Minkpaw's Moonstone Journey

It was Sleepycloud's greatest pride that she was well enough to keep up with the young apprentice without much effort. The now very familiar Highstones grew closer with every step after limped step. She paused for a moment at the mouth of the tunnels to ensure that Minkpaw was ready, but as soon as they were, she slipped into the depths. The tunnels were too small for her to check on Minkpaw over her shoulder constantly, so Sleepycloud made sure to leave her tail just in front of the apprentice's nose. That way, when they turned, the apprentice would not lose her in their travels.

Finally, at the sight of the blinding stone, the medicine cat apprentice stood to the side and nodded toward the gem. "Touch your nose to the stone and rest. Once you are asleep, StarClan will come. When you awake, I will be here to take you home." She recited, offering Minkpaw a soft purr in reassurance. "Do not worry, you will be safe here." With that, she settled on the cold floor, tucking her paws under her chest, waiting.

Minkpaw nodded in nervous anticipation. Sure, she was excited but she was about to meet StarClan! She knew that (unless she had the fortune to be leader someday) the next time she was with them she’d be dead. It was a weird thought. She took a deep breath, brushed her cheek against Sleepycloud for a moment, and then laid down.

The stone was cold to the touch, but soon the chill seemed to spread into her very bones. Her eyes flew open, and Minkpaw gasped at the breathtaking world before her.

Minkpaw immediately felt at ease with this cat. Sure, he was from SkyClan, but weren’t all the clans one after death? “I don’t know what I’m doing wrong, sir,” she finally mewed. “I work so hard for my clan and I just end up collapsing. I feel like I can’t live up to everyone’s expectations.”