Blazepaw's Moonstone Journey

Shrikestorm padded over to the older apprentice, Blazepaw. He had a bundle of herbs held in his mouth, which he gently laid down at the apprentice's paws. "Good day, Blazepaw," he purred, looking over his shoulder at the moors stretching out beyond. "It's time for you to go to the Moonstone and speak with StarClan. Make sure you eat those herbs. They'll help you on the journey ahead." Now that the Dark Forest's sinister hold on the clans had been dispersed, the Moonstone was free to travel to again. That was a relief, as the familiar journey was a trail Shrikestorm's paws wished to tread once more.

“Morning, Shrikestorm!” Blazepaw chirped eagerly. She quickly snapped up the herbs, grimacing a bit at the taste. She was sooo excited for her Moonstone trip, but also a bit apprehensive. WindClan had lost so many cats. Who would be there to greet her? “All right,” she said. “I’m ready to go!”

Nodding, Shrikestorm led Blazepaw out of camp and towards the Moonstone. It was a long journey, and night had begun to fall by the time they reached it. The deputy led Blazepaw through the dark, winding path, leaving his tail on Blazepaw's shoulder to help navigate him. Finally they were at the Moonstone, the giant stone glistening beneath the moonlight. "Now, touch the Moonstone and close your eyes," Shrikestorm instructed.

Blazepaw nodded, and touched her nose to the glowing stone. A chill ran through her and she shivered as she closed her eyes. Soon, she opened them, though she was aware she was in fact dreaming. The ginger stood in awe of StarClan’s territory for a minute, then called out. “Hello? Anyone? It’s me, Blazepaw, umm… from WindClan?”

a misty figure formed from the mist curling around the ground like vines. It approached Blazepaw, bouncing and skipping with her tail in the air. "Hello, Blazepaw. It's been so long since we've seen each other," Specklepaw greeted, her blue eyes glittering. the spots on her pelt seemed to have become stars, and her eyes had wisdom far beyond her age.

"Is there anything you seek to find?" she prompted gently.

Blazepaw gasped and ran towards Specklepaw. “It’s you! It’s really you! Oh, Specklepaw, I’ve missed you so much!” Ignoring any and all formalities, Blazepaw nuzzled the StarClan cat, purring loudly. “Is everything okay? Are you happy here?”

Specklepaw gazed down at her friend. still so lively. "Of course I'm happy. the clans are growing stronger each day, especially after the war," she purred, "but you did not answer my question. what do you seek?"

Blazepaw shifted a bit awkwardly. Specklepaw being so forward was something new. She’d always been one step behind Blazepaw, following eagerly but following nonetheless. Now, however, the ginger she-cat could see her friend had grown up. Perhaps it was time she did too. “Honestly, I don’t know. Maybe just seeing you and knowing you’re okay is enough. To be honest, I hoped it would be you. After all, we never said goodbye! Oh, and could you tell Swiftspirit and Sagepaw hi for me?”

Specklepaw listened to her friend with a small smile. "You were always to pure and trusting for you own good..." she murmured, leaning forward to give her former friend's ears a fond lick. "Alright, I'll tell them if I see them," she agreed.