Chapter 9-Unexpected Destiny

For at least a moon Graystripe and his family stayed with the Tribe of Rushing Water. Some of the Prey-Hunters of the Tribe taught them how to hunt while some of the Cave-Guarders taught them how to fight. Flowerpaw on the other hand continued to have lessons with Stoneteller.

It was a clear morning and Flowerpaw was waiting in the Cave of Pointed Stones as she normally did as she waited for Stoneteller to come. Today, however, he never showed up. Flowerpaw wondered if this was some kind of test. She didn't know what kind of test though. The pool of water in the cave caught her eye as it sparkled. Flowerpaw had seen Stoneteller look into this pond many times before he had never let her look. Well, Stoneteller isn't here. I guess a peak wouldn't hurt.

Flowerpaw walked over to the pool of water and looked in. She only saw her reflection and that brought around her curiosity. It always works for Stoneteller. Maybe I have to do that listening with my heart thing. Only I've never done it with m eyes open. Flowerpaw stared at her reflection for a moment. If Stoneteller can do it, I can.

The apprentice closed her eyes and listened. She could hear voices like before and she even recognized a few, but just by sound. Cautiously she opened her eyes and looked into the pool. The most amazing thing happened. She saw many cats staring back at here. She thought she saw her father but in a closer examination she realized that it was a she-cat and only looked like her father. The silver tabby that looked like Graystripe stepped forward.

"Welcome Flowerpaw," the tabby said.

"Who are you?" questioned Flowerpaw.

"I am only a member of something greater."

"The Tribe of Endless Hunting?"

"Yes and something else."

"What?"

"Starclan."

Flowerpaw's eyes went wide open, "Are you Feathertail?"

"Yes, I am."

"Then you are my half-sister."

"Indeed. I am proud to say that one of my sisters has dedicated her life to healing."

"It's more then that."

"Oh I know. It's about understanding nature and your warrior ancestors."

"Why are you here, Feathertail?"

"To guide you and to make sure that you don't get hurt."

"Huh?"

"Flowerpaw, listen carefully. The one who can understand the song of the stars shall be the one to succeed."

"What does that mean?"

"You shall find out soon."

"Feathertail wait!"

"Yes?"

"Could you go to Starclan and tell Firestar or Cinderpelt that Graystripe is okay and he will be with them soon."

"I can tell them that he is okay but nothing more."

"That will do. Thank you."

"You're welcome," Feathertail started to fade away, along with the rest of the Tribe of Endless Hunting. Flowerpaw snapped back to the real world. She heard paw steps behind her. When she turned around, she saw Storm, Snow, and Water (if you don't remember Snow and Water, refer to chapter 7).

"Flowerpaw, Stoneteller needs you immediately," announced Storm.

"Why?"

"He didn't say," stated Water.

"He just said to get you back to the cave as quickly as possible," finished Snow.

"Alright then, let's go," replied Flowerpaw.

The four cats raced through the snow covered mountains to the waterfall that hid their cave. As soon as they were inside Graystripe and Autumn ran up to their daughter. Flowerpaw's brother's and sister's were right behind them.

"What's wrong?" asked Flowerpaw.

"We don't know," replied Autumn.

"Claw told us that Stoneteller is very sick though," continued Graystripe.

"That's very bad," said Flowerpaw, "Who will take his place?"

"You," said a voice. It belonged to Stoneteller. He had gotten up from where he had been resting, which was in the corner of a cave, "Flowerpaw, you are to be my successor."

"Me?" question Flowerpaw.

"Yes. When you heard that voice a moon ago saying 'Starsong', it was refering to the cat who would understand the song of the stars."

"In the Cave of Pointed Stones, I just had a vision. I saw Feathertail and..."

"You saw Feathertail?" asked Graystripe hopefully.

"Yes, but she told me, the one who can understand the song of the stars will be the one to succeed."

"Indeed, it's all coming together. Flowerpaw, you worship Starclan right?"

"Yes."

"And you wish to become a medicine cat?"

"Yes."

"If I recall correctly, a clan medicine cat interprets signs sent by Starclan. So the prophecy is saying, the cat who can interpret signs from Starclan and the Tribe of Endless Hunting will become the next Healer of the Tribe of Rushing Water."

"I guess if you put it that way."

"This won't work!" cried Graystripe.

"Why not?" questioned Stoneteller.

"Because Flowerpaw is coming to the forest with us."

"Father!" interrupted Flowerpaw, "If this is my destiny, then I must fulfill it, even if it means staying here."

"But you can't go. We would miss you too much," said Graystripe.

"Father, I'm not a kit anymore. I know what I must do."

"Very well. Autumn, do you agree?"

"I don't agree but I do agree with destinies and if Flowerpaw's is to stay here, then so be it."

"So..." interrupted Stoneteller, "Let's proceed with the ceremony. (This probably isn't the real ceremony but they never mentioned one so I am making it up.) I, Stoneteller, call upon my warrior ancestors of the Tribe of Endless Hunting. As you know, I am about to join you and wish for this to-be, to be the next Healer of my Tribe. She understands our ways and even though she is from the outside, she worships you. I ask that you make her the new Healer now." Stoneteller stopped and a breeze whipped through the cave, "The Tribe of Endless Hunting has spoken and they agree that Flowerpaw is the new Healer. From this point forward, she shall have a new name. She shall be known as Starsong, for though she may not see signs in nature, she defiantly shall she them in the stars. Starsong is now the Healer of the Tribe of Rushing Water." The cave burst into cheer as Stoneteller lay down.

"Stoneteller, what's wrong?" asked the newly named, Starsong.

"Old age. Starsong, take care of this Tribe."

"Always, Stoneteller. I will never forget you," but her words were lost in Stoneteller's last breath.

The next morning Stoneteller's body was buried and Starsong's family was getting ready to leave, "We shall escort you to the border of our territory," Starsong stated. The whole Tribe came to bid Graystripe and his remaning family good-bye. Graystripe, Autumn, Cheetahpaw, Stonepaw, Yellowpaw, Snowpaw, and Mosspaw said their final good-bye's to Starsong.

"I love you all," she said.

"And we will always love you Flowerp...I mean Starsong," stated Autumn. Graystripe was a little quite, as Starsong noticed.

"Father, I'm not that far away. Just keep my close...in your dreams." All of the family had begun to cry (if cats could cry).

"Storm, take care of your sister," said Graystripe.

"Will do Father," Storm replied.

"Starsong?"

"Yes Father?"

"Take good care of this Tribe."

"Always." Graystripe led his remaining family away from the Tribe and into the horizon, ready to start the day with the ambition to get to their new home.