Chapter 20
Reaperclaw's nine lives
The next day he woke up knowing that he had to go to the moonpond and receive his nine lives and become Reaperstar. Raccoonspirit seemed to know too as he had traveling herbs ready for them, he ate them with disgust and with goodbyes to his clan they left for the moonpond. It was sunfall by the time they got there and Reaperclaw guided by instinct walked to the middle of the shallow pond where the moon shone bright, laid down and closed his eyes. When he opened them he saw the stars spinning around him and getting closer, until he could see starry cats standing all around him. "Welcome young Reaperclaw are you ready to receive your nine lives?" He dipped his head and said "Yes I'm ready to receive my nine lives." After he said that a blue-gray she cat approached him and he recognized Berrywing his old mentor. She touched his head with her nose andsaid "With this life I give you mentoring so you may pass on wisdom to the next generation." The life felt gentle and exciting, as he was still recovering a cream cat with brown points approached next. It was Mintfur the former deputy. "With this life I give you courage so you can defend your clan in battle, this life felt fierce and angry making Reaperclaw want to strike out. The next cat that approached was Dapplebright and she gave him the same desire to protect his clan like a queen does with her kits. This life was just as fierce as the last one. Midnightpelt approached next and after a nuzzle gave him the gift of loyalty to what he knows is right. Oakbird gave him the compassion of a Medicine. Cat. Nightwish was next and she gave him the gift of justice for putting a stop to Mothclaw. Runningflame was next as he gave the life of tireless energy and made feel like he could run forever. Duskkit came up next and nuzzled him. She then gave the gift of playfulness, he smiled as she left and was replaced by Lionstar. He gave Reaperclaw his final life with the gifts of nobility, certainty and faith so he may lead his clan in the way of the warrior code for all of his nine lives. Reaperstar you are now a leader with nine lives, may you lead your clan for generations." They then called his new name just like in his clan, he then woke up and Raccoonspirit led him back to Duskclan where his clan gathered around and called his new name. That night he invited Leafdawn to join him in his new den.