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Post by Scarfur on Jan 4, 2019 22:55:01 GMT -5
(*Lurks eating cotton candy*)
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Post by Icefire15 on Jan 4, 2019 22:55:30 GMT -5
Sounds good!)
"It's time. Are you ready?" Snowdance asked, settling down beside the Moonstone and looking at him.
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Post by Willow on Jan 4, 2019 23:05:13 GMT -5
)
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Jan 4, 2019 23:21:04 GMT -5
(Lol Cedarstorm is under the pressure now with this audience xD)
The young nodded, taking a deep breath to still his nerves one last time. He padded over to the moonstone, blinking his eyes against its shining light. Cedarstorm eased himself down, tucking his paws in place where hundreds of paws had laid before him. Letting out a shaky breath, he nodded to Snowdance, his own words caught in his throat. Cedarstorm closed his eyes and laid his head down, slowly stretching forward to touch his nose to the moonstone.
When he opened his eyes, he was standing in the clearing of Fourtrees. Stars danced high above the great oaks, appearing closer than they ever were. Cedarstorm lost his breath at the dazzling sight. He took a step backward, feeling as if the stars could reach down and swallow him whole.
"Your doubt will be your greatest enemy, Cedarstorm."
Cedarstorm's heart skipped a step at the sound of Northstar's voice. He gasped in surprise, the ShadowClan leader was sitting upon the Great Rock. The gray was gone from her muzzle, her eyes were alive with renewed energy, and the star upon her forehead shone like the many stars in the sky. Northstar jumped down from the rock and padded over to him, no hindrance of age in her step. "Welcome, Cedarstorm. Tonight, you will be made the next leader of ShadowClan."
Cedarstorm shook his head, his stomach churning with the doubts that whispered in his mind. "Northstar, I can't...How am I supposed to follow in your pawsteps? I'm not the right cat to lead ShadowClan."
"And yet here you are." Northstar smiled at him, a gentle purr rumbling from her throat. "Cedarstorm, you blind yourself from your great potential. However, you are right. You cannot not follow in my pawsteps, you must make your own path, lead ShadowClan like you, not like me." When he tore his gaze from her to look down at the ground she stepped forward and nudged him. "Look at me, Cedarstorm, was it not you who defended ShadowClan at the borders when WindClan challenged Stormfury? Was it not you who led the twoleg out of our territory and blocked the path so it couldn't return? Were you not the one who put the Clan first in helping kittypets in exchange for food so we wouldn't starve? And you were the one to lead the patrol to chase those rogues out of our territory with the ferociousness of TigerClan." She smiled softly at him. "Cedarstorm, you have the potential to lead ShadowClan, but you choose to doubt yourself on what everyone else says or thinks. I chose you over any other member of the Clan to succeed me. The Clan even chose you over Ashrock when he deceived you. Tonight, I begin my walk in the stars, and you begin yours as leader."
Cedarstorm had a hard time holding her eyes as she spoke. The doubt in his mind battled with the encouragement from her words, but she was right. Deep doubt, he was still anxious and unsure, but she was right. Northstar had chosen him because she saw potential in him. He dipped his head to her. "I swear, I won't let you down, Northstar."
The ShadowClan leader purred, her blue eyes shining bright. "There are a few cats here who are eager to see you, Cedarstorm."
When Northstar stepped back, a large, roughened tom stepped forward. Cedarstorm blinked in surprise at the toned muscles and scars upon the tom's dark ginger pelt. He looked up Cedarstorm with pride in his firm green eyes. "Cedarstorm, my name is Jaggedclaw."
The young tom started in surprise. "Jaggedclaw?! You're--"
"Closesky's father." Jaggedclaw nodded once, a smirk curling his lip. "I couldn't be prouder of my son for raising kits like you and your siblings. Closesky thinks he has failed, please tell him that he has made me very proud." The large tom took a step toward Cedarstorm. "With this life, I give you endurance. May you carry on through every hardship, beating you body into submission that you will not collapse under any pressure."
The pain hit him like a landslide. Cedarstorm was not expecting the blunt rush that swept through him when Jaggedclaw pressed his nose to his. He grit his teeth, voicing out audible grunts against the life that fired through him. This couldn't be what it was like to receive a life. Were all nine going to be like this?! With the life came a new power within him. He felt as if he had the endurance to carry any burden, travel any distance, stand through any fire that came his way and it quickened a new hope within his chest.
The young tom was left panting when Jaggedclaw finally stepped away. The pain came and went as soon as that and Cedarstorm was already shaking his paws. He stared back at Jaggedclaw, remembering all the old tales of the greatest fighter ShadowClan had ever seen. He dipped his head in gratitude and Jaggedclaw returned the gesture before stepping back toward a line of star-studded cats the stood before the Great Rock.
(Sorry that took so long)
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Post by Scarfur on Jan 4, 2019 23:24:39 GMT -5
(*waves around* be proud kitty! You do well)
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Post by Willow on Jan 4, 2019 23:31:59 GMT -5
Softmist stepped forward once Jaggedclaw stepped back “Hello again Cedarstorm.” She mewed warmly. “I know you have the potential to be a fantastic leader, you already care about your clan so much. But, with this life I give the fierceness of a mother’s love for her kits. Use this to care for your clan for many moons to come. They are all your family now and they depend on you.”
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Jan 4, 2019 23:39:40 GMT -5
Cedarstorm purred softly when Softmist came padding up. He remembered many nights in the nursery laying with the she-cat since his own mother had given her life to birth him. "Softmist...I've missed you." He stepped forward to touch noses with her, more so just to feel her prescience again than to receive the life. The moment their noses touched, the life swept through him. Cedarstorm grit his teeth and dug his claws into the ground. For a mother's love, he didn't think the life would feel quite like this. He felt like he had grown three sizes and had the claws of a mighty badger, ready to crush anyone who dared threaten his claw. Cedarstorm shifted his paws a stronger stance, breathing in the new life with the endurance of the one given previously. When Softmist stepped away from him, he lowered his head in heavy panting, his throat gone dry. He looked back up at Softmist when the beloved queen stepped back. He still missed those days in the nursery with her.
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Post by Willow on Jan 4, 2019 23:42:59 GMT -5
Softmist stepped back, her eyes filled with pride for the Tom. “I know you will do great things.” She murmured before moving back to join the crowd of cats
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Post by Icefire15 on Jan 4, 2019 23:44:46 GMT -5
Goldenheart stepped forward next, a light smile on her face, "Hello." she purred, "With this life, I give you kindness. Use it to look upon your clan with kind eyes and heart, don't let anger rule your mind." she said, touching his nose with hers.
(hope this is good enough ^.^)
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Jan 4, 2019 23:52:51 GMT -5
(Thanks Iceh! It's great!)
Cedarstorm smiled when Goldenheart stepped up, those he was weary about accepting another life after how painful the other two had been. He pressed his nose to her's though, knowing fully how much Scorchfire, Icefire, Russetshade, and Ravenflight missed her. Cedarstorm was tensed and prepared for a pain rush; however, the life of kindness drifted over him like a warm and soft breeze. The fires of his anger, pride, and doubt all dwindled and he felt a refreshing sense of belief like snow lazily drifted through the air. He blinked his eyes open when Goldenheart stepped away. She had died too young by the claws of ThunderClan. "Thank you, Goldenheart," he mewed softly, his gratitude for more than just the life.
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Post by Icefire15 on Jan 4, 2019 23:55:51 GMT -5
Goldenheart stepped back, the soft smile still there, "Take care." she said, returning to the crowd of cats.
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Post by Jekyll on Jan 4, 2019 23:56:03 GMT -5
A small brown kit stepped forward now, knowing full well that the tom would not recognize him at first but still sure of himself as he padded forward. "Hello Cedarstorm, I'm sure you don't recognize me. I'm Toadkit." He smiled brightly before leaning up toward the taller tom. "With this life I give you contemplation. Use it t think before you act so that you may do what is best for your friends, your family, and your clan." On the word family his voice cracked.
(He also has a message for Cedar to tell Shadedpine after is that alright?))
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Jan 5, 2019 0:00:35 GMT -5
(Yeah, Jekyll.)
Cedarstorm had to lower his head to accept the life from the kit. He didn't know Toadkit well, but he knew of his tragedy. The kit had left the camp to explore and met his fate at the fangs of a fox. Cedarstorm ground his teeth with the new life that rushed through him. He closed his eyes tight, his whole body seeming locked in place while his mind buzzed with activity, too many thoughts for even him to untangle. When Toadkit stepped back, Cedarstorm shook his head, trying to clear the hive in his mind. He let out a long breath of exhaustion.
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Post by Jekyll on Jan 5, 2019 0:03:15 GMT -5
"If you wouldn't mind, I have a message for my sister." His voice was soft and his eyes bright as he looked over to the edge of the clearing where the outline of a she-cat stood, staring at him proudly. "Please tell her that Mattedpelt and me are watching over her and she doesn't need to hold into our memories anymore. Tell her to make new ones, for us." He nodded respectfully to the tom now before making his way back to the others, taking his place by Goldenheart.
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Jan 5, 2019 0:05:29 GMT -5
Cedarstorm nodded, glancing briefly over at Mattedpelt. Even he knew how important it was to hear from loved ones after they had gone, he felt that way with Softmist. Yet, he was too winded to reply to the young kit.
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Post by Moonblazer on Jan 5, 2019 0:15:52 GMT -5
The next cat stood healthy and tall, his golden and white pelt restored and clean of old scars and moons of travel and ware. Grizzleyheart’s blue eyes shone with excitement. The former rouge scampered up to the younger tom and chuckled airily. “It’s so neat, being able to give you a life! Things like these once dazzled my imagination. I was born far, far away from here, yet call it fate or destiny, I made it here. Every day I lived, whether it was fun or painful, was a part of a journey that took me everywhere. I fell in love with your clanmate, and moons later I fell in love with her clan. Becoming a father, becoming a warrior, becoming a friend to my new clanmates, a part of a new home. It was another step on this path of life.”
He stepped towards Cedarstorm now, brave and giddy with excitement, kit-like and fun, touching his nose to the other tom. “With this life, Cedarstorm, I give you the gift of Adventure. Search every tree, every stone, every burrow. Explore the world and run into the unknown with fearlessness in your head and wonder in your heart. No matter how scary things may seem, find the curiousity inside of you and blaze your path with no regrets. Chin up, kitto. A new adventure awaits you.”
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Jan 5, 2019 0:20:40 GMT -5
Cedarstorm nearly took a step back when Grizzleyheart ran up so quickly. He blinked in surprise at the tom, not expecting him to so brightly even after death. The young tom tensed when the new light flowed through him, his heart quickened and his paws began to itch, a fire burning within him as if he were fueled to be able to run forever. He swallowed a dry throat, grunting against the pain that flowed with the life, but his eyes stayed wide open, not wanting to a miss a thing.
When Grizzleyheart stepped back, Cedarstorm stumbled forward in heavy exhaustion. How many more lives were there? He didn't know if he could take anymore. He forced himself to look up at Grizzleyheart, keeping his chin up. "Th-Thank you," he panted.
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Post by Moonblazer on Jan 5, 2019 0:23:54 GMT -5
“You’re welcome!” Grizzleyheart chuckled brightly, turning to scamper back towards the other cats, paws itching to return to Rubycloud’s side again after the ceremony. He watched with wide and entranced eyes, soaking in every part of the ceremony.
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Post by Frozen on Jan 5, 2019 0:29:13 GMT -5
After Grizzlyheart’s life was given, a brown tom approached. Calm pride showed in his face as he carefully approached Cedarstorm. “Long time no see.” Sprucewing bowed his head. “I’ve been watching the Clan ever since all those moons ago. Despite the shady circumstances, I do not regret dying for my Clan. I know now that Goldberry truly wasn’t himself.” He blinked in sadness momentarily.
“In any case, now isn’t the time to talk about me. To go with this comes my life, the life of forgiveness. I know you have struggled with yourself and perhaps your Clanmates. But do not fear. With this life, you shall be given the courage and patience to forgive those who may have been mislead.” He touched his nose to Cedarstorm’s. He knew that, with what Ashrock did to his own brother, this life would be relevant for moons to come.
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Jan 5, 2019 0:37:50 GMT -5
"Sprucewing." Cedarstorm blinked in surprise when the warrior came up. The story of his death still fresh in the Clan's heart. Cedarstorm flattened his ears even before the life was given. A whisper in the back of his mind prodded him not to take it, how could he forgive the wrongs that had been done to him and to others? Yet, he denied the whisper in his mind and pressed his nose to Sprucewing's. The rock nearly rocked him off his feet. As tender as forgiveness sounded, it was an unrelenting choice to be chosen day after day. Cedarstorm's muscles locked in place and he closed his eyes tight at the brunt pain that washed through him. It almost brought tears to his eyes and Ashrock came to the forefront of his mind. His brother's jealous eyes flashed before him and his bitter tone blew the like wind over his ears. Anguish pricked at Cedarstorm's heart, how could he forgive a cat who shed no guilt for his actions? Who would make the same choice again in a heartbeat? Cedarstorm swallowed down a lump in his throat, he nearly collapsed when Sprucewing stepped away, tears pooled in his eyes. How could he just forgive his brother?
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Post by Foxstar26 on Jan 5, 2019 0:40:24 GMT -5
The next starry cat stood and moved forward to give Cedarstorm his life. He was big and strong looking, amber eyes twinkling with an almost humor. He was a brown tabby with white patches on his face and body. "Hello Cedarstorm." He spoke. "You may not know me, but I was alive when you were born, I was a close friend of your father. I remember him being the most prideful cat in the clans when you and your siblings were born." He chuckled. "I am Clawheart and you know my son, Oakstalk."
Clawheart moved up to Cedarstorm, resting his muzzle on his head. "With this life I give you strength." He spoke. "The strength to protect your clan in battle from all outside strength. Also, the strength to follow your heart and instincts. They will guide you to know what's best for Shadowclan"
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Jan 5, 2019 0:46:30 GMT -5
Cedarstorm dipped his head in respect to Clawheart, forcing away the emotions stirred up by the previous life. Closesky had many stories about Clawheart and Oakstalk was a well known and respected warrior--Cedarstorm knew that from experience. He closed his eyes when the next left swept through him, tensing in preparation for it. The strength of a thousand fires rushed through him, filling his paws that he tore up the ground with his claws because of it. Cedarstorm grunted in pain, his heart surging with the new found fire. Even with the pain, he stood strong, fortified with this new strength that his paws would not falter. I won't falter. He silently promised himself, gritting his teeth from the fires of the new life. I won't.
He was left panting when Clawheart stepped back, his legs trembling violently. How many more lives were left? He had lost count of how many he had been given a long time ago. I can endure. He forced his head up, taking a deep breath to calm his pacing chest. "Thank you...Clawheart."
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Post by Foxstar26 on Jan 5, 2019 0:51:49 GMT -5
Clawheart gave him a smile as he stepped back. "Good luck." He told him, stepping back into the ranks of the Starclan cats.
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Jan 5, 2019 1:12:06 GMT -5
Cedarstorm lifted his gaze when the next cat came padding up to him. She had lean muscles under her black pelt, brown specks dappling about her fur and white tips set at her the end of her tail and paws. Her head was lifted in pride, bright blue-green eyes shining down on him, but Cedarstorm only blinked in confusion, he had never seen her before.
"Cedarstorm." The she-cat smiled at him, a shimmering love in her eyes. "My son."
He couldn't contain the gasp from his throat. Her shimmering black pelt, brown specks, and white tips. StarClan, he should've known. Closesky only told her story countless times. Yet, Cedarstorm could only stare at her, breath lost from his lungs. This was Swiftleap. This was his mother.
"I'm so proud of you." Swiftleap pressed her cheek to his, a deep purr rumbling from her throat. "I'm so proud of you and your siblings. I never got to tell you how much I love you all."
"Mother--"
"Shh." Swiftleap smiled at him, seeing the sorrow in his green eyes. "It's okay. Cedarstorm, with this life I give you confidence. May you stand strong upon your word and banish all doubt from your mind. You are right where you belong."
Cedarstorm stepped forward to touch noses with her, his heart pounding in anguish. Swiftleap had died giving birth to him and his siblings. He only knew her from the stories his father told. He felt a mother's love from Softmist, but longed for a love that belonged to him and his siblings alone. Now, here she was. The life she gave him filled him like a summer's breeze. He felt himself lift up, his paws rooted to the ground like he were as sure as the four great oaks around them. There wasn't a lot of pain, but the doubts that whispered in the dark of his mind were banished in the light of this new life. Cedarstorm blinked back at his mother when she stepped back. He had so much he wanted to say, but now wasn't the time and Swiftleap read everything in his eyes. She dipped her head to him, eyes filled with love, before turning to head back to the line of cats.
Cedarstorm watched her until she sat beside Clawheart once again. Northstar slipped from the stars around them and stepped up to him, a gentle smile on her face. "Well done, Cedarstorm. I have one final life to give you, but you must remember: doubt is your greatest enemy. You already have everything it takes to lead ShadowClan, trust in your Clan and trust in yourself and you will be a leader the stars remember." She took a deep breath, speaking as strong and a clear as she always did upon the Clan Rock. "Cedarstorm, with this life, I give you pride and certainty! May you stand strong behind your Clan and know your place among the forest!" Northstar pressed her nose to Cedarstorm's.
His whole body trembled when the life flowed through him. Cedarstorm took a deep breath, energy shooting through his paws. He almost pulled away, but not in denial or overcome by the pain, but because he could only stand taller. His head lifted high and his paws set sure beneath him. Pride welled in his heart and for once, the ground felt stable beneath him. He found himself eager to get back to ShadowClan.
Northstar then stepped back, the line of cats behind her stepped up beside her. She held her head high. "We hail you by your new name: Cedarstar!" Northstar's voice carried across the stars. "Your old life is no more! You have received the nine lives of a leader. StarClan grants you the guardianship of ShadowClan! Defend it well, care for the young and old, honor your ancestors, and the traditions of the warrior code. Live each life with pride and dignity! We fully recognize you as the new Leader of ShadowClan!"
"Cedarstar! Cedarstar!"
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Post by Moonblazer on Jan 5, 2019 1:14:37 GMT -5
“Cedarstar!” Grizzleyheart cheered with a hop to his step, feeling excited for the new leader.
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Post by Foxstar26 on Jan 5, 2019 1:14:49 GMT -5
Clawheart stood when the ceremony was done. He yowled out. "Cedarstar!"
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Post by Jekyll on Jan 5, 2019 1:17:33 GMT -5
Toadkit raised his voice, his eyes bright as he called out the name of the new leader. If only I was live to see his reign. He let the thought go. "Cedarstar! Cedarstar!"
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Post by Icefire15 on Jan 5, 2019 1:20:13 GMT -5
"Cedarstar! Cedarstar!" Goldenheart called, standing with the rest of the StarClan cats.
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Jan 5, 2019 1:26:25 GMT -5
Northstar purred happily at the cheers that filled the stars. She looked up on Cedarstar with pride in her eyes. "I pass off my Clan to you, young Cedarstar. I trust you'll take good care of them." She dipped her head to him, a sign of respect between leaders. "Return to your Clan, and remember: we watch over you always."
"I promise," Cedarstar dipped his head in gratefulness for the cats before him. "I won't let you down."
Northstar nodded back to him, her rumbling purr echoing through the stars. Like stars in the dawn sky, the cats of StarClan began to fade. Cedarstar blinked and found himself back in the cavern of the moonstone, the great crystal's light gone dim. He shifted, muscles aching from the awkward way he laid all night. He slowly stood up, looking down at Snowdance.
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Post by Icefire15 on Jan 5, 2019 1:31:34 GMT -5
Snowdance woke up not long after Cedarstar, standing up and stretching her stiff muscles. She looked at the new leader and gave him a small smile, dipping her head, "Congratulations, Cedarstar." she purred.
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