Chapter 17

Pale morning sunlight streamed into the medicine den, waking Ripplesky. He slowly sat up in his nest and stretched, before remembering that Morningstar was dead.

As he padded out into the clearing, the medicine cat saw the dead leader's body had already been moved. Sootpelt must have buried her already, he realized. Glancing around the clearing, the silver tom tried to spot Birchtail. They needed to leave as soon as possible.

As if she could read his mind, Rainfall called out, "He's still asleep. We didn't want to disturb him."

Giving her a nod of thanks, Ripplesky headed towards the warriors den. Inside, Birchtail was curled in a tight ball, his tail tucked over his nose. "Wake up," the medicine cat meowed, prodding Birchtail in the ribs.

Birchtail lifted his head, blinking away sleep. "What time is it?" he yawned, scrambling to his paws.

"It's dawn," Ripplesky replied, flicking his tail. "We need to get going. It's a long trip to the Moonstone."

Birchtail let out a sigh, before heading out into the clearing. Without saying a word to their Clanmates, the two toms left camp and began heading in the direction of the Twoleg bridge. Frost brushed against Ripplesky's long fur, making him wince. "The first snowfall of the year isn't that far off," he commented quietly.

"I know." Birchtail didn't look at him. Instead, the soon-to-be leader just picked up the pace.

Once they crossed the bridge, they began the trek through the steep moorland. Ripplesky's throat began to tighten, a sign he would have to stop and rest. "I need to rest," he panted.

Birchtail dipped his head, before sitting down. Ripplesky joined him, his chest heaving. Stupid lungs!

"Are you okay?" Birchtail asked, his eyes filled with concern.

He nodded. "Yeah, just give me a few minutes."

As he sat there catching his breath, the tall grass around them began to rustle. A few seconds later, a WindClan patrol stepped out. In the lead was Hareflight, followed by Badgerstrike and Poppywhisker. "We heard about Morningstar," Hareflight told them, her eyes glistening with grief. "We're very sorry for your loss."

"How did you find out?" Ripplesky asked, stunned. It was barely dawn! How did WindClan know of RiverClan's business so early in the morning?

"We heard a ThunderClan apprentice bragging about it when we were checking the border," Poppywhisker explained. "They said Ravenstar killed her in battle. Is that true?"

The medicine cat nodded. "Yes, it's true." Should I say something about Mudfoot? After a few seconds he blurted out, "They killed Mudfoot, too."

Badgerstrike's eyes widened. "What we we going to do about ThunderClan?" she whispered, her eyes dark. Glancing at her Clanmates she meowed, "I think we should report back to Swiftstar. Good luck, you two. Especially you, Birchtail. May StarClan light your paths!"

The three WindClan she-cats disappeared in the grass, leaving Birchtail and Ripplesky alone. "Are you ready now?" Birchtail questioned, flicking his tail.

Ripplesky nodded, standing to his paws.


When they reached Highstones, the sun was sinking in the sky. As the two toms hobbled up the steep mountain side, Ripplesky winced. Sharp stones dug into his paw pads, drawing blood. It won't be long now, he reminded himself as he stopped for another rest.

Birchtail sat beside him, panting. The RiverClan tom had a blank expression on his face, leaving Ripplesky to believe he was lost in thought. "I wish we could eat something. I'm starving."

"Me too," the medicine cat agreed. "I'd like to know what fish-brain decided new leaders aren't allowed to eat on their way to Highstones. They deserve a good cuff around the ear!"

Birchtail smiled a bit, but said nothing. After a few minutes of silence he meowed, "I wonder who will give me my nine lives."

"I'm sure Morningstar will give you a life," Ripplesky replied, "and your family, too."

"My family." A large smile spread across Birchtail's face. "I haven't seen my family in seasons. It will be nice to see them again, along with Tawnyheart. I really hope I see her again."

Ripplesky gave him a confused look. "Tawnyheart? Is she your sister?"

Birchtail shook his head. "No, she was my mentor. She died from greencough shortly after I received my warrior name. I was devastated. It was the first time I lost a cat close to me. I imagine you know how it feels, loosing Nightsky so early and all." The gray-brown tom let out a quick sigh as he reminisced in old memories. "I don't know how you're able to remain so strong, Ripplesky. You have the weight of the entire Clan on your shoulders, but you don't seem bothered by it at all. I'm seasons older than you, and I still don't think I can handle being RiverClan's leader."

Ripplesky glanced down at his paws, unsure what to say. No, I don't know how it feels. I was glad when Nightsky died, he thought bitterly, unsheathing his claws. "It's tough but I can handle it," he drawled out slowly.

"Do you hold a grudge against Morningstar?" Birchtail questioned.

"What do you mean?"

"For forcing you to become a medicine cat," he explained. "I know you wanted to be a warrior. Do you still feel the same way?"

The silver tom shrugged. "I'll never stop wanting to be a warrior," he answered. "I even wanted to be a leader. I still want to be leader, but it will never happen now." His neck fur began to bristle. Why did Birchtail have to bring this up now? Didn't he realize it was a sensitive subject?

Birchtail's eyes widened in surprise. "I didn't mean to upset you," he quickly apologized. "You know what? Let's just get going. By the time we reach the Moonstone, it'll be night."

Grunting, Ripplesky stood to his paws. Without saying anything to Birchtail, he padded into Mothermouth. Despite the fact he had been here several times before, an eerie feeling swept over the medicine cat. He always felt vulnerable in the dark, long-winding tunnels. As he walked, he could feel his whiskers brush against the smooth stone walls. Birchtail's pawsteps echoed behind him, spooking Ripplesky slightly.

"It's just me," Birchtail called out.

I know, Ripplesky thought, biting his tongue. Why did every cat seem to treat him as if he were a dumb kit? Was it because he was a medicine cat, or was it because of his breathing problems? Either way, it annoyed him to no end. I'm perfectly capable of looking after myself. Besides, I'm a medicine cat so that makes me special.

Finally, the tunnel opened up into a large, dark cave. Just as Birchtail had predicted, it was nightfall.

"It won't be long until the moon rises," Ripplesky explained, making his way towards the Moonstone. As he curled up beside the freezing stone, he squeezed his eyes shut, anticipating for when the blinding moonlight would fill the cave.

After a few minutes, the moon positioned itself over the hole in the cave. Bright moonlight bounced off the Moonstone, illuminating the cave in dazzling white light. Despite having his eyes closed, Ripplesky could still see the bright white flash. Slowly, he blinked open his eyes, stunned by the blinding light. I don't think I'll ever be used to this, he thought.

Birchtail, who was standing there in awe, cautiously made his way to the Moonstone. "It's beautiful," he whispered.

"You've never been to the Moonstone before?" Ripplesky asked.

"Once, when I was a young apprentice," Birchtail meowed, laying down. "I guess I forgot what everything looked like since then." Squeezing his eyes shut, Birchtail pressed his nose against the Moonstone. Ripplesky copied him, and within moments the two toms were fast asleep.

When Ripplesky opened his eyes, he found himself beside a fast flowing river. Birchtail stood beside him, along with a large crowd of StarClan warriors. Ripplesky tried to identify them, but their starry pelts blended together in the moonlight.

"Greetings," a large gray tabby purred, making his way towards Birchtail. The gray tabby's eyes gleamed with pride as he looked over the new leader.

"Stonepelt!" Birchtail exclaimed, giving the tom a nuzzle.

"It's good to see you again, my son. Your mother and I are very proud of you," Stonepelt meowed. Leaning forward he touched his nose to Birchtail's forehead. "I give you the life of pride. May you forever be proud of where you came from, and of those around you. Use it especially towards the younger members of the Clan, as they will need it most. A kit who does not feel appreciated by their leader, becomes a traitor to the Clan." As the new life pulsed through Birchtail, the tom winced in pain.

Ripplesky's heart lurched. Was Stonepelt giving Birchtail a warning?

When Stonepelt's life faded, a pretty ginger she-cat padded forward. Her blue eyes sparkled in the moonlight, leaving a lasting image in the medicine cat. She's beautiful, Ripplesky thought.

"Tawnyheart," Birchtail purred, dipping his head towards his former mentor.

"Hello," she replied, flicking her tail. Leaning forward, she touched her muzzle to his forehead just as Stonepelt had done. "I give you the life of mentoring. Use it to leave a positive influence on those around you. Remember, you are leader now, meaning your Clanmates will be looking up to you. Your choices will influence their own, and will be remembered for generations to come." As Tawnyheart's life pulsed through Birchtail, a wave of heat traveled from his body. It was so warm, Ripplesky could feel it.

Next came a brown tabby she-cat. Despite never seeing her before, Ripplesky knew this was Birchtail's mother. The two had the same sleek build and tabby stripes. "I'll never forget the day you were born," she purred, her eyes glittering with tears. "Now you're RiverClan's leader..."

"Don't cry, Hollyfern," Birchtail whispered, giving her a lick on the cheek.

"I'm not crying because I'm sad," Hollyfern replied, "I'm crying because I'm so proud of you, my brave little warrior. You have accomplished what so many others have not, and for that reason I give you the life of determination. Never give up on your goals, even if they seem impossible. You must stay determined, even in the darkest of times." As Hollyfern's life flowed into Birchtail, the queen winced. She obviously felt guilty that her life was causing him so much pain.

As Hollyfern took a step back, a familiar dark tabby stepped up. Ripplesky felt his throat tighten as Mudfoot made his way towards Birchtail. Pausing, he glanced over at Ripplesky but said nothing. "I give you the life of justice," Mudfoot meowed, his tone filled with anger. "Do not let biased opinions get in the way of doing what is right." Without saying anything else, Mudfoot took a step back. Just as he was about to join the other StarClan warriors, he paused to glare at Ripplesky.

Birchtail followed the warrior's gaze, confused. "Don't hold a grudge against, Ripplesky. He tried to-" before the tom could say anything else, he collapsed to the ground, overwhelmed by the life Mudfoot had just given him. When the life faded, Birchtail slowly stood to his paws. Coughing a few times he muttered, "Ripplesky tried to save you. It's ThunderClan you should be angry with." Mudfoot rolled his eyes, but said nothing.

Nightsky walked forward, her tail held high in the air. She walked past Ripplesky, completely ignoring him. "I give you the life of healing," she told Birchtail. "Use it to protect your Clanmates during dark times, as there will be many in your future." Pressing her muzzle to his forehead, a strong beam of light traveled into the new leader's body, making him shake. Nightsky took a step back, before returning to her position among the StarClan cats.

The next cat seemed to surprise both Ripplesky and Birchtail. "Cherrynose?" the gray-brown tom exclaimed.

The former ShadowClan deputy dipped her head to Birchtail. "I have come to give you your sixth life," Cherrynose said. "I am giving you the life of sympathy and understanding. You must understand there is no shame in helping those who do not belong to RiverClan. You must watch out for all cats, as we are all one. Do not be afraid to help those in need, even if they come from another Clan."

What could that mean? Ripplesky thought. He was tempted to believe Cherrynose was referring to the battle against ThunderClan, but that didn't make sense. Birchtail hadn't been against helping ShadowClan. He had been quite the opposite!

An unfamiliar she-kit padded forward, her eyes gleaming. Ripplesky looked over at Birchtail, who was equally confused. "Who are you?" the new leader questioned, leaning down to the kit's level.

"My name is Mistkit," she squeaked. "I'm your daughter."

Birchtail's eyes widened. "My daughter?" he whispered, his throat tightening. "I'm so sorry," he rasped. "You didn't deserve to die. You didn't even get a chance to experience life!"

"It's all right," Mistkit mewed, tears glistening in her eyes. "We'll meet again some day, daddy. For now, I give you the life of love. Remember to love your Clanmates, no matter what. They're your family, and family is the most important thing a cat can have." Since she was so small, Birchtail had to lay on the ground for her to touch her muzzle to his forehead.

Once her life faded, a little tom padded forward. He had a sleek black pelt, and amber eyes. He looks just like Nightsky, the medicine cat thought. "I'm your son, Fogkit," the tom introduced himself. "I'm giving you the life of forgiveness. I know you're angry with Ravenstar, but you must forgive her in time. Anger will only eat you alive, making things worse."

"She killed you," Birchtail growled.

"She didn't know we were even there," Fogkit insisted. "An angry leader is blinded by emotion. You must clear your heart, otherwise your biased opinions will affect the choices you make."

Finally, Morningstar came forward. Two small kits trailed behind her, their eyes gleaming. "Birchtail," she whispered, nudging the other kits forward. "You have two more kits I'd like you to meet. This is Dewkit," Morningstar flicked her tail towards a dark ginger tom, "and this is Drizzlekit." The former leader pointed to a dark tortoiseshell she-cat, who looked exactly like her.

"Drizzlekit looks like you," Birchtail rasped.

"We wish we could give you a life," Dewkit meowed.

"It's all right, my son," he replied, giving each kit a lick on the forehead. Turning to face Morningstar he whispered, "I'm sorry I couldn't save you..."

"It's not your fault," Morningstar said, nuzzling him. She then touched her muzzle to his forehead and announced, "I give you the life of bravery. Being a leader is hard, and with dark times ahead you will need to be brave for both yourself, and your Clanmates. Even with this life, remember this is no shame in being afraid. Even the toughest of warriors get scared before the start of a battle." As Birchtail's final life flowed into him, the atmosphere seemed to change.

Stepping back, the tortoiseshell she-cat meowed, "Birchtail, your old life is no longer. From this moment forward until you join the ranks of StarClan, you shall be known as Birchstar!"

"Birchstar! Birchstar! Birchstar! Birchstar!" the StarClan cats cheered. Ripplesky joined in, his eyes gleaming with happiness. Birchstar is going to be a wonderful leader, he thought.

Birchstar puffed out his chest. "I won't let you down," he promised. Before Morningstar could say anything else, the scenery began to fade.

Blinking open his eyes, Ripplesky found himself beside the Moonstone once more. The moon had shifted in the sky, leaving the cave dark. Beside him, Birchstar squirmed in his sleep. After a few moments, the RiverClan leader sat up and stretched.

"Congratulations," Ripplesky praised. "Remember, you aren't allowed to speak of what you saw. It is between you, me, and StarClan."

Birchstar dipped his head in understanding. "I wasn't going to tell any cat," he assured the medicine cat. Glancing at the hole in the cave ceiling he meowed, "We should get going. It's a long walk home."


When they reached camp, the sun was setting in the sky, casting orange shadows across the land. Ripplesky's stomach growled with intense hunger, and he felt light headed. "I'm starving," he commented.

"I am, too," Birchstar replied, slipping through the camp entrance.

Immediately, the RiverClan warriors raced up to them, their eyes gleaming with excitement. "Welcome home, Birchstar!" Frogpaw greeted.

Birchstar dipped his head to his warriors. "Thank you. I'm glad to be home. My paws are aching!"

"Are you hungry? I caught a huge salmon earlier, and I was wondering if you wanted it," Splashflower questioned. Glancing towards her son she added, "There's a plump squirrel for Ripplesky, too."

Without saying anything, Ripplesky darted over to the fresh-kill pile and snatched up the squirrel. After giving a quick thanks to StarClan, he tore into the prey and began gulping it down. As he ate, he noticed Birchstar was climbing onto Morningstar's den. That's his den now, Ripplesky reminded himself, swallowing another bite of squirrel.

"It's time to appoint my deputy," Birchstar announced as the cats gathered below him. "I say these words before Morningstar, so that she may hear my choice and approve it. The new deputy of RiverClan shall be Pikeheart!"

Pikeheart let out a gasp. "I-I'm honored," he meowed, dipping his head to the new leader. "I promise I won't let you down."

"Pikeheart! Pikeheart! Pikeheart!" the RiverClan cats cheered, clearly approving the choice Birchstar had made.

When the cheering died down, the leader continued, "I would also like to make a new warrior. Minnowpaw, please step forward."

Ripplesky's eyes widened as his sister walked forward. Minnowpaw looked equally shocked as she paused beneath Birchstar. "Me?" she gasped. "But I haven't had my final assessment yet!"

"You proved yourself in the battle against ThunderClan," Birchstar told her. Leaping down beside her he said, "Minnowpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code even at the cost of your life?"

She nodded eagerly.

"I, Birchstar, leader of RiverClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. She has learned the ways of your code, and has proved herself in battle. Minnowpaw, from this moment forward you shall be known as Minnowfur."

"Minnowfur!" Ripplesky yowled loudly, rushing to his sister's side. As the rest of RiverClan joined in, Minnowfur gave her shoulder a few embarrassed licks. "I'm so proud of you," he told her, nuzzling her. Waveheart and Splashflower padded up, their eyes gleaming with pride.

"Congratulations, my sweet kit!" Splashflower purred, covering her daughter in licks. As Ripplesky watched them, a sense of peace washed over him. RiverClan was safe from Nightsky's cruel grip, and Morningstar was dead. With Birchstar as leader and him as medicine cat, he knew RiverClan would be safe for seasons to come.


I had a lot of fun writing this chapter, so I hope you all will enjoy it. As always, thank you for all the reviews. I love to read your comments on the story. Do you think Birchstar will be a good leader? Also, what do you think about the messages the StarClan cats gave him during the ceremony? I will try to update again as soon as possible.

Thanks for reading!