Vinepaw's Moonstone Journey

"Vinepaw," Mothglow called, travelling herbs already bundled and conflicted thoughts about the clans' relationship with their ancestors firmly pushed out of her mind for the day. "It's almost time to go. Here, take these first - they'll give you strength for the journey ahead."

"Hm? Oh yea! I get to go to the moonstone!" He ate the herbs, wrinkling his muzzle. These were bitter! But he withstood the bitterness.

Mothglow led the way out of camp, the trip to Mothermouth long but largely uneventful. She made pleasant conversation most of the way, but once they reached the cavern she fell silent. She signaled with her tail for Vinepaw to stay close before heading through, following the path until it emerged into the Moonstone's cavern. "Here we are," she purred, gesturing to the shimmering rock. "I'm sure our ancestors are eager to speak with you. Just touch your nose to the stone, and let yourself relax."

He looked a bit nervous, but he did as he was told. He lay down near the stone and touched it. Sleep overwhelmed him as he touched the stone and he opened his eyes to see a grey figure. Was that.... Breezepaw? "Hello?" He called to the spirit.

The gray tabby tomcat flicked an ear, amusement dancing across his features. "Nice to see you," he murmured. He trotted towards his brother, tilting his head. "I'm not so good at this... moonstone thing... but there's often something you want to ask, and I'll answer it as best I can."

"Breezepaw!" He said excitedly. "I've missed you." He said in the most sincere way he possibly could. "And if I have to ask a question, it would be, am I doing good? I mean, am I doing good training to be a warrior?" He asked.

"Well, I hadn't expected that. But yes. You only get taken on your moonstone journey when you get close to becoming a warrior." Breezepaw's tail twitched. "When you get back... tell the family I said hi, okay? Though I'm going to be visiting your sister soon."

He nodded, he knew what he wanted his name to be now. "Goodbye, brother!" He said happily.

Breezepaw stepped forwards and tapped his nose to Vinepaw's. "Bye, brother," he murmured, watching as Vinepaw slowly faded back to the real world.

He woke up, still laying next to the moonstone. Did he just actually see his brother? "Mothglow, that was amazing!" He meowed, quickly hopping up.