Okay last chapter guys! The only downside is that I still haven't finished the plot for the next book, but I'll just make it up as I go along. I would expect the next book to be up after my school lets out, which is June 7th so there'll be about a two week break=(
I'm hoping to wrap the next two stories and the series up over the summer though because I really don't like having to stop updating for school work.
Thanks so much to all of you for your support and reviews=) Don't forget to vote for the next books title!
Graywhisper- Glad I made you feel better! And yeah this week will be the last before exams…. It's kind of freaking me out to be honest. Glad you liked the chapter and I can assure you this one is not short;) Yeah I just love horses so I figured this would be a nice place to stick one=) Sorry you didn't like seeing Hollow, but I do believe that is the last we shall ever see from her! I'm also glad you liked the quote=) I suppose I just put up things that I like or things that strike me as powerful=) Hope you enjoy this and thank you so much for all of your support!
Jayleaf1- Glad you loved the chapter, you kind of scared me though for a moment when I first read your review;) And I'm very sorry you don't like Hollow, but I do believe that she will never show up again in any of the books=) Hope you enjoy this and thanks for sticking with us!=)
Arianna Flamepelt- I'm glad you loved all of it! Thanks you so much for your reviews and for sticking with the story! Hope you enjoy the end!
And now, for the final chapter….
Chapter Eight
*Stormfur*
The sun is just barely rising when I wake up. The light is creeping into the barn, and the sky is painted with beautiful colors, shocking golds and deep purples offset by pale, pastel pinks.
I stretch and stand, ready to catch a mouse or two when my son's voice distracts me.
"Who did you name me after Daddy?" I turn around and sit letting Bramble toddle over to me.
"You know Bramble, your mother and I's dear friend Brambleclaw." I whisper.
"Tell me the story again." He mumbles.
I sigh but oblige. "It was long ago, before I even met your Mother. My sister Feathertail and I were setting out on a journey, commanded by StarClan. We met Brambleclaw and Squirrelflight, then Squirrelpaw, because they were a part of the group. At first it was very hard going, because no one trusted each other and we all wanted to lead. But I realized that Brambleclaw was a good and loyal warrior, someone to respect. After the girls saved Squirrelpaw from a fence Brambleclaw and I became closer…." I continue on with the story until Brook wakes and we catch breakfast for the kits.
It's not soon after that Smokey and Floss wake up, "Thank you so much for your hospitality." I mew as Brook prepares the kits to leave.
"It's no trouble," Smokey assures me.
Floss mews, "It's nice to have some company. You're welcome to stay with us again on your returning journey."
I agree and thank them again.
We leave the shelter and Feathertail rejoins us, shepherding the kits to stick close to us. Now that we are on Clan territory we want to keep a close eye on them.
We stick close to the ground as we pass the twoleg place and cross the thunderpath quickly. We move close to the lake, so that the crystal water laps at our paws. The kits shriek in delight and Moon and Bramble creep deeper into the water, giggling as a larger wave rolls up and drenches them. I roll my eyes fondly while Brook reprimands them,
"Come out of there at once, look at you, you'll catch your death."
"Oh let them." I mew softly, "It's in their blood."
Brook huffs as I wade into the water, so it's up to my shoulders. Feather giggle and runs forward, Feathertail places her on my back, and then helps the others up. They chortle in happiness as I walk forward and the water swirls around.
"When you get sick, it's on your heads." Brook mews loudly. I laugh slightly as Feathertail snickers.
*Moon*
Mommy seems mad but I figure that's because she doesn't want us in the water. But it's so odd! I've never seen water that's on land… it's so different from the waterfall, so much more calm and quiet.
I want to go in farther, but I have a feeling that's not a good idea. I notice that the longer we walk, the quieter everyone grows and worried looks appear on Mommy and Feathertail's faces. I can't see Daddy's face, but his shoulders have become tense and fear hangs in the air.
After a few moments Daddy leaves they water and lays down, telling us to get off. Feather and Bramble protest but I shoot them sharp looks so they obey without protest. We start walking and I shiver, I hadn't realized how cold the water was when I was in it.
"What's up with everyone?" Bramble whispers into my ear.
I shrug and reply, "Do you know why we're coming? Maybe something bad happened and now they're all feeling serious…"
"Maybe… but if something bad happened, why are we coming, and why did they bring us?" Feather asks, dropping into the conversation.
I shrug again and mutter, "Search me. But they did. I think we should really good while were here okay? Just so Mommy and Daddy won't worry."
Feather and Bramble nod at once, "Okay so a pact guys," Feather whispers, "We swear to be good and not disobey Mom and Dad."
Bramble and me nod and we all pause so we can put out paws one on top of the other for a moment. We nod as one and then drop our paws so we can catch up.
"Stick close loves," Mommy mews when we rejoin them.
I nod earnestly and Aunt Feathertail mews, "What do you think of the Clans?"
"There's so many smells!" Bramble mews at once.
"It's so… large." I mew looking to my right at the large green expanse and then to my left over the water, which seems to go on and on until it is met with more land and many large trees.
"Both accurate statements." Feathertail mews with a small laugh. I don't understand the joke, but it seems to me that my Aunt laughs at everything.
We continue walking and I have to hope I am imagining the uncertain looks passing between my parents and Feathertail.
*Bramble*
This place is definitely not what I expected, but I feel as though I have been here before. As we walk I realize it, I had been here, in my dream! The cat that resembled what Daddy said Brambleclaw looked like brought me here. He told me about the Clans and that I would grow up here.
He said that I would need to protect my sisters, but also myself. He said that my childhood would be dark and full of danger, but it would also but filled with happiness, light, and dear friends. He told me one day I would have to choose between where I came from and where I grew up.
He told me I would have to choose between a vague memory and strong friendships. He told me that whatever I would choose, I would leave family and a part of me behind.
I didn't truly understand what he had meant, but now walking here I understand, this place will shape my life, and for better or worse I would become a part of it. But not just me, my sisters as well.
I look around, it is indeed beautiful, but it seems altered, muffled, as though it is not what it once was. I wonder what could cause the earth itself to suffer, and what danger we are walking into.
I remember Lark and Pine, and how freely upset they looked. Did they fear they would never see us again? Did they know what Mother and Father didn't tell us?
As we walk on and the sun reaches the center of the sky, I have to wonder, what will happen to us?
*Feather*
When we cross the stream, I'm picked up by Daddy and we leap across. Then we enter trees, a forest much larger than the last we'd been in. The light dims slightly as we go in deeper and new sounds emerge. Once or twice I see something small fly up ahead. I remember the large bird that had swooped down in the mountains and shiver. Though these seem smaller than I am, cold fear still runs down my spine.
No one says much as walk on, Mother seems jumpy and Daddy torn. And then quiet suddenly, Feathertail stops.
"I should alert them of your arrival." And before anyone can say a word, she shimmers away.
"C'mon," Daddy murmurs, "Might as well keep going."
We keep walking and Brook sighs, "We're getting close, aren't we?"
"If memory serves, very." Daddy replies. I glance over at Moon and Bramble and feel relieved to see the same looks of confusion in their eyes.
And then, just as suddenly as she had left, Feathertail is back. "Keep going they're coming, and we are close."
And so the walking continues until I get a ripple of a new smell, of cats. Daddy pauses and whispers into the air, "Dad?" then he shakes his head and we keep walking.
Two shapes appear and I look at a large gay cat who looks like Daddy and slim black cat with bright blue-green eyes. The gray cat gasps and runs forward to us.
"Stormfur! Brook! What are you doing here? And who's this?" he asks, look down at us.
Moon steps up to him and mews softly, "I'm Moon."
Mother smiles softly and corrects her, "Moon Beam that Lights Our Path, dear."
Bramble joins Moon and mews, "I'm Bramble that Watches Over the Forest." Then he looks up at mom and asks, "Did I do all right?" I know he wants to do everything perfectly thanks to our pact.
"Brilliantly darling." She replies.
I sigh and step up last, "I'm Feather, Feather Floating on a Gentle Breeze." I figured I'd cover all the bases with that response.
"It's very nice to meet all of you; I'm Midnightstar, leader of ThunderClan. Please let's get to camp." The black cat mews, talking for the first time. I allow myself to feel a ripple of shock, she looks nothing like our leader, but there is an aurora of power around her all the same.
I nod along with everyone else and step forward wearily. I suddenly feel so tired, like all the excitement has leaked now that we arrived, leaving on the perils of the journey in its place. Mommy and Daddy pick up me and Moon while the gray cat gently lifts up Bramble. I look around sleepily for Aunt Feathertail and see that once again she is gone. But I also notice that the black cat, Midnightstar, seems to be staring at thin air. I wonder if Feathertail has disappeared for everyone but her, and why.
"It looks just the same." Daddy mews setting me down after we round a bend.
"Well," Midnightstar mews turning to face him, "On the behalf of the entire Clan, welcome home." Daddy grins widely and we enter camp.
As soon as we stepped foot in camp, a soft orange cat with greens eyes gasps, "Stormfur! Brook!" She squeals and runs up to us while the other cats go into an uproar of surprised delight.
I stumble back into Bramble and the gray cat leans over and whispers softly, "Don't be afraid, they are just very happy to see your parents again, they were well loved."
After a few moments the cat called Midnightstar fights her way through the crowd to stand in front of us, "SHUT IT!" she bellows. The crowd goes quiet.
"Well as you all can see, ThunderClan has some new guests. And as excited as some of you are to see them," she mews looking at the older cats, "I would ask you to first let them rest before you catch up. They have traveled a long distance and I am sure they and their kits would like to rest. Please let them have this opportunity."
"Sure." Comes the drawling voice of a white cat, "But first, enlighten me."
"Trust me I've been trying to." Midnightstar mutters so softly that I can barely hear her, "Yes Spiderleg? What is your question?"
"What are they doing here in the first place?" He mews coldly.
"StarClan came to me. My sister Feathertail led us here. She said you needed help." Daddy mews sounding insulted.
"So to help, StarClan gives us two cats and three kits. Oh yes that makes sense."
"Spiderleg for once in your life hold your tongue. Show some respect!" Midnightstar snarls. He falls silent but smirks at her, slipping back into the crowd. I feel a rush of anger and have half a mind to follow him and give him a piece of my mind. I did not just travel for who knows how long, almost fall to my death or get eaten by a bird for that!
"Graystripe, Echosong, please get our guests settled. Everyone else back to work. Now." Midnightstar mews commandingly, unsuccessfully hiding her anger.
The crowd disperses and we walk with our mother and a cat who must be Echosong, a she-cat with a sandy pelt and black spots. Midnightstar follows behind us.
"I have to say, I've missed this place." Mommy mews with a smile. I feel slight surprise but I let it go as we keep walking.
"What was all of that noise?" A pale gray cat with darker flecks mews as she steps out of brambles. Then she gasps, "Brook!"
"Hello Ferncloud." Mommy mews smiling widely, "How have you been?"
"Uh well, well." The cat mews, recovering from her shock.
Her green eyes sweep over us as Mommy mews, "Allow me to introduce my youngest kits, Feather Floating on a Gentle Breeze, Moon Beam that Lights Our Path and Bramble that Watches Over the Forest."
"Oh they are just adorable. Come let's get them in a nest." The new cat, Ferncloud, mews.
We follow Mommy into a cozy den and Ferncloud mews, "You can use my nest for now while we make you a new one. How have you been dear?"
"Oh all right." Mommy mews with a smile as she settles down into the nest and we climb over her. It is soft and smells comforting, my eyes start to feel heavy as I circle.
Seven kits walk up, a dark brown kit leaning on a darker one. "Mommy who is this?" A fluffy silver gray she-kit with Midnightstar's eyes asks politely.
"This is Brook and her kits." Midnightstar replies.
"Oh my gosh!" two she-kits, one with amber fur and the other with a dark and light pelt squeal.
A white tom with shockingly light eyes exclaims, "Like Stormfur and Brook?! The elders just told us your story yesterday! You guys rock!"
Story? I wonder… what does he mean?
"Thank you." Mommy replies with a small laugh while Midnightstar admonishes him
"Lightingkit they're not characters in a story! They're real cats." She hisses.
"I know that!" the white kit replies with a small pout.
"What are your names?" a black kit with a curved moon marking on her forehead asks bouncing forward.
Bramble pushes himself back up and replies, "I'm Bramble, that's Moon and that's Feather. 'Night."
"But those are our names!" The black kit protests with a small frown.
"What?" My siblings and I ask together, cracking our eyes back open.
"I'm Moonkit and that's Featherkit." The black kit replies pointing her tail at the fluffy sliver kit.
"Well those aren't our full names." Moon replies with a yawn.
"Wha-?" she starts to ask, but is cut off by her mother.
"Moonkit hush. Can't you see how tired they are? Enough questions. You can all get aquatinted later. Come." Midnightstar shoos all of the kits away from us and I close my eyes.
"But mum I just wanted to know about them!" I hear a kit whine.
"Yeah Auntie!" another chimes in, "We just wanna know!"
"And you can find out later. Run along to the elders now, perhaps they can tell you more stories."
The words are soft and I yawn before I slip into a dream.
*Stormfur*
I watch as Brook and the kits walk toward the nursery. I am a mess of emotions, relief, happiness, sadness, and longing.
"I thought I would never see you again." Squirrelflight mews softly. "Do you – do you know about Brambleclaw?"
"Yes." I reply heavily, with my heart aching. "I am so sorry."
"I am too. He was a wonderful cat." Her eyes have gone oddly blank but she sighs and mews with a forced smile, "Your kits are adorable. I didn't catch their names."
I tell her their names, and her eyes grow glassy at Bramble's.
"You are the best friend a cat could hope to have."
"Thank you," I mew softly.
"Excuse me, I must hunt or face the wrath of young Midnightstar." Squirrelflight laughs as she walks off.
I flick my tail and look around, Spiderleg's words coming back to me. I had half hoped he'd be dead by now to be honest. Finally when I can stand it no longer I scramble up to Midnightstar's den, intent on explaining myself.
"Midnightstar?" I call out hesitantly, remembering with sharp clarity when this den was Firestar's.
"Come in Stormfur." Her young voice replies, much too young for this, I think feeling worried.
"I just want you to know that we really did get an omen. My sister Feathertail, she died many moons ago, she led us here, helping us with the kits, we didn't just –"
"I know." She mews cutting off my rant, "I know your sister, and I know that you came to help, I detest Spiderleg to be honest. His very purpose seems to be to make my life difficult. I want to thank you for coming here and endangering yourselves and your kits to help us."
I feel a flicker of surprise that she knows Feathertail, but I nods slightly anyway mewing, "How bad is it? I mean Feathertail and Brambleclaw hinted but –"
"They killed Firestar. And half of ShadowClan. Twice. And cats still join them, are still loyal to them." She replies with disgust.
I had known this, but still hearing it from her and sensing the depth of the problem causes me to sigh and sit down, shaking my head despairingly, "What can we do?"
She's sighs and replies with, "Live, and fight when we need you to. Right now, just you being here has given some heart back to the older warriors. A final battle is coming soon but there will be many more skirmishes along the way. This war isn't measured in winnings and losings or even a body count. This is a war of loyalty and the only way we can win is by keep Clan cats loyal to us and destroying the ones who aren't."
I gives a nervous laugh at her words and how she says them practically emotionlessly, "That's a tad bit harsh…"
"It's either them or us." She replies heavily, "But trust me I don't like it much either."
I shrug because I can sense her sincerity and ask, "They're in the nursery I expect?"
"Yes." Midnight mews quietly, "And probably asleep by now."
I nod and turn to leave before mewing, "I can tell that you're a very good leader. Brambleclaw seemed to have a lot of faith in you, and trust me that's saying something." She gives me a small smile and I leave.
Out in the hollow I look up at the sun sinking lower in the sky. I look around at the hollow and how different it is… so much change, and yet here it is….
I am home.
And it will be dangerous I know, living here, being forced to fight. But I can say with sincerity, I will be glad to fight for this place, for my home. If I have to, I will lay down my life to save it though I pray it will not come to that. It may have changed, but then, so have I.
Walking forward I roll my head on my neck and hear a soft pop. I head to the nursery, deciding on visiting Brook. Our journey is over and we have arrived….
I have come home.
Well how was it? I did not expect it to be that long I swear, it took me like two hours to write the first three pages and I went, uh-oh gonna be short. Then the next time I checked it was ten pages! So sorry. Hope that didn't anger you guys again;)
So as I previously mentioned, I'm going to try and finish Five and Six this summer, with the result that the books won't be as long as they have come to be. The current is unfinished at thirty chapters and doubt that it will get past forty. Echo never did get in touch with me but I'm going to try and find her house over the summer so you never know.
Can't make any promises guys, but please keep reviewing and I shall keep writing. Thanks to all of you and all of your support, I hope to see you at the next book, which unless we get more votes, will be called Fading Shadows.
So the quote: "The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool." ~Shakespeare. Because we should all know some Shakespeare and this isn't gushy and romantic ;) Plus you sound all wise is you say this=) I quoted to my friend and she told me to stop quoting Harry Potter because I quote that all the time. Insulted, I told her it was Shakespeare and then we just laughed.
So my dears, please review and I ever do hope you enjoyed this little story.
~Midnight=D