Warriors REBORN: Era Of Darkness

Chapter Five

"Autumnpaw! I can't wait to train with you!" Adderpaw slinks his way beside her. His thin tail bouncing lightly as he struts.

"Cloudrise says he has something planned for us tomorrow when you start training! Isn't that exciting?"

"Yeah! Cloudrise is a wonderful cat to have as a mentor, why shouldn't I be excited?" Autumnpaw assures him as they head towards the apprentice den.

Autumn nestles herself comfortably beside Adderpaw, the soft straw cloaking the cold rafter from the chilly outside air. The thin roof of the camp suffices for a small shelter from weather elements.

Adderpaw tells Autumn to stay put as he blissfully trots through camp to the fresh kill pile, snatching two plump mice, still warm, he prods back to her, dropping one at her feet.

"Try this, it's a mouse, I catch them myself on hunting patrols!" He explains proudly.

Autumnpaw sniffs the mouse, eagerly gnawing away at it. The mouse's delicious meat fills her tongue like nothing she has ever tasted before. Much better than the pellets from the two-legs.

"Adderpaw, mice are amazing!" She squeaks from underneath him.

"I know, it's only a special you can get out here, when you're free!" Adderpaw gently pounces on her playfully.

He chews on her ear, tired and gassed, Adderpaw shuffles to her side and dozes off. The strange home-like scents begin to make Autumn drowsy as well. Yawning, she rests her head on her paws and tumbles into a deep rest.

****

Sunspark

A silver figure appears, the tom from her dream, peering into a large reflective pool. Slivers of dazzling light break through the still waters surface.

Another figure, a faded transparent orange appears beside him.

Cedar this is not your doing. Be gone.

The Orange figure speaks, mouth still like always.

I need to help her before he destroys us Dewstar! Destroys StarClan like he destroyed MountianClan!

Dewstar, the leader of the fallen MountianClan before Russetwind murdered every last clan member. Considers Cedar's plan.

StarClan is already in grave danger, we do not need some mouse-brain to be the heroine. You were the one who caused this anyhow.

Dewstar turns away from Cedar gracefully.

Please, Dewstar, give me a second chance! I can prove I am loyal to StarClan! I will go back and change the  future for the better! Please!

Dewstar glances back, her white eyes glowing like a thousand stars.

I am willing to accept your proposition. But you must comply with the given prophecy, to resurrect the clans in the proper manor. Defeat Russetwind, remember, his powers are much stronger than any wits of StarClan. If you fail, you will be doomed to no afterlife for all eternity as you watch StarClan fade from existence!

Dewstar's eyes begin to flame, beckoning Cedar towards the ever-still sparkling pool. It flashes and begins to twist and churn, the smooth water sharpening as it contorts and shimmers.

I have faith in you Cedar, now go!

Cedar nods farewell to his leader, shyly entering the pool. The feeling is mesmerizing, a soft warmth that rushes inside of him, devouring his  dulled senses.

I vow to find Sunspark, and restore the belief! Farewell Dewstar!

Dewstar bows respectfully as the soft waters devour Cedar's sparkling aura. Cedar's vision begins to fade as the water rises.

His bones begin to feel new and strong, a stamina never fading. He can feel his heart begin to beat, rapidly against his chest as it flourishes to life.

His senses blossom back to him like the echoes of the past, his memories restored. Every small detail intact.

With a loud thud, Cedar lands in the dark. A thick scent of wood laces his surroundings. He coughs, not used to the scents of the real world. Hobbling to his rejuvenated legs, he scans the tight space he landed in. The inside of a hollow log, slightly rotting.

A twisted sensation floods his gut. Hunger. Something Cedar has yet to feel for a millennia, for in StarClan there is everlasting hunts. You are never full, nor hungry.

Cedar slowly and cautiously peers out of the trunk, the dense forest around him, reminding him of the first place he ever knew. This world was his to save, and his to cherish.

Deep in his gut, beyond his hunger, he knew he must head for the city.

****