The Starcave

[Abyssopelagic]

Duskfall watched from afar, as each cat offered up a life to Kestrelwing, her little bird. She marveled at just how far he'd come and felt a strong surge of pride and love for her son.
As much as she wanted to step forward first, having heard his call.... she hung back, allowing the others to gift him their lives, wanting each of them to have his attention and respect. She would have time to speak to him after, when she gifted him her life.

She watched uneasily as the Dark Forest cats stepped away after giving Kestrelwing their lives, but didn't dwell on it. It was her turn now.
She stepped foward, finally, and made her way to Kestrelwing's -soon to be Kestrelstar- side, pushing past the lingering cats.
She smiled to him as she leaned foward to embrace him. She missed these little moments with him.
"Hello, my little bird. You've come quite the distance to get here."
She held him as close to her as she could. They only had a few moments together and she didn't want to squander those precious few moments.
"I may not have been by your side, but I have watched your growth and the path you've taken and I could not be prouder."

She gave herself another moment before stepping backwards, donning a more ceremonial aire. Her nose pressed to his and she closed her eyes.
"I gift to you, Kestrelstar, the life of Pride. Pride in yourself and pride in your Clanmates. May you feel the same pride I felt every day I saw you grow, and you've grown so much. You may not have me and Eelsting in your life anymore, but now the Clan will be your family and I pray they'll be with you every step of your journey when I cannot be there."

She let the power of her life flow through to him, every moment of achievement flashing through her mind. Once it was over, she took another step back, watching him carefully.
"Do not give up on yourself or your Clan, little bird. There will always be opportunities to fix mistakes."
With her time now up, she turned away reluctantly, casting glances over her shoulder as she left, but not before making sure he woke up safely, guiding his journey back to the land of the living.


@spade

[spade]

He hadn’t been expecting anyone to step forward. This was all just a dream as Snakeheart had indicated, nothing more than an illusion brought on by fatigue and grief. It would be over soon enough, and Kestrelwing would be free to head back to where he was needed most; his Clan. There was much work to be done, and each moment he spent here playing pretend among the stars was another wasted time he could be spent attending to the ever-mounting duties as leader.

Just as he was about to scoff and force himself to wake up, a sparkle caught the gray tabby’s gaze. Small at first, then glowing brighter, causing him to squint a bit as it came into view. A pristine row of nine cats - a coincidence, considering it was common knowledge that nine lives were to be received? - all seated before him and watching him with unreadable expressions. ”Who are you all?” he asked, though a part of him already knew the starry void with provide no answer to any of his questions, let alone that one.

@Jackpot
Small paws made their way forward, and Kestrelwing’s gaze rested on a vaguely familiar apprentice. Birchpaw... a name that had almost been forgotten by him. But the kids reveal did startle him a bit. StarClan? So it did exist? Or was it his mind playing tricks on him? There wasn’t much time to debate the topic as the first life flowed through him.

Pain was the first thing he felt, as if a heavy boulder was crushing down on him. Breathless and frightful, and wanting to move, Kestrelwing found himself frozen in place as the scene played out before his eyes; slowly, the boulder’s weight lifted and revealed him to be... pushing it up? Surely that had to be some sort of twisted metaphor. Perseverance... the ability to push through and trudge on.

Ebbing away slowly now, the tabby sucked in a sharp breath. Was that what it felt like to receive a life? How was he going to withstand the next eight? Words caught in his throat, and he only mumbled a small “thank you” to Birchpaw’s retreating back.

@Zesty Mango
The next cat to come up was unfamiliar to him. He did know of Gingerfrost though - so this was her mother. At least all the cats that were approaching him were of RiverClan. That put his mind at ease as the next life flowed through him. Much calmer than its predecessor, Kestrelwing felt a sense of clarity, of security that was brought on by being able to place faith in those that surrounded him. It was a life he definitely needed, and a trait that he’d been working on.

”You raised quite the fighter,” the tom breathed to Honeybee, referring to Gingerfrost. She’d been part of the predators patrol all those moons ago, and though he was a grump to most, even he knew to give respect where it was earned.

@Rxmulus
The next cat to approach him nearly stopped his heart. Melonpaw. The young tom, slain at the claws of ShadowClan and left to be crow-food at the border. Anger boiled within him, churning in his stomach until his claws slid out and dug into the starry soil beneath him. He’d challenged Dawnstar about it at the last Gathering but received no response - her Clan would pay.

This life was warm and strong, flowing through him like greenleaf water. Strength filled every inch of him, and a sense of pride left him feeling tall and able to withstand anything. He could see himself standing on the Streamstone, the sun illuminating his figure as he lead RiverClan.

It was his era now.

Short. Too short. It was over just as Kestrelwing reopened his gaze, grief clouding the yellow depths of it. Solemnly, the tabby nodded. ”Your death will not be in vein, Melonpaw. I promise.” His words were soft, and he knew that one of his first tasks would be to deliver the message to Foxblaze. She almost felt like a mother to him now, despite their lack of interactions. His closeness with Snakeheart provided that.

@Papaya
As the warmth faded from him, it was replaced by a bone chilling sensation. Kestrelwing’s eyes scanned the starry ranks for the next cat, too caught up in what was happening to notice the two dark figures that were off to the side. One of them stepped forward, revealing herself and the stench she carried. His paws were frozen like ice to the spot he stood, and Kestrelwing felt as though he couldn’t look away.

Who was this? There were no stars in her pelt, and a gleam danced in the depths of her eyes. Was this... Buckstar’s mother? Anger at the name gave heat to him, and instinctively he let out a low growl. The leader of ThunderClan... the one cat in the forest he wanted to sink his claws into more than Dawnstar. The coyotes were his fault. He’d get RiverClan their revenge.

The life that passed through him echoed in screams in his mind and Kestrelwing had to grit his teeth and shut his eyes. Pain of RiverClan’s grief piled onto his heart and spilled out of every faucet. The cries of his bleeding Clanmates tugged him in every direction, while the shadowy threats stalked in circles around them. ThunderClan. ShadowClan. Coyotes. Traps. ThunderClan.

He was panting by the time it was over, and when his yellow eyes reopened they seemed to be a bit darker. Part of him knew this cat must’ve come from a place where no stars shined - the Dark Forest. But he didn’t care. She understood his grievances towards the forest-dwellers.

They would pay.

He simply nodded in her direction, accepting the life without any fuss as he stood up fully once more, shaking his pelt in preparation for the next life to be given.

@implimm
The scent that carried on the breeze was different than the rest, and came as a bit of a shock - though not as much as the shadowy figure had brought. The moorland scent was unmistakable, and he was reminded of a certain brown tabby tom. Something seemed to connect the two, and as she began speaking he understood why.

This was Fernpaw’s mother. The little rascal that had proved to be quite the cat during one of his solo patrols to the border. Completely unexpected, Kestrelwing found himself attached to the young tom, the usual antics that he found annoying were rather... tolerated, at the very least.

As he’d expected with the life name, pain shot through him like a bullet. Fury turned his vision red, blinding him on all accounts. He tried to open his jaws to scream, but no sound came out as the gray tabby coward helplessly under the influence of the life. All the anger he felt towards those who had wronged himself, RiverClan... it was all brought to the surface with this life.

Blood pounded in his ears as the life took hold, beginning to fade away. He was breathless once more, yellow eyes staring up at Starkpelt. ”Your son... I’m certain he will make a great warrior for WindClan,” he breathed, giving her a nod as he regained his composure. What a treat to meet the mother of one of the only apprentices he actually was fond of?

@Snook
Perhaps it was because their Clans were allies, but Kestrelwing found that he was not surprised that another WindClan cat stepped forward. He was unfamiliar to him - perhaps only seen in passing at a Gathering - but then again the only cat he really knew through and through here had been Melonpaw.

Turning his head up so that his nose could receive the life, Kestrelwing felt another sense of calm and peace wash over him, soft like waves lapping at his paws. For a moment he could see the shoreline clearly in his mind, and with it a few blank figures. He knew them each by role; loner, rogue, kitty-pet - The Clan-less, those who lived without law or rule and did as they pleased. Those who had killed his mother.

Anger tried to rise up to combat the newfound serenity, but wasn’t as strong. Kestrelwing didn’t like it, but the life flowed through him nonetheless.

Fixing his gaze onto Stripeseed, the gray tabby simply nodded in response, unable to respond to him. He had his own issues he would have to learn to overcome and control if this life were to take full effect.

@Rani
The next little flutter bug that seemed to bounce right up to him nearly rocked the earth beneath his paws. Was that... No. She had only gone missing. He remembered the day her disappearance was reported. Such a friendly face around camp, brightening the days of even the grumpiest warrior.

She was... dead. How? Who did it? So many questions tumbled into his mouth that opened, ready to let them fly, but no sound accompanied them. The grief they'd felt at seeing Melonpaw resurfaced. Here was another RiverClan apprentice taken too soon. She had an entire life to live, a warrior name to earn, and a Clan to fight for... and all of that was now gone.

Just as sweet as the cat before him, so was the life that spilled into him as she touched his nose. The energy seemed to flow seamlessly from Willowpaw into every crevice, lifting his spirits and settling him down gently in a field of potential. Quite birdsong fluttered over head as he opened his eyes to reveal a pink hued sky stretching overhead. "Willowpaw..."

There was more he needed to say, damnit. He needed to figure out exactly what had happened and who was responsible. Because, she couldn't have just... run away to die. No. It didn't sit right. But the molly was already talking, and Kestrelwing knew it best to just listen.

Snowfern and Splashleap - Splashleap, his deputy. Of course he'd share the message. The next cat though... that would be tough. Blizzardsky would probably avoid him as much as he could when he came back, lives in tow. But he'd get the message to them, even if it meant dealing with hateful words and lashing claws.

"I will deliver your message," Kestrelwing promised, sadness momentarily pooling in his gaze before it was washed away.

@Zero
The same darkness that had crept in with Blossomclaw seemed to not only return, but double now. Blotting out the stars of the lives prior, casting shadows to every part of the starry territory. A dreading sense of unease plagued Kestrelwing's heart, and once more he found that his paws were rooted to the ground.

Rivalhaze's laugh was so chilling that it sent shivers down his spine, and as much as the tabby tried to duck his head, he couldn't drag his gaze away. The growing abyss slunk closer, almost like an enemy of the night, closer and closer until it stuck to him. Sticky and oozing like crimson blood - like the droplets that now sprung briefly from him as his shoulder was gripped by an iron-clad claw.

Agony. Misery. Retribution. A storm of turmoil cascaded inside of his heart, tearing it apart and replacing bits of it with withered wisps, thirsty for revenge. A shrouded shade of red took over his eyes for a moment, and it was hard to not loose himself completely in the given life. The power... the ability to extinguish life from the forest under a single claw... it was tempting. Drawing on his need to avenge those of RiverClan who had fallen before him - fallen for him, even.

An eternity. That's how much time felt like had passed - as if Kestrelwing had lived out his life time only to die here, at the claws of the unfamiliar cloaked figure. There were no words as the red tint faded from his gaze, fog clearing as he watched Rivalhaze step backwards.

It didn't register to him yet, just how important that life would prove to be later on.

@Rainquail
Was that it? Was it over now? As Rivalhaze had disappeared back into the shadows, an eerie quite fell over his surroundings. The darkness lifted then, and with it the veil that had been hiding the one cat he'd hoped to see but never thought he would. Breath caught in his throat and for a moment, all the anxiety and stress and burden melted away and he was moons younger, transported back to a time when the only worry he had was warrior training and who to play moss-ball with.

"Mother..."

Every inch of his body relaxed at once, sliding into her embrace and staying there as long as allowed. He'd only seen her once since her death, when he'd almost died at the claws of the coyotes. But seeing her now, during this ceremony, it had to be more than a dream. It had to be real, at least a part of it. His heart longed for him to believe while his mind dug its paws in the mud. A back and forth battle that only resulted in tears springing to his eyes.

The life that his mother provided him brought with it no pain. There was no anguish or agony. Her love wrapped him up like a comforting blanket, and in his mind flashed the memories of their short time together. The butterfly hunt, Eelsting's warrior ceremony, territory strolls... She had been by his side even when she was not physically there. She had been there when he'd doubted himself, yet found a way through the shrouded mist. Even now, as the life ebbed and flowed, she was here, proving to him that maybe, just maybe, there was an afterlife after all.

"I miss you so much..." His voice cracked under the weight of his grief, yellow eyes betraying just how broken this moment had made him. But the new lives within him gave him the strength to stand, a newfound confidence swelling in his chest. He wanted more time with his mother. He wanted to run the widest plains with her and swim in the largest rivers. He wanted her...

But what he wanted and what he needed to do were often two startling different things, as he was coming to learn.

- - -

Before any objection could be made, Kestrelwi - no, he was Kestrelstar now - found himself waking up at the base of the shimmering rock. The ceremony swirled in his mind like mist, and for just a moment he remained still, letting it wash over him. He'd seen so many cats he'd thought long gone... so many of RiverClan that had been lost...

With a new determined look, the gray tabby pushed himself to his paws and made his way out of the den to where Snakeheart would be waiting. "Snakeheart?" Kestrelstar called, yellow gaze searching for the familiar russet fur. It was time to return to RiverClan.

[Quasar]

Eveningmist
_____________

The night was quiet as the soon to be leader padded slowly into the starcave. Even though it hadnt exactly been advised to start moving around so soon after loosing a leg, Evening had insisted on it. The longer he waited to get his lives, the higher risk thunderclan was at of losing yet another leader. As he ducked through the opening, the toms jaw dropped slightly in awe of the scene before him. Moonbeams shone on the surface of the large quartz, bouncing off of the stone and illuminating the entire cave in a silvery glow.

The tom spent a moment staring at it in silent awe before snapping back to the two cats who were accompanying him. Clearing his throat, he waved his tail at the cave and gave them a small smile, "Are you two ready?" he asked, giving both of the medicine cats a sorrow-filled yet hopeful look. Though it had taken the death of one of his closest friends, he was ready to lead his beloved clan to a new, brighter future. He just hoped that Buckstar would still guide him, even from starclan where he surely resided.

// @Panda1440 @Exis
takes place a day or two after kes' ceremony

[Panda1440]

The young medicine cat apprentice had yet to travel to the Starcave herself,,, it was quite a sight to behold- the shiny white stone, the beams of light. With the silence, she assumed Eveningmist and her mentor were also taking in the display. It feels so.. so special here-

"Yes. Ready whenever you are." Iciclepaw responded with a slight nod of the head.

[ @Exis @Jackpot]

[Exis]

Sunhowl hadn't been here yet but... It was spectacular. The moon reminded him of his brother... where was he anyway? He shook out his fur to rid the thought and looked to Eveningmist. He gave a small smile, the largest it would get though, "Born ready captain." he said, jokingly of course. His growly voice echoing around the cave made him feel like he was a part of something larger, and therefore he was larger.
@Jackpot @Panda1440

[Quasar]

Eveningmist
_____________

A shaky inhale followed the medicine cats words, the nerves just starting to set in. Oh stars, this was really happening. Rolling his broad shoulders and trying to shake out his nerves, Evening shot the two one last smile before turning to gaze directly at the stone. Swallowing thickly, he slowly padded forward on unsteady paws, still not quite used to only having three legs. A moments hesitation followed as he took one last look at the cave around him. When he woke back up, would the world seem any different? Would he still think the same? Stars, would he even be the same cat?

He let out a weak chuckle at the thought, trying to brush off the worries. He would be fine...wouldnt he? The rosetted tabby took a deep breath before dipping his head to rest his nose against the stone. He closed he eyes, and the world went black around him.

// Mention me and the person who goes after you when you post! Stick to the order please!

1: Blackhaze - @Exis
2: Grassfable - @Snook
3: Rowanpaw - @Lavender'fur
4: Gravelblaze - @Panda1440
5: Pinepaw - @Shade.
6: Dogspirit - @Rxmulus
7: Applepaw - @spade
8: Rainywhisker - @implimm
9: Buckstar - @Papaya

[Exis]

Blackhaze stood among the cats of the stars, noticeably darker than the starry-pelted felines. Dark tendrils of blackness seemed to follow him even to here, where they should not be. He'd been watching this for a long time, awaiting his chance. He knew why the other leaders we failing, because they didn't care. They didn't care about each and every individual life. It was pitiful in his eyes. Each life mattered, each was family. That all would be fixed now, with its cat here.

Eveningmist. An interesting name, perhaps had he gone to Thunderclan, they could have been friends. Instead, he went to Shadowclan, and now he was dead. nevermind that, he was here to do a job. To give this cat a life.

He stepped forward to stand in front of the tom. He seemed strong enough, now he and the cats of the stars may make him stronger. "Hello Eveningstar, I am Blackhaze." he mewed, dipping his head. As he straightened up he smiled warmly, not wanting the darkness to scare the other cat off. "With this life, I give you unity, your clan is your family, protect them fiercely" he mewed before touching his nose to Eveningstar's. He saw a brief flash of all of his family members as his life ran from him and to the new leader, eager to be alive once more.

As he stepped back he gave a smile and a wink, dream well young leader, we shall see each other again. he thought to himself as he moved away.

@Jackpot @Snook

[crumbl]

|| @Jackpot ; @Lavender'fur ||

Grassfable's normally genial eyes blazed as a Dark Forest cat gifted the infant leader his first life. She might be old, but she wasn't oblivious. It pained her to think of all the struggles that faced the soon-to-be Eveningstar as he stepped into a new pattern of living- would he have not only StarClan cats but also starless ones visiting his dreaming hours?

Normally, Grassfable was as kindly as any cat got. A mother to all, enemy to none. Some cats passed her off as airheaded and chattery. But seasoned though she may be, she still had enough life left in her to care about the recent events of the Clans. Anger boiled in her at the thought of the pointless death of Buckstar, the weight of grief Eveningmist would still have to bear as he filled his former leader's place. For moons, treacherous cats like Dawnstar had led the Clans farther and farther from the age-old wisdom of the Code. No longer would that be. With purpose in her eyes, she stepped forward to deliver her own life.

"I was before your time," she began thoughtfully as she approached Eveningmist, "but at heart, I'm still a ThunderClan cat, though and through. Unity may be important." She flashed a sharp glance toward her shadowy predecessor. "But integrity even more so. With this life, I give you justice to lead your Clan and make fair decisions for not only your own Clan's sake but for the sake of all four Clans. Lead them in the wisdom passed down from your warrior ancestors, and uphold the Code as is your duty." But her voice softened as she leaned in. "But remember. For every act of justice, temper it with mercy." She leaned down and touched noses with the tom, earnestness warming her chest as she let the contact linger. Then she stepped back into the ranks of her fellow spirits and allowed herself some motherly pride as she looked on the new leader of ThunderClan.

He may not be one of the kits I raised. But if this is the type of cat my Clan is bringing up, they're in good hands.

[Lavender'fur]

Next: Gravelblaze - @Panda1440
@Jackpot

;Rowanpaw;
The once RiverClan apprentice was surprised he had been chosen to give ThunderClan's leader a life, but for now he was just enjoying the moment. Rowanpaw watched the other cat's performance, and when it was his turn, stepped forwards.

"Hello, Eveningmist," he meowed politely.
"I never met you in the land of the living, but I am here in dreams to give you your third life.
With this life, I give you forgiveness. Some may have made mistakes, but you shall learn to forgive them, even when the most unforgivable mistakes have been made."

Rowanpaw sighed sorrowfully, then stepped forward to touch noses with the new leader. He paused, then whispered,
"I was killed by one who loved me, but in StarClan I have learned to forgive. I hope you learn this skill earlier than I did,"

"I hope we meet again in the paths of dreaming."

Rowanpaw turned to join the other starry cats, glancing over his shoulder, with eyes that he hoped would say 'Forgive yourself' to the new leader. Rowanpaw could only guess at what the tom felt about Buckstar's death, but the apprentice was pretty sure he blamed himself.

Rowanpaw sat in the starry ranks once again, examining the rest of the ceremony with interest.

[Panda1440]

So a Dark Forest cat gave a life? It was a nice one though- The other two where also important qualities Eveningmist would need,, and it was certainly nice for a RiverClan cat to come.. Now my turn-. A small smile was on the stary cat's maw when he came forth from the light. All the sudden crazy events of the moon were really tugging his heart deeper into the depths. It took some strength to remember that even though trouble was coming, there was still hope that came with changes. And now,,, I have the privilege of watching the first steps- "Welcome Eveningmist,,, my name is Gravelblaze- I died falling into the cold winter river, a death you may have heard of." Or not... Light grey paws moved forward, as the tom touched his nose to the new leader's own. "With this life, I give you trust- trust in yourself and trust in your clanmate's ideas" With that, he retreated to watch the rest of the ceremony. [ @Jackpot @Shade.]