Hope- A Warriors Fanfiction (Unedited)

11. After

I knew it was wrong to feel happy about death, but sometimes exceptions had to be made. Blankly, I stared down at the dead body of the former leader. You deserved it...

We'd been trying to tunnel out their bodies from the fallen highrock since the battle was over and we'd finally managed to get all three of them out. Carefully, we laid out them for burial.

Talonstar lay next to his kin: his father, son and grandson by his side, blood matting their brown and black fur as they lay in the shadows. They deserved no respect. However, Greybark and Duskflower were treated with respect, their pelts groomed beautifully; the scent of death brushed away with wonderfully smelling herbs. I walked over and dipped my head in respect to my fallen comrades.

"You did well my dear friends..." I murmured softly into their now deaf ears.

"Hopestar. You must appoint a deputy before moonhigh. You must also travel to the moonstone and receive your nine lives." It was my father - Silvertail.

I fought the urge to lash out at him. After all he'd done did he expect me to suddenly be best friends with him? Reluctantly, I nodded my head and stood up, my silver pelt shimmering in the sun.

The highrock was in ruins: stone crumbling like rotten wood, blood staining the lowest rocks scarlett. Haunted by what happened here, I stepped towards the broken rock, shivering as I remembered. I had to find another highrock. Staying silent, I looked over my shoulder and suddenly it hit me like a boulder. There was a large rock in the "she cat" camp.

I charged over the half destroyed barrier of thorns- it was being taken down by the others as a sign of unity between the genders. Narrowing my eyes, I gazed up the large rock. It had two caves in it, one was the medicine den and other was empty.

"Mousenose? Can we come out now?" mewed an irritated Mistykit from inside the cave. I smiled happily and ducked my head into the cave.

"Hello my kits!" I smiled brightly as they bounded over to me, seeing me at the entrance.

"Mama!" They squealed in delight, landing on me like I was prey.

"Oh mama, we've missed you so much! It's been so boring in here!" Cheered a rather cheerful Mistykit, Featherkit and Duskkit behind her.

I looked down at them with warm and loving eyes, giving each kit a quick lick over the ears.

"Don't worry my darlings, everything's going to be a lot better from now on..."

• • •

The camp was alive. Cats padded eagerly to one another, their faces baring happiness of which I had never seen. Two short seasons had passed but so very much had changed, most of which was for the better.

There was still gaping holes in our hearts - too many had died for us to ever truly be healed. Most of all, I missed Dawnshadow. The kind and gentle soul had been like a second mother to me, possibly closer than my real mother, Stonefeather, whom I missed with all my heart.

However, despite everything the toms did, I somehow found it in my heart to forgive them; it would be for the better anyway. Unfortunately, I knew that some other cats didn't share my views...

Cloudmist and Hollypaw, two she cats who couldn't bring themselves to truly forgive, refusing to forget and keeping a slight chip on their shoulders. Who would've guessed they'd become mates?

I knew the cloudy she cat with her feisty demeanour would make a great mentor to my loudest kit Mistykit as did she prove to be.

It's been a long time since they were kits, but I'll never forget those sweet yet sour memories I had with them through the tougher times. I hope it won't be too long before Featherdawn and Oakfur's kits are brought into this world, finally free of conflict.

I supposed you'd like to hear the rest of this tale, what happened to my friends and family and how they are coping with this new order. Well, I am pleased to say that just over a season ago, Mistybark, Featherdawn and Duskshadow received their warrior names, along with Oakfur and Barktail.

As for my deputy, I chose Shadefur - my brother. He'd saved my life and has proven himself many times over to be a loyal, kind and brave warrior whom I trust and love with all my heart.

Mistfall and I have lived happily together, finally free to express our feelings, like many other new couples that have now arisen out of the ashes of  our once barren and cruel world. Spiderweb, like his sister Hollybriar, has finally found him self a mate in my close friend Pebblefur. The pair now live happily together. Oh! I can't wait till their kits are apprenticed!

Oh dear...I shouldn't get myself excited,  Mousenose just stared at me like I was a flying hedgehog!

I suppose Mousenose is feeling rather proud at the moment, being mother to the first Medicine Cat of ClawClan! Yes,  Barktail chose the once crowded path of herbs and ointments and is doing a pretty good job of it as well with the help of us she-cats!

I'm so happy to have finally seen my clan grow into what it is now and I can only hope that more goodness will grow from the seeds we've planted.

My only regret? I wish I could've saved them: Dawnshadow, Waterfur, Stonefeather, Greybark...The many others who lost their lives for our final break at freedom, I will forever honour them and their hardships and I will never ever forget all that was lost for this one final chance at hope.

Thank you all for reading! I hope you enjoyed it! I will be adding some extra chapters after this, including Hopestar's Nine Lives and a possible Q n A! If you have any questions for any of the characters make sure to comment them below! Once again, thank you so much for reading, favouriting and commenting, it means so much!

From all the cats here in ClawClan, thank you and goodbye! Meow!