The Fire Prophecy/Book 1

Chapter 8

"I see...let us get back to the clan and tell Emberstar." Smokecloud nodded, understanding.

Firepaw nodded and began walking out, Smokecloud beside him. As soon as they got through Mothermouth they began running. Smokecloud looked towards Firepaw, his eyes watching him closely.

"I trust whatever Starclan told you is the right choice, I will not question it." Smokecloud meowed softly as they ran, making Firepaw smile.

They got through Leafclan successfully without any trouble and went back to camp soon after. Smokecloud walked in first and his clanmates gathered around him, welcoming him back.

"Smokecloud, you're back!" Cracklecoat, Smokecloud's sister, meowed happily as she licked his ear. Smokecloud, in return, bowed his head.

Firepaw then walked in, his tail standing tall. Blazefang looked over and his eyes lit up as he saw his friend. He ran over with a small smile across his face.

"Firepaw! Welcome back!" Blazefang meowed happily.

Firepaw looked up at Blazefang, his best friend. Blazefang was still a mouse length taller than him. Firepaw shakes his head then rubs his muzzle on Blazefang's flank. He purred and walked to Emberstar's den, leaving his friend confused. As he got to the leader's den he meowed to let his father know he was there.

"Enter." Emberstar's deep voice meowed. Firepaw walked in and sat down in front of his father.

"Welcome back my son, what brings you here?" Emberstar asked.

"Emberstar, I talked with Starclan. I am no longer Firepaw...I am Cursedpaw..." Firepaw fiddled with his paws as he waited for his leader to answer.

Emberstar's eyes widened at his son's words. After a few moments, he relaxed, letting his fur relax. As Firepaw saw Emberstar relax he did the same.

"I understand...come...we have to tell the clan." Emberstar got up, walking out. He jumped onto water-rock and yowled, all cats coming towards him.

"Fireclan, today an apprentice will be changing their name. They have visited Starclan and found their true name." Emberstar started, confused meows coming from his clanmates as Firepaw stepped forward.

"Spirits of StarClan, you know every cat by name. I ask you now to take away the name from the cat you see before you, for it no longer stands for what he is. By my authority as Clan leader, and with the approval of our warrior ancestors, I give this cat a new name. From this moment on he will be known as Cursedpaw, for the mark on his eye and by StarClan's will." Emberstar meowed, his voice echoing around the camp. Cursedpaw stood tall, looking down at his clanmates.

"See! Starclan has spoken! He can't be here! He's cursed and he'll curse us all!" Emberpaw yowled. Yowls of protest followed.

"Watch what you say Emberpaw!" Blazefang hissed.

"I'm right! And you know it!" Emberpaw growled.

"Enough! Emberpaw go to your den and think about what you said! You treat your clanmates with respect!" Emberstar hissed with anger.

Emberpaw mumbled and gave Cursedpaw a glare before walking away to the apprentice den. As Cursedpaw walked down to the others, his clanmates surrounded him, giving him encouraging words. He purred, loving every bit of it. They don't hate me. Hethermoth walked up to him, licking his ear.

"My handsome kit is growing up so fast, even Starclan has noticed." Hethermoth purred. Cursedpaw licked his mother's cheek in return. His eyes lit up as he saw Flamepaw running towards him.

"That's so cool! You talked to Starclan and got your name changed!" Flamepaw bounced in place in front of Cursedpaw, making Cursedpaw purr, amazed.

They accept me...they really accept me.