Mapledusk's Stuggle

Prologue

"I GIVE YOU YOUR FINAL LIFE; let your cats make their own decisions and learn from their own consequences."

A russet tom rested his muzzle against Bristlefur's head. The ShadowClan deputy felt powerful tremors ripple through her pelt. It was not a pain as strong as some of her previously given lives, instead feeling like strong waves from a river pushing against her body as she forces through it.

The starry cat stepped into a circle of her warrior ancestors. They lifted their muzzles to the purple sky and chanted her new name; Bristlestar. Her chest swelled with pride, and the messy-furred she-cat promised herself to be a great leader just like her predecessor, Smokestar.

Tansywhisker, the medicine cat, flicked his tail tip against her flank. "You will see me again when you wake up," he informed as his short, brown pelt began to fade in with the trees surrounding the empty clearing.

She blinked and he was gone, along with all but one StarClan cat. Bristlestar recognized him as the former ShadowClan leader immediately. Smokestar padded towards her, his grey tabby-and-white pelt free from the scars it had when he was alive. He looked frail and old no more, instead having a youthful look just like when she was a kit.

"Bristlestar," he began, bowing his head respectfully. "Come with me. I want to discuss something with you."

The brindled she-cat nodded, trailing behind the ton as he trotted away, into the thick woods of pine trees. Her mouth watered at the tempting scent of prey in all directions. It almost made her wish she was already a StarClan warrior.

Bristlestar felt her fur relax as she stalked into the forest. Although it was not the same one as in ShadowClan, the shadows and the pine needles under her paws felt familiar and made the new leader feel comfortable and safe.

She halted as the StarClan warrior stopped walking. Smokestar leaped onto a small boulder. His golden gaze rested on his successor, making her shift with unease as she sat by his side.

The tom had taken her to a small, isolated clearing where no unwanted listeners would eavesdrop on their conversation. There was an urgent glimmer in his eyes that made Bristlestar's fur prickle with unease.

"What did you need me for?" asked Bristlestar slowly, pricking her ears. She leaned her head close to Smokestar's.

He let out a weary sigh. "I wanted to warn you," the tom murmured. Each word came out carefully, as if the tabby was choosing them attentively. "The paws of one of your cats will waver between their heart and their loyalty."

The ShadowClan leader's pelt bristled with shock. Her prickly tail lashed across the stone angrily. "What? Does this mean they will fall for a cat from another Clan?" she demanded.

Smokestar shook his head uncertainly. "I do not know. But let them find their way," advised the grey tom, a waring glint in his golden eyes. "It is for the best."

"Fine," the brindled she-cat sighed, letting her fur lay flat, aside from the tufts that always stuck up. "I will let their paws follow their own path."