Chapter 62: The End Of One Story
Fireheart raced along the edge of the gorge trying to keep Bluestar in sight. The river soon swept out towards the Thunderclan border and the gorge became less pronounced. His heart raced as he had only one goal, save Bluestar. Finally, he could wait no longer. He leapt into the current swimming paw length by paw length closer to the silver form he knew had to be his leader. He didn't care that his legs burned from having to move in unfamiliar ways to paddle. He didn't care that his lungs burned as he struggled to keep afloat. He had to get to her. He couldn't let her down. He reached her and got himself under her. He could faintly hear her breathing.
Leopardstar was not happy about Thunderclan so callously using their land, but at least they were kind enough to give gifts to make up for their infractions. Truthfully, she did not care for such showy gifts like the colored stones and glass Darkstripe brought, but it was tradition to use things such as that to beautify their camp in times of peace. She read the offering as a show of goodwill, that Thunderclan did not wish conflict with them. Seeing Darkstripe's splinted leg, she worried slightly of deception, but she decided it would be prudent to send the warrior back with an escort. It would show goodwill as well as keep that cat from sneaking off somewhere. She had Stonefur, her deputy, and Mistyfoot guide the cat back. Those siblings were highly regarded in the clan for their association to Crookedstar and Oakheart. She saw them as means to solidify her status. It didn't hurt that they were supportive of her rise.
As the Thunderclan warrior and two escort Riverclan warriors approached the river, something caught their eye. Upstream was an orange mass plainly visible in the water. Darkstripe recognized it instantly and started running. The escorts had no choice but to follow as Darkstripe sped off. As they drew closer, it became obvious what Darkstripe saw. Fireheart was desperately trying to keep himself afloat with Bluestar on his back. The two Riverclan warriors soon outpaced Darkstripe and leapt into the water with the confidence only Riverclan could have for water. Fireheart looked thoroughly exhausted and did vomit up some water after Stonefur pressed him, but he'd survive. Bluestar was a different story. Despite their efforts, she could not get enough air in to her lungs. It wasn't the water. Her body had a large bruise from her being slammed into the side of the gorge. Her ribs were broken and a couple fragments had punctured her lungs. She would not have a quick death, but something in her remained. That clarity she had so long ago had returned. Her eyes met Fireheart's and swept through the cats by her side. She couldn't have asked for better cats to send her off.
"Fireheart… Darkstripe… Stonefur… Mistyfoot… I'm glad you're here. I have some things to say before I pass. First, Stonefur, Mistyfoot. I'm sorry I gave you away. I did what I thought was needed for my clan, but I never stopped loving you. It was so hard watching you grow up and not being able to share in it. You both have made me proud. I know you may never forgive me, but I'll always watch over you."
Even though the two Riverclan cats felt anger for their estranged mother, this was her final moments. They couldn't bring themselves to hate her. They were hurt, but they could feel how much she really loved them. They pressed their noses into her pelt wanting if only for a moment, to be that family that was separated so long ago. After a couple heartbeats, they backed off. Bluestar's eyes focused on Darkstripe.
"Darkstripe. You've been one of the few things keeping me stable in the past few moons. We've both been wounded and faced pains no cat should ever face. I care for you as I would my own kit. While I let my fears dominate me, you recovered. You showed me a strength I could never hope to match. You've been hurt so often, but you persevere. I tried to copy you. I began to recover if only to keep up with you. I hope one day you can see your own strength. I'm so proud to have even pretended to be your mother."
Darkstripe was overcome with emotion. He buried his face in her pelt. His form was wracked with violent sobbing. He really didn't want to see her go. He did manage to speak between his sobs.
"You were more of a mother than my real one. I'll miss you."
A faint smile crossed her face before her attention turned to the last cat here, Fireheart.
"Fireheart. My last apprentice. I've watched you grow from a curious kittypet to the one cat I'd trust my clan to. I remember your little escapades as an apprentice. You were always looking out for other cats regardless of the code, and that is exactly why I chose you. I named you after that. Let your heart guide you. The clans have forgotten why we banded together and who the code is to serve. Remind them of that. You've embodied what the founders wanted since the beginning. I'm glad I got the chance to take part in your life, to feed the fire which will save the clans. I will always watch over you. I know you'll be an amazing leader. Now my glorious Fire, guide the clans into a new age of light. I'll be with you every step of the way."
Bluestar's breathing stilled as Fireheart made his own final goodbyes. There were no words to express his sadness. She had been his mentor, leader, and a mother figure. As he let out his own wail of sadness, he remembered all they'd done together. He remembered the way she taught him. She wasn't always present, but when she was, she was insightful and often playful. She was his hero and inspiration. He always strove to make her proud.
The silence was deafening. None of the four could bring themselves to speak. They just sat there for a while letting themselves process their emotions. Finally, as if they choreographed it, they all rose. The Riverclan warriors helped move Bluestar's body across the river. They could go no further. Though they felt something for Thunderclan's fallen leader, they were Riverclan cats now. It wasn't their place to continue. Darkstripe and Fireheart managed to shoulder their leader's body. It was a slow and quiet return to camp. Even the forest seemed silent, mourning in its own way.
As Fireheart and Darkstripe started to emerge in camp, there were signs of celebration on their clanmates' faces. Then they saw the body. The joy of victory was quickly squashed by the shock of tragedy. The camp was silent as the pair gently laid Bluestar's body in the center of the clearing. Cats emerged from all corners of the camp to bear witness. Fireheart didn't want to move away from his past mentor, but an address was necessary.
"Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey meet below the high ledge for a clan meeting!"
The call was entirely unnecessary, but it was a formality that he felt was right to give.
"Today, Bluestar gave her final life and now walks with Starclan. She was there to save me when our plan to remove the dogs went awry. She saved me by pushing the last dog into the gorge. I tried to save her, but the rapids wounded her in a way that couldn't be healed. In her final moments, she shared with me her love of our clan and gave me the responsibility to guide and protect you all. I'll do my best to live up to her expectations. Tonight, we hold a vigil for our leader. I'll name our deputy just before moonhigh."
Despite his grief, Fireheart already was in motion. He needed to choose a deputy to guide him and inspire confidence in the clan. Quietly, he made his way over to Sandstorm and Darkstripe who had come to sit together. He gave himself a moment to let the two comfort him. They all had a measure of grief from Bluestar's passing. Unfortunately, he had to end that prematurely as he had to bring up his initial reason for coming over.
"Darkstripe. I know you said you would never have the skills to do it, but I want you to be my deputy. You've been guiding my paws ever since I became a warrior. There is no cat I trust more to help lead the clan."
Darkstripe froze for a second to process Fireheart's request before answering.
"I'm sorry. I can't. There's something I've been tempted to do, and now is the perfect moment. Tigerstar has become too big of a threat, and our own lack of information is leaving us crippled to respond."
Darkstripe let out a long breath before stating his plan.
"I need you to let me leave the clan. I need to look like I was exiled. Then, I can get into Tigerstar's ranks. What Thunderclan needs of me most is not to be your deputy but to be your spy."
Fireheart's and Sandstorm's breath hitched at Darkstripe's statement. He had said that with so much conviction that they knew they couldn't deter him, but at the same time they didn't want it to happen. Darkstripe would be on his own in enemy territory while they'd be helpless to rescue him if he was discovered. They'd be sending their mate into the den of their enemies.
Fireheart finally managed to speak. "Knowing you, I don't think I can stop you. I want you to promise me something, on your pride as a dealer and as the warrior Darkstripe. I want you to promise you'll get out if things get dangerous. I want you to promise you'll get out alive."
Darkstripe purred as he pressed himself against his two mates.
"I promise I'll be careful. I'll get out at the first sign of danger. You can count on me. Tigerstar no longer scares me."
As moonhigh approached, Fireheart gave his next address. After some assistance selecting with Darkstripe's and Sandstorm's guidance, Fireheart chose Whitestorm to be Thunderclan's deputy. His experience and calm demeaner were the deciders. In the morning when Fireheart set out to the Moonstone, Darkstripe gathered Longtail, Cloudtail, Dustpelt, and Bramblekit. Bramblekit was soon to be a paw, so his assistance would be a boon for his plan. With the cats he gathered, Darkstripe went through his plan to spy on Tigerstar. Those he gathered would be the ones he passed information off to when he could. He hoped this would be enough to end Tigerstar's reign of terror.