Beyond the Mountains | A Warrior Cats Fanfiction

꧁ ✧ Chapter 37 ✧ ꧂

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The clan eventually died down, and Hazelstar cleared her throat to make another announcement. Willowdawn looked at her.

''Unfortunately, we must also break some sad news. During the storm, Sandwhisker rushed out of the warrior's den, confused. No one had time to stop her.'' She paused.

''Riverclan found her body in the river, and have returned her to us. Her body is waiting in camp for her burial ceremony. However, since I have done one ceremony here, I may as well do another.'' She searched the crowd, and every cat looked around, wondering who she was looking for.

''Stormclaw, step forward.'' The clan gasped, and some of the senior warriors grumbled under their breath, something about him being too young for the role. He ignored them, and stood before Hazelstar, his tail quivering with anticipation.

''I say these words before Starclan, so that the spirit of Sandwhisker may hear and approve of my choice. Stormclaw will be the new deputy of Thunderclan.''

The dots joined. ''When sand is carried on by the blue storm, the sand will become the rainwater, and at dawn, Willow will catch the breath of wolf.'' Sand.. Sandstorm, her role was carried on by the blue storm.. Stormclaw! His fur is almost blue, and sandwhisker became the rainwater. The river! She drowned..

The clan began the chant, and Willowdawn feebly called his name, her voice hoarse. And Willow will catch he breath of wolf... I saved Wolfkit's life... she lifted her head to see Ravenshade rushing over.

''Don't stress yourself, you've been through quite a rough night.'' Willowdawn wanted to continue chanting for her former mentor, but knew Ravenshade was right, and respected her, and she stopped.

The chanting died down, and Hazelstar spoke again.

''We will return to camp for Sandwhisker's ceremony. Stormclaw, would you like to lead?'' She angled her ears to the clan, with a slight smile creasing her face.

Stormclaw looked pleased and grinned, before clearing his throat, and nodding sharply. He lead the cats towards the camp, while Hazelstar stayed back with Willowdawn. Ravenshade hesitated.

''I'll bring her back to camp, don't worry. See to Wolfkit, if he even has any injuries.'' She looked sideways at Willowdawn. Ravenshade nodded, and caught up with the group. Soon, Willowdawn was stumbling beside Hazelstar, making their way back to camp slowly. She had to ask.

''How did you know?'' She questioned. Hazelstar tilted her head.

''How did you know about my name? When I came here, I told everyone my name was just Willow. How did you know?''She repeated and Hazelstar continued walking, pondering how to answer.

''I received a message from Starclan. Along with Ravenshade's prophecy, which I'm sure you already figured out.'' She let the silence fill for a moment.

''In fact, I had a very special message from a member of another group's ancestor. Can you guess who?'' Willowdawn looked down at her paws, before glancing up in awe.

''S-Stoneteller?'' She inquired.

Hazelstar nodded. Willowdawn looked down once again. That means.. Stoneteller must have died. I wonder who the new Stoneteller is. I hope Feather is doing ok, and Leaf..

Hazelstar's voice roused her from her thoughts. 'You've had quite the journey, hey?''

''Yes.''

''And you've lost a great many cats that were close to you?''

''Yes.. I.. I have.'' She recalled Dandelion's guiding voice, leading her to safety. Maybe she had imagined it. She pictured Sunny's soft blue gaze. She sighed.

''Hm.'' Hazelstar looked at Willowdawn's longing expression, and her brows furrowed as she made a decision. Her eyes flashed a knowledgeable grin. ''Well, you might find that it's not as many as you think.'' Hazelstar spoke very softly, and very quietly. Willowdawn lifted her head.

''Huh?''

Hazelstar didn't respond. She cleared her throat, and continued walking, leaving Willowdawn to ponder. What could she possibly mean? That doesn't even make any sense. She shook her head. They approached camp and let the silence fall around them. The entered, and saw a crowd of cats already mourning Sandwhisker. Her body lay in the middle of the clearing, wet, definitely dead, with sticks and leaves sticking out, and a few scratches on her pelt. But cats had already started to groom her, cleaning her thoroughly. Willowdawn hobbled over to join the ceremony, but was stopped by Hazelstar.

''No, you need to rest.'' She summoned Ravenshade, who trotted over, nodding.

''Come on, lets get you to my den. You must be awfully tired.'' She meowed sympathetically. I am pretty tired.

''But, wont Sandstorm-''

''Sandwhisker won't mind at all. She would want you to rest. Go now.'' Hazelstar smiled, and wafted her away with her tail, and headed towards the clan to begin the ceremony. She walked with Ravenshade to her den, and got settled in a nest, the soft moss feeling like heaven on her aching bones. She settled down, resting her head on her paws while Ravenshade went to get herbs from her store. She felt numb, all the sounds muffled as she felt herself drifting to sleep.

She heard in the background Hazelstar calling out the traditional verse repeated for the dead during the burial ceremony.

''May Starclan light your path. May you find swift running, good hunting, and shelter where you sleep.''

Cats began to tell short stories about her life, or their favourite things about her or memories with her.

Their quiet, mourning voices lulled her to sleep, which she found with satisfying ease. A proud gaze of orange eyes. My father. She smiled inwardly, and let sleep find her waiting, while Ravenshade patted herbs onto her sore, dust coloured pelt.