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Post by ♥Snowfire♥ on May 6, 2017 21:25:46 GMT -5
Wildfire's confusion was interrupted, however, as a large dark brown tom approached him. The cat's eyes were a shimmering hazel, and his pelt was laced with scars. The tom spoke, looking directly at him. "I lived the best years of my life raising my two sons and one daughter alone, having to be strong for them after their mother abandoned us. Both emotionally and physically, strength let me get through it happily. You may not know my name, but you know of my daughter, and her accomplishments. I see a great deal of her in you, son, which is why I give you the life of strength." He stepped forwards, placing his starry light brown nose on his forehead and closing his eyes. "With this life I give you strength. May you learn that this is not only in things like battles, but emotionally as well. As a leader, cats will look up to you for comfort, reassurance, and overall depend on you, and you cannot support them without great strength."
He pulled away, and a fierce ripple of rejuvenating energy burst inside of Wildfire, making his chest feel broader, and head higher. Before this sensation was over, the scarred tom padded away, and Wildfire could see his outline was somewhat fainter than most of the cats that he'd seen the rest of the ceremony.
Simultaneously, a long-haired snow-white she-cat every bit as large as the tom separated herself from the black tom she was sitting next to, and padded over to Wildfire, large paws thudding gently on the frosted ground. Wildfire's bright green eyes widened when they met her royal blue ones, as he realized she could only be one cat. "Snowstar..." He breathed, amazed. She had been leader two reigns before Hawkstar, as well as the grandmother of Hawkstar. Many stories were told about her, and how she led the Clan to the Caves, among other tales. Most of these by Eaglesight and Ivybounce, the eldest elders, who were some of the last living cats who knew her.
Snowstar purred as she stepped up to Wildfire, deep blue eyes shining brightly as her fluffy tail swished. "I hope my father did not talk off your ears, Weedclaw has a tendency to do that." She chuckled apologetically, love radiant in her eyes.
Wildfire blinked with realization. So that's who that tom was. he thought,now knowing with joy that an important cat had compared him to a leader like Snowstar. Feeling a little more confident, he smiled back at his great-great-grandmother. "No, Snowstar, he didn't. I very much enjoyed his words of wisdom." He meowed, dipping his head.
At this, the beautiful starry she-cat laughed warmly. "Speaking of which," she meowed, touching her pink nose to the ginger tom's tabby forehead, "with this life I give you wisdom[/i]. May you use it to guide your Clan when you cannot find a speck of light in the shadows, or a difficult decision is placed in front of you." She prayed, pulling gently away from the tom as a quick, sharp shock jolted through Wildfire. "Remember that you are never alone, and you have elders, a deputy, medicine cat, and family to look to for guidance if you are lost. Never forget that we, your ancestors, are here, and you can always call on us for knowledge." Snowstar purred. She then turned, glancing back at him briefly, and returned to her seat besides her mate and her father, curling her fluffy tail gently over her large paws.
Wildfire was shaking from the leftover sting of her words, marveling at the thought of SnowClan being his Clan, as Snowstar had put it. Then, with slight dismay, he realized that he had not yet seen Hawkstar, and wondered with worry if something had gone wrong in the hours since the former leader's death.
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Post by Moonblazer on May 6, 2017 21:43:08 GMT -5
"Hmph. You look like you've lost something close to you, kit." Hawkstar finally scampered up to Wildfire, smaller than the new leader but standing as proud as he always did in life. His amber eyes shined with pride as he gazed at his grand-nephew.
"You're a fool if you think I wouldn't be here...look at you now. I remember my brother boasting so proudly about his grandson and granddaughter. As if my daughter wasn't pregnant too. I watched you grow, and saw that spark in you I hadn't seen since the days of Snowstar. Of Hollowstar. I knew you were special, and from a cat like me, that's quite a feat."
He padded up to his deputy, ready to give his life, but allowing Wildfire to speak.
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Post by ♥Snowfire♥ on May 6, 2017 21:51:32 GMT -5
Wildfire's green eyes brimmed with tears, of joy or sadness or both he was unsure himself. "Hawkstar... Thank you. This opportunity, no, this blessing you have given me... it's more than anything I could have dreamed of as a kit." The ginger tom was so glad to see his former leader standing proudly before him, as he had always known him to, despite his small stature.
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Post by Moonblazer on May 6, 2017 22:02:06 GMT -5
"All I did was make a choice. And I know I won't regret it. You're strong, kind and your energy will heal the heart of any cat. I know this. Your choice in deputy was good as well. I see Nightflame agreed that our granddaughter was a good choice. Surely Echoshine and Angelsong agree as well." Hawkstar puffed with humor, before he became serious.
"But most of all, you are not afraid to be who you are, and protect what you care for at all costs. Even so, I wish to give you your final life, one that will guide you, protect you and shape you into your highest potential."
He stood on his toes to press his nose to Wildfire's forehead.
"With this life I give you Courage. No matter what challenge, no matter how hard, how frightening, how impossible, no matter what disasters befall you and the weight of the stars lands on your shoulders, you will have the Courage to move forward, and to become a beacon for every cat you've sworn to lead. Courage will shine in the darkest of nights, and course through your veins to face everything standing in your way. In battle...in hunt...in love...it is Courage you need to push you onwards. Use it kindly." He moved away.
His voice grew strong and powerful, as it had during his own leadership.
"I hail you by your new name, Wildstar. Your old life is no more. You have now received the nine lives of a leader, and StarClan grants you the guardianship of Snowclan. Defend it well; care for young and old; honor your ancestors and the traditions of the warrior code; live each life with pride and dignity."
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Post by ♥Snowfire♥ on May 6, 2017 22:49:13 GMT -5
Wildfire received his last burning life with enthusiasm, and when he opened his green eyes, they shone brighter than before, as his new name now encompassed him. "Thank you, Hawkstar." He smiled at his former leader and friend before looking to the crowd of StarClan cats. "Thank you, all of you." He dipped his head, chest full of pride. "I, Wildstar, promise to uphold all of these traditions, and above all protect and serve my Clan." He swore, holding fluffy tail high.
Wildstar... The name bounced around in the ginger tom's head a bit, as the weight of the ceremony fully settled on his broad shoulders.
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Post by Moonblazer on May 8, 2017 15:26:38 GMT -5
Nightflame, Watersplash, Hollowstar and Hawkstar chanted the leader's new name at the same time, as though chanting in tandem.
Isolated Caves-
"We're close to a full moon..." Olivebranch glanced his green eyes up through the large crevice above the sacred Willow. He sat among the tree's roots, long tail curling around his paws.
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Post by ♥Snowfire♥ on May 8, 2017 18:30:57 GMT -5
Weedclaw, Snowstar, Blackthistle, King'sheart, and the other former members of SnowClan joined in the chanting of the new leader's name, simultaneously, voices powerful. "Wildstar! Wildstar! Wildstar!"
The new leader puffed his chest with pride, tail curling slightly from its straight poise. This has got to be the biggest honor in the world... He thought, his eyes slightly teary from the joy of seeing his past family and friends here, cheering his name as he took the biggest step he ever had in his young life.
Isolated Caves-
Blazeshade lay beside his mother, swishing his tail gently. "Do you hear that, Mother?" He asked, love in his eyes.
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Post by Moonblazer on May 8, 2017 18:44:17 GMT -5
"Yes...I hear it...chanting the name...new star, new star..." Mysticglow croaked strangely, the old she-cat laying next to her son. Her eyes gazed up at the moon through the crevice, a sad yet bright look in her eyes.
"Nettleheart will not recieve lives...not her destiny...star...star..." She chanted quietly. Their other clanmates were alive out there somewhere. And their ancestors were faint to hear, but she could hear them. She surely must have sounded insane.
"What? What is she saying?" Olivebranch approached quickly, the calm and senior warrior looking both amazed and dissapointed.
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Post by ♥Snowfire♥ on May 8, 2017 19:23:08 GMT -5
Blazeshade looked up at Olivebranch, standing slowly as to not seem threatening but also to make clear he would defend his mother. "She says that StarClan has spoken, and Nettleheart will not become a leader. Our Clan is alive, and a new leader was just declared." The tom declared, flicking an ear as he too strained to hear the ancestors.
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Post by Moonblazer on May 8, 2017 19:32:10 GMT -5
"We knew that much from moons ago...but I had hoped where Nightflame and Willowbreeze and the others tried, that Nettleheart would succeed..." Olivebranch nodded in sad understanding, sitting down in a hope to ease Blazeshade's nerves. He wouldn't dare raise a paw to such an important member of the clan. To anybody, really.
"Excellent." Adderstrike seethed as he made his way over, Lilybreeze padding close to him yet training her shy eyes on Blazeshade and Mysticglow. "Once again, Starclan grants their adoration on the group that left us behind."
"Brother...please..." Lilybreeze whispered faintly, managing to calm her snappy sibling rather quickly.
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Post by ♥Snowfire♥ on May 8, 2017 19:48:01 GMT -5
Blazeshade would have sat back down if not for Adderstrike's remark. "You don't know that they abandoned us. Nightflame and your parents have joined StarClan, right? So they would tell the new leader, would they not?" He tried to rationalize, glancing for a moment weakly at Lilybreeze.
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Post by Moonblazer on May 8, 2017 19:55:24 GMT -5
"The stupid cave was destroyed moons ago. I certainly hope they're in Starclan, because Starclan hasn't really sent us many signs, have they? Do we really plan on staying here forever? Waiting for what? Homecoming?!" Adderstrike snapped sharply, causing Lilybreeze to cry out.
"E-enough! Adderstrike...we all promised to honor our parent's wishes to reunite the clan...you cannot lose faith..." She mewed softly, before moving to scoot next to Blazeshade, addressing Mysticglow gently.
"D-do you know the name of this leader..."
Mysticglow couldn't catch the name, head shaking slowly as she croaked. "Will...Walt...Wilter...W-w-w....maybe an I? I can't catch the name..." She sighed.
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Post by ♥Snowfire♥ on May 8, 2017 20:15:24 GMT -5
("Walter" I am deceased!)
Blazeshade lashed his tail, but calmed down when Lilybreeze sat next to him. "I can't hear them either, so sadly I'm no help in this field." He looked sadly at his mother, who was once so great with StarClan.
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Post by Moonblazer on May 8, 2017 20:19:56 GMT -5
Lilybreeze nodded in understanding. Blazeshade and his mother had a strange connection with Starclan, but it had been so muffled lately. But her faith was strong, and she knew her clan needed her for the present, not the past. She mewed gently.
"No more Starclan stretching for now...it's a lovely night...did you hunt today, Blazeshade?" She asked quietly.
Adderstrike grumbled as he relaxed, sitting down and glaring at the cave walls.
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Post by ♥Snowfire♥ on May 8, 2017 20:35:26 GMT -5
"Mmmm." The spotted silver tom hummed, laying down and casually stretching a paw out to touch Lilybreeze's with his toe. "I did. I managed to find a nest of red squirrels." He purred, smiling. "I left them though, so that the young ones may grow up and have more. But I didn't come back empty-pawed. I caught a robin for Mother, and a fat mouse, too. I'm sure the mouse is still around, I could fetch it for you, if you'd like." Blazeshade offered, eyes glistening.
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Post by Moonblazer on May 8, 2017 20:49:08 GMT -5
Lilybreeze shuffled shyly as she always seemed to, but her eyes were as bright as her companion's as she gave a faint purr. "Oh...s-sure, that's very kind of you...you're always kind." She praised.
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Post by ♥Snowfire♥ on May 8, 2017 21:02:31 GMT -5
Blazeshade grinned, whiskers twitching as he stood. "I'll be right back, Mother." He mrrowed, touching his nose to hers, before bounding away quickly to see if the mouse he had caught earlier was still on the fresh kill pile. He hoped it was, as he didn't want to disappoint Lilybreeze, or look like a liar in front of Adderstrike.
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Post by mourningdove on May 8, 2017 22:55:36 GMT -5
Nettleheart was paving back and forth outside her den entrance. The leader appeared deep in thought, and her pads were worn from the force in which she walked repetitively. Her keen ears had picked up on faint, crackled chatter of a new leader. Her paws were higher off the ground than her heart was. Again, she felt left, disappointed, and practically ignored for all the good she had done to the group left behind. With a great sigh, she wished for a distraction, may it be a hunt, her mate, or a problem waiting to be solved.
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Post by Moonblazer on May 9, 2017 5:05:40 GMT -5
Olivebranch took this time to make his way back towards his leader, and his mate. He approached Nettleheart, pressing close to her and mewing softly. "Well...lives don't make a leader. We're all going to follow you no matter what." He assured lovingly.
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Post by mourningdove on May 9, 2017 8:07:20 GMT -5
Nettleheart hesitated slightly before allowing herself the pleasure of leaning against her beloved. "No lives means I have a higher risk of leaving the group before they're ready." She whispered, scared for the fate of the little clan she had raised. "It's like they (starclan) don't recognize anything I've done..."
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Post by Moonblazer on May 9, 2017 11:35:41 GMT -5
"They must. I'm sure they can just see the other group better. Oh Nettleheart. Your mother and father lived a very long time with all kinds of trouble in the past...and I am always here to keep my leader safe." Olivebranch purred, puffing up defensively. He would never let anyone hurt her when he was still here.
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Post by mourningdove on May 9, 2017 12:06:12 GMT -5
Nettleheart smiled, and in a moment of vulnerability leaned against him. His words made her smile, as she was obviously the stronger of the pair, but the way he spoke of his love for her made her believe at times that he could move mountains. "And what would I do without you?" The questions as said lightly, softly, and with a hint of humor, but full of adoration.
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Post by Moonblazer on May 9, 2017 12:36:22 GMT -5
"Hm. Lead the group, but not have this dashing tom next to you." Olivebranch mellowed with humor, before grinning softly. "And have to deal with my sister's antics all by yourself." He referred jokingly to his exhuberant sister.
While Violetdawn was the clan's most senior warrior technically, as she had been born before Olivebranch, she was quite a rambunctious, expressive and hard to please cat. Though, she was extremely skilled in her work and training. She could be a pawful.
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Post by ♥Snowfire♥ on May 9, 2017 17:59:03 GMT -5
Blazeshade was delighted to see that his mouse remained, and he picked it up carefully, turning and padding back over to where Mysticglow and Lilybreeze lay. He set the plump mouse gently on the ground in front of her dainty paws, and nosed it carefully towards her. "There you are, as I promised." He purred, whiskers twitching happily.
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Post by Moonblazer on May 9, 2017 18:03:22 GMT -5
Lilybreeze gave a quiet purr of thanks, blue eyes soft as she looked at Blazeshade. It was no secret that she really cherished him, and that he made her very happy. She mewed softly. "I-I'll make sure to catch you something."
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Post by ♥Snowfire♥ on May 9, 2017 18:06:40 GMT -5
"Nonsense." Blazeshade chuckled, setting back in between her and his mother. "I'd simply be obliged if you went hunting with me tomorrow." He purred smoothly, brushing his tail tip against her flank.
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Post by Moonblazer on May 9, 2017 18:20:39 GMT -5
Lilybreeze felt a wave of delight. "O-of course." She enjoyed having him close, it made her feel safe. She purred. "I love hunting with you."
Mysticglow seemed to trail her gaze off as a faint outline made itself clear. The ceremony must be done, and this cat must have wanted to pay a visit again. She recognized Nightflame's piercing eyes, as his almost untraceable outline floated still. His scent could be sensed if searched for. It was clear he was focused on his daughter, but his eyes blazed towards Mysticglow's.
She gave an interested hum, paws kneading at the stone floor in anxious curiousity.
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Post by ♥Snowfire♥ on May 9, 2017 18:34:57 GMT -5
Blazeshade purred until he felt a disturbance by his mother. He looked over at her, and saw her eyes have that familiar distant look. The silver spotted tabby strained to see what she was seeing, but could not, merely catching an old but familiar scent. "Mother... what's wrong?" He questioned, briefly glancing at Lilybreeze apologetically.
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Post by Moonblazer on May 9, 2017 18:41:53 GMT -5
Mysticglow didn't hear her son at first, glancing at the old warrior who seemed to gaze at his daughter from afar, shoulders almost hunching as though he was waiting for someone else. She suddenly turned to Blazeshade, admitting.
"It's Nightflame...doesn't visit as much as Willowbreeze or Smokewave...but he's here. I...think he's waiting...he looks restless..." She widened her eyes as she turned to look back at the dead tom, only to see fire amber eyes close to her face, as though he had dashed over to her. She blinked, his scent stronger now that he was closer. Perhaps he was trying to communicate sucessfully this time!
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Post by ♥Snowfire♥ on May 9, 2017 19:02:25 GMT -5
Blazeshade's eyes widened, reaching out to place his paw over his mother's. "I... I can't see him." He admitted, looking sadly around for the black as night tom. "What's he doing? He isn't speaking, is he? I can't hear him, only smell him."
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