Mercuryrose
Shadowclan Leader
Her ears were ringing, eyes blinking open in grogginess. The Shadowclan leader felt pain in her entire body.. This was something that Waspsight couldn’t fix and she knew it.. Mercuryrose was going to die tonight protecting the clan that she called home. Tilting her head towards her left, she looked over at Twilightfoot’s frail body. Although the massive Maine Coon had so much fight in him, his body had gave out due to old age and the many fights that he had over the years. It wasn’t until she heard muffled voices that Mercuryrose looked over to see her clan mates rushing towards her, her mates and Waspsight were in front of her. A weak smile appeared on her face when Widowsting was nuzzling her face into the large black and rose-gold molly’s, a small purr escaped her. Widowsting, the little spitfire that won her heart.. How Mercuryrose felt guilty for leaving her and Mintstrike with their kits so young behind, it was going to be one of her biggest regrets in life.. Starting a life together with Mintstrike and Widowsting to only have it ripped away from all three of them so quickly, it wasn’t fair.
But she had to save Shadowclan.
“Widow…” Mercuryrose‘a voice was weak and raspy, her large paw rested on the small molly’s cheek and felt Widowsting lean into it “Loving you has been one of the greatest thing to happen to me..” The Shadowclan leader said softly, a look of love appeared on her face before shaking her head slightly “I’m sorry that I’m leaving you, it’s something you don’t deserve.. But I promise, I’ll always be with you.. Don’t lose your way, but keep moving forward and never lose sight of your happiness.” Mercuryrose whispered softly, bringing Widowsting’s face closer to her own into a loving kiss.
“I love you Widowsting, always and forever…” The large molly whined in pain before leaning back, a sharp pain in her back. It was almost time, she didn’t have enough time left. Is this how it felt like when dying? To endure such pain and suffering.. To feel such a great amount of guilt for leaving her loved ones and her own clan behind, watching the action instead of being part of it?
No, death wasn’t all sadness.. But to live her final moments with her loved ones.
“Waspsight” Mercuryrose’s voice was raspy, looking towards the Shadowclan healer for a moment with such a look of pride on her face. The Shadowclan leader and medicine cat had been through a lot together, she felt guilt for leaving Shadowclan to him on his own “You must guide him, Waspsight.. Widowsting.. Make sure that he doesn’t lose his way while he’s leader, look after my family and Aspenwood ,Wasp.. Make sure you do that for me.” Mercuryrose whispered sadly while looking over at Widowsting, Mintstrike and their children from their two litters. Mercuryrose never trusted anyone but a small amount, but Waspsight had found his way in the leader’s heart with her own family “Waspsight.. Forgive me.. At first I had no trust or hope in you, I had my doubts.. But you followed my actions, you believed in me when there were doubts in me.. Before I knew it, just like my kits.. You became my pride and joy.. Let me see you one last time.” Mercuryrose whispered, leaning her paw to rest on the healer’s cheek
“You’ll be ok.. Shadowclan will be ok.. I know that you’re going to become the finest healer that the clans will ever see.. You’re going to leave your mark here, while my name will one day be forgotten.. You’ll be remembered for lifetimes” Mercuryrose said softly with a smile on her face. The leader believed she didn’t leave much of a legacy behind, simply being remembered as Leader for a Day. Closing her eyes for a moment, she felt herself growing more tired as she opened them slowly and looked at Widowsting, Waspsight and Mintstrike with a soft expression “Work hard and be sure to smile” The leader said weakly and watched her kits for a moment. Silkweb and Cowtuft were holding their young siblings close, trying not to cry. “Without joy and laughter to balance the sorrow and fear.. The clans cannot hope to have..” The black and rose-gold molly’s voice was slurring slightly as her vision was fading, stars.. She felt so tired and weak.. Would she see Juncostar again? Her best friend was waiting for her, Mercuryrose knew it. Reuniting with him would be something that she looked forward to.. To watch over their home together and their loved ones.. To embark on adventures in Starclan together just like they had done together in Shadowclan.
“A bright future..”
The sounds of wailing came from multiple cats around the clan, Silkweb let out a sob as she collasped on the ground crying. Mercuryrose’s dark green eyes remained lifeless as they looked at the sky. The Protector of Shadowclan had died, and there was still no clear answer on who she had named Deputy who is now the leader.