Wow, I feel so heartless adding more and more fan-fictions and not finishing the one's I originally started and put off till later in life...I feel terrible really, what with senior projects hanging over my head and things like that...but you know what...I'm gonna do it anyway!
Enjoy! And the reason I'm doing this one and not the very first one (which I might later in life do) is that I like this one better! And the first one, I probably might do later (like in the "Dawn of the Clans" so I hope you enjoy this! And I will upload some more chapters to my other one's soon! And I own nothing besides my character Spottedfeather! (But boy do I wish I owned Crowpaw, Feathertail, Brambleclaw, and-others! I'd keep them forever! Or join them!)
0o0o0o
Allegiances
ThunderClan
Leader- Firestar- Ginger she-cat with a flame-colored pelt
Deputy- Graystripe-long-haired gray tom
Medicine Cat- Spottedleaf
Apprentice, Mothwing
Warriors- (Toms and she-cats without kits)
Mousefur- Small dusky brown she-cat
Apprentice, Spiderpaw
Dustpelt- Dark brown tabby tom
Squirrelflight- Dark ginger she-cat with green eyes
Cloudtail- long-haired white tom
Apprentice, Sorrelpaw
Brackenfur- golden brown tabby tom
Apprentice, Whitepaw
Thornclaw- golden brown tabby tom
Apprentice, Shrewpaw
Brightheart- White she-cat with ginger patches
Brambleclaw- dark brown tabby tom with amber eyes
Ashfur- pale gray (with darker flecks) tom, dark blue eyes
Rainwhisker- dark gray tom with blue eyes
Sootfur- lighter gray tom with amber eyes
Leafpool-light brown tabby she-cat with amber eyes and white paws
Spottedfeather- Dark ginger she-cat with amber eyes
Cinderpelt- dark gray she-cat
Apprentices - (more than six moons old, in training to become warriors)
Sorrelpaw- tortoiseshell and white she-cat with amber eyes
Spiderpaw- long-limbed black tom with brown underbelly and amber eyes
Shrewpaw- small dark brown tom with amber eyes
Queens- (she-cats expecting or nursing kits)
Goldenflower-pale ginger coat, the oldest nursery queen
Ferncloud- gale gray (with darker flecks) she-cat, green eyes
Sandstorm- pale ginger she-cat
Elders- (former warriors and queens now retired)
Frostfur- beautiful white she-cat with blue eyes
Dappletail- once pretty tortoiseshell she-cat, the oldest cat in ThunderClan
Speckletail-pale tabby she-cat
Longtail- pale tabby tom with dark black stripes, retired early due to failing sight
ShadowClan
Leader- Tigerstar
Deputy-Blackfoot-large white tom with huge jet black paws
Medicine cat- Littlecloud- very small tabby tom
Warriors
Oakfur- small brown tom
Apprentice, Smokepaw
Tawnypelt- tortoiseshell she-cat with green eyes
Cedarheart-dark gray tom
Rowanclaw- ginger she-cat
Apprentice, Talonpaw
Tallpoppy- long-legged light brown tabby she-cat
Hawkfrost- Broad-shouldered dark brown tom with blue eyes
Russetfur-dark ginger she-cat
Elders
Runningnose- Small gray-and-white tom, formerly the medicine cat
WindClan
Leader- Tallstar- elderly black-and-white tom with very long tail
Deputy- Mudclaw-mottled dark brown tom
Apprentice- Crowpaw- dark smoky gray, almost black, tom with blue eyes
Medicine cat- Barkface-short-tailed brown tom
Warriors
Onewhisker-brown tabby tom
Webfoot-dark gray tabby tom
Tornear-tabby tom
Gorsepelt-ginger-and-white tabby tom
Elders
Morningflower- tortoiseshell she-cat
RiverClan
Leader- Leopardstar- unusually spotted golden tabby she-cat
Deputy- Mistyfoot-gray she-cat with blue eyes
Medicine cat- Mudfur- Long-haired light brown tom
Apprentice-Mosspelt - tortoiseshell she-cat
Warriors
Blackclaw-smoky black tom
Heavystep-thickset tabby tom
Stormfur-dark gray tom with amber eyes
Feathertail- light gray she-cat with blue eyes
Queens
Dawnflower-pale gray she-cat
Elders
Shadepelt-very dark gray she-cat
Loudbelly-dark brown tom
Cats outside Clans
Barley- Black-and-white tom with lives on a farm close to the forest
Ravenpaw- sleek black cat that lives on the farm with Barley
Purdy- elderly tabby tom that lives in woods near the sea
0o0o0o
"Cats of StarClan," A cat known as Bluestar announced raising her voice. "You're choices have been made. Soon the journey must begin, to meet the terrible storm that will be released on the forest. Go to your Clans, and make sure each cat is ready."
She paused, and her eyes blazed with a fierce silver light. "We can choose a warrior to save each Clan, but beyond that we cannot help them. May the spirits of all our warrior ancestors go with these cats, wherever the stars may lead them."
As the assembled cats began to depart, Bluestar's eyes shot to a black windclan tom. "Not so fast Deadfoot," Bluestar meowed, amusement sparkling in her eyes as she padded up to the tom. "You chose him on purpose didn't you? Saying that you didn't believe anything would come from this?" Amusement lacing her voice as the black tom lashed his tail in annoyance.
"I never said that I didn't believe, just that nothing good will come of it, messing with these cats lives seems wrong in a way. Especially when it leads to self devastation." He muttered solemnly, making Bluestar's previous amusement dwindle.
"Who know's what their destinies may lead them? Maybe it will all work out in the end?" Bluestar said, a twinkle in her eyes returning as she gazed into the rippling pool, where a gray-black shape and a dark ginger pelt mingled together.
"Maybe." Deadfoot snorted, but he two now had a look of optimism shining in his eyes.
"Let us hope for the best then." Bluestar replied, ending their conversation as they departed.
0o0o0o
Leaves rustled as the young ginger she-cat slide through through a gap between two bushes, her tail lashing as she gazed at a dark hazy pelt, it looked far away and unrecognizable but a sense of warmth, annoyance and also happiness raised through her for an unknown reason.
She crept closer and as she was prepared to pounce at the intruder she jumped forwards only to slide into a rock that she didn't recognize. Looking up she saw a she-cat sitting on top of it. Starlight sparkled in her fur, and her eyes two small moons.
The young ginger's bewilderment increased as she recognized her. "Bluestar?" She meowed, her voice shrill with disbelief.
She had been an apprentice when the great leader of ThunderClan had died, four seasons ago, leaping into the gorge with a pack of blood-hungry dogs after her. Like all her clan, he had grieved for her and honored honored her for the way she had given up her life to save them. She had never thought to see her again, and she realized for the first time she must be dreaming.
"Come closer, young warrior," Bluestar meowed. "I have a message for you."
Shivering in awe, the ginger she-cat crept closer slowly scrambling up beside the other she-cat, their eyes meeting. Only for Spottedfeahter to break eye contact as she remembered the hazy cat.
"Do not worry about him, you shall meet him soon." Bluestar seemed to have read her mind, as Spotted feather turned back giving her all her attention. "I'm sorry, i'm ready now!" She meowed sheepishly.
"A time of trouble is coming to the forest," She told her. "A new prophecy must be fulfilled if the clans are to survive. You have been chosen to meet with three other cats at the new moon, and you must listen to what midnight has to tell you."
"What do you mean?" Spotted feather shuffled her paws, unsure of how to request more answers. "What kind of trouble is it? Please tell me more!"
"So shy are you Spotted feather, but I chose you for a purpose. All will be made clear to you," Bluestar said, her voice slowly fading.
"S-sp-Spotted feather!" A voice woke her up, she shot up in her nest and saw Squirrelflight just a nose length away from her face.
"S-Squirrelflight?" Spotted feather replied dazed, her eyes blinking as she realized that it was infact the real Squirrelflight.
"Wake up already you furball! Its sun-high already and it's time for warrior duties!" Squirrelflight meowed to her, flicking her tail over Spotted feathers nose making her sneeze.
"Come on! Time wake up and face the day!" Squirrelflight said over her shoulder as she walked out of the warriors den.
Spotted feather gave a massive stretch as she shacked out her fur, fluffing it up as she followed after her sister. Stepping over a few warriors carefully she made her way outside, she gazed around slightly looking around she found Ashfur as already cornered her sister and was talking to her a mile a minute.
Looking towards her brother Spotted feather struggled to hold in a purr, seeing him offer to eat a mouse with Cinderpelt together and was happy to see her accept. Her eyes shifted once again as she watched her sister Leafpool come back from a hunting party, both Leafpool and Spotted feather caught each other's eyes. Leafpool raised her tail in greeting, Spotted feather doing the same as she began to pad towards her, only to be disappointed when Thornclaw caught her attention.
She was about to go back towards her other sister when Sorrelpaw sprang up and came bounding across the clearing towards her.
"Its today!" She announced excitedly.
"Of course it is!" Spotted feather purred, almost forgetting her warrior ceremony. The two she-cats began to have a friendly play-fight, Sorrelpaw winning this time when she got pinned.
"Alright, alright that's enough!" Spotted feather squealed, Sorrelpaw happily got off of her. "If you're going to be a warrior, you'll have to stop acting like a kit."
"A kit?" Sorrelpaw meowed indignantly. She sat in front of her, her fur sticking up in clumps and covered in dust.
"Me? Never! I've waited a long time for this, Spottedfeather." Sorrelpaw said, cuffing Spottedfeather over the ear gently. "And you deserve it!" Spottedfeather replied, remember how Sorrelpaw warrior ceremony was delayed because of an accident, but her brothers already were made warriors. Spottedfeather felt a pang of sympathy for her, Swifttail's death had hit Spotted feather hard but luckily she had Sandstorm to rely on and Sorrelpaw mentor was switched as well when Sandstorm got pregnant with Brackenfur kits. And Spotted feather was there in support with Sorrelpaw ever since that day and helped guide her, if anyone deserved to be a warrior it's Sorrelpaw.
"I've just taken fresh-kill to Ferncloud," She meowed to Spottedfeather. "Her kits are beautiful! Have you seen them yet?"
"No, not yet," Spottedfeather admitted. Ferncloud's second litter of kits had been born only the day before.
"Go now," Sorrelpaw encouraged. "You've just enough time before we go hunting! And who knows maybe you'd learn something!" Sorrelpaw scampered off before Spotted feather could question her.
With a shrug Spotted feather made her way into the nursery, and found Ferncloud curled around three little kits. Dustpelt the father was there also, looking proudly down upon the kits.
"Hi there Spottedfeather!" He meowed happily. "Come to see the new kits?" It wasn't really a question, more like an observation.
"Their beautiful!" Spottedfeather touched noses with Ferncloud in greeting. "Have you chosen names for them yet?"
Ferncloud shook her head, her eyes hazy. "Not yet."
"You have enough time for that!" Sandstorm called out to her, Spottedfeather happily came forward to touch noses with her former mentor. "It's good to see you!" Sandstorm meowed, watching Spottedfeather with wise eyes.
"Their strong healthy kits that for sure!" Goldenflower wasn't a queen, but she thought she was more helpful in the nursery then in the elders den. Spottedfeather was thankful for the pale ginger she-cat, she helped take care of her and her siblings when her mother Firestar couldn't at times, she felt like a second mother.
"She's lucky to have you both to help her!" Spotted feather meowed to them.
"Well we did a pretty good job with you." Sandstorm replied, a sparkle in both Goldenflower's and Sandstorms eyes.
"And i'm thankful for that," Spottedfeather thanked them, turning to Ferncloud she said. "And you'll have the best help in the world!"
"Just you wait, soon you'll be in here one day." Ferncloud purred drowsily to her, making Spottedfeather unexpectedly freeze in shock.
"w-What?" Spotted feather squicked out, embarrassment prickling her fur. Making the Queens purr in amusement. "One day you'll find the perfect tom and have kits of your own." Goldenflower explained, making Spottedfeather lick her chest fur in embarrassment.
"Spottedfeather! Time for a special cat's warrior ceremony!" Sorrelpaw pipped up from behind her, saving her from the embarrassing situation she found herself in.
"Coming!" Spottedfeather said quickly, jumping to her paws as she shot out of the den, the other's coming out from behind her.
The rest of the Clan was beginning to slip out into the clearing and gather around the Highrock, and Spottedfeather looked around as the cats assembled for Sorrelpaw's warrior ceremony. She padded forwards closer to the Highrock, her fur puffed out in anticipation for her friend. Looking around she decided to sit next to Sootfur and his brother Rainwhisker. They both gave her friendly nods of the head.
Graystripe was already sitting at the base of the rock, looking as proud as if his own apprentice were about to be made a warrior. Graystripe had fathered two kits, but they had grown up in RiverClan, where their mother had been born. He had no kits in ThunderCLan, but liked to keep an eye on the progress of all the young cats.
As Spottedfeather watched, the deputy was joined by Spottedleaf, the medicine cat, and also the cat that Spottedfeather was named after, and then her apprentice, Mothwing, Spottedfeather's, Brambleclaw, Squirrelflight and Leafpool sister. Why Mothwing chose to be a medicine cat Spottedfeather would probably never know. It must be the calling of helping others and the powerful pull to StarClan that Spottedfeather or anyone else wouldn't experience besides the medicine cats.
At last Firestar, the Clan leader, appeared from her den at the other side of the Highrock. She was flexible, lithe warrior, her pelt like Spotted feather blazed like flame in the light of the setting sun. After pausing for a word with Graystripe, she bunched her muscles and leaped gracefully to the top of the Highrock, from where she could look down on the Clan.
"Cats of ThunderClan!" she announced. "Let all those cats old enough to catch their own prey join here beneath the Highrock for a Clan meeting."
Most of the cats were already there, but Firestar's voice echoed around the clearing the last of the Clan members slide out from their dens and trotted over to join the others.
Last of all came Sorrelpaw with her mentor, Cloudtail. Her tortoiseshell fur was freshly groomed, her white chest and paws shining like snow. Her amber eyes gleamed with pride and suppressed excitement as she paced across the clearing.
Beside her, Cloudtail looked just as proud, and Spottedfeather was happy for the both of them for this moment.
Firestar sprang down from the Highrock to meet the apprentice and her mentor. "Cloudtail," She began, using the formal words that had been handed down through all the clans, "are you satisfied that this apprentice is ready to become a warrior of ThunderClan?"
Cloudtail inclined his head. "She will be a warrior the Clan can be proud of," he replied.
Firestar raised her eyes to where the first stars of Silverpelt were beginning to appear in the evening sky. "I Firestar, leader of ThunderClan, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down upon this apprentice." The Clan was hushed as her voice rang out across the clearing. "She has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend her to you as a warrior in her turn." She turned to Sorrelpaw, locking her gaze with hers. "Sorrelpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?"
Remembering how she had felt at this moment in her own warrior ceremony, Spottedfeather watched Sorrelpaw's whole body quiver with anticipation as she lifted her chin and replied clearly, "I do."
"Then by the powers of StarClan I give you your warrior name. Sorrelpaw, from this moment you will be known as Sorreltail. StarClan honors your courage and your patience, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan."
Stepping forwards, Firestar rested her muzzle on top of Sorreltail's head. In return she gave her shoulder a respectful lick before backing away.
The rest of the warriors gathered around her, welcoming her and calling her by her new name. "Sorreltail, Sorreltail!"
Spottedfeather trotted after Sootfur and Rainwhisker to come congratulate her. "Congratulations on becoming a warrior!" Spottedfeather purred, coming to touch noses with her friend.
"Only took you a couple of moon's." Sootfur put in, making Sorreltail glare at him in amusement. "Only took you a couple of moon's after you became a warrior that you realized you didn't have to do anything another warrior told you." Squirrelflight retorted, coming to congratulate Sorreltail as well.
"Their at it again," Rainwhisker said softly in Spottedfeather's ear making her snort in amusement. "You'd think they were meant for each other!"
"Don't let Ashfur hear you say that," Spottedfeather whispered teasingly. Making Rainwhisker mummer in amusement.
Firestar waited until the noise had died down. "Sorreltail, according to tradition you must keep vigil in silence tonight, and watch over the camp."
"While the rest of us get a good night's sleep," Cloudtail added, sweeping a tail lightly of his ex-apprentice's ear's.
Spottedfeather didn't head back to her warm nest just yet, content to stay out and ponder what her dream was about. It sounded ridiculous when she thought about it, and blamed it on a bad piece of fresh-kill. She turned her head however when she saw her mother come to settle down beside her.
"I been told you were in the nursery today," Her mother began, looking fondly at her making Spottedfeather to look down in embarrassment. "Their growing up strong!" Spottedfeather replied, ignoring a twinkle in her mother's eye.
"I remember when you were born, you and Leafpool were always quietest of the bunch." Her mother meowed. "Do you miss your siblings." She meowed unexpectedly. Spottedfeather blinked at her mother in surprise, her other two siblings Hawkfrost and Tawnypelt were with her father Tigerstar a big dark brown tabby tom who was leader of ShadowClan, exiled from ThunderClan when he attempted to kill the previous leader, Bluestar. But since then he turned his life around, becoming a leader that Spotted feather could feel proud of. Although at times she missed the chance that Tigerstar would have remained in ThunderClan and watch them grow up then from afar, Spottedfeather also saw how on patrols her mother would look longingly at the ShadowClan border and sigh. But Spottedfeather knew her mother was to loyal to ThunderClan to give up her role and go and be with her former mate.
"Yes," Spottedfeather replied sadly. "I miss them everyday." Her mother's ear's twitched backwards slightly, while her eyes held an overcasting of sadness but only for a moment or two.
"I miss them too, I wish that they have not of gone to ShadowClan but I think they are happier where they are. Tigerstar assured me that he would look after them and care for them, and he made them warriors that I am proud to see at every gathering." Firestar respond, though Spottedfeather heard the sadness of not being able to see them unless at a gathering.
"I think their happier where they are too!" Spottedfeather agreed, trying to reassure her mother. "Besides Tigerstar will look after them!"
"Yes, yes he will," Firestar meowed, flicking her tail over her daughter's ear. "You should go and get some sleep, you'll need it seeing as you're going to the gathering." Her mother called as she began to walk away.
0o0o0o
Spottedfeather's prickled with anticipation, her sister's chatting happily beside her as they also were chosen for the gathering. Brambleclaw and Cinderpelt stood close to each other, becoming newly mates just the evening of Sorreltail's warrior ceremony. Spottedfeather was happy for them, Her mother was also happy for them to even remarking how her children were growing up with families of their own.
Spottedfeather's fur prickled in irritation as Ashfur once again butted in on her conversation with her sister Squirrelflight, while they were talking (more like Squirrelflight complaining about Sootfur again) he brushed her irritated hiss aside. Spottedfeather caught the irritated look in Squirrelflight's eyes but shook her head, not wanting her sister to start a fight during a gathering.
Spottedfeather held herself back, allowing the other's to go on ahead as she came to pad beside her sister Mothwing and mentor Spottedleaf.
"Excited?" Spottedleaf asked, looking at Spottedfeather with questioning eyes.
"Very, I wonder what it's going to be like this time? What do you think is happening with the other Clans? And i'm also happy to see my father and siblings again!" Spottedfeather replied, being honest she really did want to see her father and siblings.
At last Firestar raised her tail as the sign for her cats to move forwards. Spotted feather sprang alongside her sibling over the edge of the hollow and found herself racing down the slope just behind Brambleclaw, weaving her way through the bushes she came out into the clearing. Both Spottedleaf and Mothwing vered to go speak with the other medicine cats, while her brother and Cinderpelt disappeared together among some RiverClan cats. Trying to find her other siblings she found both Squirrelflight and Sootfur arguing while Rainwhisker and Ashfur tried to intervene, while gathering an amused crowd.
She spied Leafpool and Thornclaw leaning into each other, their pelts brushing as they kept stealing glances at each other. Trying not to wiggle around in discomfort, she was saved when an brown tabby tom came to speak to her.
"Youre looking like your mother each day," The older tom purred, making Spotted feather like her chest fur in embarrassment. "Thank you onewhisker." Spotted feather replied back to her mother's old friend.
"You haven't been getting into trouble like her now have you?" he asked teasingly, making Spottedfeather shake her head.
"Of course not, i'm a loyal Clan cat." she replied, making him nod his head. "How's the prey running?" She asked, watching him analyze her for an uncomfortable moment.
"For the most part it's fine I suppose, the heat however…" He trailed off, making Spottedfeather wonder what might be happening in WindClan.
"We have only one apprentice now," He changed the subject, making Spottedfeather internally annoyed at the change in topic. "His name is Crowpaw, hard to handle he is."
"We have a new warrior." Spottedfeather supplied. She glanced up towards the Great Rock. Spottedfeather saw the three cats were already waiting on the summit. Silhouetted against the shining circle of the full moon was Tallstar, leader of WindClan, easily recognizable by his long tail. Beside him stood Leopardstar, the RiverClan leader, staring around impatiently at the cats below. She was pleased to see her father there, his head raised with dignity and pride his amber eyes like her own, glistening as he searched through the cats below, mostly ThunderClan. Probably wondering how his former Clan had grown since his absence.
"Where is ThunderClan's leader?" Leopardstar hissed, looking impatient. Ignoring or not seeing the dark imposing glare sent her way from the corner of Tigerstar's eyes. As Spottedfeather watched, she saw Firestar leap up to join them.
As soon as her paws touched the rock Leopardstar threw back her head and let out a yowl. At once the noise in the clearing died down and every cat turned to face the Great Rock. Onewhisker settled down beside her with a friendly glance, and Spottedfeather felt a pang of gratefulness not to have to sit alone during the announcements.
"Cats of all Clans, welcome." Tallstar, the eldest of all the Clan leaders, moved to the front of the Great Rock, raising his voice to address the assembled cats. Glancing at his fellow leaders, he asked, "Who will speak first?"
"I will." Firestar stepped forwards, her flame-colored pelt turned silver in the moonlight.
Spottedfeather listened as her mother warned about a badger that was stirring trouble, but reassured that it was unlikely to move from there onto another Clan's territory as long as the forest was full of prey.
"And we have a new warrior," Firestar went on. "The ThunderClan apprentice Sorrelpaw has taken the warrior name of Sorreltail."
A murmur of appreciation rippled around the clearing; Sorreltail was popular and well-known among the other Clans, having been to several more Gatherings than the average apprentice. Spottedfeather caught a glimpse of her sitting up very straight and proud beside Cloudtail.
Firestar stepped back and Tigerclaw took her place. Her father had taken over the leadership of ShadowClan when ShadowClan was weakened by sickness and their previous leader Nightstar died due to the sickness. Under his leadership ShadowClan had grown strong and healthy again, their compliance to fight against BloodClan has made them more trusted than before, though it was still believed that cold winds blew over the hearts of the ShadowClan cats and darkened their thoughts.
"ShadowClan is strong and prey is plentiful," Tigerstar announced. "The head of greenleaf has dried up part of the marshes on our territory, but we still have plenty of water to drink."
His gaze raked calmly around the clearing, and Spottedfeather knew that even if ShadowClan had less than a single raindrop leaf in their territory, Her father was unlikely to admit as much to the Gathering. Her mother however was shooting him concern yet unbelieving looks at his back.
Tallstar flicked his tail at Leopardstar, inviting her to speak, leaving the next place to him. The WindClan leader hesitated for a moment, and Spottedfeather saw that his eyes were clouded with worry. Not going unnoticed by Tigerstar for a moment,she knew her father could be greedy but she also knew when he had enough, all he cared for now was his Clan and what family he had left in his own Clan, but every once and awhile she saw him gaze across the clearing and stop on her mother for just a moment longer then look away.
"Tigerstar spoke truly of the heat of greenleaf," he began. "It is many days since the forest saw rain, and the moorland streams on WindClan territory have been scorched away completely this last quarter moon. We have no water at all."
"But the river borders your territory," Spottedfeather whispered over to Onewhisker who inclined his head.
"The river runs through a deep, sheer-sided gorge for the whole length of our border," Onewhisker whispered back. "It's too dangerous to go down their. We tried and I feel trying, but luckily i'm fine," He added on, seeing Spottedfeather's concern expression.
"We are suffering badly, and I fear that some of the younger kits might die." Spottedfeather turned back to Tallstar. "Can't your kits and elders chew grass for the moisture?" Tigerstar suggested, looking interestingly at Tallstar who irritatedly at him.
Tallstar shook his head. "The grass is parched. I tell you, there is no water anywhere on our territory." dipping his reluctantly, he asked clear with hesitant in his meow as he said. "I ask that one of you would share your water with WindClan until the water comes back."
Leopardstar took a step forwards, looking deep in thought as she regarded his plea. Spottedfeather also spotted her mother in deep thought, while her father scoffed with a roll of his eyes.
"What do my warriors think? Mistyfoot?" Leopardstar asked her deputy. The RiverClan deputy rose to her paws, but before she could speak one of her Clan mates cried out, "We can't trust them! Let WindClan set on paw over our border, and they'll be taking our prey as well as our water."
"Stupid furball," She heard Onewhisker mutter darkly beside her, watching him glare at a cat that she couldn't see.
"He has a point, why should we help you seeing as we had difficulties in the past?" Leopardstar asked, Spottedfeather watched Tallstar squirm for a minute, unsure of himself and what he would do if Leopardstar was to refuse.
"You're forgetting the times when RiverClan was in danger Leopardstar," Spottedfeather couldn't be more thankful for her mother stepping in. "I remember a time when you needed our help on a number of occasions, and I-" Her mother stopped speaking as a loud snort came from Tigerstar, making her mother's flame colored pelt prick in irritation of the ShadowClan leader.
"And I'm not quick to remind of the time when ShadowClan was forced out of their home by BloodClan, and had to seek shelter from another Clan." She hissed out, making Tigerstar sniff in irritation as well.
"Oh really? What about the time ThunderClan was driven from their home due to a fire?"
"And what about the time when some of the ShadowClan cats came to seek a cure for when they were sick?" Her mother countered.
"How about when the dogs attacked?" Tigerstar threw back.
"What about when Scourge almost ripped out you apart? If I hadn't been there you'd of died!"
"Well if I-" "ENOUGH!" Leopardstar spat at the two Clan leaders, they were nose to nose their pelts prickling in annoyance as they turned their glares on the RiverClan leader. Spottedfeather couldn't stop the warm purr that rose up in herself. She wondered how her parents became mates when all the time they argued, but underneath their matching glares their was a look of care and longing.
"You may drink near Fourtrees on ThunderClan territory," Firestar said. "You may drink from there, but be warned not to take prey, only water." Her mother added, getting a grateful look from Tallstar.
Tallstar bowed his head, and Spottedfeather heard the relief in his voice as he replied, "Firestar, ThunderClan has our thanks once again, from oldest elder to the youngest kit. You have saved our Clan."
"The drought will not last forever, and you will have water in your territory soon. We will discuss this again at the next Gathering," Firestar meowed.
"I'm sure you will," Tigerstar said in disgust, making Firestar glare at him again.
"What's wrong with a little bit of sympathy?" Firestar shot back at him, making him flatten his ears but he did not reply.
"Let us hope that StarClan have sent rain by then." Tallstar meowed, glaring at Tigerstar as well but not calling him out on it.
Seeing as Leopardstar had nothing important to report the Gathering was slowly coming to a close.
"Your mother is a great cat," Onewhisker meowed as things began to break apart. "You'll follow in her footsteps I just know it." He told her as he began to pad away to join his Clanmates as they began to separate.
Spotted feather looked around for her other siblings, Hawkfrost and Tawnypelt and wondered if they came. She turned around and found with delight her brother Hawkfrost talking with their mother at the base of the Great Rock.
"Look at you, you're making a fine warrior." She meowed lovingly to him, he puffed out his chest with pride at his mother's affections. Hawkfrost always liked following their mother around, taking pride that she was a ThunderClan deputy and wanting to be like her when he was older.
"Thank you Firestar," He replied to his mother. "I'll do my best to serve my Clan."
"I'm sure you will." Her mother touched Hawkfrost on the shoulder with the tip of her tail in a gesture of encouragement. "I'm proud of you and your sister, no matter what." She said warmly, and with a sad look in her mother's eyes begrudgingly left to join her clan.
Spottedfeather caught her brother's ice blue eyes, and with her tail beckoned him to come over. "There you are!" He meowed when he was close enough. "I've seen Leafpool, Brambleclaw with his new mate and watched Squirrelflight's fight with a light gray tom with amber eyes, and Mothwing with her mentor. Where have you been?" he questioned as he stood in front of her.
"Listening to what the leaders have to say, due." Spotted feather said, nudging her brother's shoulder as he rolled his eyes. "Really? You paying attention? What about that time I saw you sleeping near Sunning rocks when we were apprentices?" He meowed in mock teasing. Making Spottedfeather pin her ears back in embarrassment.
"Oh, and what about that time you got your upper body stuck in a hole in the marshes just a few sunrises ago when trying to catch a toad?" Tawnypelt meow came from behind, making Hawkfrost groan while Spottedfeather greeted her other sister warmly.
"Really?" Spottedfeather looked teasingly at her brother, but thought better of it. "So how are you, Tawnypelt?" Spottedfeather asked, biting back her retort to her brother.
"Pretty good, seems Brambleclaw and our sister's are good too." Tawnypelt hesitated, looking uncharacteristically uncertain. "Look, there's something I wanted to ask you about." Spottedfeather sat down a pricked her ears expectantly waiting to know what her sister wanted to confide in her. "I tried to talk with Mothwing and Brambleclaw but they were to busy," Spottedfeather's ears drooped a bit, realizing she was a last resort. Neither of her siblings seemed to realize this though. "The other night i had this weird dream…"
"What?" She couldn't bite back the excited exclamation, and Tawnypelt's green eyes flew wide with alarm. "No, go on," She insisted, trying to remain calm. "Tell me about the dream."
"I was in a clearing in the forest," Tawnypelt explained, "but I didn't recognize exactly where it was. There was a cat sitting on a rock-a black cat, I think it was Nightstar. You know, ShadowClan's leader before our father?"
"What did he say to you?" Spottedfeather asked hoarsely, already knowing what her sister's answer would be.
"He told me that there was some great trouble coming to the forest, a new prophecy had to be fulfilled. I had been chosen to meet three other cats at the new moon, and listen to what midnight would tell us."
Spottedfeather stared at her, her fur crawling with ice.
"What's the matter?" Hawkfrost asked, leaning closer to his flame colored sister. "Why are you looking at Tawnypelt like that?"
"Because I had exactly the same dream, except that the cat who spoke to me was Bluestar." Spottedfeather said, feeling relief that she wasn't alone or imagining things.
Tawnypelt blinked and her sister saw a shiver pass through her tortoiseshell fur. At last she meowed, "Have you told any other cat about your dream?"
Spottedfeather shook her head. "I didn't know what to make of it. To be honest, I thought it was due to something I ate. I mean, why would StarClan send a vision like that to me, instead of Firestar or Spottedleaf?"
"I thought the same," His sister agreed. "And I expected the other three cats to be from ShadowClan, so when no other cat mentioned it…"
"I know, me too. I thought they would be from ThunderClan. But it looks as if we were wrong." Spottedfeather glanced around the clearing. The Gathering was thinning out as cats began to leave, and in spite of the issue with water in WindClan the general mood was good-humored. No other cats looked as if they had received doom-laden dreams. What possible trouble could be coming-and if it did, what could they do about it?
"I thought she had bee's in her brain at the beginning," Hawkfrost stated, gaining Spottedfeather's attention. "But if you both have it, it must be a sign from StarClan. What do you think we should do about it?" Hawkfrost echoed her thoughts.
"If the dream was true, then two other cats should have had it," Spottedfeather replied. "It makes sense that there would be one from each of the other two Clans. We should try to find out who."
"Oh, yes." Hawkfrost sounded scornful. "Are you going to walk into WindClan and RiverClan territory and ask every cat if they had a weird dream? I think not. They would think we were made, if they didn't claw our ears off first."
"What do you suggest then?" Spottedfeather retorted, looking at her brother with forced calmness.
"We're all supposed to meet at the new moon," Tawnypelt meowed thoughtfully. "Nightstar didn't say where, but it must be here at Fourtrees. There isn't anywhere else where cats from different clans can get together."
"So you think we should come here at the new moon?"
"Unless you can think of a better idea." Hawkfrost retorted dryly.
Spottedfeather shook her head. "I only hope the other cats do the same. If...if the dream is real, of course." She broke off as she heard a cat calling her name, and turned around to see her mother standing a short distance away, with the other ThunderClan cats gathered around her. "It's time to go," Firestar said.
"Coming!" Turning back to her siblings she meowed urgently. "At the new moon, then. Say nothing to any cat. And trust StarClan the others will come."
Her siblings nodded and slipped into the bushes, following her Clan mates. Spottedfeather hurried over to join Firestar, hoping that her shock and fear did not show on her face. She had tried to forget her dream, but if Tawnypelt had dreamed it as well, she had no choice but to take it seriously. Trouble was coming, and she didn't know what to do about it, nor understand how midnight could tell him anything.
Oh, StarClan, she mewed silently. I hope you know what you're doing!
0o0o0o
Spottedfeaher emerged from the warriors den and glanced around the clearing. Another quarter moon had passed, and still there was no rain. Over all the forest, the was hot and heavy. The streams near the camp had dried up, so the Clan had to travel to the stream that they now temporarily shared with WindClan past Fourtrees when they needed water. Luckily it ran deep through the rocky soil, and flowed even in the driest greenleaf.
Every night she slept fitfully, having terrible feeling that something must have happened during the night, but things seemed peaceful that morning. Brambleclaw sat beside Cinderpelt is mate as they shared tongues, Squirrelflight was instructing Whitepaw and Shrewpaw as they were practicing fighting moves outside the apprentices den. Leafpool was out with Thornclaw and Sootfur on patrol. Everyone seemed to be doing something except for her, she glanced around finding one of her friends that didn't seem busy.
"Rainwhisker!" Spotted feather called out to the dark gray tom. "Want to go hunting?"
Rainwhisker instantly jumped to his paws where he was sunning himself, he padded towards her. "Whenever you're ready." He said, puffing out his chest as she led the way out of camp.
They made their way heading towards Fourtrees, their ears pricked for signs of prey. There was a shuffling sound with his tail raised, both cats crouched down, watching as a young rabbit came into sight. They were downwind the opportunity to kill it and make it lunch was in their favor, Rainwhisker gave the sign that he planned to get it. And Spottedfeather allowed him the chance.
Watching as Rainwhisker stalked towards the rabbit in silence, she detected the change in wind direction and with disappointment the rabbit was alerted to their presents. With a mighty leap Rainwhisker snag a claw in its stumpy tail, being dragged by the rabbit till he got stuck in some briars and watched it go.
"Are you alright Rainwhisker?" Spottedfeather asked in concern as she padded up to the dark gray warrior.
"I'm fine!" He snapped shaking out his fur, making Spottedfeather recoil in slight hurt.
"Just making sure you were alright." Spotted feather muttered, following after the now grumpy warrior.
Her spirit soon picked up again after catching a few squirrels, Rainwhisker's disgruntlement was also forgotten as he quickly caught another rabbit.
They both walked along the river, it was growing more shallow as it hasn't rained lately, and the heat wasn't helping.
"Look how low the river is, I hope it rains soon." Rainwhisker commented, crotching to crotch down to lap at it a little.
"Ya, I hope so to." Spotted feather agreed, seeing a dark pelt flashout of the side of her vision. She turned quickly to see a dark smoky gray, almost black tom hurtling after a vole. With an admirable leap he caught the vole in his claws and sank his teeth into it, killing it instantly. The cat was much smaller-an apprentice, she guessed, he didn't seem to have realized they were their. And Rainwhisker signaled for them to hide, so they hide in the long grass near the river line.
There was a rustling sound, and a mottled brown cat peered out of the bracken before creeping into the open a couple tail-lengths on the ThunderClan side of the border. And walked up to the young apprentice, but instead of scolding him, he gave him a nod of the head. Spottedfeather recognized Mudclaw, the WindClan deputy. He was followed by Onewhisker to Spottedfeather's shock. She felt disappointed that the old cat she meet at the Gathering turned out to be a thief.
Glancing back, Mudclaw murmured, "Head for the border. I can smell ThunderClan."
"Why am I not surprised," Rainwhisker growled, rising up out of the grass.
Mudclaw recoiled and drew his lips back in a snarl. At once Spottedfeather leaped up to stand beside her Clan mate. But inside she felt unease, facing off to three warriors, even if one was an apprentice they had to fight trained warrior with more knowledge than them.
"You been stealing our prey!" Rainwhisker accused, glaring at Mudclaw who glared back.
"We're not stealing prey," Mudclaw retorted. Making Rainwhisker snort in irritation.
"We saw you! You have the evidence right there." he said angling his ears to point at the vole the apprentice just caught.
"You're only allowed to drink from the river, not steal our pray you piece of Crowfood!" Rainwhisker hissed, making Spottedfeather realize that Rainwhisker may have started a fight that they were clearly outmatched for.
The gray-black apprentice dropped the vole and launched himself across the grass at Rainwhisker. "I'll show you Crowfood" he spat.
He barreled into Rainwhisker and knocked him over, Rainwhisker let out a surprised yowl as the apprentice's teeth closed in the loose skin on his neck. Spottedfeather watched in shock as Rainwhisker twisted his body, he managed to score his claws down the other cat's shoulder, and wondered stupidly for a second if she should help. The apprentice hind paws scrambled at Rainwhisker's belly. With a screech of fury he tore his neck free and dived for his opponents throat. As his ttech found their mark, Spottedfeather saw Onewhisker flash by and made to stop him when he started aiming a blow with his paw.
But before she could do anything the WindClan warrior had batted the apprentice away and was standing over him, rage smoldering in his eyes. "That's enough, Crowpaw!" He snarled. "Attacking a ThunderClan warrior when we're allowed to drink from their stream! What next?"
Crowpaw shot him a furious look through narrowed eyes. "He called us thieves!"
"And he was right, wasn't he?" Onewhisker turned to Spottedfeather, an apologetic look in his eyes as Rainwhisker scrambled to his feet.
"I'm sorry Spotted feather," Onewhisker went on. "It is a ThunderClan vole, and I know we should have hunted on your land, but there's hardly any prey in our own territory. Our elders and kits are hungry, and-" He stopped as if he thought he had already said too much. "What will you do now?" in asked in an anxious tone of voice. He seemed to fear that if we decided to tell on them to Firestar then we would exile them from drinking from our water, and that seemed worse than a simple vole.
"What's done is done, there no need to fight about it now." Spottedfeather said, giving Rainwhisker a warning look. "I see no need to tell Firestar about this-unless it happens again."
"Thank you, and we promise it won't happen again." Onewhisker said in gratitude.
Mudclaw nudged Crowpaw to his paws. The WindClan deputy still looked furious at being found out, and Spottedfeather noticed that he did not add his apology to Onewhisker's. Without a word he headed for the border, with Onewhisker close behind him. Crowpaw hesitated, and turned to glare at Rainwhisker who glared back. Crowpaw slowly followed after the other's and was almost there when Spotted feather felt a stab of pity for the WindClan apprentice, All he wanted to do was help his Clan and he did catch the vole far and square.
"Hey, you forgot you're vole!" Spottedfeather called after the young WindClan apprentice, making his head snap back towards them. Crowpaw stopped in his tracks looking stun for a moment until he came bounding back, he stared down at the vole and back at Spottedfeather and with a defiant glance towards Rainwhisker he snatched up the vole and streaked after his Clan mates.
"Nice going, giving them a piece of our prey, now they will think ThunderClan's a bunch of push overs!" Rainwhisker mumbled, walking on ahead. Spotted feather hoped he wouldn't say anything, when she turned back towards where the WindClan cats disappeared to she was surprised to see Crowpaw standing over a ridge and looking down on her.
She watched in confusion as he sat down his prey and stared at her a moment, he then opened his jaws and yowled out as loud as he could, "THANK YOU!" he then snatched up his prey again and disappeared behind the other side of the ridge.
0o0o0o
Well that was part one, see you in the next chapters! Review! Favorite and you know what to do!