Ceremonies

Looking around, Dreamstar leaped into the lower branch of a tree, calling the clan together.

"Oakpaw, Ink, Featheredpaw, Sweetpaw, and Crowpaw. Please step forward."

Dreamstar nodded at the apprentices.

"Mentors, are you satisfied that your apprentice is ready to become a warrior?"

The mentors all nod and respond.

"Yes, they are ready."

Dreamstar nodded.

"I Dreamstar, leader of LakeClan call upon my warrior ancestors to look down upon these apprentices. They have trained hard to learn the ways of your noble code, and I give them to you as warriors in turn.

Oakpaw, Ink, Featheredpaw, Sweetpaw, and Crowpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and protect and defend your clan even at the cost of your life? "

They nod and say I do.

"Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior names.

Oakpaw, from this moment you will be known as Oakrise. StarClan honors your courage, and we welcome you as a full warrior of LakeClan.

Ink, you chose to keep your original name. StarClan honors your bravery, and we welcome you as a full warrior of LakeClan.

Featheredpaw, from this moment you will be known as Featheredmist. StarClan honors your knowledge, and we welcome you as a full warrior of LakeClan. 

Sweetpaw, from this moment you will be known as Sweetriver. StarClan honors your enthusiasm, and we welcome you as a full warrior of LakeClan. 

Crowpaw, from this moment you will be known as Crowspirit. StarClan honors your loyalty, and we welcome you as a full warrior of LakeClan."
 
The clan started to cheer for the new warriors.

"Oakrise! Ink! Featheredmist! Crowspirit! Sweet!"

"Now, as tradition. You must sit a silent vigil tonight to reflect on your warrior duties!

By naming apprentices we show that LakeClan will survive and remain strong.

  Markstar's face beamed, and he looked down at his kits, his eyes soft.

"Crykit, please step forward."

The kit stepped forward.

"Until you have received you warrior names, you will be known as Crypaw!

I will mentor Crypaw. I'm sorry Ivypaw, but your new mentor will be Bluegaze."

Dreamstar touched her nose to Crypaw's.

"Crypaw! Crypaw! Crypaw!"

"That is all, we will continue on our travels. I do not know how much longer we have to go, but we are doing fine.

(sorry everyone for the long wait. Not much is going to happen until they get to their new home/Crypaw becomes a warrior. But if anyone has any suggestions for an interesting post that we could RP to, please feel free to suggest one! I need them badly.)

Storm on the Horizon Pt. 4

Dreamstar watched the clan get ready for the night. They still had no idea where they were going, and had been traveling for moons now. She'd have to do ceremonies soon. Some of the older apprentices could probably become warriors soon. They were short on warriors, and with many new apprentices, they needed them. Two new apprentices had just come, Hazelpaw and Wildpaw, while two new warriors also had joined, Wolfwind and Dawnfall. Dreamstar watched her own apprentice, Ivypaw, pad after Grayshadow who had been training Sweetpaw and Ivypaw. Dreamstar just found she didn't have the time, though she did occasionally take Ivypaw out when they stopped and showed her some things.

It was warmer now, though. Prey was plentiful, and even if they didn't have a permanent home yet, it was okay. They were all surviving, and the kits seemed to like always having an adventure. Nettle had her paws full taking care of her kits and also volunteering to take care of the others.

Dreamstar looked up when she saw Rippleblaze padding over to her.

"You okay?"

She nodded.

"Ya, just homesick I guess. I miss my den. I was born in that nursery... grew up in that apprentices den. It's just so weird."

He lied down next to her.

"I know. But it gets easier, really. I left MarshClan. All for you."

She smiled weakly.

"Ya..."

She pricked her ears as she heard a noise.

"I'll be right back."

She stood up and padded to where it came from. What she saw, shocked her. A kit, probably 5 moons was nudging a form. Dreamstar took a careful step towards the mewling kit, gasping as the form came into clear view. It was... Archwhisper. Grayshadow's kit who left moons ago to be with her mate who was outside the clan. The kit spun around, looking up at Dreamstar.

"Is this... your mother?"

The kit looked back at Archwhisper, then nodded.

"Come with me. You'll be safe. Where is your father?"

The kit looked at Archwhisper again.

"My mother told me he died before I was born."

Dreamstar nodded, and gently grabbing Archwhisper's scruff, led the kit along with her tail. Once she got back to the clan, they gathered around. Grayshadow immediately recognized Archwhisper's still form.

"Archwhisper! What happened!?"

Dreamstar shook her head.

"It looks like she was attacked."

The small red kit spoke up then.

"She was defending me. A fox came, and almost got me before she rescued me, driving the fox away."

Grayshadow looked at the kit, then realizing this was her kin, thus making this kit Dreamstar's kin.

"What's your name?"

The kit looked at Dreamstar.

"Crykit."

Dreamstar purred.

"You can stay with us. Your mother is my kin, you'll be safe here."

Crykit nodded, looking at Grayshadow who smiled warmly. Nettle padded forward.

"I can look after her before she becomes an apprentice."

Dreamstar looked at the 5 moon old kit.

"I think I'll look after her this time, thank you though, Nettle."

Any cat could see the longing in Dreamstar's eyes for kits of her own again, so no one said anything.

::---::

A couple days later once they had stopped to rest again, Bluegaze padded up to Dreamstar while Crykit was playing with the other kits.

"Dreamstar? What are you going to do?"

She looked at the blind tom, blinking slowly.

"What do you mean? Is this something to do with Crykit?"

Bluegaze shook his head.

"No, nothing with her. But you. You're getting older Dreamstar, so is Rippleblaze. He can't even walk anymore without a limp, and his sight is only getting worse after his injuries. You're... slowing down too Dreamstar. Grayshadow's pretty much taken over Ivypaw's training, even though she's older too. Any other cat.... your age, would already be an elder by now. Rippleblaze is still only a warrior because you are."

Dreamstar stared at Bluegaze. Of course she had considered her age, and how she would have to find a replacement, but she had to lead her clan to their new home. 

"I'll lead my clan until my last breath. This clan needs me, and I need to protect it."

Bluegaze sighed.

"But how can you protect your clan when you're getting weaker with age? I just think... that once we find our new home, you should consider retiring and letting a younger cat become leader. It would be in the best interest of the clan, isn't that what you want? I don't mean any offense, but... we can't have elders fighting a fight that is meant for warriors. You should be able to enjoy the rest of your life in peace Dreamstar."

He turned away, and Dreamstar bristled.

"I'm not an elder Bluegaze. I can fight just as well as any warrior here!"

The tom simply shook his head and didn't respond. Dreamstar sighed. He's right. I just don't want to admit it to anyone else. Who could replace me anyways? No one would be right for the job... or there are some, but they're getting older too...

She shook her head, smiling as Crykit ran over to her. She treated Crykit as her own, and even though the kit was pretty independent, she was glad Crykit had warmed up to her. She looked up and saw dark storm clouds on the horizon.

"Come on, we should try to find some proper shelter before this storm hits."

She stood up and waited for the clan to gather around before moving on again as the wind picked up.

Perfect

(I know, I'm sorry for not posting, I've had no inspiration. So here's a little side story from MOONS back, before Dreamstar and Rippleblaze became mates.)

Ripplestar stared in horror at Dreamstar as she spoke.

""Listen to yourself! You are forgetting that you have a clan to take care of! You're a leader now! I am too! Just forget me and go on with your life!"

He shook his head. He loved her! He didn't care that they were both leaders! As he looked in her eyes, he could see his pain reflected in them.

Falling a thousand feet per second, you still take me by surprise
I just know we can't be over, I can see it in your eyes 

"Dreamstar. T-that's not true! I can't ever forget you!"

Dreamstar was silent for a while, then she shook her head.

"I-I can't do this anymore. You're wrong! I love Soaringheart!"

At that, Rippleblaze spun around, running, to where? Anywhere.

Making every kind of silence, takes a lot to realize
It's worse to finish than to start all over and never let it lie
And as long as I can feel you holding on
I won't fall, even if you said I was wrong 

 ::---::

Memories whipped by him, and he heard Dreamstar yowling his name. He saw the time they first met, face to face. Dreamstar had just been made deputy, Dreamriver then. She had been very nervous and shy. Ripplestar, Rippleblaze then, knowing what it was like to be a new deputy, padded up to her as she sat at the base of the rock.

"I heard you're deputy now. I'm sorry about Flameriver, he was a good deputy to LakeClan."

His ears flattened as Dreamriver shot a fierce glare at him.

"You don't know anything about Flameriver!"

She lashed her tail angrily before turning away. Twitching his ears in amusement at her fierceness, Rippleblaze sat beside her.

"I was only complimenting him, no need to rip my ears off."

She looked at him out of the corner of her eyes, and he saw such deep sorrow in them, that it hurt his own heart. He felt this need to comfort her, to protect her from whatever was hurting her so deeply, even though he didn't know her. Dreamriver didn't respond, and Rippleblaze rested his tail on her back.

"Hey... are you okay? You seem upset."

She turned away more, not answering and the leaders call the clans together. Miststar, the leader of LakeClan at that time, started.

"We've had some troubling times this past moon. Flameriver, our deputy, has died."

Mournful whispers spread through the clans. He had been well known, and Miststar's first deputy.

"Dreamriver has been appointed in his place. I hope she will succeed him well, and I have high hopes for her, even though she has had a rough life. I am proud to be her mentor again, this time though teaching her how to lead. Even "

Dreamriver ducked her head slightly as the other clans cheered her name.

"Cloudriver was also killed by our fellow warrior, Hawkclaw. Hawkclaw was a traitor, and Cloudriver's death was avenged by his mate, Dreamriver. He will be truly missed."

Rippleblaze looked at Dreamriver he sat, unblinking, as if she still couldn't come to terms with Cloudriver's death. But, there seemed to be a deeper sorrow in her eyes too, a longing.

"Though, shortly after Cloudriver's death, three new kits were born. We welcome to the clan Coastkit, Prairekit and Fleck-kit. Their mother, Leaf-fall is very proud."

The clans murmured congratulations for the new kits.

"Though we have lost much this past moon, we have gained some also, and we are as strong as ever."

Miststar nodded and stepped back, letting the other leaders speak. Rippleblaze didn't say anything to Dreamriver for the rest of the gathering, but silently watched as she stood up and left with her clan.

::---::

He continued to speak with her at gatherings, wanting to learn more about this she-cat. She seemed to want nothing to do with him though. Many moons after Cloudriver's death he saw her pad into the gathering with a mottled tom beside her. She nuzzled him affectionately before going to sit with the other deputies, her eyes on him the whole time while he made his way to some other warriors. Rippleblaze felt his pelt bristle slightly. Was this what jealousy felt like? Dreamriver sat beside Rippleblaze, smiled and nodded.

"How is MarshClan?"

She was bold now, not afraid anymore. No one doubted her as deputy anymore, she had shown that she earned to title, and she was well respected, even for being only a deputy.

"We're doing good. Can't wait for New-Leaf of course."

He stretched and yawned, looking at her.

"How's LakeClan?"

She smiled, nodding again.

"We're doing good also. And of course, we've always had the fish to keep us full!"

She smiled, and Rippleblaze could've sworn her eyes twinkled, or maybe it was just his imagination.

"That's good. You seem happier now. What's up?"

She tilted her head, eyes lingering to the tom again. He followed her gaze, narrowing his eyes.

"I found a new mate. I'm hoping to have kits with him soon. I want to be just like my mother was to my siblings and I. I want to feel that joy."

Her voice was merely a whisper, and she wrapped her long tail around her body, a longing in her voice. Rippleblaze nodded.

"Congratulations. I'm sure you'd be a great mother, but you have a clan to take care of too."

He laughed slightly, and Dreamriver smiled, oh how he loved that smile. She was about to speak, when the gathering was called to order. She looked up, a hint of pride in her eyes as Miststar spoke?

"We have 3 new apprentices just made yesterday! Coastpaw, Prairepaw and Fleckpaw! I'm sure their mentors will teach them well, and I hope they enjoy their first gathering."

The clans followed Miststar's gaze to the three apprentices. They cheered the apprentices names, and Rippleblaze flicked his ears toward Dreamriver, where she seemed to be cheering the loudest.

::---::

It had now been a couple moons, and Rippleblaze watched as LakeClan padded into the gathering. Rippleblaze watched as Dreamriver padded towards him, but Miststar was no where in sight.

"Dreamriver, where-"

Dreamriver looked at him for a second, before leaping onto the Great Rock, her long legs easily allowing her to get on, but she still scrambled slightly. The gathering was quickly called together, and all the other leaders went first. Reedstar turned to Dreamriver before she spoke.

"Is Miststar sick? Is that why you stand in her place?"

Dreamriver didn't respond to the leader, and a ripple passed over the clans. To show such disrespect to a leader during a gathering, even from another clan, was not a good thing.

"I am standing here where Miststar should be standing. Sadly, she was killed by a fox that caught her by surprise just a few sunrises ago. I stand here today as the new leader of LakeClan, Dreamstar. I hope I can lead my clan well, and we are all coping with this huge loss. Miststar will always be remembered as a leader, mentor and friend. A mother too, even though she never had a mate or kits of her own, she was a mother to every new kit. She will be greatly missed. Thank-you for listening."

She dipped her head and the clans murmured before cheering Dreamstar's new name. Rippleblaze cheered also, but he felt his hopes plummet, even more than they did when he found out Dreamstar had become mates with Soaringheart. He sighed as the gathering ended, and Dreamstar jumped off the rock, giving him a quick nod before bounding to her clan. Soaringheart wove his tail through hers, whispering unheard words. Rippleblaze watched and jumped as a cat touched him. He looked and saw Dovesoar staring at him.

"Rippleblaze, the gathering has ended. We're waiting for you."

Rippleblaze looked to where Reedstar stood. He nodded and followed Dovesoar, throwing one last glance over his shoulder, but Dreamstar was already gone.

::---::

I'm not perfect, but I keep trying
'Cause that's what I said I would do from the start
I'm not alive if I'm lonely, so please don't leave
Was it something I said or just my personality?

It had now been 5 moons, and Dreamstar's hopes of kits of her own still hadn't come, even 7 moons after she first told Rippleblaze that. She now stood on the Great Rock, a well respected leader already. She was announcing the names of three new warriors, pure pride in her voice as she gazed down at them.

"Three of our apprentices were recently made warriors! We welcome Coastpebble, Prairefall and Fleckwater here tonight as warriors."

She smiled as they held their heads high, but Rippleblaze only stared at Dreamstar, pride and love in her eyes. He had slowly been putting together the pieces no one else seemed to notice. He looked back at the three warriors, carefully looking over them. They didn't resemble Dreamstar's pelt colour, but their face... and the way their muscles moved, or the subtle ways they moved their paws. Rippleblaze was not mistaken now. These three... were Dreamstar's kits. Why had she never told anyone about them? They were Cloudriver's surely, as they were born shortly after he died. That's why she looked so upset. She had given them up... to become deputy. But her clan didn't seem to know. I won't tell anyone, not if you don't want them to know.

 Making every kind of silence, it takes a lot to realize
It's worse to finish than to start all over and never let it lie
And as long as I can feel you holding on
I won't fall, even if you said I wrong

::---::

Rippleblaze padded quickly now, leading the clan. Reedstar was at the back, keeping watch. They had left many, many moons ago when they were being threatened. He doesn't know what happened to Dreamstar, or how she's been. It seems like forever since he's seen her, and he feels like a kit on the day of his apprenticeship. Dovesoar yowled behind him.

"Rippleblaze! Slow down! The elders and kits can't move that fast! We don't want anyone to get sick."

Rippleblaze sighed and stopped, waiting for them to catch up. Dovesoar stopped beside him.

"Why are you in such a hurry?"

She brushed up against him, and he shrugged.

"I just can't wait to be back."

He saw cats murmuring and looking at them as they passed, and Rippleblaze stepped away. He had been told by his friend that Dovesoar "most obviously" had feelings for him. They all told him to become her mate, but... he didn't like her like that. Then they'd always ask who he did, which he then replied with "No one". He couldn't tell them. It was against the warrior code, and she was a leader now... He shook his head and kept walking, Dovesoar staying in step with him. Would Dreamstar even remember him? He would like to think they became friends while they were both deputies... Though they didn't talk much after she became leader. He sped up a bit, leaving Dovesoar behind. He heard her stop, but he didn't want to look back.

::---::

"Wait! Ripplestar! Please! I'm sorry! I never meant any of it! Please!" 

She whispered, her voice barely able to be heard.

"I need you. As much as you need me. I wish we could be. But we can't. But please don't be mad at me. Please. I love you too."

He stopped, turning around to see Dreamstar panting behind him. He padded up to her and pressed his muzzle to hers.

"I promise I'll protect you, care for you, love you. We'll find a way to get around the warrior code. I promise."

I know that I'm not perfect, but I keep trying
'Cause that's what I said I would do from the start
I'm not alive if I'm lonely, so please don't leave
Was it something I said or just my personality?

::---::

Ripplestar gasped as he saw Dreamstar stumbling through the snow. She was heavy with kits, his kits. He ran across the log to her, rubbing his muzzle against her. She spoke in short gasps, her frame shaking.

"I-i wanted you-you to see your kits birth."

She gasped and collapsed to the ground, teeth chattering as the cold hit her weakened state.

"Dreamstar!"

He curled around her, letting her rest her head on his paws. He tried to move her away from the cold ground as much as possible, giving her his body heat. He wanted desperately to get a medicine cat, to get her back to camp, but she couldn't be moved now, she was too far into it. He whispered softly.

"You'll do great, it's okay..."

When you're caught in a lie and you've got nothing to hide
When you've got nowhere to run and you've got nothing inside
It tears right through me, you thought that you knew me
You thought that you knew

She shook and yowled as a contraction went through her. He pulled her closer to him, closing his eyes tight, wanting to take the pain from her.

"I will never leave your side."

The snow fell more heavy now, and the wind grew stronger. A kit was soon born, but it was still born. He moved away from Dreamstar, licking the kit until it was clean, and placed it beside Dreamstar. 4 more kits came, 1 other still born. He licked them all carefully, and placed them next to Dreamstar who was getting colder by the second. Ripplestar quickly got names for them. The two still born were Mistykit and Shadekit. The other three were Fellkit, Mudkit and Webkit. The kits were barely mewling because of the cold, and he tried to find shelter. He found a hollow log not far away, and took the kits first, before dragging Dreamstar to the log. He got the still born kits last, placing them just at the entrance of the log. The kits curled close to Dreamstar, and Ripplestar curled on the other side, trying to keep his family safe. He remembered how Dovesoar had reacted. She had been his best friend, and than his deputy, but she had loved him. She couldn't even look him in the eye anymore after MarshClan found out Dreamstar was having his kits. He watched Dreamstar for a short time more, before falling asleep. He woke up to find Dreamstar staring at the three kits beside her. Webkit and Mudkit had both passed in the night, and Ripplestar nuzzled her gently. He left her shortly while he buried the four kits, before coming back. Dreamstar was now standing, Fellkit in her jaws. Ripplestar let Dreamstar lean against him, and they padded back to the LakeClan camp.

 I'm not perfect, but I keep trying
'Cause that's what I said I would do from the start
I'm not alive if I'm lonely, so please don't leave
Was it something I said or just my, just myself
Just myself, myself, just myself

::---::

Rippleblaze gazed at Dreamstar. She was sleeping, and he smiled. It was his first night in LakeClan, as a LakeClan warrior, and he couldn't be happier. He was finally with his love, Dreamstar. The cat he had loved for moons and moons. They were no longer forbidden, and now he could have the family he wanted, and the kits Dreamstar had always wanted. Oh, he knew she had had many kits before, with Cloudriver and Soaringheart, but he saw this as a new start, and he was finally able to comfort her when she was hurting, and protect her with his life.

(Well that's it >.< I just had this idea for a few days now, so ya xD The song is Perfect by Hedley.)

The Start of the Journey Pt. 3

They were out of the territory, heading away from the setting sun. Dreamstar stopped and looked back at all she had ever known. She closed her eyes briefly against the pain, then looked at her clan. So many of them had experienced such pain. Before they came to LakeClan, or losing so many of their family in the recent battle. Her eyes flicked to Ridgefeather, her kin. He seemed so closed off after Maple, his mate, had died. She understood, as the she-cat had been able to help Ridgefeather, to give him a reason to live. Dreamstar knew what it was like to lose the one cat you held above everyone else. She had lost two cats like that. Cloudriver, her first mate, murdered. It had pained her for moons after she lost him. Then Soaringheart, to sickness. He had comforted her after Cloudriver died. He had always loved her, and he finally got his chance. She spent more and more time with him, and they became mates. He had filled that hole caused by Cloudriver, but not completely. She had felt horrible when she fell in love with Rippleblaze, then Ripplestar. She didn't ever want to hurt Soaringheart... but Rippleblaze made her feel complete, that hole from Cloudriver was filled. She never stopped loving the sweet tom, even after everything. It had hurt when he died, but he died by her side, and she knew he would be happy. Now she hoped to never lose Rippleblaze. The tom from across the border, whom she had fallen in love with. He had been deputy, and her leader. It was completely forbidden, especially since Dreamstar was leader, and already had a mate. But she couldn't stay away. Rippleblaze became leader, Ripplestar, then gave it all up for her. He didn't even ask if she could come to his clan. He knew it would be too hard, so he came to her.

She continued on, wanting to make some distance before the sun fully set. This would be the first time LakeClan ever had to find a new home... and Dreamstar had to lead them to it. She had always been destined to become leader, moons and moons before she was born. StarClan gifted her 18 times with life, then gave back her life after she died. She was important in the destiny of LakeClan, and forever be remembered by the clan. But once again she pondered on who could be leader next. Would StarClan send her a sign? Would she be able to become an elder, or did StarClan expect her to die in battle? She sighed, shaking her head.

"We have to keep moving! I want to make some more distance before the sun sets. If anyone needs to stop, please just say."

She nodded, and continued on.

Saying Good-Bye Pt. 2

Dreamstar leaped onto the LakeRock, her eyes surveying the ruined camp. It had almost been a moon since the attack, and new-leaf had come early, but there was hardly any prey. It was time to leave.

"Rippleblaze and I shall be going to MarshClan and BlackClan to give our farewell, and then I want to walk around one last time. You all may do as you please. For the older members who have lived here a long time, I know it will hurt you to leave as well. Train, try to hunt, look around, do whatever. We shall be back before sundown and shall leave the territory before nightfall. If you have any questions, ask Nestflame or Birchstorm."

Dreamstar dipped her head then leaped off the LakeRock and padded to Rippleblaze. The two then padded out of the camp. She knew how hard it would be for Rippleblaze to not only leave his territory, but his old home. He had grown up in MarshClan, and after he stepped down as leader, to be Dreamstar's mate, he would still visit often.

The two cats padded to the border of MarshClan quickly, and climbed across the log bridge where Dreamstar thought she had lost Rippleblaze. That incident when Rippleblaze had fallen in almost cost them both their lives. it gave Rippleblaze all his new scars and his slight limp. He also couldn't see clearly.

They soon got to the MarshClan camp with no troubles. Dreamstar knew the camp well, though many would find that bad. MarshClan had given her shelter and protected her time after time. The two clans were very good allies. They spotted Quiverstar, Rippleblaze's old deputy, sharing tongue's with a pretty brown she-cat. He looked up as the LakeClan leader and her mate padded into the camp, almost like they lived there themselves. The younger tom mewed a hello, and stood up.

"Dreamstar! Rippleblaze! It's been a while hasn't it?"

They hadn't been able to tell MarshClan that they had found Rippleblaze and brought him back. Too much had happened.

"Yes. We would have come sooner, but so much as happened. We were able to find Rippleblaze."

Quiverstar smiled.

"I'm glad."

He touched his nose to Rippleblaze's, purring quietly.

"It's good to see you alive, friend."

Rippleblaze smiled.

"Yes. I'm very lucky to be alive. I was saved by a she-cat named Sola. I could barely walk, and I couldn't remember anything."

Quiverstar nodded.

"Dreamstar went through a lot for you. I hope you two are never separated again."

He smiled, and the she-cat padded up to him. Quiverstar glanced at her, and smiled. Dreamstar then realized she as expecting kits.

"This is my mate now, Willowfeather."

Rippleblaze purred.

"Congratulations."

Quiverstar smiled.

"I'm guessing you didn't just come to say hello? I saw the fire that happened. We would have come to help but... The fire was everywhere. Every piece of ground was covered in it. Did you all get out okay?"

She looked at Rippleblaze, and sighed.

"No. The whole clan died. But the fire didn't touch our camp. We were slaughtered by three cats we trusted. They were working with the Dark Forest. Only about 15 of us survived."

The other leader's eyes widened.

"I-i'm so sorry! That's horrible. Losing so many... and so many family."

Dreamstar nodded.

"We've gotten through it somehow. It still hurts. Everyone feels it everyday. The camp feels empty now. It's to large for so few cats. Same with our territory. We haven't even been able to patrol the whole area. It would take too many days. We're... Nestflame and I got a sign from StarClan. We're leaving."

Quiverstar gasped.

"What!? But the territory will grow back! And you'll gain numbers again!"

She shook her head sadly.

"The fires that touched our land was from the Dark Forest. Everything it touched will never regrow. Nothing can grow on that land anymore. It's dead. There's no prey either. We've been living off the island, but that isn't enough. We'll all die too if we don't leave. That's why we've come to say good-bye."

The tom looked away.

"We could have offered you hunting rights in parts of our territory if you needed prey. With an early new-leaf there is plenty of prey. You shouldn't have to starve! When are you leaving?"

Rippleblaze sighed.

"We couldn't take your prey. MarshClan is growing and needs the prey. Tonight."

The leader looked at Rippleblaze, troubled.

"MarshClan will always be your clan too, Rippleblaze. We would never turn you away if you needed help. You were our deputy for a long time, and also our leader. Our home, is yours. I will be sad to see you all go. For today only, at least get some prey. You look awfully thin, and you'll be stronger if your clan eats."

Rippleblaze dipped his head.

"Thank-you. You're too generous."

Dreamstar also nodded.

"We won't hunt for long. But I will tell my clan. Thank-you again Quiverstar. Maybe we'll meet again someday. If not, then in StarClan."

She brushed her muzzle against him, giving another silent thank-you for all he has done for her. They then turned, looked back once at the MarshClan camp, and padded out.

"Yes, hopefully one day in StarClan."

Quiverstar turned and licked Willowfeather's head, watching his old friends leave for the last time.

::---::

Dreamstar and Rippleblaze then made their way to BlackClan. She had fought many battles here, against the old BlackClan. She had fought against Eagleheart, Eaglestar then, her old friend. She eventually came around and came back to LakeClan. Then it was Thornstar. Finally, Fierystar. The very young tom was unnaturally vicious, and had trained Birchstorm to be a fierce warrior. Birchstorm hadn't remembered his home, and became a true BlackClan warrior. Then he finally remembered who he was. Now BlackClan was led by Erol. He was mates with Sunnyblade, the kit of Rosedawn, the old LakeClan medicine cat, and Icycurrent, the old BlackClan deputy.

They padded close to the camp, and saw Erol pad out.

"Erol!"

The younger tom looked at them surprised, then padded over, Sunnyblade and Icycurrent behind him.

"It's good to see you! How are you all after that fire?"

Dreamstar smiled.

"Almost all of us were killed by cats of the Dark Forest. The fire that happened was also caused by them. Our territory will never grow back, so we must leave. We have come to say good-bye."

Erol dipped his head.

"That is horrible. We will definitely miss you, but we wish you good luck on your journey to a new home."

Sunnyblade nodded.

"I hope the traveling is well."

Icycurrent smiled, though his eyes still held the sadness over Rosedawn. The young medicine cat had truly changed him, and he had truly loved her. Losing a true love hurts.

"Thank-you. We wish you well with BlackClan. Maybe someday we will meet again."

Erol smiled and watch the mates pad away to go look around their ruined territory one last time. 

::---::

As Dreamstar and Rippleblaze padded back to the clan, the stopped. They had looked around some of the main points of LakeClan territory, and it pained Dreamstar so much to leave. She had grown up here. She remembered when she was only a warrior and Cloudriver and her had become mates. It had been near the lake, and Hawkclaw had attacked Dreamstar, Dreamriver then. Cloudriver had fought bravely back. This territory was her home. She had spent so much time with Soaringheart, her second mate, around this territory. Fought so many battles, and had learned every crevice and hole that was here. This was where she grew up and then led... her home. She shook her head, and padding into the camp. They had told the clan that they could hunt on parts of MarshClan's territory, so now they had full stomachs. She leaped up onto the LakeRock for the last time.

"My clan! It is time to leave! Go to Nestflame to get traveling herbs, then we head out."

She looked at the LakeRock and the whole camp. Her last time here, too. She sighed and joined her clanmates in getting the traveling herbs, before they all left the camp.

Then, they were on there way. Trying to find a new home, a new place to live.

The Change of a Lifetime Pt.1

 Dreamstar watched her clan get ready for the night. It had been less than half a moon since the attack happened, and more new cats had joined. A kit, Kestrelkit, and warrior, Ferretcloud, and another warrior, Bane, had joined. Their numbers were slowly growing, and the weather was getting warmed, but still, nothing was growing back. No new green plants were poking through the ground, and no blackened trees had any buds. The only place they could find a few herbs and some prey was at the island. The island was the only area not really touched by the fire. But it was small, and prey didn't really live there, except birds. They couldn't survive off of one island while they waited for the forest to grow back. Dreamstar sighed, and padded into her den where Rippleblaze was already sleeping. Smiling slightly she lay down next to him, happy to just have him still here.

Dreamstar opened her eyes to a starry field. The field was full of life and prey. Flowers were blooming and the sky seemed brighter here. On one side of her was a forest. She could smell the mice and other prey that ran in it. On her other side, was a lake. It was so serene her, that Dreamstar knew it was StarClan. She looked around, wondering who else was here. She then saw two silver toms padding toward her, and for a second mistook one of them for Cloudriver. Then she realized it was Fleckwater and Prairefall, two kits from her first litter. Fleckwater smiled, and Prairefall seemed happy to be with his brother again. Prairefall had been close to his siblings, but hadn't particularly liked his sister's, Coastpebble's, mate, Stormbreak. It distanced him from his sister. Fleckwater had always been the 'big brother' of the three. Taking care of them, and doing whatever he could to keep them happy. The two brothers had always had a close bond. 


"Dreamstar."


Fleckwater rubbed his cheek against Dreamstar's, and she smiled.


"My kits."


She shook her head sadly.

"I would never have guessed that I would outlive any of my kits. Even in battles, I would have wanted you all to live. But only Grayshadow is left."


Prairefall nodded.


"It is the life of a warrior. We died fighting brave battles, battles of bloodshed, or battles of sickness. Sometimes even murder or unfair deaths. But we all die as warriors, and we don't stop fighting until the end."


He gave her a calm gaze, and the old she-cat had to look away, knowing many times she had given up on life, not even wanting to fight. 


"But we are not here to talk about ourselves or death."


As he spoke, more and more cats padded out, and she gasped, recognizing them all as old clanmates. Many were just recently killed in the last battle, but others were there too. Some faces she didn't recognize, as they had died not in her time. But they were all LakeClan. Every clan member of LakeClan was standing before her, and her two sons were at the head.


"LakeClan has gathered here, as you can see. We sought out every LakeClan cat that ever died. From the first-"


Fleckwater flicked his tail at a young black and white apprentice. 


"-To the last."


Dreamstar saw Prairefall point out Maple, who was the last to be killed in the viscous battle. She came to StarClan, even though she had been a kitty-pet. She had eventually believed in StarClan through Ridgefeather's strong faith, as he was once a medicine-cat.


"We have gathered her because LakeClan must leave."


This sent Dreamstar into a rigid shock.


"No! The lake and territory is our home! Has been for as long as LakeClan has been a clan!"


The apprentice stepped forward, and her name seemed to be there in Dreamstar's head. The apprentice, Turningpaw, spoke.


"The cats of LakeClan have spoken. Many of us joined together and spoke of what must be done to insure LakeClan's future. Not many of us gathered, but mainly representatives, such as leaders, medicine cats, deputies, and other cats who were higher up in favour in LakeClan at that time. After much decision, we decided moving on was for the best."


Prairefall nodded.


"The territory does not define who or what LakeClan is. It's the cats, and that we stick by our motives and the Warrior Code."


Dreamstar shook her head.


"We can't leave. The forest will grow back!"


Then another cat stepped forward, Cloudriver. Her heart melted on the spot at the sight of him. Their love was still so strong, even after death, that it was almost unbelievable.


"The forest will never grow back, love. This fire was no ordinary fire, but a supernatural one. It was from the Dark Forest. LakeClan's territory is dead. The soil is dead, so that nothing can ever be grown again. It's a new beginning, love,"


She closed her eyes.


"But what about our clanmates!? They're buried here!"


The silver tom shook his head, his soft green eyes glowing, knowing it pained Dreamstar to leave.


"We are here, Dreamstar. Our bodies are simply part of the earth now. But we are always here, in StarClan. There have been times when you doubted us, and it pained us. But you must realize that our bodies are insignificant. They are... empty." 


He padded forward until he was right in front of Dreamstar. Whispering softly, he spoke.


"Your ancestors will never abandon you. I will never abandon you. I wouldn't tell you to leave your territory unless it was for your safety and future. It's not LakeClan's time to die out, and it's not your time to come to StarClan. You have had a great destiny, but it's not over yet. When it's your time to die, I'll come to get you."


Dreamstar looked into the toms eyes, and brushed her cheek gently against his.


"Does Nestflame know about this?"


Cloudriver looked up for a second.


"He found out only a short time ago. He promised not to speak of it, until we could talk to you. But he has agreed to it, and says he will lead the clan away if you do not agree."


He licked her shoulder then went back to the circle of LakeClan cats, leaving Prairefall and Fleckwater in front of Dreamstar once again.


"I don't have a choice, do I?"


Fleckwater looked at Prairefall than shook his head.


"Nestflame is ready to lead if need be. Your are a respected leader, Dreamstar. Far more respected than many others. It is time to lead your clan to a new home, so that it can truly be a new start. So that LakeClan can live and thrive once again."


Dreamstar dipped her head.


"I understand. When do we leave?"


This time Prairefall spoke.


"By the new moon. It was just the full moon, so you only have a short time to prepare yourself. Head away from the setting sun, and you will come to a new land."


Prairefall gestured to the area around him.


"Your new home will be similar to this. We sent out cats across the skies to find a new home, and there will be a sign there for when you find it, as this is a bit... exaggerated."


He chuckled.


"You will not recognize the land from this StarClan version. But it will be there."


Dreamstar nodded.


"I will get the clan ready."


Prairefall smiled, and turned around with Fleckwater. All the cats of LakeClan seemed to say the same thing.

"We will be with you for the journey. Don't forget us, ever."

When the leader opened her eyes again, she was in her den. Morning light was seeping through the opening, and she yawned, trying to take in everything she was just told. Rippleblaze was already up and gone, so she got up too, padding to the LakeRock.

"Cats of LakeClan! I have some important news! We must leave our territory, and find a new one."

The Stone

Dreamstar gazed around the clearing. They had finally finished burying their clan mates, and it had hurt Dreamstar so much to bury her kin. The only thing that kept her in an almost emotionless state was fact she would see them in StarClan, in her dreams. She felt Rippleblaze press up against her. His scarred pelt and slightly smoky eyes all showed signs of past battles. He couldn't see clearly anymore since the dog attack, and still walked with a limp. If she had lost Rippleblaze in this battle, Dreamstar wouldn't have known how to cope. Rippleblaze was her rock. He kept her sturdy and was always there to help her. She padded away from him and leaped up onto the LakeRock.

"Cats of LakeClan! It is a fresh start. More snow should come soon, and it will wash away the traces of our battle. They were all brave cats. Falcon has luckily survived, and he wished to receive a warrior name."

Falcon was laying by the medicine cat den. He had come out for the announcement. She leaped down and padded to the tom.

"Spirits of StarClan, you know every cat by name. I ask you now to take away the name from the cat you see before you, for it no longer stands for what he is. By my authority as Clan leader, and with the approval of our warrior ancestors, I give this cat a new name. From this moment on he will be known as Falconstone, for his determination and fierce loyalty. Though you weren't born here, you came for your love for Frostysky. We all honour you as a warrior."

She touched her nose to his forehead and he licked her shoulder. She smiled and then saw Birchstorm walking over with a tom.

"Who's this?"

Birchstorm dipped his head.

"He won't say his name, but I don't know."

The cat looked at Falconstone, then at Dreamstar.

"My name is Bane, and you must be Dreamstar."

::---::

Ridgefeather tried to smile, but his heart felt weighed down. He only had his kits now. Nothing else. Maple had died, he had lost his position as a medicine cat. He had lost his whole being it felt like. He glanced over at Nestflame, the cat he could have considered his best friend. Could he still? After all that happened? He shunned me. He said I wasn't welcomed at the Mooncave... Ridgefeather closed his eyes, only wishing that maybe, just maybe that twoleg nest never did burn down. That it was all a dream, and he would wake up to warmth and the smell of Maple's fur. Then Ink and Oakpaw would wake up, and their usual day would begin. He shook his head quickly as he felt himself longing for the life he had come to know. The life with Maple, with safety for his family, for himself. The life of a kitty-pet. At first it was horrible, then he grew feelings for the tortoiseshell she-cat, and it was home. He looked again at Nestflame, feeling ashamed.

::---::

Crowpaw looked at Ivypaw.

"We could go hunting! The clan always needs food. We can try to find Ashpaw and Lotusmoon!"

The Start Of Something New

The sky was dark and Dreamstar leaped onto the Lake Rock.

"Cats of LakeClan, tonight we will mourn for our lost, and tomorrow we shall bury them. We all fought bravely and valiantly, and the dead died fighting for their family. Because that's what LakeClan is, family. While we were out in our territory we found some new cats. We welcome Nettle, who is expecting kits. She will stay in the medicine cat den until the other dens are rebuilt. The main dens are still intact, so that will be fine. We also have Lotusmoon, Ivy and Ash joining us. Ivy and Ash, please step forward.

Until you have received you warrior names, you will be known as Ivypaw and Ashpaw!

Lotusmoon, please step forward. Train your apprentice well. I will also train an apprentice this time.

Lotusmoon, you shall mentor Ashpaw. 

I shall mentor Ivypaw."

Dreamstar leaped off the rock and touched her nose to Ivypaw's.

"I hope our clan can thrive once more. Let us welcome Nettle, Lotusmoon, Ivypaw and Ashpaw again."

"Ivypaw! Ashpaw! Lotusmoon! Nettle!"

"There is not much prey to go around, but the same rules still apply. Nettle will have the first piece of prey, then so on. I hope you can all show our new members around and teach them about clan ways. I have one last ceremony to perform."

She closed her eyes briefly, thoughts flickering through her mind. 

"I say these words before Starclan, so that the spirits of our warrior ancestors may hear and approve of my choice. The new deputy of LakeClan is Birchstorm! 


You are a brave cat, and have been through much in your life. I trust you will be a good deputy."

Dreamstar dipped her head.

"If there are any wounds, please go see Nestflame."

The One's Left

Break looked at the cats who were left alive. Less than 30. He snarled and leaped at a tortoiseshell she-cat. He heard a tom yowl and he looked up.

"No! Not her! You can't kill her!"

Break narrowed his eyes and bit into her throat, all the way staring straight into the tom's eyes. His eyes flickered to blue and the tom snarled.

"You! You're the one who almost killed me! You killed my father! And my mother too!"

Ridgefeather leaped at Break but he leaped backwards leaving Maple  breathing shallowly on the ground. Ridgefeather advanced, his pelt on end.

"You betrayed us all! You killed, then came to the clan!? I heard you fell in love too! I wish I was here to see that! Just to tell that sorry she-cat what kind of cat you really were! If you're going to kill... do it quickly! I would trade my life with hers any day."

Break stopped where he was. Hearing Ridgefeather talk about Maple, it reminded him of Ebonywing.

"N-no!"

Ridgefeather snarled.

"Give her back her life and kill me! If anyone deserves to live, it's her! I brought her here when we could've found new housefolk! It's not fair!"

This threw Break over the edge and he roared, his eyes now a glistening blue.

"Nothing is ever fair! My life has never been fair! You don't know the meaning of fair! I loved her! I killed her! Do you know how that feels!? To have the blood of the cat you love in your mouth!?"

Break towered over Ridgefeather, his eyes showing pure pain.

"I had no choice though! I have no free-will! If you say 'Break', well there goes my life! Everything I've known here seems to be thrown away! I can't control myself! Do you know how that feels? Sure, you might've lost someone you loved, but you never had to feel the guilt and blame of being the one who ended their life! Their existence."

Burst breathed deeply and he backed up, looking around the clearing that was scattered with bodies. Sear and Flare were staring at him, as were the rest of the cats who were left. Burst shook his head.

"This isn't right. This was never right!"

Then, he spun around and raced into the still flaming forest.

::---::

Ridgefeather glanced at Sear and Flare who's eyes were turning back to normal. Then he turned back to Maple.

"Maple..."

She looked up at him, her eyes glistening.

"Ridgefeather, I love you. I'm glad I came."

Ridgefeather shook his head.

"You can't die! It should be me! Please!"

He lifted his head to the smoky sky and yowled.

"Why can't you switch my life with hers!?"

He then buried his head into her fur and sobbed quietly. He felt a tail touch his soldier and he looked up into Nestflame's face.

"Ridgefeather, she's gone. I'm sorry."

Ridgefeather wailed and licked her frantically.

"No! No please no!"

Nestflame leaned against Ridgefeather and slowly moved him away from Maple's body. The distraught tom weaped and buried his head in his paws. 

"Ridgefeather, it's over. They're gone. They won't come back again, and your kits are safe."

Ridgefeather looked up as five apprentices came out of the medicine cat's den, looking around warily. Ridgefeather looked up at Nestflame, his eyes suddenly seeming older. The tom stood on shaky feet and stumbled to his sons. Crowpaw looked around at the cats left.

"Where's Strongspirit!?"

Dreamstar shook her head. She had lost two lives in this battle, and now only had seven.

"We'll find out soon enough where she is. We have to clean all the deceased and prepare them for vigil tonight."

She bent down and licked Fleckrain's ear.

"They were all so brave..." 

She looked at the cats standing around her. Frostysky, Nestflame, Birchstorm, Sweetpaw, Featheredpaw, Grayshadow, Bluegaze, Ridgefeather, Crowpaw, Oakpaw, Ink and Rippleblaze. She nodded at them and they all got to work with grooming each cat's pelt of blood.

::---::

 Burst ran through the forest and eventually stumbled and fell. He gasped and lay on his side, staring into the sky.

"Ebonywing! I never wanted this! Please!"

Then he saw a starry figure form next to him. He gasped and struggled onto his stomach.

"E-ebonywing! I'm so sorry! I never... This wasn't supposed to happen!"

Ebonywing smiled slightly.

"Oh Burst. You've had such a tortured life."

She shook her head sadly and Burst closed his eyes.

"Please! I want to go with you! I can't live without you! Ebonywing!"

Ebonywing tilted her head, sighing.

"You cannot. You are still living."

She ran her tail down his face gently.

"Then I'll die! Please! Oh Ebonywing."

"No Burst. It's not your time."

Burst stared at her as she slowly disappeared. He yowled then saw his brothers come out from the ruined land.

This Is The End

Burst twitched slightly and stood up. He looked at Singe and Flash, and nodded slightly. He padded out of the camp with the two toms following close behind. When they were at the edge of the territory Burst turned and looked at his brothers. Their eyes were already glowing red, and Burst knew his eyes were too.

"Sear, Flare. It's time."

Flare turned around and ran back to the camp, waiting closely outside the entrance.

I'm here. 

Sear nodded then turned around and started to walk back to the camp. The forest quickly went up in flames, though the air was frigid. The only part of the forest not touched by flames was the path that Sear walked on. The deep snow quickly melted in the heat of the flames, and prey scattered from their burrows, trying to find a way out, but there was no way out. The flames created a circle around the entire LakeClan territory. They slowly advanced on the camp, with only one path out, the one Break would soon take. It was like he couldn't feel the heat of the flames as they closed in around him, blocking the path. He looked to the sky, and smiled slightly as he saw a huge pillar of fire reach into the sky. He bounded forward, right through the flames. He could already hear the yowling of cats, and as he followed the path set by Sear the sound grew louder and louder. He snarled and his paws seemed to light on fire as he ran faster, bursting into the camp to find Sear and Flare standing near the entrance, preventing any cat from moving. Flames licked around Break's feet as he stopped and surveyed the mass of shuddering cats. He saw Dreamstar step forward, her eyes glinting. She'd been through so much in her life, she would die protecting her clan.

"What are you doing!? We are your family!"

Break shook his head.

"My family is the Dark Forest. We were made for this. For the destruction of LakeClan. Now, there's no where to run. "

He leaped forward at Dreamstar, but his flaming claws caught in fur before he could reach out. He snarled as he saw a gray and white tom on his claws instead of Dreamstar. The life was slowly bleeding out of him.

"You won't hurt her. Not after everything she's been through."

Break through Spiritsky still body aside and looked back up to see the clan fighting for their lives, but it was hopeless fighting against them. Three cats against 300, an easy win. Break leaped into the battle, a blue of glinting, red eyes.

(Please comment saying which cats you want to keep alive. Any cats not posted underneath in two days, will be proclaimed dead. Have fun RPing too! ^^ )