Lilyleaf sank into sleep faster than she ever had before. At first she felt only cold but a vermillion warmth some flowed through her. Cascading Ray's of sunlight burst into her vision as two sets of eyelids fluttered to life. All around, a green meadow dotted with flowers of various shapes and colours slept in tranquility as countless insects performed an ephemeral dance with one another.
Lilyleaf turned her head at the sound of a twig cracking. Before her stood a cat she never though she would see again, her older brother Pinefall, smirking in all his magnificent glory. Pinefall had always been a popular, strong figure and Lilyleaf had always looked up to him. When he had died protecting Lilyleaf's kit she had struggled for a long time yet thanks to his sacrifice she was able to live on. "Yo sis, it's been a long time." That flash of white again, vibrant as the sun itself.
"Pinefall..." Tears glistened in her eyes. "I have to thank you for everything you've done for me." Her voice came out as somewhat walk despite her strong personality.
Pinefall flicked his tail and beckoned to follow him. She did so. "Well Petalfall is my niece after all. How is she by the way? And Thornfang?"
"They're both just fine, thanks to you!" Lilyleaf flashed a smile similarly to how Pinefall would.
"Brilliant!" He mewed back. By this point they had reached a clearing where eight other cats stood waiting. Pinefur turned to her, Amber eyes glinting against reddish-brown fur. "It's time for the main event. Lilyleaf, my treasured sister, I give you the life of selflessness. I hope you use it to protect those you love."
The next conversations were some of the shortest yet sweetest of Lilyleaf's life. She was reunited with her parents, Hollyberry and Yewthorn, who gave her the lives of Love and Happiness and met her grandfather, Oakstar who gave the life of Nobility. Lilyleaf was given the life of courage from Brackenbreeze, her mentor and the past deputy Sagefrost who gave the life of Pride. Her uncle, Thistletail, gave her the life of Resilience whilst her cousin, Daisypetal gave a life of leadership.
Finally the time came for the past leader to give her a life. He had a brilliant mind and as he stood with powerful legs steadying himself and a slight breeze ruffling his light ginger fur, Lilyleaf's stomach churned in a sadness. How she would miss such a great leader. Reedstar smiled upon his deputy. "This will be the tenth life I have given for my clan. Yet I feel I will treasure it most. It contains my legacy and your future. I give you the life of hope, use it to lead your clan and protect those you love. I hail you by your new name, Lilystar. Your old life is no more. You have now received the nine lives of a leader, and StarClan grants you the guardianship of RiverClan. Defend it well; care for young and old; honor your ancestors and the traditions of the warrior code; live each life with pride and dignity." He smiled and touched noses with her.
That was when her new life started.