OK, as line editor here, I shall be reposting THE SURVIVORS by SPOTTAIL, as I do corrections. I am correcting formatting, paragraphing (or rather lack thereof) punctuation, misspellings, and wrong or awkward word usages, but I won't be doing any serious sentence reworking or rewriting unless asked to do so.
Read and enjoy, and forgive any errors I may miss!!
THE SURVIVORS by Spottail
PART ONE(Prologue -Chapter Five)
Prologue
Lionblaze woke up to see Dovewing shaking him. The sky rumbled, and rain fell, drumming the den roofs.
“What is it?" he mewed sleepily.
"I think the great battle has started," Dovewing meowed, fear in her voice.
"WHAT? NOW?" Lionblaze yowled, jumping to his feet, scattering moss from his nest.
"Yes now," Dovewing mewed like a kit.
"Then lets go," Lionblaze said. As they walked out of the warriors' den, Dovewing stepped on Berrynose's tail.
"Hey, watch where your going!" he retorted with annoyance.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to. It's just that we’re in a hurry," Dovewing apologized.
"What for? It's in the middle of the night. There's nothing going on out there," Berrynose hissed.
"Yes, there is, Berrynose. The great battle has started," Lionblaze retorted.
"He's right, and I don't care if it's the middle of the night or not. They’re out there right now," Dovewing replied in a stern tone.
Berrynose got up walked over to Dovewing and Lionblaze. He hissed, "How do you know?"
"Because I can hear them, Berrynose, that's how I know," Dovewing answered with a growl. Brambleclaw came running in, stopping Berrynoe’s retort.
"What are guys still doing in here? You should be out there helping your clan mates, and Berrynose, Dovewing is right! The great battle has started," Brambleclaw panted.
As the three cats ran after Brambleclaw, Dovewing looked over her shoulder and hissed, "See Berrynose, I told you so."
"Just shut up, Dovewing," Berrynose hissed back.
When the four cats rushed out into the rain, Jayfeather ran toward Lionblaze.
"Lionblaze and Dovewing, I need to talk you guys," Jayfeather meowd, before Brambleclaw could reply.
“Go,” Brambleclaw flicked his tail and hurried off to join the fighting. Lionblaze and Dovewing followed Jayfeather to their secret hiding place. As they scurried through the wet undergrowth, they saw bodies littering the battleground. Screeching from the fighting echoed over the lake. Lionblaze quelled the urge to join in to help his Clanmates, wanting to know what upset his brother.They hunched together against the rains.
"Okay, Jayfeather what is it?" Lionblaze asked.
“We have to find the fourth during the battle or we'll all be destroyed!” Jayfeather mewed, his voice rumbling with annoyance and panic. “It’s important.”
"You’re right. I already saw six dead cats," Dovewing meowed.
"Yeah, and more will be coming," Lionblaze replied, his golden tabby fur ripplng down his body.
“Right, so while you and Dovewing are fighting, remember to keep your eyes open for the fourth," Jayfeather reminded them.
"Okay, we will," Lionblaze said.
"Wait. Are you going to fight, Jayfeather? I mean, you’re one of three,” Dovewing asked.
"You know can't fight. I'm medicine cat and hve you frgotten I'm blind?” Jayfeather retorted with a growl of exasperation. “Even if did fight, I won't be able to see who I'm fighting,”
Dovewing just nodded and followed Lionblaze into the battle. Jayfeather listened to them go, and sat down.
"Dovewing, I wish could fight. I wish for a lot things, but I had to follow a different path and I hate it!" Jayfeather hissed with frustration and outrage.
All of a sudden a StarClan cat materialized nearby. He heard the subtle whispers of her starry form, and swung his head toward her.
"Jayfeather, don't speak. I'm here to grant your wish.” The StarClan’s familiar voice sent stab of hope through him, but he squashed it down.
. "You can?" he responded with a skeptic meow, voice.
"Yes,” she replied.
"You can make me see, so I can fight in the battle?" Jayfeather asked in disbelief.
"Yes, I can, Jayfeather, come forward."
As Jayfeather walked toward the mystery cat, his mind swirled. “Am I really going to see? It’s a dream come true, if she tells me the truth,” he muttred to himself. When Jayfeather sensed her her body, he stopped.
"Good job, Jayfeather, you’re doing great. Now bow down your head."
“Spottedleaf!” He recognized her scent, and obeyed. Jayfeather shook with excitement mixed with apprehension, and very gently bowed down his head. Spottedleaf flung dirt into his eyes. He gritted his teeth and stoically withstood the barrage. When she finished, Spottedleaf put her tail on his back and guided him to the lake.
"Now what do you hear?" Spottedleaf asked him.
"The lake," he answered.
"Good job. Now go jump in it,” she mewed.
Jayfeather jumped in the lake, deciding to obey without question.. When he climbed out, eyes shut agsinst the cold water. H stood, shivering with cold.
“Open your eyes,” Spottdleaf mewed with mirth. Jayfeather opened one eye, and gasped. He saw her glittering tortiouseshell form, the water, the forest, the starry skies. He popped his other eye open.
“Thank you! Great StarClan! Thank you, Spottedleaf, You're a very pretty cat, just as I knew you would look like.” Jayfeather inhaled deeply,
"Well thank you, Jayfeather. That's very kind of you to say. Now, go join the battle, Jayfeather, and help Dovewing and Lionblaze find the fourth,” Spottedleaf mewed.
"You’re welcome, Spottedleaf,” Jayfeather said, before he dashed away to join the battle.
Spottedleaf watched go him go and sat down.
"That’s one healed; just one more to go," she murmured, then got up,and walked toward her next cat to help.
When Jayfeather reached the camp, he halted, shocked by what he saw. Cats fought everywhere, spitting, hissing, clawing and screeching in full battle fury. He hesitated, not sure what to do.
He scowled at his own fears. Get in there and fight, he told himself, and leaped into the fray, landing on the first Dark Forest cat he encountered.
Meanwhile Lionblaze searched for the fourth, and fought at the same time. While he looked around he saw Tigerstar, who stood in the middle of the battle looking around.
'Who is he looking for?' Lionblaze asked himself.
A tail cuffed him in back of head, taking Lionblaze away from his thoughts. He spun around, and growled, recognizing his attacker.
"Breezepelt!"
"Hello, Lionblaze, I hoping we would meet up." The black tom smiled at him.
Lionblaze curled his lips into a snarl. "Don’t play nice with me Breezepelt, because it won't work!"
Breezepelt looked at him, surprised. "What do mean, Lionblaze?”
Lionblaze gave Breezepelt a serious stare. "Oh, I know your little games Breezepelt. You’re trying to soften me up so I'll be easy to beat.”
Breezepelt looked at him with shocked stare, thinking 'He knows I'm trying to trick him, I'll have to tell him the truth.'
Lionblaze gasped when Breezepelt's eyes turned bright blue.
“Yes, Lionblaze I am trying to soften you up, because that what a Dark forest cat does; a Dark forest cat does anything to win!" Breezeelt drawled, voice full f scorn.
Lionblaze looked at him with dark amber eyes and growled, "I thought so!"
Before Breezepelt reacted, Lionblaze leaped onto his back. Breezepelt tried to shake him off, but Lionblaze hung on tightly. Breezepelt tried bucking him off, but Lionblaze only dug his claws in deeply into Breezepelt's flesh. The more Breezepelt tried to get Lionblaze off his back, the weaker he grew until Lionblaze dispatched him. Lionblaze got off his back and sat down,
"That's one down, a lot more to go." Lionblaze thought, before he got up and jumped back into battle.
While the battle raged on, Briarlight watched everything from the inside the medicine cat den.
"Oh, how I wish I could fight. I'm warrior why aren't I fighting? Oh, that's right, my back is broken! What if someone comes in here? How am I going to fight them? Is it my day to die?" she wailed in despair.
"No, Briarlight, it's not. StarClan hears your cries,” a voice startled her, and she turned to se a StarClan cat tanding beside her. “I’m Spottedleaf, and I’m here to help”
"How can you help me? Can you make me walk again?" Briarlight cried, a bit of hope sprouting in her heart.
"Yes, if you do as you’re told,” Spottedleaf mewed.
"I will,” Briarlight meowed, her hope blooming into excitement.
"Then come forward,” Spottedleaf commanded.
Briarlight dragged herself very slowly toward Spottedleaf. As soon as she reached her, Briarlight stopped.
"Good job, now lie down,” Spottedleaf mewed very gently
"Well, that's easy,” Briarlight mumbled, and dropped to her chest in front of Spottedleaf.
Spottedleaf walked behind Briarlight, and packed dirt tightly on both of Briarlight's back legs. Then Spottedleaf very carefully guided Briarlight toward the lake. Once on the shore, Spottedleaf told Briarlight to jump in the lake. Briarlight looked at Spottedleaf like she had three heads.
"I can't jump in the lake! I'll drown!" Briarlight mewled in fright.
"No, you won't Briarlight, I promise." Spottedleaf replied.
"Okay,” Briarlight said in a small mew, and dragged herself in. Water swirled over her hind legs, back, and tail. Briarlight slowly raised her chest, and to her shock, her hind legs worked. She stood up in a spray of water, slapping the surface with her tail in pure amazement and joy.
"Now, Briarlight go join your first battle," Spottedleaf mewed.
"Thank you!" Briarlight meowed, then she ran to join her first battle.
Spottedleaf watched her go and sat down. "My work here is done.”
She returned to StarClan, and Bluestar walked up to her. Spottedleaf felt a spark of concern.
“Not yet, Spottedleaf, you still have to go fetch Firestar.” Bluestar meowed.
Spottedleaf sighed. "I know Bluestar, but I still have some time."
Bluestar looked at her with sad eyes. "Not much time Spottedleaf."
Spotedleaf returned toThunderClan, in the middle of chaos an death. She watched everything in helpless horror. Thistleclaw headed toward the kitting place. Poppyfrost saw him, and snarled, paws up to defend the nursery, but Thistleclaw evaded her. He gave Poppyfrost a killing blow and Poppyfrost fell dead to the ground. Mapleshade appeared with a evil sneer on her face. Hollyleaf saw her, and yowled “I thought it would be Breezepelt.”
Ashkit pulled his sisters out of the way just in time as Mapleshade pounced on top of their mom, and before Hollyleaf could react Mapleshade took her paw and slapped Hollyleaf very hard in the back of head, breaking her neck. Hollyleaf dropped to ground, dead. Silverhawk slipped in, and he meant business. The kits saw him and ran just in time, because when he reached Millie and Daisy he killed them right on spot by breaking their necks. Spottedleaf shivered, wishing to help, knowing she must not interfere yet.
She noticed Tigerstar, who finally found who he was looking for. He extended his claws. "Hello, Firestar. I waited long time for this moment."
Firestar spun around when he heard his enemy and unsheathed his claws too.
"Hello, Tigerstar. I been waiting for you as well."
They looked at each other with hard stares, and together they leaped.
Spottedleaf watched and waited, until Tigerstar gave Firestar the killing bite.
Spottedleaf sighed and walked toward Firestar with tears in her eyes. She was able to hold herself together when got to Firestar. "Hello, Firestar, are you ready?"
Firestar looked up at her with bright green eyes and said, "Yes, Spottedleaf, I'm ready.” Together they twined tails while they walked into StarClan.
Bluestar looked up at them and said, "The great battle is finally over, the time of the new Clans has begun."
Chapter 1
The storm stopped. Graystripe stood up and groaned. "What happened here?"
He looked around, dejected. So many cats lay dead or hurt very badly. He sighed, "I should probably see if they’re any cats left alive besides me."
He walked around the hollow, and saw Ivypool laying in the middle of the camp. He gasped. “Is she dead?"
Graystripe stepped hesitantly toward her, and stopped when he saw her tail tip twitching. He sighed a sigh of relief.
"She's not dead,” he murmured. “Dovewing will be happy about that; but she also has some very deep cuts in side, I should take her to Jayfeather.The Dark forest found out that she was spying on them and tried to kill her.
Before he could take her to the medicine cat den, he heard tiny pawsteps. Graystipe spun around to see Silverkit.
"Dad! Come quickly,please! Something happened to Mom!" Silverkit mewled in fear. Graystripe looked at his kit with very round eyes, a pang of dread going through him.
"Show me," he said.
Silverkit nodded and dashed toward the kitting place, Graystipe right behind her. When they got to nursery, Graystripe saw Millie not moving, and ran toward her.
"Millie! Wake up, please wake up!" Graystripe wailed in anguish. He knew that she was dead, but his heart wept. His kits crowded him,
"Dad what's wrong? Stormkit asked.
"Why won't Mom wake up? Featherkit mewed.
“Mommmm! Wake up!” Silverkit cried.
Graystripe looked his kits and mewed, "Well, she's dead, kits. You will never hear, smell or touch her again."
"No!" the kits wailed.
Another kit overheard them, and called for her mom. “Mom! Where are you?"
Graystripe heard the little kit and thought, that's Flamekit, she's calling for Dovewing. Is Dovewing still alive? Stormkit took him away from his thoughts.
"Who else is dead or alive in here?"
"I don't know Stormkit, I should go look and see." Graystripe sighed. He got up and quickly found Daisy in the same shape as Millie.
She's dead, he thought, then he heard someone crying. Berrynose! Oh no that means Poppyfrost is dead! Graystripe felt despair, and wanted to give up on the search, when he heard a weak voice.
"Firestar, where are you?"
Graystripe turned around and saw Sandstorm. He walked toward her and sat down.
"Sandstorm, I will go and find him okay?"
"Okay Graystripe, and please hurry!" Sandstorm nodded.
Graystripe rose, only to sit back down hard when Dovewing ran into camp.
"There's no point in doing that Graystripe. Firestar is dead."
Graystripe just looked at her with his eyes round.
"Mom!" Flamekit, and Swoopkit raced toward her.
"Oh, thank Star Clan, you two are alright." Dovewing meowed while she licked her kits.
"What? He's dead!" Sandstorm wailed.
“Oh that's so sad, He was great cat." Ferncloud mewed.
"Yes he was, and will be deeply missed." Lionblaze mewed, ambling in behind Dowvewing.
"So that mean's Brambleclaw is leader now," Graystripe retorted.
"Not exactly. He asked me to come get you. He wants to talk to you, Graystripe." Lionblaze mewed in a sad voice.
“Ok I'm coming Lionblaze." Graystripe said. Before they left they heard a small cry.
"Mom!" Graystripe recognized Ashkit’s voice.
"That's Ashkit, Oh, no, then that means Hollyleaf is dead!" Lionblaze cried out.
"I'm so sorry Lionblaze, do want me to tell Jayfeather?" Graystripe asked softly.
"No I'll do it, it would be better if he heard it from me." Lionblaze wiped his tears away with his tail.
"Ok, Lionblaze, now lets go and see Brambleclaw." Graystripe mewed softly; Lionblaze jumped up.
"Oh great Star Clan, I forgot about Brambleclaw.Come on." Lionblaze jumped up, and hurried away. Graystripe followed Lionblaze out of the kitting place. They saw Sandstorm lying beside Firestar, dead, and Graystripe knew her broken heart killed her. Mousewhisker helped Hazeltail get up on her feet and Bumblestripe helped a limping Blossomfall. Finally they reached Brambleclaw, Graystripe gasped at Brambleclaw's glazed eyes.
“We don't have much time." Lionblaze mewed. Graystripe nodded and walked toward Brambleclaw.
"Brambleclaw what happened to you?' Graystripe asked.
"Hawkfrost is what happened. We were fighting and it was very bloodly. I killed him again, and he almost killed me." Brambleclaw answered, gasping for breath. "Graystripe I'm dying, and I say this hoping Firestar hears my words. Graystripe will be the new deputy of Thunder Clan. Graystripe you’re ready to be leader. You were deputy first before me. Firestar would want you to be leader. He knows that his clan will be safe in your paws," Brambleclaw mewed, as weak as a kit.
"I'll do it for Firestar, my best friend." Graystripe said, after a moment of shock.
“Thank you." Brambleclaw whispered, then collapsed and died. Jayfeather walked up to Graystripe.
"You’re leader now Graystripe. You need to receive your nine lives at the Moonpool."
“I know.” Graystripe nodded, then looked up at Jayfeather, and gasped "Jayfeather you can see!"
"Yes I can, Spottedleaf healed me.” Jayfeather looked up at him with a smile on his face. “Now let’s head toward the Moonpool."
“Sure. Lead on.”Graystripe got up and followed Jayfeather on the journey to the Moonpool.
Chapter 2
Graystripe's feet hurt when they reached Moonpool. Jayfeather showed Graystripe where to sit down and how to talk to Star Clan. Graystripe copied Jayfeather, and fell asleep. When he opened his eyes, the Moonpool materialized around him. He felt confused, until he noticed the sparkle on the rocks, and the mist swirling around, hints of StarClan. He saw nobody, but heard a strange voice.
"Graystripe, are you ready?"
"Yes I'm ready." Graystripe gulped, as the place filled with cats. The first cat to give him his first life walked out of the starry crowd.
"Mom!" Graystripe meowed
"Hello my kit I'm so proud you. For your first life, I give love use it well." The first one came gently. Graystripe watched his mother step back into the mist, replaced by the second cat to give Graystripe a life.
"Dad!" Graystripe mewed.
“Hello, my son, for your second life, I give you courage. Use it well in the fearlessness of battles." This life pierced Graystripe like a thorn, and he trembled.Graystripe's father fell back, and another padded cat forward. Graystripe's face brightened.
"Lionheart, I've missed you so much!"
"Graystripe I've missed you too.” Lionheart walked up to Graystripe and smiled. “For your third life I give you Friendship. Use it for when you start to feel lonely."
Graystripe sighed when this life came into him, soft and smooth. Lionheart fell back, and the next cat, a light grey she-cat, walked up to Graystripe
"Feathertail! Oh Feathertail! I've missed you so much; I thought I would never see you again!" Graystripe meowed.
"Dad I've missed you very much too.” Feathertail looked at him, her eyes full of love. “For your fourth life I give peace use it when you need it the most."
This is easy, and only five more to go. Graystripe thought when this life didn't hurt him either. A dark gray tom stepped forward. Graystripe gasped in surprise.
"Stormfur, I've missed you very much, but what happened? The last time I knew you were with the Tribe of Rushing water. What happened to them?"
"Dad, the Tribe is no more.” Stormfur sighed “There was earthshake that made snow fall down from the mountain, and buried us alive. We all died, except for Brook and the kits, I used my paws and dug them out and died. Brook is bringing Lark and Pine to Thunder Clan. Dad, they’re your grand kits. I'm hoping you'll take them in."
"Of course I'll take them in, Stormfur,” Graystripe purred with joy. “I'll make sure no one rejects them. Am I taking Brook in, too?"
“No.” Stormfur shook his head, "Once she brings them into The Thunder clan borders, she will join me. Oh, I almost forgot, for fifth life I give you kindness.Use it when you need to help out cats, like Lark and Pine."
This life came in fast and smooth. Graystripe looked up his son and smiled.
"Stormfur, I'll make sure your kits are safe and sound, I promise."
"Thank you." Stormfur looked at Graystripe with soft blue eyes;
"You’re very welcome." Graystripe licked his son’s cheek.
Stormfur licked his dad back and walked away. A pretty silver she-cat rose to her paws and approached him.
"Silverstream! Oh, Silverstream, my love; I've missed so, so, so, so, so much!" Graystripe gasped, with tears in his eyes.
"Hello Graystripe.” Silverstream smiled at him. “I've missed you very, very, very, very much too."
"Are you mad that I chose a second mate?" Graystripe licked her cheek and sighed.
"No.” Silverstream shook her head.”I'm not mad at all, Graystripe, I understand. Millie has been very kind to you and you have beautiful kits."
"Thank you, Sliverstream,” Graystripe mewed. “When it's my time to die,I will choose to be with you."
"I know, every cat here is choosing their first love.” Silverstream's face brightened. ‘For your sixth life I give you hope. Use it well, and know I'll always be here waiting for you."
This life entered soft and easy, too. Before Silverstream left, Graystripe looked at her and whispered, "until we meet again."
"Yes, Graystripe, until we meet again." Silverstream nodded. She licked the top of Graystripe’s head and walked away. A striped, gray tabby she-cat walked forward.
"Millie, I've missed you." Graystripe murmured, remembering his love for her and the fresh loss.
"I've missed you, too, Graystripe." Millie smiled.
"Millie, when I die, I'm going to be with Silverstream, my first love,” Graystripe admitted. “I hope that's ok with you."
"Yes, Graystripe that's ok.” Millie just nodded. “I'm not mad about Silverstream. That's why I named one my kits Silverkit.For your seventh life I give you faith. Use it when you need it the most."
The life wafted into him, gentle and quick. Millie walked away, and Graystripe saw she was heartbroken, and he felt sorrow for her. A ginger tabby tom with a flame colored pelt trotted up to him, wiping away any other thoughts. Graystripe stared at him, speechless, but soon found his voice.
"Firestar, oh, Firestar! My best friend! I've missed you."
"Hello, Graystripe.” Firestar looked at Graystripe with a big smile. “I've missed you, too.” Firestar’s tone turned brisk. “For your eighth life I give you, compassion. Use when you need it the most. Graystripe, it was just my time die, but I know you will take good care of my clan." Graystripe inhaled sharply, as this life stabbed nto him. Graystripe dug his claws into the rock, pain rocking him on his feet. Graystripe looked at Firestar with tears in his eyes. Sadness, anguish and grief shot through him.
"Yes, Firestar, I will," Graystripe meowed softly. Firestar nodded and walked away. Two cats, a golden brown tabby tom, and a dark brown tabby tom, padded forward.
"Brambleclaw, and Brackenfur, my apprentice!" Graystripe wiped his eyes with his tail.
"Hello, Graystripe.” Both cats smiled, speaking in unison. “We are here to give your last life of believing, strength and gentleness. Use them well."
These lives slashed into him, ripping pain through his body. He clenched his jaws to stop yowling in agony. In moments, it vanished, and when Graystripe's fur lay flat again, Brackenfur walked back to his spot.Brambleclaw cleared his throat.
"From now on the cats shall now know you as Graystar. Your old life is no more and you will make a wonderful leader of Believe clan," Brambleclaw announced. Before Graystar opened his mouth to speak, Bluestar came forward.
"Yes, Graystar, the time of old clans are over,” she said. “The time of has new clans have begun. Don't worry about the kits they ready to become apprentices."
"Ok, Bluestar. I will tell the clan the big news." Graystar agreed.
"Thank you, Graystar.” Bluestar nodded. “You will see us again in your dreams."
Graystar woke up and blinked. The Moonpool glimmered, and the rocks lay empty of starry apparitions. Jayfeather looked at him.
"Are you ready to go, Graystar?"
“Yes,” Graystar nodded. "I'm ready."
Together they walked back to Believe Clan, where Lark and Pine waited for them.
Chapter 3
Brook finally reached the Believe Clan border, her eyes glazing over with exhaustion. She set Lark and Pine down by the lake, and her legs collapsed under her. Her breath rattled in her chest.
“Goodbye, my kits. Your Grandfather will take care of you.” She shuddered, and lost her life.
“Mom!" Lark cried, when her mom stopped breathing, and ran to Brook’s side. Pine walked up to his sister.
"She’s dead, Lark. Our mom is with dad now." Pine whispered. Lark looked at her brother.
"Why are we here?" Lark mewed.
"Mom said we have a grandfather to take care of us." Pine sighed. Lark opened her mouth to retort in disbelief, when they heard footsteps behind them. Both kits spun around.
"What is it?" Lark asked in fear.
"I don't know." Pine gasped. Lark hid behind Pine.
"Look, Pine! That bush is moving." Lark mewled in dread. Pine saw a bush moving, and terror filled him, but he stood in front of his sister.
"Don't worry, Lark, I'll protect you."
"Ok," Lark squeaked, her eyes round. Pine fluffed out his fur and put his claws out, he looked at bush, and growled.
“Whoever you are come out of there, I'm not scared of you."
The bush split open as as two cats came out.
“Why would you be scared of me?” One of them said, and Pine gasped
"Jayfeather!” Pine stared at the other cat, a long-haired gray tom. “Who are you?"
"I'm Graystar, your grandfather. I'm here to take you home with me," the tom answered, his eyes slit in a smile.
"It's ok, Lark. We can trust him," Pine whispered, looking over his shoulder.
"Ok," Lark agreed, looking at Graystar.
"Follow me kits." Graystar smiled, beckoning them with a wave of his tail. Slowly they walked back to camp.
Meanwhile, back at camp the kits are getting ready for their apprentice ceremony. One pf the cats heard footsteps.
"Graystar is back!" he meowed. All of the cats gathered below the ledge, the kits jumping up and down with excitement. Graystar leaped up on the ledge.
"Hollyleaf's, Poppyfrosts, Millie's, Sandstorm's, Dovewing's and Brook's kits, have reached their ninth star. They have had an adventurous kit hood, but I hope they learned valuable lessons. I believe they ready to become apprentices.” Graystar called out. “Fallenkit, from this day, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Fallenpaw. Icecloud you have not had an apprentice yet, but I trust you to pass all you learned to Fallenpaw and help her to become a warrior that the clan can be proud of.”
Icecloud went over to Fallenpaw to twine tails with her.
“Ashkit from this day until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Ashpaw.” Graystar continued. “Bumblestripe, you also have not had an apprentice yet, but I trust you to pass all you learned to Ashpaw and help him become a warrior that the clan can be proud of.”
Bumblestripe went over to Ashpaw to twine tails with him.
“Cavekit from this day until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Cavepaw.” Graystar’s voice continued the ceremony. “Blossomfall you have not had an apprentice yet either, but I trust you to pass all learned to Cavepaw and help her to become a warrior that the clan can be proud of.”
Blossomfall went over to Cavepaw to twine tails with her.
“Cherrykit from this day until you receive your warrior name, will be known as Cherrypaw.” Graystar looked down at the kit. “Ivypool you have not had an apprentice yet, but I trust you to pass all learned to Cherrypaw and help her to become a warrior that the clan can be proud of.”
Ivypool went over to Cherrypaw to twine tails with her. They stood with the other apprentice/mentor pairs.Graystar turned his attention to the next kit
.
“Molekit, from this day, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Molepaw.” Graystar said. “Foxleap you also have not had an apprentice yet, but I trust you to pass all learned to Molepaw and help him to become an warrior that the clan can be proud of.”
Foxleap padded over Molepaw to twine tails with him. The group of new apprentices eyes shone, nd they fidgeted with suppressed excitement. Graystar blinked his eyes in a brief smile before going on with the ceremony.
“Squirrelkit, from this day, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Squirrelpaw. Berrynose, you have not apprentice yet either, but I trust you to pass all you learned to Squirrelpaw and her to become warrior that the clan be proud of.”
Berrynose walked over to Squirrelpaw and wrapped tails with her. Squirrelpaw glanced up at Berrynose, her eyes shining with happiness.
“Leafkit, from this day, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Leafpaw.” Graystar meowed. “Mousewhisker you have not had an apprentice yet, but I trust you to pass all learned to Leafpaw and help her to become a warrior that the clan can be proud of.”
Mousewhisker moved over to Leafpaw to twine tails with her. Leapaw lashed her tail with delight, before twisting it with her mentor’s tail. Graystar glanced at the new apprentice in amusement, before looking at Squirrelkit.
“Spottedkit, from this day, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Spottedpaw. Hazeltail you also have not had an apprentice yet, but I trust you to pass all learned to Spottedpaw and help her to become warrior that the clan can be proud of.”
Hazeltail trotted over to Spottedpaw to twine tails with her. Spottedpaw took her metorr’s tail, her eyes sparkling. Graystar nodded, shifting his weight.
“Flamekit, from this day, until you receive your warrior name, you will be as Flamepaw. Toadstep you have not had an apprentice yet either, but I trust to pass all you learned Flamepaw and help her to become warrior that the clan can be proud of.”
Toadstep stepped over to Flamepaw to twine tails with her. Graysar inhaled, and continued.
“Swoopkit, from this day, until you recive your warrior name, you be know as Swooppaw, I will be Swooppaw mentor.”
Swooppaw's eyes went wide as she climbed the ledge and twined tails with Graystar.
I'm the leader's apprentice! she thought, then snapped back to what was happening. Graystar’s voice quivered, then strengthened.
“Featherkit, from this day, until receive your warrior name, you will be as Featherpaw. Rosepetal you have not had an apprentice yet, but I trust you to pass all learned to Featherpaw and help her to become a warrior that the clan can be proud of.”
Rosepetal ran over to Featherpaw to twine tails with her, her paws dancing wth exciement. Graystar faced the next kit, a smile breaking over his features.
“Silverkit, from this day, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Silverpaw.Briarlight, you have not had an apprentice yet, for obvious reasons, but now you will.”
"Who? me?" Briarlight gasped in astonishment.
"Yes, you, Briarlight.” Graystar said, a smile lighting up his eyes.”It's wonderful that you can finally walk on four legs again, and for your reward I give you Silverpaw as an apprentice."
“Thank you, Graystar! I never thought that I would ever get apprentice!" Brairlight mewed with excitement.
"You’re very welcome, Briarlight." Graystar replied, then continued the meeting. “I trust you to pass all you learned to Silverpaw and help her to become a warrior that the clan be proud of.”
Briarlight trotted to Silverpaw and twined with her apprentice. Her blue eyes sparkld with utter delight and surprise. Graystar turned to the next kit in the large group.
“Stormkit, from this day, until you receive your warrior name, you known as Stormpaw.” Graystar leveled his gaze on an older warrior. “Cloudtail, you have not an apprentice for while, but I trust to pass all you learned in past to Stormpaw.”
Cloudtail went over to Stormpaw and wrapped his fluffy white tail with his apprentice’s.Graystar looked at Pine, The kit azed back, wide-eyed with emotion.
“Pine, do promise to protect and defend this clan even at the last second of your life?”
"I do." Pine meowed.
“Then by powers of Star Clan I give you your clan name. From this day, until your warrior name, you will be know as Pinepaw. Lionblaze you have not had an apprentice for while, but I trust you to pass all you learned in the past to Pinepaw.”
Lionblaze went over to Pinepaw to twine tails with him. Pine raised his tail, gazing up at his large mentor. Graystripe took a breath and went on.
“Lark, do you promise to protect and defend this clan, even at the last second of your life?
"I do." Lark said.
“Then, by the powers of Star clan I give you your clan name; Lark, from this day, until you receive your warrior name, you will be know as Larkpaw."
Graystar looked up at the sky. The moon rode high above. Graystripe murmured. "good, I still have time," He returned his attention to his clan, taking a fe deep breaths.
“Are we done?” someone squeaked the question. Graystripe shook his head.
"We’re not done yet, I still need to pick a new deputy.” Graystripe’s voice thundered over the hollow. “I say these words, hoping that Firestar approves my choice, Lionblaze is the new deputy of Believe Clan!"
All of the cats looked Graystar as if he had three heads.
“But we’re ThunderClan!” someone cried out. Graystar cleared his throat.
"The time of the old clans is over, and the time of new clans has begun. Bluestar said we are now Believe clan, not Thunder clan any more!" Graystar raised his voice. “StarClan says this is a new dawn. Embrace our new name and future!”
As the cats chanted their new clan name, Lionblaze pulled Jayfeather aside.
"Jafeather I have something to tell you." Lionblaze mewed in a sad voice.
"What is it, Lionblaze, and by tone of your voice it's not good news." Jayfeather meowed.
"It's not, Jayfeather, Hollyleaf is dead she's really dead this time." Lionblaze sighed.
"What, how?" Jayfeather cried.
"I don't know, but I do know that we still have her kits." Lionblaze said.
"I guess that's true, Lionblaze, thanks for me telling that." Jayfeather said, feeling a little bit better.
"You’re welcome Jayfeather, Graystar wanted to tell you, but I told him that it would better if you heard from me." Jayfeather paused, when he heard footsteps.
"Do you think that my sisters are still alive?" a golden she-cat mewed.
"I don't, Goldenseed, but still praying to Starclan to keep them safe and to bring them back again someday." Jayfeather mewed.
"Thank you, Jayfeather, Every night I look out the door to see if I see them coming back." Goldenseed meowed.
"Oh great Star clan, I must pick out cats for the night patrol." Lionblaze gasped.
"No you don't. Not tonight. Right now we should just go to our dens and get some rest." Graystar mewed behind Lionblaze, startling him.Lionblaze regained his composure.
"Ok, Graystar, that sounds good." Lionblaze yawned.
"Goldenseed, don't worry about your sisters, I'll ask about them tonight." Graystar mewed softly.
"Thank you, Graystar." Goldenseed said, as she ran after Jayfeather.
"You’re very welcome, Goldenseed!" Graystar called back,then he curled into his den and fell fast asleep. He about to dream, when someone woke him up.
"What!" Graystar said sleepily.
"Sorry to wake you up, Graystar, but the Mom's have started kitting." Jayfeather said.
“Ok, I'm up Jayfeather lead the way." Graystar said fully awake now, Jayfeather nodded and ran toward the kitting place, Graystar at his heels. When they finally got there Cinderheart, Brightheart and Ferncloud already had their kits. Lionblaze ran to Graystar when he saw him.
"Hello, Graystar! Cinderheart has named her kits, Honeykit, Poppykit and Hollykit. Ferncloud has named her kits Surprisekit and Wishkit, and Brightheart has named her kits Swiftkit, Princesskit, Believekit, and Thunderkit. Dovewing has not had her kits yet."
"Thanks for the update," Graystar mewed.
"You’re welcome,” Lionblaze smiled.
All of sudden Dovewing gave out a loud cry.
"She's started kitting, Jayfeather, You better go get Foxleap." Goldenseed meowed. Jayfeather nodded and ran toward the warrior's den, While they waited, they heard a little cry.
"Something wrong with Wishkit, she's acting funny." Goldenseed gasped and ran toward Ferncloud; Dovewing just finished when Goldenseed came back from bringing Wishkit to the medicine cat den. Jayfeather came back with Foxleap.
"Dovewing! They’re beautiful. What are their names?" Foxleap asked.Dovewing purred at her mate.
“The toms are Tigerkit, Birchkit and Ripplekit,” she answered. “The she-cats are Whitekit and Peacekit."
"What about this one?" Foxleap asked, looking at the last kit. Dovewing looked at little she-cat.
"I don't know, Foxleap. Why don't you name her?"
"What about Firekit, after Firestar?" Foxleap suggested, gazing at the red kit.
"That's perfect, Foxleap." Dovewing looked at him, her eyes shining with approval. Graystar walked over the kits.
"Welcome to Believe clan kits," he meowed, then said good night and walked to his den to get some sleep. When got to his den, he curled up and fall fast asleep and no one woke him up this time. He slept, unaware the most surprising dream in his life was about to happen.
Chapter 4
Graystar opened his eyes, to see he was in a field of wildflowers. Graystar sat down. Ok what I do now, he thought. He saw a mouse eating a seed, and thought well I might as well get that mouse while I'm waiting for something to happen. As he crouched to stalk the mouse, a bright light shone. Brambleclaw appeared.
"Brambleclaw!" Graystar gasped.
"Hello, Graystar.” Brambleclaw just smiled, “I have many things to tell you that Star clan thought you should know. First of all, I know you want to know about Goldenseed's sisters. They are ok."
"That's wonderful news, Brambleclaw,” Graystar sighed. “Goldenseed will very happy when she hears the news."
"Not really, Graystar,” Brambleclaw shook his head. “We don't you to tell Goldenseed. We want her to be surprised when sees them tomorrow."
“So,” Graystar growled in throat. “You knew all this time that Goldenseed's sisters were alive all this time, and you didn't tell her?"
"Yes,” Brambleclaw nodded with a sigh. “But the reason why we didn't tell her is because she was supposed to become a medicine cat not a warrior. Do you understand, Graystar?"
"Yes, Brambleclaw” Graystar nodded. “I do understand."
"Thank you, Graystar,” Brambleclaw sighed. “And they’re coming with two other cats. They are my kits. You see, a few days before Squirrelflight died Star Clan allowed her to have two she- cats, who she named Shimmerkit and Sparklekit, after the color of their pelts Shimmerkit's pelt was silver and Sparklekit's pelt was golden. She took care of them for three weeks, before Hollyleaf showed up. The day she saw Hollyleaf Squirrelflight hid them in woods, and ran back to Thunder clan. Hollyleaf followed her and when she got back home, she saw Squirrelflight acting like nothing had happened. Then after three more weeks, she killed Squirrelflight and Leafpool, then she said my work here is done. Hollyleaf looked like she did this without a care in world, and started to leave until Sol showed up.”
“Oh, no, not that one again,” Graystar growled.
“Yes, it was Sol.” Bramblerclaw continued. “The clan thought Sol was Hollyleaf’s mate and let him join the clan, because they were scared of Hollyleaf and in 12 weeks she had Ashkit, she named after Ashfur. Cavekit she named after the home she lived in for 25 stars and Fallenkit she named after Fallenleaves, the cat she thought she loved first before Sol."
Graystar stared, trying to take it all in.
"Ok let me get this straight,” Graystar said. “Squirrelflight had kits six weeks before she died, who she named Shimmerkit and Sparklekit that took care of for three weeks. The day Hollyleaf came back she hid them in woods, then after three more weeks after Squirrelflight came back to Thunder clan Hollyleaf killed her and Leafpool, then said "my work here is done. Right so far?"
“Yes,” Brambleclaw answered.
“She killed like she didn't care.” Graystar continued the incredulous tale.“She probably felt the same way when she killed Ashfur. I was there when she told us that, but I wasn't there when she killed Squirrelflight and Leafpool, That's why Sandstorm named two of her kits Squirrelkit and Leafkit when she had Spottedkit she missed them very much and she wanted something to remember them by. I always wondered why Firestar made Sol a member of Thunder clan, but now I understand why and I won't blame him wanting to make Sol a member to make Hollyleaf happy he was scared of her. Then in 12 weeks she had Ashkit whom she named after Ashfur, I always thought she named Ashkit after Ashfur and was thinking that his warrior name could be Ashdust. Cavekit after home lived in for 25 stars, great Star clan thats a lot of stars. I would guessed that to, but I never knew that was the reason why she named one of her kits Fallenkit. I thought she named her Fallenkit, because she felt like she had fallen and that’s why ran into the cave. Not after a cat she knew in the cave and fell in love with, but I guess I understand why she did that."
"Graystar, you got it straight, good job." Brambleclaw nodded.
"Thank you, Brambleclaw." Graystar smiled.
"Your very welcome Graystar." Bramblesclaw said, then disappeared, Graystar woke up and stretched, then got up to tell Lionblaze it's time pick cats for the dawn patrol. When all sudden one of the cats called out, "I see some cats coming this way and it looks like the rest of Sorreltail's litter!"
Chapter 5
Goldenseed came out of medicine cats den, to tell Jayfeather about Wishkit, when she saw the arriving cats.
"Thank Star clan." Goldenseed gasped. A blue-gray she-cat and a black she-cat ran into the camp.
"Rainpaw and Sootpaw it great to see you two again. Where's the other two?" Goldenseed meowed.
"They’re trying to get two cats we trained into the camp, will explain soon." Rainpaw mewed.
Meanwhile outside the camp, an orange tabby she-cat tried guiding two scared she-cat into the camp.
"Come on it's ok there nothing to be scared of." The orange she-cat coaxed. Finally the two she-cats followed the orange tabby into the camp. A tortoiseshell and white she-cat came along right behind them.
"Joypaw, where's, FANTAPAW! Oh, Fantapaw it's so good to see you again." Goldenseed said with big smile on face.
"It's good see too Goldenpaw." Fantapaw just smiled.
“I'm Goldenseed now." meowed Goldenseed.
“You got your warrior name, that's great!" Fantapaw said in a exctied mew.
"I'm not a warrior, Fantapaw, I'm a medicine cat." Goldenseed said.
"WHAT? I thought you said that you never wanted to be a medicine cat." Joypaw replied.
"Well I thought you guys were dead, so I decited that to save cats not kill them." Goldenseed said in tiny mew.
"Oh, well I guess I can understand that, I'm sorry you thought we were dead." Sootpaw mewed.
"So what happened while we gone?" Fantapaw asked.
"The great battle is what happened. Many cats were killed." Goldenseed said in sad voice.
"Who?" Fantapaw meowed.
“Many. So many.” Goldenseed took a deep breath and said "Mousefur, Purdy, Daisy, Millie, Poppyfrost, Hollyleaf, Thornclaw, Spiderleg, Birchfall, Whitewing, Sol, Brambleclaw, Dustpelt, Sandstorm, Firestar, Sorreltail and Brackenfur. The cats that are alive are Jayfeather, Lionblaze, Dovewing, Ivypool, Cinderheart, Brightheart, Ferncloud, Foxleap, Icecloud, Berrynose, Blossomfall, Briarlight, Mousewhisker, Hazeltail, Bumblestripe, Rosepetal, Toadstep, Cloudtail, all the kits who now apprentices. We also have some new kits and Graystripe who is now Graystar. Now what happened to you guys and who are the cats your with?"
"First of all Mom and Dad are gone? I can't believe Sorreltail and Brackenfur are dead. Second of all during our final assessment we were chasing a squirrel and got lost, while we looking for a way back home we found kits who were only four stars old. We couldn't just leave them, so we stayed to take care of them and we taught them how to hunt, fight off their enemies, the warrior code and the ways of the clan, until they were old enough to came back to Thunder clan. We found one by the brook and one hiding in ferns, I thought that the kit by the brook was protecting her sister. They told us that their names were Shimmer and Sparkle, the thing that they didn't know is who their mom and dad were. Sad story but true," Rainpaw, Sootpaw, Joypaw and Fantapaw told him.
Graystar looked at the two cats that were with Goldenseed's sisters.
That must be the two cats Brambleclaw told me about, Graystar thought.
Meanwhile Jayfeather searched for Goldenseed, and finally found her with her sisters.
"Rainpaw, Sootpaw, Joypaw and Fantapaw it's good to see you guys again, and Goldenseed I've been looking for you. Do you any news on Wishkit?” Jayfeather meowed.
"Yes, I do Jayfeather” Goldenseed sighed. “I was on my way to find you when my sisters who I haven't seen in nine stars came home. They slowed me down, Anyway Wishkit is very sick and is in the hands of Star clan now."
"I can understand that Goldenseed” Jayfeather sighed.. “And that's awful are you going to tell Ferncloud the sad news?"
“Yes Jayfeather,” Goldenseed nodded. “I just told my sisters about their mom and dad, I thought I would tell Ferncloud about her poor little kit." Goldenseed walked toward the kitting place, with her head low. When she got there she took a deep breath.
"Hi Surprisekit, can I talk to your mom alone?"
"Sure." Surprisekit mewed and off to play with the other kits. When Surprisekit was gone Goldenseed looked at Ferncloud.
"Hello Ferncloud, I have some news about Wishkit."
“Well, how is she Goldenseed?" Ferncloud asked.
"Well, Ferncloud, she is very sick and is in hands of Star clan now. I'm very sorry, you do have one very healthy kit Ferncloud That's Surprisekit.” She left Ferncloud sobbing, unable to comfort the sad queen. When Goldenseed came out of kitting place she saw cats gathering at the High Ledge.
"What going on?" Goldenseed asked.
"Graystar is going to make us warriors!" Fantapaw answered with a squeak. Graystar jumped onto the High ledge.
“I,Graystar, leader of Believe clan, call upon my warrior ancestors look down on these four apprentices. They have trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code and commend them to as warriors in their return. Rainpaw, Sootpaw, Joypaw and Fantapaw do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend this clan, even at the cost of your lives?”
“We do,” all of the apprentices responded.
“Then by the powers of Star clan I give you your warrior names. Sootpaw, from this moment you shall be known as Sootpath. Rainpaw, from this moment you shall be known as Rainsplash. Joypaw, from this moment you shall be known as Joylight. Fantapaw, from this moment you shall be known as Fantastream. Star clan honors you bravery and strength and we welcome all of you as full warriors of Believe clan.” Graystar swung his head to gaze at a couple of kits.. “Also Shimmer and Sparkle come forward.”
Shimmer and Sparkle did as they were told and came forward.
“Now Shimmer, do you promise to denfend and protect this clan, even at the last second of your life?”
“I do.” Shimmer mewed.
“Then by the powers of Star clan I give you your clan name. Shimmer, from this moment you shall be known as Shimmerfern. Sparkle, do promise to defend and protect this clan even at the very last second of your life?”
“I do.” Sparkle meowed.
“Then by the powers of Star clan I give you your clan name. Sparkle, from this moment you shall be known as Sparklebrook.”
All of the clan cats raised their voices to welcome the new warriors.
“Sootpath, Rainsplash, Joylight, Fantastream, Shimmerfern and Sparklebrook!” echoed off the ledges. Graystar waited for the cheering to die down before he continued.
“Shimmerfern you are new warrior, but you have wonderful fighting skills and killing skills. I trust you to pass them on to your new apprentice, Larkpaw.” Shimmerfern went over to Larkpaw to twine tails with her.
"This meeting is finally over!" Graystar finished. The new warriors hurried to begin their vigil. As Graystar watched them go he thought, Believe Clan is growing, slowly but growing.