Warriors : Heart of a True Warrior

Chapter 3 : Grief & Relief

Rootspring woke up, all hope lost. Why do I have to live like this? Rootspring wondered in sadness as he questioned the value of Clan life after Ashfur's reign of terror. His life would never be the same ever again. What is even the point of calling me a light in the mist? I lost her. She should have had it. Even if he did overcome the loss, he could not imagine a future where bristlefrost was only a distant memory. It seemed like the title was just another reason he couldn't let go of Bristlefrost. Grief was never going to let go, and it would always stop him from living a normal life. My life here is just not imaginable. Why can't I be with her? Why couldn't I save her? Rootspring questioned.
Losing her was not the problem. Losing her, even in StarClan, was the problem. The booming call of Mistystar snapped him out of his thoughts. He realised he was at the gathering, and finally started concentrating on it, hoping it would help him forget about all the things troubling him at the moment, even if it was just for a tiny bit. However, the only thing he noticed was cats spending time together, unknowing of Bristlefrost's sacrifice. Why? Just why? Rootspring felt as if he was back in the dark forest, watching Bristlefrost sink away deeper and deeper into the water, helpless. Why am I unable to be happy, for once? Rootspring couldn't understand how the world worked, but he could understand that it was unfair. For the first time in his life, he questioned his belief in StarClan. StarClan was one of the few reasons why Bristlefrost wasn't here.

StarClan were the ones who let Ashfur in. StarClan was the reason why he couldn't listen to his only true love's gentle mews! Rootspring could not keep up with all the things that were happening, cats living their daily lives infuriated him. I can't stand this life anymore! Rootspring lost all control over his feelings, leading to him desperately trying to find a way to talk with her, be with her, see her one more time. A gentle mew interrupted Rootspring, bringing him to disbelief. Who is this? Rootspring couldn't recognize the voice, but it felt familiar. You know who I am. Rootspring felt a spark of hope rising. Bristlefrost? Is that really you?

What do you think? Of course I am. The spark of hope now burst out of his chest, and he suddenly remembered all the happy times he had spent with Bristlefrost. After all, she was still alive! Remember, Rootspring, I will always be in your heart. Bristlefrost continued. The grip of grief that had encaged him for so long finally started to let go, and he allowed relief to set in. He didn't care at all if it was a dream or not. He could now speak with
her, giving himself time with only him and Bristlefrost. All he needed in his life was that one single gentle mew. He never thought he could ever talk to her, spend time together, or live a life without grief stopping him. As he got himself focused back into the gathering, he found out cats were now leaving the island. Rootspring followed them, catching up with his parents.

"Hey Rootspring, how is life now?" Violetshine asked him, with sympathy in her eyes.

"It's fine, but I miss her. I hope she was here." Rootspring couldn't tell her what had happened, but he knew she was relieved.

"Well, you are getting over it, aren't you?" Violetshine knew he would have left SkyClan, but she was proud of his work and his love.
Rootspring was feeling more and more happy as he was getting back to his Clan. I should move on. But I will never forget her, nor will I forget what Asfur did. After talking with Bristlefrost at the Gathering, he was filled with a new sense of determination that he would live his life normally. Remember, Rootspring. I will always be with you.