Chapter 3

Thornflash padded hesitantly after Fernleaf as they approached the entrance to the Willow Tunnel. The Willow Tunnel was a long tunnel created by weeping willow branches that led to a mystic stream. When the moon hit the water just right, the stream would shine like all the stars in the sky. Hence the name Starstream. Fernleaf stopped at the entrance to the tunnel and stepped aside to let Thornflash pass her.

"You go on alone now. Good luck." Thornflash gulped and padded past Fernleaf, stepping hesitantly into the dark tunnel. He walked forward, following the faint glimmer of light at the end. He emerged into a small clearing and immediately his gaze was drawn to the long, thin, sparkling stream that ran in front of him. He moved closer and crouched next to it. Looking up, he saw that the moon was almost directly ahead. It is time…. the branches seemed to say as they whispered in the wind. Suddenly, the stream lit up with a blinding light and Thornflash flinched back. Slowly, eyes reflecting the brilliant stream, he crept forward again and lowered his muzzle to the water. Miniature waves rippled out across the stream as the tip of his nose touched the surface. Immediately, Thornflash's vision disappeared. All was dark. The deputy yowled in shock and fear as he struggled to recover his bearings. As his eyes got used to the dim light, he realized he was standing in a small clearing surrounded by towering oaks.

Oak Circle… he thought, gazing around at the place where the 4 clans met every full moon. Abruptly, he realized that the stars, which had been covered by clouds only a moment earlier, were shining strongly and becoming brighter and brighter, bigger and bigger. Thornflash's eyes widened as he watched the stars circle down through the sky towards Oak Circle. As the glittering orbs of light touched the soft spongy grass, they transformed into cats. Some were as old as elders, some as young as kits, but most were warriors. Tall and strong, brought back to the height of their power, eyes shining as they stood among their new clanmates. One warrior stepped forward, her brilliant blue eyes shining brighter than all others. She held her broad head high and her tail was raised regally. The moonlight sparkled off her blue-gray fur as she looked kindly down on Thornflash.

"Thornflash," her voice was soft and understanding, yet firm and expectant.

"Rise, Thornflash," Thornflash scrambled to his paws and faced the she-cat, trembling, not in fear but in awe.

"I am Bluestar," Thornflash's eyes widened even further as he realized this cat was the legendary leader of ThunderClan, one of the powerful clans of old.

"You have come to receive your 9 lives and your name. I see great things in your future, Thornflash. Great things." Her eyes shone as she gazed down at the soon-to-be leader. Lowering her great muzzle, she lightly touched her nose to the top of Thornflash's head.

"With this life I give you power. Do not abuse it, but use it to aid and protect your clan." Thornflash's muscles seized up and he barely held back a yowl. It felt as if fire was searing through his very bones. When the sensation finally disappeared, Thornflash let out a huge breath and stood there panting. When he straightened up again, he realized that there was a new feeling in his legs and paws. It felt as if he could fight any enemy and win, run to the ends of the earth and back. Bluestar smiled down at him and then turned and padded back to the ranks of starry cats. A new cat took her place. Thornflash gasped as he saw the fiery orange pelt, the blazing emerald green eyes. Firestar! He thought in amazement. The powerful ginger tom walked up to him and rested his muzzle on Thornflash's head.

"With this life I give you wisdom. Use it to guide you and your clan through dark times." This life was even more painful than the last. It came in waves, aching pain after aching pain. Just when Thornflash thought it would never end, the last wave came and it was over. He looked up to see Firestar watching him, his eyes sparkling with sympathy. Glancing over his shoulder at Bluestar, the fiery tom whispered,

"Don't worry. They won't all hurt that much." Firestar gave the trembling tabby tom a friendly wink and then joined his old mentor.

The rest of the ceremony went by quickly, with Thornflash receiving his next 6 lives from deceased family and friends: Courage, loyalty, justice, swiftness, patience, and understanding. Finally, he was ready to receive his last life. Thornflash felt a wave of pain and grief as he saw a familiar red-brown pelt emerge from the ranks of cats. Mysticstar… Thornflash watched as the huge tom padded slowly towards him. Mysticstar stopped when he was only a whiskers length away from Thornflash and he looked down on his deputy with affection.

"With this life," Mysticstar's voice rumbled in his chest, "I give you love. Love for your family, love for your friends, and love for your enemies." Of all the lives Thornflash had received earlier, this life was the most powerful. He felt a rush of heat flow through his body, followed quickly by a tingle of cold. His heart beat louder and louder until he thought it would burst out of his chest. His muscles clenched and tightened, his fur bristled, and his eyes widened until the whites showed all the way around his brilliant emerald pupils. When the feeling subsided, Mysticstar stepped back and meowed strongly and proudly,

"I name you Thornstar, leader of SpiritClan!"