What little we know - Brackenstar's ceremony
Jun 15, 2023 21:15:49 GMT -8
DELAWARE, [:ripples:], and 2 more like this
Post by Minteh Freshness on Jun 15, 2023 21:15:49 GMT -8
Fur prickling uncomfortably, the large tabby made his way through his territory. What should have been a joyous, exciting time for him was overshadowed. He couldn’t help but think of the cats that were gone. Stolen. Taken from the clan (clans actually, but he was more worried about his own clan than that of the others in the forest). What was he going to do about it? What COULD he do about it? His clan was scared, each cat wondering if they would be next. They had told their clan to be extra cautious, to stay away from the areas the two-legs had been noticed. Some cats wanted to go after the two-legs, to find and bring back their clanmates. He commended them, was proud of their tenacity, but he was also worried about letting them go. That would be one or two or three less warriors keeping the clan protected and fed. It would be fewer mouths to feed, but they weren’t having issues with that much anymore, not right now anyway.
His posture was still perfect, but Brackenshade felt like he was hunching over. The uncertainty, the fear, the unknown all pushing down on his shoulders. He wasn’t yet leader, but he was on his way right now to become that. But, he and Longstar had slowly been transitioning over the leadership, since she was still alive and kicking, the old bat. He didn’t think she would ever relent her leadership, he’d even been daydreaming of plans to be rid of her (whether he would have acted on them or not, we’ll never know now), but with her debilitating disease that was slowly weakening her, slowly killing her. And she wanted to choose her own fate. Relinquishing her extra lives and becoming an elder to die on her terms, not to have each life taken and her to become weaker and weaker each time she would come back. Brackenshade admired her for that (he’d never tell her and you better not either).
His admiration was still overpowered by his annoyance for her though. Especially right now, as she was talking his ear off on their way to Highstones. Usually it would have been just him and Wintersky, if this had been any normal leadership transition ceremony. Longstar was never about normal though. Neither was he. No, he had to travel with the annoying lanky she-cat so that she could give her lives back to Starclan in order for him to receive his nine lives. And, even though they had strong warriors now, none of them wanted to leave the clan without their medicine cat, especially if something were to happen while they were gone. That, and Wintersky was no spry chicken anymore either. The dark brown tom was worried the elder she-cat would break on the journey as well. Her mind and eyes were bright, but her body was old.
So that’s why he was walking toward the cave mouth of Highstones, feeling slightly intimidated by the enormity of it, and a she-cat beside him that was doing her best (or her worst) to get under his skin. She’s always been great at it, though he had the satisfaction of knowing he irritated her right back. ”Scared?” Longstar’s snarky comment, along with the smirk that graced her face, helped him to steel himself against the cave and glare his aquamarine eyes back at her. ”I know you are, so don’t worry. I’m sure Starclan can take your lives from here. Maybe I’ll get lucky and they’ll send a fox here to kill you off and then I’ll be rid of you for good.” He growled back.
”No need to pretend to be so macho darling, I know you’re shaking in your fur. Besides, if I died right here, you’d never be rid of me. I’d haunt you for the rest of your life.” The Siamese she-cat then motioned for him to continue on first, that irritating smirk still gracing her lips. Rolling his eyes, Brackenshade lead the way. He hoped she wasn’t trying to trick him and that there wasn’t any secret passageways that he might get lost in. She’d love to gloat over him if that happened.
Inside it was pitch black and the deputy had to think about the action of blinking to be able to tell if his eyes were actually open or not. The walls seemed to close in on him the further he went in and some of his fears started to resurface along with a slight claustrophobia as he hunched down a bit so the top of his head didn’t bump the low ceiling. Would there be any Starclan left to give him his lives? He’s never been a full believer of Starclan, if they were real they didn’t show themselves as often as they apparently used to, and he was worried that if he didn’t believe in them fully, would they even want to give him the leadership lives? What if they didn’t approve of him as leader.
A low growl rumbled in his chest at that. Screw that. Even if he didn’t get any lives, he wouldn’t be giving up the leadership position. There was no way. He had wanted it for too long and had worked too hard to get here. No one else would be taking it from him now. With a growl, he shoved himself forward, suddenly stumbling into a large, lit up room. He’d been so lost in thought he hadn’t noticed the light up ahead. And now, he blinked in shock at what was before him. A hole in the roof let in the full moon light, which lit up a large crystal in the center of the room. The Moonstone. It glittered and put off so much light, like it was made of stars or the moon itself. Was he dreaming? He didn’t actually dream often, but when he did they were usually strange, weird dreams. And this, this didn’t seem real.
Longstar slid her way in behind him, bumping him with her shoulder and he snapped out of his trance to glance at her. If he had never consciously thought of her as beautiful, he almost would now. The moonlight from the crystal made her pale fur glow and sparkle, and for a moment he almost thought she had died and become a part of Starclan, as she looked like what he had heard their dead ancestors appeared like. But no, she gave a low chuckle and rubbed her tail against his face as she sauntered past, she was definitely still real, and still alive. Darn. He forced himself to think, still a bit dumbstruck by it all.
”Come on. We need to hurry. We don’t have all night. You wont get your lives if the moonlight no longer touches the stone. Wouldn’t that be a pitty.” Longstar cooed back at him, the signs of bridled laughter dancing in her glittering eyes. Brackenshade dug his claws into the tough earth below and forced himself to walk forward so he could stand next to her, in front of the glowing rock. She laid down, taking her time in getting comfortable, which earned another growl from him and her fluttering her eyelashes at him before touching her nose to the stone and going still. The brown tabby didn’t waste anymore time and quickly lowered himself to touch his own nose to the freezing cold crystal and closed his eyes.
He felt like he was just sitting there waiting for hours with nothing happening. Finally, when he had had enough he opened his eyes to bark at Longstar about it not working, when he shut his trap and gazed around. Mist swirled all around him, touching his fur though he didn’t feel wet or cold from it. Faded outlines of pine trees surrounded him, making him feel as though he needed to squint to see them. It was hard to see but it felt so familiar, like he was back home on Shadowclan territory. Everything around him was just a smoky, misty outline but yet it all sparkled a little like it was sprinkled with stardust. So this is Starclan’s domain. He felt slightly better, knowing that they must actually be real if he was here. Or maybe it was just another weird dream.
A sudden, startling pressure on his tail made him whirl around, to see Longstar sitting there, smirking at him. She was obviously enjoying every moment of his surprise and uncertainty. ”Did you just claw at my tail like a kit?” He grumbled at her incredulously. The pretty Siamese just shrugged and smiled back, a twinkle in her eyes. ”Just letting you know that it is real.” She said with a wink.
Scowling, he was about to retort when he saw movement out of the corner of his eye. They both turn to face that direction, and soon Brackenshade can see a group of figures heading their way. The closer they got through the mist, the more he noticed. It was a group of cats with stars in their faded fur, the trunks of the trees around them still slightly visible through the felines. Many of them he didn’t recognize, but a couple of them he did. Brackenshade felt shell-shocked, frozen solid at the she-cat that padded towards him, her eyes kind.
A different she-cat, pure white with fiery yellow eyes stepped up to Longstar first and dipped her head to the current leader. ”Blizzardstrike.” The she-cat beside him murmured in greeting, dipping her head in respect as well. The starry cat, Blizzardstrike it seemed, responded, ”Longstar.” Longstar took a deep breath before nodding, and then the two touched noses. Brackenshade wasn’t sure what happened next, but it almost seemed like a bright light had blinded him for a split second. And were each of the Starclan cats now a bit less transparent? He couldn’t tell if Longstar seemed any different. Maybe a bit more tense, but also somewhat like a load was taken off of her shoulders? He wasn’t sure. If she felt any different, she was good at hiding it. Another figure stepped up and he tensed at the voice, not wanting to turn towards her yet, to see her yet again. ”You served your clan well. Rest now Longtail.” The two she-cat dipped her heads to one another and then Longstar, no Longtail now, looked at him with a small smile. ”See you soon mouse-brain.” He frowned at her, but between one blink of the eye and the next, she was gone.
Brackenshade blinked his blue eyes a couple more times to make sure he hadn’t imagined that, before shaking it off and turning back towards the Starclan cats. His Clan’s ancestors. The first cat stepped away from the group, a black she-cat. Small. Just barely out of apprenticeship. His heart tightened in pain as he looked into her eyes, and he tried to tamp it down like he had done all those moons ago, but couldn’t for some reason. He felt vulnerable here, like he was laid bare in front of these dead cats. Brackenshade didn’t like the feeling.
”Brackenshade.” Her voice was gentle, yet strong and fierce like she had been in life. ”With this life I give you the gift of Love. Love can be romantic, but it can also be brotherly, fatherly. I hope you use this life to love your clan, including the clanmates you dislike. Love yourself for not just your strengths and greatest achievements, but also for your flaws, as it makes you who you are. And most of all, I hope you will allow yourself to open up your heart to whatever may come your way, whether it is in your destiny or not.” Nightfeather’s voice became soft at the end, and somehow Brackenshade was able to dip his head enough for his old crush to touch her nose to his forehead. He felt the life rush through him; felt a mother’s love of her kits, the love of one cat to another, the love of a leader to their clan. It was painful. Burning. Absolute. He nearly dropped to his knees before it subsided. Blinking his eyes open again (he hadn’t realized he had shut them), wanting to say something to her, though not knowing what, but she was already stepped back, away from him, a look of understanding in her expression.
Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself once more as the next cat came forward. This she-cat he had never seen before, but she felt immensely familiar. She was beautiful, her starry coat that of a spotted, light brown tabby, and her pale blue eyes sparkled as she took him in. ”My son. Look how you’ve grown.” Shocked, Brackenshade took a moment to look her over. The descriptions he had been given as a kit did no justice. His mother was an exquisite she-cat, and looking into her eyes that were a few shades lighter than his, he saw that spark of mischievous fierceness that he had always heard about. She gave him her signature grin before motioning for him to dip his head to her with a flick of her tail. ”I am so proud of you, and though I wish I could have been there to help you grow up, I am honored to be able to help you now. You are a smart, bright young tom, but you have lacked some discipline with your emotions for the majority of your life, and your father never helped you with that. And so, with this life I give you the gift of Patience. Emotions only get you so far, and sometimes only into trouble. Take a deep breath, be patient and logical. Wait for your moment to shine. You’ve been the reactive deputy for a long time, now it’s time to shock everyone with your intelligence. Plan your attacks. And also, you may have to wait for that person that will help you the most. Good things come to those who wait.” The feeling of calm washed over him, like the calm before the storm, or the stillness before a snake strikes. And then the satisfaction when it was all said and done.
A pure white she-cat with fiery yellow eyes approached once Fawnleap stepped away, and Brackenshade noted the resemblance to the elder in his clan, Frostfang. And the brown tom recognized the look in her eyes as one he had experienced many times when he had been angry all the time. He felt a connection with her and they each did a slight nod to one another in understanding, then they squared their shoulders in preparation of what was to come. ”My name is Blizzardstrike. I was the most feared warrior in my clan but I was struck down by greed from my own clanmate, a tom I had mistakenly been with, though my kits were never considered a mistake. Frostfang and Applefrost have served their clan well during their lives. I only wish I had been around longer for them, but I don’t think they needed me in the end. With this life I give you Humility. Stay humble, because even when you know you are the best, you can still be taken down by someone better, stronger, faster, smarter. Know this, be ready for it, and you will never be taken by surprise.” As Blizzardstrike’s nose touched his forehead, Brackenshade felt the world at his paws. He was the strongest, the fiercest, the best. Only for it to come crashing down with the burning of claws and teeth ripping into his fur, of knowing he will never get to accomplish the things he wanted to do in his life, or see his loved ones again. A coldness that settled into his very bones made a shiver run through him and he shook until it passed.
Quickly, a grey and white tabby tom took the spot in front of him. ”I am Silverblaze, brother of Frostfang and Applefrost. I once gave up my life to save my niece and nephew and so I give you the gift of Selflessness. I hope you will be righteous and give up your own life for the sake of someone else’s if the need arises. Use this life to let go of your ego so as not to crush someone else. To always look out for the wellbeing of your clanmates above all else, even yourself, no matter how hard it may be.” With this life Brackenshade felt a crushing weight take the breath from his body until everything burned, his body being broken beyond repair. Just when he thought he couldn’t handle it anymore, he felt the weight be lifted and a sense of peace, in knowing he had done the right thing, feeling better for it.
Without the grey tom leaving, another black she-cat padded forward until she stood next to Silverblaze, their fur brushing. He almost would have taken her for an older version of Nightfeather, but she didn’t have the same fiery spirit his old love did. The she-cat gave Brackenshade a kind smile. ”My gift to you is a life of Sympathy. With it I hope you understand what others are going through, either on a daily basis or at a specific time in their lives. Empathize with others rather than brush them off. Compassion will make you a great leader.” Brackenshade rolls his eyes at that but gives a slight nod of acknowledgement before dipping his head to receive the life from her. She gives him a disapproving look before touching his forehead with her muzzle. Great sorrow grips his heart, making him pant as it feels like his heart is breaking in two, over and over again, the emotional hardship threatening to swallow him whole. He feels tears leak down from his eyes and drip off of his chin. He would have felt surprise if he hadn’t been so encompassed in other emotions that were nearly foreign to him. Finally, it is relieved, not fully though. He can feel the broken heart, not fully healed, but being slowly repaired by the love and quiet encouragement of others. She gives him a look, and he finally recognizes her as Frostfang’s mate Nightoak that had died from the virus, and then the two of them turn away and walk back to the others.
An apprentice steps forward, a brown tabby like him, but a mousier brown than mahogany in color, and the young tom nods to Nightoak as he passes her, a familial look of love in the tom’s smile. ”With this life I give you the gift of Trust. Trust in others so you can forgive them when they have strayed down the wrong path. You must give trust in order to receive it. Trust in yourself to know what is right and true, but don’t forget to trust in the counsel of your clanmates, for they might have a perspective that will help, or many more years of knowledge under their paws than you do. Trust in traditions that have been passed down through the generations, and trust in us, for we see more than you can imagine. We may not be able to help as much as you wish, but we do what is allowed of us.” As the young tom gifts him, he feels the assurance of others, the resolute faith of sticking to his decisions, but also the need to step back and reassess when he was in the wrong. Brackenshade feels as if his ears had had mud in them and were now clear, and as if his sight had gotten sharper, seeing clearer than ever before. He felt pelts brush his and felt peace and assurance in knowing his clanmates had his back because he had theirs.
Suddenly a grey bundle of fur came rushing up to him, bouncing in front of the deputy. ”I’m Shadekit! Everyone needs a friend, so I’ll be yours! From me, you will get the gift of Friendship! With it you will be able to find the ones that want to help and be able to lean on them when you need to, but you’ve got to do the same! Relationships are a two-way street! They don’t work if both sides aren’t putting some effort in! Friendships can be a lot of fun, but it’s more than that! You also are fiercely loyal to one another. You can be loyal in general to your clan, but friendships make sure that someone has your back, and that you have theirs as well.” Brackenshade looked up from the bouncing kit, thinking they couldn’t be serious about this one, but when no one stepped up to tell him it was a joke, he sighed and kept himself from making a face as he had to all but lay down so the tiny kit could reach his forehead. Energy raced through him and he heard laughter in his ears, not pointed at him but rather along with him. It bubbled up in his chest until it made him feel like he was going to burst. Brackenshade blinked down at the kit in surprise, having never felt so much energy coursing through him, even from when he was a kit himself. Shadekit gave him a ginormous grin before bounding away, only to be replaced with another kit.
This one wasn’t as energy filled. No, she walked toward him with a strange seriousness and determination. The large tom can feel himself flinch back slightly, recognizing the kit as Mousekit, one of four kits in a litter born after the virus that had been affected. Her parents, a previous leader, and Wintersky had all seen how much the kit was suffering and had put her out of her misery. He had agreed with them, still now didn’t like seeing the signs of the virus effects in her siblings that were still alive. He had told Longstar numerous times to just put them in the elders den as he didn’t believe they could become warriors with their disabilities. He looked down at the brown kit with slight apprehension. She didn’t glare at him, but she didn’t smile either. ”Brackenshade, I give you the life of Clear Sight. Of seeing what isn’t always visible on the surface, but using your discernment to dig down deep to the hidden underlayers. Of having the wisdom to know the truth of what can be, and not of just what is right now. I hope you see things long-term and not seek instant gratification. Use this gift well.” When her tiny muzzle makes contact, his vision instantly goes completely black, a splitting pain wracking his entire body and he can’t tell if he is convulsing or frozen solid. The fear of being blinded forever starts to creep in and he pants with worry. After what feels like a lifetime, and yet at the same time only seconds, his sight begins to come back. He feels sharper in mind and sight and looks back at her. She has a grim look on her face and he gives her slight nod. She whips around and stalks back to the others and takes her place among them once again, staring at him with hazel eyes.
Everything seems to still, as is waiting on an abated breath. Suddenly, he realizes something and sees his mother give him a sad smile. She pads up to him once again. ”I know you were looking forward to getting all nine lives, but this will not be the case for you. Since you did not become leader by the death of Longtail, and she is getting to live her last life, you will be receiving only eight of the nine lives you normally would have received.” Brackenshade can feel a scowl form on his face. That damned she-cat was ruining his leadership already before it even started. Maybe he should have killed her while he had the chance. Dashing that thought away, he frowned and nodded, acknowledging what she has said. Her eyes soften. ”I am so proud of you my son. We were thankfully able to gather the eight of us to give you your lives tonight, as not many of your clanmates have gone missing. But a lot of Starclan is spread thin by following the cats taken and keeping watch over them, even outside of our normal range of sight.” Her eyes seem to unfocus, gazing behind him. A look of urgency crossed her features and she looks back at her son. ”You must return quickly. You are needed back at your clan and we are needed elsewhere. But just remember, we are still here, looking out for you and everyone else in the forest. Now you must wake up, Brackenstar.”
As she leans towards him, he hears to other Starclan cats calling out his new name. He wakes with a start, Brackenstar echoing in his ears. His body is cold and cramped, and he realizes he had fallen asleep in an absolutely awkward position. As he blinks his eyes he can see Longtail sitting there, smirking at him. ”Get enough beauty sleep?” She winked, knowing full well that she had gotten into a comfortable position on purpose while he wouldn’t. Brackenshade, no Brackenstar scowled, starting to feel the normal irritation rise in him when he suddenly remembered Fawnleap’s words. The look he must have on his face made Longtail’s smile faulter. ”We need to get back. Now. There is something wrong.”
The large tabby tom wastes no more time in stretching or lollygagging, he sprints back through the tight tunnels until he bursts out into dawnlight. He and Longtail make their way back as quickly as they can, though not as quick as he wished, as Longtail wasn’t as spry as she used to be, and he unhappily felt the need to not leave her behind. His thoughts were all on what could be wrong with the clan, but back in his subconscious, he was finalizing his decision for his deputy. It was already decided to him, but he was going back over his options to make sure that was the cat he wanted beside him, and he was certain it was. Once he had made sure the clan was safe, he would make the announcement.
They skid to a stop in camp, panting. His clanmates look up with curiosity when they realize who it was that came barging into camp. The air is calm, there is no urgency besides what Brackenstar feels, and he quickly grabs a warrior and asks for an update. It’s all been calm, so his fur starts to lie flat and he breathes out a sigh of relief, then calls for everyone to gather. As everyone gathers and he starts to say the words of the ceremony for choosing his deputy, a clanmate races into camp, eyes wild, yowling about three cats having been taken by humans. Brackenstar’s stomach drops. One of those cats was his choice of deputy. Calling out an order, he and several other warriors run to save their clanmates.
By the time they get there, it’s too late. Their clanmates and the humans are gone. No one can pick up their scent, everything is too muddled by the smell of two-legs and their monsters. Worried, disheartened, and grieving, he and his clanmates make their way back to camp. Brackenstar tries to think of what to do. A couple of warriors behind him are murmuring about how they should send someone to track their clanmates down. No one wants to sit and do nothing, but Brackenstar doesn’t want to lose anymore of his clan. And now, he was going to actually have to make the tough decisions.
When they make it back to camp, he gathers the clan once more to announce the kidnappings of their three clanmates, two warriors and an apprentice. After the meeting, he then corners Longtail and asks for her to stay on as his temporary deputy, since she knows what to do already, at least until he can find a replacement or his first choice makes it back. It’s too hectic at the moment to think of someone else right away.
She agrees reluctantly, but on her terms. He agrees, grateful to have some sort of help, even if she can’t do as much as a true deputy should.
Little do they know that within a moon, life will get even more hectic when Wintersky passes away in her sleep, leaving them without an actual deputy or medicine cat. Brackenstar is about to feel even more lost than ever, even with Longtail’s help, since she is basically retired now. He’ll have to steel himself to carry the clan on his own for now…
Words || 4778
OOC || Done!
Tagged || claire || DELAWARE || jackelyn
His posture was still perfect, but Brackenshade felt like he was hunching over. The uncertainty, the fear, the unknown all pushing down on his shoulders. He wasn’t yet leader, but he was on his way right now to become that. But, he and Longstar had slowly been transitioning over the leadership, since she was still alive and kicking, the old bat. He didn’t think she would ever relent her leadership, he’d even been daydreaming of plans to be rid of her (whether he would have acted on them or not, we’ll never know now), but with her debilitating disease that was slowly weakening her, slowly killing her. And she wanted to choose her own fate. Relinquishing her extra lives and becoming an elder to die on her terms, not to have each life taken and her to become weaker and weaker each time she would come back. Brackenshade admired her for that (he’d never tell her and you better not either).
His admiration was still overpowered by his annoyance for her though. Especially right now, as she was talking his ear off on their way to Highstones. Usually it would have been just him and Wintersky, if this had been any normal leadership transition ceremony. Longstar was never about normal though. Neither was he. No, he had to travel with the annoying lanky she-cat so that she could give her lives back to Starclan in order for him to receive his nine lives. And, even though they had strong warriors now, none of them wanted to leave the clan without their medicine cat, especially if something were to happen while they were gone. That, and Wintersky was no spry chicken anymore either. The dark brown tom was worried the elder she-cat would break on the journey as well. Her mind and eyes were bright, but her body was old.
So that’s why he was walking toward the cave mouth of Highstones, feeling slightly intimidated by the enormity of it, and a she-cat beside him that was doing her best (or her worst) to get under his skin. She’s always been great at it, though he had the satisfaction of knowing he irritated her right back. ”Scared?” Longstar’s snarky comment, along with the smirk that graced her face, helped him to steel himself against the cave and glare his aquamarine eyes back at her. ”I know you are, so don’t worry. I’m sure Starclan can take your lives from here. Maybe I’ll get lucky and they’ll send a fox here to kill you off and then I’ll be rid of you for good.” He growled back.
”No need to pretend to be so macho darling, I know you’re shaking in your fur. Besides, if I died right here, you’d never be rid of me. I’d haunt you for the rest of your life.” The Siamese she-cat then motioned for him to continue on first, that irritating smirk still gracing her lips. Rolling his eyes, Brackenshade lead the way. He hoped she wasn’t trying to trick him and that there wasn’t any secret passageways that he might get lost in. She’d love to gloat over him if that happened.
Inside it was pitch black and the deputy had to think about the action of blinking to be able to tell if his eyes were actually open or not. The walls seemed to close in on him the further he went in and some of his fears started to resurface along with a slight claustrophobia as he hunched down a bit so the top of his head didn’t bump the low ceiling. Would there be any Starclan left to give him his lives? He’s never been a full believer of Starclan, if they were real they didn’t show themselves as often as they apparently used to, and he was worried that if he didn’t believe in them fully, would they even want to give him the leadership lives? What if they didn’t approve of him as leader.
A low growl rumbled in his chest at that. Screw that. Even if he didn’t get any lives, he wouldn’t be giving up the leadership position. There was no way. He had wanted it for too long and had worked too hard to get here. No one else would be taking it from him now. With a growl, he shoved himself forward, suddenly stumbling into a large, lit up room. He’d been so lost in thought he hadn’t noticed the light up ahead. And now, he blinked in shock at what was before him. A hole in the roof let in the full moon light, which lit up a large crystal in the center of the room. The Moonstone. It glittered and put off so much light, like it was made of stars or the moon itself. Was he dreaming? He didn’t actually dream often, but when he did they were usually strange, weird dreams. And this, this didn’t seem real.
Longstar slid her way in behind him, bumping him with her shoulder and he snapped out of his trance to glance at her. If he had never consciously thought of her as beautiful, he almost would now. The moonlight from the crystal made her pale fur glow and sparkle, and for a moment he almost thought she had died and become a part of Starclan, as she looked like what he had heard their dead ancestors appeared like. But no, she gave a low chuckle and rubbed her tail against his face as she sauntered past, she was definitely still real, and still alive. Darn. He forced himself to think, still a bit dumbstruck by it all.
”Come on. We need to hurry. We don’t have all night. You wont get your lives if the moonlight no longer touches the stone. Wouldn’t that be a pitty.” Longstar cooed back at him, the signs of bridled laughter dancing in her glittering eyes. Brackenshade dug his claws into the tough earth below and forced himself to walk forward so he could stand next to her, in front of the glowing rock. She laid down, taking her time in getting comfortable, which earned another growl from him and her fluttering her eyelashes at him before touching her nose to the stone and going still. The brown tabby didn’t waste anymore time and quickly lowered himself to touch his own nose to the freezing cold crystal and closed his eyes.
He felt like he was just sitting there waiting for hours with nothing happening. Finally, when he had had enough he opened his eyes to bark at Longstar about it not working, when he shut his trap and gazed around. Mist swirled all around him, touching his fur though he didn’t feel wet or cold from it. Faded outlines of pine trees surrounded him, making him feel as though he needed to squint to see them. It was hard to see but it felt so familiar, like he was back home on Shadowclan territory. Everything around him was just a smoky, misty outline but yet it all sparkled a little like it was sprinkled with stardust. So this is Starclan’s domain. He felt slightly better, knowing that they must actually be real if he was here. Or maybe it was just another weird dream.
A sudden, startling pressure on his tail made him whirl around, to see Longstar sitting there, smirking at him. She was obviously enjoying every moment of his surprise and uncertainty. ”Did you just claw at my tail like a kit?” He grumbled at her incredulously. The pretty Siamese just shrugged and smiled back, a twinkle in her eyes. ”Just letting you know that it is real.” She said with a wink.
Scowling, he was about to retort when he saw movement out of the corner of his eye. They both turn to face that direction, and soon Brackenshade can see a group of figures heading their way. The closer they got through the mist, the more he noticed. It was a group of cats with stars in their faded fur, the trunks of the trees around them still slightly visible through the felines. Many of them he didn’t recognize, but a couple of them he did. Brackenshade felt shell-shocked, frozen solid at the she-cat that padded towards him, her eyes kind.
A different she-cat, pure white with fiery yellow eyes stepped up to Longstar first and dipped her head to the current leader. ”Blizzardstrike.” The she-cat beside him murmured in greeting, dipping her head in respect as well. The starry cat, Blizzardstrike it seemed, responded, ”Longstar.” Longstar took a deep breath before nodding, and then the two touched noses. Brackenshade wasn’t sure what happened next, but it almost seemed like a bright light had blinded him for a split second. And were each of the Starclan cats now a bit less transparent? He couldn’t tell if Longstar seemed any different. Maybe a bit more tense, but also somewhat like a load was taken off of her shoulders? He wasn’t sure. If she felt any different, she was good at hiding it. Another figure stepped up and he tensed at the voice, not wanting to turn towards her yet, to see her yet again. ”You served your clan well. Rest now Longtail.” The two she-cat dipped her heads to one another and then Longstar, no Longtail now, looked at him with a small smile. ”See you soon mouse-brain.” He frowned at her, but between one blink of the eye and the next, she was gone.
Brackenshade blinked his blue eyes a couple more times to make sure he hadn’t imagined that, before shaking it off and turning back towards the Starclan cats. His Clan’s ancestors. The first cat stepped away from the group, a black she-cat. Small. Just barely out of apprenticeship. His heart tightened in pain as he looked into her eyes, and he tried to tamp it down like he had done all those moons ago, but couldn’t for some reason. He felt vulnerable here, like he was laid bare in front of these dead cats. Brackenshade didn’t like the feeling.
”Brackenshade.” Her voice was gentle, yet strong and fierce like she had been in life. ”With this life I give you the gift of Love. Love can be romantic, but it can also be brotherly, fatherly. I hope you use this life to love your clan, including the clanmates you dislike. Love yourself for not just your strengths and greatest achievements, but also for your flaws, as it makes you who you are. And most of all, I hope you will allow yourself to open up your heart to whatever may come your way, whether it is in your destiny or not.” Nightfeather’s voice became soft at the end, and somehow Brackenshade was able to dip his head enough for his old crush to touch her nose to his forehead. He felt the life rush through him; felt a mother’s love of her kits, the love of one cat to another, the love of a leader to their clan. It was painful. Burning. Absolute. He nearly dropped to his knees before it subsided. Blinking his eyes open again (he hadn’t realized he had shut them), wanting to say something to her, though not knowing what, but she was already stepped back, away from him, a look of understanding in her expression.
Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself once more as the next cat came forward. This she-cat he had never seen before, but she felt immensely familiar. She was beautiful, her starry coat that of a spotted, light brown tabby, and her pale blue eyes sparkled as she took him in. ”My son. Look how you’ve grown.” Shocked, Brackenshade took a moment to look her over. The descriptions he had been given as a kit did no justice. His mother was an exquisite she-cat, and looking into her eyes that were a few shades lighter than his, he saw that spark of mischievous fierceness that he had always heard about. She gave him her signature grin before motioning for him to dip his head to her with a flick of her tail. ”I am so proud of you, and though I wish I could have been there to help you grow up, I am honored to be able to help you now. You are a smart, bright young tom, but you have lacked some discipline with your emotions for the majority of your life, and your father never helped you with that. And so, with this life I give you the gift of Patience. Emotions only get you so far, and sometimes only into trouble. Take a deep breath, be patient and logical. Wait for your moment to shine. You’ve been the reactive deputy for a long time, now it’s time to shock everyone with your intelligence. Plan your attacks. And also, you may have to wait for that person that will help you the most. Good things come to those who wait.” The feeling of calm washed over him, like the calm before the storm, or the stillness before a snake strikes. And then the satisfaction when it was all said and done.
A pure white she-cat with fiery yellow eyes approached once Fawnleap stepped away, and Brackenshade noted the resemblance to the elder in his clan, Frostfang. And the brown tom recognized the look in her eyes as one he had experienced many times when he had been angry all the time. He felt a connection with her and they each did a slight nod to one another in understanding, then they squared their shoulders in preparation of what was to come. ”My name is Blizzardstrike. I was the most feared warrior in my clan but I was struck down by greed from my own clanmate, a tom I had mistakenly been with, though my kits were never considered a mistake. Frostfang and Applefrost have served their clan well during their lives. I only wish I had been around longer for them, but I don’t think they needed me in the end. With this life I give you Humility. Stay humble, because even when you know you are the best, you can still be taken down by someone better, stronger, faster, smarter. Know this, be ready for it, and you will never be taken by surprise.” As Blizzardstrike’s nose touched his forehead, Brackenshade felt the world at his paws. He was the strongest, the fiercest, the best. Only for it to come crashing down with the burning of claws and teeth ripping into his fur, of knowing he will never get to accomplish the things he wanted to do in his life, or see his loved ones again. A coldness that settled into his very bones made a shiver run through him and he shook until it passed.
Quickly, a grey and white tabby tom took the spot in front of him. ”I am Silverblaze, brother of Frostfang and Applefrost. I once gave up my life to save my niece and nephew and so I give you the gift of Selflessness. I hope you will be righteous and give up your own life for the sake of someone else’s if the need arises. Use this life to let go of your ego so as not to crush someone else. To always look out for the wellbeing of your clanmates above all else, even yourself, no matter how hard it may be.” With this life Brackenshade felt a crushing weight take the breath from his body until everything burned, his body being broken beyond repair. Just when he thought he couldn’t handle it anymore, he felt the weight be lifted and a sense of peace, in knowing he had done the right thing, feeling better for it.
Without the grey tom leaving, another black she-cat padded forward until she stood next to Silverblaze, their fur brushing. He almost would have taken her for an older version of Nightfeather, but she didn’t have the same fiery spirit his old love did. The she-cat gave Brackenshade a kind smile. ”My gift to you is a life of Sympathy. With it I hope you understand what others are going through, either on a daily basis or at a specific time in their lives. Empathize with others rather than brush them off. Compassion will make you a great leader.” Brackenshade rolls his eyes at that but gives a slight nod of acknowledgement before dipping his head to receive the life from her. She gives him a disapproving look before touching his forehead with her muzzle. Great sorrow grips his heart, making him pant as it feels like his heart is breaking in two, over and over again, the emotional hardship threatening to swallow him whole. He feels tears leak down from his eyes and drip off of his chin. He would have felt surprise if he hadn’t been so encompassed in other emotions that were nearly foreign to him. Finally, it is relieved, not fully though. He can feel the broken heart, not fully healed, but being slowly repaired by the love and quiet encouragement of others. She gives him a look, and he finally recognizes her as Frostfang’s mate Nightoak that had died from the virus, and then the two of them turn away and walk back to the others.
An apprentice steps forward, a brown tabby like him, but a mousier brown than mahogany in color, and the young tom nods to Nightoak as he passes her, a familial look of love in the tom’s smile. ”With this life I give you the gift of Trust. Trust in others so you can forgive them when they have strayed down the wrong path. You must give trust in order to receive it. Trust in yourself to know what is right and true, but don’t forget to trust in the counsel of your clanmates, for they might have a perspective that will help, or many more years of knowledge under their paws than you do. Trust in traditions that have been passed down through the generations, and trust in us, for we see more than you can imagine. We may not be able to help as much as you wish, but we do what is allowed of us.” As the young tom gifts him, he feels the assurance of others, the resolute faith of sticking to his decisions, but also the need to step back and reassess when he was in the wrong. Brackenshade feels as if his ears had had mud in them and were now clear, and as if his sight had gotten sharper, seeing clearer than ever before. He felt pelts brush his and felt peace and assurance in knowing his clanmates had his back because he had theirs.
Suddenly a grey bundle of fur came rushing up to him, bouncing in front of the deputy. ”I’m Shadekit! Everyone needs a friend, so I’ll be yours! From me, you will get the gift of Friendship! With it you will be able to find the ones that want to help and be able to lean on them when you need to, but you’ve got to do the same! Relationships are a two-way street! They don’t work if both sides aren’t putting some effort in! Friendships can be a lot of fun, but it’s more than that! You also are fiercely loyal to one another. You can be loyal in general to your clan, but friendships make sure that someone has your back, and that you have theirs as well.” Brackenshade looked up from the bouncing kit, thinking they couldn’t be serious about this one, but when no one stepped up to tell him it was a joke, he sighed and kept himself from making a face as he had to all but lay down so the tiny kit could reach his forehead. Energy raced through him and he heard laughter in his ears, not pointed at him but rather along with him. It bubbled up in his chest until it made him feel like he was going to burst. Brackenshade blinked down at the kit in surprise, having never felt so much energy coursing through him, even from when he was a kit himself. Shadekit gave him a ginormous grin before bounding away, only to be replaced with another kit.
This one wasn’t as energy filled. No, she walked toward him with a strange seriousness and determination. The large tom can feel himself flinch back slightly, recognizing the kit as Mousekit, one of four kits in a litter born after the virus that had been affected. Her parents, a previous leader, and Wintersky had all seen how much the kit was suffering and had put her out of her misery. He had agreed with them, still now didn’t like seeing the signs of the virus effects in her siblings that were still alive. He had told Longstar numerous times to just put them in the elders den as he didn’t believe they could become warriors with their disabilities. He looked down at the brown kit with slight apprehension. She didn’t glare at him, but she didn’t smile either. ”Brackenshade, I give you the life of Clear Sight. Of seeing what isn’t always visible on the surface, but using your discernment to dig down deep to the hidden underlayers. Of having the wisdom to know the truth of what can be, and not of just what is right now. I hope you see things long-term and not seek instant gratification. Use this gift well.” When her tiny muzzle makes contact, his vision instantly goes completely black, a splitting pain wracking his entire body and he can’t tell if he is convulsing or frozen solid. The fear of being blinded forever starts to creep in and he pants with worry. After what feels like a lifetime, and yet at the same time only seconds, his sight begins to come back. He feels sharper in mind and sight and looks back at her. She has a grim look on her face and he gives her slight nod. She whips around and stalks back to the others and takes her place among them once again, staring at him with hazel eyes.
Everything seems to still, as is waiting on an abated breath. Suddenly, he realizes something and sees his mother give him a sad smile. She pads up to him once again. ”I know you were looking forward to getting all nine lives, but this will not be the case for you. Since you did not become leader by the death of Longtail, and she is getting to live her last life, you will be receiving only eight of the nine lives you normally would have received.” Brackenshade can feel a scowl form on his face. That damned she-cat was ruining his leadership already before it even started. Maybe he should have killed her while he had the chance. Dashing that thought away, he frowned and nodded, acknowledging what she has said. Her eyes soften. ”I am so proud of you my son. We were thankfully able to gather the eight of us to give you your lives tonight, as not many of your clanmates have gone missing. But a lot of Starclan is spread thin by following the cats taken and keeping watch over them, even outside of our normal range of sight.” Her eyes seem to unfocus, gazing behind him. A look of urgency crossed her features and she looks back at her son. ”You must return quickly. You are needed back at your clan and we are needed elsewhere. But just remember, we are still here, looking out for you and everyone else in the forest. Now you must wake up, Brackenstar.”
As she leans towards him, he hears to other Starclan cats calling out his new name. He wakes with a start, Brackenstar echoing in his ears. His body is cold and cramped, and he realizes he had fallen asleep in an absolutely awkward position. As he blinks his eyes he can see Longtail sitting there, smirking at him. ”Get enough beauty sleep?” She winked, knowing full well that she had gotten into a comfortable position on purpose while he wouldn’t. Brackenshade, no Brackenstar scowled, starting to feel the normal irritation rise in him when he suddenly remembered Fawnleap’s words. The look he must have on his face made Longtail’s smile faulter. ”We need to get back. Now. There is something wrong.”
The large tabby tom wastes no more time in stretching or lollygagging, he sprints back through the tight tunnels until he bursts out into dawnlight. He and Longtail make their way back as quickly as they can, though not as quick as he wished, as Longtail wasn’t as spry as she used to be, and he unhappily felt the need to not leave her behind. His thoughts were all on what could be wrong with the clan, but back in his subconscious, he was finalizing his decision for his deputy. It was already decided to him, but he was going back over his options to make sure that was the cat he wanted beside him, and he was certain it was. Once he had made sure the clan was safe, he would make the announcement.
They skid to a stop in camp, panting. His clanmates look up with curiosity when they realize who it was that came barging into camp. The air is calm, there is no urgency besides what Brackenstar feels, and he quickly grabs a warrior and asks for an update. It’s all been calm, so his fur starts to lie flat and he breathes out a sigh of relief, then calls for everyone to gather. As everyone gathers and he starts to say the words of the ceremony for choosing his deputy, a clanmate races into camp, eyes wild, yowling about three cats having been taken by humans. Brackenstar’s stomach drops. One of those cats was his choice of deputy. Calling out an order, he and several other warriors run to save their clanmates.
By the time they get there, it’s too late. Their clanmates and the humans are gone. No one can pick up their scent, everything is too muddled by the smell of two-legs and their monsters. Worried, disheartened, and grieving, he and his clanmates make their way back to camp. Brackenstar tries to think of what to do. A couple of warriors behind him are murmuring about how they should send someone to track their clanmates down. No one wants to sit and do nothing, but Brackenstar doesn’t want to lose anymore of his clan. And now, he was going to actually have to make the tough decisions.
When they make it back to camp, he gathers the clan once more to announce the kidnappings of their three clanmates, two warriors and an apprentice. After the meeting, he then corners Longtail and asks for her to stay on as his temporary deputy, since she knows what to do already, at least until he can find a replacement or his first choice makes it back. It’s too hectic at the moment to think of someone else right away.
She agrees reluctantly, but on her terms. He agrees, grateful to have some sort of help, even if she can’t do as much as a true deputy should.
Little do they know that within a moon, life will get even more hectic when Wintersky passes away in her sleep, leaving them without an actual deputy or medicine cat. Brackenstar is about to feel even more lost than ever, even with Longtail’s help, since she is basically retired now. He’ll have to steel himself to carry the clan on his own for now…
Words || 4778
OOC || Done!
Tagged || claire || DELAWARE || jackelyn
