Ok, so I know that the last chapter wasn't really a cliffhanger... And, now that I think about it, I think I've seen WAY WAY WAAAAAYYYY better Fanfics like this... Anyway, the next chapter!
Moonpaw opened her eyes, then shut them again. She peeked at her surroundings with one eye, then squinted at the brightness. Was the sun shining in her face? She opened her eyes all the way and found that she was not in a dark forest, but a field that seemed full of the light of the heavens. A tree that seemed like its leaves were made of shiny green stones, and sparkling red fruit that had sharp angles was sitting off to her left. She padded over, curious. A soon as she came closer to it, and was in paw's reach of the beautiful fruit, the tree disappeared, and in its place were two shining figures. They looked like a black-and-white she-cat and a ginger tom.
Moonpaw's eyes were dazzled at their brightness. "W-who are you?" The she-cat smiled.
"I am Flowerpelt. And this-" she gestured with her tail over to the ginger tom, "-Is Dawnwing." The tom, Dawnwing, bobbed his head in greeting.
"Welcome, Moonpaw. I did not expect you here so soon, but-," he sighed, "-Creator only knows Undyingshadow's black heart." Moonpaw's mind was stunned from her coming, and she was just beggining to understand what was happening.
"Where am I?" All of a sudden the pieces fell into place. Moonpaw gasped, "Am I- am I... DEAD?"
Dawnwing nodded hesitantly, "You are dead, Moonpaw. Your life was given, whether you knew it or not, in Starfur's place. Both you and she will live to see another sunrise."
"But, but how can I go back? I'm dead... right?"
"Yes, you are dead. But your pelt is not cold, you can still go back, if the Creator wills it-" he sighed, "Which He does. It is a great honor to be chosen." Moonpaw looked around.
"This might seem odd, but why did that tree disappear when I came close?" she asked curiously. Flowerpelt's sweet voice piped up.
"You don't yet have a place in Starshine, you will not be truly here for many more seasons. The only day when you can eat the fruit is the day you are meant to stay," she looked away, "Go, Moonpaw, the Creator calls you to leave. Remember, you are Chosen." The two cats and the field of light faded away into the darkness of the forest. Moonpaw's eyes flew open. Undyingshadow was taunting a meek Starfur, his back turned to Moonpaw.
"I have killed your apprentice, now where will you be? What will you tell your Clan?" an evil light shone in his eyes as he unsheathed his claws that were still stained with Moonpaw's blood. "WILL you tell your Clan? That is, if you can get there... ALIVE!" He drew his paws back, ready to strike. Moonpaw felt a warmth, and a sweet scent enfolded her.
Defend her, a strong voice commanded her.
I can't! He's stronger and powerful and-, she thought desparately.
DEFEND HER. Moonpaw thought frantically as Undyingshadow struck at Sturfur's face. Starfur dodged, but barely, and his blow grazed her shoulder. Moonpaw stepped behind them.
"Leave her alone," she searched for words quickly, "The- the Creator demands it!" she meowed, almost betraying how scared she felt. Undyingshadow whipped around, his eyes and mouth agape with astonishment. He started backing away.
"I killed you! You were dead! I checked myself!" his eyes narrowed, "I'll kill you as many times as I need to get rid of you FOR GOOD!" he yowled. Undyingshadow crouched down, ready to spring on Moonpaw, he jumped, but never made contact. A white pelt slammed into him, and knocked him off guard. He fell to the ground, his head hitting the ground hard. He was sprawled out, unconcious.
Starfur growled, then whispered in his ear. Moonpaw couldn't make it out, but figured it wasn't that important. Starfur walked back to the camp, walking slowly. Moonpaw joined her. They walked in silence for a little, then Starfur started talking, "I once loved him, you know." Moonpaw blinked.
"Who?"
"Undyingshadow." Moonpaw gasped.
"You mean... You mean you-?"
"No. We never did that. I don't think he ever knew. He was nicer then, you know. He was particularly handsome as an apprentice." She sighed, "But all that has changed. A dark shadow rests on his heart. He is ambitious to become a leader. I think he might even kill Shadowstar."
"Well did he ever-?"
"I don't want to talk about it."
"But-"
"I said, I DON'T want to talk about it." They walked back to the camp in angry silence. Starfur hesitantly shared the incident over the nightly meal. All regarded Moonpaw in awe, who was uncomfortable with all the attention, so she hid in the Apprentice's Den until Starpaw and Lightpaw dragged her out to hear the true story.
"I told you not to do something fun without me!" Starpaw teased in the Apprentice Circle. Moonpaw blanched.
"You think that meeting a SnakeClan rogue and getting killed was FUN?" Starpaw quickly shook her head. "No! For Starshine's sake! I was KIDDING. Lighten UP, Moonpaw."
"Starpaw!" Starpaw sighed, then rose to her feet.
"Stars, here's Mistflower... Well, I have to go now, don't die or anything like that without me, ok?" She trotted off to Mistflower.
Lousy, I know, but it'll get better. I hope. Ok, guys, I gotta be honest. I've put so much time and effort into this, and I'm hardly getting a review per chapter. I mean, seriously now. And this has only one favorite. So I'm thinking of discontinuing this, seriously. And working on my commentaries instead.
~ Shadow out
