A very familiar cat stepped forward, Winterpelt. Mosspelt stood tall and proud as his father stepped toward him, “Welcome Mosspelt, are you ready to receive you nine lives?” Mosspelt nodded and Winterpelt stepped back.
First, his mother stepped forward, “With this live I give you protection,” her loud meow filled the air “Use it well to care for your Clan as a mother cares for her kits.” Mosspelt wasn’t ready for the pain of the lives, when his mother touched her nose to his forehead a huge burst of pain rushed through him the hurt must have been in his eyes because his mother saw it. She touched his shoulder encouragingly with her tail and stepped back into line.
Next, his father came again, “With this life I give you courage,” his deep meowed sounded as if he was yelling, “Use it well in defense of your Clan.” When he touched Mosspelt head Mosspelt nearly yelped from pain which seared through him. His father immediately stepped back into line.
Then, Redfeather, his mentor stepped out, “With this life I give you mentoring, use it well to train the young cats of your Clan.” he touched Mosspelts forehead then stepped back into line.
Next, was Giantfoot, true to his name he had the biggest feet of any cat in the forest, “With this life I give you loyalty to what you know to be right, use it well to guide your Clan in times of trouble.” The same pain came from his life as the others, he stepped back and stood tall.
Then came a bright, fluffy, white she-cat Moonfeather, “With this life I give you compassion, use it well for the elders of your Clan, and the sick, and all those weaker than yourself.” He touched Mosspelts forehead, which now burned with pain and stepped back in line.
The first of the final three was Swiftflake, “With this life I give you endurance, use it well to strengthen your Clan in times of trouble.” This one was even more painful than the others. Swiftflake looked into his eyes, with were full of pain, and smiled and Mosspelt seemed now able to endure the pain just a little more. Swiftflake stepped back into line.
The second was his best friend, and brother Shadefang stepped forward and stared into Mosspelts green eyes and meowed “With this life I give you justice, use it well to judge the actions of others.” Mosspelt ignored the pain as best as he could and stared into his brothers eyes Oh Shadefang…I wish I could’ve saved you… Mosspelt thought. Shadefang must have understood for he smiled and stepped into line still with a smile.
Mosspelt stood, shaking from the pain as he prepared for his last life. He wasn't sure if he was prepared for more pain, but knew it must be done.
