Fernfreckle's Dream

Chapter 11

"Pssst... Darkstar, wake up! It's time..." 

Fernstar gently nudges the sleeping tom. It's been about a quarter moon, and both leaders knew that Darkstar was ready to walk to the moonstone. Fernstar had been holding his breath for what seemed like ages, and now it was time. 

They were finally going to try and change their minds. 

"What time is it..." Darkstar murmured. 

"Sometime at night, I don't know," Fernstar shrugged. "Are you ready?" 

"I'm tired, that's what I am," Darkstar laughed weakly. 

"Oh come on, just imagine us cuddling at the moonstone. That's what I'm looking forward to the most!" 

"You're so cute," Darkstar grunted as he forced himself to stand. "Alright, let's go." 

Fernstar escorted him out and led him the whole way there. The walk took a while, and Darkstar occasionally fell behind, but Fernstar was there for him to lean on when he needed it. After about half an hour of walking, they reached the location of Mothermouth Cave and Mothermouth Cliff. Fernstar practically ran into the cave, unable to contain his excitement. Darkstar followed close behind. By the time he could see the moonstone, Fernstar was already curled up beside it. 

"Come on, lay down with me!" 

"Alright," Darkstar smiled and got onto his belly beside him. "Ready?" 

"Yeah, I think so." 

Fernstar could feel his heart race as Darkstar rested his head on the ground, and he pressed his nose against the glowing rock. 

Am I really ready for this? Who knows what could happen? We could get our lives taken, we could be exiled, maybe even KILLED! 

Darkstar pressed his side against Fernstar's and closed his eyes. 

"We're gonna be okay, Ferny. I can tell you're nervous. But we will be okay. I promise." 

Fernstar took a deep breath and imitated his sleeping position. The moonstone was as cold as usual, but he didn't care. He had Darkstar to keep him warm. 

--

"Ferny, we're here!" 

Fernstar opened his eyes to find himself standing next to Darkstar, a clear night sky with multiple stars surrounding them.  The grass beneath them was a bright, yet settling purple. 

"Y.. Yes we are..." Fernstar mumbled, taking in the sight of the sky. 

"They should know we're here," Darkstar meowed. "All we got to do is wait now." 

Fernstar sat down, still looking at the sight above him. He felt his heart pounding even harder. 

"Darkstar... Do you really think we'll be ok..?" 

"Of course I do. Starclan knows who we are. They can trust us. And even if they don't approve of us, that won't make me stop loving you."

Fernstar looked back at him to see him smiling nervously. "You're nervous too, huh?" 

"How could I not be?" Darkstar admitted. "But I know everything will be okay in the end anyway." 

"And you're absolutely correct!"  A voice behind them rang. They both turned around to see a familiar, dark striped she cat. 

"BATSTAR!" Fernstar gasped with excitement. "It's you!" 

Batstar laughed and approached them. "Darkstar, it's good to see you too." 

"Batstar..." Darkstar quietly said under his breath. "I-I..." 

"We're here to discuss a rule on the warrior code," Fernstar said. "We believe that cats from other clans should be allowed to be mates, medicine cats included." 

"Why is that..?" Batstar asked, perking up with curiosity. 

"The rule was made long ago, when the clans fought over borders. I don't remember a single border fight for as long as I've lived. And medicine cats work hard for the clans. I know that others feared that their kin would come first, but a good medicine cat knows who to treat first. Who needs their care their most in the moment. My friend Hollygaze is a wonderful medicine cat, but I've seen the way she looks at Cottonleaf. Medicine cats deserve rewards for their hard work, and I believe that should be the right to have mates and families." 

"I.. don't remember any border fights either," Darkstar agreed. "They've been over since I was young. The rule is just pointless now. All the clans are in peace and it shouldn't matter if their cats love one another. It should bring the clans even closer together. And.. Fernstar and I love each other." 

"Your courage..." Batstar choked lightly. "..is what I've been waiting for..." 

Fernstar watched her carefully. Something seemed wrong. 

"I know," Darkstar sighed. "I know how you feel. But please tell the others about this." 

"They know," Batstar meowed. "We know everything. I only asked what was going on because I wanted to hear it for myself." 

Fernstar looked up at Darkstar. There was a faint gleam of sadness in his eyes. 

"Darkstar? What's wrong?" 

"Just thinking about something," Darkstar sighed.

"Well, I think we can eliminate the rule," Batstar meowed. "A while ago, there was a medicine cat that I shall not name. They are very skilled and are very loyal to their clan. However, they fell in love with a warrior from another clan, and they had a kit together. The medicine cat does regret their actions, but they still love both their clan and kin. Despite their mistake, Starclan still welcomes them. We trust that medicine cat, and we trust you two as well. You are both very wonderful leaders. Tell the other clans that they may now bond with any clan cat they please. Every cat deserves love." 

"You mean it??" Fernstar's eyes widened. 

"I do." Batstar nodded her head. "I know abolishing the rule will make a whole bunch of cats happier. I know." 

"WE DID IT!!" Darkstar squeezed Fernstar tightly.  "AND IT WAS SO MUCH EASIER THAN I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE!" 

Fernstar shakily hugged back, still processing that they won. 

"Thank you so much, Batstar," Darkstar purred. "Thank you..." 

Both leaders then suddenly woke up with a jolt. Darkstar has a few tears running down his face. 

"C-Come on, let's go announce the news!" 

"Right," Fernstar breathed as they both got onto their feet. They speedwalked outside, both of them being hit with fresh air. Fernstar tasted the air with both joy and relief. He could finally be with the tom he loved for so long. Everyone would be happy. 

Darkstar bounded forward in a rush to get home. Fernstar readied himself to chase after him, but he was knocked over by another cat. Before he could realize what was happening, blood spurted out of his neck and he felt himself go limp. 

The last thing he saw were a pair of very familiar green eyes...

Everything was dark for a moment before he was able to open his eyes and gasp for breath. 

"OH FERNY, THANK STARCLAN! Which life was that??" Darkstar is curled up beside him, his eyes wide with worry. 

"My sixth..." Fernstar grunted weakly. "What just happened..?" 

"A cat attacked you out of nowhere. A silver Rogueclan cat. We can't be nice anymore, Ferny. We HAVE to tell Emberstar and Stoneback that we need to go to war!" 

"War..." Fernstar gasped softly, still getting his breath back. "I can't go to war with anyone... Especially not with my kin..."