The Starcave

[littlelove]

It was thunderous, the jolt that brought her body back to life and ran lightning through her veins. The way she hung from the crystal by her claws left her entire forepaw aching like fire, and that was the first thing Cinderpaw could feel as she was roused from her almost abyssal sleep.

Eyes fluttering open, it took a few moments for the apprentice to process what exactly sat in front of her face -- the cave floor, her top half suspended only inches from falling flat on the ground. She could feel panic spark through her head, and she pulled her claws from the stone with shards of clear stone following. All at once, her full body weight was on her one front paw remaining on the ground... and Cinderpaw's face smacked full force into the frozen ground.

She let out an angered groan and a few muttered curses, pulling her paws up to her face as she turned from facing the stone to... various pairs of eyes trained on the scene she'd created. The dark tabby stared, wide eyed, back at them. Part of her felt the need to explain, tell them they had to believe how bad Starclan had been screwing their clan over...

But she owed no explanation to cats who were staring at her with such scorn. Especially not Shadowclan killers. Besides, she had much more important things to attend to, across the forest in Thunderclan's territory.

Cinderpaw rose shakily, eyes flickering between the shaken and displeased faces surrounding her. "Out of my way." She hissed, shouldering past the crowd and daring them to challenge her departure as she slipped quickly out of the cave. She would waste no more time on those who took away what she was now looking for.

[ @x ghostie @daenerys @naiad @TheNyanCatMinecart @Ravensong ]

[wolfie]

❀ ೃ⁀➷ @daenerys @Willowfern @Ravensong @TheNyanCatMinecart @naiad @littlelove
His chest rose up and down half-hazardously, he couldn't.. breathe. It was if there was something crushing down on his wide pipe as he laid on the floor, tears streaming down his cheeks. He couldn't breathe, why couldn't he breathe? Oh goodness, pardon his language but damned the shadows, Cowtuft was making a pathetic show of himself. What had Flickerlight been true? Why.. why would he say such a thing? He.. he didn't know.

It was only when the warmth and softness pressed against his flank, he appeared to gain the slightest bit of tranquility. Guilt flashed through his splotched pelt; he was the older one here. Fawnlight shouldn't have to be seeing him like this, coddling him ever so softly. Cowtuft choked down his panic, gently pushing himself up into a sitting position. He lifted a large paw to wipe away his tears. He proceeded to bring his paw to his lips before pulling away, "Thank you.." and while he did not believe her words, he took comfort in knowing his friend was here. He closed his eyes, relishing in the peace she offered to his hurricane of a thoughts.

It was only the horror-filled statement that shook him, and he opened his mismatched hues to follow where she was staring. The scene struck him cold, seeing the apprentice hang jaggedly from the stone with her claws still dug in. Cowtuft's eyebrows furrowed together, oh starry skies, how much harm has been done to her to have this much rage? Surely, you can forgive her actions. She mustn't mean it.

He frowned, shakily rising to his paws. If Cinderpaw stayed in that position any longer, she was going to end up ripping her claws. Yet, it seemed like just in the nit of time, she awoke from her slumber. He could.. hear the impact and he winced in sympathy. With a slight squeak of surprise, all Cowtuft could do was watch her scornfully walk away.

He nervously chewed on his bottom lip, ears pinning to his skull. He turned back to the fragments on the floor that had been torn away. Oh no.. that couldn't do.. no, no.. the tom would attempt to place it back where they had been torn from but it seemed to be useless. Futile. What could he do with such precious stones lying on the floor? .. (cowtuft picked up a fragment and held it in his mouth, holding onto it for comfort. maybe, maybe if he had starclan with him, they could push away the shadows.)

Cowtuft needed to leave.

His attention turned back to Ivysnake who was speaking to him now, and sickness churned in his stomach as she watched .. interest shine in her eyes. Not the familiar disgust he had grown customed to seeing. Was.. was.. she pleased to see what had happened..? It wasn't as if he wanted judgement or scorn but, he did not.. did not enjoy how she was looking at him. It was terrifying.

Utmost terrifying.

"I.. will never follow the Dark Forest... I worship.. Starclan.. and Starclan only.." Cowtuft signed with a ferocity, but it seemed to waver. Could he still say this with everything that had been revealed? .. he felt like he was going to be sick.

Taking a shaking breath, he needed to go home. He jerked his head up and down, agreeing with Ivysnake - this was over. They had nothing else to do. While Sundust was still asleep, Cowtuft could not bid himself any more time to waste. Still holding onto the fragment of stone, the medicine cat gently weaved through the gathered cats and left the Starcave with a swiftness.

[taillow]

The first thing to ring in her ears was the voice of Ivysnake, and it had Fawnlight snapping her gaze over to the ShadowClan medicine cat. A rare display of anger flared in them and she rose to her paws, giving a lash of her tail. "He does not. If it's such a waste to stand here, then leave. No one is making you come to these meetings, Ivysnake. You and Elmshadow both have already stated you don't even communicate with StarClan, so why are you here?" What once would've made her shake only steeled her bones to provide her composure against the dark shadow of a cat before her. It truly baffled her; why the tabby would even bother coming if she despised being here so much.

"I hope someone rips your tongue out for the words you spit one day." Another lash of her tail before Fawnlight turned to look at Cinderpaw - who unceremoniously face planted into the ground upon waking up. The shock had wore off, and now all that was left was... rage. Burning and biting away at her heart. Incredulous eyes stared at the large she-cat as she stared wide-eyed back. Would she have anything to say for her deplorable actions??

It seemed not. A rough shoulder jutted into her side and Fawnlight whipped around. Blue eyes that were once round with shock narrowed in anger. "I hope you never allow her near this stone again." The sharp words were directed at Sundust as the RiverClan medicine cat turned to look at him. There was disgust swirling within them, lingering on the golden furred tom a moment longer before shifting to Cowtuft.

He was busying himself with trying to piece the stone back together, and Fawnlight felt empathy wash over her. She wanted to stop him, to tell him there was no point - what's done was done. But soon enough he wheeled around to face Ivysnake, motioning something with his paws that she couldn't quite catch and - leaving, with the stone still in his mouth. Her eyes widened at that. Was he just... taking it? Just like that? Confliction emotions churned in her stomach and suddenly the brown dappled she-cat felt sick.

Without a single word to any other cat she hurried after him, fluffy tail swishing behind her as she exited the cave before breaking into a run back to RiverClan's border.

Tonight had been an utter disaster.

[ @x ghostie @Willowfern @Ravensong @TheNyanCatMinecart @naiad @littlelove ]

[beau]

Sundust blinked awake to a commotion of the other medicine cats chattering. Slowly he rose to his paws, and came face to face with the stone of the Starcave, deep claw-marks embedded into it. Good stars. It did not take long to make the connection as he looked towards the others to see Cinderpaw shouldering past. Like hell he wasn’t going to follow her.

Fawnlight’s sharp words lashed and Sundust felt like facepalming. How in StarClan’s name was he supposed to bring her back here as his apprentice. “I am deeply sorry for her actions, I assure you that her misbehavior will be handled. I can’t - I-“ Stars, he was going to kill her. Was this what Cindersky meant by ‘sending a message’? “We have very urgent matters to attend to - again, I am truly sorry for how this night transpired.” He cast a glance to Cowtuft’s retreating form. He wished he could offer some kind words to the young medicine cat, but his top priority was to catch up to Cinderpaw.

With one last dip of his head, a sort of awkward farewell, the ThunderClan medicine cat set off from the Starcave, wondering what in stars name could be waiting in Firefly Cove.

[Eaglet]

Thrushfur

Around the area, he ambled. Sundust, Redhawk, and Foxflurry trailing behind. This was his first opportunity to see the Starcave. His main feelings were anxiety and excitement. When it came to her lives, how did Sparrowstar feel? Was she elated as well? He huffed as he approached the Starcave. His eyes blazed, and he gulped as his mouth dried up. He hurriedly moved in that direction after noticing the cave's foreboding darkness. But a faint flicker of light managed to penetrate the darkness. Making him apprehensive as he peered back. In an effort to keep his lip from twitching, his eyes alternated between Foxflurry and Redhawk. After then, Sundust came into view as the ginger tabby strolled with his curly fur bouncing. "Okay..." He took a restless breath. Calming himself down. He then made a deliberate entrance, giving Sundust the opportunity to take the lead. After passing through such a nightmarish tunnel, illumination eventually hit his vision. The light bounced off their fur, reflecting into his blue eyes, revealing its glossy substance, which was a delicate light blue. His feathery fur jittered out, seeing the glittering spectacular marvel of a shard in his eyes. The way it embellished the whole grotto, linking its radiance and spiritual knowledge to those who dared observe it. Thrushfur's mouth widened in awe at the magnificent crystal being before him. The connection between both the clans and Starclan occurred here.

He didn't appreciate having his jaw lowered by beings he despised. Yet, the work they produced was just remarkable. The mucus had already been completely sucked out of his mouth, leaving the roof of his mouth dry, so he tightly shut his mouth. He directed Sundust in his gaze. "W-What do I do?" His speech took on a faltering stutter, making him sound more youthful. Like a kitten who just discovered a shiny pebble. He felt like an amateur when he asked the medicine cat. Nonetheless, it was astounding. How he managed to prove that he was fit enough to assume the position of leader. Was the rest of his family up there? Observing him as he entered their modest home? And to think that he felt such a strong connection with them. Now, how much did he still believe in them? To be able to have whatever type of lives he may get. Due to his inability to see or even have a clear impression of these heavenly beings, he also felt a sense of skepticism against them. Simple descriptions of their starry garments and how they smelled like all four seasons are only found in those fairy tales. What if he morphed into one of those starry-coated cats in the future?

[ @naiad, @daenerys, @carmen ]

[taillow]

Having never set paw anywhere near the Starcave, Redhawk was in awe as the patrol approached. Carved out of a large mountainside the tunnel seemed to descend down into pure darkness. Amber eyes glowed round as she observed the way it curved to a place well out of sight, the pathway worn down by many various paw prints. How many cats had walked this path? How many leaders? Medicine cats? Deputies? The sheer thought of how many left her almost breathless as she stopped just behind Thrushfur who was allowing Sundust to take the lead.

Once past the winding, dark tunnel, Redhawk blinked the light away from the glittering stone before them. It was awe-inspiring for sure, and her gaze traveled over its entirety. Beautiful, glimmering, and - wait. Near the side of the stone there were pieces jutted out, jagged edges broken off and some pieces on the ground underneath. Several long scores of claw marks were indented on the wall and the warrior blinked in confusion. The fur along her spine prickled, and she was surprised that Thrushfur was being so calm about this. Or maybe he hadn't noticed??

"Has... Is that suppose to be like that, Sundust?" It certainly didn't feel like it. The gouges in the stone appeared to have been created by a cat. What if they weren't alone here? What if this was an ambush?? Redhawk parted her jaws to taste the air, but couldn't detect anything aside from the four cats, including herself, within the caverns' walls.

[ @Eaglet @naiad @carmen ]

[carmen]

Something had been weighing on her as she followed behind Redhawk and Thrushfur. A reappearing feeling that for some reason, coming to the Starcave was a betrayal. She shouldn't be here, she shouldn't be staring at the overbearing walls of the cave that reached above her head. Time and time again she had watched her clanmates fall from grace, watch them dip into a cycle of death and rebirth. It didn't feel right to stand here and stare at the flickering light that was a few steps before her. Was it abandoning them for her to be here? They had died and come back so many times that grief meant nothing. And though she had had never wavered in her belief, it had begun to turn to hate. Cinderpaw had become medicine cat and she didn't know what that meant for the rest of them. She didn't know what StarClan was doing. That was a gamble that had done nothing but cause further confusion.

The sight of the crystal had her stop, staring at the glimmering white stone with an emotion even she could not name. She was walking down this tunnel, treading in the literal footsteps of those who came before her. How many had walked this trail? How many had done well with what they were given? And how many had failed? She shivered with apprehension as she came to a stop, staring at the gem. Only, the more she stared, the more she realized that it was broken, missing edges and filled with trails of claws. That was more like it. That seemed more right. They pretended to be oh so perfect, but they were just as cracked underneath the shimmer of their death. Still, it was unnerving, no matter how she tried to trick herself into thinking all was right. Words came from her left, and she blinked at Redhawk.

"Almost like a cat made it." It felt strange to speak in the cavern, a whisper barely being more acceptable than normal words. It was a sacred place, whether she liked it or not. A quick glance at Redhawk as she looked around. "We'll stay here?" It was a question, she'd stay with Sundust and Thrushfur if they wanted, but honestly. she already felt like she shouldn't be here. Intruding upon that sacred of an event would only make it worse. She didn't want to be here.

@naiad @Eaglet @daenerys

[beau]

Sundust trailed behind at the rear of the group as they trekked their way to the Starcave. His third time witnessing this ceremony in the span of just a few moons. Hopefully it would be his last time overseeing a leader receiving their name for a long while. It was funny, he thought, how thrice he would see a leader ascend from a warrior to a star but not once would they received the lives to accompany the name.

He wondered if this had happened before, or if he was supposed to be the only cat lucky enough to witness such a curse. He wondered if Thrushfur would earn his lives - the medicine cat had no faith in them being gifted anymore. He paused, staring almost wearily at the mouth of the cave that yawned before him. After a moments wait and perhaps a quick prayer he plunged himself into the darkness.

Though he was growing used to the sight of the glittering stone, he still marveled at it with every glance, even now that it was marred by the shallow clawmarks which still seemed to carry within them the scathing rage which had caused them. He turned to Thrushfur as the soon-to-be leader spoke, blinking warmly at him. "You simply have to touch your nose to the stone and StarClan should come to speak with you. I will not accompany you, but I will be here when you awake." Redhawk and Foxflurry's murmurs reach his ears and he looked back at the stone, his gaze colder than when he had first glanced at it now that it was not softened by wonder. "That's from an... incident which occurred during the last half-moon meeting. Nothing to be concerned about." His confidence did waver slightly. Surely the damage would not affect their connection to StarClan, right? Stars, it already felt like they had such a weak signal. But, no. No dreams had been interrupted last meeting, and so Sundust saw no reason for there to be an effect this one. "As for your question, you two may stay down here if you wish, or go up to the cave entrance to keep a lookout, should you feel so compelled."

He stepped back, to the edge of the cave. "Go ahead an touch your nose to the stone, Thrushfur. ThunderClan has placed their faith in you, and I hope dearly you will lead us well. May StarClan light your path."

[ @daenerys @carmen @Eaglet ]

[Eaglet]

Thrushfur

Just the pressure of the shimmering stone caused him to shudder. His ears turned to face the curly-haired tabby. He was startled and ashamed when they all observed that the moonstone had... chipped off. The talk amongst them, as well as the murmurs of Foxflurry and Redhawk, made him apprehensive. Why didn't he realize this earlier? His eyes darted over to the stone as he writhed softly. Touch my nose. That was a straightforward instruction. Oh, how long has it taken for him to be exposed to this moment? He couldn't have possibly imagined that he would be able to reach such a height after so many moons. It was peculiar. Sundust had already told the two escorts to remain in the rear, he huffed. He moved closer to the sparkling stone, seeing its enormous, razor-sharp points that soared for the stars. How many cats have passed through here throughout the decades? Every clan's history was contained within this one cave. The feathery tom experienced a heart-stopping moment. His heart's hammering was timed with each stride he took.

He was on his way to see Starclan. For the overwhelming majority of individuals he may encounter there, what will happen when he touches his cherry-colored nose to the cold stone. There would be a purpose somewhere that would determine his fate and destiny. The stone's menacing shadow surrounded him. The stone was barely out of reach for him by a whisker. He licked his lips, here goes. He felt drowsy as he pressed his nose against the stone. Before he crashed to the earth, his body briefly spasmed. His blue eyes closed as he drifted into a deep sleep, leaving the world of the living to enter one far more oppressive than this one. His body remained motionless as his consciousness was converted to a dream state.

[ @naiad, @daenerys, @carmen ]

[taillow]

Nothing to be concerned about? Redhawk was definitely concerned, but she didn't dare speak out against the medicine cat. Wonder and a slight twinge of fear continued to remain present in her gaze as she gazed at the rock before looking back to Sundust once more.

Once was all she needed; this place gave her the creepy crawlies in her pelt. Looking to Foxflurry to see if the other was coming, Redhawk turned and headed back out the long tunnel to sit at the mouth of the cave. Only once she was outside did she feel like she could breathe once more. Moonlight shimmered down from the sky and she turned her head to gaze upon it, wondering which of the nine stars in the sky would be descending to give Thrushfur his lives.

[ @Eaglet @carmen @naiad ]