Rootstar

**Rootstar** is a small black and white tom.

## History

Rootkit is born to Yarrowstem and Coalshadow, alongside his brother Pearkit. Yarrowstem had a difficult pregnancy with her kits, and this had caused her to worry on whether or not the delivery would be smooth. Fortunately, Rootkit and Pearkit were healthy, and Yarrowstem healed normally in the nursery. Rootkit was different from his brother in the way that he was not interested in playing with moss balls. Instead, Rootkit pondered in thought and had specific times of day when he would interview his mother with questions. Pearkit, who was more rambunctious and adventurous, would tease his brother because of this.
One night, while sleeping next to his mother's belly, Rootkit had a peculiar dream. He was standing atop a high rock, with a valley looming before him. He could see flowers and tall grass decorating the plains below for a seemingly endless distance. He could see cats below him, looking up to him dotingly. Rootkit felt a sense of contentment within himself, and turned around to see a bright colored cat watching him. The cat introduced himself as Firestar, one of ThunderClan's great ancestors. Firestar told Rootkit that he was destined for more than he could ever know, and to never waiver from the path destined for him. Upon waking up, Rootkit tells his mother about the dream.
Yarrowstem insist that Rootkit tell the medicine cat, Ashenhawk, about the dream. He says that every cat is told about Firestar and the miracles that he did for the Clans, and that it was an honor for him to speak to Rootkit directly. Yarrowstem pushes Rootkit over to Ashenhawk's den, and Rootkit repeats the dream. Ashenhawk agrees that this dream has important significance, and tells Yarrowstem that Rootkit may be destined for greatness. She says that she will inform Flintstar of this, and sends Yarrowstem and Rootkit back to the nursery.
Rootpaw is apprenticed in the newleaf, and is given Vinestep as a mentor. Upon being apprenticed, Rootpaw was now able to see the forest outside of ThunderClan camp. He had a tendency to wander off during training, and was easily distracted by blooming flowers alongside patrol trails. Rootpaw takes a very meditative approach when training, and often pauses to rethink his instructions and criticism during practice sessions. Flintstar frequently assigns Rootpaw and Pearpaw to train together, and Rootpaw dislikes this due to Pearpaw's high energy. Vinestep tells Rootpaw that the difference in energy would be good to balance out his own, and Rootpaw hesitantly agrees with this. Pearpaw's mentor, Longbranch, makes a comment to Vinestep about Rootpaw's spaciness, but Vinestep assures him that Rootpaw succeeds in his own way.
At a Gathering, Rootpaw sees Pearpaw chatting with a white-furred RiverClan she-cat. Her eyes were glowing and showing signs of obvious adoration, and Rootpaw was highly curious about this. He questions Pearpaw in the apprentices' den later that night, but Pearpaw denies anything by saying that even if he *had* been up to anything, he wouldn't share it with his brother. Deterred, Rootpaw did not question his brother further.
Rootpaw and Pearpaw are made full warriors of ThunderClan, and are given the names Rootberry and Peartuft. Rootberry is eager to start representing ThunderClan fully, but was sad to move out of the apprentices' den and leave behind his friends, Sunpaw and Honeypaw. Sunpaw tells him to save him a nest in the warriors' den, and that they will be joining him soon enough.
During a skirmish at the ShadowClan border, Rootberry's father Coalshadow is given a nasty shoulder wound. Ashenhawk works tirelessly to stop infection from happening. At dawn, Coalshadow passes away with Rootberry, Softflower, and Peartuft by his side. Rootberry feels tremendous sadness in his heart, but finds solace in the fact that Coalshadow's spirit will remain around him. Rootberry had always found himself more spiritual than the other cats, and because of this, he had a friendly relationship with death. In the early hours, Rootberry assists Ashenhawk by lining Coalshadow's pelt with lavender and sage. They prepare the body for Flintstar's announcement, and for the following night's vigil.
One night, Rootberry awakes to find Peartuft's nest empty. Confused, he gets up to follow his brother's scent out of camp. He finds Peartuft by the lake shore with the white-furred she-cat Rootberry had seen him with at the Gathering. Rootberry remains hidden in the bushes, and watches his brother groom the pelt of the white she-cat. He feels anxiety in his paws about whether or not to alert Flintstar of this unaccepted relationship. He wanted to see his brother happy, but he also found it hard to knowingly disobey the warrior code himself by not alerting higher authority. Rootberry returns back to camp.
The next morning, Rootberry alerts Peartuft that he knows of his secret. Peartuft confesses, and that he had been meeting with Snowstorm ever since first meeting as apprentices. He tells Rootberry that Snowstorm is kind and sweet to him, and that she makes him feel happier than any other cat he's spoken to. Rootberry is moved by this, but tells him that he has to end the relationship sooner rather than later. Pearnose is frustrated that his brother is not taking his side, but Rootberry insists that the relationship will never prove fruitful in the end. After some time, Peartuft accepts this, and ends his forbidden relationship with Snowstorm.
One night, Rootberry leaves camp to search for wildflowers under the moonlight. He pads to a grassy clearing near the lakeshore, and finds an unfamiliar she-cat waiting there. He calmly confronts her, but finds that she is unaware of the presence of Clan cats in the forest. He introduces himself, and the she-cat tells him that her name is Koi.
Koi is interested in the cats of the forest, and asks Rootberry many questions. He spends the rest of the night explaining to her the basics of what it meant to be a warrior. When he speaks of StarClan, Koi is overjoyed to find that life beyond death is really true. When the sun begins to rise, Rootberry tells Koi that he must go home. He tells her that he can come back the next night, if she so wishes. Koi agrees, and the two part.
The next night, Rootberry leaves camp to meet with Koi once more. He thinks of Peartuft when he exits, and how his brother had made a similar path to see his lover when they were younger. He remembers how he had told his brother to end the relationship, and that it would only be fair if he would also tell his brother of his own if it were to get to that point.
Over time, Rootberry develops feelings for Koi. The two share a similar love for nature and spirituality, and feel a deep connection within their hearts to one another. He tells Peartuft, and finds that his brother is accepting of the relationship. Peartuft tells him that he is grateful that Rootberry never alerted Flintstar of his forbidden relationship, and that his advice to him was very wise. Peartuft suggests that Rootberry invite Koi into ThunderClan, and Rootberry is excited at the idea.
One night, Koi alerts Rootberry that she might be pregnant. Rootberry tells her that he had asked StarClan for a sign on whether or not she belonged with him, and that her pregnancy is their answer. Koi is overjoyed, and tells him that she wants to raise their kits on ThunderClan soil. Rootberry warns her of possible disapproval, but promises to bring her to Flintstar at dawn.
The next morning, Rootberry and Koi approach Flintstar. He meets the two with kindness and tells Koi to assist Ashenhawk with her medicinal knowledge for the time being. Afterwards, he tells Rootberry that he senses a warm fire in Koi's heart.
Koi eventually earns her full place in ThunderClan and is named Koiwatcher. Shortly after this, Rootberry formally names her as his mate and she moves to the nursery to complete her pregnancy. Rootberry is worried about the upcoming birth of his kits, and spends his time pacing around the nursery and licking his mate's pelt.
Koiwatcher gives birth to Rootberry's two sons, Emberkit and Goldenkit. Rootberry's heart is filled with love upon meeting his sons for the first time, and the two are named after different elements of fire. Ashenhawk congratulates Rootberry, and tells him that his sons have wonderful parents.
Later, Rootberry is given Quailpaw as an apprentice. She is a timid cat, but she is understanding towards Rootberry's intruistic behavior. Quailpaw learns to admire him as she grows.
Sootfall, the ThunderClan deputy, retires to the elders' den. Flintstar chooses Rootberry to replace him, and Rootberry is met with cheers of praise for him. He is shocked, but grateful towards Flintstar for believing that he was the best candidate. Peartuft is showingly jealous of Rootberry becoming the deputy over him, and a rift forms between the brothers. Yarrowstem tells Rootberry that his brother is being foolish and to wait for him to come back around. Rootberry responds by telling his mother that he wishes Coalshadow were still around.
Rootberry hangs around Sunfire, and feels comfortable confiding in the tom about things weighing on him. Rootberry tended to speak more philosophically than the other cats, and not every warrior was willing to sit around and listen to much nonsense. Sunfire was a nice cat, and had looked up to Rootberry ever since they were apprentices. Rootberry finds that he feels comfortable telling Sunfire just about anything.
A young warrior, Brookfeather, openly shows her contempt towards Rootberry's spiritual behavior. Flintstar instructs Rootberry to lead a patrol with Brookfeather, Strikeclaw, and Foxstorm. While on patrol, Rootberry is distracted by a patch of wildflowers, and says that he had never seen flowers bloom so early in newleaf in this particular part of the story. Brookfeather comments that Rootberry should focus on being ThunderClan's deputy instead of picking flowers, and Rootberry tells her that even the grandest leaders still must take time to ease their own troubles. Brookfeather, visibly in disagreement, tells Rootberry that Flintstar must see something in him that others don't. Instead of being upset by this, Rootberry just tells the warrior that special cats can see special traits in others.
Later, Brookfeather gives birth to kits. Rootberry is there for the birth, sitting with his own older kits, and vows to give her spiritual healing through the birthing process. Brookfeather, annoyed, hesitantly accepts his assistance. Rootberry tries to keep her calm and collected, and scatters flower petals around her to promote positive energies. Emberkit and Goldenkit berate him with questions, and Rootberry insists that they just try and keep Brookfeather calm. She gives birth to five kits: Sunkit, Berrykit, Bearkit, Blossomkit, and Briskkit. Rootberry congratulates her, and tells her that an abundance of kits is a good omen for the future of ThunderClan. Brookfeather, for the first time, thanks him for his service to her.
Rootberry's apprentice Quailpaw, is made into a warrior and given the name Quailpool. Her sister, Dawnfire, is named a warrior as well. Soon after, Houndheart and Mistcloud join them in the warrior's den.
Not long after, Flintstar names Rootberry's sons apprentices of ThunderClan. Emberpaw is given to Houndheart, and Goldenpaw to Winterfall. Rootberry asks Flintstar why Emberpaw was given to such a young warrior, and Flintstar tells him that he needs another cat to balance out all of his tension. Rootberry insists that he will monitor Emberpaw's progress.
The next leafbare, Flintstar grows increasingly ill as a sickness begins to ravage his body. Ashenhawk tells Rootberry that Flintstar only has two lives remaining, and the illness is proving powerful enough to sap the lives right from him. Rootberry becomes anxious about the thought of becoming leader in the coming days. He promises Ashenhawk that he will remain close to StarClan, and will reign as leader if that is what they wish.
When Ryeshade and Briskpaw leave camp to go assist Ashenhawk with finding herbs, they are attacked by vicious stray dogs. Ryeshade is killed, and Briskpaw returns to camp alone. Rootberry, Foxstorm, and Fennelspark go out to provide assistance, but are met with the image of Ryeshade's battered body lying before them. They take her home and alert the Clan of the precense of dogs in the forest. The next morning, Flintstar passes from his illness, and Rootberry is deemed his successor.
Before leaving to collect his nine lives, Rootberry names Marshthorn as Briskpaw's new mentor. He tells them both to sit vigil the following night for Ryeshade, so that her spirit will be content in the fact that Briskpaw is in capable paws. As the sun begins to set, Rootberry and Ashenhawk depart for the moonpool.
Once at the moonpool, Rootberry settles down to begin the ceremony. He is met with dignified praise from his StarClan ancestors, complimenting his persistance for remaining faithful and headstrong. His nine lives were given as follows:
* Brindlestar, the gift of honor
* Rabbitbriar, the gift of healing
* Coalshadow, the gift of protection
* Ryeshade, the gift of love
* Bluestar, the gift of patience
* Vinestep, the gift of guidance
* Oakpaw, the gift of tireless energy
* Sootfall, the gift of obedience
* Flintstar, the gift of leadership

Flintstar touches his nose to Rootberry, and names him Rootstar. He tells him that StarClan had seen his devotion ever since had taken his first breath, and that he will do many great things for ThunderClan. Rootstar thanks him, and tells him that everything he knows about leadership had come from Flintstar.
Once back at camp, Rootstar names Brookfeather as his deputy. Brookfeather is surprised by this due to the fact that their personalities have always clashed. Rootstar tells her that a large part of overcoming your biases is by appreciating the ones who spawn them. Brookfeather is honored, and tells Rootstar that she will serve him until the day of her death.
Rootstar names his sons warriors of ThunderClan, and gives them the names Emberflame and Goldensky. He his proud of his sons, and touches noses with them proudly. He is quick to notice that Emberflame's demeanor had changed in the moons leading up to his warrior ceremony. Houndheart had been an aggressive teacher, Rootstar had observed, and it was clear that it had shifted his son's personality entirely. Despite both Rootstar and Goldensky's efforts to reconcile their relationship, Emberflame remains distant.
During a hunting patrol at the lake, a ThunderClan patrol is ambushed by ShadowClan warriors. Rootstar is alerted by Bearpaw, and quickly gathers a group of warriors to follow the apprentice towards the incident. When Rootstar and his warriors arrive, they find Berrypaw and Sunpaw dead on the shore. Rootstar is disappointed in ShadowClan's behavior, and disheartened that they had taken away such young life. He assists Lilybriar and Strikeclaw in bringing the apprentices' bodies back to camp, and holds a vigil for them the following night.
Rootstar begins to confide in Koiwatcher about his concerns for Peartuft. He tells her that he misses him, but does not know how to speak to him after so many moons apart. Koiwatcher tells him to ask Mistcloud how he is feeling, since he had been seen conversing with her in the previous days. Rootstar says that he will consider it, but he would rather approach his brother face-to-face.
Later that same day, Mistcloud offers to share a vole with Rootstar. He accepts, and sits down beside the she-cat. They discuss the hunting patrol that Mistcloud had led, and what the patrol had caught while out. After some time, Rootstar asks Mistcloud about Peartuft. She tells him that he is strange for having the grudges that he does, and that it is difficult to pull him out of his pits when he is feeling low. Rootstar empathizes with her, and tells her that he feels somewhat responsible for the pain that his brother is feeling. Mistcloud shrugs, and tells him that it is not his fault that Flintstar appointed him deputy seasons ago. Rootstar tells Mistcloud to continue allowing for Peartuft to vent his feelings, since he had stopped feeling comfortable enough to do it with himself.
Rootstar names Brookfeather's kits full warriors of ThunderClan, and names them Bearstep, Blossomfawn, and Briskheart. During the chants of their warrior names, he stops to notice Brookfeather's joy on her face as she cheers.
Tensions begin to grow between WindClan and ThunderClan. During leaf-bare, Swiftstar accuses ThunderClan of stealing prey due to finding ThunderClan scent on the border. Eventually, WindClan sends a patrol to invade ThunderClan territory. During the fight, Hailstep attacks Mossheart to try and protect a WindClan warrior - Hollyfrost. Hollyfrost is accidentially killed, which causes Hailstep to attack his own Clanmate. The battle ceases, and both Rootstar and Swiftstar move to break up Hailstep and Mossheart. Hailstep confesses that he had been in love with Hollyfrost. Rootstar is disappointed in the tom, and is forced to exile him for breaking the warrior code.
In the moons to follow, ThunderClan's condition declines. The leaf-bare grows colder and Mossheart eventually dies of starvation. Sunfire comes to Rootstar to ask if Hailstep could be let back into ThunderClan, due to the Clan needing all the help it can get. Rootstar and Brookfeather discuss this, and eventually allow for Sunfire to lead a patrol to search for Hailstep. The tom is later welcomed back as a warrior of ThunderClan.
Some time later, Scorchstar accuses Rootstar of stealing prey. Growing increasingly tired of WindClan's disruptions, Rootstar begins to consider waging war on the Clan. In a dream, he is met by both Flintstar and Brindlestar in a dewy forest. He greets them calmly, and asks what they have to tell him. Flintstar only exchanges a glance with Brindlestar, and steps forward towards Rootstar's muzzle. He tells him that ThunderClan is a raging storm with a surge that can wash away any who impede on it. He promises that StarClan is always with ThunderClan, and that they will guide them through the storms of war. Rootstar then wakes up, and immediately announces to Koiwatcher that they must fight WindClan.
At dawn, Rootstar calls ThunderClan together to announce that war is imminent between the Clans. He tells them of the dream, and to trust that StarClan will guide their pawsteps. During the meeting, he notices Peartuft's disapproving stare from the back of the group. When the cats are given the order to part, Rootstar approaches Peartuft. He asks his brother if he is alright, and Peartuft responds by asking if bloodshed will be worth it. Rootstar expresses that ThunderClan will not allow for itself to be walked on by another, but Peartuft says that he is marching cats to their deaths. Rootstar simply instructs his brother to join the fight or stay behind, but he will not force him to do one or the other.
During the fight with WindClan, Rootstar is dealt a devastating blow by Scorchstar. He bleeds onto the grass, and loses his third life. During his time unconscious, he is greeted by Flintstar and Rabbitbriar. They tell him that they foresaw this loss of life, but that this did not mean that he battle had been lost. Rootstar wakes up to see a stunned Scorchstar, followed by the battered body of Brookfeather at his paws.
Rootstar quickly jumps to his paws to face Scorchstar. The WindClan leader explains that Brookfeather had rushed at him after he had made the blow that caused Rootstar to lose his life, and that he had accidentially swiped his claw against her throat when defending himself. Rootstar is horrified, and buries his face into Brookfeather's pelt in sorrow. Scorchstar quickly orders his cats to retreat, and mournfully looks back at Rootstar before disappearing away from the battle site.
Rootstar urges Brookfeather to get up, but the dying she-cat can only tell him that she loves him before passing away. Rootstar is devastated, and is quickly rushed to by Koiwatcher and Goldensky. The ThunderClan warriors ceremoniously bring Brookfeather's body to the medicine cat's den to be dressed for burial. Rootstar assists Ashenhawk in lining Brookfeather's pelt with lavender and rose petals, amused knowing that Brookfeather would be snapping at him if she were here watching him do it.
At dawn, Rootstar names Sunfire as Brookfeather's successor. He tells the tom that he fully believes that he will serve ThunderClan diligently, and that they are a strong force to be reckoned with.
## Lost Lives

* Life one: Infected fox bite
* Life two: Ingested poisonous leaves
* Life three: Fight with WindClan, *taken by Scorchstar*
* Life four: Fox bite to throat
* Life five: War, *taken by Shellfall*

## Trivia

* Rootstar has his den lined with various crystals, flowers, and herbs to promote positive energy and healing.

### Theme Songs

* **Everything Moves** by Bronze Radio Return

*Lately I can't decide, run or hide, oh and when I do I'm sure I'll end up moving too. Suit and tie, sell or buy, what's a guy to do when nothing's standing still for you? So many angles, so many lines. So many ways to see the sunrise.*
* **Come Along** by Cosmo Sheldrake; *to ThunderClan*

*Come, come, come, come, come along now, run away from the hum-drum. We'll go to a place that is safe from greed, anger, and boredom. We'll dance and sing 'till sundown, and feast with abandon. We'll sleep when the morning comes and we'll rise by the sound of the birdsongs.*
## Quotes

"*Who are you to criticize the way I think? It is no cat's responsibility to judge themselves but their own.*"
—Rootpaw to Honeypaw

"*I am honored to serve you, Flintstar, and I am honored to preserve ThunderClan's great integrity. I will not fail you, for if I fail you, I fail StarClan as well.*"
—Rootberry to Flintstar, upon being made deputy.

"*Where have I wronged you? Is status alone enough to make you forget our bond written in blood?*"
—Rootstar to Peartuft

"*I do not care what you think of me, nor am I going to change anything about the way that I am. However, I am your leader, and StarClan has bestowed the power of trust upon me as your teacher. I want what is best for all of us, and I actively serve ThunderClan equally as it serves me. All I ask of you is to respect that.*"
—Rootstar to Houndheart