Warriors: A Dawn Rising

Chapter Eight

            Leafshine yawned as dawn light came through the den, she checked Thornfur's wounds one last time. "You can leave the medicine den now, but don't do anything extreme. Light patrolling." She whispered, careful not to wake up Bluewhisker and Icemask. The two warriors had gotten greencough.

             Thornfur left the den after Leafshine cleaned away the poultices, she began sorting herbs, a lot of her stock was dried up. Her ear twitched as she remembered the omen that Sparkstar shared with the Clans. She wondered if it had to do with the prophecy.

               Padding out of the den, the snow seemed to be thawing. It was wet and slushy in some places, but Leafshine wasn't surprised. New-leaf was right around the corner. She could see starry cats all around the clearing, interacting with each other. Kits, elders, apprentices, you name it. They didn't seem to care that living cats were there too.

             Leafshine saw Maggotkit playing with Stormpaw, Applestone watching eagerly. The she-cat's red-brown fur was groomed neatly, no scars left on her. You're doing well, Maggotkit. Just straighten out your spine! Her warm voice sent shivers down Leafshine's back, she hadn't heard that voice in so many moons.

            There were many other cats that Leafshine failed to recognize, however she did see Mossybriar, Owlflight, and Barkear. Dawnflight would have loved to see Barkear right now.

            "Leafshine!" Her gaze then focused on who was in front of her, Leopardpaw. "Ugh, finally. What's up with you? Anyways, I stepped on this annoying thorn."

           "Come with me." She meowed, the voices of the StarClan cats were loud, rushing to her. Mingled with the voices of her own Clanmates. It was overwhelming, she wanted to push it all away. But she could not drown out the sounds.

          As soon as Leopardpaw left, she could hear them all so clearly now.

          Good morning, Brightstar.

           How has your day been?

           It's a beautiful day, very warm.

           A low growl rose up in Leafshine's throat. Go away! She hissed with rage, then suddenly it went silent. Letting out a breath of relief, she didn't know how much longer she could let herself be this way. Whitekit came into the den, glancing around. "Hello Leafshine." The brown tabby blinked, she could see it so clearly now. A grown, white she-cat with blue eyes, the scent of herbs all over her fur. You know her destiny, so make it happen. Mossybriar appeared next to Whitekit, making her older version vanish. "I was wondering if I could be your apprentice."

            No, you can't, she felt like telling the young kit. But Mossybriar's gaze was burning into her's, urging her not to say it. Leafshine simply nodded. "Of course you can be my apprentice, but you still have to wait four more moons."

            That's it, Leafshine. Remember where your paws lay right now. Dawnflight needs you. Mossybriar was whispering, she unsheathed her claws. Glaring at the shape of the tom. Whitekit stared at Leafshine in fear. Do not attack me. This is your fault. You must face the decision you made. That's right, not me, you.

            Hissing, Leafshine lashed out at Mossybriar, his body faded and appeared in a different corner of the medicine den. Stop it this instant! What has happened to you? Whitekit wailed, Leafshine shook her head.

            "Sorry." She whispered, turning away. A feeling of loneliness creeped up on Leafshine as she shut her eyes tight. "You're right Mossybriar, this was my fault. I need to face my decision."