Chapter 29
Three days had passed since the battle against Silverstar. In those three days Raincloud had discovered the new kits in the nursery. No cat seemed to notice them after repairing any damages done to the caves by the FireClan warriors. Shadepelt would often visit them, and Raincloud suspected that they were his kits. She was more surprised that no cat had questioned their arrival.
But life seemed to move on as if nothing had happened. The Clan was slowly recovering from the battle.
Raincloud sat alone while she ate a mouse picked from the fresh-kill pile. She wondered what became of FireClan and who their new leader was. There wouldn't a Gathering for some time now. The Clans were all still recovering from the reign of terror Silverstar had brought upon them.
"You know, staring at the mouse isn't going to fill your belly." Raincloud looked up in surprise when she heard the purr. Mousefang was standing nearby, tail flicking from side to side in amusement as he watched her.
"I'm just thinking," she muttered crossly.
"The Clans are finally at peace, what could you possibly be thinking about?" Mousefang tilted his head to one side when she glared at him.
For one thing you're being a nosy mousebrain, she thought angrily. And for another my father is dead because of this stupid battle! She kept the thoughts to herself and sighed in frustration.
"It's not something you need to hear," she hissed.
"Oh yeah, hissing about it is really gonna make things better," Mousefang retorted with a roll of his eyes. She was about to say something else when a yowl of alarm cut her off.
Both of them looked at the cave's entrance to see Nettlepelt standing nearby. He had recovered from his injuries just a day ago and was on guard duty now. Redstar emerged from his den when the alarm was given out, followed by Oakpelt, Featherstorm and Hazelfrost.
"FireClan cats are coming this way!" Nettlepelt announced. His pelt was bristling with anger when he looked out of the cave.
"Don't start an unnecessary fight," Redstar growled. "I can't imagine it's bad news. Perhaps the new leader is paying us a visit."
Raincloud's ears pricked forward as she stood up. She bounded towards the group, ignoring the mouse and her empty belly. When she reached Nettlepelt's side she saw that Redstar was right. Three cats were approaching the cave, and she recognized them all.
Leading the band was Flowerspot. Her pelt was well groomed, as if she had been planning this meeting for some time. Beside her was Whitepelt, a warrior Raincloud would not have expected to see. And Lizardtail was at the trail of the group, head low and ears back.
"Flowerspot, I'm surprised to see you here," Redstar meowed when they finally reached the cave's entrance.
"I wanted to pay a visit and let you know that a leader was chosen," Flowerspot replied. Her voice was calm, but Raincloud noticed that her legs were trembling. Was she nervous about something? "The Clan held a vote and asked me to lead them."
"Congratulations!" Featherstorm purred. "You deserve that honor."
"Thank you." Flowerstar ducked her head in embarrassment as cats joined in, chanting her new name. Raincloud joined in. She was glad that Flowerstar had been chosen. Any other cat might have turned down the position or given it up to Spidergaze. "I've named Pinefrost as my deputy. He's watching the camp right now," she added after silence followed.
Raincloud blinked in surprise when Flowerstar mentioned Pinefrost's name. It seemed fitting that he would become the deputy. Even though he had been a close follower of Silverstar, he turned on her quickly after discovering that she wasn't Clanborn.
"I would also like to apologize on my Clan's behalf for what we had become," Flowerstar continued speaking. "I hope and pray that it never happens again."
"May your Clan have a prosperous hunting this leafbare," Redstar meowed when she took a step back.
Flowerstar dipped her head gratefully and led her Clanmates back to FireClan territory. Raincloud let out a sigh of relief that she didn't realize she was holding. The Clan dispersed into groups as they discussed what just happened.
For now the biggest debate was how long the peace would really last. With leafbare coming life would get difficult. One thing was certain, the Clans would need to rely on one another to get through. And Raincloud knew from experience that peace would not last forever.
AN: So this, rather short, chapter, pretty much finishes the story. I was going to make it thirty chapters long but I don't think that's possible. I could've made the battle longer but I didn't want to drag it out. This concludes Legacy of Rain. Legacy of Sun will likely begin next month when I've recovered from all this writing :) Oh, and before this is finished:
God, help me get away Break the chains and set me free From the other side of me I am my own worst enemy I caught a glimpse in my rear view mirror Of an old familiar face Blurry image coming in clearer Of a past I can't erase I could've sworn I put him in the ground But looks like he's found his way out God, help me get away Break the chains and set me free From the other side of me I can't fight this fight alone I'll never make it on my own Lord Jesus, rescue me From my own worst enemy
-My Own Worst Enemy, Casting Crowns
A very fitting song for Silverstar. I do not own this song in any way :)
