Dawnstar's Trouble {COMPLETE}

Chapter 41

 "It's time to go." Dawnfire lifted her head, her body was stiff from lying in the rain for so long. Hawktalon and Nightwing had begun carrying Flowerstar's body off; Dawnfire must have drifted off for a few moments. Pebblestep stood above her, eyes sad yet bold. "We can't push this off, Dawnfire."

Dawnfire stood up, stretching her stiff limbs. "I know, Pebblestep." She shook her pelt, the rain had slowed to a small drizzle but the forest still reeked of fire. "Let me tell my kits." Pebblestep nodded and she went over to the small rocky outcrop where Honeykit and Falconkit were laying. She leaned in and touched both of their pelts with her nose. "I'll return shortly." She whispered and turned away, Lionclaw was standing in her way.

"Leaving?" He questioned, his eyes were weary. He probably hadn't slept, Dawnfire's eyes went to the large scar on his chest that twisted down to his stomach.

Dawnfire nodded. "Hopefully I won't be gone long." She leaned and nuzzled in, her fears crawling on her back. "What if I'm not ready to be leader." She whispered into his ear.

Lionclaw nuzzled her back, his breath warm on her fur. "You are, Dawnfire. You will be an incredible leader, I know it." His words gave her confidence, Dawnfire stepped back and nodded before joining up with Pebblestep.

"Let's go." She looked at the medicine cat, Pebblestep nodded and the two cats set off. Dawnfire's entire body ached and she was hungry, but she couldn't eat before the ceremony. Dawnfire and Pebblestep walked close by, and didn't stop until they caught the attention of a MoonClan patrol led by Pigeonpelt.

"SunClan!" He called, Frostfire, Feathercloud and Icepool followed him. "How are you holding up? Shadowstar wanted to ask, if you don't mind me asking. Were any cats hurt"

Dawnfire swallowed her sadness, luckily Pebblestep spoke before her. "We lost Flowerstar unfortunately, and Squirreltail got some burns on her face. She should be okay though."

Pigeonpelt lowered his head. "I'm deeply sorry to hear about Flowerstar." He met Dawnfire's gaze. "I suppose you're on your way to recieve your nine lives?"

Dawnfire nodded. "Yes, I am. We left not to long ago."

"Well, you'll be a wonderful leader, Dawnfire." Pigeonpelt said kindly, the other patrol members nodded. Dawnfire felt warmed at their belief in her.

"Thank you." She dipped her head respectfully.

"Have a good rest of your journey! May StarClan light your path, Dawnfire." Pigeonpelt said his farewell and the patrol vanished into MoonClan territory. Pebblestep nudged Dawnfire forward and they continued. The walk was silent, Dawnfire was mostly absorbed in her own thoughts about being leader. She would have so many new responsibilities now, not to mention; what would Thornstar do? She would be representing SunClan at gatherings, he would be a fellow leader of hers. Would he try anything new, or would he remain how he had been?

They crossed around the Gathering Hollow, soon reaching the border to the Spirit Woods, they crossed into MoonClan territory for only a few moments to cross the thinner river. Normally MoonClan was the quicker way to travel, but they were already on the other side of the river so they took the Gathering Hollow route. The Spirit Woods was as eerie as Dawnfire remembered it, the white trees glowing in the moonlight, turning their pelts silver. The Spirit Tree grew in the distance, Dawnfire's heart began to race. She hadn't been to the Moonstone since she was an apprentice, and she was terrified. Now she wasn't just following her leader, she was the leader. She was going to receive her nine lives, what would happen? What if she didn't get them? What if StarClan rejected her?

Pebblestep could clearly sense Dawnfire's panic because she rested her tail on Dawnfire's flank. "Relax, Dawnfire. Everything will go smoothly." Dawnfire looked at her, this was the first time Pebblestep would be welcoming a new leader as well. Did Poppyfur teach her? Dawnfire wished Flowerstar would have taught her something about this ceremony. "I promise, just go in, touch your nose to the stone and everything will just happen." Dawnfire nodded, she looked into the twisting roots, every step was hesitant as she made her way into the dark cave.