Chapter 7

1 0 0
                                    

"We have to go through Leafclan territory...?" Firepaw asked, growling softly.

"Don't worry. They would never dare to stop a medicine cat from going to the moonstone, but it is best if we try to stay hidden." Smokecloud meowed softly as he slowly crouched and moved forward Firepaw following.

As soon as they were about to hit the edge of Leafclan territory, a warning yowl from a patrol echoed around the clearing. Firepaw unsheathed his claws, ready for a fight. Smokecloud sighed and sat down, wrapping his tail around his paws. Firepaw couldn't believe he was so calm.

"What are you doing on Leafclan territory?" A large brown tom ran up to them, growling.

"I am very sorry Poisontail, but we are headed to the moonstone. Starclan has asked to talk with this apprentice." Smokecloud bowed his head and spoke respectfully, making Poisontail relax.

"So I see. We will let you pass. Have a safe journey Smokecloud." Poisontail meowed softly.

Smokecloud bowed his head again and walked by, continuing. Firepaw ran after him, glancing back at the Leafclan warriors from time to time. That large brown tom must have been Leafclan's deputy.

They ran through the field that headed for the moonstone, Firepaw watching as the sun went down. As they got closer the mouth of the cave came into view. Firepaw's eyes lit up, his heart beating faster.

Firepaw stopped, gapping at the entrance. This was it. This was the moment he would see Starclan. His hackles rose as he watched the entrance of Mothermouth carefully.

"Come Firepaw." Smokecloud meowed softly as he began walking into the entrance.

Firepaw followed instantly, his hair rising as it got colder and darker the deeper they went. It was so dark Firepaw couldn't even see his paws. Firepaw just listened to Smokecloud's paws and tried his best to find his way through the small tunnel leading to the moonstone.

"We are here Firepaw, stop." Firepaw stopped in his tracks as he heard Smokecloud speak. He could feel the wind blow through his fur softly and shook himself.

As his eyes were adjusting to the dark a very bright light glowed throughout the entire cave. Firepaw looked up in awe at the large crystal in front of him. This must be the moonstone.

"Touch your nose to it and close your eyes. From there, that is a choice for Starclan to decide." Smokecloud meowed and laid down on the cold ground.

Firepaw trembled as he walked closer, the feeling of excitement and fear overwhelming him. He put his stomach on the ground and touched his nose to the moonstone, closing his eyes.

Everything went silent, all Firepaw could hear was the slow wind blowing on his ears. Firepaw opened his eyes, backing up in surprise as he saw a large green plain stretched out for what seemed like forever. He looked up and saw silverpelt glistening brightly. Then, all the stars began spiraling down to the ground. Firepaw stepped back as many eyes landed on him.

"Firepaw...welcome." many voices said at once, making Firepaw tremble.

"Is this Starclan? Are you...here to tell me about my prophecy?" Firepaw asked, his eyes full of sadness and want.

All the cats stayed silent and Firepaw began to fill with anger. He went to ask again but his muzzle stayed shut. I can't speak. Firepaw tried moving but his paws stayed in place.

"I know you are troubled Firepaw, I've always known. Ever since the day you were born I've been watching you." A voice echoed louder than the rest as a bright red, long-hair cat walked towards Firepaw.

"A kit, gray as ash, will rise as high as the highest flame." The strange red cat sat down, his tail wrapping around his paws. My prophecy...

"That is your prophecy, but with all this hatred building up...it will change. Smokecloud brought you here because he knew what you needed. Tell me Firepaw...what is your biggest fear?" The strange cat asked, his voice stern and wise.

"I fear I'm cursed. I'm afraid that my real purpose is to curse those around me." Firepaw mews softly, making the red tom smile.

"The highest flame will not be crushed by a curse, he will know what he needs. He will learn to control it." The tom stood up as he began to disappear along with all the other Starclan cats.

"Wait! Don't go! What do you mean?" Firepaw begged as he watched them race to Silverpelt.

"Face your fears." Firepaw heard the tom's voice once again and his eyes shot open.

"Cursedpaw."

Firepaw rose from his place by the moonstone, finally understanding. His breathing was slow and kind as he turned around to face Smokecloud.

"Firepaw? Are you alright?" Smokecloud asked, tilting his head, worried.

"I'm not Firepaw anymore...I'm Cursedpaw..."

The Fire Prophecy/Book 1Where stories live. Discover now