Chapter 18
Clan life had begun to go by slowly. Stripepool had moved immediately into the nursery followed closely by Icestorm who was expecting Lionblaze's kits. Jaysong hadn't left the warriors' den yet since she wasn't ready to give up her recently gained title of warrior. Plus the nursery was way to crowded with Spiderleg and Lionblaze in there non-stop. Every time Lionblaze and his sister, Hollyleaf, talked to Leafpool, Jaysong began to notice their similarities. Lionblaze had Leafpool's amber eyes and sometimes his ear would twitch like hers did when she was thinking about something difficult. Hollyleaf's green eyes reminded Jaysong of Squirrelflight until she realized who the ginger warrior got her eyes from. Squirrelflight was the copy of Firestar who also had green eyes. It seemed natural that Leafpool would be carrying Firestar's green eyes even if she had amber. Hollyleaf also had Leafpool's slender body despite her hard muscles. At the moment, Hollyleaf was leading a patrol consisting of Cinderheart, Briarcloud, and Bumblethroat.
Lionblaze was inquiring about Applepaw's training while Leafpool stared at him. Jaysong was surprised that no one in the Clan had yet realized Leafpool and Squirrelflight's secret. Leafpool suddenly looked up- probably feeling Jaysong's gaze- and met the golden brown warrior's eyes evenly. Getting to her paws, Leafpool flicked her tail for Jaysong to follow her into the medicine cat's den. Wondering what Leafpool wanted now, Jaysong followed, crossing the clearing without so much of a single interruption. Padding through the ferns of Leafpool's den, Jaysong saw Leafpool already staring at her, the light brown tabby nestled comfortably in her nest. Leafpool's amber eyes were dancing with amusement as she meowed gently, "You're just like you father. Brackenfur's emotions were always clear in his eyes."
Jaysong's chest swelled in pride at the thought of being compared to Brackenfur while Leafpool continued, "I know you have been thinking about the secret Squirrelflight and I confided you in. I've seen the way you stare at Lionblaze and Hollyleaf while they are around me and I hope the Clan hasn't noticed as well. You staring at them with your mouth hanging open might make cats a bit suspicious." Jaysong opened her mouth to apologize, but Leafpool went on, "Now don't apologize because I don't blame you. If anything I'm curious why you haven't pestered me about why I told you this. I'll tell you. It's because you remind me so much of Jayfeather. He was brave just as you are and for those who he could call friends, he had a very loving heart as you always had. Also without Brambleclaw or Crowfeather knowing my secret, Squirrelflight and I may join StarClan without any other cat knowing the truth. I suppose I saw something good in you." There was a tone in Leafpool's voice as though she wanted to say more, but the light brown tabby shook her head and mewed, "Well, I suspect you have many other deeds to perform so I'll let you go in peace."
Jaysong understood the dismissal and dipped her head in respect to Leafpool. Jaysong bounded over to Sandstorm and Ashpaw, meowing, "Any one up for hunting?" Both cats were on their feet in a heartbeat.
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"Jaysong, Jaysong," A voice whispered ghostly in Jaysong's ear and the golden brown warrior's gray eyes flew open in surprise. Expecting to see the inside of the warriors' den, Jaysong was shocked to find herself at the top of a ravine. At her side was a gray tabby, blue eyes bright despite the darkness that surrounded them. The gray cat's fur had stars speckled in his pelt and Jaysong immediately knew she was meeting with a cat from StarClan. Dipping her head, Jaysong was surprised when the cat growled quietly, "Don't treat me like some respected old cat. Your probably wiser then me already although you haven't seen half of what I have."
"I'm sorry," Jaysong murmured, meeting the cat's blue gaze evenly now. Jaysong tasted the air and was surprised by all the familiar scents that washed into her mouth. Firestar and Brambleclaw had walked up and down this ravine as had Leafpool and Squirrelflight. Dustpelt's scent mingled in the air with Sandstorm and Cloudtail's and Jaysong swore she scented her father, Brackenfur. The cat in front of her carried his own scent and clinging to his fur the strongest was Lionblaze, Hollyleaf, and to Jaysong's surprise, Poppyfrost's scent. That mean Jaysong could put a name to the gray tom. "Are you Jayfeather?"
"You have a nose that could rival Cloudtail. Yes I am Jayfeather. I have been watching you for some time now. I guess it interested me after all, we share the same name. Tonight I have not met with you on my own accord, but StarClan's. Your warrior ancestors have given me permission to let you meet someone tonight because you have proved yourself to be worthy of their trust." Jayfeather meowed and seeing the surprised look in Jaysong's eyes, explained, "Leafpool in trusted you to keep her secret and you have out of loyalty to her and your Clan. I know if Leafpool had confided in any other cat, Firestar would know that his grandkits were half WindClan. Now follow me."
"StarClan sure like their secrets," Jaysong murmured quietly and Jayfeather gave a soft chuckle. "Before you said, you have been watching me. If so, why haven't you came to me before this evening? There are many times when I could have used StarClan's guidance. When I fought in the first battle with ShadowClan, I sure didn't see any StarClan warriors fighting beside me. Or when the dog entered our territory and it's not just fighting you haven't helped me with. Toadflower's broken heart might be easier to heal if you could tell me which cat he could find happiness with." Jaysong suddenly realized she was rambling, "Sorry."
"Don't be sorry, Jaysong. Curiousity is a strong thing. Now to answer your questions. The way you speak of me- of StarClan- shows that you think we control everything. We do not. We merely offer signs and advice, but you and the other cats who still walk the Earth must forge your own path. I promise you Toadflower's destiny lies with another cat. He just must open his eyes to her and she to him. As to your requests about fighting, what sort of warrior would you be if I fought your battles for you?" Jaysong chuckled and then continued, "But you are wrong about before. Tonight is not the first time we have spoken. Do you remember hunting with Rosestripe before the ShadowClan fire? Did anything strange happen?" Jaysong's eyes widened as she remembered the prophecy she had heard. "Yes that was me. StarClan knew about the fire and of your part in helping with it. We also knew that Flowerpaw was going to join us and that Toadflower would choose his warrior name for her. StarClan doesn't know everything, but we do know enough. You also saw one of my signs. The day you ran into Blackstar- yes I know about Blackstar- you were chasing a blue jay. It was your destiny to meet Blackstar that day and I had to push you in the right direction, but enough of these questions. She is here."
A gray she-cat had suddenly appeared, blue eyes wide and excited reminding Jaysong of a young kit. Jaysong had seen this cat many times before, but it was shock that kept her silent. This cat wasn't dead yet, not even close. This cat was sleeping close to Jaysong in the warriors' den at the very moment. Jaysong was silent for another moment before StarClan allowed her tongue to loosen. In a voice that was numb with shock, Jaysong gasped, "Why are you here? I just saw you in the warriors' den! You aren't dead yet, not even close! What are you doing here with StarClan, Cinderheart?"
Cinderheart purred and mewed, "You remind me of my brother. Always trusting with his eyes and never faith alone, but he has become a great warrior as you will for you are his daughter." Jaysong sucked in a long breath and Cinderheart continued, "You guessed? Already? I cant' say I'm not surprised for it took even Jayfeather here seconds to understand me. Yes, I am Cinderpelt. StarClan granted me a new life so that I may tread the path of a warrior this time. Leafpool knows and now so do you, but this is another secret you must keep from your Clan. In my waking self, not even I know, but I can trust you with this secret. StarClan has great plans for you Jaysong."
"StarClan and their secrets," Jaysong mumbled and Cinderpelt purred before beginning to disappear. Jaysong began to fade away, but no before meowing, "The strongest of two will save the Clan."
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Jaysong's gray eyes blinked suddenly she was back in the warriors' den. Jaysong lifted her head tiredly, feeling as though she hadn't slept at all. Scanning around the warriors' den, Jaysong picked out her sister's gray fur nestled next to Hollyleaf and Foxfang. Cinderpel- no Cinderheart was beginning to stir and wake up to her new life as a warrior.
