Ladybugshine awoke while the stars were still twinkling. Unlike her previous awakenings, this was not caused by a nightmare. A strong sense of purpose filled the young warrior and she didn't hesitate as she rose out of bed. Her paws padded silently, the moon casting a silvery glow on her pelt. When she reached the Obsidian Highlands, she stopped. Climbing to the top of the tall plateaus, she looked down at the island stretched out below her. No longer did she feel small and scared on these rocks. No. Now, she was reminded of all the friends she'd made. All the /family/ she'd made. She wasn't ashamed of being scared anymore. Because sometimes, being scared is a good thing. Oh how far the red-furred warrior had come! Ladybugshine raised her head, her eyes confident as she stared up at the darkened sky. She let out a yowl, echoing across the highlands as the wind threw her voice into the beautiful chorus of the night. .... But Ladybug wasn't done. Jumping down from the lava-formations, she padded forward, only stopping when the ocean danced pawsteps away. When she first come here, it had been to capture the bug. Now, it was so she could free it. Settling down in front of the tall grasses and plants that grew by the water, she slipped the clear-trap over her head, removing it. Placing it on the ground, the young warrior took a deep breath. "Go free my little ladybug. Go back to where your life awaits you." Although tears burned her eyes, she twisted the top of the jar, letting her little pet loose. It began to scuttle out but paused at the lip. It stared at her for a moment, beady eyes intent, as if giving her thanks. She cracked a small smile at it, a smile of hope. Then, it was gone, disappearing back to wherever bugs disappear to, never to be seen again. But as it scuttled away, it crawled over a small golden clasp. A cicada wing. Padding over, she picked up the wing and, with a small smile at Starclan, clasped it behind her right ear, a final gift from her little bug. ... Ladybugshine turned, her legs bringing her towards the water once more. When she stopped just out of it's reach, she clasped the clear-trap in her mouth, ready to throw it into the ocean. After all, she didn't need it anymore. But something stopped her. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted a small, blue flower. A dahlia. And Ladybugshine knew what else she could use the clear-trap for. Keeping her grip tight, the red-furred warrior approached the flower and picked it silently, placing it gently into the jar before closing it once more, surveying her work. Yes, this was what it had been made for all along. Placing it once more on her neck, the young warrior gave a curt nod before turning and trotting back, her own little dahlia soft against her heart.
