Snowpaw's Moonstone Journey

Wolfstar hardly noticed the taste of the traveling herbs she'd just swallowed as she headed across camp. The sun had not yet risen, and the air was cool, a crispness that she hadn't felt in a long time on the breeze. The seasons were changing, and with it, more apprentices to bring to the moonstone and one step closer to their warrior ceremonies. The colder weather was far from unwelcome to the long-furred she-cat... Though she also did her best to push away the memories of what had happened the last time the weather had turned cold.

"Snowpaw?" Blue eyes found the pale form of her grandson in the gloom, and when he stirred the leader stepped back to wait. "Eat these, we're going to the moonstone and they'll give you strength for the journey. They taste awful... Sorry." It should have been his mother taking him - and the rest of his siblings - but Wolfstar would do what needed to be done. Once the apprentice had eaten the herbs, she led the way from camp. At least these trips were a good way to spend time with the apprentices.

---

The sun was setting as they reached the cave's entrance, the two cats casting long shadows across the rocky ground. "The tunnels are dark, so stay close, all you have to do when we get to the moonstone is touch your nose to it and lay down." The path had become very familiar to Wolfstar, and it wasn't long before they had reached the cavern that held the glowing stone. She stepped aside to allow Snowpaw to enter, and settled down to wait.

Snowpaw woke up slowly, his eyesight not fully taking in what was happening before his leader shoved grass at him. Oh, not grass... herbs. ... Ohhhhhh! He got to his feet and smacked his dry lips. He must have slept with his mouth open... bummer. He had to scarf these herbs down quickly and try not to choke.


Snowpaw entered the darkness of the cavern and widened his eyes to take in what little light there was. Feeling with his whiskers was fine, but it didn't compare to actually being able to see. Once he spotted the moonstone however, it was almost like these sacred rocks emitted their own glow. He lie down in front of them as instructed, swallowed hard with nervousness, then touched his nose to it.

He was transported to another realm in an instant. Endless fields, stars swirling every which way all around him. He was in the Starlit Plains... he had to be! "Hello?" He called out nervously and softer than he meant. He sat down in the starry field and waited patiently, trying to keep his fur flat from nervousness.

It was not often Flashstorm was called upon to speak to the youth of his Clan. His ideals were far too radical, his decisions far too rash. Even in death, he was still left fighting.

Even now, a storm raged inside of him. A fury, knowing the tom that now served as deputy of the Clan, and who he was the last time he claimed that title. With how adamant the tom be gone, he was never trusted with the youth of SkyClan, never knowing what he might reveal, what rules he might break.

His jaw twitched as he stood before Snowpaw now. He had to swear that he would not reveal Falconmoon's identity, and he was beholden to that oath. Even as his pelt itched for something to be done, at the very least he was being given a chance.

"Speak up, kit. You're nearly a warrior, stop cowering and start acting like one. You never want to let cats know you are afraid, that fear only opens you up to be taken advantage of."

Stepping forward, Flashstorm sat down, fixing Snowpaw with a hard stare. "My name is Flashstorm. I am here to help shape you up to start taking care of your Clan. Believe it or not, but they need you now more than ever. And I'm not just talking about those wolves. You better get on that."

The arrival of a celestial warrior made his jaw gape open. He stood a little taller and leaned forward just slightly, wanting to take a step forward... when the warrior finally spoke. He took a single step back, caught entirely off guard by the other warrior's behavior. And then the words that came out of Flashstorm's mouth had Snowpaw do a double take.

"I... What?" He spoke softly, then remembered what Flashstorm said. He cleared his throat, took in a breath, and stood as tall as he could with his chest puffed out. Maybe like a fat pigeon fluffed out for winter... but he was trying.

"I mean... What do you mean Flashstorm? What about me makes me special enough to save... save? My clan?" He had dropped his voice lower too, trying to sound tough. Maybe too much.