The full moon cast its light over the island, turning the pelts of the approaching cats to mercurial shadows. Brightheart glanced around to ascertain that all was well between the clans before going off to join the other warriors, her mate Cloudtail at her side. Just then, there was a yowl, the signal to start the Gathering. Brightheart looked up, but the moon was not high; they had all night. So why was the meeting to begin so quickly?
The reason was quickly revealed, as Blackstar jumped up on the rock, followed slowly by the other leaders.
"Blackstar, why have you called the meeting so soon?" Firestar asked.
"My apologies, but there is a matter of slight importance I must bring to your attention. Two days ago, I found a pair of very young kits in our territory, with faint traces of Thunderclan scent to them. I brought them tonight to ask if they belong to Thunderclan, or any other Clan and to return them if that was the case. There is a fresher scent of Twoleg, and I feared they may have been taken by them."
"Thunderclan is not missing any kits," mewed Firestar.
"Nor is Windclan." Onestar replied.
"Nor is Riverclan." finished Leopardstar.
"Then it seems they are kittypets. In that case, Shadowclan shall take them." Blackstar mewed, to discontented mutters from his cats.
The leaders shared glances at his out of character declaration, but said nothing of it, deciding instead to share the news of their Clans.
"Thunderclan has recently appionted a new apprentice, Spottedpaw."
The pretty tortoiseshell looked calm and collected, but Brightheart and Cloudtail seemed unable to contain their pride. Spottedpaw was their second surviving kit, and they simply adored her.
"Windclan is proud to welcome new kits into our Clan, the first litter of Crowfeather and Nightcloud. Oak-kit, Swiftkit and Sunkit shall prove great additions to our Clan, I am sure." Onestar mewed proudly.
"Riverclan is also proud to welcome new kits. I can only hope that Rainkit, Goldenkit and Riverkit prove to be good warriors in time as well."
I'm cutting this REALLY short here, because I've already started writing the second chapter elsewhere and I'm lazy. Sorry! Reviews will help me get the second chapter up faster, though...