Interlude: Starclan 1

A certain leopard spotted cat awoke within the fields of Starclan. This was not all that uncommon for the young cat. Resurrection was never an instantaneous process for him. The young cat never really knew how to address himself while he was in this state of in between. Was he Snakepaw, the name he had in his last life, Snaketail, the highest name he ever acquired, Snakekit, the name he was going to be, or was he Serpens, named after his first life? For now, he'd just go by Snake.

Snake set out at a lazy jaunt. It was always nice to see Starclan's land, the only thing that was almost as unchanging as him. He passed a few cats, giving a respectful nod as he slipped by. Snake had a destination in mind. Starclan is not an utterly uniform place. There's plains, forests, swamps, and even rivers there. At the center of it all is a place very reminiscent of Four Trees. That was Snake's destination.

As Snake made his way towards the center, a very young apprentice came bounding over. "Snakepaw! You're back! Do you get to stay this time?" Queried Badgerpaw.

Snake gave a light but slightly pained chuckle. "As much as I'd love to, that's not my fate. Did you see any other new arrivals? I they haven't been there yet, send them towards the center. I'm sure they'll appreciate meeting the founders."

Badgerpaw nodded firmly, enjoying the idea of taking on a mission. "I'll go find them now!" He answered before bounding off.

Snake watched the apprentice leave, happy that the kit was content here but sad that the kit even needed to be here at all. Death is a cruel thing that comes for everyone eventually. Everyone that is but Snake. Some day Badgerpaw would find peace here, letting himself become content and one with all existence. Then, his soul would one day be reused to grant new life. Thus was the nature of life as was told by One and Three so long ago. Snake envied them. Someday they'd get to forget and experience life with fresh eyes filled with wonder. The wonder had left Snake long ago.

Snake shook off his thoughts and stayed his course. He could already feel the center, a massive well of ethereal energy. It was warm and inviting, exactly as he remembered it. He reveled in it like a warm breeze. He continued on his path, knowing soon he'd see them again. They were always there at the center, the founders. Whether they were the original Thunder, Wind, Shadow, and River was up to debate. Sometimes, if he was lucky, Sky would appear in the corner of his vision, disappearing just as quickly as he'd seen him. Despite Sky's prickly exterior, Snake had a certain fondness for the cat and mourned when Skyclan was dissolved, causing Sky to vanish.

Finally, Snake reached it, noting seven cats awaiting him. One of which was an eager apprentice who he'd seen earlier. "I got them here as quick as I could. Wind said you won't be here long." He reported, jovial at having completed his mission and saddened that his friend Snakepaw wouldn't be staying longer.

"You did good Badgerpaw. I'm sure you'll be named a warrior here in no time." Snake replied in an almost paternal tone.

Shadow was the first of the founders to speak. "It has been quite a while Snake. It seems you lived one of your fuller lives. Of course, we always take care to watch you throughout your cycles. It is the least we can do for all you've done for the clans."

Snake dipped his head in embarrassment. "You don't need to keep bringing it up Shadow. I just do what I can with the time I've got, no different than anyone else. I still haven't forgiven myself for what Snowtuft and I did."

River cut in at that moment. "You've more than made up for your sins. In addition, while what you and Snowtuft did was horrible, it was what broke you out of your apathetic cycle."

"I hardly count masochism and sadism as any better." Snake grumbled.

"Regardless, it gave you perspective that your life made a difference and had value. It gave you hope that you could break your cycle, even if your potential freedom was by being sent to the Dark Forest or breaking your mind." Thunder answered. "Snowtuft was really committed to you. To this day, I regret that we had to cast him into the Dark Forest. At the time, it seemed right, but seeing you now and what you do with your eternity, I wonder how he would have turned out if he met you at a better time. There are very few who'd damn themselves for another."

Snake's ears dipped in regret and sadness at the mention. "Another mistake I must atone for. Has anyone spotted him yet at the border?"

Wind shook her head. "We haven't seen anything definite. While we've seen white cats past the border, we haven't been able to confirm if one of them is him. The longer he is there, the more he'll forget. I'm sorry Snake. I don't think you'll get the chance to help him."

A moment of silence hung before Thunder cleared his throat to get our attention. "On another note, we think we've found something promising on how to finally free you."

Snake shook his head at the comment. "Don't bother. Trying to end the cycle only brings pain to those around me."

"Listen!" Thunder shouted, ending Snake's pity party. "We really think we've found something this time, and it all has to do with how you died this time. You resonated! This may just sound like spirit nonsense, but something happened when he gave you mercy. You two connected. Albeit strange and faint, we know this means something. What it is, is still unclear. Either way, we've got something to look into. Even some of the great medicine cats took interest in the event. I can't say we'll find a solution, but something changed. As you've always told us, the greatest gift of life is experiencing something new, and you're bound to experience it now."

For a moment, the founders excitedly jabbered between each other before Snake felt the familiar pull of reincarnation. His form was starting to fade as it reformed in the world of the living.

"Aw. You've got to go?" Badgerpaw whined.

"I'm sorry. This is just my nature." Snake consoled.

"Remind me, where are you off to next Snake?" River asked.

"As long as I don't have an off cycle, I'll be next in Windclan."