the cats take the momentary distraction to flee the Twolegplace.
• Whistlepaw realizes the five of them are lost.

Chapter 9

• After Whistlepaw announces they are lost, the other cats decide to attempt hunting again to regain their energy, and successfully catch a rabbit.
• Whistlepaw hears a noise in the distance, which turns out to be the Thunderpath.
  • She and the other cats think that it may have been a sign and thank StarClan for guiding them.
• The cats follow the Thunderpath through a strange forest, and Icewing identifies the trees as apple trees, recalling Twolegs growing them near the RiverClan border.
• The cats decide to settle for the night, but a large Twoleg monster forces them to flee the forest.
  • Whistlepaw trips over Ivypool and falls into the path of one of the monsters, and Ivypool shoves her out of the way.

Chapter 10

• The cats continue traveling and find a strange Twoleg thing with the same feather from Whistlepaw's dream.
• Icewing finds fresh water nearby, and the cats make their camp down near a lake.
• Ivypool dreams about the Dark Forest.
  • She sees ghostly shapes in the form of forgotten spirits, and immediately worries for Bristlefrost.
  • Flametail confronts her, and Ivypool recalls being ordered to kill him by Brokenstar, only for Tigerstar to save him at the last second.
  • Brokenstar taunts her by saying she should stay in the Dark Forest.
  • In the distance, Ivypool sees a pale gray shape and runs after it, assuming it is Bristlefrost.
  • She sees Icewing's son, Beetlewhisker, initially comforted by him having Bristlefrost, but watches in horror as he does not react to the she-cat.

Chapter 11

• Ivypool wakes, struggling with her nightmare as she leaves her makeshift nest.
• The cats head down to the lakeshore to catch fish, and observe several Twolegs on monsters in the water.
  • Twoleg kits spot them and rush towards the cats, where one manages to capture Whistlepaw.
• Ivypool, Dovewing, Icewing, and Rootspring begin to plan how they will free Whistlepaw, and watch one of the Twoleg kits run off with the apprentice.
  • The Twoleg kit puts Whistlepaw inside a monster, but the cats cannot open the door.
• Ivypool begins to think about how to get the adult Twoleg to open the monster, ultimately deciding to steal its prey to coax it to chase her.
• The Twoleg opens the monster, allowing Whistlepaw to escape, and the cats flee.
• A gull flies overhead, and the cats realize that it is part of Whistlepaw's dream about the white feather.

Chapter 12

• The cats continue to travel and see the sun-drown-place.
  • Whistlepaw points out different things she saw in her vision.
• The Clan cats meet Jake, who warns them about crabs.
• A gull drops a fish and attacks the cats when they attempt to eat it.
  • Several gulls follow the first one, and the cats flee as they realize they are outnumbered.
• Ivypool watches a crab stand up, attracting more gulls. She, along with Rootspring, Dovewing, Icewing, and Whistlepaw, flee the creatures and hide in a cave.

Chapter 13

• Ivypool and her companions continue to shelter in the cave.
  • Whistlepaw asks if the kits from her vision could have been trapped in a place like this.
• The tide begins to come in, flooding the cave, and the five cats escape up the cliffs.
• Upon encountering Twoleg trash, the cats discuss whether or not it is worth eating due to the lack of prey.
• Further along the path, they encounter a strange Twoleg den filled with foul smells.
  • The garbage attracts several mice, allowing the cats the chance to hunt and eat.
  • Ivypool recalls her mentor, Cinderheart, teaching her how to hunt.
• Whistlepaw suggests camping near the Twoleg den, as it feels important to her vision.

Chapter 14

• Ivypool dreams of meeting Rootspring beside the lake.
  • She reflects on how sure she was that Rootspring loved Bristlefrost, and how impressed she was at Bristlefrost's bravery.
  • She sits down to wait, but the lake suddenly freezes over, and she sees Bristlefrost trapped beneath the surface.
  • Ivypool attempts to break through the ice, but Rootspring tells her it is too late.
• Ivypool wakes from her nightmare, grief renewed. She finds meaning in the dream, knowing Bristlefrost is gone forever.
  • She describes the dream to Rootspring, who reveals that he has had similar dreams, mainly about the life they would have had.
• Once everyone is awake, the cats successfully hunt.
• Whistlepaw reveals she has had a dream about the strange Twoleg den and is certain that they need to investigate it.
• They enter the area, seeing several cages with different animals within.
  • As they explore, the cats hear a different dialect of their own language, questioning who they are and what they are doing there.
• The group turns towards the source of the noise, and see wildcats for the first time.

Chapter 15

• Ivypool, Rootspring, Dovewing, Icewing, and Whistlepaw stare at the wildcats, and Ivypool asks if they are kittypets.
• The wildcats explain that they have been held captive by Twolegs for several moons before introducing themselves as Tumble Leap and Stalk Purr.
• Ivypool hesitantly asks if the Twoleg keeping them will give Stalk Purr's unborn kits away.
  • Stalk Purr worries about the prospect, and explains that she has had two other litters that did not survive.
• Ivypool wonders if the wildcats want to leave the strange den, and Tumble Leap explains that Twolegs have destroyed some of their territory.
  • During their discussion, the wildcats and Clan cats are shocked at the similarities in their terminology.
• Whistlepaw draws the strange symbol from her first dream, the cloud split by lightning and vines.
  • The wildcats reveal that it represents StormClan.
  • Whistlepaw asks them about more things from her dream, and the two groups discuss what the Star Tree is.
  • She asks the wildcats where the tree is located, but they are uncertain.
• Ivypool asks the wildcats to tell them more about their Clans, hoping to gather more information for their quest.
  • Stalk Purr tells the group what she remembers from the Star Tree's location.
• Ivypool urges the wildcats to try escaping the Twoleg, but they are hesitant due to nearly starving before.
  • Ivypool reminds Stalk Purr that the Twoleg may take her kits, immediately feeling guilty for upsetting her.
• The Twoleg returns, and Tumble Leap urges them to flee.

Chapter 16

• Ivypool and the rest of the traveling cats run away from the Twoleg den, where she and Whistlepaw stay close enough to watch him feed the captive animals.
  • While the other cats are uncertain whether they should help the wildcats, Whistlepaw insists they are important to the quest.
  • Icewing agrees, and suggests they find the Star Tree.
• The cats trek through the forest, eventually locating several small waterfalls.
  • Whistlepaw takes the lead, and they find the clearing Stalk Purr described the Star Tree in.
• Before the cats can investigate the tree further, a colony of weasels bursts from the trunk.

Chapter 17

• Ivypool, Rootspring, Dovewing, Icewing, and Whistlepaw fight the weasels, eventually managing to drive them away.
• Rootspring asks Whistlepaw what the next step is, and she explains that the wildcat elders entered the tree to meet with their ancestors.
• Dovewing decides to stay behind and guard the tree, and the other four cats enter.
  • Inside, they all land on soft moss and leaves.
• Whistlepaw leads the other cats through meditating like she and the other medicine cats do at the Moonpool.
  • Rootspring, Ivypool, and Icewing follow her instructions, and open their eyes to find themselves in the spirit world.

Chapter 18

• Whistlepaw, Ivypool, Icewing and Rootspring find themselves in the hunting grounds of the wildcats' ancestors, and two wildcats greet them.
  • Both wildcats are surprised and pleased to see Clan cats again, and beckon the group to follow them.
• Several cats and wildcats mill around a clearing, and one steps forward to introduce herself as Galestar, a former WindClan and StormClan leader.
  • Galestar reveals herself to be the source of Whistlepaw's visions.
• Ivypool begs Galestar to tell them the meaning of the quest.
  • Galestar reveals that she lead WindClan, but fell in love with Stripestar, the ThunderClan leader.
  • Instead of either leaving their respective Clan, they merged the two Clans into StormClan, much to the dismay of the other Clans.
  • Galestar references an early prophecy given to the Clans as the primary reasoning against the merging of WindClan and ThunderClan, but both she and Stripestar ignored it.
  • Twolegs encroached on their territory, forcing the massive Clan to flee.
  • StormClan struggled to find a place to settle, and multiple cats returned to the forest to reform the original ThunderClan and WindClan.
  • Galestar, now expecting Stripestar's kits, pushed on toward the sun-drown-place.
  • Galestar and her kits were trapped and left behind, leaving her to believe Stripestar and StormClan abandoned her.
  • Wildcats rescued her and her kits, and she fell in love with one of her rescuers, Bound Hunt.
• Whistlepaw asks why she sent the vision, and Galestar explains that the trapped wildcats need to be freed and reunited with their kin.
  • In order to persuade them, Galestar reveals the names of Stalk Purr and Tumble Leap's litter: Stretch, Pounce, and Hunt.

Chapter 19

• Ivypool, Rootspring, Icewing, and Whistlepaw emerge from the Star Tree and explain what they witnessed to Dovewing.
• The five cats agree to rescue Stalk Purr and Tumble Leap as soon as they can, and return to the Twoleg den.
• Whistlepaw struggles to understand how an important part of Clan history could have been forgotten by StarClan.
  • Ivypool tries to comfort her, but is reminded of her own loss and struggles with Bristlefrost's spirit being destroyed.
  • Rootspring is frustrated, as he was prevented from being with Bristlefrost due to the warrior code, whereas Stripestar and Galestar combined their Clans instead.
  • Dovewing is sympathetic to Rootspring's plight, mentioning that she wishes she could have combined ShadowClan and ThunderClan so she could be with her mate and family.
• The Clan cats talk to the wildcats and explain their findings, managing to convince Stalk Purr and Tumble Leap by revealing the names of their unborn kits.
• Ivypool, the Clan cats, and the wildcats develop a plan to free the wildcats and bring them home.

Chapter 20

• After spending the day observing the Twolegs at the strange den, Ivypool and the other Clan cats begin their plan.
• Icewing, Rootspring, and Dovewing work to weaken the rope holding the cages together as Ivypool and Whistlepaw prepare to help the wildcats escape.
• As the sun rises, the Twoleg and his dog begin their rounds, and the Clan cats create a distraction.
  • The dog chases after them, distracting the Twoleg long enough for the wildcats to escape.
  • The Clan cats open more of the cages, and the Twoleg panics and flees.
• The seven cats escape and run in the direction of the sun-drown-place.

Chapter 21

• Recalling Galestar's instructions, Icewing leads the group along the cliffs of the sun-drown-place.
• The group decides to stop so they can rest and hunt, and Tumble Leap and Stalk Purr find a pool of fresh water in a rocky hollow.
  • The two wildcats explain that they are all raised to believe in a deep connection to the earth, water, and air, and that the spirits of their ancestors live on in the elements.
  • Rootspring is reminded of the Sisters' beliefs and mentions his father, Tree, and his ability to connect with the spirits of the earth.
• The Clan cats hunt and are once again impressed with the wildcats' skills as they catch a gull.
  • Icewing remarks that their way of hunting is similar to how the Tribe of Rushing Water hunts.
• Tumble Leap asks the others to tell him and his mate more about Galestar and StormClan.
  • Stalk Purr recalls the stories she heard as a kit regarding StormClan.
  • She also mentions how surprised both she and Tumble Leap had been when they met the Clan cats initially, praising them for being clever and brave.
  • Whistlepaw adds that the Clan cats were equally surprised at meeting the wildcats.
• Before she sleeps, Ivypool watches the sunset, which reminds her of Bristlefrost.
  • She briefly wonders if her daughter is still somewhere in the world, but dismisses the idea as a wildcat belief.

Chapter 22

• Ivypool and the others struggle as they trek along the steep trail Galestar described.
• Stalk Purr worries over her unborn kits, but finds comfort in the fact that they will be born free.
  • Ivypool reflects on the loss of her daughter, explaining to Stalk Purr that Bristlefrost's spirit is gone forever.
  • Stalk Purr points out that the world is bigger than anyone could ever know, including the afterlife.
  • Ivypool feels a renewed sense of hope as she realizes Stalk Purr is right, comforted by the fact that she got to meet her daughter at all.
• The cats encounter a Thunderpath, but before they cross, Rootspring cries out for them to stop.

Chapter 23

• Despite the other cats not seeing any danger, Rootspring insists that they take shelter.
  • Seconds later, a monster speeds past, and Ivypool realizes that without Rootspring, they would have all been killed.
• Rootspring explains to the wildcats that he can see the ghosts of cats that have not gone to their respective afterlife yet, and several of them warned him about the danger ahead.
  • All of the ghost cats died on the Thunderpath due to its blind spot, and offer to guide the living cats to a safer crossing.
• The cats successfully cross and continue up the mountains.
  • Icewing wonders if they are almost finished with their quest, worried about her Clan.
  • The other cats agree, and the wildcats are optimistic about their kin being nearby.
• The group tries to make camp for the night, but are startled by several Twolegs approaching and are forced to flee.
• Stalk Purr begins to kit.

Chapter 24

• Whistlepaw confirms that Stalk Purr is kitting, and the cats hurry to get her settled.
  • Ivypool finds a small cave and the cats work to settle Stalk Purr into a nest.
  • Whistlepaw asks the other she-cats to stay, as she has never delivered kits on her own.
  • As they gather more things to make Stalk Purr comfortable, Dovewing recalls how strange it felt giving birth in the big Twolegplace, but that the group she lived in had someone similar to a medicine cat.
• Stalk Purr gives birth to three kits during the night: Hunt, Stretch, and Pounce.
  • Pounce does not move as he is born, but Whistlepaw manages to save his life using a method Kestrelflight showed her.
  • Ivypool leads Dovewing away from the cave as she realizes her sister is grieving over Rowankit's death.

Chapter 25

• Ivypool dreams about the lake, and follows Icewing across the RiverClan border.
  • RiverClan's camp is in tatters, and Ivypool sees Frostpaw dying from a large wound.
• Ivypool wakes suddenly, and the Clan cats realize they have all had the same dream.
  • Icewing mourns for her Clan, assuming that Frostpaw's death meant the end of RiverClan.
  • Whistlepaw argues against Icewing, explaining that StarClan would not send a dream telling them to give up.
  • Rootspring agrees, believing that it is what could happen if they do not succeed on their quest.
• The group of cats discuss their next steps, and Tumble Leap suggests sending part of the group ahead to search for the other wildcats.
  • Icewing and Ivypool decide to split off, leaving Rootspring, Dovewing, and Whistlepaw behind to take care of the wildcat family.
• Ivypool and Icewing discuss the dream and Splashtail's treachery, renewing both cats' determination to find the rest of the wildcats.

Chapter 26

• Ivypool and Icewing hunt and make camp for the night.
  • When neither cat manages to sleep properly, Icewing leads them through meditating.
• A crowd of bats passes by, though they pose no threat to the she-cats.
• Ivypool reflects on the quest, stunned and overcome by how much she has learned since the beginning, and starts to make her peace with the loss of her daughter.
• The two cats continue onward, eventually scenting foxes before the scent of other wildcats becomes stronger.
• A fallen tree blocks the path, and a wildcat appears at the top of the trunk to defend his territory.

Chapter 27

• The wildcat demands to know who Ivypool and Icewing are, ready to chase them off.
  • Before they can fight, Ivypool asks if he wants to know what Galestar told them, stunning the tom.
  • Her and Icewing explain that they rescued two wildcats and their kits, and reveal that Galestar sent them a vision prompting their quest.
  • The wildcat introduces himself as Strike Slash and leads them towards the wildcats' camp.
• Strike Slash introduces Ivypool and Icewing to his mate, Wish Stalk, and their leaders: Prowl Sleek, Hunt Growl, and Spring Claw.
  • Ivypool and Icewing explain Whistlepaw's vision, their journey, and meeting Tumble Leap and Stalk Purr, managing to rescue the two wildcats and their unborn kits.
  • Spring Claw questions their motives, and Ivypool reveals that the quest came from Galestar.
  • Hunt Growl, Spring Claw, and Prowl Sleek are all skeptical, and order the Clan cats to be held under guard while they discuss.

Chapter 28

• While under guard, Ivypool and Icewing discuss the wildcats, wondering if these are the last remnants of their kind.
• Hop Scratch bounds up to greet them, and her mother, Claw Stretch, joins them.
  • Ivypool and Icewing tell the two cats about life in the Clans by the lake, and several other wildcats sit down to listen.
  • Claw Stretch and Ivypool begin to bond over having both lost a kit, though Claw Stretch challenges Ivypool's belief that Bristlefrost is gone forever.
• The wildcat elders approach Ivypool and Icewing and declare that they do not believe the Clan cats.
  • Prowl Sleek tells Ivypool and Icewing that they must leave by the next sunrise.

Chapter 29

• Ivypool and Icewing are stunned by the wildcats' accusations, unsure of how to move forward.
• A pack of foxes attack the wildcats' camp, and the Clan cats assist the wildcats in driving the intruders out.
  • By fighting alongside the wildcats, the Clan cats manage to impress the elders, and the elders invite the two she-cats to join them in speaking with their ancestors the next morning.
• Prowl Sleek, Hunt Growl, and Spring Claw lead the Clan cats to a grassy hilltop, where they call on their ancestors.
  • The wildcat ancestors speak through the elders, declaring that the lost wildcats will be welcomed home before revealing that there is more to StormClan's story.

Chapter 30

• The wildcat elders explain that the Clan cats must enter the afterlife to speak further with the ancestors, and lead Ivypool and Icewing to a different clearing with a large, hollow log.
  • Prowl Sleek directs them to enter the log, similar to how they entered the Star Tree.
• Ivypool and Icewing emerge at the River of Spirits, where Galestar is waiting for them.
  • Galestar reveals that she has been reflecting on the past, unsure of how to move forward.
  • Ivypool realizes that Galestar must confront Stripestar in StarClan, which will force the Clans to remember what happened to StormClan.
  • Galestar agrees to go as long as Ivypool and Icewing accompany her, and the three cats enter the River of Spirits.

Chapter 31

• As they travel along the River of Spirits, Ivypool sees several silhouettes of cats that are revealed to be nearly forgotten spirits, ready to become part of the natural world.
  • In the distance, Ivypool points out the snow-covered mountains where the Tribe of Endless Hunting likely resides.
  • They pass the Dark Forest, shocking Ivypool and Icewing as Galestar explains that the wildcats learned to traverse the afterlives.
  • Ivypool contemplates entering the Dark Forest to find Bristlefrost, but is talked out of it by Icewing and a comforting voice in her mind.
• The cats land on a riverbank in StarClan's territory, where they are greeted by Tallstar, Windstar, Mistystar, Thunderstar, and Riverstar.
  • Ivypool greets Ferncloud, seeing her caring for Rowankit and other StarClan kits.
• Ivypool introduces Galestar to the StarClan cats.
  • As she speaks, the StarClan cats begin to recall some of the details of the lost Clan, though they struggle to understand it.
  • Windstar explains that once the last living cat has forgotten a cat that has died, StarClan begins to forget them as well.
• Galestar explains how StormClan came to be, and several spirits begin to rematerialize as the cats of StormClan.

Chapter 32

• As the StormClan cats return, Windstar and Riverstar begin pointing out several of the newcomers, recognizing Whitebreeze, Swiftwing, and Rosebush.
• Stripestar reappears, much to Galestar's fury.
  • He explains that he was not there as a forgotten spirit, but everywhere instead, giving Ivypool more hope that Bristlefrost may not be truly lost.
  • Icewing realizes the same thing about her son, Beetlewhisker.
• Galestar angrily confronts Stripestar, convinced he abandoned her and their kits.
  • Horrified, Stripestar explains that he had no choice but to save their Clan, and spent the rest of his life mourning over them.
  • He is shocked when Galestar reveals that they all survived, and is heartbroken when she tells him she took a new mate.
• The other StarClan cats continue to recall more details of StormClan, realizing that their knowledge will be needed to save RiverClan.
• Riverstar sends Ivypool and Icewing back to the waking world, warning them to return to the lake and remember what they have learned.

Chapter 33

• Ivypool and Icewing return from the afterlife and prepare to set off with Prowl Sleek, Strike Slash, Wish Stalk, and Claw Stretch to retrieve the lost wildcats.
• They return to the cave, where the lost wildcats reunite with their kind and prepare to return to their rightful home.
  • Ivypool greets her sister and tells her about seeing Rowankit being cared for by Ferncloud.
• Hunt, Stretch, and Pounce are given their spirit mentors, becoming Hunt Leap, Stretch Blink, and Pounce Whisper.
• Leap Growl and Purr Roll greet Tumble Leap and Stalk Purr, promising to watch over them once more.
• The wildcats promise to be allies to the Clans once more.

Chapter 34

• Ivypool, Rootspring, Dovewing, Icewing, and Whistlepaw prepare to bid farewell to the wildcats, and the two groups go their separate ways.
  • Ivypool vows to never forget the places she has been or the things she learned from the wildcats.
• During their return home, Ivypool dreams and finds herself in the Dark Forest, where she briefly reunites with Bristlefrost.
  • Bristlefrost promises that she is not lost, and that all Ivypool needs to do is look to find her.
  • Rootspring tells Ivypool that he dreamed of Bristlefrost as well.
• A pure white stag emerges nearby, and both Ivypool and Rootspring believe it to be a message from Bristlefrost.
  • Despite knowing she will never see her daughter again, Ivypool makes peace with that fact, and both her and Rootspring agree to move on with their lives.
  • While she does not know what awaits the group once they return home, Ivypool feels a renewed sense of determination to help the Clans.