Chapter 2

Moon 4 | Hay

Despite his ambitions, Darkwhisper knew his body was not healing the way it should; that much Hazelstar knew of. The old injuries in his joints were slowing him down and no matter how hard he pushed himself he wasn't able to keep up like he used to. Sure Hazelstar and Darkwhisper didn't get along, but she had to respect the tom's wishes. However, she didn't want to let him wander the beach alone or become some house-cat. As such, she sought guidance from Cricketwhisper who was more than willing to help create the words needed to express gratitude for the many moons the dark gray and white tabby tom had given them.

Hazelstar sighed softly and scaled to the Slanted-deck's highest point, the morning sun rising higher and higher for the day. The few cats of StormClan waited after milling about, their eyes trained on their leader as she tried to find the strength to speak to them, her eyes finding the younger tom- although he was only younger than she was- and giving him a nod. Today was the day she would allow him to retire and finally rest his old joints.

"Cats of StormClan, for this meeting I had choices to make. Some are easier than others. For the past moon I have taken time to rethink about my actions and the actions needed to be taken for our very cats." She meowed, keeping her head high. "First and foremost, I must apologize for my rash decisions for the past moon. I was harsh, but it was out of my love and care for each of you. I never wanted any of you to be hurt or feel the need to pressure yourselves to take risks."

The cats nodded slowly, giving her strength to press on. "As a result, I won't forbid anyone for crossing the thunderpaths. I won't even punish them for it. I just want you all to be careful. I know I cannot stop all of you from doing it, so I will make one compromise to trust in your judgment in return for allowing any cat to try and cross the paths of a land-monster."

"Thank you." Miyun mewed softly.

Hazelstar dipped her head, before beckoning with a flick of her tail to Darkwhisper. "Last, but hardly ever least, I wish to bring rise to Darkwhisper's wishes. As you all have known, he had been working himself hard for these past moons. While most of us know how hard he has worked, he has made a request that I take great care in finding a way to still provide for the ambition and honor Darkwhisper has given to us all. As such, I have prepared a ceremony for such a tom; Darkwhisper please step forward."

The dark gray and white tabby tom rose to his paws and stepped into the open sands before her, his yellow eyes shining in the sunlight with uncertainty.

"Sea of Stars, I wish for you to look down upon this ambitious tomcat. He had worked among the sea-monster to keep it safe from mice and rats for many long moons. He has even worked hard trying to do right by StormClan. His wounds and injuries over those moons have long since healed, they now make him weary and I wish upon Darkwhisper the many moons of rest as he deserves." Hazelstar dipped her head into Darkwhisper. "He shall live with us, share upon his wisdom of his long life and have an equal share of prey as the rest of us. He is now our Elder and we shall treat him with the respect he deserves for his many long moons of help."

Slowly each cat bowed their head to the newly made elder, showing their respect for a tom who had a long life and plenty of time to rest and soak up the sunlight in peace.

I can only imagine how many more moons I have in me.

I hope I have enough to last for these young cats who need the shelter this beach can provide.

.

Hazelstar kept watch over the Clan for the following days, taking note of how Rainstripe continued to create small patrols. The warm sun helped Hazelstar's old body feel sleepy and more relaxed than it had in moons. She hoped the warmth would last long enough. She twitched her ears as Rustyfeather and Haillaurel headed out together again. Ever since Darkwhisper became an elder, the Clan had been one warrior short. Still, she had faith that the two will find something worthwhile on their patrol.

However, as the dark clouds began to gather, concern filled Hazelstar's chest. She could smell a storm on the way and she wasn't sure how long they would have until it struck. Luckily, Rustyfeather and Haillaurel had come back early. The two were quick to apologize, but Hazelstar shushed them and comforted them with her pride for them coming back early rather than weathering a storm all over again.

For the next quarter-moon, the wind and rain made the palms and other trees sway and hiss. Leaving her cats to struggle in finding enough food in the miserable conditions. The storm had come so suddenly without a warning, but Hazelstar trusted her cats to remain vigilant whenever possible.

It soon paid off when Rainstripe returned with Heatherstem and Miyun bringing home a rabbit. A rare find as far as Hazelstar knew and was quick to praise them for their luck. The storm had yet to wane, but she felt pride in how well her Clan was beginning to flourish. As time stretched on, Hazelstar began to make it a habit to take a walk on her own to muse over the territory and how to best allow her cats to be both free and protected within it. Although, she made a point to also accompany their self-proclaimed healer whenever possible. After all, the she-cat could always use an extra set of paws to carry herbs from time to time.

Moon 5 | Sturgeon

With greenleaf in full swing, the bodies of water were growing full of fish, especially in the shadows. Miyun had informed Hazelstar and Rainstripe of the hunting opportunities in the southern beaches' tide pools and how they were perfect for catching all sorts of fish that ended up in their own special lagoon of coolness. It was an oasis of foliage, providing shade and shelter for the smaller fishes and sea creatures. As such, Hazelstar and Rainstripe made the decision to allow Miyun take some warriors to investigate over there.

However, one warrior will have to sit it out. Heatherstem had been wounded protecting Rainstripe from a fox while on patrol. The young she-cat had been very brave, so much so that they had to do everything possible to provide decent meals for her swift recovery.

Thus, Rainstripe was heading out with Miyun, Rustyfeather, and Haillaurel to bring back a good haul of prey. Leaving Hazelstar and Sleetcrash to keep Heatherstem company. They were as caring as possible to bring her favorite prey as much as they could and even helped her move around by ensuring there was no debris in the way. Darkwhisper even kept watch whenever they did this until the hunting party managed to return with plenty of fish and some soggy oak leaves.

Sleetcrash was thankful for them, but she still was worried for Heatherstem. It would take time for such wounds to heal and, if she was not strong enough, she may not make it. Hazelstar understood these fears as though they were her own. So much so, she made a point to walk with her to seek out herbs whenever possible. The healer needed all the help she could get and Hazelstar was willing to give it her all.

With more precious herbs collected, Hazelstar hesitated as she searched the landscape. She spoke of the Sea of Stars, but she worried there was no true connection to it. Sleetcrash hadn't spoken of Cricketwhisper at all, so it was hard to think the healer would be looking into it at all. Regardless, they made it back to camp without incident, giving Hazelstar a chance to see how the wounds Heatherstem was still enduring were healing.

The bite-wound was deep and disheartening to look at; so much so Hazelstar winced in empathy. Sleetcrash, however, seemed unfazed as she cleaned the wound diligently before reapplying healing herbs to ensure infection could be kept at bay a bit longer. Her skill and nest-side manner only seemed to solidify her unwavering care and gentleness that Hazelstar saw her with.

Heatherstem flinched a little from the angry pain of her wound. "S-sorry, it just... it stings a little." She confessed softly.

"It's alright." Sleetcrash mewed warmly. "I would be more worried if you couldn't feel even a sting from what I'm doing."

"You're doing a fine job." Hazelstar suddenly spoke, a warmth of pride in her chest. "I'm sure Heatherstem will be back on her paws in no time."

Moon 6 | Harvest

Sorrow had spread through the greenleaf days as they held a ceremony in honor of the life of a brave and young she-cat. For a majority of the moon, Heatherstem was weak but willing to keep moving forward. It wasn't until Sleetcrash slipped into Hazelstar's den that morning about the condition of their youngest warrior. Pale green eyes full of pain and grief as the words left her mouth.

"I'm sorry, Hazelstar." Her mew cracked with grief. "I... I did everything I could, but it wasn't enough."

"Heatherstem's...?" She whispered, hardly wanting to believe the insinuation.

Sleetcrash nodded, her ears drooping as she frowned. "She died, Hazelstar. She slipped away sometime in the night."

The world had crashed around Hazelstar all over again. Heatherstem was a brave she-cat to have saved Rainstripe and now her life had run out. Not long ago the wounded she-cat had been joking with Rustyfeather and bonding with everyone like she wasn't growing weaker and weaker.

Heatherstem was the bravest of all.

She more than likely knew that she was dying.

And she kept it to herself all this time.

Just so we could have fond memories of her one last time.

As far as Hazelstar knew, Heatherstem was guided to the Sea of Stars where she could fish and swim to her heart's content. Sadness and sorrow would always remain for the Clan, but life will go on. Especially when the time was right. Until then, Hazelstar had wished for good swimming and hunting upon her youngest warrior. She even made sure the wound was covered as much as possible to keep her looking as she had in life before she faded from them forever.

Rustyfeather also took the death hard, so much so that Hazelstar promised that any cat grieving will be allowed to rest until they felt ready to take on their duties once more. As a result, the dark ginger and white tabby she-cat accepted the leave of rest. The others wished to continue to ensure they would recover from this terrible start of Miyun's so-called moon of harvest.

.

Miyun had explained that barn cats like herself have called this time of the season the moon of harvest. The reasoning was due to the barn-dwelling Twolegs harvesting all sorts of plants. Like the others, she wasn't sure why they did this, but she assumed it was for something of importance. As a result, land-prey would be teeming in the forest as they ran to escape the change of landscape.

Hazelstar wasn't keen on leaving camp just yet, wanting to grieve with Rustyfeather so they could both heal together. However, she made sure that Rainstripe knew of Miyun's promise of land-prey being plentiful. After all, she had to hope that the hunting will go well from now on.

On one of many hunting expeditions that Rainstripe and Miyun had tackled together, they had recounted to Hazelstar about the biggest octopus they had ever seen. So big that it could have fed the whole Clan easily! However, it was too big for just a pair of cats to hunt as it was able to lazily swipe Miyun away with one leg while it wriggled back into the sea. Rainstripe figured a larger hunting patrol in the future could capture such a valuable prey-item. Hazelstar agreed, yet she felt more sorrow sink deeper into her bones.

Heatherstem's first true catch was a small octopus.

I don't think me and Rustyfeather could ever look at any octopus the same way again.

.

As the moon slowly passed by, Hazelstar took note of Haillaurel being a natural in lending Sleetcrash some help. The she-cats were working together quite well and even managed to bring home lungwort one day. Haillaurel may not enjoy the fragrant scents of herbs, but she could see the understanding in her hazel eyes. She truly was learning to appreciate Sleetcrash's way of contributing to the Clan.

It was a relief, yet, she and Rubyfeather had remained in their nest together. Hazelstar was much like a mother to the younger cats and she never minded giving them the love and care they needed. Sometimes, even big strong warriors needed a mothering figure to find comfort in and Hazelstar was more than willing to do so. After all, she missed Heatherstem just as much as Rustyfeather did. Even if, at the moment, it didn't seem like it to Rustyfeather (the poor she-cat was positive she missed her young friend more; Hazelstar didn't have the heart to disagree or argue with her on it.)

Moon 7 | Hunter

The beginning of leaf-fall was upon them. The leaves slowly changed colors, the palm fronds wilting from the last of the heat from greenleaf. The tussocks of grass on the dunes have yellowed and paled as they prepared to die off for the colder moons ahead. Thankfully, they were hunting well still as they prepared to eat as much as they could in preparation of leafbare, a time of the greatest hardships and a time where they needed a good fat storage in their bodies to hold strong.

Hazelstar wished she could be strong and say this was not the time for more mouths to feed; but how could she be so cruel when Rainstripe brought home a tiny clowder of kits? There were three of them, barely over two moons old with eyes wide with wonder and apprehension. They needed a place to live after they had been abandoned by the Twolegs who didn't want them. They were taken from their mother from too young of an age and Rainstripe's gray eyes were round and pleading for them to stay.

"What are their names?" She asked slowly, wondering how deep Rainstripe was already attached to them.

The deputy looked up at her, "Bonekit, Weevilkit, and Peakkit." Her voice was firm with a slight tremble. "I know this is not the time for kits, but they needed a home, Hazelstar."

"I've heard enough." She spoke, looking over the camp. "Since Darkwhisper is an elder, he can keep watch over them while you do your duties."

"We can stay!?" Bonekit suddenly squeaked out, the speckled cream she-cat having her eyes stretched wide in surprise.

"You can stay." Hazelstar purred warmly. "Take your time to get comfy in the camp, but don't explore outside of it alone without a parent or trusted cat, alright?"

"We won't!" Weevilkit called out happily, their dark gray tabby pelt bushed out in excitement.

"Thank you Hazelstar." Rainstripe dipped her head.

"It's not a problem." She vowed from the bottom of her heart.

Maybe kits are just what we need in these trying times.

Maybe we can finally let go of grief just a little bit more with new innocent faces.

It was a start and it was one that filled Hazelstar with hope for the very first time.

.

The kits were melding into the Clan quite nicely. The spirits seemed to be lifting at the sight of their innocence and wonder. It was more of a surprise to Hazelstar to see the kits still holding on to their innocence despite the circumstances that brought them to their Clan. So much so, she couldn't help but tell Rustyfeather about them as Clan life went on.

Rustyfeather wasn't really interested, but she at least appreciated the burrs being removed from her pelt in the process. So it was some progress for the two grieving she-cats. As for the rest of the Clan, Haillaurel and Miyun began to patrol the territory together while Rainstripe went hunting. Sleetcrash continued to seek out precious herbs to ensure the kits would make it through the coming leafbare; leaving Darkwhisper to keep an eye on the kits and entertain them with tales of his time on the see.

Slowly and surely, StormClan was healing from its humble beginnings and its recent tragedy. Bringing a new batch of apprentices to come in the coming moons should the rest of leaf-fall and the ever approaching leafbare be favorable.

Allegiances (as of Moon 7)

Leader: Hazelstar - long-furred light brown elderly she-cat with bronze-colored eyes

Deputy: Rainstripe - long-furred dark gray tabby she-cat with gray eyes

Healer: Sleetcrash - long-furred pale gray and white tabby she-cat with pale green eyes

Warriors:

Rustyfeather - dark ginger tabby she-cat with pale blue eyes

Haillaurel - pale cream ticked tabby she-cat with hazel eyes

Miyun - long-furred unusually spotted pale silver she-cat with warm gray eyes

Kits:

Bonekit - speckled cream and white she-kit

Weevilkit - gray and white tabby tom-kit

Peakkit - speckled black and white she-kit

Elders:

Darkwhisper - long-furred dark gray and white tabby tom with yellow eyes

Sea of Stars (Residents of this Chapter)

Heatherstem - dorsal-striped light brown and white she-cat with heather-blue eyes

Author's Note:

Fun fact, I hurt my thumb during the making of this one. So if it feels short and all, that is why.

I will miss Heatherstem, I fell in love with her and I was hoping she would survive. ;v;

Hay = July; Summer is in full swing and the barn is full of fresh hay

Sturgeon = August; The last few moments of summer, fish are common in shady shallows

Harvest = September; Fall begins without notice, land-prey is plentiful

Hunter = October; Leaves have finally changed colors, predators tend to search for more prey

[ Edit of June 10th: I caught a cold and it took over a week to get well enough to write again, so a story will be late to updating due to sickness slowing me down, but it will be updated this month. ]

Thank you for reading, have a fantastic morning, day, evening, or night! - NightSky