Chapter 19: Fire
Mousefur's Secret Part 3, The Secret
Fire
I sat by the window of the church, my brown tail wrapped around my paws. Twist meandered around the halls, searching for mice. My twoleg stood by an alter and waved his arms and spoke loudly to the other twolegs who remained seated and watched him. I closed my eyes and let out a content sigh as sunlight warmed my pelt.
Who needed a clan anyways?
Being a Rogue was perfectly fine. I could live like this, with my curse. I could just live and live forever...
A tingling scent wafted up my nose. I twitched and opened my mouth, drawing in the scent. It was strange, very tangible. My fur bristled as I realized it was smoke. I let out a yowl, drawing the attention of all the twolegs. I had never before wailed and disrupted the weird twoleg gathering. My twoleg shooed me away so I wouldn't be a disruption. I yowled again.
"Get out! Get out!" I shrieked. "There's smoke!"
The twolegs wouldn't live forever like me. My twoleg could die.
"Run!" I shouted just as the flames burst into the room. An explosion went off somewhere in the white house. Instantly the twolegs panicked and scattered, running towards the nearest exit. I looked around blindly for my twoleg. He was helping elder twolegs out. And once he helped one person out, he went back in for the next. I wailed, telling him it wasn't safe, but he ignored me and ran back into the burning building. I followed him.
The smoke was thick and billowing, even I had trouble seeing. I meowed loudly, using my voice to guide the twolegs to the exits. Several twolegs scrambled out. I waited for my towleg to come running with the last of the stragglers. He never came. I meowed again, waiting for his response. He never came.
I dashed forward, closer the warm, licking flames.
"This way, the doors are over here!" I shouted and coughed as smoke filled my lungs. Another cough echoed mine. My ears perked, I mewed hopefully, my twoleg coughed again. I ran forward and found him collapsed on the ground, holding his pink paw over his mouth. I nudged him.
"We have to go." I said firmly. He patted my head and pushed me away. His eyes closed. I nudged him roughly.
"Get up!" I shouted. Tears burned my eyes almost as much as the smoke. More flames surrounded us.
"Please get up." I begged. "I can't lose someone else I care about. I just can't." I wailed and burrowed along side my twoleg. Coughing ravaged his body and then he was still. I closed my eyes and waited for the flames to consume us...
My eyes flew open, I was out of the burning church, I was younger, I had died. Twist was staring at me incredulously.
"How are you not burned?" she mewed.
"It's a secret," I responded quietly as I stood up, shaking the ash out of my pelt. How old was I now? I guess the better question would be how young did I appear since my latest demise. Twist narrowed her eyes.
"Everyone is calling you a hero. The hero cat who guided twolegs out of the burning building," Twist said sharply. I sensed jealousy in her voice. I ignored her.
"He's dead, isn't he?" I choked out. Twist shamefully looked away.
"We're cats, Rogue. We shouldn't care about them anyways," was all Twist said. Her response was enough of an answer though. I buried my face against her side despite my annoyance with her, she was all I had left.
For the next few moons I stayed with Twist. It could have been longer than a few moons, I wasn't really counting anymore. And each day I gained back a little of the time which I lost when I died. I looked older, much more like how I felt.
One day, Twist brought me a sparrow to share with her. I was about to take a big bite when I saw maggots crawling through the birds feathers. I reared back in disgust.
"You brought crow food?" I asked with disbelief. Twist looked as shocked as me.
"I promise Rogue, I caught it fresh out of the air!" She exclaimed. I didn't respond and simply buried the bird.
"We'll just eat the scraps the twolegs leave out for us." I shrugged. Twist and I made our way to where the twolegs would lay spare meat tendrils for us. My mouth watered and I stooped in the eat when I saw worms weaving throughout the tendrils.
"Gross," Twist flinched.
"What is going on?" I murmured to myself. In answer a gray mist shrouded my vision, before abruptly dissolving back into the air. Realization dawned on me.
"I'm being punished." I snarled. Twist glanced at me as if asking, why?
"I never should have left the lake, this is how Rock is punishing me!" I screamed. Twist backed away slowly, I must have looked pretty crazy.
"What are you talking about?" She demanded, her eyes were wide.
"I have to go." I breathed and dashed away. In that moment I probably was crazy, driven mad with grief and confusion towards my curse.
"Rogue! Wait up!" Twist called out and began chasing after me. I paused and looked back at her. A rueful smile spread across my face.
"My name is Mouse Fur!" I called back and began running towards my home, where I belonged.
Chapter 20: I am Mouse Fur
Mousefur's Secret Part 3, The Secret
I am Mouse Fur
I returned to the lake and forest. The instant my paws touched soil Feather, Dove Song, Cloud, and even Rock surrounded me.
"Welcome back." They chorused. I couldn't help but smile at my family. It had been so long since I had seen their faces...heard their voices. I choked back tears, I was too strong to cry. Instead I brushed against each of my siblings and rested in between Rock and Dove Song. A blissful peace washed over me.
Suddenly Feather's head snapped in the direction of the clan camp. Worry prickled my pelt.
"Is it the creature? Has it returned?" I growled, my claws flexed. Rock halfway glanced at me before clearing his throat and looking away. His hairless pelt shivered.
"Mouse Fur. A lot of time has passed since you left," Rock began.
"Since my curse forced me to flee," I corrected, my tail flicked agitatedly. Rock nodded in agreement.
"Yes, since your curse forced you to flee. But the creature has not returned, it died a long time ago. So did Grass Wind. And Dark Pebble. And Lightning Flash." Rock stated simply. I let out a gasp that sounded more like a strangled scream.
"Wha...what?" I managed to splutter. Grass Wind's shadow appeared before me.
"Hey sis," she smiled. My eyes began to glisten with unshed tears. But I would not cry.
"Hey," I whispered back. In unison Dark Pebble and Lightning Flash's ghosts appeared too. My old friends simply nodded at me. I had a feeling they were upset I had never told them about my curse. In that moment so many words tumbled through my mind, so many explanations, apologies, confessions, fears. My thoughts were a jumble of words. I couldn't even form one coherent sentence to say what I had been through. So instead I just said, "I'm back."
"No one in the clan remembers you Mouse Fur. Every one you ever knew has passed on. And Dark Pebble's kits are grown up now, they don't remember you either by now. You are simply a long forgotten memory. You can return, become a clan mate. No one will find out your secret." Feather said softly.
"Until the next time they see me die, then I'll have to leave again and wait for all of my friends to die before I can return," I muttered bitterly.
"Mouse Fur it is your destiny to be a part of a clan," Cloud said sharply. I refused to meet his gaze. I was sulking.
"We don't know how to break your curse yet. But we do have clues as to where to start. And we know only the claws of death can free you. We know you have to be a part of a clan," Cloud pressed. I sighed and faced my brother.
"You know me, I could never stay away from home for too long," I conceded. My family cheered. My friends regarded me suspiciously. I had never felt more surrounded or alone all at the same time. I took the long walk back to the lake forests. As soon as I saw the treeline past the moors it all came rushing back. The crystal clear waters of the moon pool, the tunnels, the underbrush I used to hunt it. And somewhere in the greenery was a clan, too. Not my clan, but a clan all the same. No sooner had I stepped into the woodlands than a group of cats appeared.
"Get off our territory," a cat snarled and flashed claws near my muzzle. I didn't flinch.
"Nice to meet you too," I retorted hotly. The she cat glanced at her clan mates, asking for back up.
"Just leave before we make you leave," Aatom spat this time. I sighed.
"I just wish to speak with your leader. I have...er...heard about your clan and I want to join. I'd be very useful." The cats exchanged glances, wondering who I was and how I knew about them. At last they agreed to take me to their leader, whoever it was. The cats surrounded me and patrolled me into camp. All eyes were trained on me, I was terrified someone would somehow recognize me, but all the eyes I stared into were foreign to me. A lot of time had passed.
Eventually I saw faces I knew. Dark Pebble's kits. They were older, but not old. Merely adults. I glanced around suspiciously.
"Broken Shadow," I breathed as I took in the dark pelted she cat, Grass Winds kit. Broken Shadow looked sad, lost, alone. I was tempted to ask my 'patrol' what had happened. But I doubted they would be keen to speak with me about their clan lives. I sucked in a breath as Grass Wind's ghost padded next to me. No one else saw her but me.
"Remember when Broken Shadow had a kit? Fallen Leaves was his name." Grass Wind said solemnly. I nodded cautiously.
"Fallen Leaves didn't make it out of the tunnels," Grass Wind finished suddenly and vanished. I had to forced myself not to stop walking in shock.
Broken Shadow's kit died in the tunnels? No wonder she was so depressed.
"Stone Song." The she cat who had clawed at my muzzle called out. A cat padded out of Rocks old den and faced me.
"What is it, Dove's Wing?" Stone Song asked tiredly. I glanced at Dove Wing quizzically. She was the spitting image of my mother. Were her and I related?
"We captured a stray, she wants to join our clan," Dove's Wing snorted. Stone Song peered at me, he shrugged, and stared at me some more.
"Let her join. She won't last long," he said dismissively and padded away. I was dumbfounded, I got in that easy? Dove's Wing looked pretty ticked too. She wasn't looking forward to a new den mate.
"What's your name?" A cat said, or rather spat. I lifted my chin slightly and observed them.
"I am Mouse Fur." I said sharply. In response I got a shrug and the cats dissipated, all except Dove's Wing.
"I should probably show you around the territories," she grumbled. I smirked.
"Believe it or not I lived in these woods for a long time. I know my way around."
Dove's Wing quickly stormed away. Suddenly there was a commotion in the back of the camp, a blue gray cat was walking in with a dazed look on his face. Dove's Wing ran over to his side.
"Jay's Wing!" she cried.
"He made it out of the tunnels! He's a Sharpclaw!" Cats cheered. Broken Shadow immediately cornered Jay's Wing.
"Did you see my son? Did you see my Fallen Leaves?" She rasped. Jay's Wing shook his head quickly. I could have sworn he had no clue what she was talking about. Suddenly Stone Song materialized.
"I have spoken with our ancestors recently. We need to have a clan discussion. We are going to cast stones," he declared.
"What on earth is going on?" I mumbled in confusion and watched as dissent spread amongst the clan.
Chapter 21: The Casting of Stones
Mousefur's Secret Part 3, The Secret
The Casting of Stones
Rumbling murmured throughout the crowd of cats. I remained silent but vigilant as I watched in confusion as the cats all brought forth a stone. What was happening? What had changed in my clan while I had been gone? I realized why Stone Song let me in so easily, the clan was in trouble. And any self respecting rogue would beat it rather than stick with a group of cats in turmoil. But I wasn't ordinary. I realized my family had called me back to the clan for a reason. Stone Songs booming voice shattered the tension as he began to speak.
"I have spoken with our ancestors recently." He said again. I waited for him to explain further. "They say we must leave the lake and venture away in search of a new home!" Stone Song shouted. Loud meows of protest broke out, I joined. Why on earth would the clan need to leave the lake? I was one of the cats who had found this home! I wanted to scream but I didn't, I couldn't give away my secret to these new clan cats. They couldn't know what I did or who I was.
That's why Rock, Feather, and Cloud wanted me to return to clan quickly. I need to stop them from leaving!
"This is why we must cast stones, the decide if we shall stay, or leave," Stone Song announced. Instantly every cat placed their stone on one of two piles. I wasn't sure what I was supposed to do, so I simply placed my rock on a pile as well. I looked at both piles closely, they seemed identical in size. Was their a tie? Then I noticed Jay's Wing. He was staring at both piles in bewilderment. He had not cast his stone. A white she cat with green eyes nudged him forward.
"Well Jay's Wing, the decision is left up to you now. Do we stay here or leave?" Stone Song growled. Instantly every cat in the clans was throwing their opinions at the young tom.
"We have to stay!" One cat snarled.
"We must leave, this way of life is too dangerous!" Another interjected. Jay's Wing picked up his stone and padded forward, I gasped as I saw my father Rock appear beside him. Rock nodded and whispered something in Jay's Wings' ear. Before I knew if Jay's Wing had cast his stone, and Stone Song was declaring that the clan was leaving. Broken Shadow was frantic.
"No, we can't go!" She wailed. "Fallen Leaves is still down there, I know it! We can't leave him!"
Why had my father told Jay's Wing to cast his stone for leaving the lake? What was my purpose for returning if not to stop them from leaving...my heart gave a jolt. Rock wanted me to return soon because the clan was leaving. And I would be going with them. I supposed I had no choice, but I was angry with my father for not being honest with me.
I glanced sorrowfully at Broken Shadow as she continued to wail about Fallen leaves. I knew what it was like to lose someone you cared about. I had lost more than anyone deserved to lose.
But Rock had decided the clan needed to leave the lake, and the stones had been cast. We were leaving and there was nothing to be done about it. We wasted no time, that very afternoon we were plotting a course to a new destination. I could only wonder where.
...
The mountains. Again. Why was I not surprised?
The clan had relocated from the lake back to the mountains, the frosty peaks which my own tribe had struggled to escape from so long ago.
"Why Rock? Why here?" I snarled quietly. My words left a cloud of frozen cloud of breath floating in the air. The cats beside me huddled closer, each of us seeking out the others warmth. Although many were surprised I decided to stay with the clan they forgot about it quickly enough and I blended seamlessly into the background. Just another cold and hungry cat on the frozen mountain slopes.
"It's getting dark, we should make camp," Stone Song called out. Several cats nodded and simply curled up where they stood. My jaw dropped and I watched in shock before I found my voice.
"You can't just sleep out here in the open!" I shouted with disbelief. Were these cats clueless? They'd freeze to death! Or worse, they'd be taken by an avalanche.
"We need to get the higher ground and find shelter," I mewed and began padding away. Several wary cats followed me. The rest of the clan shrugged and got up, we all began the search for a camp.
I heard Jay's Wings' voice from farther ahead. He had found something. I walked over to investigate. He was standing next to a skinny waterfall which plummeted hundreds of feet below. My whiskers twitched, this cat obviously didn't know what a safe camp meant. I was about to walk away when Jay's Wing suddenly disappeared. My heart hammered in my chest, had he fallen?
When I realized that he had gone behind the waterfall I rejoiced. There was a cave behind there.
"Everyone! Over here!" I laughed and followed the young tom behind the waterfall. The cave was open and spacious and smaller caves lined the walls. perfect for dens. Stalagmites wove their way throughout the cave, giving it an ominous feel but I knew this was what Rock had wanted us to find.
"So father, we are here now. What do you want us to do?" I mewed sarcastically and settled down to sleep. The clan made their way precariously into the cave and everyone was soon fast asleep. I too fell asleep, before movement awoke me. I opened my brown eyes and adjusted to the darkness. A shape was moving cautiously through the pile of sleeping cats and towards one of the caves along the caverns walls. I would have thought nothing of it, if it weren't for Rock's shadow guiding the cat. I immediately rose to my paws and followed them. The cat was Jay's Wing.
I watched quietly as Jay's Wing followed my father into a a small tunnel which led to another cave. In the smaller cave there was a hole in the roof, the hole allowed bright moonlight to poor in. It bathed the stone around it, making the cave glow. In the center of the cave was a puddle where rain droplets dripped into it, disturbing the reflection of the moon. I heard a voice behind me and I quickly hid behind a tower of rocks.
It was Half Moon. She had also been awakened by Jay's Wing moving. I heard her question what he was doing, Jay's Wing had no reply. Then he began trying to explain something. I couldn't catch all of what he had said, but what I heard made no sense. he said he was from another time, but he was sent back to ensure the future of his clan. He said he was going to need to leave, and Half Moon was supposed to guide the cats. At those words Half Moon got angry and accused Jay's Wing of not loving her.
At that point I felt like an intruder upon the lovers quarrel and so I slipped away. I found Rock waiting for me in another cave. Without waiting for me to speak Rock began his explanation. He knew he wouldn't be able to keep this from me. Whatever this was.
Chapter 22: Breaking the Curse
Mousefur's Secret Part 3, The Secret
Breaking the Curse
"Mouse Fur. I can never forgive myself for what I have put you through..." Rock said solemnly. I flicked my ears impatiently, I wasn't looking for an apology. I was looking for answers. Rock cleared his throat and continued.
"I must find away to free you from eternal life, but all I know is that it must be the claws of death that free you," Rock stated. I nodded, I was familiar with the prophecy.
"So, I am creating my own prophecy's which will lead me to the answer of fulfilling yours," Rock finished. My mouth went dry. He was creating prophecies? Could that even be done?
"Yes, I can create prophecy's Mouse," Rock answered my thoughts, addressing me by my old name. It rubbed me the wrong way and I bristled slightly. "Since I was the first leader of the lake tribe and clan I received special powers. And I received my own curses too. But I am using everything in my power to undo what I did to you," Rock whispered. My eyes softened.
"How is it going to work though? How will these other prophecies lead us to fulfilling mine?" I asked quietly.
"Well, I think I figured out what your prophecy meant. I think a dead cat has to kill you for you to die," Rock said blatantly. I coughed and scratched my ear.
"Come again?"
"It will have to be the claws of death that free you, a dead cat must kill you." Rock said again.
"But how on earth can a dead cat kill me?" I demanded loudly before slapping my tail over my mouth so the clan wouldn't awaken.
"That is where the other prophecies come in. I am playing with fate so that one day the dead might rise and end your curse. These other prophecies will decide the fate of the clans, and they will decide your fate as well."
"Is this really the only way to break the curse?" I asked, it seemed like a long stretch.
"Yes, I think it is." Rock admitted.
"Then I guess we change the fate of the clans."
...
Time lost its meaning. I spent my days waiting and waiting for my chance to die. It sounds strange when you say it out loud, that I would just wait for death, but I've already lived a full life. I just wanted to be free.
Each night Rock would visit me in my dreams and tell me another omen or prophecy which would change things again. My clan decided to stay in the waterfall cave for some time, they became the Tribe of Rushing Water. But then some cats wanted to leave and the tribe split. Some left the mountains and journeyed away, I came with them. They settled in another forest far away from the lake. There was river, moors, pine forests, and oak forests. It was the perfect place to stay.
However there were two feuding brothers, Clear Sky and Gray Wing. They divided the forest and split up the travelling cats into two clans.
I watched from the sidelines, I wasn't apart of either clan. Rock told me I would have to get involved soon. But I wanted nothing to do with a war. Rock said it was the only way to break the curse. So after another moon I joined Gray Wings clan under the alias of Wind. I renamed myself Wind because the winds are always free and roaming the earth. A breeze is never trapped like I was. So I named myself Wind and joined Gray Wing.
Then Clear Sky and Gray Wing went to battle at four great oak trees. At the end of the battle everyone was bloody and wounded, myself included. A shimmering cat named Storm came and said we would have to change in order to survive in these new forests. I knew Rock had created another prophecy by then to once again change the course of the clans. All this time everything was changing just so I could die.
But before I could die I had to live. I somehow came into power in Gray Wings clan and I found cats were looking up to me, or rather, Wind. I decided if I was going to have to live forever I might as well put myself to use. I helped the clan prosper, all the while waiting for Rock to end my life.
"I am living, just to die," I snorted to myself one night. Living just to die, I was living just to break my curse.
Okay if you haven't figured it out yet Mouse Fur's time line has caught up with the timeline of the Sun trail. We basically know everything that happens from here on out so there may be so flash forwards in time to avoid fillers! :)
Chapter 23: Windstar
Mousefur's Secret Part 3, The Secret
Windstar
Monsters surging forward, their glowing eyes flashing, their black paws screeching against the thunder path. I stood there, motionless and frozen in terror. I closed my brown eyes so I wouldn't see myself die in the reflection of the monsters eyes.
I felt as if an entire mountain had been dropped on top of me. My bones were shattered as the monster plowed over me. A few moments later I was alive again and breathing harshly. I was also younger, as could be expected with the side effects of my curse. I dragged myself off of the Thunder path and continued on the way to the gathering. None of my clan mates suspected that I had just been killed as I dashed forward and caught up to them.
I walked in silence with Windclan towards four trees for the gathering which took place each moon. My clan mates watched me appraisingly as I leapt onto the great rock with the other clan leaders. Shadowstar began her recounting of the past moons events.
"Prey has been running well and our warriors are all healthy this new leaf. That is all I have to report." Shadowstar mewed and stepped back so Thunderstar could speak. One by one each leader spoke of prosperity in their clans and told of happy hunting's. I cleared my throat as it was time for me to speak. I didn't tell anyone I had died on my way to the gathering. I didn't speak of my curse. I didn't mention my name was actually Mouse Fur, and I never revealed my secret. Instead I simply said the rabbits were running swiftly this year and Windclan was a strong as ever.
I jumped down from the rock and began mingling with the other clans. My warriors dispersed and greeted their friends warmly. On the truce of the gathering all of the clans acted kind to one another. But the instant the full moon fell the clans were divided once more. All of this, all that had taken place throughout the tribe and clans history, was simply so I could break my curse.
I glanced around the sea of cats and searched for my fathers spirit. I knew he would be waiting for me. I slipped away from the cats and followed Rock into the forest.
"I know how we shall break the curse now," Rock began quickly. My whiskers twitched, I had heard this phrase many times before. Only to figure out that I was going to live forever more.
"There is one more special prophecy that must be completed in order for the claws of death to kill you," Rock smiled. Just one more prophecy huh? I thought bleakly. Could this really be the end?
"What is it?" I demanded and wrapped my brown tail around my paws.
"It is the prophecy of Light, Dark, and Death." Rock stated ominously. I bit my tongue and waited for my father to elaborate.
"There will be three cats, three siblings. And they will break your curse. That...that is all I know, or all I can tell you." Rock murmured.
"When? When will this happen?" I asked eagerly. Rock flushed slightly.
"Many many years from now. You will live a hundred more lives yet, Windstar." Rock muttered.
"My name is Mouse Fur." I spat. Rock stared at me with his blind eyes. I almost saw a flash of amusement in them.
"No, your name was Mouse Fur. You are now Windstar. And when it is time for Windstar to die you will disappear and come back as another cat. And another." Rock said humorously. I like my ruffled chest, I knew he was right but it was still hard to accept the fact that I was no longer Mouse Fur.
"Well then, I guess I won't see you again until it is time for the prophecy of Light, Dark, and Death to take place." I sighed. Rock never visited me unless it was urgent news about my curse. Rock pressed his hairless muzzle against my cheek. I drew in his familiar scent and prepared to say goodbye for many moons to come. And Rock would disappear to wherever it was he went until it was time to end my curse.
"Remember," Rock stated. I smiled knowingly, he always said the same thing when we parted. "Don't reveal your secret, ever." Rock and I said in unison. I snorted and turned away to return to the gathering so my clan mates wouldn't notice my absence.
"Goodbye, until it is time for me to die." I said under my breath and trotted back to four trees where the clans began to separate and head to their respective territories. I marched proudly in front of my cats and lead them back to the moors.
Warning: If you have not read Sols revenge and Whispers path - GO READ IT NOW. You will not understand anything from here on out if you haven't read Sols revenge and Whispers path. That story explains the prophecy and what not so go read it. Don't worry, we'll wait for you.
Chapter 24: Just a Kit
Mousefur's Secret Part 3, The Secret
Just a Kit
I hadn't seen Rock in more moons than I could count. And I had had to say goodbye to more cats than I wished to think about. Whenever it became suspicious as to how long I had lived I would fake my death and leave the clans for a generation and then return under a new identity. In all my life I never had a mate or kits. I knew that saying goodbye to them would be impossible.
I had fallen in love though. I had fallen in love more than a few times. But I always kept my distance so I wouldn't be tempted. And I would watch with a broken heart as they then fell in love with another she cat.
I stared at my reflection in a puddle. My image dance in its ripples as a steady stream of raindrops pored down.
"I am so young." I whispered to myself and looked at my reflection again. I had been struggling the past few moons. There was a lack of prey, and predators lurked. I had died several times. I stared at my tail, kitten fluff lingered on it. Ruffled clumps of brown fur stuck out around my neck too.
"I wonder..." I muttered to myself. I knew that I aged in reverse when I died. But I had never died so many times that I would age back all the way to kit hood. If I kept on dying would I eventually become so young I would disappear? What would happen? Would that be my way of escape from the curse?
I felt deranged. I must have eaten something foul or had a nightmare because I was desperate for an escape. I didn't want to live anymore with the faces of my deceased friends and family haunting my every paw step. I wanted it to be over, I wanted to join them in Starclan. I wanted it to end.
Without thinking I flung myself away from the puddle and towards twoleg place. I heard the yapping of a big dog in a twoleg yard. I squeezed in between two fence posts and I bounded through the soggy yard. The dog saw me and came charging forward. I let out a frail kit squeak and exposed my neck towards the dogs snapping jaws. I was vaguely reminded of Daisy, my mothers sister. She had died at the claws of a dog when we first journeyed away from the mountains.
It seemed so far away from me now. The events of my past. I closed my eyes and images danced around; Feathers life ebbing slowly away, Cloud disappearing beneath a torrent of snow, Dove bleeding out, my friends being claimed by sickness one by one, the cats I loved dying beside another...everything flashed by so quickly and so suddenly. And then all I saw was the teeth of the slobbering dog looming towards me. I heard a snap, and I tasted my own blood in my mouth.
Then all I saw was darkness.
...
Light came rushing towards me in a wave. The warmth I had felt moments ago vanished and was replaced by coldness. like the cold of a frosty morning. I heard mewls and voices all around me. Congratulations were spun around and a gruff voice announced, "a tom and a she cat."
I squealed and nestled closer to a warm body beside me. I tried to ask what was going on but no words left my mouth. Suddenly my memories began fleeting me, I started to forget everything. Then I couldn't remember what I had been forgetting. I was a blank slate, wiped clean.
I mewled again and found my way to my mothers belly. I latched on and began to suckle. I felt the body of another kit beside me. My brother?
I didn't know, I felt like I should know, but I didn't. I heard more voices.
"Oh One-eye, they are beautiful," a husk voice murmured.
"They are indeed Halftail. What should we name them?" One-eye asked.
"Hmmm, for the tom, Ruunningkit. He has an agile body," Halftail announced.
"And for the she cat?" One-eye pressed.
"You name her." Halftail said softly. I could feel One-eye's gaze inspecting me closely. I snuggled closer to her.
"Well she looks like a tiny mouse, let's name her Mousekit." One-eye concluded. I shifted my body as Halftail settled down beside us.
"Our two perfect kits, Mousekit and Runnigkit." Halftail smiled.
So my name is Mousekit...I thought to myself. Why does that name sound familiar? Oh well, it doesn't matter.
My brothers paw jabbed at me and I kicked back at him. He cringed away and I triumphantly stretched out.
"Looks like we've got a fighter." Halftail chuckled. I beamed at my fathers praise. I tried to look at him but my eyes were closed. I could see shadows through the lids and I could sense light, but I wanted to see. Even though I wasn't sure what seeing was.
Why did I feel like I had just forgotten something big? Why did I feel like my life had just been stripped away even though I didn't know what life was yet?
I let out a yawn and pushed the worry from my mind. It probably wasn't important. After all, I was just a kit.
Chapter 25: Thunderclan
Mousefur's Secret Part 3, The Secret
Thunderclan
My mentor Fuzzypelt began showing me around Thunderclan territory. I couldn't believe how immense it was! Unfortunately I got myself caught on brambles several times and tufts of my brown fur dotted the forest. My mentor stifled a laugh as I tripped over a tree root and went sprawling through the dirt. I angrily let out a huff and dusted out my coat.
"When are we gonna practice battle moves?" I complained loudly. Fuzzypelt shot me a look to silence me.
"Not until tomorrow. Be patient Mousepaw. You have a lot to learn."
"But I wanna learn it now." I whined. Fuzzypelt looked like he was deflating, apparently he found me a little to energetic. I smiled broadly at him.
"Okay Mousepaw if you are so eager to learn I will show you just a few battle moves." Fuzzypelt conceded. I bounded around in a circle while letting out yips of delight.
Fuzzypelt dropped down into a crouch and wrapped his tail around his hind legs. The he leapt forward and twisted in the air while landing smoothly on all his hind legs. He batted the air swiftly and dropped back down.
"Wow!" I mewed with amazement. "That was cool, but why did you wrap your tail around your legs? you could have used it for balance."
"I hid my tail so the enemy couldn't bite it," Fuzzypelt explained. I immediately copied his crouch so I could practice. But when I hid my tail my balance was so uncoordinated that I toppled forward. Fuzzypelts whiskers twitched.
"Keep practicing. I'm going to go see if Runningpaw's mentor wants you to train together. I nodded and repeated the move until I didn't have to rely on my tail for balance.
A flash out of the corner of my eye caught my attention. I walked over to investigate what I had seen but there was nothing there. Yet I could feel a presence around me. I knew I was being watched.
When my mentor returned I breathed a sigh of relief.
"Tomorrow you and your brother are going to practice sparring. I better teach you some more moves," Fuzzypelt laughed. I nodded as he showed me several defense and offense moves. But my focus wasn't in the practice anymore. I kept glancing around for whatever had startled me. Fuzzypelt noticed I was out of it when he had to say my name three times to get my attention.
"Is something wrong Mousepaw?" he asked. I shook my head no and began copying his movements. I forced myself to pay attention to my mentor instead of getting worked up over what was probably just a bird.
...
My tail hung low but didn't brush against the leaves as I stalked forward. I opened my mouth the scent where the vole was, I spotted it nibbling on leaves. I bunched up my muscles and sprang forward. The vole squealed and started to scamper away but I hooked it with a claw and bit the back of its neck. Then I patted earth over the dead creature to collect for later. Fuzzypelt was nodding at me in approval. It was only my first moon of training but he said I was going to be a great warrior. Everything seemed to come very naturally to me. It almost seemed like I had learned these things before...a long long time ago.
I followed Fuzzypelt as we moved on to the next place to hunt.
Then I saw a tail whisk behind a bush.
"We're being watched." I hissed to my mentor. Immediately he was fluffed out and his claws unsheathed. He walked behind the bush to grab our intruder. Then his fur lay flat.
"There is nothing here Mousepaw," Fuzzypelt sighed. My eyes widened.
"I swore I saw something!" I protested. Fuzzypelt shook his head and continued walking, I followed behind at a distant pace. I slowly fell behind him and raced back to the bush. A cat was waiting for me. He made my stomach churn and my pelt crawl. He had no fur, and his skin was covered in scars. His eyes were a deep gray but I could tell they were blind. Sitting by his paws was a stick with score marks along it.
"Who are you?" I growled. The cats eyes saddened.
"I would have hoped you would remember. My name is Rock." The cat said in a gravelly voice.
"Are you the cat that's been following me?" I questioned. Rock nodded. Curiosity started to overcome my sense of hostility for this cat.
"Why?" I demanded.
"It will take more than a moment to explain. Tomorrow night is the full moon, you will be attending the gathering. I need you to slip away from the cats and meet me here." Rock begged.
"No way!" I snapped and braced myself to drive this cat off Thunderclan territory.
"I will see you tomorrow night then." The cat smirked, knowing my curiosity would win. Then he vanished.
"Who are you?" I called out to the empty forest but I received no reply. Then I sprinted away to catch up to Fuzzypelt before he noticed my absence. But for the rest of the day the hairless cat wouldn't leave my mind. I felt like I knew him. I knew that I knew him. But where from? How? Why did I suddenly feel as if I had forgotten my entire life?
Chapter 26: The Truth
Mousefur's Secret Part 3, The Secret
The Truth
My breath came out in short panting gasps as I ran with all of my might. I never slowed once or paused to breathe. I had to meet Rock, and then hurry back to the gathering before anyone even knew I was gone. I emerged into the small cluster of trees were I had first encountered the strange cat. No sooner had I arrived than had Rock appeared.
"Mousepaw," he greeted me. I stared back at him stiffly and he cracked a smile.
"Ah, you have forgotten all of your memories yet you are still as surely as ever."
I bit back a harsh retort, instead I simply asked, "I haven't forgotten anything. Now who are you?"
"I am your father," Rock said evenly. I stifled a growl. This cat had better start being honest or he was in for a clawing.
"You were born many years ago to me and a cat named Dove. Don't take me lightly when I say many years ago."
"If you are going to lie to me, make it believable," I spat and stormed away. Rock easily kept pace with me.
"It isn't a lie, and you better believe me because you still have to keep your secret hidden," he said crisply.
"What secret?" I asked warily.
"You are cursed to live forever." Rock said without missing a beat. I choked on my own saliva and coughed twice.
"Excuse me?" I hissed.
"You heard m," Rock said. But his eyes were remorseful.
"I am barely seven and half moons old. I am not cursed. And you are not my father!" Rock flinched and suddenly a memory fluttered back to me.
The ground was covered in icy sheets of snow. With each step my paws would sink into the cold white blanket. A cat had to repeatedly pick me up by the scruff to pull me out of the snow. I was crying though. Wails would escape my throat. I kept yelling over and over again; Cloud.
The memory ended and I was left standing in front of Rock with a look of confusion plastered to my face. Rock was staring at me expectantly. I wasn't sure what to make of what I had just seen...or rather remembered. Instead I took off running back to the gathering. Rock didn't follow, but his words always seemed to be right behind me.
"You still have to keep your secret hidden!" The ominous words echoed. Suddenly I heard chatter and friendly greetings. I hurried back over to the mass of gathering cats. My mentor saw me immediately and he looked furious.
"Where were you?" He snarled.
"Uh...making dirt." I lied. Fuzzypelt bared his teeth.
"You made me look like a mousebrain in front of the entire forest!" He snapped.
"How?" I asked, appalled.
"You weren't here when Pinestar was announcing that Thunderclan had two new apprentices. Everyone was looking for you!"
"Oh," I mewed. I chastised myself for being so foolish as to leave and go meet Rock. Embarrassment clouded over me. Fuzzypelt sighed and lead me back into the throng of cats, several glanced my way and whispered to their friends, "Hey look, its to apprentice that skipped their first gathering!"
I ducked my head lower and my tail drooped. Suddenly my brother Runningpaw spotted us and he raced over.
"Mousepaw! Mousepaw!" Runningpaw whisper shouted. I glanced at him before looking away in embarrassment. Not only had I made a fool out of myself at my first gathering, but I had also ruined my brothers.
"I'm sorry for disappearing Runningpaw," I apologized. My brother gaze me a brief stare.
"Who cares about that? I was going to tell you that I overheard several warriors talking, and tomorrow after the gathering Thunderclan is going to take sunning rocks back from Riverclan!" Runningpaw mewed with excitement. My ears perked. My mentor Fuzzypelt suddenly intervened.
"Who said that? That was supposed to be a secret!" he hissed. Runningpaw let out a small laugh and we bounded away.
"Do you think we'll be allowed o fight?" My brother asked. I sighed.
"No...not after my gathering stunt." I muttered.
"Yah, about that, why did you run off? Are you meeting another cat in secret?" Runningpaw pressed. My face flushed beneath my pelt. Did he know about Rock? Runningpaw continued speaking, completely oblivious to my panicked face.
"I mean, you really shouldn't befriend cats from other clans." Runningpaw added. I couldn't help but gasp with relief. He didn't know about Rock, he just thought I was...wait a minute. He thought I was being unloyal to Thunderclan! I thought angrily. I cuffed him over the ears.
"You idiot I was making dirt!" I lied again. Runningpaw giggled and pranced away and I was left alone to fume.
Suddenly my eyes glazed over and I was sucked into another memory.
"Feather!" I shrilled angrily. Feather laughed at me and skipped away. Humor was lit in her gaze.
"Come on Mouse, don't be such a sour puss and play with me!" Feather smiled.
I pointedly turned my back to sulk.
"You stole my favorite moss ball." I growled. Feather cocked her head to the side.
"I took it so you would play with me." She explained. Eventually I became so bored I forgave my sister and we played with the moss ball together.
Then a shadow appeared and loomed over us. I turned around to stare. Standing before me was a tall tom cat with blue gray fur and stormy eyes.
"Dad!" Feather and I cheered and we ran over to greet our father.
Suddenly two more shapes appeared from the east. It was my mother Dove and my brother Cloud. They had been practicing hunting together. Soon we were all standing together in a circle, a complete and whole family.
The memory suddenly ended, and I was left no time to regain my bearings before I was pulled into another flashback.
Grass Wind was hanging from her jaws, my younger sister was being held by the monstrous Shallow Stream.
"I'll trade you!" I shouted! Shallow Stream glanced at me.
"I will give you my life if you let Grass Wind go," I bargained. Shallow Stream agreed and let Grass Wind go, and then her sharp claws met my throat. I tasted the own coppery tang of blood in my mouth.
My eyes flew open, shattering the memory. My claws were dug deeply into the ground.
"Wh...what is happening to me?" I gasped. "Why am I seeing these things?"
I was asking for answers even though I already knew them.
Rock was telling me the truth.
Chapter 27: A Life in Thunderclan
Mousefur's Secret Part 3, The Secret
A Life in Thunderclan
I threw myself into my apprentice training with vigor. All of my energy and spare time was spent on practicing my hunting techniques and battle moves. I made sure that I was so exhausted each night that I would immediately fall asleep. I didn't want to lay awake at night. Sitting in silence gave me time to think...and I didn't want to think. I didn't want to burden myself with the knowledge that my parents weren't my parents, and that my brother wasn't really my brother. I didn't belong in Thunderclan, I just didn't belong.
Ever since I started getting the flashbacks about my past life I knew that Rock hadn't lied to me. I still couldn't comprehend the matters of my curse though. It didn't make sense, the improbability of living forever. However Rock made me promise for my own sake that I would never tell anyone about my curse. Never.
I promised, just to shut him up though.
Soon enough my warrior ceremony had arrived. I was ecstatic, excitement beyond comprehension surged through my veins. I close my eyes so I would be blissfully surprised when my warrior name passed through my leaders lips. My name would decide who I was, who I am, who I was going to be.
"Mousefur!" The name was called out. My eyes remained closed. I couldn't have heard Bluestar right...my name wasn't Mousefur. It couldn't be Mousefur...Mousefur was the name I had had in the ancient clans.
But it was my name, all of the cats in Thunderclan were cheering for me. I forced my eyes open and plastered a fake smile onto my face.
I knew that no matter how hard I tired to pretend, I couldn't escape the binds of my past. I was, and always would be, Mousefur.
...
Each time I caught a glimpse of my graying reflection and each time I felt the stiffness in my joints I knew I would have to retire to the elders den soon. I had pleaded with Rock to let me die a few times so I could reclaim some of my precious moons back. Rock snarled at me and said that if I stayed young forever my secret would be found out. And I had promised him.
I grudgingly moved into the elders den.
Whenever an apprentice brought me prey I would snap at them. I hated the feeling of being taken care of and nurtured, if I could just die then I would age in reverse and be able to take care of my clan longer.
If only I hadn't made that stupid promise to Rock...if only I hadn't been burdened with my secret.
"Leave me alone Cinderpelt, I don't need all of these herbs to be healthy," I rasped. My brow furrowed as Cinderpelt persisted. I gave in and choked down the herbs, I knew Cinderpelt struggled with medicine cat duties. I tried to refrain from being difficult. But I still despised myself for aging when I didn't have to age. No one else lives forever, I was the only one with this curse. So why wouldn't Rock let me use my curse?
I knew why though, if I gave up and accepted my fate as one that never ends I would never find a way to break the curse. I couldn't give up. And life as an elder wasn't all bad, although I would still prefer patrolling with my clan mates. The apprentices all looked up to me and my den mates were kind. Longtail especially, we developed a special bond over time. He seemed to understand me although I never whispered my secret to him. He saw through me and my rough outer layers even though he couldn't see. Longtail is the one who convinced me to put my past behind me and move on, without him I don't know where I would have gone.
But all to soon he had vanished from my life forever...
I closed my eyes in the empty den and recalled the events of Longtail's death. Rain poured down in buckets of cold water, cats streaked throughout the hoolow. Chaos ensued.
Firestar eventually regained order and directed everyone out of the camp. However a tree was loosened from the earth by the rain and it was beginning to fall. I saw the fresh kill pile sitting abandoned in the center of the camp. Without thinking I raced forward and tried to collect the prey out of the way of the tree. I knew I wouldn't really die if the tree fell on me, and I wanted to serve my clan again. I wanted to receive their praise as I collected the prey.
But then Longtail was running towards me, and Briarlight was chasing after him. And the tree was falling down.
Teeth met my scruff and shoved me away from the tree. I sprawled across the ground and heard the audible crash of the splintering wood. Then I heard a groan and a scream. I forced myself to look back at the tree. Sickening horror crept over me as I saw Longtails gray pelt peeking out between branches, he wasn't moving. Then I heard Graystripe and Millie struggle to reach the tree even though cats were restraining them. Graystripe broke free to rescue his daughter.
Were...were they both dead? Had I killed them? I buried my face in my paws, at no point in my life had I wanted to die more then in that moment. I had killed or seriously hurt my clan mates. I thought Shallow Stream was the most evil cat I had ever encountered. But was I any better than her, when I also caused cats to die?
After the incident with the tree I permanently resided to the elders den, staying confined within its bramble walls. Condolences meant nothing to me, and whenever someone said it wasn't my fault I would lash out at then with a sharp tongue and harsh retorts. But over time I too learned to forgive myself and I was back to being a grumpy elder who was seemingly forgotten by the clan except for when the medicine cat had to get me to eat herbs.
I had lived my life in Thunderclan to the fullest extent. I should have died long before the tree fell, it was time for me to go. But Rock kept telling me the prophecy of light, death and darkness had not yet been fulfilled. Rock was determined to believe that once the prophecy was completed my curse would be broken by the claws of death. I wasn't so sure.
But in the mean time I was left to my own devices, and I spent most of my time recalling my long life in Thunderclan.
Chapter 28: The Final Battle
Mousefur's Secret Part 3, The Secret
The Final Battle
A rasping cough consumed my lungs, I groggily refused the herbs Leafpool gave to me.
"Save them...for the warriors," I chocked out and wheezed slightly. I knew that I couldn't really die, although old age was still uncomfortable. But Leafpool persisted.
"Mousefur the warriors will be fine, you need to keep your strength up!" Leafpool snapped. I glowered at her as I licked up the leaves. Suddenly thunder crackled over head and a steady downpour ensued. I tucked myself deeper into the elders den and wrapped my tail around my paws. Purdy was bristling beside me, for once he wasn't rambling on about a story.
Purdy and I stared out of the den while waiting in silence. Firestar gave us clear instructions to remain out of the thick of the battle, and only to defend ourselves if Dark Forest warriors made it to the camp. The Great War, the War to End All Wars, the clash between light, dark, and death.
"Is this it Rock?" I whispered to my father, I knew he wouldn't be far away now. "Is this the end? My end?"
Memories flooded back to me, all of my life. My many moons of existence, all of it seemed wasted now. I had spent a good majority of my time complaining about my curse, I never let myself enjoy the time I had been given. I shook out my rumpled fur and coaxed myself.
"Don't back out of death now Mousefur," I told myself. I pricked my ears and listened attentively, soon the prophecy of Light, Dark, and Death would be complete. Whatever the prophecy meant, I didn't know. Rock decided not to burden me with details. All I knew was that it had to be the claws of death that would free me. And according to Jayfeather, the dead would be coming soon. Perhaps soon my curse would be broken.
"They are coming!" Dovewing's shriek announced. Instantly all of Thunderclan was alert and bristling. The Dark Forest Warriors were coming to face the clans at last.
Purdy and I exchanged a glance before emerging from the elders den with unsheathed claws. Firestar was about to protest but he stopped himself and gave us a curt nod. I guess he understood that we wouldn't be missing out the fighting, regardless of our age.
Almost instantaneously the hollow was filled with screeching cats. Claws and fangs whirled about and blow after blow struck me. I somehow was pushed back towards the elders den during the battle. My old bones were giving way to the strong Warriors, and some of the traitorous clan cats.
"Breezepelt!" I hissed as I spotted the Windclan tom. I rushed up to him and swatted at his flank. He reared back and raked his claws across my face, blood welled from the scratch.
"Leave me alone you stupid elder, I'm just finishing what she started," he snarled. I looked over his shoulder to where he was heading. All I saw was Leafpool. Then realization hit me.
"You want to kill a medicine cat because your father once loved her?" I growled and lunged towards him again. In response Breezepelt plunged his fangs into my throat. They way he tried to take my life reminded me of when Shallow Stream had tried to kill me. My eyes closed and reopened a moment later, I was a moon younger and stronger. New energy coursed through my veins. I shoved upward and dislodged the Windclan tom. Breezepelt looked at me in horror.
"What are you?" He trembled and started to scramble away. I pinned him down and forced him to look into my eyes.
"I am your worst nightmare," I smiled and prepared to deal him the killing blow. Rocks figure appeared, he was shaking his head.
"Let him go," Rock whispered. I reluctantly let the scrawny cat struggle free. Then I launched myself back into the fray as dead fought dead and living fought living. Old scores would be settled, and I would be freed.
Suddenly I felt some supernatural force guiding my paw steps. I was led away from the mass of fighting cats and I was guided to the Thunderclan camp.
"Purdy!" I screamed as I saw my friend battling three Dark Forest warriors. I raced over and began to help the old cat fend off the intruders. One by one the cats fled. I stood beside Purdy and gasped for breath as open wounds on my pelt bleed freely.
Then I heard a soft voice whisper throughout the hollow.
"The last Echo of death has faded," the voice cooed. Then there was silence.
"Is that it, Rock? Has the prophecy been completed?" I murmured. In answer a caterwaul sounded beside me. I turned just in time to see a Dark Forest warrior slit my throat with his claws. The claws of death. I thought to myself. That was the meaning of the prophecy, a dark forest warrior had to be the one to kill me!
My life started to slip away, for the last time too. Purdy attacked my killer and drove him away. Then he was by my side. His rusty coat pressed up against me. He had been a good friend.
"Goodbye," I said to him. I felt his tear drops fall on my cheek.
"You got your warriors death after all, Mousefur." Purdy sighed. My eyes drifted away from Purdy and focused on the den walls as pain engulfed me. Dying for real was a particularly painful experience.
My pelt burned all over, the scratches bleed freely. Crimson drops of blood fell upon the den floor. A storm of cats raged on just outside of the lichen walls. The living and the dead fought over ancient battles which couldn't be forgotten because of the desire for revenge. I felt my life slowly slipping away as my blood pooled around me. Most cats would be afraid for the certain death that awaited them, but not me. I was relived.
"I have been waiting a thousand years for this day," I rasped shakily before my eyes closed. A moment later they opened again, in Starclan. Wind coursed through my veins, the stars pulsed in my heart. A smile spread across my face as I saw my family standing a top a hill, waiting for me. Before I knew what was happening my legs were churning and I was racing towards my kin. My mother began running as well, to meet me. My siblings swarmed me and breathed in my scent. We were together again.
I looked up to see my father, lingering on the crest of the hill.
"Only the claws of death can undo what has been done," he whispered, recalling the prophecy made of my curse.
"The claws of death have finally freed me," I murmured and my father was suddenly by my side, his muzzle rested on my head.
"Your curse is finally broken, your secret is gone forever."
Ah, my secret, Mousefur's secret, I thought to myself.
The end
Whelp. That's it. If you guys are confused I'll try and clear some things up. First of all, let me say this again, this story is not a part of my canon. The wild concept of the surely Thunderclan elder, Mousefur, being immortal was just a joke that I ran with. As you can see I could've tied it into my other stories, but I cut it. In the REAL Sol's Revenge and Whisper's Path, the prophecy of light, dark, and death was created by Rock in order to bring peace to the clans. Old scores had to be settled before wounds could heal. He created the prophecy to allow the Dark Forest to finally be put to rest by a united Starclan and Forest clans. In this story Rock created the prophecy to break his daughters curse. Also, just for kicks and giggles, I made Mousefur a part of some of the most critical moments in the clans development. That cranky elder was more interesting that you all gave her credit for! ;)
So, to conclude, what you've just read is nothing more than just a fanfiction of a fanfiction. Unless, of course, you really want it to be real. In which case I guess Mousefur is pretty epic.