A New Beginning: Book 1 Flamestar's Promise

Chapter 37

    "Welcome, open your eyes." Said a soothing voice.
I opened my eyes. Sparkle was sitting next to me staring with the eyes of a astonished kit. I followed her gaze to see the most amazing thing ever. Hundreds of starry cats all faded into shapes by a mist. These were all of the warrior ancestors. Then, I noticed my mother working her way towards me. She separated herself from the mist.
    "Welcome, my little kit. You are here to receive your nine lives, and your name of a leader. I shall give you your first life. I give you the life of endurance. Use it to be strong for your Clan in times of trouble." She meowed.
She touched my nose with hers, and my body became stiff. It felt like my pelt was on fire, and all my muscles ached. When she was done, I was left panting. Then I saw a familiar grey tom.
    "Shadepelt!" I exclaimed, running over to rub his cheek.
He purred.
    "I shall give you your second life, the life of hope. Use it to keep your Clan's spirits high, even when everything else seems low." He purred.
The same thing happened again, except this time I was prepared, stabilising my body as the shock ran through me. Then I saw a faint shape form from the mist. Suddenly, a strong looking grey brown tabby strode forward.
    "Greetings. My name is Riverstar. I was ForestClan's leader before Timberstar. I am sorry that I did not see the ambition and betrayal in his future." His deep voice apologised.
I shook my head.
    "No cat could have seen that." I reassured.
He smiled.
    "Then I shall give you your third life. The life of wisdom. Use it to guide your Clan in the right direction." He meowed.
I braced for pain, but this life was gentle. I let out a slight purr as it surged through me. Then I noticed a cat I also didn't recognise.
    "Hello. My name is Windwhisper." He said.
This was the ValleyClan cat that had passed away. I nodded in greeting.
"I give you the life of healing wounds of wounds and rivalries. Use it to defend your Clan, but also to know when to stop needless bloodshed." He mewed.
This life also came calmingly. Several more of my ancestors came and gave me my lives. Some painful and draining, but others peaceful and refreshing. Finally, two lives remained. I noticed Rainmist making her way through the cats.
"Well done, Flamestar. You have completed your task, but your destiny is not over. Lead your Clan strong. With this life, I give you love. Use it to care for the sick and the weak, even the strong ones need it sometimes." She concluded.
This life was strong and fierce, like a mother's love for her kits. I quickly regained myself to see a familiar calico standing in front of me.
"Oakfoot." I greeted.
She purred.
"With this final life, I give you the life of selfishness. Use it well to no when you are wrong, and to put your Clan's needs before yours." She purred.
And with that, the last surge went through me. Then Oakfoot padded over to Sparkle.
"Greetings, Sparkle." She mewed.
Sparkle did sort of a bow, and Oakfoot chuckled.
"There is no need for that. But I can assure you that I will always be there if you need me. Goodbye, and good luck." She purred.
She backed away to join the rest of the misty cats, and they all started to chant my name.
"Flamestar! Flamestar!" They called.
I was drowned in chants and cheers. Then everything faded. I awoke stiff and cold. I could see Sparkle staring wide eyed into nothingness. We padded out of the tunnel to find Waspclaw waiting outside.
"So?" He asked when he saw us come out.
Me and Sparkle shared a glance.
"Meet your new leader, Flamestar!" She announced jokingly.
We all laughed.
The journey home was slow and took most of the day. When we got back, I summoned my strength and jumped onto Fallen Log.
"All cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather under Fallen Log for a Clan meeting!" I called out the familiar words.
I felt pride as cats assembled beneath me.
"Sparkle, please step forward." I announced.
She padded in front of the log and waited patiently.
"Today we name our new medicine cat." I meowed.
Meows of approval sounded.
"Sparkle, from this day on as our new medicine cat you shall be known as Dawnsparkle. May you serve your Clan well." I finished.
She beamed with pride at her new name.
"Dawnsparkle! Dawnsparkle!" Chanted the Clan.
Life from now on would be different, but this time, a good different.