Nightstalkers leader ceremony

Shadowclan was home finally, after having half his clan be separated for moons in Thunderclan and Skyclan respectfully it was nice to finally be reunited, despite certain hardships… His ascension to leadership was sudden, blindsiding the ex-deputy in the middle of the gathering. A gathering that was supposed to completely unite Shadowclan, when there wasn't supposed to be any more trials and tribulations because by Starclan they were going to go home, but their ancestors worked in mysterious ways it seemed, and by the time the night was over, Nightstalker had become the leader of Shadowclan.

But there were many things he needed to do before he could even so much as think of going to the moonstone to receive his lives and Starclans blessing. He had to gather his split clan, and travel with his old, wounded, and pregnant, across Skyclan territory, and then Thunderclans, and then lastly, Shadowclans territory and back to camp. His first order of business was to tell his clan to rest, stars know they needed it more than anybody, and that had given Nightstalker time to just take a look at everything, and speak with his clan-mates. Then, without more time to waste, he had to appoint a deputy. It was a tough decision to make, to balance a respectable choice versus an experienced one, to select a cat that was young so that they had a chance to succeed him and still have time to lead Shadowclan dutifully just as he hoped he would. In the end, he had chosen Leopardsun, she was a respectable warrior who worked hard for her clan, and had a clear head on her shoulders in even the most turbulent of times. The final battle with the Dark Forest was a testament to that.

But even with a new deputy selected, he waited. She was new to the role and he was sure would need guidance to know and understand her new responsibilities and how to perform them. But he barely needed to stay at all. Leopardsun flourished in the role, and Nightstalker was for once absolutely certain that he had made the correct choice, and that she could be trusted to manage and take care of the clan in his absence. It was not long before he had told his new deputy that she was selected to watch over the clan while he was gone to receive his lives, though he was sure she already knew, it was a no-brainer that he'd do so, as it'd be disrespectful to appoint someone else instead of his own deputy. Nightstalker both hated that he was leaving Shadowclan so soon, and yet was immensely glad that he would be leaving for the Highstones once more. Shadowclan camp was crushing, in the sense of the scale of the repairs that they would need to do, as well as only having so long to do it before leaf-fall and leaf-bare began. The territory would need to be remarked, and patrolled near constantly to make sure all threats were gone. He was worried that maybe there were rogue cats or predators that had made Shadowclan territory their home in his clan's absence. Could he really leave?

But in the end, despite all his concerns and how much he made excuses, he knew he was well and truly stalling. He’d truly be accepting the mantle that his mother held, and Froststar after that, and more than anything that scared him. Murkystar had been his leader first, and mother second his entire life, his identity, and upbringing built on that very fact. Somewhere in his heart, he knew that he was slated for leadership, that it was all but his destiny, but Murkystar had such large and strong paws to fill, and that in itself was daunting. But Icehearts words brought some comfort to him, despite how deeply ingrained the sentiments he carried with himself for so long. Froststar also had left a hole to fill, maybe not as mighty as Murkystars, his leadership cut short from illness, but he was a merciful cat, with a policy that Nightstalker didn't agree with. And it was a policy he would change, outsiders were nothing but a threat to Shadowclan, with loyalties that would be constantly questioned. How could he trust a cat that didn't grow up in Shadowclan? They could be lying, trading, and spilling secrets, betraying their clan in a million different ways.

No, he couldn't allow that. He'd be changing that at the soonest opportunity after he had gotten his lives. There was something in his heart that hummed at the thought, he was sure some would be unhappy, but he'd be ensuring that Shadowclan would be safe for seasons. He was certain that this was right, but he knew that he would need to consult some cats, he was sure that not every decision would come easy, and thankfully he would finally have his advisor at his side, a cat he could finally confide in properly, instead of being forced to hold his tongue and act like he knew everything. A cat like Leopardsun, or Duskflight.

But he couldn't put all his thoughts and consult only one cat, even if the thought of talking to more than one cat was exhausting, soon, he would put together his council of warriors in which he could confide since there was only one more elder for him to speak with, and who knew how long Webshadow would be around to speak with? His mate, Froststar was dead, who was to say that Webshadow would continue to have the will to live anymore? Would the elder waste away until he crossed to Starclan, to see Froststar again? He also finally had his medicine cat and deputy to speak with and was sure he could trust in their opinions despite their youth. Shadowclan could finally heal, and with enough time before leaf-fall and leaf-bare, they could recover fully before they had to struggle with the cold and the hardships that came with it, he was sure of it, he had to be.

Nightstalker padded to where the medicine cat's den was, not a far walk from his den in a rotten tree stump, his paws stopping just before entering as he contemplated, looking it over and inspecting it as he let himself get briefly lost in his thoughts. The flood and the lack of maintenance had degraded it, but other than the nursery and elders' den, the medicine cat den would be made a priority, as how else would his clan be in the best shape it can be without the herbs they needed so badly to heal them, from sickness and injury? But right now, they were so low on herbs... but he knew Fuzzybelly would insist that Nightstalker take the traveling herbs and save his strength. But did he really need them? Those herbs could be used for his clan. He was a healthy, strong leader, it need not be wasted on him.

Sighing heavily, Nightstalker squeezed his eyes shut briefly before turning on his paws and heading towards where the camp entrance would be typically located, his amber eyes locking with one of the guards where he briefly nodded to them as he left the camp. Apprehension tugged at his paws suddenly, but he powered on, forcing determination to strengthen his heart as he started his journey to the moonstone. Worry clouded his thoughts as the distance between him and his clan grew. Would they be okay? What if something happened to his clan while he was gone? Would Starclan send him a sign if something were to happen? What would he even do then? Shaking his head resolutely, Nightstalker continued his march onwards. There would be absolutely no going back, once he had gotten his nine lives. And he found that, despite all of his anxieties, he was certain in his path to be Shadowclan's leader.  

Nightstalker passed four trees, his amber gaze finding itself resting on the great rock. He would be taking his proper place on the top of that rock by the next gathering, no longer would he be sitting at its base where it was hardest to hear, mingling amongst the other deputies and sizing up the strengths and the weaknesses of their clans by how they held themselves. Now, he would be criticizing the leaders, watching them wearily out the corner of his eyes. He never had any reason to fear the deputies, but the leaders made the decisions, and it would be those cats that would be commanding the pushing of his borders, they would be the ones that would call their warriors to arms. They were the true competition, and he knew he had to be careful, never to show any weakness to them lest they smell the blood in the grass and go for him.

But part of him wished that he had gotten to be deputy longer, to no longer be a mouse hidden by a thicket, unsure of if going out to get a bite to eat would cost him his life. And maybe, he'd have gotten some freedom to properly mingle with other cats that were not his rank, that maybe one day, Froststar would have stopped telling him to follow close behind him with his tail. But Nightstalker wasn't all that sociable anyways and preferred to stick to his own place, but Froststars command restricted his freedom, and he hated that more than anything, a small rebellious part of his rearing its head once in a while.

One day, Nightstalker fantasized, that maybe he'd be such a feared or respected leader, that he'd be the hunter, and not the hunted when he sat on top of the great rock. The thought made the young leader's maw twitch into a sneer before he continued on his journey. It was not long before Windclan's moors opened up fully, and the crisp wind was both refreshing, and a reminder that he and Shadowclan were on a very dangerous time limit. Picking up the speed and lengthening his stride, Nightstalker hid amongst the tall, brittle, and dry grasses, the rustling filling his ears with sound. Nightstalker peeked over the grasses as the scent of mice and musty grass hit his nose, and he looked widely at a large and sharp structure, which screamed twolegs to him... but the Shadowclan tom had never actually seen, smelled, or experienced anything to do with twolegs. It was practically a kits tale to him, and the strangeness of it drew his curiosity, but he continued on his way. The mice smelled delicious, but the less time he spent in the open and exposed moors, the better off he was.

And soon enough, Mothermouth had its gaping jaws open. The sun gasped its dying breath as it was swallowed by the ground, giving way to the nighttime and stars that Nightstalker knew so well. Taking in a nervous breath, his chest shaking with the feeling, he padded in, immediately swallowed by mothermouths tunnels with only worn pawprints guiding his path to the glowing stone. Nightstalker felt his heart jump into his throat as he looked at it, fear and anxiety spiking and making themselves known once more. In an effort to make himself feel safer, and a little better, the young tom slunk to the back, putting himself and the moonstone between him and the entrance and himself into the stark blackness and lights that obscured his body.

Slowly, cautiously, Nightstalker touched his nose to the stone, and laid down, resting his eyes and willing himself to go to sleep on the cold stone. Praying that he'd end up in Starclan, and nowhere else.

Upon opening his steely amber gaze, Nightstalker found himself giving a sigh of relief as he recognized the starry plains. Dewdrops wet his paws, as the fresh scent of recently fallen rain filled his lungs. The skies were the colour of a freshly risen sun, not quite past the hills and the trees, and as such was dying the ground he walked and knew a vibrant peach-orange, with dashes of reds, purples, and pinks. Starclan was beautiful, and intimidating, but Nightstalker barely had any time to take in the scenery before cats began to materialize... cats he knew, and very few he wasn't familiar with.

When it was his turn, a lanky black tom stepped up to the deputy becoming leader. A fanged smile made its way to the elder’s maw. Yellow-green eyes upturned with happiness. ”Nightstalker.” Batglow greeted. It was unexpected, to say the least, to see his kin here at the moonstone so soon, but Batglow wouldn’t complain. It was better to see him here instead of walking among the stars with some of his family.

” I’m so proud of you, stars... It’s been a while, hasn’t it? I’m sorry that I didn’t get to see you make it to this point, or walk by your side more as a warrior, but life finds a way doesn’t it?” He didn’t know how different things would have been if he recovered and returned to warrior duties. How things might have changed, but he wouldn’t trade it for anything. His children were strong warriors, making their own way and life. Stars... Even if Nightstalker wasn’t his son, he still considered him one, and his son was becoming leader. He died after living a full life, and he only hoped that Shadowclan could do the same.

The tom stepped forwards once more, starting his part of the ceremony officially. ” With this life, I give you hope. To find light in the darkest of moments, to find a single green leaf in a desolate land. To be able to share this hope with your clan mates and lift their spirits no matter how bleak it may seem. Hope is always there, as sure as the sun in the sky.”

Batglow stepped back, the smile softer now, gentle and full of kindness. ” Have hope Nightstalker, things can get better, no matter what.” The black tom said before rejoining the others.

When Batglow gave him the life of hope, Nightstalker could feel his heart and soul surge, accompanied by the feeling of static rippling down his spine and setting his fur ablaze. Nightstalker blinked ferociously, already brought to tears at the power that accompanied his uncle's feelings and life. It had honestly been a slight surprise to see Batglow here, as Nightstalker had neglected his relationship with Batglow when he had perhaps needed his support the most, but in his youth had not known to see or look for it. Once the electricity of the life he had been given settled down, the young tom could feel regret gurgle in his chest but was not given the time to dwell on it before the next cat stepped forwards.

To stand before a future leader was an honor, though it always felt a little bittersweet. Especially now, when the face before her was one she had never known in life. A reminder that time would march forward, and she would have to follow suit to see their future.

Now, the massive black tabby bounded out of the crowd to greet another, known to her only as someone loved by her son as she had loved him. “Nightstalker,” she greeted. “My name is Mothglow. I was medicine cat of ShadowClan in seasons past. Taking up that position was a difficult choice… One that led to a number of regrets.”

Now, with an eternity to reflect, she could see any number of different pasts and futures for herself. But there was only one she had lived, and the same was true for any cat. Nightstalker might live nine lives as ShadowClan’s leader, but he would walk one path throughout them all.

What path that was, he would have to decide for himself.

“Life is full of difficult choices, but you can’t let that make you cruel. With this life, I give you the gift of mercy; and I hope you remember that every soul is deserving of compassion and forgiveness.”

Satisfied with her speech, the medicine cat touched her nose to Nightstalker’s; a comforting warmth washing over him. As she stepped back, she paused.

“That ShadowClan has continued to survive, despite everything… I’m glad I get to see it. Lead them into a better future, okay?”

With that, she vanished into the crowd once more.

Nightstalker almost thought to be insulted at the life he was being given. Mercy? Who was to say that he would need to be given that value? But before he could give it much thought, Nightstalker and Mothglow's noses touched, and he could feel the coolness of an icy river move from his nose to tail tip. Freezing and determined, sharp and dangerous, that is what mercy was.  It took strength, and hope, to show mercy. It was a risk to take, and sometimes, maybe it was worth it. Taking a drink from an ice-cold river, was the most refreshing beverage of all.

In hindsight, he shouldn’t have expected to be the only casualty of the severe flooding of Shadowclan’s territory. He was glad that none of the cats he’d feared meeting in the stars after being separated during the flood were there. Froststar appearing in the stars not long after Mistyfalcon had still been a surprise, however. And, if Mistyfalcon was being truthful with himself, it hadn’t been a pleasant surprise. Not just because a Shadowclan leader had fallen, no. His reasoning was decidedly more selfish than that. Why should Froststar be among the stars, when Murkystar couldn’t be? Murkystar, who had sacrificed everything just so that the stars could return at all, just so her family and clan could live. What had Froststar sacrificed?

Nothing. That was what. Yet he was in Starclan and Murkystar was truly gone, leaving Batglow, Loudnose, their kits, and friends. And him. She’d endured so much to never be able to live in peace, to never see how her sacrifices had allowed her clan to live on. To never see their son stand before the stars in his own right.

It took far more effort than Mistyfalcon wanted to admit to shoving away the bitterness. Froststar was dead. So was he. Murkystar... Stars, but he missed her. She would’ve been proud to watch this ceremony unfold. Proud, and worried, he was sure. But confident too, that Nightstalker would have Shadowclan’s interests at heart. Just as Mistyfalcon was. They’d had their disagreements, but it could never be said that Nightstalker wouldn’t put Shadowclan first.

Mistyfalcon regarded the dark tom from the edge of the gathering stars, contemplative. Soon enough, perhaps all too soon, it was his turn to step forward. Starlight shimmering in a dark pelt that had earned him his name at birth, Mistyfalcon padded forward with his head held high, betraying none of the sudden surges of anxiety he felt. The eyes he could feel weren’t on him, he reminded himself grimly. It was Nightstalker who faced the stars, and the stars’ judgment didn’t matter.

“Shadowclan’s had a rough go of it recently, haven’t we?” His ears, no longer tattered and torn, twitched. “I can’t say I envy your position, Nightstalker. You are no longer a warrior and don’t have the responsibility that a warrior does. You walk a path few do, and even fewer are able to succeed on that path. Good warriors can be found everywhere, but not good leaders.” He’d watched as leadership tore down Flintshard. How the deputy position had torn down Ebonysong. Murkystar had been stronger than she knew, always determined to do what she could for the clan against all odds. She’d survived the Asylum’s torture, survived attacks by rogues and kittings gone wrong. Even in death she had persevered, fiercely determined to save them all.

Mistyfalcon wasn’t sure he’d have had the strength to do what Murkystar had, in the end. He’d endured plenty of struggles in his own life, from dogs and losing loved ones to watching those he cared about to suffer. But leadership was a very different struggle. He almost wasn’t sure he should be the one to give this life, but he’d been called to it just as the others were. Nightstalker needed this, as much as the clan needed him to return from the moonstone in good fortune.

“With this life I give you perseverance. Weather the storm for your clanmates, no matter what life throws at you.” Mistyfalcon touched his nose to Nightstalker’s.

Nightstalker wanted to run and envelop his father in a hug when he saw him step forwards, but something kept the young tom tethered in his spot and he found he hated nothing more than to be stuck and powerless at that moment. So he listened, tears welling in his eyes, even though there was not a lot being said. Nightstalkers nose met Mistyfalcons, and a rolling thrum vibrated Nightstalker's entire body. Shaking with the strength of the life given to him, he grits his teeth.

“I’m proud of you, Nightstalker. Murkystar would be too.” He mewed quietly, touching his nose to his son’s once more. This time the gesture lacked the power of life-giving behind it. “Take care of your siblings.” And with that, the starry tom slipped away.

The young tom was panting, barely registering his father's touch, but his amber eyes met his dad's with a misty sheen, the plead to not leave him dying on his tongue as his father disappeared.

Amberdawn padded out of the crowd of gathered StarClan cats, stopping just in front of Nightstalker. At this moment, she looked young, far different from the mutilated corpse that had been thrown on the back of one of the invading rogues those many moons ago. Here, she looked strong and healthy.

Still, as she looked at Nightstalker, her gaze was kind. This was a kit whom she had helped Murkystar herself raise, a kit whom she loved as much as any of her own.

"You've grown up so much. I'm so glad that StarClan had given me the opportunity to gift you a life."

A part of her felt guilty for what she didn't say. How she was here in Murkystar's place. The former leader wouldn't be here to see her kit get his nine lives. That was a pain Amberdawn couldn't even begin to imagine. Poor Nightstalker must feel horrible.

Resting her nose on the black tom's head, Amberdawn spoke once more.

"With this life, I give you protection. Treat your Clanmates as though they were your own kits, and protect them with the strength of any mother. They will depend on you now."

With her life given, Amberdawn stepped back, allowing the next cat to give their life.

There was a sadness, and solace when Amberdawn padded out of the crowd of Starclan cats. She was like a second mother to him, and he supposed that Amberdawn would be in a sense filling Murkystars place, just as he was doing himself. How similar were the both of them actually? Amberdawn's life was warm and comforting, searing at moments with its intensity but it was all-encompassing, and a nice comfort compared to the strength of Mistyfalcon's life.

He was different from the other cats at this leader's ceremony. For starters, he didn't know the cat would gain lives in front of him. Second, he was faded. It had been moons, generations since he trudged through the moors and his name, the legacy he was obsessed with in life, was forgotten. It was only a matter of time before he was to fade away completely. So, as much as he'd like to say he came to Nightstalker as a selfless cat only here to give a life, he couldn't. Not really, anyway. Don't get him wrong, he was very honored to be a part of the ceremony, but deep down, the medicine cat knew his move was selfish.

But, does that really matter?

Nettlesting waited patiently as the ceremony bore on, standing still and stoic until it was his time to give a life. With a breath, the once-russet-now-faded cat stepped forward and stood in front of the future leader. His faded pelt was pretty much see-through, but the life he was about to give would be felt all the same.

"I am Nettlesting, a medicine cat from many generations ago. I made many mistakes when I was alive, and for this, I wish you not to make the same. I grant you the life of better judgment - a necessary trait for a leader to make the best choices for his clanmates. At some point, you may have to decide if a murder is justified and if that cat deserves to live in exile. You may have to decide whether to start a war or let it go. Please move forward with this life in mind." Stretching up on his hind paws, Nettlesting touched his nose to Nightstalker's forehead before returning to a solid bearing.

He nodded to the next future leader of ShadowClan grimly before returning to his place in the gathered StarClan cats.

Nettlestings life made him feel heavy, both in physicality and in mentality. Nightstalker felt like he was full of sopping wet mud like his fur was dragging him down and the reality that he had control of cat's lives, in a more direct matter than he had ever considered before. He could banish cats from his clan, and decide if a cat of his ire could live or die to an extent. He had power, in more ways than one.

The next cat, a short tabby with kit-like joy, excitedly bounded up to his brother. "Hi Nightstalker!" he meowed, barely resisting the urge to tackle him and play. "I-" he faltered, "Wow, this is quite serious isn't it?" Nerves suddenly came over him, standing before the tom. The two didn't have the closest relationship, so he never could quite tell what Nightstalker thought of him.

But that didn't mean Loudnose didn't love his brother any less. And maybe when he crossed over to Starclan, they could chase and wrestle! Loudnose smiled brightly, excited to grow closer with his brother. "With this life I gift you, unconditional love. Have faith in your clan, they are the bright light to keep you going. I love you, and may Starclan be with you Night! See ya!"

As quick as Loudnose had gotten there, just as quick he was gone in a whirlwind of excitement and kittish joy. His brother was always childish and naive like that. He missed it. Nightstalker filled himself with a kittish joy, a spark to his heart where he wanted to laugh and prance with joy, but it fizzled out as quick as it came, to be filled with a fierceness so unexpected. Nightstalker gave his brother a small smile, though he wasn't sure his brother saw it with how quickly he had taken off.

Another starry form approached the new-forming leader. A coat that smoldered like a burnt landscape formed in front of him, stars parting to reveal Burnigwing. The starry landscape did nothing to temper the sulfuric gaze of his yellow eyes, but for once they were not full of rage and malice. Burningwing was smiling, albeit a small smile and one hinting at a nature that was once unbecoming of a Starclan cat.

” I give you the life of Justice. There are times when being merciful is a virtue, but there are also times when Justice is necessary. Sometimes that means Just punishments, and without this ability, there are many who would see your leadership as weak and feeble. Take this life I have given you and remember my words.” A feeling would well up within Nightstalker’s body. He would feel shaky at first, but then it would grow slowly into a feeling of strong resolve. He would feel as if he had the ability to do anything and that his word was absolute. Once that feeling began to clear, Burningwing would give him an actual grin, teeth and all.

” Shadowclan is lucky to have you leading them. I’m proud of you, my apprentice.” Hopefully Nightstalker would fix Shadowclan’s issues and lead them into a brighter future. His apprentice had learned much and had done well. Hopefully, it would only be a matter of time before Shadowclan was truly Shadowclan once more. The stars began to swirl around Burningwing, covering the dark fur until he was no longer visible. As Burningwing departed, he left room for the next Starclan cat.

When Nightstalker saw Burningwing approach him, he suddenly became filled with apprehension. Burningwing had been a stern, almost cruel mentor, but oh did Nightstalker look up and admire him so, but it brought so much struggle. Nightstalker had to fight so much as an apprentice, to be seen as his own cat and not just Burningwings apprentice. But what he wasn't expecting, was a smile from his mentor, much less a grin. Burningwings life was painful to put it lightly, nearly making the young tom's legs buckle as he seethed through each pulse of pain and energy. Drool leaked from Nightstalkers maw, and by the time he looked up, Burningwing was gone.

Ratrunner’s paws tingled, his heart thrumming as he approached the tall, dark-furred cat at the end of the path. Nightstalker. The tom cut a sharp, noble figure, even from afar… and those eyes. It took his breath away, a little; as much as was possible, from a cat who no longer needed air.

But that had always been Nightstalker, hadn’t it? Even when it shouldn’t be possible. It was a heavy occasion — it was, and Ratrunner knew it — but… Ratrunner’s starlit fur shimmered, and it was with a quiet, breathless decision that he pushed away all reasons not to and rushed forward. “Nightstalker!” he called.

A hair’s length away, the now-Starclan tom stopped, if barely. The anticipation rolling inside — half fear, for what his dear clanmate’s reaction might be, to all Ratrunner had done — tripled, but the breathless, “I missed you,” came out anyway.

Nightstalker looked up to see Ratrunner approaching him, and relief coloured his face. Ratrunner had made it to Starclan, a worry that he never entertained clearing from his mind. Ratrunner made it to Starclan and didn't suffer the same fate his mother did. Thank the stars, Iceheart would be so happy.

Ratrunner’s tail flicked, restlessly in response to his nervousness. But this wasn’t what he meant to say! “It’s — it’s me, yes. And I’m sure you have a lot to say to me. But — but before that, I want to say thank you. For… for looking after, everyone.” He shifted, mouth tipping into a frown, before looking into Nightstalker’s gaze, truly. “I know you don’t think that requires thanks. You would do it anyway. But I do mean it. I… it’s a burden to bear, but know there’s no one I would rather trust with looking after Shadowclan than you. There is no better cat.” Something felt right, to Ratrunner, in giving these feelings voice. And so there was a moment his expression softened, after which he confessed, more quietly, “And you know, I always thought so.”

Something clear entered his eyes, and he only averted them briefly. “I… I knew you’d have words for me if I ever said this. But when else would I say it? And in truth, it’s why I’m here to give you this life.” He felt like fire beneath his fur, but the black tabby didn’t look away. “Nightstalker. I am so grateful to your sister, and I will forever be. There are so many reasons why. And fiercely, wholeheartedly, I could never regret it. I hope she knows that. But… even back then — and to this moment — it wasn’t fair to her, because… for as long as I can remember, I’ve been in love with you.”

It all came out in a rush, leaving Ratrunner a little ragged. But his smile was full and nervous and just a touch rueful, too. “A little late, I know. But… I hope you can forgive me. And accept this from me… when you’re ready?” Gently, with a soft step forward, Ratrunner reached up to touch their noses together. “Nightstalker. With this life, I give you devotion.”

Nightstalker blinked.

Ratrunner touched his nose to his and it surged through him. And as he battled to stay on his paws, Nightstalkers mind raced, Ratrunner was in love with him? But he got with his sister? Ratrunner loved Nightstalker, yet took a mate and had kits with his sister?! oh when Nightstalker crossed the rainbow path Ratrunner was so dead! But when he pushed past the agony and sensations, Ratrunner was gone and there was one cat left in front of him.

Froststar.

Next, a snow-colored tom stepped forward, stars adorning his long fur. Piercing eyes looked Nightstalker up and down as he approached, coming to rest a tail length away. Craning his head upward to look at his deputy, Froststar did something he had rarely done in his time alive. He smiled. A bright, full, sad smile. “My deputy, I had hoped to see you before this… occurred. I will admit, I had not quite foreseen my body failing me as it did. I believe Starclan knew it was my time to go, though, and I know that you deserve to lead our clan. You are all the things I never was, and the things I will never be.”

Moving closer, the tom continued speaking, cold voice airy and strange in death. “I give to you the life of realism. When everything crumbles around you, when those you love are far, sometimes you must remember that while your heart can guide you, your head is what makes decisions. To protect our clan, and to protect those you love, sometimes you have to find the answer not in hope, not in prayer, but to find it in what your world offers you at that moment. Dreams are wonderful, lovely things… but not always the best tool when leading.” The tom leans up to touch Nightstalker’s nose, sending a bolt of freezing pain through him… before it numbs itself.

Lowering, Froststar dipped his head respectfully, quietly meowing another request. “Please, take care of Webshadow, and please, take care of Murkystar’s memory. It is all she has left because she is not here with us in Starclan. I believe in you."

"I hail you by your new name, Nightstar. Your old life is no more. You have now received the nine lives of a leader, and StarClan grants you the guardianship of Shadowclan. 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” Froststar searched Nightstalkers eyes for a moment, and, finding what he wanted, turned quietly, padding away.

One more life, each more agonizing and warm than the last, torrential feelings like a powerful rain like the flood that swept away Shadowclan. And it was over.

"Nightstar, Nightstar, Nightstar!"

Nightstar collapsed where he stood, his eyes shutting as he fell into the dewy grass, where when his eyes opened once more, it was to blackness and a cold stone.[/color][/color]