Firestar's heart heaved in the effort to stay alive. His last lafe was fading quickly, all too fast, in a blur of motion like monsters on a Thunderpath. Nothing was going wrong on the battle against the Dark Forest except for everything. Cats were dying left and right, both Dark Forest cats and Clan cats alike. Firestar always had a nagging feeling of doubt that this battle was right but he knew that his only choice was to fight. The fact Firestar could not turn his back on this battle and make peace was one of the things that frightened him the most. The forcefulness of it all. It took its toll on him greatly.
Firestar felt his eyes droop and his breath quicken with gasping breaths. But he could not feel a thing. Brambleclaw, his loyal deputy, was watching him with wide eyes. The battle was almost over, and he could see him with his green eyes. " Brambleclaw. Or might I say, Bramblestar. " Firestar managed a weak grin. " Brambleclaw, when you were a kit I had never trusted you. You look just like your father and thats why I always tried not to look you in the eye. I knew it was wrong, and I chose you as my apprentice because of it. "
He took a raspy breath and continued. " Use your nine lives wisely, Brambleclaw. Take the time to choose your deputy. Have them your greatest friend. You and I both know that loyalty is the key to a great Clan. " Brambleclaw was in tears of relief that Firestar trusted him as the Clan's leader, sobs that his leader, mentor and most importantly friend was dying, and moans that it was up to him to make the long decisions of the Clan as fast as a rabbit on a moor.
Firestar took one last, shuddering breath, and found himself in blank darkness. He knew he was not breathing anymore, but could still hear the cries of sorrow and pain. But what else was ringing in the distance? A voice. Soft and sweet.
He strained to hear it. " Firestar. Firestar. Firestar. " In the blankness of his eyelids he saw a figure of light coming towards him. Spottedleaf. He knew it was her. It must be. Her mixed browns and lacks and reds shone. " Firestar, you still have many things to bring to the world. Your time is not up. " Firestar was confused. " But Spottedleaf, I have lived my nine lives. I helped my Clan through alot. Shouldn't Bramblestar be leader? " the she-cat thought for a moment, then dipped her head.
" Yes, he will be leader. Firestar, you will not understand until I do so. Remember these words, Firestar; ' Your life will go back, but this world will not. ' Remember that. " Spottedleaf was up close to him, tails brushing and noses touching. " Yes, Spottedleaf. " He muttered, still unsure. " Okay. " She took a step back, and dipped her head. He returned the gesture. " Bye, Firestar. I shall see you on your sixth moon. "
Firestar felt himself swirling, light running backwards. Then he was gone.