The warriors of EclipseClan arrived back at camp when the sun was just starting to rise. As soon as all the cats had gone to their dens, Nightwhisper checked in with the border patrol he had sent out before they left for the gathering, wondering if they had anything to report. When they had nothing to report, he sent them to their den with a flick of his tail. Everyone should be going to their nests… I should get some sleep as well. Nightwhisper began to pad towards the warriors den, but he soon noticed Shadestar perched upon the Tree Stump, staring at the clouds. Nightwhisper padded over to him. Shadestar looked down and smiled at Nightwhisper. He looked back towards the sky before leaping down. He stopped in front of Nightwhisper.
"I feel more at peace than I have in moons, Nightwhisper." Shadestar mewed and he looked back towards the clouds. "Perhaps the prophecy has been fulfilled… After you killed Jayclaw, the battle was won. Maybe the calm is here…" Shadestar sighed a happy sigh. He chuckled. "Goodnight, Nightwhisper. Goodnight, and farewell." Shadestar mewed before padding into his den. He paused before padding to the entrance to his den. He closed his eyes and drew in the scents of the forest for the last time before disappearing into his den.
"Nightwhisper!" Nightwhisper turned in his sleep, ignoring the voice as a paw prodded him. "Nightwhisper!" Nightwhisper's ears flicked. He detected certain urgency in the air… It was as if something terrible had happened. He shot to his feet to find himself nose-to-nose with Lizardleg. What is it? He wondered blankly. "Follow me…" Lizardleg mewed. There was sadness in his mew and Nightwhisper followed curiously as Lizardleg lead him to Shadestar's den. There was an odor drifting out of his den. The black tom gulped as his brother led the way into Shadestar's den. No… He looked at Shadestar's frail body, stone cold and absent of all life. His eyes were closed. He had obviously died during sleep. No… I… I'm not ready for this! He thought to himself desperately. "Nightwhisper…" Lizardleg sighed as he laid his tail on his brother's shoulder. "You must go to the Moonlit Springs to receive your nine lives."
"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey join here beneath the Tree Stump for a clan meeting!" Lizardleg's voice called up. His voice was young and strong, and soon, warriors began to stir. All of them looked at Lizardleg with eyes wide, wondering where Shadestar could be. "Shadestar has gone to join StarClan." Lizardleg mewed sadly. A few wails split the night air and Silverflight raced through the crowd, trying to get to Shadestar's den to see if it was true. A wail of anguish silenced the crowd and Silverflight returned to the clearing. She collapsed at the feet of her brother, Shadowclaw, who began to mourn with her. "I will travel with Nightwhisper to the moonlit springs." Lizardleg mewed before leaping off of the Tree Stump. They departed from the camp and traveled towards the Tree Circle. After a long trek through TornadoClan territory, they climbed down the spiral pathway leading to the entrance of the moonlit springs. They stepped inside. Nightwhisper gazed around to see that the entire cave seemed to be glowing with brighter intensity than he had ever seen it before, as if all of StarClan were waiting for him in that vary cave. Nightwhisper padded over to the cool water. He flicked his tongue to lap up one drop and darkness encompassed him.
He felt as if the life was being sucked out of him. For a while he sat in darkness, until he finally opened his eyes. He was in a starlit clearing that he didn't recognize. The stars seemed brighter hear, and a stream of sparkling stars trickled nearby. Welcome Nightwhisper. An unrecognizable voice boomed. He looked around curiously as he wondered what was going to happen to him. Suddenly a starry figure caught his eye. It was traveling across the sky until it landed on the ground in front of him.
"Greeting, Nightwhisper." The white she-cat with orange and black markings greeted. Sorrelwhisker! Nightwhisper mewed with amazement. She smiled at him. "Shadestar died so soon after you became deputy… Are you sure your ready for this?" She asked him. I… I don't… But suddenly, all of his doubt diminished. I'm ready! He thought confidently. Sorrelwhisker smiled. "That's the Nightwhisper I know." She stepped forward and put her nose to his forehead. "With this life I give you patience and reason. Use them well during the ceremonies you will hold." Nightwhisper closed his eyes as he wondered what would happen now. Pain coursed through his veins. It was almost unbearable, but he somehow managed to stick through it. When he opened his eyes, stars seemed to spin around his head. "It is too late to go back now, Nightwhisper." Sorrelwhisker apologized. By the time Nightwhisper's vision returned, another starry figure was sitting beside Sorrelwhisker. It was a white she-cat with a red tail. Rosetail!
"It's been long, Nightwhisper." A thorn stabbed through Nightwhisper's heart as he remembered the last time he had seen Rosetail alive. It's entirely my fault that you- "No, Nightwhisper. It was my time to go. Don't blame yourself for everything." She purred as she stepped forward. "With this life I give you respect and refinement. Use them well when addressing your clanmates, especially the elders." Rosetail touched her pink nose to Nightwhisper's forehead. He braced himself for another wave of pain. Instead he felt soothing sweetness, as if he was lying in a pool of flower petals. He opened his eyes to see another familiar figure climbing down the stars towards him. Mudpaw?
"Yup!" The young apprentice mewed happily. I should have stopped the battle before you died… I let it go too far. "My death wasn't your fault, Nightwhisper." Mudpaw mewed. "I died defending my clan. It was my decision to fight." Nightwhisper had to bend down so Mudpaw could put his nose to the warrior's forehead. "With this life I give you courage. Use it to lead your clan into battle, and to help them deal with the aftermath." Nightwhisper felt a violent wave of bitter pain, but there was something sweet mixed in with the pain. He opened his eyes again and he groaned. How many times do I have to keep doing that? He wondered.
"Only about six more times." Nightwhisper whipped around to face Raggedpelt. Six? He complained and the old tom chuckled. He rested his nose to Nightwhisper's head. "With this life I give you skill in battle. Use it only when necessary." He instructed as a wave of warm energy rushed through Nightwhisper. He felt rejuvenated. He was ready for five more lives.
"And so you should be!" It was a voice Nightwhisper had wanted to hear. He needed to speak with Shadestar. Shadestar… Do you really think I'm ready to be a leader? I was only deputy for a few moons before- "I know, young one, but I made you deputy for a reason. I knew my life was drawing to a close. I knew that if I chose you as the deputy, I would be choosing the new leader." Shadestar stepped closer. "I would never have put that pressure on you if I didn't think you were ready." He rested his nose to Nightwhisper's forehead. "With this life I give you strength. Use it well to lead your clan through the toughest Leaf-bares and the harshest Green-leafs." Pain sliced through Nightwhisper like claws piercing his pelt. When the pain ended he was shaking, but he soon pushed down his pain. A bright ginger pelt glittered with stars beside Shadestar. Flamestar?
"Yes, young warrior." The ginger tom mewed. The strength in his voice was enough to shake mountains. A warm fire burned in his eyes. "I was leader before Maggotstar, who was leader before Shadestar. I have been in StarClan for a long time, longer than the seasons that Shadestar had been alive. I have waited for a warrior who would restore EclipseClan to its former glory. If any cat can do it, you can." Flamestar stepped forward and touched his nose to Nightwhisper's forehead. "With this life I give you a fiery spirit and leadership. Use them to raise EclipseClan higher than it has ever gone before." Nightwhisper felt fire blaze through him. The pain was permanently burned into his memory. As soon as the pain stopped, a wave of icy water washed over him. He opened his eyes. Three starry figures were walking down the sky, side by side. Sourfang was the first of the three to step up to him.
"I can't believe you became deputy!" Sourfang scoffed. "Seriously, I could have thought of a thousand better choices!" The teasing gleam in Sourfang's eyes amused Nightwhisper. He playfully leaped at the StarClan warrior and the two began to tussle like mentor and apprentice again. Sourfang came out on top and he rested his nose to Nightwhisper's forehead. "With this life I give you regret and forgiveness. Use them to recognize your mistakes and forgive others for theirs." Nightwhisper braced himself for the pain that he thought Sourfang's life would give, but warmth and love swept over him in a wave of emotion. Sourfang climbed off of Nightwhisper. When Nightwhisper clambered to his feet he faced the second of the three figures. Toadleap! He rushed over to his father.
"You're not a kit anymore, Nightwhisper." Toadleap laughed. Nightwhisper gave his chest fur a couple embarrassed licks. Sorry… "Quite alright." Toadleap mewed. He smiled at his son. "I'm proud of you, Nightwhisper." He rested his nose on his son's forehead. "With this life I give you loyalty and justice. Use them well to show your devotion to your clan." Nightwhisper desperately wanted to feel a wave of love wash over him, but pain washed like a wave over him. He almost drowned in it until Toadleap pulled away and the pain was gone. He turned to the cat who would give him his final life.
Greetings Nightwhisper. Nightflower's sleek black pelt glittered with stars. I knew your journey would take you here. Ever since you were a kit, I have watched you, and I knew you would take your rightful position as leader when the time was right. I've always known which gift I would have to bestow upon you… But are you ready to receive your final life? Nightflower questioned. Nightwhisper didn't even have to think. He nodded. Well then… Cherish the gift you are about to receive it. With this life… I give you voice. Use it to tell everyone what you have never been able to say. Nightflower's nose touched Nightwhisper's forehead and the world seemed to freeze. Nothing came over him except silence, but suddenly, waves of thoughts rushed through his head. They were all his thoughts, thoughts he had never been able to voice, thoughts he had always wanted to voice. The last voice rang in the air as he felt the ninth life pump energy through his veins. Can I really be a warrior if I can't even speak my own name?
Nightwhisper felt different, but he didn't know how. He looked around at the StarClan cats all of them were staring at him expectantly. A strange tickling sensation arose in Nightwhisper's throat. What happened? Why do I feel so different? Deep down inside he knew what had happened, but he just hoped that he wasn't just imagining it. He looked into Nightflower's eyes. Nightflower… The gift of voice… Does that mean-
Nightwhisper, we can't hear your thoughts anymore. Nightflower mewed as she stepped forward. Only you can hear your own thoughts. That means you have to open your mouth and let your real voice come through. I gave you the gift of voice. Now let us hear what you have to say.
"But I-" Nightwhisper was about to complain that he couldn't speak, but he stopped dead. "I… I can speak…" He trailed off and concentrated on his voice. It sounded young and strong. It was full of wonder as he continued to speak words he had never spoken before. He blurted them out just because he had always wanted to say them. "EclipseClan, LightningClan, TornadoClan, FloodClan!" He was about to continue by naming more random things, but Nightflower stepped forward. She was laughing as she placed her tail on his shoulder. You have received your nine lives and from this moment, you shall be known as Nightstar. "Nightstar!" He cheered for himself as loud as he could. Now please return to your clan. But remember… The prophecy hasn't been fulfilled yet. There is still more that is waiting just over the horizon. Another threat will come to the clans… You must be ready for it, Nightstar.
"What do you mean?" Nightstar asked, but it was too late. The stars were fading fast. He reached for them, but they were already gone. His eyes flickered open. He saw Lizardleg sleeping next to him. Nightstar padded over to his brother and prodded him with one paw. "Lizardleg! Wake up!" He relished in the sweet sound of his own voice. Lizardleg's eyes flickered open.
"Nightwhisper? I could have sworn I heard a voice…" Lizardleg mumbled as he stood to his feet.
"Nightstar." He corrected. Lizardleg's eyes widened and he leaped backwards.
"Who are you, and what have you done with my brother?" He asked. Nightstar laughed. It wasn't an empty, noiseless laugh. It was a full, loud laugh that echoed off the walls of the cavernous space.
"It was Nightflower! She gave me my voice!" He cheered.
"Nightflower? You mean Toadleap's mother?" Lizardleg looked at Nightstar as he began to wriggle with excitement. "You sound great, Nightstar!" Lizardleg was too excited to hold in his excitement. "Let's get back to the clan!" He cheered.
"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey join here before the Tree Stump for a clan meeting!" Nightstar's new voice echoed across camp. Most of the warriors were already half-asleep in their nests, so they were quite annoyed to be woken up; until they saw who was perched atop the Tree Stump. Warriors exchanged hushed murmurs as they gathered, wondering who had spoken the words. When the whole clan had finally gathered, Nightstar began the ceremony. "I have returned from my trip to the Moonlit Springs and I have received my nine lives." Gasps of shock echoed through the clan as they heard him speak. "StarClan gave me the name Nightstar, and they gave me the ability to speak." Nightstar explained. Shocked and excited whispers spread throughout the clan. "My first duty as leader is choosing a deputy. Even though the night has passed, StarClan is watching us and I say these words in front of them so they may hear and approve of my choice. The new deputy of EclipseClan is Shadowclaw." Words of approval spread through the clan. Shadowclaw had been Shadestar's son. It was only right that he be made deputy after the passing of his father. Nightstar leaped down from the Tree Stump and trotted towards the nursery. There was something he had been longing to say for so long now…
"Nightstar!" Sagespot cheered. She bounded forward and nuzzled her head into his. Her belly was heavy with kits. They were due any day now. "You can speak…"
"I want you to know that I love you more than anything else in the world." He purred as he licked her ears. His purr sounded a little fuzzy and crackled, as if he had never purred before…
"I love you too, Nightstar." She licked his cheek. The two cats purred and nuzzled each other lovingly; unaware of jealous eyes watching from the shadows. Hatred burned in those dark amber eyes as Scorchflame pictured how he would take his revenge. He turned around and stalked out of camp. He wondered through the territories, until he reached the border. He crossed into rogue territory and he scented the air. Where are you, Bloodthorn? He thought as he followed the scent of rogue until it led him to the twoleg dump. He walked along the wall until he found a hole just big enough for a cat to fit through and he crawled in. Darkness encompassed him, but he squeezed through the thin tunnel until he spotted a faint light ahead. He arrived in a dusty twoleg den, dimly lit by a strange twoleg object hanging from the ceiling. At first, the den appeared to be empty, but at a closer glance, Scorchflame could make out amber eyes, much like his own, peering at him from the shadows.
"Welcome back, Scorchflame." A cruel voice hissed. A brown tom with a tan muzzle stepped out. His claws were unsheathed, but that didn't bother Scorchflame. They were always unsheathed. "I haven't seen you in a couple moons. Any news?"
"She's expecting his kits, Bloodthorn! And now he has nine lives… I'll never be able to kill him." Scorchflame snarled. "How am I supposed to get my revenge?" He hissed.
"Patience, Scorchflame. We'll both have our revenge, and in due time. Think about it. If you kill Nightstar, he'll just go to StarClan. We have to kill the cats close to him. His mother, brother, sister, mate and kits." Bloodthorn hissed maliciously.
"No!" Scorchflame growled. "Not Sagespot. I still love her, and I can't let anything happen to her." Scorchflame hissed. His claws scraped the even metallic floor of the twoleg den.
"If you don't kill her, then you will never get your revenge. What's more important; saving someone who never loved you back or torturing the one who took her from you?" Bloodthorn spat the words.
"When do we attack?" Scorchflame asked. His claws were now eager to rip through the fur of any cat who had ever been close to Nightstar. Bloodthorn smiled.
"As soon as my warriors are ready." Bloodthorn mewed. He looked towards the shadows until his amber eyes found a pair of icy blue ones. "Ice, when do you suppose ThornClan will be ready for an attack?" The white tom stepped out of the shadows. He looked around and suddenly pairs of eyes seemed to appear out of nowhere.
"Probably in another moon or two." The white tom hissed. Bloodthorn smiled before turning to face Scorchflame.
"You can wait for another moon, can't you?" Bloodthorn asked. Scorchflame seemed a little unsure before he answered, but he finally nodded.
"But we attack the Tree Circle on the full moon. Maybe we can destroy all of the clans. I'll be back here tomorrow night so we can discuss our strategy. I'll make sure you have a clear path to the Tree Circle." Scorchflame mewed before he finally left. As soon as he was gone, Bloodthorn turned around to come face to face with Ice.
"You're not serious about helping him, are you?" Ice sneered. Bloodthorn looked back before he laughed.
"Of course not. I'm using him to take my own revenge… There will be nothing left of LightningClan when I get my paws on it." He laughed. He turned around to face his warriors, who were all hiding in the shadows. "And then the other clans will be too afraid to fight us. We'll have a new territory, all to ourselves! We'll be able to catch all the prey we want without having to worry about the carrion disease or hiding from twolegs… We'll rule the forest!" Bloodthorn's promises were greeted with yowls of approval and triumph. He smiled evilly. "So let's prepare ourselves for battle."