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Post by Safira the Random Bunny on Apr 10, 2008 16:24:19 GMT -5
Shimmeringsand sighed as he reached Moonfalls. He still wasn't sure about it all. He glanced at Fishstreak and the lapped from the pool at the bottom, and lay down.
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Post by Safira the Random Bunny on Apr 10, 2008 16:39:47 GMT -5
Shimmeringsand found himself in the Gathering Clearing. Many cats surrounded him and they spoke to him. “Welcome, Shimmeringsand,” they said, “Are you ready to receive your nine lives?”
“Y-yes, I’m ready,” said Shimmeringsand. He couldn't fail his clan, and he wouldn't now.
“Spiderfur,” said Shimmeringsand, remembering the brave warrior. She had died to save him when he had first joined WaterClan. Spiderfur looked over Shimmeringsand with a smile, “With this life I give you courage. Use it well in the defense of your Clan.”
Shimmeringsand did not expect the bolt of pain that he felt. He suddenly felt as if he was hunting and could feel the joy of the wind in his fur as he ran.
“Swiftcloud,” Shimmeringsand greeted the next cat. Swiftcloud had been deputy before him, but died of greencough. Swiftcloud bowed his head, saying, “With this life I give you justice. Use it well as you judge the actions of others.”
Shimmeringsand bit his lip at the next bolt of pain, wondering if all the lives would be like this.
“Weaselclaw,” said Shimmeringsand. When Weaselclaw and himhad been apprentices, they had been very good friends, and he and Breeze had even been in love. Weaselclaw had died just after their apprentice ceremony when the camp had been attack by a large badger. He had saved Shimmeringsand's life. “Hello my old friend,” said Weaselclaw, “With this life I give you loyalty to what you know to be right. Use it well to guide your Clan in times of trouble.”
Shimmeringsand braced himself for the pain, but it wasn't as much as he had expected. Weaselclaw paused, “Give my greetings to Breeze, and tell her good luck with her kits,” he said before leaving.
“Ivyleg,” Shimmeringsand said. Ivyleg had been Rabbitfrost's first crush, and she had been the only cat who was faster than Rabbitfrost. She, however, died of greencough. Ivyleg said “With this life I give you tireless energy. Use it well to carry out the duties of a leader.”
Shimmeringsand winced at the bolt of pain, but he also suddenly felt that he could outrun Rabbitfrost.
“Streamfur,” said Shimmeringsand sadly. Streamfur had died at the same time as Weaselclaw while she was defending her kits. She had been like a mother to Shimmeringsand. Streamfur smiled gently, “With this life I give you protection. Use it well to care for you Clan as a mother cares for her kits.”
Shimmeringsand barely felt the bolt of pain when he felt as if he would kill anyone hurting his clan. He imagined that a great shadow creature was about to attack and could see his warriors as helpless kits.
“Webclaw!” Shimmeringsand said, greeting the next cat. Webclaw had been his mentor. Webclaw smiled and said. “With this life I give you mentoring. Use it well to train the young cats of your Clan.”
Shimmeringsand wondered if he could stand anymore after the bolt of pain from this life.
“Acornpelt” said Shimmeringsand resectfully. It was with the help of this elder he had been accepted into WaterClan. Acornpelt did not look as scrawny as when he died. He was now thick mucsled, and had a look of strength about him. Acornpelt acknowledged his respect, “With this life I give you compassion. Use it well for the elders of you Clan, and the sick, and all those weaker than yourself.”
Shimmeringsand grunted, wanting to lay down, when this bolt of pain came through him. He wonder what was next, and hope it was the last. He couldn't remember how many he had gone through.
“MOTHER?!” gasped Shimmeringsand, seeing the familiar face. Spottedsand smiled, “Do you really think I'm going to miss your ceremony? Many times I have walked this sky while watching you. I'm very proud of you Shimmeringsand. Whit the permission of your StarClan, I give you this life.” Spottedsand continued, “With this life I give you love. Use it well for all the cats in your care—especially Softheart.”
This time, it didn't hurt. Shimmeringsand felt himself fill with love for his mate, Softheart, and longed to be with her at that time. Spottedsand faded away. “No! don't go yet, Mother! Don't go!” cried Shimmeringsand. “Let go of the past, my son,” murmured Spottedsand's voice, “And look to the future.”
Swiftstar appeared. “Swiftstar!” exclaimed Shimmeringsand. Swiftstar smiled, “I've never doubted you, Shimmeringsand. Trust yourself, as your caln does.” He continued, “With this life I give you nobility and certainty and faith. Use it well as you lead your Clan in the ways of StarClan and the warrior code.”
Shimmeringsand cried out from the pain. It was the worst yet that he had felt. He crumpled to the ground, no longer able to stand.
“Rise, Shimmeringsand!” said Swiftstar. Shimmeringsand struggled up, feeling as if he had just fought the whole of DeathClan.
Swiftstar continued, “I hail you by your new name, Shimmeringstar. Your old life is no more. You have now received the nine lives of a leader, and StarClan grants you the guardianship of WaterClan. Defend it well; care for young and old; honor your ancestors and the traditions of the warrior code; live each life with pride and dignity
“Shimmeringstar! Shimmeringstar!” chanted the StarClan cats. Shimmeringstar stood there, a tear falling from his eye as he once and for all, finally accepting himself as a WaterClan cat, and not a half mutt SandClan cat.
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Post by ♥Bella Skiya♥ on Apr 10, 2008 18:20:11 GMT -5
Fishstreakpadded over to Shimmerstar, and smiled, with a hint of sadness in his blue eyes. "Congratulations, Shimmeringstar." he meowed, dipping his head in respect. When Swiftstar had first announced Shimmeringsand as his new deputy, Fishstreak's first instinct was doubtfulness. As time grew on, Fishstreak's trust grew until he respected him almost as much as Swiftstar himself. Now, as Shimmeringstar stood before him, he knew the choice that Swiftstar had made, was undoubtedly correct.
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Post by Safira the Random Bunny on Apr 11, 2008 14:12:36 GMT -5
Shimmeringstar blue eyes glinted warmly. "Thank you," he said, holding his head high. "Let's go back to camp." He took a step, and almost fell flat on his face. The ceremony had taken up much more of his energy than he had thought. He steadied himself, pausing. then took a toddering smaller step.
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Post by ♥Bella Skiya♥ on Apr 11, 2008 16:19:24 GMT -5
Fishstreak chuckled, and padded over to let Shimmeringstar lean against him for support.
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Post by Safira the Random Bunny on Apr 11, 2008 17:40:34 GMT -5
Shimmeringstar shook his head, "I-I can manage." he said. He slowly made his way back to WaterClan territory, stumbling.(continued in camp)
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