A/N
Okay, first off, I'm answering two guest reviews…
Silverbreeze: Thank you so much! I'm glad you like it!
GreenApple: Yes I do realize Hawkpool is "all powerful" but when the war comes I hope to make her a little less powerful… But, I mean, Firestar and Lionblaze were kinda Mary Sue-ish in the books. Originally, I was going to have Hawkpool have a huge fight with Jaytalon, but I couldn't make her so heartbroken… I hope- even though Hawkpool is a tad Mary Sue-ish- that you still like the story
Hawkpool swerved her way around the clusters of cats. Oakstar had chosen her to go to the Gathering this time, but she was surprised to see tons and tons of cats she had never seen before.
She could recognize their scent, fresh and salty, and it grated on her nerves to see them there, just standing off to the sides and watching.
"ShadowClan will speak now!" Fallenstar had a strangely giddy smile plastered onto her face. She cleared her throat and began, "Leaf-fall has chased all our frogs and lizard into ThunderClan territory, leaving us to starve. Daisystripe is running low on her milk and Firekit could die any night. That is why, we demand to expand our territory!"
Howls and cries of outrage came from WindClan and ThunderClan, but Hawkpool noticed her clan to mostly stay quiet; after all, RiverClan doesn't border ShadowClan.
"Quiet, QUIET!" Sunstar ordered his clan, and their yowls died with ThunderClan's. "We will not let you hunt on our moorland; we have plenty kits to feed and elders to care for, for you to just come in steal a chunk of our land. WindClan will stand against you." Sunstar looked at Smokestar, his eyes pleading for an allegiance, but the ThunderClan leader shook his head.
"Very well, Fallenstar. You may have the Snow Banks." Smokestar meowed. The Snow Banks was the place that bordered ShadowClan and ThunderClan, and where all their prey had fled to.
Smokestar cast an uncertain glance at Fallenstar, but he continued. "ThunderClan has stricken a deal with ShadowClan a few sunrises ago. They proposed that we stand with them on the upcoming battle against WindClan and RiverClan. Then, we can all expand our territories."
WindClan burst out into yowls once more, but this time RiverClan joined in as well. "You can't do this! We'll beat you! ShadowClan is low on warriors!" Cried a WindClan tom.
"Oh, is that so?" Fallenstar growled, and with the flick of her tail, the strange cats prowled out from the sidelines, led by a cat no larger than Hawkpool, but certainly fiercer than Hawkpool.
A white tom with a ginger mark on his forehead padded after her, and out of the corner of her eyes she could see Jaytalon scrunch low to the ground.
The leader, a grey mottled she cat scrambled onto a low branch beneath Fallenstar, but still high up.
"At long last!" She bellowed, her voice giving chills to the other clans. "I've been searching for you all, the clans! I am Melody, and now guess what? YOU ARE ALL UNDER MY RULE!" She cried, a fiendish smile on her face.
Fallenstar narrowed her eyes at Melody. "No… You said you'd help us expand our territory!" Melody laughed sadistically. "No, no. I said, 'I can help ShadowClan. I can help you be strong, if you let me guide you'."
Fallenstar growled, but the one thing Fallenstar was known for, was keeping her word, no matter how twisted it was.
"NOW I EXPECT YOU TO HAND OVER YOUR TERRITORY TO US IN THREE SUNRISES, OR WE'LL KILL YOU!" Melody screeched, leaping off the branch and teetering away like a little kit.
Dark clouds blacked out the moon, and the clans trekked away, unnerved by the words of Melody.
Oakstar seemed to be the most shaken, leading his clan away with dulled eyes.
…
"From this day forward, you will be known as Petalwish. StarClan honors your kindness and strength and we welcome you as a full warrior of RiverClan." Oakstar mewed, his voice thick with fear.
"Petalwish, Trouttail, Mistsong!" The clan did their best to cheer happily, but their voices shook in the cold night air.
"Now, Treekit, Morningkit, Ivykit, Antkit and Poppykit. Come up here." Oakstar ordered, while Beechtail and Flowerpelt stared at their leader in disbelief.
"Oakstar, you can't do this! My kits are hardly a moon old!" Flowerpelt exclaimed. Oakstar sighed sorrowfully.
"They will be two moons in two sunrises. We need all the apprentices and warriors as possible. Treekit and Morningkit are three moons now." He added, upon looking at Beechtail's frightened expression.
"Even though you are young, your strength is needed. From this day forward you all will be known as Treepaw, Morningpaw, Ivypaw, Antpaw, and Poppypaw. Your mentors will be, Beechtail, Ferret-" Oakstar stopped as Morningpaw shook her head.
"I want to be Honeysnow's apprentice. She'll need help if there's a battle." Morningpaw whispered shyly. Honeysnow nodded from the back of the crowd.
"Very well. Your mentors will be, Beechtail, Honeysnow, Juniperfur, Puddlewhisker, and Petalwish."
"Treepaw! Morningpaw! Ivypaw! Antpaw! Poppypaw!" The clan's shouts were quieter than before.
Morningpaw quickly scampered towards Honeysnow, and cast a frightful glance at another cat. She looked up at her mentor and meowed, "a flower will wilt in a puddle of blood…" Honeysnow looked taken aback, but she merely pushed Morningpaw into her den and followed.
Oakstar was speaking to Sandfern in hushed words, his whispers making Sandfern looked worried. Must be telling her about the Gathering… Hawkpool thought, and she realized who'd she be fighting.
My brothers… I-I have to fight my brothers… And to the death! I-I, no! Scarface has kits! Hawkpool slumped down in her nest. Wait… Hawkpool remembered the prophecy in which she heard Mintflower say. "The maker of shadows with silent, dark paws-" Hawkpool stopped as Thornsnag sat beside her.
"Reaches over the clans, extending its claws." He looked at her with slitted eyes as they began in unison, "the darkness of night, the horrors of fright, shall lay in cloak of fear beyond sight. It lays in the clan, the clan's own betrayer, cats shall be dead, because of this slayer. The nighttime's queen, the silent ones scream." They looked at each other, their own worry reflecting in their eyes.
"It's coming true." Thornsnag said, choking on his own words.
"The rogue cats have already 'extended' their claws over us… so what's the cloak of fear?" Hawkpool turned to Thornsnag.
He shrugged but his eyes were clouded in thinking. "The darkness of night… Well, they are called the NightWalkers, but they're already 'the maker of shadows'." Thornsnag rolled onto his back, groaning in defeat.
Hawkpool swatted his ear. "No! I got it!" Hawkpool's ears stood straight up. "'The darkness of night! It means ShadowClan!"
Thornsnag instantly sat up and ruffled her head fur with a paw. "Ohh, you are brilliant!" He tilted his head. "But, then what's the 'horrors of fright, shall lay in the cloak of fear beyond sight'?" They both looked stumped once more, until Thornsnag stood up suddenly.
"Willowleap! She came from ShadowClan! Out of fear!" Thornsnag located Willowleap dozing with Gorseheart, a light brown tabby tom she'd grown close to.
Thornsnag gave her a soft nudge. "Willowleap, we need your help." He whispered. The silvery she cat yawned and blinked curiously at him.
"Help with what?" Willowleap stood up, shaking bits of moss from her almost white fur. Thornsnag cast a wary look at Hawkpool.
"'The maker of shadows with silent, dark paws, reaches over the clans extending its claws. The darkness of night, the horrors of fright, shall lay in the cloak of fear beyond sight. It lays in the clan, the clan's own betrayer, cats shall be dead because of this slayer. The nighttime's queen, the silent ones scream.'" Thornsnag recited the prophecy.
"W-where did you hear that? I heard Thymetail say it…" Willowleap looked at the two cats. Thornsnag nodded slowly. "From my sister; I'm sure Hawkpool was the same as I."
Willowleap exchanged looks with the both of them. "We need to travel to ShadowClan."
(POV change; Lightfeather)
The cream she cat sat next to her mate and kits, eagerly listening to what Cloudclaw was announcing. "Since Smokestar has pledged our allegiance with ShadowClan, I want to take precautions." Cloudclaw scanned the clearing.
"Lightfeather, I want you in the battle when the time comes. Squirrelkit, Dovekit and Rabbitkit will be cared for in the elder's' den with Tulipwood. Mallowtail and Shyleaf, protect Nightbreeze!" He forced his voice to a growl rather than a hiss. After all, he couldn't take the chance the kits were his and not Brackenfang's.
"Everyone else, reinforce our barriers. I don't want anyone breaking in." Cloudclaw slithered off the Tallrock and quickly made his way to Nightbreeze.
Lightfeather scooped up Rabbitkit and Squirrelkit back into the nursery, Scarface handed her Dovekit.
"Mama, why are we fighting?" Squirrelkit squeaked, shuffling his paws on the nursery floor. Lightfeather sighed. "Because Smokestar made a blind decision. And now we have to fight for something we could have avoided."
(POV change; Cloudclaw)
"Smokestar, we should speak with ShadowClan about the battle; come up with a plan." Cloudclaw insisted for the third time.
"Fine, Cloudclaw!" Smokestar growled. "gather a patrol to escort Fallenstar and two warrior of her choice here. I do not wish to stand." Smokestar lashed his tail agaisnt the dusty floor, stirring up a musky scent to Cloudclaw's nostrils.
"V-very we-well." Cloudclaw choked, hurrying away.
"Scarface, Pinewhisker, Heatherpaw, Blizzardpaw, Mouseclaw and Lionpaw. Come with me." Cloudclaw ordered without thinking.
"Smokestar wants us to bring Fallenstar to our camp. We are to escort her and two warriors." Cloudclaw rolled his eyes.
I am sick and tired of Smokestar's bad plans! They're going to take its toll on him one day!
Heatherpaw leaped over the gap that led to the Snow Banks easily, and sticking out her tongue, dared Blizzardpaw and Lionpaw to match her nimble jump.
Wriggling his haunches, Blizzardpaw scaled it, his hind legs scrambling the rest of the way. Lionpaw twitched his tail. He jumped, but missed by a fox-length, and plummeted into the gap.
"Oof!" Lionpaw exclaimed, shaking orange, yellow and brown leaves off his golden pelt. Heatherpaw and Blizzardpaw burst into laughing, even Cloudclaw seemed to hold back a laugh. Mouseclaw jumped over and chomped down on his apprentice's scruff and brought him up.
"Let's hurry." Mouseclaw meowed plainly. He then looked at his apprentice. "And be more careful! You'll get hurt one day with that recklessness."
Lionpaw nodded half-heartedly. "Sure, sure…"
Cloudclaw flicked his tail over Lionpaw's spine. "If we are to bring Fallenstar, let's go." Pinewhisker began to take the lead, Heatherpaw circling around the tabby mottled tom.
Cloudclaw sat just in front of the border, lifted his head upward and let out a cry. He repeated his yowls, until a whiff of fresh ShadowClan hit his tongue.
"Cloudclaw… What is it?" Came the voice of Talonsting, a grey tom. Three other, thinning cats stood behind him.
"Talonsting; Smokestar wishes my patrol here to escort Fallenstar to our territory with the company of two warriors. He wants to draw up a plan for the battle." The ThunderClan deputy narrowed his silver eyes.
The four ShadowClan cats exchanged strange looks, but they bowed their heads. "Wait here." Talonsting ordered.
Talongsting whipped his tail and turned around, quickly bounding away.
As they went out of earshot, Blizzardpaw turned to his foster brother. "Let's play a game; I scent scent lizard and pigeon. I wonder who can spot them first…" Blizzardpaw trailed off in a sing-songy tone. Heatherpaw rolled her eyes.
"I've been an apprentice longer than you. It'll be me who sees it." Heatherpaw declared giving the white apprentice a flick on his nose with her tail.
Lionpaw sat down and puffed his chest out. "Nuh-uh, Heatherpaw! I have the eyes of a-" A yelp of joy came from Blizzardpaw.
"I can see the pigeon! Over there, by the deathberry bush!" Blizzardpaw pointed to the grey bird with his nose. "Oh, and the lizard is by those pile of stones." He twitched his tail in the other direction.
Heatherpaw scoffed at him. "Cheater." She muttered. Lionpaw looked at his brother in fascination. "How'd you locate them so quickly?"
Blizzardpaw was about to answer, when the patrol returned, with Fallenstar, Stagstrike and Bloodyfur. "Oh, why hello, Cloudclaw!" Fallenstar called in a fake cheery voice, waving her lifeless forepaw in the air.
Cloudclaw nodded stiffly and beckoned the three ShadowClan cats forward. "C'mon then. Smokestar doesn't have much patience."
Fallenstar scoffed. "Tell me something I don't know…" Wistfulness was strong in her voice.
…
Cloudclaw entered camp, Fallenstar letting out a soft purr. "Been so long since I've been in the heart of ThunderClan…" Fallenstar immediately nosed her way through Smokestar's den.
Soft words came from Fallenstar, but her kindness was met by harshness. Cloudclaw was able to pick up a few words from them, but with them speaking so low it was impossible to get the whole conversation.
"... So long, hasn't it?" Fallenstar purrs were soft and silky.. "I wonder if we… back to how things were…"
"No! I left… reason! We need… plan!" A threatening hiss came from Smokestar.
From the strange silence, Fallenstar seemed to be taken aback. "I thought you still…" She paused. "I thought you ordered me here just to, well, see me…" Fallenstar's purrs from earlier began to turn to quiet sobs.
The sound of claws unsheathing surprised Cloudclaw, and even more when a stunned yelp came from the ShadowClan leader. Silence hit the air like icy fangs.
"Smoketail…" Fallenstar's voice was hardly a whisper, and it shook with her tears. A screeching yowl came from Smokestar. "DON'T YOU EVER CALL ME BY THAT NAME!"
Cloudclaw could hear the tears that Fallenstar held back with choking sniffs. "Smokestar, don't you remember we once were warriors of AshClan…?" Fallenstar's words confused Cloudclaw. He had never heard of AshClan, and began to wonder if they were born into this 'AshClan' and had left to join ShadowClan and ThunderClan.
A half hiss and half shriek was heard from Smokestar, and loud thud told Cloudclaw he'd pinned her down. "Never, ever, speak of AshClan! We abandoned that long ago!"
As their words became louder, Cloudclaw had began to hear their whole conversation.
"Smokestar… I never stopped caring, don't you get that? You left me! And to this day I wish I could have changed your mind! I wish we could have stayed warriors of AshClan!" Fallenstar's voice rose to a wail, shaking with uncontrollable sobs.
"Well, Fallenstar. I never cared." Came a taunting growl from Smokestar.
Scuffling was heard, as if they were fighting to pin each other down, and the chokes and gasps from Fallenstar told Cloudclaw that Smokestar had won.
Stagstrike's ears perked up and he paced around outside the den. He turned to Cloudclaw. "Please, don't let Smokestar kill Fallenstar! She's not as bad as she seems! She means everything to me!" The young deputy pleaded. He must've only been a few moons older than Pinewhisker, Scarface and Cardinalheart.
Cloudclaw lowered his head. "This is between them. I do not have the power to interfere." Stagstrike growled, but his dark blue eyes glistened with the beginnings of tears.
"I won't let him kill her!" Stagstrike pounced into the den, screeching as he pummeled into Smokestar, and a thankful gasp came from the speckled ShadowClan leader.
"Stagstrike, leave. I will handle Smokestar." Fallenstar meowed darkly the dusky brown deputy as his stubby tail disappeared through the lichen hanging over Smokestar's den.
"Stagstrike saved me… And you tried to kill me!"
Fallenstar leaped forward, taking Smokestar by surprise. A strange tearing noise, followed by a soft thud, and Fallenstar limped out from the den, blinking away her tears that threatened to fall. Her dark green eyes were bloodshot, and her teeth had a red tinge to them.
"Smokestar… Is dead!"
(POV change; Flameheart)
Flameheart sat beside Whitefur as they groomed Roseclaw's fur down. Flameheart held back a whining sob as he remembered with a pang how kind and sweet his sister was.
Whitefur glanced at Flameheart with his pale blue eyes. "Flameheart, don't forget; I loved Roseclaw as well, but there is still a bit of her that needs caring for. Emberkit needs caring for. He shouldn't be merely raised by Barkflower."
With a nuzzle into Roseclaw's side, he looked back up at the ginger deputy. "He needs us. You're Roseclaw's brother, he needs to know that."
Flameheart nodded silently. "Silverflight feels betrayed." He blurted.
Whitefur looked at him curiously. "Oh?"
The deputy nodded slowly. "I heard her talking to Mousetail about how she remembers you used to love Lichenheart, her mother…" Flameheart met his emerald eyes to Whitefur. "Are you Silverflight's father?" Whitefur sighed and nodded.
"Lichenheart died of greencough seasons ago, along with Silverflight's brother and sister. Lichenheart told me to find love again, but I couldn't, until I began to speak with Roseclaw more." Whitefur gazed over where Emberkit was playing with Falconkit and Sedgekit.
"Just keep in mind, Flameheart, Emberkit shouldn't be alone. He's special." Whitefur meowed, carrying Roseclaw away to bury her.
Whitefur's words striked Flameheart's curiosity. "Emberkit!" Flameheart called to the ginger kit.
Emberkit was a dark ginger kit with lighter underbelly which stretched to under his tail, bright ginger paws, a single, bright ginger stripe going from his forehead to the base of his tail. His tail was ringed with bright ginger and underneath had a light ginger.
"Yeah, Flameheart?" Emberkit squeaked, blinking his huge yellow eyes at Flameheart.
The ginger deputy blinked at Emberkit for a moment. "Uh, you know who I am?" Emberkit nodded.
"I heard at the Gathering you were made the new deputy, and I heard the cats say that I was born." Emberkit swished his long tail excitedly. "I can't wait to be an apprentice!"
Then his yellow eyes darkened. "But I might not have to wait long… I heard RiverClan make underage apprentices… After that 'Melody' cat threatened to take our land…" Flameheart stumbled a step back.
"Emberkit, where did you hear that? RiverClan said nothing of having any new apprentices at the Gathering!" Flameheart studied his nephew head to tail. The tom kit shrugged, mewing, "it was after the Gathering. I told you, I heard Oakstar name five new apprentices."
Flameheart smoothed down a ruffled piece of head fur on Emberkit's forehead. "Okay… I'll be right back, okay?"
Flameheart stumbled off, padding away to Whitefur. He leaned in close to the senior warrior. "Whitefur, Emberkit is acting odd. He says that he heard RiverClan name five underage apprentices." Flameheart exclaimed softly.
Whitefur closed his eyes and sighed. "I know, Flameheart. A little after dawn he asked if I was okay, saying that he heard we ran into a ThunderClan patrol. I had just gotten back, so there was no way he could've heard anyone tell him."
Whitefur cast a wary look at his son. "I think StarClan speaks to him. Perhaps he's meant to be the new medicine apprentice and not Mintpaw." Flameheart shook his head. "I'm not sure, Whitefur. I'll go and speak to him…"
The dark ginger tom stood up and headed over to Emberkit, who was chasing a scrap of heather. "Emberkit, how would you like to be a medicine cat? I bet Blueberry would be glad to teach you anything." Flameheart persuaded.
Emberkit glared up at the deputy. He stood up, smashing his piece of heather. "No, Flameheart! I'm going to be the best WindClan warrior the clans have ever seen! The grey cat told me I'm special!" Emberkit howled, charging away towards the nursery.
"All cats old enough the run across the moor, gather beneath the Highhill for a clan meeting!" Sunstar announced, a wave of worry on his face as his daughter struggled out of the nursery with her overdue kittens.
(I realize that when I had began to read 'Crookedstar's Promise' that their saying was 'all cats old enough to swim gather beneath the (blank) for a clan meeting'. I don't know what the WindClan one is so I'll use that, and I'll be switching to the real RiverClan one)
"Stormkit, Sedgekit, Falconkit, Mudkit. Come up here." Sunstar called the four kits up. Mudkit dashed forward quickly, his bright amber eyes glimmering. Stormkit flicked her black tail nervously and followed her littermates warily.
Barkflower stood up from the nursery. "Sunstar, they're only five moons!" Her white stripes shone bright in the sunhigh light.
Sunstar flattened his ears. "I know that, Barkflower. But we are going to war in two days, and they are as big as six moons old kits, and they will be made apprentices."
"From this day forward, you will be known as Stormpaw, Sedgepaw, Falconpaw and Mudpaw. Your mentors will be Mousetail, Stonefoot, Mosspetall, and Birchfoot, may they pass all they know to you." Sunstar meowed, his voice hinted with regret over making underage apprentices.
As the ceremony ended, Emberkit looked up at his foster mother with fear filled eyes. "Mama, Smokestar is dead."
(POV change; Cloudclaw)
(Recap)
"Smokestar… Is dead!" Fallenstar's voice had no triumphant ring or satisfaction, but it was more like hollow words, like someone had carved the feeling right out of her.
"Murderer!" Gingerroot howled, flinging herself at Fallenstar. The ShadowClan leader did nothing to defend herself, only whining in pain as Gingerroot tore at her fur, neck, underbelly, and basically everywhere.
Bloodyfur ripped Gingerroot off his leader and hissed. "It was self defense! It's not like any of us knew he was on his last life! He tried to kill Fallenstar!" Gingerroot stumbled back and ran into Smokestar's den.
Moments later, she returned, dragging her mate's body by his scruff. Gingerroot placed him down gently, her brown eyes lit with rage. "She tore his throat out! How is that a 'self defense'?" Gingerroot shifted her shoulders, ready to spring once more.
"Mother," Came Cardinalheart's voice. "I think you should let this one go. StarClan knows how many lives Fallenstar still has." Gingerroot sighed. "Alright… But if I see her again, I swear on Smokestar's spirit, I will kill her." Gingerroot hissed as her daughter led her back to the warriors' den.
Cloudclaw, Redbreeze and Cardinalheart began to groom their former leader's fur down for the burial. Cardinalheart stepped away, tears swimming in her eyes.
"I think Tulipwood and Mallowtail can finish." Cardinalheart muttered, rushing to her nest in the warriors' den, and Flamefoot followed her. Cloudclaw and Redbreeze exchanged looks.
"Cloudclaw, you know you need to travel to the Moonfall now." Redbreeze lifted a forepaw and rubbed her greying muzzle. "You need to gain your nine lives."
Cloudclaw nodded nervously, gulping at the thought. "Y-yes, of course…"
Just as Tulipwood, Mallowtail and Hailfall began to carry Smokestar through the camp exit, Fallenstar followed them.
"W-w-wait!" She stammered, her dark green eyes glowing with shyness. "Can I speak with him once more?" The three elders murmured amongst each other, and they turned back to her, nodding. They padded away, leaving Fallenstar by herself with Smokestar.
Cloudclaw had followed Fallenstar, in case she tried anything suspicious. His silver eyes glinted dimly through the dark leaves of a holly bush.
Fallenstar buried her narrow muzzle in the thick fur between his shoulder and neck. Her words were muffled through his fur and her own sobs, but Cloudclaw could hear her just fine.
"Oh, my Smoketail… I wish you had never left me. I would have joined ThunderClan with you, gladly… But you broke my heart when you said you never loved me, and it was only ever Gingerroot that you cared for. That snobby-nosed, busibody, annoying furball didn't love you, she was obsessed!" Fallenstar sniffed, letting birdsong meet her muffled cries.
"... But Gingerroot could make you happy, night and day. Oh, how she made me furious when she was expecting your kits, the smug look she gave me!" Fallenstar chuckled, as if she had a comeback. "I would have killed to see the look on her face if I'd told her, I was expecting your kits. I wish you could see him now. He doesn't know his father. His supposed father died before he was born. He's so strong now, I hope he becomes leader one day… He has your pelt, and your eyes." Fallenstar sighed wistfully.
"I'm surprised you never saw you similar you look to him; the way you stride and leap… He's your spitting image." Fallenstar stopped, as her wails intensified. "I wish we could have stayed warriors of AshClan!"
With a shaky sigh, she stood up, rubbing her tears away with her paw, her dark green eyes, hollow and emotionless.
Cloudclaw stepped out from the holly bush. Fallenstar bristled with surprise. "Oh, Cloudclaw. You scared me. Saying your last words to Smokestar before your trip to the Moonfall?" She wondered.
"Yes. And might I say, not as deputy, but as leader, that I don't think the NightWalkers are good." Cloudclaw narrowed his silver eyes as Fallenstar touched noses with him.
"I know, Cloudclaw. But I can't do anything about it now. Come to my camp when you have your nine lives. I will bring RiverClan and WindClan, just bring yourself and your deputy." Fallenstar whispered, pulling back. "I hope you enjoy seeing your loved ones again… And, Cloudclaw?"
Fallenstar turned around. "If you see Smokestar, tell him that I would have joined ThunderClan for him."
Cloudclaw was about to reply, but Fallenstar snaked through the gorse and he heard her led her warriors back to her camp.
…
"Redbreeze, don't I need traveling herbs?" Cloudclaw weaved around the elderly medicine cat, trying to get her attention.
"No!" Redbreeze slapped Cloudclaw's paw as he reached for an herb. "We cannot eat if we are to speak with StarClan. I am merely making sure Mintflower has enough herbs… In case." Redbreeze was quiet for a moment before stepping out of her den.
"Come on then! Or do you not want to get your nine lives?" Redbreeze scoffed, flicking her tail.
"Alright, alright!" Cloudclaw exclaimed, chasing after her out of camp. Redbreeze rolled her eyes as he caught up to her. "I'm older than you, yet I am surprisingly quicker." She croaked with humor in her honey-gold eyes.
They circled halfway around their camp and began quickly walking in that direction, to where to the Moonfall resided.
Cloudclaw tasted the air dampening as they grew closer, and he could hear faint rumbling of the water crashing down. A large, tall and strange bush blocked their path as it stretched from side to side perfectly. Redbreeze glanced at Cloudclaw as the fur along his spine stood up at the unnatural plant.
Redbreeze purred in amusement. "Don't worry, Cloudclaw. Two-legs created it, and it has been here since Skystar led us here."
Cloudclaw felt at ease at the mention of Skystar, the she-leader that had led them from the lake to the new forest. He'd grown up on tales of the great ShadowClan leader, and had even heard rumors that he was related to her.
"C'mon then," Redbreeze rasped, "just skinny under there, and try not to get any thorns in your fur." Redbreeze pointed with her tail towards a hole beneath the bush. It was hard and smooth, worn away by medicine cats and leaders countless times so that Cloudclaw could practically walk under it.
When Redbreeze appeared after him, she stared at him curiously. "Cloudclaw, what's wrong?"
Thin moss lay underpaw, lining the wet stones and jutting out rocks. Water from the Moonfall crashed down, pouring into the river that fed the other streams. Moonlight and water shone on the ground that lay untouched by moss.
"N-nothing…" Cloudclaw replied, "it's just, well, prettier than I expected." Redbreeze snorted at him in amusement.
"I was taken away my first time too, many, many moons ago." Her tone began low, and wistful, but with a shake of her head, she padded forward. "Let's go. I bet you'll want to see StarClan now."
Cloudclaw followed her, careful not to slip on the soaked rocks. Redbreeze suddenly disappeared as they stood in front of the Moonfall. Startled, Cloudclaw raced around the corner, and quickly discovered a tunnel. He hesitantly trotted in darkness of the narrow walkway for several heartbeats before faint moonlight shone and the tunnel suddenly opened up.
Redbreeze sat in front of a large pool, staring up at a hole in the top of the rock. "It is not time yet." She whispered.
Cloudclaw could hardly hear her over the thundering water, which made him realize they were directly behind the waterfall.
Sudden movement made the white deputy glance up as he saw the moon inch over the gaping hole, and bright moonlight and starlight glittered over the pool.
Soft whispers was all Cloudclaw could hear, the loud rumbling had faded into the background. The outlines of his ancestors swam around him, leading him towards the pool, their voices low and inaudible.
"Come, take a drink." Redbreeze's voice caused the voices and cats to disappear. Cloudclaw nodded, frowning slightly.
He crept slowly over next to the ginger medicine cat, as they knelt down and lapped the chilled water.
"Redbreeze, where are we? Is this StarClan?" Cloudclaw looked around, beginning to feel threatened by the darkness. Sudden light made him fall backwards in surprise, as he saw Redbreeze before him. She suddenly looked youthful, like how she had been when she was just the medicine apprentice.
Redbreeze stepped to the side, and with a flash of light, nine starry-furred cats stood gallantly before him.
A pale silver she cat with blue-grey eyes came to met him. "Mother…" Cloudclaw whispered as she smiled warmly.
She nodded. "Yes, but now is not the time for a reunion. with this life I give you faith. Use it to always be loyal to your clanmates, no matter what the cost." She placed her cold nose to his forehead, and instantly searing pain blazed through him. Cloudclaw could no longer feel the air in his lungs and waves of panic and pain came and went, and it was all over.
With a pang he remembered how Icetail- his mother- had chosen not to take catmint in order to save him and his sister from greencough.
Icetail trotted away without a word, leaving her son sucking in air like the tastiest prey. Just as he had caught his breath, a second cat padded to meet him.
The second cat stood small, with a very pale cream tabby pelt and white stripes. "Hi, Cloudclaw." She chirped, bouncing a little.
"Blossomkit, is that really you?" Cloudclaw choked on his words as warm tears fell from his eyes. Blossomkit- the tabby- widened her silver eyes. "No, no, brother! Don't cry, please."
"I shouldn't have dared you, oh, I was so stupid!" Cloudclaw sniffed, desperate to stop sobbing. Blossomkit stood up on her hind legs, and with a small cream paw, she wiped away his tears.
"It's alright." Blossomkit purred. "With this life I give you forgiveness. Mistakes will always happen, no matter how good the cat. Always have the heart to forgive them."
Cloudclaw braced himself for another surge of pain, instead, sadness flooded him. He saw himself as he dared Blossomkit. Blackness took him and he saw from her eyes as she was welcomed to StarClan. Cloudclaw felt her pain as she watched him and Snowwing become apprentices and warriors.
With a flash, Cloudclaw saw Blossomkit had padded away to sit next to Icetail. "I'm sorry, Blossomkit!" Cloudclaw shouted after her. The tabby kit turned around and wrapped her tail over her paws.
"It's okay. I forgive you." Blossomkit mewed softly.
Cloudclaw squeezed his eyes shut to rid himself of his tears, and when he opened them, a third cat stood before him, with shining golden fur and light grey ears and tail.
"Sunfur!" Cloudclaw exclaimed, remembering the deputy that came before Smokestar. Sunfur nodded silently.
"With this life I give you courage. No matter how scared you are, don't let it show. Protect your clan, even at the cost of your lives." Sunfur meowed, and Cloudclaw felt power and strength in his bones, but that soon was gone.
Cloudclaw heard yowls, hisses, and claws scraping. He could not see, but he could hear the cries of battle approaching him. Fear gripped Cloudclaw, but upon remembering Sunfur's words, he forced his tail down and fur flat.
Light soon returned to him, and Sunfur had joined Icetail and Blossomkit. Next, he recognized none other than Flarestorm. The elderly warrior had his power given back to him, and now his shoulders stood tall, his muzzle bright and his eyes clear.
The dark ginger tom said nothing as he touched his nose to Cloudclaw's forehead. "With this life I give you patience. Use it to think through every problem."
Cloudclaw shut his tight, expecting intense pain, but nothing came. Instead, it was more of a warm, slow-like feeling, where he felt very relaxed and serene.
He relished this, relieved to be rid of the agony, but he then remembered; four down, five to go.
Cloudclaw yawned, a bit sleepy after Flarestorm's life, but after the strong warrior had left, a tall apprentice took his place.
She had beautiful light grey fur with darker splotches and sparkling dark blue eyes. "Hello, Cloudclaw." She meowed.
Cloudclaw recognized her instantly; his sister- Ivypaw- from a younger litter. Although she died as an apprentice, she had the build of a lithe, young warrior, due to Eaglestar refusing to name her a warrior.
Ivypaw smiled and easily reached Cloudclaw's forehead without standing on her back paws. "With your fifth life I give you understanding. Never turn down a cat in need; listen to them, and use it to consider other's feelings."
Cloudclaw had been taken off guard from Flarestorm's gentle life, and the severity of Ivypaw's shocked him; however, the suffering soon diminished and was replaced with a pleasant and cool sensation.
A ginger tom took his sister's place, and for a moment Cloudclaw was confused; Flarestorm had already given him a life, but it wasn't Flarestorm.
Squirrelnose stood wide-shouldered in front of the snow-white tom, his fur clean and healthy, unlike when he had greencough.
"With this life I give you love. Use it not to only care for your loved ones, but for every kit and elder." Cloudclaw had expected it to be a gentle and smooth life, like how he felt about Nightbreeze, but pain proved him wrong.
Hot, burning agony ripped through him, like someone had taken dozens of blazing claws and was shredding his heart, and he soon realized; this was how he felt when Nightbreeze took Brackenfang as a mate.
Cloudclaw panted, exhausted. All he wanted to do was to go back to camp and fall asleep, but he needed to push on.
The seventh cat approached him, with beautiful and elegant fur and small, round eyes. She had a light ginger coat, dappled with brown and white, with pale amber eyes.
"Who are you?" Cloudclaw tipped his head curiously, yet warily. The spotted she cat purred.
"I am Specklelight, the medicine cat who trained Redbreeze." She replied, stepping closer to Cloudclaw and touching her nose to his head.
"With this life I give you selflessness. Use it to put others lives above your own, from the tiniest kit to the oldest elder." Cloudclaw had heard Redbreeze speak of her mentor, and how she had sacrificed herself to save the nursery against a fox raid.
Cloudclaw could feel the fangs and claws of foxes attacking him, but he could see the queens and kits, safe now and he realized that no matter the age, every life has meaning.
Specklelight was already sitting beside Icetail and Blossomkit when he opened his eyes, and instead stood a small, brown tabby she kit.
"Marshkit! You poor thing!" Cloudclaw exclaimed, recalling the she kit's brutal passing. Marshkit only shook her head and rose up onto her hind legs.
"With this life I give you trust. Every cat has a story, do not ignore them. Listen and trust." Marshkit whispered.
Cloudclaw was surprised to feel no pain. Only the brave and selfless feelings of blind trust, but also the uncertainty. Marshkit told him to listen and trust… Cloudclaw pushed away his doubt, and opened his silver eyes, expecting to see Smokestar, but the cat who stood there surprised him.
"Eaglestar?" Cloudclaw gaped at the dark grey tabby. Eaglestar nodded. "You disappointed?" The former leader frowned. Cloudclaw shook his head frantically. "No, no, I was just expecting Smokestar."
Eaglestar's frown grew wider. "I- uh, I'm afraid he could not make it." He shook his head to clear it and bumped his nose to Cloudclaw's. "With your ninth life I give you forethought. Use it to think through a plan or decision for the right conclusion."
Pain like teeth and claws, ice and fire roared through him. He wanted to scream and yowl and collapse on the ground, but somehow, he was frozen in place. Blackness suddenly took him, and when he could finally open his eyes, the nine cats stood brilliantly in front of him.
"Cloudclaw, you have received your nine lives. We know we have chosen you correctly, and your loyalty is clear. Cloudstar! Cloudstar!" The nine StarClan cats chanted in unison. Cloudstar raised his head high, relishing the praise.
Cloudstar blinked his eyes open, and saw Redbreeze staring at him. "I saw the whole ceremony. Congratulations, Cloudstar." Cloudstar gazed into the pool, a little sad. Blossomkit… I'll see you one day. And then, he noticed something; a small silver star on his forehead in the reflection of the water.
I am Cloudstar, leader of ThunderClan.
(RiverClan…)
"Willowleap, are you sure this is a good idea?" Thornsnag looked around worriedly. The silver queen rolled her eyes. "It'll be fine!"
Thornsnag groaned in a high pitched tone. "I have a really bad feeling…" Hawkpool crawled low against the windy moors, uncomfortable with no trees or undergrowth.
"Willowleap, do you really have to go to ShadowClan?" Hawkpool fluffed out her pelt to shield herself from the cold. "And why?"
Willowleap lashed her tail awkwardly. "Thymetail will give us answers. But we must lure her out of camp." Willowleap's fur bristled as they crossed into ShadowClan territory and waded through the river.
Thornsnag and Hawkpool both looked very uneasy, but they followed the silver queen past the stream and through the hazel thickets. Heavy pine and sap scent overwhelmed the two RiverClan cats screwed their faces up, but Willowleap only purred as the smells danced around her.
She dashed ahead, suddenly disappearing behind several blackberry bushes. Hawkpool and Thornsnag followed nervously, yelping as they tumbled into a hollow clearing, much like the Mossy Hollow, except it was sand.
"Sandy Hollow. The apprentices practice here and because of the sand dunes, falling doesn't hurt as terribly." Willowleap explained, scrambling out.
The trio of cats slowed to a halt as Willowleap approached an old badger set. Stale scent lingered from the hole. Willowleap scrunched her nose up and trotted inside. "C'mon. I have a plan…"
Moments later, they came uncomfortably padding out, smelling like week old fish. "Ick! How does this help?" Thornsnag shook his fur irritably.
"Thymetail has a catmint garden. Patrols check it frequently, so just spread the badger scent around it and she'll arrive." Willowleap meowed, bounding off to the right.
Tall, plentiful catmint sprouted from the ground, so tempting, Hawkpool nearly took a bite. "Ow!" She yelped as Thornsnag slapped her forehead.
"Stop! We're not here to sabotage!" He exclaimed, but his eyes told her otherwise. Willowleap rolled around the catmint, but sudden pawsteps had her on her paws in a heartbeat.
(This chapter seems so messy to me… This is what happens when you're going insane. I apologize)
The three cats scrambled away, leaving no trace as the patrol arrived. In what seemed like seasons, Thymetail arrived at her garden.
"Badger sc-scent?" She asked, scenting the air. A strong, tomcat's voice was heard. "Yes, it's stale, but strong." The voice belonged to a wide-faced, grey tabby tom.
Thymetail's frown seemed to widen into a smirk. "Than-thank you, For-Forestclaw. You're dis-dismissed."
Forestclaw stared her for a moment, but he dipped his head and slunk away.
Thymetail rolled her eyes and padded over to the thistle thicket they were hiding behind. "Will-Willowleap, you always ha-had such a long ta-tail. I can see you, and your ne-new RiverClan frie-friends. Why're you h-here?"
Willowleap stiffened next to Hawkpool, but she rose. "Sorry, Thymetail, but we need to solve the prophecy." The tabby froze, her eyes wide.
"I'm sorry, I-I can't help you…" She meowed quickly, beginning to walk away.
"I know you sided with a NightWalker!" Willowleap called after the medicine cat. Thymetail sided, hanging her head and walking back to them.
"Each clan has its own betrayer… ShadowClan's is I. I know for a fact that Gingerroot is ThunderClan's. I am unsure as to RiverClan but I suspect Mothleg." Thymetail jumped when Thornsnag gasped loudly.
"B-but that's Petalwish's father!" His eyes grew dull as he spoke. "Why would he betray us?"
Thymetail sighed. "I saw him in the Two-leg place with a kittypet. A ginger tabby she cat." Hawkpool narrowed her ruby eyes. "And what were you doing in the Two-leg place?"
Thymetail gulped. "Don't t-tell; but it's where I-I get catmint seeds…" Hawkpool's fur lay flat, but her eyes remained suspicious.
"Who's WindClan's then?" Willowleap pointed out. Thymetail scoffed at Willowleap. "Does that need answering? It's Fernbreeze or her menace of an apprentice." Thymetail's voice was strong and full of hate, her green eyes suddenly ablaze.
"Then what's the last part?" Thornsnag blurted, his tail brushing noisily over the catmint leaves.
"That I do-don't even know…" Thymetail's voice returned to her stutter as she pricked her ears. "Forestclaw is coming with a patrol! You all better leave."
The three cats nodded and slithered back where the came from, hurrying towards the Sandy Hollow.
…
"What's that sound?" Thornsnag's ears were raised with alarm. The she cats perked their ears as their eyes grew worried. "It sounds like a kit!"
Thornsnag was the fastest, leaping over logs and thickets, Willowleap at his tail; however, Hawkpool mysteriously lagged behind, limping with strange, aching pain in her stomach.
When Hawkpool caught up, they realized who it was.
Morningpaw lay just outside Honeysnow's den, her tiny paws clamping her ears to her head, her jaws parted in a pitiful cry. "They're screaming! They won't stop screaming!" Morningpaw wailed, as tears began to flow. Honeysnow stood over her, a helpless look in her eyes.
"They say the night queen is coming to kill us all! Help me, oh, StarClan won't stop screaming!"
(ThunderClan)
"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Tallrock!" Cloudstar's meow echoed around, as the sleepy cats swarmed under the stone.
"I realize I need to name the new deputy, but first, I will right a wrong committed by our former leader." Cloudstar's intense gaze rested upon Scarface. "Spirits of StarClan, you know every cat by name. I ask you now to take away the name from the cat you see before you, for it no longer stand for who he is."
The now nameless tom shivered excitedly, more joy in his eye than words could ever express. Lightfeather pressed against her mate warmly as the cool night air ruffled his blue-grey fur.
"By my authority as a Clan leader, and with the approval of our warrior ancestors, I give this cat a new name. From this day forward, he will be known as Rainstorm, in honor of his RiverClan birth name, and his storm-like strength." Cloudstar bellowed, smiling as Rainstorm blinked rapidly, nearly crying in bliss as the Clan echoed his new name, welcoming formerly.
"And now," Cloudstar's loud yowl drew the cheering to a halt. "I will name our new deputy."
"I say these words before StarClan, so that the spirits of our warrior ancestors may hear and approve of my choice. The new deputy of ThunderClan will be, Rainstorm!"
Surprised murmurs lasted only a heartbeat before the clan erupted into fierce chanting once more. Dovekit and Rabbitkit and Squirrelkit danced around their father, mewing and waving their tails.
But soon, the cheers stopped once more, when a lithe she cat collapsed into the clearing. Fallenstar. "Cloudstar, help us. The NightWalkers are murdering ShadowClan!" Her words were a hoarse whisper, and her dark green eyes rolled back into her head and she blacked out.
A/N
I'm so sorry this chapter took so long! I got a terrible sunburn last Wednesday and have been in so much pain. I'll do my best to update quickly now, and I hoped you all enjoyed this.