Hey there peoples!!! Hope you all really liked the last chapter, I worked hard to make it pretty good. I have a few things to say.
Dreams for Reality- I agree with you, Firestar would not have acted that way. We'll just say that everyone was too shocked with Ashfur's news, and that they weren't paying attention. Also, I try my best on the grammar. It is strange, usually I have good grammar. And I do plan to make the story line get better, if it already isn't better yet. I do agree that the first two chapters were kind of original. But it will get better.
Okay, since we are done with that, thank you for all the reviews! I love them!!!!! You all rock, and I hope you like this chapter too!
Oh, and I am very tired of all the bad reviews. I wasn't going to say it, but I will.
The Title has nothing to do with Ashfur taking over the whole lake and being super nuts. (Though he is). It will refer to something at the end of the story. Sadly, good almost always wins. But no one said that the way there had to be easy. =) Oh, and before Ashfur went crazy, I used to really like him. I will admit that he is evil, but I still like him. Get over it people.
Now here is the chapter.
For a moment no cat moved. They just stood there, staring at Brambleclaw and Jayfeather. Some cats were looking at Ashfur, with eyes full of blame. Firestar sighed, and leap down to where they were,
"Are you sure he's dead?" He asked Jayfeather, "Is he just knocked out?" Firestar wished with all his heart that he wasn't dead. ThunderClan needed a strong leadership, and Brambleclaw was strong.
Jayfeather looked at Firestar as if he was nuts. When a medicine cat says a cat is dead, most likely they are right, "Yes, Firestar. I'm sorry. The fall broke both of his right limbs, and the bones went into his body. He felt very little pain." That was probably a lie; it would have hurt very much. Jayfeather couldn't let Firestar get even more upset than he already was.
"Alright," he said, then turned to all the cats that were surrounded around him, "Since it is past moonhigh already tonight, I will announce the new deputy tomorrow morning. We will have Brambleclaw's vigil tonight, and then the elders will bury him tomorrow." Firestar sat and buried his nose into Brambleclaw's fur, to start the vigil. Other cats gathered around him, and the murmured silent good-byes.
Hollyleaf had heard the two cats fighting, and had rushed out of the warriors' den. She had been curled up next to Mousewhisker, who had been rasping his tongue across her ears. They ran out together, and saw Brambleclaw fall. Hollyleaf had been one of the ones to cry out in shock. The cat that she had thought was her father up recently had just died in front of all of ThunderClan.
Now she moved to his side with Mousewhisker, and saw his mangled legs. She had to look away, but still buried her nose into his fur,
"I'll miss you Brambleclaw," She whispered, "You were a great father, since you were the only one I knew. I love you, and may StarClan light your path to them." She sat there for a moment, and then stood up. Mousewhisker had said all that he wanted, and was waiting for her. They walked towards the Warriors' den, and passed Ashfur. He was walking down to where Brambleclaw lay, and Hollyleaf could have sworn she saw him smiling.
Once they got to their nests, Mousewhisker continued to lick Hollyleaf's ears, and she fell into a slow slumber.
"All cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the Highrock for a Clan meeting." Hollyleaf woke with a start when she heard Firestar yowling from the Highrock. The nest next to Hollyleaf was cold, so Mousewhisker had been gone for a while. In fact, she was one of the last cats in the den. Cloudtail lay on his side, sprawled out, and Berrynose was asleep with his head on his paws.
Hollyleaf stood up and stretched, and pawed the two toms in the heads, "Wake up guys. Clan meeting," She yawned, and walked out of the den.
All the other cats were gathered around the Highrock, Brambleclaw's body behind all of them. She saw Mousewhisker, and he waved his tail to get her to come over next to him.
"Firestar's about to name the new deputy, and tonight we are going to have Toadkit and Rosekit's apprenticing tonight." He filled her in, intertwining his tail with hers. Hollyleaf looked at Mousewhisker lovingly, and licked his cheek.
"Love you," She whispered,
"Love you too," he whispered back, then looked at Firestar, who was about to say who was the new deputy. He had a haunted look in his eyes, as if he didn't want to do this.
Firestar cleared his throat, and began the ritual, "ThunderClan needs a new deputy. I say these words in front of the body of Brambleclaw, and may his spirit agree with my choice for our new deputy," Firestar had been looking past the group of cats, and was looking at Brambleclaw, but had returned his gaze, "Thornclaw will be the new deputy of ThunderClan."
Thornclaw looked surprised, but then walked up to Firestar, "Thank-you Firestar. I promise that I will serve my clan to the fullest of my ability, and further when necessary."
Firestar nodded, looking happier. But the haunted look returned when he looked back at Brambleclaw,
"It is time for Brambleclaw to be buried. Mousefur, Longtail, if you would." He spoke to the two elders, who nodded, and took Brambleclaw out of the camp, and into the forest.
Hollyleaf watched them walk out, and then looked back at Firestar. His face was emotionless, and was silent for a few moments, but then spoke, "This meeting is over. We will hold another tonight for Rosekit and Toadkit." Firestar turned around, and walked into his den, Sandstorm behind him. All the other cats were breaking apart, and Mousewhisker turned to Hollyleaf,
"Do you want to go hunting?" He said, looking hopeful. Hollyleaf nodded, and the two stood, walking out of the clearing towards the forest. When they were almost to the edge of the forest, Berrynose came bursting out after them,
"Mousewhisker!" he called, hurtling himself towards his brother, "You won't believe it! Honeyfern is going to have my kits!" He was kneading the ground, so excited that he looked like he was going to burst out of his fur.
Mousewhisker looked at his brother for a moment, then at Hollyleaf. When he looked back at Berrynose, the cream-colored tom hadn't noticed his hesitant reaction.
"That's great Berrynose," Mousewhisker said, trying to drop a hint, "But I'm going out with Hollyleaf. You should go get Hazeltail and tell her."
Berrynose nodded, then actually looked at Hollyleaf, noticing her there. The cream tom looked embarrassed by his outburst, "Oh, right. Sorry," He said, understanding what it was that Mousewhisker wanted. He turned and went back into the camp.
"Sorry about that," Mousewhisker said, continuing to walk into the forest, "But he was really excited. He and Honeyfern have been together for a while, and were hoping for this to happen." He looked at Hollyleaf, who walked next to him with her pelt touching his,
"He told me that he wants two sons. He's lucky to have a sweet cat like Honeyfern by his side. Just like I'm lucky to have you." He purred, and Hollyleaf joined him.
"Mousewhisker, I really do love you," She said, "And I would like it if I could be your mate."
Mousewhisker turned and smiled at Hollyleaf. (I don't know if cats can smile, but we'll say they can) "That's all I've wanted since the day you stepped out of the nursery. I was an apprentice, and I saw you and said, 'She'll be my girl. She'll be the one to curl up next to at night. She'll be the one to have my kits' all I've wanted is you Hollyleaf, I love you." He purred again, and licked Hollyleaf's head. They were about to start hunting when Thornclaw came padding up to them,
"Mousewhisker, Firestar would like to see you." He said, flicking his tail towards the camp, "Now, if you can spare the time." His tone was rude, and Hollyleaf couldn't imagine any reason for Thornclaw to not like Mousewhisker.
But Mousewhisker just nodded, and followed Thornclaw, looking back at Hollyleaf,
"I'll see you later," he said, disappearing into the forest.
Hollyleaf decided to make the best out of her time out in the forest, and headed over to the WindClan border. She thought she had seen a nest of birds over there…
Her thoughts wandered around as she stalked over to her destination when she smelled a familiar scent.
Lionblaze.
She knew what he was doing, but she had to go follow him. Even if he was seeing Heathertail, it wasn't right. She wanted to see how serious that this was getting.
She picked up a scent trail easily, and was down wind of him. She could slightly scent Heathertail too.
When she saw Lionblaze by the stream, she froze, and then snuck behind a bush to look at Lionblaze. He was eagerly looking past the river, looking if he could see Heathertail.
I wish that I could just end this, Hollyleaf thought, if I could be Heathertail and end this. If I could be Heathertail this would all end now…I wish…
Suddenly, Hollyleaf was thrown into pitch darkness. First she thought she was dead, but she was still breathing. It felt like she was dreaming, but still conscious. She twisted around, trying to see what was blinding her, but suddenly, she was running.
Running to meet Lionblaze. Thoughts of love were streaming through her mind, and she ran like there was no tomorrow.
She was Heathertail, seeing through her eyes.
Well, thought Hollyleaf, as long as this is a dream, I might as well make it how I want it to be.
She continued running, but the thoughts of love turned into hate. She didn't know why they ever got together. Hollyleaf had that thought, then she heard Heathertail continue with things that Hollyleaf didn't know about. Ever since the beginning everything was about him. It was him who didn't want to play anymore. It was him who believed that I was a traitor, but just tried to make up so he could have me. I know what kind of she-cat I am, and that was one that every tom wants. Of course Lionblaze wanted me.
Just like Breezepelt.
I hate Lionblaze, and I have to end it.
I didn't realize that Lionblaze had done these things, Hollyleaf thought, and why did I hear her thoughts? She does love him right? Why would she think that?
Suddenly it made sense to Hollyleaf.
Heathertail continued to run, until Lionblaze came into view. She ran even faster; ready to get this over with.
"Heathertail!" Lionblaze called, unaware of what was going to happen to him.
"Lionblaze," Heathertail's tone was curt, "I'm afraid that I never want to see you again. Ever."
"What?" Lionblaze's eyes had a sudden flash of confusion, "Heathertail, I love-"
"No, you don't. You just want to use me, and leave me with a bunch of kits," She spat, enraged. The words were flowing out of Heathertail's mouth, and just because Hollyleaf had put an idea in her mind, "I never could understand why you left, and now I do. It was so you could run off with your warrior code and be off with some one from your clan. Another poor she-cat that you will just leave someday to go fight a war."
Lionblaze was shocked. He didn't move, and almost didn't breathe. His breathes came in short rasps, and looked betrayed.
"Why Heathertail? Why don't you love me anymore? Why do you say such lies?"
Hollyleaf could tell that Heathertail was softening. She saw Lionblaze's pitiful look, and she felt her heart soften.
No, Hollyleaf thought, don't soften. He's just going to use it to get to you. Don't soften. He's going to use you. Get rid of him now.
Heathertail's anger flared up again, "Don't try to trick me with that self pity. I said it because it's true. Oh and," Hollyleaf made her turn away, and start to walk away, "By the way, I think you should know, Breezepelt is my mate now." She nodded to him, and bounded away across the moor.
Hollyleaf once again was thrown into darkness, and was back in her own body. She peered out of the bush, and looked at Heathertail, who was turning away,
"By the way, I think you should know, Breezepelt is my mate now." They were the exact words Hollyleaf had heard moments before, spoken the same way. Lionblaze was standing in the spot he had in Hollyleaf's dream.
Great StarClan, Hollyleaf thought, I can go inside cats heads and make them do what I want.
Hollyleaf knew that this was her power, but also knew that she had just broke her brother's heart.
Lionblaze didn't understand. The day before he and Heathertail were best friends again, but know…
She hated him.
Why? He thought, must everything I know be destroyed? Why must everything I love be taken away?
Lionblaze slowly turned and walked back into the forest. Nothing could make him feel better now.
"Lionblaze!" It was Hollyleaf, running towards him. He ignored her, and kept walking, "You'll never guess what. I know what my power is!"
Lionblaze was interested now, and turned to his sister, "Really? What is it?"
"I can go inside a cat's head, and put my thoughts in their head, and make them move!"
Lionblaze nodded thoughtfully. That was a very powerful thing to have. If she wanted, she could manipulate anyone to get what she wants.
"How did you find out?" He asked excitedly, completely forgotten about what had just happened.
"Well, back there with Heathertail, I followed you and-" Suddenly she stopped, knowing that she had said too much at the wrong time.
Lionblaze froze. She had done what?!
"Hollyleaf," Lionblaze's voice was a deadly whisper, daring her to oppose, "Did you just make Heathertail say all of that? Did you?"
"Yes," she whispered, scared to death of her brother, "I did, but on accident. I thought it was a dream."
Lionblaze didn't look convinced, "I don't believe you. You did that so that I couldn't be with Heathertail. You and your precious code. Our parents were from different clans-"
"And look what happened to them!" Hollyleaf yowled, "Crowfeather is miserable. He wants to go home, but can't. What if they made you go to WindClan?"
"I could kill anyone who tries to make me. And I will kill you if you do that again with her. Don't. Touch. Her. Again." Lionblaze howled in fury, bounding away from Hollyleaf, and all of her lies. He wanted to go curl up in his nest and never come out. He wanted to die.
Running through the forest, Lionblaze realized how much he had loved Heathertail. But she was right. Sooner or later he would have to leave her, with or without kits. If he found love in his Clan, he could prove that he could stay loyal to a she-cat.
Suddenly his thoughts flew to Cinderheart. Her grey pelt, her blue eyes. She was a beautiful she-cat, and very brave and strong. Lionblaze could see himself next to her in battle, and next to her in the nursery.
Yes, he thought, Cinderheart is a very loving she-cat. I could love her. I can tell she loves me. How hard can it be to love a cat that already loves you?
When he arrived at camp, he immediately searched for Cinderheart. For some reason, a strange want to be with her had taken over his mind, and he wanted nothing else. He saw her go into the Warriors' den, and ran up there.
She was the only one in there, and had just curled in her nest. Lionblaze could tell that she wasn't asleep, so he lay down next to her. Her head popped up,
"Do you need anything?" She said, uncertain of why the hansom cat that she loved would just come a lay next to her.
"Only you," he whispered, licking her ears. She purred, and fell into sleep.
Back in the forest, Hollyleaf sighed, ashamed of what she had just done to her brother.
I hope you guys liked that chapter. I wanted a little romance to go into the story, and to show you two different points of view of when Hollyleaf uses her power. (yes, she did use it on him to make him realize that Cinderheart loved him)
I know I haven't gotten ten reviews yet, but I just love to update. Let's go for…five updates this time? Can you do that for me?
Winner for best review gets a Hollyleaf with her power plushie. Oh, and no one got the Crowfeather. I didn't get any….super awesome knock my socks off kind of reviews. Tell me really how much you like this story!!!!!!!!!!!