After two and a half years of deliberation, I've once again decided to try my hand on this particular story. With highschool and an actual plotline now under my belt, I think I can safely say that I've finally mustered up the courage to finally revamp this story.
Warriors was a huge part of my childhood, and I wanted to write something to show how much I appreciated it while growing up. Growing up with Firestar, Sandstorm, and Graystripe (can you tell the first series is my favorite?) really opened up my imagination and invited my little 8 year old mind into the world of literature. I've decided to write this piece as a sort of tribute to commemorate the end of A Vision of Shadows Ark, and I hope you readers enjoy reading this as much as I've enjoyed writing it.
Disclaimer: All rights belong to Erin Hunter.
The forest blended in with the night, the tips of trees touching the stars. Countless starry eyes watched, their gases unwavering.
"Welcome, Wispfur." A sleek black she-cat with glowing eyes turned to face the former deputy. "I have watched over you for countless moon as you helped guide Thunderclan through times both good and bad."
Wispfur dipped her head, her whiskers touching the ground. "Thank you, Flintfang."
"As you know, I started off training as a medicine cat," the she-cat reminded her. "But as I grew older, my heart called me astray. Even as a full medicine cat, my paws were itching to help my clanmates in other ways. I wanted to fight with them, matching every blow, every strike of tooth and claw. I give you your seventh life." The she-cat leaned forward, placing her nose on Wispfur's head. "With it, have courage to choose what is right for not only you, but for the whole of Thunderclan."
New life pulsed through Wispfur as she clenched her claws, waiting for pain. But none came. Instead, she felt the thrill of battle, the speed of running through the forest, and the loyalty of her clanmates.
Flintfang stepped back and motioned for another cat with a flick of her tail.
A creamy white tom stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with pride. "My daughter," a purr rumbled deep in his throat. "With this life I give you clear judgement of character. Use it well."
Wispfur gasped as a spasm overtook her, but managed to keep standing. "I promise to use it well, father." She blinked warmly at her father as he stepped back, making way for a strong gray she-cat, youth reawakened in her appearance after moons of serving her Clan.
Windfur purred loudly as the two cats touched noses. "Mothstar!"
"Wispfur." the gray she-cat said wistfully, "My apprentice, my warrior, my deputy, and now my successor." "With your ninth and final life I give you a mother's love." She pressed her nose on Windfur's head. "Use it to love your clan like a mother loves her kits- to encourage them, to protect them and to believe in them."
Another spasm rocked Windfur. She shook, digging her claws into the dirt to steady her. This had to be the most painful life of them all. It felt as though a hundred claws were sinking her pelt, heat scorching through her veins as she fought for breath. Finally, the life left her with a strength and warmth that filled her to the brim, and new strength bubbled at her paws.
Exhausted but exuberant, Wispfur rose and addressed StarClan. "I promise to continue Thunderclan's newfound era of prosperity. To make sure my Clan not only survives, but thrives under my leadership.
This seemed to delight her starry ancestors, and the Wispstar could see the pride in Mothstar and her father's eyes as they gleamed above her.
"Wispstar!" " Wispstar!" "Wispstar!" the glittery pelts announced as Starclan began to spiral and blur.
Wispstar stepped back. "I'm ready," she whispered into Mistpelt's ear.
But before the gray-blue she-cat could lead Wispstar back, both cats were plunged into pitch black darkness. Mothstar's voice boomed all around them. "Darkness is coming for Thunderclan, Wispstar. And it brings storms with it."
"Wait!" Wispstar jumped forward into the blackness, stumbling as she couldn't see the ground. "Is this a prophecy? What does it mean?"
But before any of her questions could be answered, Wispstar and Mistpelt woke, trembling, in front of the Moonstone. What could be coming for Thunderclan?