Hey everyone! Hope I didn't take to long! I'll be attempting to update on a bi-weekly or, if something comes up, tri-weekly basis just to give you an idea of when I'll showing up. On special occasions though I may update sooner! ; ) Thanks for the two reviews I got! I wasn't really expecting any, considering that it was only just posted but I'll take what I can get! :D Anyways, thanks again and I hope everyone enjoys the following chapter! So without further ado…
Cries of protest were heard from around the clearing as Lionblaze hung his head even lower. "No way he did this!" Thornclaw called from near the back, "It must have been a passing rogue or something!" He yowled, and soon other cats joined the warrior in agreement.
Brambleclaw pushed his way to the front, padding up next to Lionblaze. "I think we can all agree that it seems very unlikely that this was Lionblaze's doing, but the thin evidence we have suggests otherwise." He turned to the tom. "Where did you find that mouse?"
"Over in the direction of the abandoned two-leg nest." He answered instantly, eyes flashing with worry. "It was ruffling around in some leaves, but I don't remember anything particularly odd about it."
Brambleclaw nodded grimly, "That rules out rogues or another clan then. He didn't find it lying there, so the berry wasn't already in place… That means it was someone from within Thunderclan…" He paused, gazing around warily, eyes narrowed. "I'm not jumping to any conclusions, but everyone must be on their guard."
At these words, Firestar let out a groan behind them as he began to stir. Jayfeather rushed quickly to his side, "Don't move." The blind medicine cat growled, feeling his leaders chest with his paws. "You've just lost a life."
"What happened?" Asked Firestar weakly, coughing a bit.
"Deathberries." Jayfeather said simply as he finished his examination. "You'll be exhausted, but physically you seem ok. Can you walk?" He asked, concern in his sightless eyes.
"I think so." Firestar grunted as he tried unsuccessfully to haul himself to his paws. Seeing her mate on the verge of collapse, Sandstorm stepped up beside him and offered her support, which he gladly took, leaning heavily against her shoulder.
"To the medicine den?" She asked, and Jayfeather nodded, escorting the two cats across the clearing, making sure his patient got inside safely. He soon came back after they were settled.
"He wont be able to go to the gathering tonight." Jayfeather muttered to Brambleclaw, and Lionblaze mentally kicked himself. He had completely forgotten about the gathering! What a time for this to happen…
Brambleclaw nodded to Lionblaze, seeing the realization in the tom's eyes. "Then we must be careful, while Thunderclan is not weak, the other clans might see things differently when they realize that Firestar is not there." He thought for a moment then sighed, "I'll stand in for him. The other leaders wont like it, but I don't see any other alternative." With this, he shook his head unhappily and turned to address his clan.
"Firestar will be well again soon enough. But, in his absence, Thunderclan must operate normally. The gathering is tonight and we will be attending as usual. All the same, I want the sun-down patrol to go out. Brackenfur, Ivypool, Spiderleg, and Foxleap, come with me, I'll be leading that one. We also need more fresh kill. So if you've nothing better to do, go and hunt. Thunderclan must remain strong!" He finished confidently.
And with that, Brambleclaw padded off with the cats he had chosen towards the camp exit. After he left, the gathered cats began to break up, some padding off into the forest to hunt, while others remained behind to enjoy the remaining daylight, duties already complete.
Lionblaze stayed where he was, with Jayfeather standing beside him. The tabby flicked an ear before whispering, "I have a theory, but we need to talk to Ivypool. Unfortunately, she just left."
"We'll speak with her after the gathering, is it about the dark forest?" Lionblaze asked quietly.
Jayfeather just nodded this time and Lionblaze sighed inwardly, 'Why does he have to be so cryptic every time I ask him something?' He thought to himself, a little frustrated with his brother. "I'm going hunting, see you later…" He said, and Jayfeather waved his tail goodbye.
Slipping into the forest once again, he suddenly didn't feel much like hunting. Padding in the general direction of the abandoned two-leg nest, he soon reached a sunny clearing. The grass was soft under his paws and he began to feel rather tired. Flopping down, he gazed at his surroundings. The leaves blew in the wind and the sun warmed his pelt a bit against the chilly leaf-fall air.
Suddenly there was a rustling in the bushes behind him and a cat emerged. He turned his head swiftly around to meet dark, beautiful blue eyes.
Cinderheart padded to his side and sat down, her pelt brushing his. 'What is this?' he thought.
"Hi." She said softly.
"Hi, what's up?" Lionblaze asked, eying her, wondering vaguely why she was here.
"Just wondering if you were ok, you seemed pretty shook up by that." She said shyly.
Lionblaze sat there for a moment, gazing into her blue eyes, and began to enjoy their closeness, her body sharing heat with his in the frigid air. "I'm fine I guess." He said with a shrug.
She shook her head, "Lionblaze, I know you, you feel like your to blame for the mouse, don't you."
It wasn't a question. She was right. He knew she was. He hung his head a little. "I guess. I feel so bad. If I hadn't caught it, none of this would have happened. Firestar would be going to the gathering and there would be no suspicion in the clan!"
She lay her fluffy tail over his shoulders and he almost jumped. "I know you feel that way, but its not your fault, none of it is. I know you didn't do it, and no one else thinks that either!" She said, her words warm… And for a while they sat like that, until the sun was nearly set. Then Cinderheart got up and began to stretch, "I need to get back to go to the gathering." She said, but then her face turned a little sad. "You know that Brambleclaw didn't choose you to go tonight right?" she asked carefully.
He nodded. It had been expected. Regardless of whether or not it was indeed he who tried to kill Firestar, after the event happened he felt it was very unlikely that he would be going. He had been proved right.
Her pelt brushed his as she passed, heading back in the direction of camp, but before she left the clearing, she turned her head back to him, "I'm sorry you cant come, I'll tell you everything that happens." She promised, eyes sparkling.
"That would be great." He said, the beginnings of a purr rumbling in his throat. He squelched it, just to be safe… "I'll see you later!" He called.
"Later!" She replied, smiling, before padding off into the forest.
After she left, Lionblaze began to think. Something had changed. Was it the fact that her past had finally been revealed to her? Or was it something else? Perhaps she realized that she indeed had a greater destiny than she had originally imagined. 'Whatever it is,' he thought, 'maybe, just maybe, I still have a shot…'
*Jayfeather*
Jayfeather waited, shivering, in the center of camp. Cats had begun to gather around him, awaiting the call to leave for the gathering. He sat off a bit from them, preferring to be alone with his thoughts. He couldn't scent Lionblaze anywhere near so he assumed that the tom wouldn't be coming, considering the circumstances. Jayfeather shook his head, hoping his brother was ok. Then he remembered his dream that day while he was napping. He shuddered, recalling the feeling of agony as those dark talons pierced him. 'What was that place?' He wondered solemnly…
Soon Brambleclaw emerged from the warrior's den, padding towards the front of the group. He then waved his tail as a sign to follow and started towards the exit of camp.
Jayfeather followed behind his clanmates as they pounded through the forest at a brisk pace. Even though he was running, it still didn't drive out the cold. For once he wished he had a little more bulk, at least he'd be warmer. But no, he was small and skinny, and so he would remain. But all the same, the cold made him once again realize that this Leaf-bare would be a harsh one.
The group reached the island in good time, and took their place in the clearing. Tension seemed crackle in the air like lightning from all clans save Riverclan, who were oddly tranquil.
Brambleclaw padded up to the great oak but stopped at it foot. He seemed unsure of exactly what to do, to sit at the bottom, or join the three leaders already seated in the tree. Shrugging, he jumped up to join them, but made a point to sit on a lower branch out of respect.
Jayfeather heard Blackstar say in a sneering voice to Brambleclaw, "Has the kittypet gone leader finally reached the end of his life?"
"No, Firestar is simply ill, and I am here to take his place for the night. He will be well soon enough. I appreciate you concern." Was Brambleclaw's mildly sarcastic reply.
Jayfeather could concur with most of this, but just how soon he was not certain. Firestar would recover, but perhaps not in time for even the next gathering. He shrugged, they would just have to hope for the best.
"Then Riverclan's best wishes to him." Mistystar said, true concern evident in her voice. Jayfeather found this only mildly strange. Riverclan had been particularly reasonable lately. At least someone was….
Onestar had nothing to say on the subject as Blackstar stood and began to address the clans. "Despite the cold weather, Shadowclan is strong. The prey runs well, as it has all season. We hope that the other clan's prey is running equally as well," Jayfeather's ears perked up, but then Blackstar continued, "because we wouldn't want anyone stealing from Shadowclan would we?" Of course, it was all in the spiteful interest of Shadowclan. Surprise, surprise. A few grumbles could be heard around the clearing, none from the direction of Shadowclan.
Mistystar got up after Blackstar finished and gave her address, then sat down to allow Onestar to give his. He began, "Prey runs well in Windclan, the moor is calm with few ailments. However, there is a particular one I feel needs to be addressed. We do in fact have thieves among us. And a killer as well." He said, voice scornful... 'What is he getting at?' Jayfeather wondered. It was then that he felt eyes boring into him, staring hot into his pelt.
"We side with Shadowclan on these matters," Onestar continued, "We have reason to believe that it was Jayfeather who killed Flametail, if he is willing to steal as well."
Gasps rose from Thunderclan, and Riverclan too. It seemed as though the tables had turned a little, who used to be Thunderclan's ally was now Shadowclan's and who used to be theirs was now Thunderclan's. 'How ironic…' Jayfeather thought absently, barely hearing Onestar's ridiculous accusation. He had dismissed it long ago when it was first made by Shadowclan.
Then it was Brambleclaw who spoke, "Onestar, this is neither the time nor place for these words. The herbs in question were on our side of the border, and as for the matter of Flametail, I believe it to be very unlikely that a Medicine Cat would kill anyone, much less another Medicine Cat. If you have nothing more to say, I humbly request that you sit and allow me to speak."
Onestar hissed angrily but said nothing as Brambleclaw stood, "Prey runs well in Thunderclan, with few problems other than the cold we all feel. However, we scented a fox on our territory recently," Jayfeather's eyes narrowed at this, 'There was no fox on our territory…' He thought, confused. Then Brambleclaw continued, "We haven't found it, but we believe it is still in the area. I advise caution, if you will. That is all." he said before sitting down.
Jayfeather was stumped, but after a moment it began to dawn on him, 'By suggesting that there was a fox in our area, he made the other three clans wary to venture into Thunderclan territory on account of the it. While they know Firestar is weak, Brambleclaw found a way to discourage an attack! (Even though it isn't true, the other clans don't know that!) Brilliant!' He thought, a smile creeping across his face.
Mistystar dipped her head, "Thank you, Brambleclaw, we will be sure to keep a close eye out for it. If no one has any other news, then I call this gathering to a conclusion, may Starclan light your paths." She said, before jumping down from the oak, gathering her clan, and padding off into the night.
Brambleclaw came down soon after, nodded to Thunderclan as they gathered around him, and padded swiftly back to camp…
*Lionblaze*
Laying in the warrior's den, Lionblaze opened his eyes. He had dozed off after returning from the forest. There was a warmth in his heart as he remembered what had happened. Getting out of his nest, he took a long stretch, groaning as his muscles loosened. It was near moon-high, and the cats who had gone to the gathering would return soon. He padded into the clearing and stared up at the full moon as it shined down on him.
At that moment the first cats from the gathering reentered camp, with Brambleclaw at their front. Most of the warriors went straight to their dens, barely noticing Lionblaze. Jayfeather, Ivypool, and Dovewing came last. His brother was whispering to the two of them before flicking his tail and sending them to their den. After they were gone he padded over to Lionblaze. "We'll meet tonight, there is much we have to discuss. I know its late, but I'm not sure this can wait any longer. Meet by the shore of the lake at moon-high." He said under his breath.
Lionblaze nodded and padded in the direction of the warriors den, where he knew at least two others were already faking sleep.
Moon-high came quickly, and they left one at a time, as if through mental agreement, waiting a few minutes between each other. Lionblaze was the last to leave, glancing only once over his shoulder to check to see that his clanmates were still sound asleep.
Then he padded through the tunnel, past a sleeping Berrynose (who was supposed to be on guard duty) and towards the lake. The others were already there, silhouettes in the pale moonlight.
As he sat down Jayfeather began to speak, "I have a theory. Ivypool, tell me, how have things been in the Dark Forest?" The tabby's head tilted a bit.
"Well…" Ivypool began uncertainly, "things have been, uh, changing, I guess. Tigerstar is getting more excited, I think whatever they've got planned will happen soon." She muttered and Jayfeather nodded.
"See, that's what we thought. Increasing hostility, combined with what happened today indicate something suspicious to me at least. Has Tigerstar mentioned anything strange, like a strategy of sorts, some sort of plan?" He continued.
"Nothing, except that they said they were going to weaken the clans first. He didn't say how though…" The she-cat replied, shaking her head.
Jayfeather nodded again, "If that's the case, I think it's somehow connected to what occurred with Firestar today. Cats from the dark forest have materialized before. They helped Breezepelt attack me at the Moonpool, and I think they did it again today." He said sadly.
Lionblaze's eyes widened, "So are you saying they're getting stronger? Enough to make an attempt to kill a cat?"
For the third time that night, Jayfeather just nodded.
Dovewing spoke up, "If they're getting stronger, that means we'll have to be more careful." She addressed Jayfeather specifically next, "I think its time Ivypool stopped going to the Dark Forest." She said with an odd air of authority.
Jayfeather complied instantly for once, saying with certainty, "Yes, things will soon be too dangerous, and every time you go, they have another chance to identify your true intentions. I don't want you found out or caught up with this when it goes down. You've done a great job, but now its time to get out."
Ivypool looked very relieved, though also a little disappointed, Lionblaze soon comforted her concern, "Don't worry, you've been very helpful and you can continue to be. You know the Dark Forest and how they work better than any cat loyal to the clans. Plus that, we'll need all the help we can get in the battle thats sure to come. Your not done yet, none of us are." He said with a grin, and Ivypool perked up a little.
Dovewing spoke once more, "That's all good, but we still have a big problem on our hands. What are we going to tell our clanmates about the Deathberry. We cant just tell them a dead cat from the Dark Forest tried to kill Firestar. They'd think we were mouse brained, regardless of how true it is!"
Jayfeather seemed to agree with this, considering it carefully before answering her, "I don't know what we can tell them that they'll be likely to believe. Perhaps it would be best to leave it be for now-"
He was cut off by Lionblaze, who suddenly didn't like where this was going, "Now wait," He said, worry in his eyes, "there's still my tail at risk here, I may be innocent, but if no one comes forward, which no one will, the blame will likely rest on me!"
Dovewing nodded, "We could speak with Firestar about it, maybe he'll have an idea. I mean, we've got a little time I would think…" She said, gazing at the other three.
"Yes, I think so." Jayfeather muttered. "But it'll be a few days. Firestar is still very weak. We'll have to wait."
"That's fine I suppose," Lionblaze muttered, eyes down, thinking, "it's not like anyone is shunning me… Yet." Then he brightened again, "Besides, Firestar is a great leader, he'll think of something."
Ivypool nodded before yawning wide, "Well, I don't know about you guys," She said blearily, "But I could sleep for a moon! It been a long day! Are we done here?"
"I suppose." Jayfeather muttered, and they all got up and began padding back towards camp. On the way there, Lionblaze wondered again what they would tell their clanmates about their mysterious would-be killer…
*Outside POV*
The four young cats entered the camp and returned to their respective dens. After they settled in, an ominous silence fell.
Just outside the Thunderclan camp, two amber eyes peered out from within a tree, watching the peaceful and silent cats as they slept far below. The bright orbs remained a moment more, then winked out…
Well, another chapter up! :D Frankly, I had rather mixed feelings about this one, but I hope you likes it anyways! There have been hints at the plot in this chapter and the first one, but it should make parts of itself apparent rather soon. So, tell me what you think! Review are welcome so long as they're not flames, so please do! See you all in about two weeks! : )