Warriors: 9 Lives of TERROR

Chapter twelve- Leader of blood, leader of sins. Only me alone can win.

Frostheart lay in the nest in the medicine cat's den, his wound from the "fox" covered in cobwebs and strong-smelling herbs. Wishfeather said she would accompany him to the Moonpool, but he needed to wait until dusk. Frostheart could be patient. He had gotten this far, he could wait a little bit longer. The medicine cat also said she couldn't give him any herbs for the pain, because he couldn't eat anything before going to the Moonpool. Frostheart was fine with that. He knew pain.

A painful image of his father popped up in his head, but he pushed it away, shoving his head deeper into his nest and squeezing his eyes shut. His father had been killed by a badger when they attacked the camp. He had jumped in front of the leader and sacrificed himself. Frostheart, a new apprentice then, had watched it all. He learned three important things on that day. One: Your own life is more important then anyone's. Two: StarClan is powerless. You can pray all you want but they can't change a thing. Three: When you want to make a kill, never, ever hesitate.

"Frostheart? Are you okay? Does your wound hurt?" He looked up to see his mate. Mistfeather's beautiful green eyes were brimming with worry.

"No," he said. "I-I was just thinking about my father," he answered honestly. If I'm going to be tricking cats for nine lives, I'd rather have someone I can truly trust. Someone I can confide in. "The near-death experience brought back his memory," he added, even though it hadn't really been a near-death experience.

Mistfeather let out a comforting purr, brushing her muzzle against his cheek. "I know it's been hard, but you've been so strong. You'll make a great leader," she said. That is true. He couldn't help but admire her belly, beginning to round with his kits. "I'll let you rest; you'll have to pick a deputy soon and claim your nine lives." She then padded quietly out of the den.

Finally, you're done with all your lovey-dovey stuff, grumbled Sageweed. 

Shut up, he thought sharply. Tonight, I'm going to receive my nine lives. All our hard work will have paid off, so you better be grateful. To his surprise, he felt Sageweed flinch and recoil from his thoughts. It's because finally, I'll be more powerful than her.

*******

Frostheart stepped up to the Moonpool, trembling with excitement. This is it! I'm finally here! "Lay down and touch your nose to the water," Wishfeather instructed. Frostheart did as he was told. Before leaving, he had declared Coldrose deputy. He had said he would reward her for keeping her mouth shut, and he kept his word.

Stars swirled around him, and he felt like he was falling, until suddenly he felt soft grass underfoot. He recognized the outside of ThunderClan camp. Starry cats shimmered into view, looking wary instead of overjoyed. Good. Let them fear me. "I know none of you want me here, so let's get this over with quick," he sneered, showing all of his teeth when at first no cats stepped up to greet him. Finally, one did. It was Cragstar. His yellow eyes shined with reluctance, but according to the code Frostheart succeeded Splashstar and must receive his nine lives. And these cats are code-lovers.

"I give you a life for compassion. Help those not as strong as you," Cragstar said, and touched his nose to Frostheart's before stepping back quickly. Frostheart felt a surge of pain, making him curl his claws into the ground, but he did not stumble. The next three cats were some he'd never seen before, giving him useless lives of love, respect, and honor. The next cat that stepped up was Archpaw. Frostheart smiled. He'd missed his old friend. He couldn't read the brown tabby tom's expression.

"I give you a life for good judgement. Not everyone is your enemy, but not everyone is an ally," he said, touching Frostheart's ear with his nose. Frostheart stiffened against the pain. Next came Coldwhisker, wearing the same smirk Frostheart remembered.

"My friend," Frostheart greeted, dipping his head.

"Good to see you again," Coldwhisker hissed, in his soft snake-like voice that made young apprentices and kits shrink away in fear. "I give you a life for cunning," he said, placing his head on Frostheart's. When the life ended, Coldwhisker whispered, "You know what they say. Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer." He then slunk back into the ranks of starry cats. I don't know how Coldwhisker made it to StarClan. I guess it was because he technically did nothing wrong. StarClan can't punish you for things you might do. 

At the end of his ceremony, Frostheart was disappointed he didn't see his father, but quickly pushed it away. He was a code-lover. He wouldn't approve of what I've done.

"Froststar! Froststar! Froststar!" the StarClan cats cheered. Froststar lifted his head, basking in their cheers. At last!

******

It was morning by the time he reached ThunderClan, but he felt his nine lives pulsing through him, filling him with energy.

"He's back!" Thrushfeather yowled, who was on guard. Murmurs spread through the Clan like wildfire, cats eagerly waiting to see their new leader. Froststar hopped up on high ledge, staring down at his Clan. That was right- it was his Clan now.

"Clan! I have successfully received my nine lives," he boomed, his gaze sweeping across every cat in the Clan. "Under my leadership, ThunderClan will thrive!"

"Froststar! Froststar! Froststar!" His Clan cheered. 

We did it! Sageweed cackled. Behind the cluster of cats, Froststar saw the starry figures of Hopelight, Stormlight, and Splashstar. They stared up at him, grief and fear in their eyes. One by one, they shook their heads and disappeared. Froststar felt triumph spread through his body, and he had to bite his tongue to keep from yowling in glee. StarClan fears me! There is truly no one who can stop me! ThunderClan is mine, forever!

End of part one!