Rise From Darkness {COMPLETE}

Timberstar's Journey -Chapter 10-

"How did you sleep?" Heatherwind asked as Timbertail opened his eyes, his jaws parting in a yawn. He was happy that her beautiful gaze was the first thing he saw in the morning.

"Better than I have lately..." He looked around at the large den, it was so different from the old leader's den, a lot bigger, he was glad to have Heatherwind and his kits in here with him. The Clans had reached their new territory at long last, guided by StarClan and the medicine cats. They had spent several days building their camps and Timbertail had found his new den, but he had yet to get his nine lives.

However, today was the day. The previous night at the gathering Honeypaw had revealed to the Clans that she had been shown their new location for communicating with StarClan. It was place called the Spirit Garden, and tonight he and Roseheart would be traveling there for him to finally earn his nine lives.

Timbertail had no idea what to expect, and he wasn't sure Roseheart did either. Neither of them had ever seen a nine lives ceremony, but he trusted StarClan to guide them. "Are you anxious about today?" Heatherwind asked, clearly sensing his nerves.

"I am." Timbertail replied, taking a deep breath. "For a while it felt like this day would never come." He flicked his tail. "But I won't shy away now, we've come too far for this." He stepped out his den with Heatherwind at his side while their daughters continued to sleep. His attention went towards the sky. "Do you think that Jaggedstar..."

"I don't know." Heatherwind looked at the sky with him. "He seemed to know that his time was running out...if he is gone, I hope that he went peacefully and happily."

"Me too." He touched his muzzle to Heatherwind's. "That's all we can hope for."

"You should eat before you go." Heatherwind urged.

"I can't." Timbertail reminded her. "Roseheart says I'm not allowed to eat before I go."

"Seems unfair." Heatherwind said in a joking tone. "But I promise to save some fresh-kill for you when you get back."

"Thank you." Timbertail nuzzled her affectionately, purring loudly. Their new home would certainly take some time getting used to, but Timbertail could feel deep in his heart that this where they were meant to be. He trusted StarCan and he knew that him and his Clanmates would thrive here. He still felt the bitter sting of Rootscratch and Flamewhisker's death, he knew that he would feel the grief of their loss for a long time yet, but seeing his new home, seeing his Clanmates will full bellies and hope in their eyes filled him with happiness. LichenClan will prevail. We always do.

*****

"Are you ready to go?" Roseheart questioned as she approached Timbertail. "I know it's a little early, but we've never been here so i want to make sure."

Timbertail nodded. "Ready as I'll ever be." He replied and rose to his paws.

"Good luck, Timbertail." Heatherwind purred loudly. "I'll be eagerly waiting for you to come back as our true leader."

"Bye bye!" Kestrelkit jumped up.

"Good luck! See you soon!" Briarkit added. Timbertail felt his heart swell with love as he looked at his family.

"Thank you." He purred loudly and turned his attention to Roseheart. "Let's go." She dipped her head and the two of them exited LichenClan's camp and ventured into their territory. The forest was dense and thick, not as much as their last home but it still felt like home. The forest protected them, and Timbertail felt safe. He reminded himself to explore the territory, to learn every single root and bush like he knew the hairs on his pelt.