A Sad death...A New beginning (All)

[*~Blazeheart~*]

Pawsteps wearily stepped upon the ground. The smell of mist rose from the ground as the sun was slowly ascending, painting the dark midnight sky with streaks of orange and purple. A sihlouette of a lean tom could be seen along with a smaller figure, who was the medicine cat. Both pushed their way into the den.
The tom had a weary look on his face, the usual humorous gleam in his eyes gone. His fur was sleek and silver, though as the sun was rising, faint traces of a reddish hue could be detected. His green eyes were somber as he padded into the clearing. His eyes were casted sadly towards the motionless body of Haggarstar. Again, his heart felt like it was being pierced by thorns as he looked at Haggarstar's listless body, too afraid to go near if or he might break down. Her death was still fresh in his mind while his leadership ceromony seemed like moons away.

A white-furred tom with dark black stripes looked up from Haggarstar's body to see that he had returned. Tigerfrost got up stiffly, his muscles feeling sore from crouching in vigil for his leader so long. The tom padded slowly towards the silver tom, head bowing down respectfully towards the new leader.

"Please, don't do that..."the silver tom muttered, sitting down with his head hung low. He was still not used to the fact that he had the responsibility of a leader. And seeing the former deputy bow his head respectfully to him felt wrong, almost alien.

"Everything went well?"Tigerfrost murmured, ignoring what the tom had last said.

The silver tom nodded, though not very enthusiastic.
"I can't believe she's gone..."he muttered, looking at Haggarstar's body with fresh grief in his eyes.

"None of us expected it. But now you have to take on her legacy,"Tigerfrost meowed gravely, also looking at the motionless body sadly.

"Will you still be deputy?"the tom asked, almost tentatively with faint hope, just like a child.

Tigerfrost shook his head in response.
"I don't think I'm ready for such responsiblity. That's why I had you become leader. Haggarstar once told me something that made me realize I may not be ready to lead the Clan, or be deputy,"the tom meowed, a wry smile. "Besides..."
The white-furred tom glanced at the warriors den where Spiritsong was supposedly resting in. His heart lifted a bit and battled the grief as he thought of her.

A faint smile that hadn't appeared for a long time since the leader's death played upon the silver tom's lips.
"I see..."he meowed.

"So I guess a new deputy will take my place,"Tigerfrost continued, looking at the new leader with level eyes.

The tom sighed. For a moment, he looked lost, his tail flicking uncertainly. But stealing a quick glance at Haggarstar, his posture straightened and a new light lit his green eyes.

"Alright..."Zephyrstar murmured.

[◦ʜʇʎɯ]

[bg=a41b1b][cs=3] The kit's body still shook with sadness at the death of her leader - Lunarkit had loved Haggarstar, possibly even more than she had loved her mother. It was devastating - she was gone. Gone. Gone. The word echoed in her mind as her shaking body stared at her leader, fur on end. Why did she have to die? Lunarkit never... never got a chance to be her apprentice. Lunarkit wanted Haggarstar to be her mentor. She didn't want her to die. Her small, shivering body shook violently with another loud, long sob. Haggarstar had been the leader since... well, by Lunarkit's standards, since forever. Haggarstar should have still had nine lives, right? Right? Shaking still, she padded to her leader's side, shoulders heavy with sadness and anger at the death of the cat she cherished so much. With another loud sob, she pressed her nose into the leader's cold body - she'd seen other cats do this plenty of times with others who had died, she knew what she was doing. She pulled away and her blue eyes looked at Haggarstar. "...why'd you have to die?" she asked in a small, feeble voice. It was so very different to the voice she had been using but a week ago - boasting and bragging about how Haggarstar was going to make Lunarkit her apprentice, happily ignorant at the leader's plight. Soft eyes turned to Zephyrstar, as if saying "You better do a good job because no one can replace Haggarstar", and she turned away, ears flat against her head, tail dragging along the floor, shoulders low, back to her mother and siblings.

[◦ʜʇʎɯ]

[bg=79bb70][cs=3] Unlike her sister, Morningkit was less upset, more confused at the death of the leader who had taught them a fighting move when their mother had gone hunting after getting fed up with them. Green eyes studied the form on the floor of camp, showing both sorrow and a sort of happiness for Zephyrstar. Nervously, the kit walked up to him, green eyes avoiding looking at Haggarstar again. "Zephyrstar... will you make me and Flarekit and Lunarkit apprentices.... Last week Haggarstar said, said," Morningkit gave a little sob. "said she'd do it today..." green eyes pooled tears onto the floor. Truly, she had said today was the day they would become apprentices, so it was hard on their little minds that the day they became apprentices was the day their leader joined StarClan, never to return.

[◦ʜʇʎɯ]

[bg=06ef00][cs=3] Flarekit couldn't have said he was devastated or even stirred by the death of Haggarstar. It didn't take a medicine cat to see how she was feeling. It was horrible, watching her deteriorate while his sister boldly said she would be her mentor. He watched as Lunarkit, shivering in sorrow, pressed her nose against the body of the former leader and padded back to the nursery, ignoring the tail of their mother. Then, Morningkit padded over to Zephyrstar, requesting to have their apprentice ceremony carry on as Haggarstar said. But his eyes were on Tigerfrost. In one way, he was disappointed the tom had declined the leadership of the clan. He had listened to the new leader and Tigerfrost converse, and looked over to where Tigerfrost had pointed. It was for a female that he didn't take the leadership. Flarekit wondered who she was and just how he felt for her. She must have been a nervous one, too nervous afterwards to even interact with Tigerfrost once he was made leader. He continued to study the ex-deputy with curious eyes, watching to see what he'd do next.

[◦ʜʇʎɯ]

[bg=0d8fab][cs=3] She was as quiet as she once was when Fireblaze had died. Her usually hardened eyes betrayed her stance and her true feelings. Haggarstar was a great leader - she looked after her three own kits when she got so sick of them she left for a few days to be alone, to talk to Fireblaze's spirit without having the kits ask who she was talking to. Lunarkit was hit the worst. As she walked past, the queen brushed her tail over her, only to receive more sobs from inside the nursery. Morningkit padded up and asked for their ceremony to be continued. Flarekit was as enigmatic as his father would have been - quiet, stoic, calm. Terncry herself was pretty hard hit - Haggarstar had criticised her as a mother, and she was glad of that. Terncry's offspring were her first love's, and she would never let anything happen to them. Anything bad, anyway.

[◦ʜʇʎɯ]

s p i r i t s o n g

Spiritsong was unable to sleep. The sorrow in the camp was still evident even as Zephyrstar returned from his meeting with StarClan. Her black and white and brown pelt rose and fell as she breathed, and yellow eyes watched as the leader and her love talked. She couldn't quite make out what they were saying, but, when Tigerfrost pointed and looked at the warriors den, she closed her eyes. They were easily noticeable, even in the darkness of the warriors' den.

When she felt ready to get up, she moved swiftly between her clan mates, careful not to wake them. Her striped pelt, almost the complete opposite of Tigerfrost's, made it's way over to the two toms. She looked down with a sad, almost glare type look, at Haggarstar. She was a brilliant cat, a lovely and kind leader. She would be missed dearly.

She nodded at the two toms, and blushed slightly when she looked at Tigerfrost. "Zephyrstar, Tigerfrost. Did your journey go as planned, Zephyrstar?"

[haaa and she's the bint without a table >>]

[*~Blazeheart~*]

((Who do you want as the kits' mentors?))
Zephyrwind almost felt even more depressed as he watched Lunarkit's sorrowful glare directed towards him. It made him feel even more helpless. How can he cure a kits' grief-filled heart when he couldn't even cure his own? The Morningkit's suggested made him straighten up a bit.
"Of course Morningkit,"he agreed with a small smile of encouragment.
It's the least I can do for them...for Haggarstar,he thought sadly.

Tigerfrost gave Zephyrstar a nod of approval. in the corner of his peripheral vision, he spotted movement near the warriors den and turned to see a beautiful black and white she-cat pad out of the den. Her pelt seemed to glow and stand out to him.
"Hello Spiritsong,"the white-furred tom purred in greeting.

"Hello Spiritsong,"the silver tom greeted too with a nod of his head, a glint of amusement in his green eyes as he looked between Tigerfrost and Spiritsong.
"My journey went well,"Zephyrstar replied to Spiritsong.
"I guess it's time to have some new apprentices now,"the tom meowed with a slight smile and trying to keep a light tone in this gloomy atmosphere. Zephyrstar turned and bounded up the high rocks that looked down upon the Clan. At first, he was nervous, but the words just came out of his mouth before he could think.

"Dawnclan!"he called out into the cold dawn air, breaking the mournful silence.
"Gather around for a Clan meeting!"

[~Ravenpaw~]

Quietpaw sat by herself she came around and had no idea what was happening, she was tired and had only just woken up, she looked around and wondered if Soulpaw was here yet, she wanted to know, she liked him alot, but he was no where in sight, "What's going on little one?" Skyleaper asked coming to sit with her, Quietpaw shrugged she had no clue what was happening, she looked up at Zephyrstar the cat who had called them, Skyleaper look up quietly, everything seemed so sad around here, was it only going to get worst?

Streakpaw padded up to the cats that were gathering, he was upset because he was going to go hunting with his mentor but instead go called here, he wondered what was happening curiously as Zephyrstar called out to them, little did he know only more sadness would be placed upon them.

[Swiftpelt]

Soulheart slowly awoke, his dark green eyes half open with a glint of worry in his eyes.
He had just heard the news that his former leader Haggarstar died, something that claimed her last life and ended a leadership worth fighting for. This feeling lingered over him for quite a while, which he could tell by Swiftpelt's eyes that he too was grieving. Unwrapping himself, the tan and white tom sat up with his tail laying to his side and for a moment, could see the Swiftpelt had hardly slept.

Sighing slowly, Soulheart smiled gently and spoke with a calm tone.

"Swiftpelt, our new leader has called a clan meeting. You coming?"

The tan and black tom slowly raised his head for a moment, staring at Soulheart before he too sat up with a yarn."Yeah..Just give me few." Swiftpelt replied with another yarn, his ice blue eyes still alittle dim.

Soulheart nodded silently and without another word, rose to his paws and padded out of the warriors den with a flick of his tail. Looking around, the tan and white tom spotted his clan that was gathering under a rock and quietly padded over Spiritsong with a nod.
"Greetings Spiritsong. Mind if I sit with you?" He asked, even though he sat down anyway.

Swiftpelt watched the tan and white tom leave the den, still pondering over Haggarstar's death and slowly let out a sigh. It was just a few moons ago that he was talking to her about Featherpaw's next training before Warrior-ship and now? He just couldn't believe it.
"But yet..Haggarstar would tell me to keep going..for the survival of this clan." He muttered to himself, his left ear flicking abit before slowly getting up with a wave of his tail.
So that's what I'll do. Protect this clan with my life.

Padding out of the den, Swiftpelt looked up at his new leader and smiled when it was Zephyerstar that would lead their clan to greater things. At least I can make both Haggarstar and Whispersong be proud of me, by being the Best warrior I can be. He thought, spotting Soulheart and padded over to him with a purr.

Soulheart turned his head to find Swiftpelt come up to his side and nodded, glad to see that the tom was feeling better and turned his head to look at their new leader. Swiftpelt nodded as well, sitting down with his tail wrapped around his paws and did the same.

[Wildheart]

Sun rested on the bare plains of Dawnclan. Grass swayed in the breeze and small bushes stretch throughout the territory. The shadow of a bush hid a black pelt with orange and white woven throughout the fur. A pair of eyes peaked through to see the mourning of clan members, each one rejecting her as a clan mate. All except one, who lay dead on the ground. Haggarstar. The only one who demanded she be accepted into the clan. After traveling for days on her own through the clan's territory moons ago, only Haggarstar had not rejected her. Her clan mates warned her against Burnedsoul, but she was to stubborn to listen. Burnedsoul was thankful for that. Her yellow green eyes watched quietly at a distance as the other cats each came up and said their fair-wells to the leader who had laid dead on the ground all day now as the sun started its ascend up and descend down the sky at what seemed like a crawling pace. Longing itched at the she-cats tortoiseshell fur but her black heart rejected the idea of joining the others. She knew she didn't belong.

Now that Haggarstar was gone, Burnedsoul didn't see any reason to stay in the clan. It's a shame. Burnedsoul thought. She liked the feeling of chasing after rabbits and hares across the seemingly endless sky among cats that had slowly accepted her over time. They still didn't seem to trust her very much. Burnedsoul planned on leaving the clan once she said her final goodbye to her loved leader and would slip out as the other cats grieved for their loss. A yowl echoed throughout the camp and reached Burnedsoul's ears, who lay a distance away from the camp, quietly laying there in wait. She saw the other cats get up and slowly merge near the High Rocks, a distance away from the previous leader. Burnedsoul saw her chance and took it, bounding toward the leader's still body on the edge of camp quickly and softly, trying not to ruffle the grass around her to much.

Zephyrstar was standing on the High Rocks, looking nervous but confidence hummed around his body. Burnedsoul nodded in approval at what the clan cats called, 'Starclan's choice of a new leader. Though she had thought Tigerfrost would become leader, she knew every cat has their reason for doing or not doing something. Glancing down Burnedsoul's ice heart ached for her lost leader, the thing that tied the loose ends of Burnedsoul's life together. Now that she was gone, Burnedsoul could feel the seems of life started to unwind and the thread ripping apart. Burnedsoul's beautiful face was a mask of indifference but inside she felt like she could cry for moons. Burying her black and orange face in Haggarstar's now cold pelt, she let out a small and almost silent cry that was even more muffled in the fur of the dead leader. Burnedsoul felt like crying but she knew it wouldn't happen. Even her past was worse then this passing.

Burnedsoul knew the clan would live on like it had before this leader had died, as it always will. Knowing this fact gave Burnedsoul strength to stand and face her old life. I will always keep this name. She thought, remembering how Haggarstar knew Burnedsoul's past and had given her a name that fitted her so. She remembered her leaders look of joy when Burnedsoul had walked up to accept her place as a warrior. It all seemed so different now...

[*~Blazeheart~*]

Zephyrstar watched as the cats approached the High Rock, converging towards the center as their eyes flashed towards his direction. He could see there stares from the top view, some still had traces of grief in them while others had curiousity. The sun had now fully rose above the horizon, its rays shining upon the cold and grief-filled camp. Warming it with its light. The sun shined behind Zephyrstar as he stood tall, his head raised. It made his sihlouette stand out even more. The sun brought out the cinammon hue in his normally silver fur, giving him a unique outer look. He looked almost hero-like; like a true, confident leader.
But his heart did not reflect his outer appearance. It was full of confusion and uncertainty. Never before, in his life, did he imagine himself where he stood now. The sudden responsibility that was now his burden seemed almost unreal. The silver tom felt like he didn't belong up here. How could he be leader? The good-natured tom who didn't have much care in the world now stood before Dawnclan, trying to find the right words to say.

Well, it's now or never...he thought, taking a deep breath.
"Cats of Dawnclan, he began, to his surprise, for his tone sounded as calm as he felt inside.
"We have suffered the greatest loss a Clan could ever have,"he gestured his tail towards Haggarstar's motionless body, feeling his throat close with grief. For a moment, there was silence, as he fought the grief that threatened to choke him, make him cry and break down. But he held on.
"Haggarstar was a great and respected leader. A cat worthy of being a leader, but she now lives in Starclan, watching over us all. And I, Zephyrstar, vow to become a leader worthy of following under Haggarstar's pawsteps. I promise to make Dawnclan a strong Clan that everyone will respect,"
he yowled this out into the morning air, also keeping this promise to himself.

[Wildheart]

Burnedsoul looked up from her old leaders cold pelt at the new strong leader. His pelt seemed to glow with unknown power he seemed to be unaware of himself along with the rest of the clan. Burnedsoul had noticed at a younger age that she could sense some emotions depending on if they were strong enough to sense. The tome seemed to have trouble finding words to say but they rang out of his mouth with authority and strength. Burnedsoul smiled slightly. She knew the clan was in good hands. The sun was getting higher into the sky and Burnedsoul knew it was time to leave, but she wanted to stay for just a moment more, trying to soak in the sight of the clan together for the last time for her.

[*~Blazeheart~*]

Zephyrstar flicked his tail nervously for a bit, but summed up his courage again.
"First off, I would like to announce, and you all probably know already, Tigerfrost has stepped down from the deputy position."
The silver-furred tom looked down on the white and black-stripped tom with respectful green eyes.
"Tigerfrost, the Clan thanks you for your dedication to the warrior code,"Zephyrstar meowed, dipping his head respectfully to the former deputy.


Tigerfrost bowed his head in return. Feeling a small sense of sadness that he'd have to leave his post. However, he flashed a glance towards Spiritsong and felt he had made the right choice.


"Therefore, a new deputy must be chosen,"the new leader announced. He paused, sweeping his tail from side to side as if he were in a thoughtful manner. However, he had already chosen the new deputy. His trek from Mooncave gave him time to think. He already knew Tigerfrost would refuse to be deputy again, and Zephyrstar thought long a hard. He felt many cats were suitable for the position. Yet his mind kept lingering on one particular cat. This cat was strong, smart, and had qualities of a good deputy. One that he would like to fight and support on his side.
His eyes lingered around clearing to find the cat, and found that cat sitting near the High Rock.
A small smile crossed his lips.
"I say these words before the spirits Starclan, so they may here and approve my choice.
Burnedsoul shall be the new Dawnclan deputy!"

[Wildheart]

Face full of fur that had once ruffled when the body of this cat breathed, Burnedsoul heard the soft and strong hum of a strong voice. She breathed out slowly, the still fur shushing in one direction as she sniffed at her fur. There was still a faint scent of the old leader and Burnedsoul tried to breath it in as much of it as she could. The hum of Zephyrstar's voice filled the she-cat's ears but she could only hear vague words he had spoken. Tigerfrost... She thought she heard him say. Frowning she opened her amber colored eyes and saw the other cats murmuring silently to themselves about the cat. Stepping down... She heard someone whisper and her ear's perked up in interest. No. She commanded herself. Don't get interested. They don't need you. She told herself.

Sighing she glanced down at her old leader one last time before stretching to get up, still not paying any attention to the other cats. Padding around the group of cats that did not seem to see her, Burnedsoul made her way to the entrance and away from what she had found as her home. 'Burnedsoul! -' Burnedsoul perked her ears at her name but she thought it was just because she was caught trying to escape. Turning, ears hot, Burnedsoul glanced up at her new leader. No. Their new Leader. She reminded herself. Whispers spread through out the clan, now not trying to stay quiet.

Puzzled Burnedsoul padded slowly through the crowd of cats. She stiffened in front of Zephyrstar and tried to swallow her fear. The word deputy was flying around the camp and Burnedsoul glanced at Zephyrstar and back at the clan cats around her, puzzled at what was happening. "Zephyrstar?" She tried to say with confidence though it came out as a question and dipped her head respectfully.

[*~Blazeheart~*]

The silver tom looked on as Burnedsoul approached the rock. Then his ear flicked up as he remembered that he was to touch her shoulder, for it was part of the ceromony. He lept down lightly from the High Rock and approached her. His head tilted to notice that Burnedsoul didn't respond as one would when given deputyship. Then a humorous smile played upon his lips as he realized Burnedsoul didn't seem to have hear him. He understood, for he did that sometimes. Lost in his own thought....

He bent his head and touched his muzzle to the she-cat's shoulder and whispered in her ears.
"Well, Ms. Deputy? Was your head in the clouds?"

[Wildheart]

Burnedsoul jumped slightly at the sound of Zephyrstar's voice. His breath tickled her ear and she flicked it back and forth in embarrassment. "I... uh..." She said, seeming lost for words. It took her a moment to realize that the tom was touching her shoulder with his chin, in an acknowledging touch she had only once received from Haggarstar when she was made into a warrior but then it was only the top of her head. Burnedsoul hadn't been in the clan long enough to notice the signs of become a deputy. Her confused thoughts scrambled to grasp any source of knowledge that would be useful in a situation like this but none came. Flustered, Burnedsoul barely heard the words Zephyrstar had spoken and it took her even longer to process them in her confused mind. "Dep..uty?" She asked helplessly. The kind voice of Zephyrstar filled her ears again and the warm rush of his laugh left Burnedsoul's soul feeling weird and fuzzy. Her thoughts drifted to her past and she realized she was letting a tom touch her. Not only touch her, but breath her air and let him feel the burning flame of warmth under her fur.

Blinking Burnedsoul seemed to shut down. Even in a moment like this, she still felt her past stalk her, a fox catching her tail and holding her down while she tried to scramble away. She stepped back from her leader and bowed her head, not looking at his eyes; even though she knew he would see no emotion in hers. A gift and a curse, she was once told. Her eyes, the gateway to her soul, and even they were locked up tight with a key somewhere far beyond anyone she had mets reach. Only Haggarstar had come close to finding it. And now it was to late.
Burnedsoul looked up at her new leader and a small wave of pride washed up through her. Glancing back at her clan she did not know what to say. What do you say in a situation like this? She wanted to ask her leader, turning back to look up at his kind face. But she knew if she said it out loud, she would ruin the whole ceremony.

Idly she wondered if this was Starclan's will. Did they really want her to be a part of Dawnclan, or be a clan cat at all? They had to. She told herself. If they didn't, then why was she still standing here in front of Zephyrstar, the only tom she seemed to have ever remotely tolerated. Curious, the ways of Starclan....

[◦ʜʇʎɯ]

[for flarekit, tigerfrost. for morningkit, i don't mind. for lunarkit... let's make it adderstrike to be mean >D]

[*~Blazeheart~*]

((Alright, i'll have burnedsould be morningkit's mentor))

A sympathetic smile. That's what he gave for Burnedsoul. She seemed overwhelmed, shocked, and perhaps a little scared. Just like how I feel right now...he thought to himself, imagining how he looked to the Clan as their new leader. Perhaps leaderlike? Or a cautious and naive cat who doesn't deserve to be leader? He pushed the thought away. Whether he liked it or not, he was leader of Dawnclan and he had a duty, and he would fulfill that duty.
"I'm sure Burnedsoul will make a great deputy, one that everyone will come to love and respect,"he announced, flicking his tail lightly upon his new deputy's shoulder in a reassuring way.

"And now, I have another announcement to make. I am pleased to announce that a few kits are ready to begin their apprenticeship. Will Tencry's kits and Dandelionwhisker's kits please come forward,"Zephyrstar called out, turning his gaze towards the nursery where the kits were gathered.

[Waterfrost]

A fluffy, ginger she-cat gazed lovingly at her three kits. One was a dark ginger tabby like her, another a dark tortoiseshell, and the last was a gray tabby. The latter reminded her of Spiritsoul so much in everything he did. Ah, Spiritsoul. I hope you're proud of our kits. I know they'll make great warriors. Dawnclan will be proud of them. With immense proud delight in Dandelionwhisker's eyes, she nudged her kits to their paws. "Up you go, little ones. It's time you became apprentices. Now us queens won't have to worry about you treading on our tails!" With a little murrow of laughter, she flicked each kit's ear affectionately.

The ginger queen glanced up at their new leader, Zephyrstar, unsure what to think of him. The grief she had felt over Haggarstar was still fresh in her mind, as was in in every cat's, but she knew life had to go on. Still, she was certain of one thing: Zephyrstar would die protecting his clanmates.

Mystickit frowned. "Hey, it's not our fault we're too big and the den's too small! The only reason we hurt others was because we thought we would become apprentices sooner if we were a nuisance."

"Yeah, it's always so stuffy in there!" Racingkit added, rubbing his nose with a forepaw, but the two kits were beaming with excitement. It was as if they would die at that moment if they were told they weren't allowed to become apprentices.

Soulkit, the deaf, gray tabby tom, watched Zephyrstar with intense interest. He was not quite sure what was happening. All he knew was that the sent of death was still fresh in the air and his two littermates were very excited about something. When they tried to explain, he just got confused, so they let it go. I guess I'll know soon. I believe that's what they told me. They would never let Soulkit hanging, not knowing what's going on. They always informed him, and he was grateful for that.

Eh? What's happening? Where're we going, Mystickit? The questioning look appeared on Soulkit's face the moment Racingkit and dashed forward to greet the cat, who appeared to take the role of the leader of their family, and Mystickit had grabbed his tail with hers, pulling him along. Hmm...wasn't a different cat in charge around here? OH! It all clicked into place.

Unsure what to expect, but beginning to feel some unknown excitement start to rise deep inside him, he followed silently and gazed up at the cat in front of him. Hmm....why are we sitting here with Flarekit, Lunarkit, and Morningkit? Piece by piece, he tried to to put them together.

[*~Blazeheart~*]

Zephyrstar looked down on the kits with a proud gaze. This would probably be one of his favorite duty as a leader. He decided to start with Dandelionwhisker's kits.
"Mystickit, Racingkit, and Soulkit,"he began, beckoning them over with his tail so that Soulkit could understand also.
"You have reached the age of 6 moons and are now ready to become apprentices. Mystickit, from now on you'll be known as Mysticpaw,"he tapped his tail lightly upon the little she-cat's head. He looked up and found the warrior he wanted.
"Emberfall, you are a courage and skilled warrior. Please pass on all that you know to Mysticpaw,"Zephyrstar meowed.

Then he let his tail-tip rest on Racingkit. "Racingkit, from this moment on you'll be known as Racingpaw. Riverfreeze is a skilled hunter and fight and I'm sure she will pass on her knowledge to you."

Then the silver tom turned his attention to Soulkit, looking at the deaf kit with contemplating eyes, wondering who'd be a good and patient mentor for this disabled kit.
"Frostspeck,"he finally meowed, looking at the tom with level eyes.
"You will be Soulpaw's mentor. You have patience and your skills are greatly respected by the Clan. I know you will train this apprentice well."
The new leader tapped Soulpaw's shoulder and pointed his tail to Frostspeck, indicating his new mentor.

[Waterfrost]

Mysticpaw released her grip on Soulpaw and eagerly jumped forward to receive her new name. Her eyes widened with shock at the sound of her mentor's name. Emberfall was an extremely kind she-cat, and a good fighter too. She couldn't wait to train with her! Glancing over to Soulpaw, she couldn't help but worry about him. Will he be able to hunt and fight? Will he understand his mentor without her or Racingpaw to guide him? She forced herself to laugh mentally at herself. She sounded just like her mother. Besides, isn't this what her littermates and mother had fought for? For Soulpaw to be given a chance?

Racingpaw did not stop shaking from excitement and happiness even after his mentor was announced. Riverfreeze. She was a still fairly new warrior, but from what he had seen and heard, she was a friendly she-cat who knew how to hunt and fight. That was all he could ask for from his mentor.

The silent, gray tabby watched curiously as the leader began to speak and Mysticpaw and Racingpaw were joined with two older cats.....they were going to start warrior training! A surge of energy shot through him from his paws to tail tip. He looked up expectantly at Zephyrstar. Am I going to train too? A touch on the shoulder was enough for the small tom to see Frostspeck and realize he was telling him this cat before him was now his mentor. He didn't know anything about the other tom, but he couldn't care less at that moment. He was going to be a warrior!

[~Ravenpaw~]

Skyleaper cheered loudly for Burnedsoul, he trusted she would be a good deputy. Quietpaw smiled happily, being unable to speak she merely sat and smiled Skyleaper chuckled and yowled out again just for Quietpaw, Quietpaw dipped her hread gratefully. Streakpaw let out a yowl, he was going to be a warrior soon, he just knew it and then he would challenged Beastpaw again, only this time he would win! To the Oath of Best! Emberfall sat quietly through the whole ceremony she was smiling softly and merely watching, she gave a gentle purr for Burnedsoul the new deputy it would be nice to have a change for once.

Emberfall's deep forest green eyes widened a bit, did he just ask her to be a mentor, she was shocked, she had never been a mentor before now, never in her life, she hoped she would make a good mentor to the apprentice, she did always try he best. Emberfall dipped her head with respect and padded forward touching noses with the small apprentice before backing away again.

Skyleaper smiled and cheered loudly for the apprentices, his long brown tail flicking back and forth the golden feather shining, Quietpaw's deep greyish blue eyes shimmered softly, she glanced down at her snow white paws. the tiger-striped apprentice cheered a bit for the apprentices his lime green eyes glanced around Streakpaw wondered where his mentor was and if they would go training soon.

[*~Blazeheart~*]

Nothing made him feel lightened than the sight of excited kits becoming newly named apprentices. He remembered the day he was an apprentice, full of excitement and anticipation, an ambition to prove himself worth of being a warrior. He sure gave his mentor some headaches from his enthusiasm. But it was worth all the training and hunting as he finally heard his warrior name being called by the Dawnclan leader. Now, he stood as the new leader of Dawnclan, ready and willing to bestow the future of the Clan to promising cats.
Zephyrstar was glad the mentors were cooperating well with the new apprentices. Hopefully they will work well with each other.

"Lunarkit, Flarekit, and Morningkit. Please come forward,"he continued, looking at the other three with an encouraging smile.

[◦ʜʇʎɯ]

[derp read spiritsoul as spiritsong and i swear my mind imploded LOL]

Morningkit was happy for Dandelionwhisker's litter. She smiled at them as she looked up at Zephyrstar, jittering with excitement. Beside her, her large brother was doing the same, but her sister was still depressed, unable to raise her gaze from the still body of her leader. She sniffled quietly, and Morningkit could see she was still terribly upset. Her poor sister. She wondered who would mentor the three of them. For Flarekit, it was obvious; Tigerfrost would be his mentor. For Lunarkit, had Haggarstar still been alive, she would have been her mentor. However, if Zephyrstar had taken her as his apprentice, she still would have been miserable. For herself, however, it was a mystery.

[*~Blazeheart~*]

Zephyrstar looked at each kit individually, measuring their personality and trying to find the right cat to mentor them. One, he was confident about since Tigerfrost had requested to mentor this kit, and likewise the kit wanted Tigerfrost as a mentor.
"Flarekit, from this moment on, you will be known as Flarepaw. Tigerfrost, you shall mentor this kit. You've been a great deputy and will continue to be a good warrior. Train this kit well,"the tom meowed.

Tigerfrost felt his heart swell with pride for being given the chance to mentor another apprentice. He stepped forward to meet Flarepaw with a beaming smile and touched noses with his new apprentice.
"Hope you're ready for some training,"the white-furred tom meowed with a encouraging smile.


"Morningkit, from this moment on, you shall be known as Morningpaw,"Zephyrstar continued, touching his tail-tip upon the she-cat's shoulder. The silver-furred tom looked at Burnedsoul and added, "Burnedsoul, you shall be Morningpaw's mentor. You are quick and clever, and a wise hunter. I hope you will pass on all you know to this apprentice."

Zephyrstar finally turned his green eyes to Lunarkit, the last of the siblings. He felt his heart tear in two, just to see this miserable kit sit there, almost indifferent to the prospect of being a warrior. The look on her face sent a wave of fresh grief over the new leader as he was reminded of Lunarkit. His tail-tip touched her shoulder in a gentle way, trying to meet the kit's eyes with a sympathetic glanc.e
I know how you feelhe tried to communicate through the look. But he couldn't break down in front of the Clan. Not now.

"Lunarkit, from this moment on you shall be known as Lunarpaw."
Zephyrstar gazed around camp, and met eyes with a tom. He wasn't really enthusiastic in letting him mentor Lunarpaw, for the tom had a reputation of being short-tempered. But perhaps some mentoring would do him good, as well as Lunarpaw.
"Adderstrike, you shall mentor Lunarpaw. You are a great hunter and fierce fighter. And I know you will teach young Lunarpaw the skills she needs to become a great warrior,"Zephyrstar announced.

[Wildheart]

Burnedsoul glanced at Zephyrstar as he began reciting words the confused she-cat had heard before. Burnedsoul's mind lapsed into understanding and she looked around the camp with new meaning in her eyes. The responsibility Zephyrstar had just placed on her shoulders had just now impacted her. She saw the clan through different eyes and realized she was already sitting above the other cats. She was sitting on the High Rocks, next to Zephystar and she had never before sat atop the legendary land mark. The kits were asigned warriors and Burnedsoul felt a small smile slowly develope on her face as the clan seemd to be moving on from death and Burnedsoul felt a feeling of pride that she had been caught just in time to stay in her clan. Focusing on the three kits before her and Zephyrstar, she could see all of them had different emotions on their faces. Burnedsoul's eyes drifted to the one called Morningkit. She seemed sad, but her excitement covered up this emotion and Burnedsoul was glad these kits were moving on. Slowly, but moving on. As if reading her thoughts, Zephyrstar annonced the kits new position in the clan. Now an apprentice, Morningpaw needed a mentor and Burnedsoul thought briefly about getting an apprentice. She wondered if she could handle it right after becoming a deputy. When Zephyrstar claimed she would be the mentor, Burnedsoul was confused but got up to touch noses with her new apprentice. Despite herself, Burnedsoul couldnt help but feel excited.

[*~Blazeheart~*]

Zephyrstar was about to utter the next words when suddenly a loud thuderous sound startled him. Something strange suddenly happened to him. It was as if something had tugged him out of his body and was sending him hurtling towards an unknown region. His mind began to spin. Another loud thunderous sound startled him as his eyes snapped open. He was laying in the warrior's den, the sky was covered with dark clouds as another flash of lightning lit the sky and thunder clapped down. The silver tom jumped up in fright, eyes wide as his mind was still half asleep.
"Haggarstar"he yowled aloud, probably waking up half the camp.
Zephyrwind bouhded across the clearing and raced to ther leader's den.
"ARE YOU DEAD!!??"he yelled out, bursting into the den and looking wildly around.

[@pple]

"Huh?"

A black she-cat blinked her eyes open. Yellow eyes glowed eerily in the darkness. The startled yowl woke her up. She expected the yowl to be some crazed apprentice, but her fur bristled down when it was just a warrior.

"Zephyrwind?" Haggarstar let out a yawn. Giving him a friendly smirk, "What? Me? Dead?" Bursting in laughter, she mewed heartily, "StarClan no." Then her eyes were stern, "Well, not yet." She flicked her tail, inviting him inside her den. Of course, she can invite him inside. He is her mate after all. She is supposed to annoyed by his loud yowl that possibly wake up the half of the clan, but Haggarstar is different. Humble and modest, yet mysterious, she gave him another smile, this time tired. "Did you have a bad dream again?"

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[*~Blazeheart~*]

"Oh! Thanks Starclan!"Zephyrwind meowed out in relief, bounding into the den and nuzzling Haggarstar across the head, giving her a few swift licks around the ears. The dread in his chest seemed to have been lifted, now replaced by a bubble full of happiness.

"Did you have a bad dream again?"

Zephyrwind's ear flattened down in embarrassment as he shuffled his paw slightly.
"Um..maybe I should lay off the squirrel for a while,"he mumbled, feeling himself go read.

"It seemed so real though,"he added.

[@pple]

"I love it when you do that," the weary leader said, yawning. Settling down as a small kit, she closed her glowing yellow eyes and breathed in deeply. She could not go back to sleep, not yet. She opened an eye, looking at her warrior. "What's it?" She felt the vibe coming from him. She always did when he have something to share with her. Lying her tail on his head, she chuckled lightly as her tail covered his one eye. "You look funny," she whispered, distracted.

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