There was no hesitation in the tom's movements as he made his way through the dark, foggy tunnels of the Highstones. His steps were brisk, harsh, and mimicked a stomp as Magpiewing padded towards the deepest crevices of the ancient caverns. Beyond the fog that rested against the harsh ground beneath him, he could see a glint of light reflecting from the mysterious Moonstone. As he approached the glistening clearing, it became clear just how brightly the sky shone above him. Was it really worth celebrating? he wondered, his question directed to the ancestors he was soon to see. His best friend was dead. They let their chosen leader die too young. Did StarClan really have the right to shine so bright beyond the reaches of the forest? What kind of cruel joke did they think they were playing?
Jaw clenched tight, he pressed his nose firmly to the shivering stone. As he once experienced as a young apprentice, his vision blurred and his mind drifted. Soon enough, Magpiewing had fallen asleep.
The world around came into view only seconds after the tom opened his eyes. Any other occasion and he would marvel at the wonderful scene in front of him. The familiar landscape of his marshes was changed, instead of a muddy mix of browns and greens, the scene shone brighter than ever. Despite the fantastical vision before him, the tom couldn't help but ignore the scene, his thoughts clouded with frustration at the situation.
The stars above twinkled in a fantastical fashion, some falling into the treeline visible from his current location. Within seconds, as Magpiewing sat patiently, the stars seemed to approach him, slowly morphing into the figures of cats known and unknown. They approached, faces carrying a variety of emotions that he couldn't pinpoint. Despite their brilliant pelts, the black tom showed no interest, not even focused on who he was visiting.
In unison, masking their voices, the cats spoke out. ”Greetings, Magpiewing. The time has come for you to take this next step in life. But before we bless you with the nine lives necessary for you to lead ShadowClan, we must strip you of your former identity. Are you willing to sacrifice everything you were for everything you are meant to be?”
Was he? Not really, but what choice did he have? "I am."
Sat Jul 04, 2020 12:38 pm