Chapter 5, a Bright Star of hope

"I was told that StarClan would grant the one that was worthy nine lives. Welcome, Brightstar."

Brightheart stood frozen with shock as Frostfur came forward, then Bluestar, then Sandstorm, then Fireheart, then Whitestorm. As she lay on the ground, panting, Raggedstar, Tallstar, and Thornclaw came and gave her an extra life. Finally, Brackenfur came. "I never knew you well enough," he murmured.

Frostfur had said, "I give you this life to feel the bond between kit and mother."

Bluestar had said, "I give you this life to feel the suffering that others can cause." Brightheart had thought wryly, I think I've had that life already.

Sandstorm had said, "I give you this life to defend yourself, and others around you."

Fireheart said, "I give you this life to not linger on things that can never be."

Whitestorm said, "I give you this life for wisdom, to know what is right."

Raggedstar came forward. "I give you this life to see past the curtain of love." This life hurt, with the knowledge that you had been too trusting, and cats had died because of your trust.

Tallstar said, "I give you this life to guide your Clans with honor."

Thornclaw said, "I give you this life to be happy with the things you are given in life." This life lulled her.

Brackenfur mewed gently, "I give you this life to break the traditions that have been set down, if you must."

Brightstar looked up. "What?"

Brackenfur sat down. "Oh sister. There is so much we must tell you. There is another place for you to live, and at least one cat from each Clan survives. Mistyfoot, from RiverClan. Tawnypelt, from ShadowClan. Crowpaw, from WindClan. But these cats alone cannot create the Clans. You must first find the place for you to live. But only two of the six cats that must make the journey are from the Clans. You must find these rogues and kittypets: Squirrel, a kittypet, Bramble, a rogue, and Storm and Feather. They are kittypets. They are the cats that never were. Tell them to go to the place where the sun sets, and listen to what midnight has to tell them..."

Already the dream was fading. Brightstar's eyes opened wide as she found herself back in the forest she knew. "Great StarClan," she murmured. Then she pulled herself together. Cinderpelt was staring at her, as was Mistyfoot in undisguised shock.

Cinderpelt padded forward. "I've never seen anything like that in my entire life."

Brightstar frowned. "What do you mean?"

Cinderpelt looked taken aback. "Brightpaw - I mean heart - no! I mean... Brightstar. I saw StarClan all around you, Brightstar."

Brightstar nodded. "they gave me a message... We must find Tawnypelt of ShadowClan, Crowfeather of WindClan, and four rogues. Squirrel, Bramble, Storm, and Feather. It is urgent."

Cinderpelt gave her a look of deep respect, and nodded. Mistyfoot said, "I will go to ShadowClan and WindClan."

Brightstar nodded. "Cinderpelt, I want you to come with Mistyfoot. If she is injured, StarClan's plan may fail. We all have our part to play."

Cinderpelt looked mutinous, but nodded.

StarClan's plan for the four Clans was unfolding.