Firestar & Sandstorm/Spottedleaf

14

  Sandstorm could hardly believe it. She had done it! She felt as if she was floating on air, as light as a feather... "Whoa! Sandstorm," Brindleface purred as she crossed paths with the sandy she-cat. "You should watch where you were going! If I hadn't bump into you, you'd have fallen straight into that river!" 

  Sandstorm blinked. Although she knew Brindleface was joking, there was a tint of concern in her eyes. "Hi, Brindleface. Sorry," Sandstorm purred and twitched her ear once to show apology. 

  Brindleface shook her head. "It's alright, my dear. Just watch where you're going next time, okay?" 

  Sandstorm nodded, but lingered... "Brindleface?" 

  "Yes?" 

  "What do you think of Firestar?" Sandstorm asked. With a jolt, she realised that she had never heard her mother's point of view about her partner before. 

  "Oh." Brindleface sat down, eyes soft and understanding in her motherly way. "So that's what you're so happy about- let me guess, you guys are together again?" 

   Sandstorm shuffled her paws and looked down at them. "N-no...He's still deciding."

  Brindleface gently touched Sandstorm's ear with her tail. "I've never seen you this happy for a long time, Sandstorm." She prompted, and Sandstorm finally sighed happily. 

  "Ya, well...Maybe there's still hope. Now, can you please tell me what you think of Firestar?" Sandstorm asked, eyes wide and pleading. It was true, though; she had never been so happy or excited since she had become a warrior. 

  "Of course." Brindleface said, stretching. After yawning once, she focused her attention on Sandstorm again. "Firestar." She paused there, her gaze distant. "He came to ThunderClan as a kittypet, but has risen to the position that many cats respect him. Yes, Firestar has mistakes, but I do believe he has a good heart overall. As you know, he was named Fireheart for a reason. There are many theories of him that seasons have twisted. But we know what is the truth. Sadly, not many of our generation is left in ThunderClan. The young are foolish and brash. Firestar is brave, yes. That is true. He is also courageous, strong headed, and wise. But deep inside..." 

  Brindleface stared deeply in Sandstorm's eyes. 

  "Deep inside, he is a troubled cat. The wisdom comes from great pain, and he has made many decisions that comes from great pondering, Sandstorm. Don't be too hard on him." Brindleface mewed softly, then stood up and licked the fur between Sandstorm's ears. "Go strong, my daughter." 

  Sandstorm looked back up, but Brindleface's comforting presence was gone. Spirits dampened, she wondered what Brindleface meant...

  ~Firestar~

  Firestar's tummy grumbled in hunger. Firestar rethought on when he had last eaten...   

  Nope, he couldn't remember. 

  Sighing, Firestar hunted down a mouse and gulped it down ravenously. After his belly was full, he pricked his ears and scented the air... Where was he? 

  Hopefully near the pool... Firestar headed off in the direction he thought was where the Pool was. After wondering around, he finally found the shady clearing where the pool glittered in the sun's rays.   

  Taking a deep breath, he sounded in a deep voice, "ThunderClan. Bramblestar." 

  Immediately the pool raced over towards the lakeside. Firestar peered closer and saw a dark silhouette sitting on the pebbles, staring out over the lake. He seemed troubled. 

  Firestar took a deep breath and dived through the pool. After floundering for a moment, he landed lightly on the shore. He padded over slowly, taking his time. He expected Bramblestar to look up any moment now, but the ThunderClan leader did not. 

  Firestar felt  slightly concerned- Bramblestar must really be deep in his thoughts if he can't hear me. I'm making noises like a badger! 

  Only when Firestar was beside him, pelt shimmering with stars, did Bramblestar look up. He widened his eyes, the only sign that he acknowledged Firestar was there. A moment of silence passed between them, and Bramblestar looked back down at his paws. 

  Firestar touched his nose to Bramblestar's cheek in greeting. "Hello, Bramblestar. How is ThunderClan?" 

  Bramblestar kept silent for a moment, then broke out in agitation, "Firestar, I'm scared that ThunderClan isn't being given the proper leadership skills from me. Was I right to send the cats on the journey? I mean, Sandstorm never returned"-at this Firestar cocked his head, sensitive, but Bramblestar pushed on, not knowing who he was talking to-"the Clans are in...turmoil. Tell me, am I wrong?"  

  Firestar was a little overwhelmed by the speed and urgency in how he talked. 

  Without waiting for the former leader to answer, though, Bramblestar continued, "And then there's a problem with Squirrelflight...she's acting weirdly nowadays. " 

  Firestar's ears pricked up at the mention of his daughter. At last, Bramblestar died down to silence, allowing Firestar to speak. Truth be told, Firestar was a little puzzled of the news... What's happening? 

  Bramblestar waited impatiently, then stood up and kneaded the ground. Almost wailing, he mewed, "I knew it! I would never as great a leader as you. Firestar, why did you choose me?" Bramblestar turned to Firestar. 

  Firestar shook his head. "Bramblestar. You are the leader. Do you not remember what life I gave you?" 

  "The courage to make the hardest decisions," Bramblestar muttered, eyes downcast. 

  "Yes. And I trust you can do so without me being here to guide you." Firestar said gently, the leadership feeling taking over his heart again as he stared at Bramblestar. Bramblestar relaxed slightly, affected by Firestar's calmness. 

  "Yes, but-"

  "Being a leader is not easy, you need to take time." Firestar purred, and then waved his tail, "By the way, what's wrong with Squirrelflight?" 

  "Well, Jessie's gone, and Squirrelflight has our kits...I don't think that's the problem." Bramblestar said hesitantly, knowing that he was talking to her father. 

  "I'll speak to her." Firestar said. "For now, take a rest. It isn't good to be tired when your Clan needs you." 

  "Ya." Bramblestar yawned, and Firestar looked on as he slowly trudged up the slope. Just as he was about to go out of eyesight, he turned back and yowled, "Thank you!" 

  Firestar dipped his head in acknowledgement, then he in turn returned back to StarClan. 

Author's Note:

 Hello everybody! :) I especially wanted to publish another chapter as fast as I could because of a person who's given me the motivation to do so! The profile is... JoJo_524! Thank you, and have a great day! :D

To those who are still reading, thank you as well. I really appreciate it. :) So, what's wrong/great about this chapter? I'd love to hear your opinion!  

Also, another reminder, this is a short story, so... it will probably end in a couple more chapters unless I make it into a longer, more complex story. What do you think? 

Yours, 

~Jayhow 😜