[X][UP]Across the Great River

[Autumnstorm]

Title: Across the Great River (subject to change)
Chapters: I don't know. More than 15 probably...
Author: Autumnstorm
Pairing: There are some pairings... Can't name them right now
Summary: The four clans have lived in their new lakeside home for many seasons. Overall, life has been peaceful and average, with only typical, every-day tradegies occuring, and normal clan rivalries. But one day, a strange new group of cats arrives, bringing with them strange new customs, frightening tales, and...disease. A plague like the clans have never seen envelops all. All that is, except three young cats, who set out on a fantastic journey to bring back the only plant that can cure the sickness. Along the way, they face many dangers, while a prophecy haunts the backs of their minds. Feelings run deep as the cats quest to discover who they are and to save their friends, families, and clanmates from destruction.
Editor: None
Cover: None, UNLESS SOMEONE WANTS TO MAKE ONE...

Author's Notes: This is my first LONG fan-fic. It is kinda weird, and I have very few of the details worked out, but I'm working on it. Please read it and tell me if you have any suggestions!

Info You Need To Know

Ok, so the new clan who shows up is called the Clan of the Great River. To make sure you don't get confused, I'm posting info on this Clan, as well as some of the different terms they use, and their naming system.

New Terms

1. Apprentice=Student
2. Medicine cat=Shacat (pronounced shaw-cat)
3. There is no deputy. Instead, there is a Parliament of 4 cats; two toms, two she-cats, who help the leader and represent the clan. (Like a representative government) If the leader dies, one member is voted on to become the new leader.
4. Starclan=Clan of the Stars
5. English Channel=The Great River

There are a few other new words for a few things, but they are usually easy to figure out.

Naming System

It is traditional to never name the kits until they open their eyes. When that happens, they are given a noun. Examples: Stone, Eye, Stream

When they become students, they add an adjective in front of their name. Examples: Gray Stone, Cold Eye, Frozen Stream

When they become a warrior, etc...(see below) they add: of the ______
Examples: Gray Stone of the Mountain, Cold Eye of the Snake, Frozen Stream of the Forest

If they become a warrior: The traditional naming system.
If they become a leader: Name changed to: of the Stars. Example: Frozen Stream of the Stars
If they are seen to have the gits of a shacat, when they graduate from being a student, their name becomes: of the Moon. Example: Gray Stone of the Moon

Nicknames: It is most respectful to say a cat's whole name. This is usually used when a cat of lower rank is speaking to one of a higher rank.
If the cats live together or know each other, they often use the noun in the name, like Stream or Stone.
If cats are good friends or know each other well, they often use the first adjective, like Frozen or Gray.

It really all depends on the cat's preference of what they wish to be called.

Ranks

1. Leader
2. Shacat
3. Parliament Members
4. Warrior/Queen
5. Student
6. Kit

Beliefs

They believe that their dead go to the Clan of the Stars. At every full moon, they also believe that the Clan will come closer to Earth, to listen to them, and the Clan of the Great River thank them for their prey and everything they have, or ask for help.
Shacats are not chosen unless they show certain gifts to see visions or hear voices. They also must show great talent in healing. Shacats are greatly respected, and thought to be deeply connected with the Clan of the Stars.

History

These cats live across the English Channel in France. They are believed to have originated from the same cats as the clans, which is why they share some similarities. Long ago, they somehow made their way across the 30-mile stretch of water to France, and settled farther inland. But as Twolegs appeared, they were pushed further and further towards the water. Finally, there were forced to live on its banks, where they have lived for many generations now, and have adapted.


Whew! There, I think I'm finally done! But, if I need to add something in the middle of the story, I'll just make a little note in bold at the bottom of the page. PLEASE TELL ME IF YOU SEE SOMETHING WRONG OR DON'T UNDERSTAND SOMETHING! Thanks. ;D

[Autumnstorm]

Prologue

The gentle lapping of the waves against the shore sent a soothing rhythm over the bank. The pebbles in the rocky sand rattled and clattered feebly, as they always did when the undulating water washed over them. A cat sat on the shore, his pelt bathed in silver from the glow of the moon above. His dark blue, almost black, eyes stared upward to the heavens. The stars were reflected in his eyes like fireflies hovering over a pond. Then, a small meow came out of the darkness. He started, whirled around with his pelt bristling, to come face to face with a delicate white she-cat that had just slid from the shadows. "Snowflake!"

The she-cat, whose stark white pelt glowed in the light from the moon, radiating warmth, lowered her head in apology. "I didn't mean to disturb you, Bronze Hawk of the Stars, but another kit and two more warriors have fallen ill." she mewed gravely.

The tom, whose pelt was solid brown, hissed to himself and kicked a rock with his paw. It went tumbling down to the water and disappeared under the waves. "Soon, they will join that rock. All of us will. Every cat in this clan will go tumbling down to join countless others. We will all join the waves."

"No! You know that isn't true! Stop talking like that!" But Snowflake's voice was hesitant and not very strong. "Please Bronze?"

The leader's head popped up to look into his mate's face, desperation showing in his eyes. At the fearful look on her face, his expression softened. He stood and walked a few paw steps to her side, where he sat down and entwined his tail with hers. "I'm sorry. It's just... I feel that there is little hope for us anymore, Gentle Snowflake of the Sky."

"You know you can call me Snowflake! Gentle sounds weak, but when you say my full name, it sounds as if I am another leader you are doing business with!"

"Very well, but it won't help me save the clan. I have no clue as to how to keep us alive." He forced a small purr from his throat, but it was difficult, as it seemed to stick in his throat like bitter herbs. He nuzzled her cheek, and suddenly felt a rush of energy pulse through him: her hopeful love. Strength forced its way into his heart, and words burst from his mouth."But I'll try as long as I can, until the warriors of the Clan of the Stars themselves drag me from my Clan!"

***

Miles away, across the English Channel, in England, by a shimmering lake, a strong tabby sat quietly at the entrance to the leader's den. It was his now, but it just didn't feel as though he belonged there. Firestar had died seasons ago, but last night, Bramblestar had seen him in a dream, his orange pelt shining with stars. Now, whenever he went in the den, all he could smell was Firestar's scent. All he could see was Firestar. He had been the fire to save the clan, he had saved the clans from Scourge, lead them to their new lake home. He was a leader one could never live up to. It had been hard enough becoming leader after Firestar's death, but even now, the grief was still fairly fresh. The strong fire colored cat had been his mentor, and had given him a second chance. When he was a kit, Firestar had saved his life.

He had always imagined being leader as being glorious. But it wasn't. At first, the clan had to mourn their great leader. Even Windclan, Riverclan, and Shadowclan had shown their sorrow, for they too owed much to Firestar. Now, the clan had adjusted, but it seemed as if they were waiting for Bramblestar to show that he was great too, or to see him slip up. He shook his dark tabby head. No. He was being silly. The clan liked him as a leader, but they would never forget the fire that saved them all. Bramblestar sighed and turned toward the dark entrance to the den. For tonight, he would sleep outside, under the stars, and under Starclan