Struck Down*update on 9 Lives*

 *Dreamstar snarled, and leaped onto a black tom's back. She ripped into the tom with her claws, making deep scars down his back. He yowled, and ran away. Dreamstar snarled in satisfaction, though her eyes showed sadness. She then saw a shadow get thrown across her. She looked up to see a black/gray tom with fiery red eyes towering over her on his hind legs. She narrowed her eyes, and started to leap away. But the large tom was faster. He crashed down upon her. Her eyes widened as she hears the thud of her body, and her whole body was launched into pain. Her yowl ripped loose through the clearing, but no one seemed to notice... Dreamstar watched as the tom with the fiery eyes give a wicked smile at her. She closed her eyes, and waited...*

::---::

*Markspirit sent the cat he was fighting yowling away. Then, he yowled in triumph. No other BlackClan cats were in the clearing. Rippleblaze also yowled, for they had WON! Rippleblaze went around, making sure everyone was okay. Markspirit smiled, then went rigid. Where's Dreamstar!? Markspirit ran around the clearing, before he found Dreamstar by the LakeRock. Her breathing was shallow.*

Dreamstar!? What's wrong! I'll go get Nestflame, Rosedawn and Ridgepaw!

*Markspirit was about to leave, when he saw Dreamstar shake her head.*

No... I have only... three lives left. Markspirit. This is my time. I'm dying.

*Markspirit took a step back, and shook his head in disbelief.*

No... Dreamstar... You can't do this!

*Dreamstar smiled.*

 No, I'm ready Markspirit, this is my time. I know this would happen. I'm... ready. But I want you to do one last thing for me.

*Dreamstar's eyes filled with tears as she smiled. Then, her eyes went dull as she lost a life, then came back.*

Markspirit. I want you to be leader. You'll get your nine lives tonight. For me Markspirit.

*Markspirit shook his head.*

I-i can't Dreamstar!

*Dreamstar nodded.*

Yes, yes you can. Please. You're destined too. Since you were born.

*Markspirit sighed, then slowly nodded.*

I'm not promising anything... Please let me get Nestflame, Rosedawn and Ridgepaw.

*Dreamstar shook her head, then she saw Rippleblaze, and her eyes lightened. Then, Rippleblaze finally spotted Dreamstar. His eyes widened in worry, and he rushed over. *

What's happening?!

*Dreamstar laughed, and smiled weakly. Markspirit spoke up, his voice cracking.*

She's... dying. She won't let me get Nestflame, Rosedawn and Ridgepaw.

*Rippleblaze just stared at Markspirit. Then, slowly and quietly, getting louder and louder, Rippleblaze wailed.*

Dreamstar! Why?!

*Dreamstar purred lightly.*

Rippleblaze. I love you. With all my heart. I'm so very sorry. But it is my time. StarClan have told me. I can not avoid this.

*Then, her eyes went blank as she lost a life.*

H-how many more lives?

*She gave a weak smile.*

I'm so sorry.

*Rippleblaze buried his head in her fur.*

No... no... no...

*Then, he lifted his head, and yowled to the sky.*

NOOOO!!!!!

*Rippleblaze looked at the ground, his eyes squeezed shut. Tear drops splattered against the ground.*

Rippleblaze. Please.

*Rippleblaze looked at Dreamstar, to see tears falling from her eyes.*

Don't make it harder for me. I'll always be here for you. Watching you. I'll be in your heart.

*Rippleblaze shook his head, and Dreamstar continued.*

I made you give up everything for me, and for me... just... to die. I'm so sorry. It should not have ended like this.

*He looked away.*

Don't be sorry. These last moons with you, have been the best of my life. I'm so happy I came. You are my life, and always will be.

*Dreamstar stood up on shaky and weak legs. She pressed herself against Rippleblaze.*

I love you Rippleblaze. I'm so glad I met you. I'm so glad I lived these last moons, with you. Not anyone else.With you beside me, protecting me, being with me. It made my life complete. The whole in my heart from Cloudriver's death, was finally closed. I now know that you are perfect for me. Only few cats can make me this happy. And only you can make me this happy, on my final breaths. Only you Rippleblaze... only you.

*She smiled, her tears darkening his pelt. Rippleblaze buried his head into her fur.*

Dreamstar... please don't... please don't... please don't!!! PLEASE!

*Dreamstar sighed, her breath coming quieter and quieter.*

I'm... sorry. I love you Rippleblaze.... Good-bye...Good..... Bye.

*Then, Dreamstar purred one last time, her eyes closed, and her body went still as she let out one last breath. She had still been leaning against Rippleblaze, and she slowly slid to the ground as her body cooled, and her legs gave out. Rippleblaze stared at the body of his mate, his love. Rippleblaze sobbed. Then, he collapsed on the ground, sobs wracking his body. *

DREAMSTAR!

*He buried his nose into the cooling pelt, trying to savour the smell of her. Trying to remember every last detail in her face, her pelt. He then felt a body wreath around him, and he immediatly recognized it as Dreamstar. He felt a comforting lick on his ear, before she was gone. Then, the ground shook so slightly, that no one noticed. Then it stopped, like it had never been there. Markspirit had been standing there the whole time, tears streaming down his face. Now, he just walked away, leaving his father to weep. Markspirit looked around for a medicine cat, any medicine cat. Then, he spotted Nestflame who was closest. Markspirit padded over to him, still crying. Nestflame saw Markspirit, and finished up on the cat he was tending to, before going to markspirit.*

::---::

Markspirit? Wh-what's wrong?

*Markspirit looked at the ground as he choked out the words.*

Dreamstar... she's.... she's...

*Then, he faintly whispered.*

...dead...

*Nestflame went rigid, and tears filled his eyes immediately.*

W-what do you mean?

*Nestflame didn't want to believe it. Markspirit shook his head.*

She has no-no more lives. S-she's not c-coming back, this time.

*His words were almost not understandable as sobs filled his response. Nestflame was about to go look for Dreamstar, when Markspirit shook his head.*

Rippleblaze... leave him....

*Nestflame nodded in understanding. Rippleblaze would be wracked with grief. He spoke quietly.*

I-i'll have to give Rippleblaze some thyme... and the whole c-clan. Every cat that is shocked. D-do you.... want to tell the clan... or sh-shall I?

*Markspirit shook his head.*

Y-you...

*Nestflame nodded, and padded over to stand in front of the LakeRock.*

C-cats of LakeClan.... Please listen!

*The LakeClan cats looked over to Nestflame. He swallowed, and tried to get the courage to tell this clan that Dreamstar, their leader for many, many seasons was.... dead.  *

Cats of LakeClan... There is some, very... very sad news I must tell you today.

*The clan started to murmur. Then, they all realized with a start, at why Dreamstar wasn't telling them this!? He looked around to see Rosedawn and Ridgepaw looked at him quizzically. He wished he could have told them first, but he couldn't.*

Dreamstar. She's... she's.... Dead.

*Nestflame looked at the ground as wails of anguish and sorrow filled the clearing. Dreamstar was dead!? He looked back at Rosedawn and Ridgepaw, to see total shock in their eyes. He nodded solemnly. Then he saw Markspirit come up beside him. Markspirit whispered so only Nestflame could hear.*

Dreamstar.... she wanted me to be leader....

*Nestflame's eyes widened, and he nodded.*

Also... Dreamstar-

*Markspirit shook his head.*

I don't deserve it. I want Grayshadow to be leader.

*Nestflame sighed.*

Dreamstar wanted Markspirit to be leader, but Markspirit wants grayshadow to be leader. if Markspirit wants to, he can go with Grayshadow. Rosedawn, Ridgepaw and I shall not be going. We need to care for the clan. They shall go to the MoonCrest tonight. Good luck Grayshadow. First, I know you aren't supposed to eat. But have some thyme. It will help.

*Grayshadow's eyes widened, and Ridgepaw got some thyme. he gave the two cats some.*

Ridgepaw, Rosedawn. Help em give it to the clan please?

*Nestflame spoke more quietly, and the three medicine cats went to get more thyme for the whole clan. The Grayshadow padded out of camp, with Markspirit following.*

::---::

*Soon, they were at the MoonCrest. Grayshadow bent down, her nose lightly touching the surface of the pool. Markspirit waited for a while, before Grayshadow finally looked up. She nodded, and they started to head down the side of the hill/mountain. When they were at the bottom, a growl was heard. They looked around, then they saw a large badger running at them. Markspirit leaped into the air, and clawed the badger, then he heard grayshadow yowl, and he fought fiercer. He leaped off the badger went it started to lumber away, wanting to find an easier target. He looked at Grayshadow, who spoke almost immediately.*

Markspirit, I only have one life. StarClan wouldn't accept me, only you. You have to go, now. Get me on the way back.

*Markspirit almost protested, when he saw that Grayshadow's eyes were pleading. he backed up, and nodded, before racing back to the MoonCrest.*

*He panted, and looked into the pool. He picked a rose petal, and let it float into the pool. Then, he put his nose on the petal, and drifted off to sleep...*

Markspirit woke up at the Gathering Area. He was standing in front on the Great Stone, facing it. He turned around, to see StarClan cats lining up, as if they were going into battle. He opened his mouth to speak, but no sound came. Then, he saw a gray tom walking forward.

"Greetings Markspirt. I am Cloudriver, Dreamstar's first mate. 

With this life, I give you determination. Use it to always keep going."

An image of Cloudriver, as an apprentice, being carried into camp flashed in his mind. Then, another one, a little while later. Cloudriver's training had been delayed by moons. Sadness seeped through him, and it almost overwhelmed his sadness for the death of Dreamstar. He had not seen her yet, and he wanted to know why.

"I am Flameriver, Moonlily's-Dreamstar's mother's-brother. With this life, I give you strength. Use it to carry the weight of your clan through despair."

His nose touched Markspirit's forehead, and an image of Leaf-Bare flashed through his minds, Green-cough was thick through-out the camp, and there seemed to be little hope. Then, he saw Flameriver, trying his best to keep the clan together. Pain seered through his body, like a horrid cough and sickness. The feeling almost made him want to collapse. Flameriver stepped back, and a brown tabby tom stepped forward.

"I am Sparrowleaf, a past LakeClan medicine cat. With this life, I give you honesty. Use it to see the truth, from lies."

An image of a tortoiseshell tom flashed through his head, and a horrible feeling of dread covered his heart, then slowly left. Sparrowleaf stepped back, and a small black and white apprentice stepped forward.

"I am Turningpaw. With this life I give you enthusiasm. Use it to train all apprentices with excitement and encouragement!"

The apprentice touched his forehead with her nose, and a feeling of pure joy overcame him. He wanted to laugh, and play, but it soon passed. A cream apprentice stepped forward. This cat he recognized well.

"Sorrelpaw!"

Sorrelpaw smiled, and nodded.

"With this life, I give you courage. Use it to fight every battle without fear."

An image of the Sorrelpaw fighting fiercely shot through his mind. Pain opened up in his body, and he gasped at the strength of it. Sorrelpaw stepped back, letting a black kit step forward.

"I am Nightkit! With this life, I give you independence. Use it to shine through life."

Markspirit bent down, and Nightkit touched her nose to Markspirit's forehead. An image of her playing with her siblings flashed through his head. Then, an image of trees falling, and the ground shaking filled his head. He heard a cry, and pain shot through his forehead, running down his spine. it was unbearable. It felt like his whole body was being... crushed. When Nightkit stepped back, it stopped. Next, a tom that looked quite a bit like Fleckrain, stepped forward.

"I am Fleckwater. With this life, I give you patience. Use it to think through every decision."

His nose touched Markspirit's forehead, and images of traveling through the seasons with Coastpebble and Prairefall. Images of fighting a badger. Dieing. Deciding to travel. Feelings of sheer worry and pain went through him. Fleckwater stepped back, sadness in his eyes. He watched the next cat come up. It was a silver she-cat. He recognized her from when he was a kit. Petalbrook.

"With this life, I give you protection. Use it to protect your clan, like a queen protects her kits."

The queen touched her nose to his head, and images of Silverpaw's birth flashed through his head. Petalbrook was unable to be there for her kit. This gift warmed his heart, and also sent a feeling of needing to get back to the clan, to make sure they were okay. She stepped back. Markspirit knew this was his ninth, and last life. Would Dreamstar step up to give him this life? Then, he saw a white and gray she-cat step forward. She dipped her head, and his heart fell.

"I am Miststar, leader before Dreamstar. With this life, I give you faith, certainty and spirit. Use it to lead your clan in the ways of StarClan, and the warrior Code."

No images came to him for this life, only a faint glowing red and blue. No feeling came either. Miststar continued to speak.

"I hail you by your new name, Markstar. Your old life is no more. You have now received the nine lives of a leader, and StarClan grants you the guardianship of LakeClan. Defend it well; care for the young and old; honour your ancestors and the traditions of the Warrior Code; live each life with pride and dignity."

Miststar, and the rest of the StarClan cats present, started to chant.

"Markstar! Markstar! Markstar!"

Markstar dipped his head. He was slightly in awe. Then, he stammered the question he had been wanting to ask.

"Wh-where is Dreamstar?"

Miststar looked at the other cats who gave him his nine lives. She simply shook his head.

"That is not for you to know right this moment, Markstar."

Miststar dipped her head, then, he saw a familiar pelt. He gasped with happiness, and ran forward.

"Wake! Wake. Oh Wake."

He touched his nose to hers, and purred fiercely.

"I've missed you so much! I-i can't lead. I wish you were here with me. it would be so much easier!"

Wake put her tail over Markstar's mouth.

"Shh. I know. I miss you too. But it is your time to lead your clan away from disaster. I shall always be watching you. Good-bye, love."

Wake dipped her head, and the StarClan cats started to fade. 

Markstar woke up gasping for air. He stood up, and walked steadily back to Grayshadow. She was looking better, and she looked up when he came.

"Markspirit... did you?"

Markstar nodded.

"I'm... Markstar now."

Grayshadow nodded, and got up.

"Lean against me. Come on."

She leaned against her new leader, and they started to head back to camp.

::---::

BACK AT CAMP

*Rippleblaze licked Dreamstar's pelt. She was so cold. He got up, and padded out of camp, his mind blank with grief. He padded into the forest. I want to be with her in StarClan... then he felt a presence beside him.*

Dreamstar!?

*A voice whispered in his head.*

I am Cloudriver... do not do anything rash. Go to the heart of the territory. Go...

*Rippleblaze followed Cloudriver's instructions, and when he got there, he gasped. There was a cat. About 10 moons old, sleeping in a hollow log. New tears swept to Rippleblaze's eyes as he stared at the she-cat. The she-cat looked exactly like Dreamstar. He walked forward slowly.*

H-hello?

*The she-cat's head snapped up.*

W-who are you?

*Rippleblaze hung his head, then lifted it. He smiled, his eyes brimming with tears.*

I'm Rippleblaze. Who are you?

*The she-cat tilted her head.*

I think I've heard that name before. But I can't remember where. My names Dream.

*Rippleblaze gasped with happiness.*

Dream... would you like... to join LakeClan?

*Dream tilted her head.*

LakeClan? I think I've heard of that too. What is it like?

*Rippleblaze laughed.*

It's great. You'll become an apprentice, Dreampaw. You'll be able to hunt... fight, and live for the clan. It's magnificent there, and it would be even better if you joined.

*Dream closed her eyes for a moment, then nodded.*

Sure. I think I'd like that, Rippleblaze.

*Rippleblaze smiled.*

Then come on. We have to introduce you to everyone.

*Dream smiled, and nodded. She leaped out of the hollow tree, and ran next to Rippleblaze. Then, they padded back to camp.*

*Rippleblaze padded into camp with Dream. Many cats looked over and gasped. Dream looked exactly like Dreamstar, but younger. Rippleblaze yowled.*

Everyone. This is... Dream. She wishes to join. So soon, she will become Dreampaw.

*Rippleblaze smiled at Dream, who was smaller them him at the moment. Every cat could already see the warmth in his eyes for this soon-to-be apprentice.*

I'll have someone show you around. But our leader, Dreamstar, my-my mate... she has just died. So we're all a little sad at the moment.

*Dream looked up at Rippleblaze.*

Oh. I'm so sorry. that must be hard losing a mate.

*Rippleblaze nodded, and gave a sorrowful grin.*

Yes. Yes it is. But there are always new beginnings.

*His face was contracted in sorrow, and Dream spoke.*

You can go. I won't mind.

*Rippleblaze nodded, and padded over to Dreamstar's body, where he lay his head on her cheek. Dream sat down, and watched as this very large clan mourned for their lost leader.*

::---::

*Finally, Markstar and Grayshadow got back to camp. Markstar led Grayshadow to Nestflame, then leaped up onto the LakeRock, for the first time in his life. It was a high jump, and he felt unsteady up there.*

Cats of LakeClan. StarClan denied Grayshadow. They would only accept... me. I have received my nine lives, and I am now Markstar, the new leader of LakeClan.

*Murmurs of congratulations spread through the clan. The clan cheered with sorrow though.*

Markstar! Markstar! Markstar!

*Markstar nodded.*

Sorrelheart shall remain deputy... t-that is all.

*But before Markstar could leap down, Rippleblaze jumped up beside him, and whispered in his ear about how Dream would like to join. Markstar nodded.*

Also, we have a new joiner, Dream. She shall become Dreampaw.

*Markstar looked at the crowd.*

Rippleblaze shall mentor her. Also, we lost three lives during the battle. Silvereagle, Rushpaw, and Mallowpaw. They all shall be grieved for and missed. Also, Flaringsun from BlackClan is joining. He wishes to receive a new name.

Since I do not currently know the proper ceremony, Flaringsun from now on will be known as Blazingsky.

Icycurrent has also come, and is joining. We welcome him.That is all.

*Markstar leaped down from the LakeRock, and went to sit beside Fleckrain and Rainingblaze by Dreamstar's back. At the time, Markstar had not realized who Dream was, what she looked like, or how important she was....*

(Also, Silverleaf. PLEASE come on more. :( If you don't, I will make a new deputy. Deputies are supposed to come on at least once a week, or more! I will get a new deputy. If you don't come on in 3 days, a new deputy shall be appointed. In 3 days, it will be the 31st. if you do not respond by 11:59 July 31st, there WILL be a new deputy on August 1st. And it's EASTERN time.)