PROLOGUE
Brambleclaw heaved himself over the hill leading up to the Moonpool. Jayfeather was already crouching by the water, his blind gaze fixed on Brambleclaw as he padded over to crouch next to him.
"It is time for you to receive your nine lives and your name," Jayfeather mewed. "Touch your nose to the water."
Brambleclaw did as instructed. The water felt cold on his skin, but soothing all the same. Then dreams over took his mind.
He was standing in a forest in Greenleaf. No one was there at first, but then Starclan warriors shimmered into view. Out of them, Brambleclaw spotted everyone who died in the battle against the Dark Forest; Hollyleaf, Mousefur, Ferncloud, and Firestar.
Bluestar stepped forward out of the cluster of cats. "It is time for you to receive your nine lives." She trotted up to Brambleclaw, and touched her nose to his. "With this life, I give you nobility."
Brambleclaw flinched as a searing pain shot through him. Firestar came next, touching noses with Brambleclaw. "You have been a good and loyal deputy. I know you will do well as leader," Firestar murmured. "With this life, I give you courage"
Once more, pain seared his body. As Hollyleaf came forward, Brambleclaw remembered how he had thought she was his kit. When she had learned she was actually born to Leafpool, the medicine cat, and Crowfeather of Windclan, she had left. But shortly after she returned, Hawkfrost killed her in a fight to protect her Clan.
"You were a good father," she whispered to him. "You should have real kits with Squirrelflight."
Brambleclaw felt guilt gnawing at his insides when he remembered how he rejected Squirrelflight when she lied to him. But now he understood, and things between them were as great as ever. "I'll do that."
Hollyleaf nodded, and continued with the ceremony. "With this life, I give you love." This time, a warm feeling passed through him. Thank you.
As the dream continued, Ferncloud gave protection, Mousefur gave loyalty, Longtail gave compassion, Whitestorm gave tireless energy, and Honeyfern gave mentoring.
At the end Firestar came forward. "I know name you Bramblestar, leader of Thunderclan!"
Bramblestar expected the dream to fade, but it didn't. Starclan was replaced by a wall of bright red blood. Once it crashed down, the vision ended, but a voice seemed to be whispering in his ear.
One shadow of darkness remains, and will grow until light is vanquished, and only heart, bravery and wisdom combined can be the light that always shines through darkness.