Chapter Ten

When Sunpaw awoke, it was evening. Mintpaw was sorting herbs nearby, and she looked back when Sunpaw yawned.

"Up finally?" She asked. It wasn't rude or demanding, just a simple question.

"I guess, how long did I sleep?" Sunpaw asked.

"A few hours, its almost time for the evening patrol to come back." Mintpaw said. "Dapplestar wanted to see you, she's in her den I think, you feeling up to it?"

"I'd better get it over with..." Sunpaw relunctantly.

"Sorry about what happened to you, you must be really brave." Mintpaw said.

Sunpaw didn't feel brave. "Huh?" She asked, looking at Mintpaw curiously.

"You approached the twolegged nests, made friends with kittypets, went around twoleggeds, attacked a fox without someone there to help you..." Mintpaw said.

"Sebastion was there." Sunpaw pointed out.

"But could he fight?" Mintpaw asked, her eyes narrowing in puzzlement.

"He was the one who taught me." Replied Sunpaw, leaving the den with a flick of her tail. The camp looked empty, besides Whitepaw and Cherrypaw sharing tongues nearby. Twigkit and Seedkit were also wrestling nearby. They watched Sunpaw with wide eyes as she crossed the clearing.

"Hey Twigkit, Seedkit." Sunpaw called. Seedkit just watched Sunpaw, but Twigkit ran over.

"Did you really see the lights that fade up close?" She asked.

"Yea." Sunpaw answered. She guiltily remembered the mouse she'd promised Twigkit. "Sorry about your mouse, I forget it." She told Twigkit. "I'll get you another when I have the chance."

"Thats okay, are we still friends?" Twigkit asked.

"I'd love to be." Sunpaw said, giving Twigkit a lick on the ear.

"Twigkit, bathtime!" Called Raindrop. Sunpaw was surprised to see Firestreak sitting at the entrance to the nursery.

"Hey Sunpaw, sorry about Brownroot." He called to her.

"Thanks Firestreak." Sunpaw called back. Then she headed towards the leaders den.

"Dapplestar?" Sunpaw called softly before entering.

"Come in." Dapplestar said.

"Sunpaw?" Whitepaw called softly. Sunpaw turned.

"Yea?" She called.

"Brownroot would've been proud of your fighting today, I know I was." Whitepaw said. Sunpaw smiled at him. She would've said something, but was too choked with tears. She went into the leaders den after summoning her courage.

"Sunpaw, glad to see you up." Dapplestar said. "I heard you fought well out there." Sunpaw shuffled her paws modestly.

"Whitepaw and Cherrypaw did too. I don't know what would've happened if they hadn't shown up!" Sunpaw said. She saw Dapplestar smile. Something shifted in the den. Sunpaw was surprised to see Blossomtail sitting to one side. Sunpaw hadn't even noticed the medicine cat!

"Hello Sunpaw." She blinked warmly.

"Hello Blossomtail." Sunpaw dipped her head respectively.

"Sunpaw, Blossomtail has something she needs to tell you." Dapplestar said. "We both just recently realized what this prophecy meant."

"One night about a quater-moon ago I recieved a strange dream. In it I saw the grown Rootpaw, whom you know as Sebastion, and the outline of a young Thunderclan cat. I heard a lot of words I don't understand, but a prophecy was very clear: 'The one of the sky nolonger walks with Starclan, her path is with the lights that fade.' At first, I didn't understand. Then, when you explained your adventures to Dapplestar, it all started to fall into place. Your the one Starclan meant by the prophecy."

Sunpaw looked at them in astonishment. "But I can't leave Thunderclan!" She exclaimed.

"Wrong Sunpaw, you can leave Thunderclan. In fact, your welcome to, I think you belong there." Dapplestar said.

"But... But Dapplestar..." Sunpaw began to tear. "You mean you don't want me here?"

Blossomtail wrapped her tail around Sunpaws shoulders comfortingly. "Of course not, we care about you Sunpaw, which is why we think you should leave. After today, clan life would be very hard for you, but you've found a friend in Sebastion and his... clan, why not take advantage of that?" Blossomtail said.

"But Brownroot-" Sunpaw didn't know how to say what she meant.

"Brownroot sacrificed his life for yours. Why live that life unhapily? If you can't find happiness here, then go where your heart leads." Dapplestar said. "Besides, the clan will be here if you ever come back, I for one wouldn't mind you visiting if you do." Dapplestar said.

"Live with a paw in both worlds? But thats agaist the warrior code!" Sunpaw said, shaking her head. It was all too much, too difficult.

"Sunpaw, the code is a set of guidelines that guides clan cats through their journey as a warrior, but you are not meant to live by that code, Starclan has shown that much." Blossomtail said.

"Blossomtails right and besides, since these cats seem to come every greenleaf, it would be good to have friendly relationships with them, consider yourself our bridge to that." Dapplestar said.

Sunpaw suddenly understood the wisdom behind their words. She did love that life, though she loved her clan life too, but Starclan was giving her permission to leave, because they - and Brownroot - wanted her to be happy. "I would be honored." Sunpaw told them. Blossomtail smiled.

"Do you mind if I announce it to the clan? Or would you rather go quietly?" Dapplestar asked. "I can understand if the goodbyes would be too hard, but it would be more... official."

"I wouldn't mind." Sunpaw said.

"Very well, come on then." Dapplestar said. She and Sunpaw went out onto the highrock. Sunpaw had to sit behing Dapplestar, but it was fine by her. It was scary facing all of the clan.

"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey meet beneath the highrock for a clan meeting." Dapplestar said.

The cats gathered as always, Cherrypaw and Whitepaw coming over from where they'd been sitting. Twigkit and Seedkit bouncing ahead of their parents. Sunpaw hoped they would understand, especially Twigkit.

Blazefur and Sandnose came over from sharing a meal, and Sparrowfeather and Pebblefur sat behind them. Blossomtail was met by her apprentice, and they all stared up at Sunpaw, watching her with curious eyes. Dawnsky came over and say behind Cherrypaw. Cloudwhisker sat at the entrance to his den.

"Sunpaw has choosen a different path from that of a normal warrior. Starclan has spoken through Blossomtail, speaking of her destiny. It is not with Thunderclan alone, but with the other cats as well. They are also a part of her destiny, marking her apart from any cat that has ever walked beneath Silverpelt." Dapplestar announced. "Because of this, I grant her a new name. Sunpaw is that of an apprentice, so I name her not as a warrior, but as a friend to the clan. From now on she will be know to Thunderclan as Sunlight, in honor of the lights that fade that now guide her path alongside Starclan."

"Sunlight!" Called Whitepaw. Then Cherrypaw chorused in, then gradually Twigkit and Seedkit, and eventually the whole clan was calling her name. All besides Dawnsky that is. She gave Sunlight a hurt look, then turned away.

When it grew quiet again, Dapplestar looked at Sunlight. "Will you stay the night, or go sleep with Sebastion and the others?"

"I'd like to spend one last night with the clan, if I may?" Sunlight asked. "I think I'll sleep under Silverpelt tonight, to be close to Starclan."

"I'll join you." Dapplestar said.

"Me too." Cherrypaw called.

"I want to!" Twigkit called.

"So do I!" Whitepaw said.

"Very well, but Twigkit, ask your mother first." Dapplestar said. "Anyone who wants to can join us." Dapplestar said.

A few, like Blazefur and Blossomtail, didn't feel comfortable in the open, but Sparrowfeather and Pebblefur thought it would be fun. Sunlight had a talk with Raindrop about Twigkit, and the little she-cat was allowed to stay out, so long as Sunlight watched her. Seedkit was invited too, by Cherrypaw, but the little kit felt safer in the nursery with her mom. Firestreak joined them though. It was so pretty outside at night. The cats watched the stars and chatted quietly. Twigkit laid beside Sunlight, staring up at the stars. Sunlight was sitting, thinking about Brownroot, as she watched the stars blaze. No twolegged light outshone them from their place above the forest. It was so perfect.

"Sunlight, do you really have to leave? You won't be able to watch me become an apprentice." Twigkit asked.

"I'm sorry Twigkit, but we'll see each other again. Maybe you'll have an apprentice of your own then." Sunlight said.

"You think so?" Twigkit asked.

"Oh yes, you'd make a great mentor." Sunlight said.

"And if I ever have kits, I'll name one Sunkit and the other Lightkit." Twigkit vowed. Sunlight chuckled softly.

"Well, you have a long time before you have to think about that." She told Twigkit. The little kit laid her head down, and soon she was sleeping.

Sunlight took a look around, smiling at the sight of her clan, and then laid her head down too. Soon she was fast asleep, dreaming wonderful dreams about the adventures she'd have, both in and away from the clan.

Too bad they were dreams.

Sunlight woke up early, unable to sleep more. She was jumpy and nervous. She decided to hunt. Standing carefully, she walked away from the sleeping forms of cats to the forest. To her surprise, she found Whitepaw near the ravine.

"What are you doing up?" She asked him quietly. She didn't know why, but the silence that lay over the forest seem to peaceful to break with loud voices.

"Hunting, care to join me?" Whitepaw whispered back.

Sunlight nodded. They hunted for quite some time, and Sunlight even caught a mouse for Twigkit. They sat together for a little while before returning to camp.

"Its hard to think that your leaving, you were such a good friend." Whitepaw said.

"We can still be friends, I just won't always be around." Sunlight said.

"True, and who would've guessed you would've gotten your full name before me!" Whitepaw joked quietly. Sunlight gave a soft laugh. "I love your laugh." Whitepaw purred. "Its like a refreshing drink of water after a long hot day."

Sunlight smiled. "You and Cherrypaw will be okay without me?" She asked.

"Sure, she's friendly..."

They returned to camp just as it was stirring. Cherrypaw seemed to look at Sunlight with relief with she appeared with Whitepaw, leaden with the prey they caught.

"Good! I thought you'd left!" Cherrypaw said, coming over to the pair. "I didn't even get to say goodbye yet!"

"I wouldn't do that." Sunlight meowed firmly, but she knew that she would probably try to get out of the hard goodbyes if she could.

"Good." Cherrypaw meowed firmly.

"Common Cherrypaw, brighten up." Sunlight told her sister. Cherrypaw frowned at her and got some fresh kill.

"Sunlight, what about Milkyeyes?" Dapplestar asked, coming over with Sandnose.

"Wow, I almost forgot, I guess I'll have to asked Sebastion." Sunlight said. She wondered how Milkyeyes was getting on with Sebastion and the twoleggeds.

"We'll come with you then, Sandnose, fetch anyone else who feels like coming. Sunlight, Cloudwhisker would probably like to see you before you go, I know he was fond of you." Dapplestar said. Sandnose nodded and started calling out to cats nearby. Sunlight turned to look over at the elders den. Cloudwhisker was sitting with Dawnsky and they were chatting. Dawnsky didn't look to happy, and when Sunlight got close, she walked off before Sunlight could say a word.

"Hey Sunlight." Called Cloudwhisker.

"Is she mad at me?" Sunlight asked, looking after her mom.

"She doesn't understand this, she feels betrayed." Cloudwhisker let on gently.

Sunlight sighed. "But I don't know how to make her understand!" She said.

"You can't." Cloudwhisker said. "But do remind her you love her before you go."

"Thanks Cloudwhisker." Sunlight said, nuzzling the old elder affectionatly. "I'll miss you." She told him.

"Of course you will, now run along." Cloudwhisker nudge her forward with a gentle push.

She charged after her mother with a determination she'd not felt before. She was unused to facing her, unused to showing affection towards her. When she caught up, she stood silently for a moment, digging up the right words.

"I still love you." She said. "I just have to do this mom."

Dawnsky didn't say a word, which was her way of saying 'you'd better explain yourself.'

"See, I can't stay here mom, its just not right for me, I'm sorry, and I'll miss you, but I will see you again, and maybe we can hunt together then? You, me, and Cherrypaw?" Sunlight asked. Dawnsky looked thoughtful, her ear flicking.

"I'll miss you!" She cried suddenly, darting forward and nuzzling Sunlight. Sunlight could feel tears on her fur, and yet, instead of annoyance, she felt truly sorry. She herself started to tear up, but she stopped them with several rapid blinks. When Dawnsky eventually did step back, Sunlight was sniffing awkwardly.

"I love you." Dawnsky told her. Sunlight smiled. She could do nothing else, being choked with tears.

They walked back to camp together where they met the patrol of cats. Cherrypaw and Whitepaw were there, of course, as was Appleleaf, Dapplestar, and Sandnose. Also Mintpaw and Blossomtail were there too, the apprentice was waving her tail nervously. Sunlight could understand that. Mintpaw had a common fear of twoleggeds, and they would be going close. Sunlight would be living with them though, she realized. She would have to get used to them.

Twigkit was there, exchanging harsh words with her mother, and Sunlight strolled over. Twigkit ran over and nuzzled her friend, crying loudly.

"Shhh, we'll see each other again!" Sunlight comforted.

"But it won't be the same!" Twigkit said.

Sunpaw crouched down to face the young kit. "Twigkit, I know you'll be sorry to see me leave, and I'll miss you too, but guess what? We can still be friends. Maybe I can be your far away sister and you can always blame all the bad stuff you do on me?" Sunlight suggested.

Twigkit brightened slightly. "Really?"

Sunlight nodded. "Really."

"Goodbye sissy!"

Cherrypaw smiled at Sunlight as she and her mother joined the group. They took off, but Dapplestar allowed Sunlight to lead. She took them on the path that led them passed Brownroots grave, and she stopped for a second to say goodbye. This time, she did loose a tear or two, and they rolled down her cheeks and fell to the ground.

"Goodbye my mentor." Sunlight said. "I hope you would be proud of me."

The others were waiting closeby, and Sunlight saw by the look in Dapplestars eyes that she was proud of Sunlight. They all knew now, where their fallen comrade lied, but Sunlight liked it better that way. It was as if he would be more remembered because of it.

Soon, they were standing in the forest, looking at a big mass of cloth that used to be the tent. Sunlight signaled with her tail that they all stay put, and she crept forward. Suddenly, a warning growl caused her to stop. She saw Tempest, alone, watching her from the shade of thea nearby tree. She narrowed her eyes at Sunlight, but Sunlight ignored it. She had most of her clan behind her, they would rip Tempest apart if Tempest gave them a reason.

"Wheres Sebastion?" Sunlight demanded.

"How should I know." Tempest hissed.

"Sunny?" Sebastion came around from the other side. "You've come for Milkyeyes?"

"Yes, where is he? Is he alright?" Sunlight couldn't help the words that tumbled from her mouth. She heard a rustling, and looked back towards the forest. Suddenly, she remembered the others. "Come here." She told Sebastion, leading him towards the hidden clan. He followed her warily, watching the woods tensely. Sunlight was certain he could smell them, but she smelled his fear, no matter how hard he was trying to hide it.

Cherrypaw was the first to step out of cover, Whitepaw following her. Eventually the whole patrol stood in front of Sunlight and Sebastion.

"Root- Sebastion." Dapplestar nodded her head politely. "Nice to see you again."

"Sebastion, this is Cherrypaw, my sister; and Whitepaw, my close friend. Sunlights tail moved from cat to cat as she introduced them. "Appleleaf, Cherrypaw's mentor; Sandnose, my mentor; Blossomtail, our medicine cat; and Mintpaw, her apprentice."

"Hello Sebastion." Sandnose said, once Sunlight had dropped her tail.

"Hello everyone." Sebastion said nervously. By now, Tempest, Maxzene, Taylor, and Paws had appeared. They faced the clan in awe and looked a little apprehensive.

"Thunderclan, these are Sebastions teammates, Paws, Taylor, Tempest, and Maxzene." Sunlight said. The cats faced on another quietly for a minute, and then Cherrypaw ventured a question.

Why do they call you Paws?" She asked the siamese tom.

This broke the ice quickly, and soon, all the cats were chatting with one another enthusiastically. Sunlight watched with a smile as paws preformed for a few clan cats, and Blossomtail and Taylor were talking enthusiastically. Dapplestar and Sandnose approached Sunlight and Sebastion.

"Wheres Milkyeyes?" Dapplestar asked.

"Follow me, you too Sunny." Sebastion said, flicking his tail and leading them to another tent nearby. Milkyeyes was sitting before a saucer of white liquid, lapping it up. "Milkyeyes, company." Sebastion announced. the blind tom whipped his head around in the direction of the voices.

"Sunpaw, Dapplestar, and Sandnose, I presume?" He asked.

"Sunlight." Sunpaw corrected.

"Are you ready to come home Milkyeyes?" Dapplestar asked.

"I'm not going back to Thunderclan Dapplestar, I've found my son, I won't leave him." Milkyeyes said. The cats, including Sebastion, looked surprised.

Dapplestar turned to Sebastion. "Will the twoleggeds really accept him?" She asked.

"Yes, they're very kind." He said. "But Milkyeyes... You belong with the clan."

"So do I and I'm coming!" Sunlight snapped. She didn't know why she announced her intentions like that, but it served to make Sebastion look at her like she had just suggested she was going to grow another ear.

"But- but- I don't understand, I thought?" Sebastion whipped his head from cat to cat, demanding with his eyes an explanation.

Sunlight explained everything. The prophecy, the ceremony, everything. She also backed Milkyeyes's choice up. "He's an elder, he needs company, and what better company then his son?" She asked.

"Don't forget you Sunlight, you've become a daughter to me." Milkyeyes told her. Sunlight nuzzled him affectionately.

"Thanks Milkyeyes."

"It appears I have no say in this..." Sebastion said.

Sunlight turned to him and said the honest truth: "nope."

TBC

Please Review

Spirit