Disclaimer:
Luna, Hawk, Dark- AkariSegawa does not own Warriors!
Treepaw- I give up!
Whitefoot- Hehe. XD
Chapter 7: The Gathering and the Kittypet Recuits
A cool breeze flowed through the lush grass. Thin white clouds drifted across a crystal blue sky. The Sun was directly above, its warm rays stretching down to the world below. A bright leaf was wrestled loose from its branch and spun down to land in front of a small she-cat. The cat jumped at the leaf's sudden appearance and sniffed at it cautiously. Loosing interest in the plant, she turned away.
Luna sighed miserably. Her black and white fur was soaked, her body heavy from the added weight of the water absorbed into her pelt. Beside her an equally soaked tom laughed. "Dark... why did you do that?" Luna mewed. Her brother had always been a joker, but sometimes he'd take his jokes too far. "It w-was so f-funny." Dark gasped between chuckles. The third cat of their group, Hawk, shook his head.
"Well thanks to your irritating sense of humor." the cat grumbled. "There's no way Riverclan will let us join their clan now." Dark panted, exhausted from his laughing fit. "All I did was drag that cat into the river, it's not like she didn't know how to swim. I was just having fun." Hawk's eyes narrowed. "Hey relax." Dark purred. "There are several other clans we can join right?" Hawk continued to glare. "We won't join any clan if you keep pulling pranks."
Luna ignored the rest of the argument. Three days ago, the group had left their Twoleg homes to search for the wild cats they had heard of. Although Luna had found her kittypet life dull, she wasn't so sure about finding feral cats to live with. However, she didn't want to be separated from her brother and best friend and thus tagged along. What were the other clans? she thought.
"Luna!" Dark's voice shrieked in her ear. The she-cat jumped, crying out in fright before running to hide under a bush. Her brother fell to the ground laughing. Hawk sighed. "That wasn't funny Dark. You scared her." Luna poked her head from beneath the leaves. "Dark." she whined. "That wasn't funny." Dark purred and nudged his sister. "Sorry I couldn't help it."
"Could you have at least tried?" Hawk asked. "Nope!" Dark meowed. Hawk looked at the other tom. "You...are hopeless. Come on Luna. We have to keeping searching."
Earlier that day
Silverdawn yawned sleepily, stretching her stiff muscles. All around her, cats slept soundly. The silver warrior stealthily walked past her Clanmates and stepped out into the clearing. The rising sun dyed the sky a blazing red, the long wispy clouds were a grayish violet. From between the trees, Silverdawn could just make out the rays of light from the sun as the great star slowly crept up the sky.
On the ground, a shadow moved oddly. The silver warrior jerked her head in the direction of Tallrock, relaxing when she saw Crowstar stretching atop the rock. Silverdawn watched as the Earthclan leader jumped down Tallrock and padded towards her. Her heart jumped into her throat. The she-cat had never thought she could feel anything for another cat after Pantherclaw, yet here she was swooning over her leader.
"You're up early." Crowstar mewed softly when he was close enough. "You always rise earlier than the others." Silverdawn shifted from paw to paw. "I-is that bad?" she asked stupidly. Crowstar shook his head, then motioned for her to follow him. The two cats walked away from the warriors den and strolled towards Tallrock. "You're up before everyone else, every morning." Crowstar mused. "Well, yeah." Silverdawn mewed shyly. "That's why I'm called Silverdawn." How does he know that I wake up early? Is he watching me?
"The name certainly fits you." Crowstar said. Silverdwn's heart began to race. He likes my name. she thought joyfully. The two were silent for a moment. "Have you seen Featherfur's kits?" Silverdawn asked, breaking the silence. "Yes," he meowed. "Ivykit is very loud for one so young." Silverdawn laughed. "I bet he'll be a paw-full when he's an apprentice." Crowstar laughed as well. "I'm sure he'll be fine."
"Have you ever thought of having kits?" Silverdawn asked without thinking. The tom looked at her quizzically. "Why do you ask?" The silver warrior fidgeted. "J-just curious." Crowstar padded close to her. "Why would you be curious about that?" he pressed. When the warrior didn't respond, he purred. "I shouldn't tease you. Yes I do think of having kits, I'm just waiting for a certain she-cat to come to me."
Silverdawn's eyes narrowed. "What she-cat." she hissed jealously. A look of mischief crossed the leader's face. "A brave and beautiful she-cat. She is loyal and fair, yet impatient sometimes. She's been on my mind for quite some time." Silverdawn's fur bristled. "Well who is this 'brave and beautiful' she-cat."
"You know her." Crowstar mewed. Silverdawn thought for a moment.
"Sweetberry?"
"No."
"Mapleleaf?"
"No."
"Pebbletail?"
"Absolutely not!" Silverdawn groaned.
"Will you just tell me!"
Crowstar suppressed a chuckle. "Silverdawn, you mouse-brain. I'm talking about you!" The silver warrior blinked in surprise.
"M-me?" The black tom nodded. "Maybe I should have added oblivious to that description."
Silverdawn glared at him. "I thought you said you weren't going to tease me." Crowstar licked her ear affectionately. "I said I shouldn't tease you." he reminded her. "I didn't say I wouldn't."
"Are you sure we're going the right way?" Luna asked. "Not that I don't trust you, it's just...never mind." Hawk purred. "I know what you mean. To be honest, I'm not sure where we are. Those cats back at the Twoleg place didn't say this was going to be easy." Dark padded beside them. "Stop flirting you two. We have to find the next clan." "We're not flirting." cried the other two in unison. Dark smirked. "Sure you're not."
"When I get my claws on him." Hawk grumbled. Luna's ears felt hot with embarrassment. There were days when she wished she hadn't told Dark of her crush on Hawk, this was one of those days. The Sun was barely visible through the tall trees. Only bits of sunlight came through the gaps in the branches. Hawk stopped for a moment, sniffing the air.
"S-something wrong Hawk?" Luna asked. Without answering, the tom padded towards a nearby tree. "What are you smelling?" Dark questioned. "The scent." Hawk murmured. "It's fresh. There were cats here not too long ago." Dark's eyes brightened. "Yes, we found them! Were did they go?"
Hawk pointed his tail in one direction. "Let's go!" Dark mewed. "Hold it!" Hawk hissed. Dark skidded to a halt. "What?" Dark mewed impatiently. "We must be careful." Hawk ordered. "And Dark, no pranks." The gray tom huffed. "Fine." he grumbled. Hawk led the way, Luna walked beside him while Dark brought up the rear. I hope this encounter works out. Luna hoped.
The Earthclan camp bustled with activity. Every clan cat was awake and ready for the new day. The warm Sun greeted the cats from its place in the sky. Breezepaw sat beside his mentor, ready for instructions. The tom was happy that Reedstrike had become his mentor, only the luckiest of cats were trained by the deputy.
"Thornscar," Reedstrike meowed. "I need you, Rockfang, and Sweetberry for hunting patrol." The three warriors nodded and left to go about their duties. "Ravenwing." the deputy continued.
"Yes." the gray tom mewed.
"Get Silverdawn and Cottonpaw. I need you all to come with me for border patrol." Ravenwing dipped his head in respect, then turned to get the two she-cats.
"Reedstrike." Breezepaw mewed. "Why do we have to do border patrol? The other clans don't know about us, they won't bother us." The deputy stretched his legs. "That may be true." the cat mewed. "But we still need to search our borders for signs of rouges." Breezepaw's eared perked up. "Cats who'll join our clan?" "Yes, but also rouges who will be a threat to us. As well as foxes and badgers." "Dogs?" Breezepaw asked innocently. His mentor chuckled. "And dogs."
Movement caught Breezepaw's attention. His mother Whitefoot had come out of the medicine cat den. Breezepaw often wished he had his mother's beautiful white fur and frowned at his brown pelt. Treepaw out right after Whitefoot, stretching and yawning. Breezepaw glared enviously at the she-cat. She's gets to spend all day with my mother. Breezepaw thought. But will mother want my company? He watched as the two she-cats spoke to each other. Does she regret having me?
Ravenwing, Silverdawn, and Cottonpaw padded towards Breezepaw and Reedstrike. "Are you ready?" Silverdawn asked. "Yes, let's go." Reedstrike led the way through the forest. Breezepaw eagerly followed his mentor as did the other cats. Earthclan territory shared borders with both Thunderclan and Shadowclan. Breezepaw had never seen cats from either clan, he only smelled their scents along the borders.
The patrol was nearing the border. A cool wind blew between the trees. Cottonpaw raised her muzzled to the air and sniffed. Silverdawn glanced at her apprentice curiously. "Is something wrong, Cottonpaw?" she mewed. The she-cat's eyes narrowed. "There are cats nearby." Reedstrike stiffened. "Where?" the deputy asked. "Lead the way."
Cottonpaw guided the group to a shocking sight. Three young cats were backed against a rugged boulder, growling and hissing. Before them were five more cats. The cats cornering the others had a familiar scent. Trying not to get the attention of the fighting cats, Breezepaw nudged his mentor. "Those five cats smell like Shadowclan." Reedstrike carefully sniffed at the hostile felines. "You're right, it is Shadowclan."
"What should we do?" Cottonpaw asked, dismayed. "It wouldn't be right to just leave them." Breezepaw added.
"But," Ravenwing mewed. "Those other three smell like kittypets. They shouldn't be here in the first place." It was true. Although the scent was faint, the cornered cats smelled like kittypets. "We should still help." Silverdawn meowed. "After all, Shadowclan it technically invading our territory."
Luna crouched behind Dark and Hawk, her ears flat against her head. Five Shadowclan cats stood before them, glaring hatefully at the trio. "We didn't come here to cause trouble," Hawk mewed. "We just want to join your clan." One cat chuckled darkly. "Let a bunch of kittypets join our clan? That's ridiculous. You kittypets are weak." Dark hissed furiously. "We're not weak! You're just scared that we'll be better than you!"
"Dark shut up." Hawk growled. One tom yowled angrily. "Razorstrike." a small tabby she-cat snapped. "Calm down, they're not worth it." The tom refused to listen. "You dare claim to be stronger than us, kittypet?" Before her brother could answer, Luna sunk her teeth into Dark's tail. The tom hissed in pain and turned to glare at her.
"Fine then." Hawk spoke calmly. "We'll leave your territory, there's not need for a fight." "Why should we trust you?" Razorstrike mewed. "For all we know, you could've stolen your prey!" Dark gave an irritated groaned. "We didn't steal anything! What gives you the right to accuse us of something we didn't do?"
"These kittypets don't know who they're dealing with." a gray she-cat sneered. "Perhaps we should teach to fear our clan." This isn't good. Luna thought. We can't fight them. We're out numbered. We have to escape. "Dark, Hawk." the she-cat whispered. Both toms looked at her, then at each other. Suddenly, all the cats ran, the clan cats froze in surprise before giving chase.
The trio ran deeper into the forest, the Shadowclan cats right on their heels. Luna glanced back at their pursuers. They were getting closer. Luna pushed herself to move faster, as did her and vegetation zipped past in a green blur as the trio ran for their lives. Their pursuers came closer still. "Stop!" Hawk suddenly shouted.
The three cats skidded to a halt. In front of them was an enormous boulder blocking their path. "You can't run now, kittypets." a threatening voice laughed. The Shadowclan cats had caught up to the small group and continued to advance. Hawk arched his back, his fur bristling in an attempt to appear intimidating. Luna and Dark mimicked him.
The clan cats were not fazed by the performance and continued forward. It can't end like this. Luna thought. It just can't. A war cry caught Luna's attention. From the bushes charged six wild cats. The Shadowclan patrol stood shocked as the feral cats pounced. Luna watched in awe as the wild cats battled. Outnumbered, the Shadowclan patrol fled. The trio's rescuers yowled in triumph. "H-hey Hawk." Luna whispered.
"What?"
"Do you think they might be..."
"A clan? Yes."
Reedstrike sighed with relief. The battle had ended quickly with no casualties. Now for our next problem. the deputy thought as he turned to the trio. Two toms and a she-cat watched his group with interest. The dark brown tom watched Reedstrike's patrol with a steady gaze. The other tom's eyes flashed from on Earthclan cat to another. The black and white she-cat crouched behind her comrades.
"Who are you?" Reedstrike asked them. The she-cat flinched and backed away. One tom stepped forward. "We don't want to cause trouble." he mewed. "We searching for clan cats." Ravenwing glared at him. "Why are you looking for us?" "We want to join your clan."
"Join our clan!?" Cottonpaw gasped. "Why would a kittypet want to do that?" It was the second tom who answered.
"We hated our lives as Twoleg playthings. Other kittypets said a lot about you. You're wild and tough. Most of them are scared of you, but not us." Reedstrike watched them with curiosity. They want to join a clan. he thought. A kittypet hasn't join a clan for many seasons.
"Reedstrike." Breezepaw meowed, his voice uncertain. "What do we do?"
The deputy sighed. "If joining us is what you want, our leader will have to approve of it first."
Cottonpaw looked around curiously at her Clanmates. All seemed confused at the sight of the three kittypets. Crowstar appeared upset by the news about Shadowclan, Cottonpaw remembered Silverdawn saying their leader was once a warrior of that clan. First Shadowclan and now those three. Cottonpaw worried. And the Gathering is just two days away. I don't think I can take so much excitement. The apprentice shook her head.
Hawk and Dark tried their best to look fearless. Luna, although still as a stone, was watching the Earthclan leader with obvious nervousness. "Crowstar we can't allow kittypets to join our clan." Treepaw spoke up. "The Twolegs made them too soft." Dark hissed. "We're not soft furball! We've been living in the forest for nearly a moon!"
The medicine cat apprentice snorted. "That doesn't prove anything." Dark bristled and would have attacked the she-cat if not for Hawk's stern look. Cottonpaw looked back at Crowstar. Silverdawn had joined him on Tallrock and was whispering something to him. After a moment, the black tom nodded and turned to the trio. "If you three want to become warriors of Earthclan, you must prove you are capable of withstanding the hardships of clan life."
The three looked at each other. "What must we do?" Hawk asked.
It was Silverdawn who answered. "We will test your skills. If you pass, you'll join our clan."
"And if we fail?" Luna asked warily. A mischievous look crossed the warrior's face.
"You leave and never return of course." Luna shuddered.
"Silverdawn, Reedstrike, Thornscar." Crowstar mewed. "You three shall test their skills." The three warriors nodded. The leader continued. "Thornscar, you will test Dark. Reedstrike you will test Hawk. That leaves Luna to you Silverdawn. It can be a test of your choosing, begin as soon as you are ready."
Hawk glanced at Luna worriedly. The she-cat was clearly nervous about her test, her tail twitched constantly. Hawk turned his attention to the cat called Silverdawn. The silver she-cat seemed amused by Luna's reaction. I hope she's not too harsh with Luna. Hawk hoped.
"Are you ready?" The tom turned and was face to face with Reedstrike.
"Yes," Hawk meowed. "I'm ready." The gray tom nodded. "Then follow me."
Reedstrike guided Hawk into the forest. "So," Reedstrike mewed. "You've been living in the forest for a moon correct?"
"Yes." Hawk replied.
"Why did you leave you Twolegs." Reedstrike questioned him.
"Our kittypet lives lost their appeal." Hawk said. "That and the other kittypets harassed us at times."
"How come." Hawk shook his head.
"Dark usually starts it. He loves taunting and pranking others, it got us into many fights."
"You have some experience in battle?" Reedstrike asked. The tom nodded. Reedstrike smiled. "Let's see how good you are." The gray warrior stopped. Before them was a small clearing. "This is the the training grounds where we teach young cats battle moves. This is where your test will begin."
Dark sniffed the air for Thorscar's scent. The tom carefully crept through the brush, his eyes and ears alert. He's close. Dark thought. He stopped beside a bush. The scent stops here. But where... Dark looked into the bush and, sure enough, there stood the warrior cat. "So you were able to find me and so quickly." Thornscar mewed. The reddish brown tom carefully made his way out of the tangles of branches.
"What's the point of tracking?" Dark asked once the warrior was on the ground. "A warrior must be able to track anything," Thornscar mewed. "Whether it be prey, friend, or foe. It is a skill that is overlooked yet very important." The tom stretched. "Now it's your turn. Let's see how well you can hide from me. Ready?" "Yeah." Dark mewed early.
Thornscar turned away from Dark. Quietly, Dark trotted away from the older tom and into the brush. When he was farther away from Thornscar, Dark increased his speed. The tom came to a small pond which he walked right through to hide his scent. He stopped at the edge of the pond. Still in the water, he crouched low and jumped with all his might on to the trunk of a nearby tree.
He climbed up to the branches and looked around. He saw the branches of another. After judging the distance, Dark jumped to the other tree and repeated the process three times before settling down to wait. Let's see how good he is. Dark thought smugly.
The mouse squirmed desperately in Luna's jaws before a crushing bite ended its struggles.
"Who would've thought."
Luna shrieked, dropping her prey. Silverdawn tilted her head. "Don't yell please, you'll scare all the prey in our territory."
Luna bowed her head. "S-sorry." she mumble.
"It's hard to believe you're a kittypet." Silverdawn continued. "You hunt so well."
"T-thank you." Luna purred.
"W-what now?" Luna asked. "What about my test?"
Silverdawn chuckled. "Well...You pass."
Luna's eyes brightened. "Really? I passed?"
"Yes." Silverdawn assured her. "Come, let's find the others. Bring the mouse." Luna picked up her prey and followed the warrior.
"Reedstrike there you are!" The deputy turned to see Silverdawn and Luna padding towards him. Hawk purred upon seeing his comrade. "How was your test, Luna?" Hawk asked.
"I passed." the she-cat purred proudly.
"I passed too!" Dark's voice cried out. The four cats looked looked around. "Up here!" Standing on the branches of the trees were Dark and Thornscar.
"What are you doing?" Silverdawn asked.
"Climbing." Dark smirked smugly.
"Took me forever to find him." Thornscar mewed. "This cat's nearly impossible to track. He found me pretty easily."
Reedstrike laughed. "So they all passed."
"We must tell Crowstar." Silverdawn mewed. "You two get down!"
The two toms obeyed her command. The group turned in the direction of camp. Dark suddenly stopped, sniffing the air.
"Something wrong Dark?" Reedstrike asked. Dark's head snapped to the left, his fur bristling. "It's them!" From shadows leaped the Shadowclan patrol, hissing and growling furiously as they charged at the Earthclan cats.
Whitefoot watched as Crowstar paced through the camp impatiently. "They've been gone for quite some time." Whitefoot worried. "Crowstar, perhaps someone should go look for them."
"Yes." the leader mewed. "Something doesn't feel right about this. Ravenwing, Smokeface, Mapleleaf!" Three cats immediately rushed to their leader. "I need you to find Reedstrike and the others," Crowstar mewed.
"Yes." The warriors cried in unison before heading off.
"Whitefoot do you think they're okay?" Treepaw asked.
"I hope so." the medicine cat meowed. "I agree with Crowstar. Something's wrong. Come, we'll prepare some herbs just in case."
"Alright." Treepaw said. Both cats padded towards the medicine cat den.
"First," Whitefoot began. "We'll need poppy seeds." Treepaw wasted no time retrieving the requested herbs.
"Good." Whitefoot mewed. "Get some goldenrod and horsetail." The apprentice successfully obtained the herbs.
"Well done my apprentice."Whitefoot praised.
Suddenly Ravenwing rushed into camp, winching from the pain caused by a bleeding scar on his flank. Reedstrike and the others followed soon after, all sustained injuries.
"What happened?" Crowstar asked.
"Shadowclan." Silverdawn hissed. One eye was tightly shut to protect it from the blood that flowed down from a scar. Beside her Luna carried her wounded hind leg just above the ground.
"Shadowclan came back?" Crowstar gasped.
"Yeah." Dark grumbled. "But we taught them a lesson."
Thornscar nodded. "They won't be coming back anytime soon."
"That wonderful and all but," Treepaw mewed. "You all really need to be treated."
"Yes." Whitefoot agreed."Your wounds look serious."
Silverdawn guided Luna to Whitefoot and Treepaw. Crowstar gently rubbed his head against Silverdawn's.
"How did this happen?" he asked.
"They ambushed us." the she-cat mewed. "Only Dark smelled them coming."
Crowstar glanced at the tom. Silverdawn flinched when the medicine cat applied the herb to her wounds. "They fought well, those kittypets. It's as if the were born to be warriors."
"It's true." Reedstrike added as he entered the den. "I never knew of a kittypet who could fight as well as Hawk."
Thornscar came in with Hawk and Dark. "Don't forget Dark. He had those furballs running with their tails between their legs."
"If these three say they're good fighters." Treepaw mewed. "I see no reason why they shouldn't be warriors." Dark collapsed on the ground.
"They're tough I'll give them that." Treepaw padded up to him. "Be still." she ordered. "I'll treat your wounds." Whitefoot looked at her leader. Crowstar caught her eye and looked at her curiously. "What do you think, Crowstar?" the medicine cat asked. "Three warriors claim that they cats have what it takes to be warriors."
"Make that six." All eyes turned to Ravenwing who stood at the entrance with Smokeface and Mapleleaf. "There skills were impressive." Mapleleaf meowed. "For soft kittypets they're not so bad." Smokeface said.
"I was skeptical at first," Ravenwing admitted. "But they've proven themselves Crowstar."
Whitefoot purred. "We have no choice now Crowstar." she mewed. "We have to let them join. Such skill should not go to waste."
Crowstar chuckled. "I've heard enough to make my decision. These three will have their warrior ceremonies when they're well." Luna lifted her head from her paws. "S-so we can join?" "Yes you can." Crowstar assured her.
Luna, Hawk, and Dark sat together below Tallrock. The trio gazed around at the excited cats surrounding them, their own eyes glistening with joy and excitement. We did it. Luna thought. We've found our clan.
"Hawk!" Crowstar called from atop Tallrock. The tom carefully climbed his way up the boulder. Luna gazed lovingly at the tom who had been like a leader to their small group since their time as kittypets.
"Hawk do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?"
"I do." Hawk mewed strongly.
"Then by the powers of Starclan, I give you your warrior name. Hawk from this moment you will be known as Hawkfeather. Starclan honors your courage and leadership, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Earthclan."
Dark was called next. Luna's brother answered Crowstar's question with a confident 'I do.' Hawkfeather remained at his place on Tallrock and looked down at Luna. He gave her an encouraging smile which she returned. Crowstar continued Dark's ceremony.
"Dark from this moment you will be known as Darkstorm. Starclan honors your enthusiasm and determination, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Earthclan."
The other cats shifted on their paws, looking at Luna. Luna took in a deep breath as Crowstar called her up. What will my warrior name be? she wondered as she came to stand beside the leader.
"Luna do you promise to uphold the warrior code and to protect and defend your Clan, even at the cost of your life?" Crowstar asked.
"I do." Luna did her best not to stutter.
"Then by the powers of Starclan, I give you your warrior name. Luna from this moment you will be known as Moonwhisper. Starclan honors your kindness and patience, and we welcome you as a full warrior of Earthclan." Her fellow Clan cats cheered the new names of their new warriors. Moonwhisper beamed at her new clan, too happy for words.
The setting sun illuminated the sky with a rusty red light. A few stars could be seem shining between the gaps of the wispy clouds. The Earthclan cats stood around their leader Crowstar.
"Who will go to the Gathering?" Ravenwing meowed.
"Not all of us can go?" Darkstorm asked. Reedstrike shook his head.
"A few warriors must remain in camp to protect our territory." the deputy explained.
"Can we go to the Gathering?" Ivykit mewed.
Featherfur nudged her kit. "No Ivykit, you're too young. You'll have to wait." The kit sighed in disappointment.
Whitefoot smiled at the kit. "No need to fret little one, this Gathering will be the first of many for our clan. If you behave, once you're an apprentice, you will go to your first Gathering."
"But who will go to this Gathering?" Mapleleaf asked. It was Treepaw who answered.
"Our deputy or leader choses." Each cat looked curiously at the two toms.
"I've chosen the cats who will come. Don't be discourage if you are not called to come to this first Gathering. There will be many more in the future." The cats waited patiently for Reedstrike. "For this Gathering the chosen cats will be: Silverdawn, Cottonpaw, Breezepaw, Treepaw, Thornscar, Rockfang, Pebbletail, Ravenwing, and Sweetberry."
The chosen cats purred their content as their fellow Clanmates congratulated them.
"When do we go?" Cottonpaw asked.
"Soon little one." Whitefoot replied. "Since we're far from island we'll have to go soon as to not be late."
Reedstrike padded towards Hawkfeather. "While we're gone." Reedstrike meowed. "I leave you in charge of camp until we return." The warrior dipped his head in respect.
"Yes Reedstrike." Darkstorm chuckled.
"Does that make me temporary deputy?" Hawkfeather shook his head.
"No, but it does makes you a permanent mouse-brain."
Moonwhisper laughed as did everyone else.
The full moon dominated the clear night sky. On the island that rested in the Lake were several cats. The leaders of each clan sat together atop a large rock. Hollowstar and Froststar stood side by side. Scorchstar and Falconstar stood on Froststar right. Hollowstar glanced down at her deputy. Pantherclaw had never been the same since Silverdawn left.
Around his Clanmates, Hollowstar's brother was strong and determined; but there were times when a great sadness overtook him. Scorchstar for the attention of every cat.
"Two days ago, my patrol came across three kittypets invading our territory." the tom mewed. "Our patrol chased them out beyond our borders when they were attacked a group of rouges."
The cats on the island murmured worriedly to each other.
"Odd." Froststar mused. "What is troubling you Froststar?" Scorchstar asked. "Three kittypets entered our camp, asking to join Riverclan." the she-cat mewed.
"As if we'd let some soft kittypets be warriors." scoffed a Riverclan warrior.
Froststar ignored them comment. "What became of them? The kittypets."
Scorchstar's ear flattened against his head. "They will no longer be a problem to Shadowclan."
Falconstar laughed. "Are you afraid to admit that your warriors were no match for three little kittypets?" The Shadowclan leader hissed in anger.
"Those kittypets did not fight us. The rouges did." Falconstar did not look convinced.
Hollowstar rolled her eyes. The two cats had been rivals since their first Gathering as apprentices. It was no surprise to her that Falconstar would mock the Shadowclan leader.
"If I may." A Shadowclan cat mewed.
"What is it Whisperwind?" Scorchstar meowed. "Speak now."
"It's about those rouges." the she-cat mewed. "There were a few that looked familiar." Her leader gave her a puzzled look.
"Which ones?"
"The two gray cats." she answered. "The gray tabby I'm positive it was Reedstrike!" The cats of the Gathering gasped in shock.
"What are you saying?" Froststar cried.
"She's right?" Razorstrike urged. "It was Reedstrike. I'm sure that she-cat was Silverdawn!"
Hollowstar snapped her head to the Shadowclan warrior. From the corner of her eye, she saw Pantherclaw stiffen.
"You're lying!" Midnightpelt screeched.
"Why would I lie?" Razorstrike challenged. Every Thunderclan cat hissed in frustration at the rival clan who hissed back with the same amount of ferocity. If thing keeps up. Hollowstar thought. Starclan will be angry.
"Enough!" Hollowstar commanded. The angry yowls immediately silenced. "These are suppose to be peaceful meetings." Hollowstar reminded them. One Thunderclan cat caught her eye. Snowwhisker looked up at her, silently asking for permission.
"Snowwhisker." Hollowstar mewed calmly. The medicine cat apprentice took a deep breath before speaking.
"Starclan spoke to me some time ago." Snowwhisker mewed.
"What did Starclan tell you?" Froststar asked curiously. Snowwisker glanced around before speaking. "Danger lurks in the shadows. Blood will return to the forest, Earth's power will be tested and the clans will change forever."
"Blood!" a cat cried. "You don't mean Bloodtail!?"
The cats whispered frighteningly to each other.
"We can hope that is no the case." Badgerfang mewed.
"What about the Earth's power?" Scorchstar asked.
"We don't know." the medicine cat replied.
"I was also given another message from Starclan." Snowwhisker said. All the cats fell silent to listen. Snowwhisker continued. "Earth will rise upon the third Gathering after the traitor's absence. The great Crow will fly to the Lake and with the Earth itself."
"A crow." scoffed Scorchstar. "Crows coming to the Gathering. We hold our Gatherings at night when crows sleep. What crow would come here among cats and bring the Earth with it?" Hollowstar glared irritably at the other leader. Right as she was about to respond, a voice came from the fallen tree that allowed access to the island.
"I believe that crow is me."
A reddish brown tom glared at the cats before him. Useless kittypets. He though angrily. Why did he send such pathetic furballs to me? The cats coward under the tom's harsh stare.
"You!" the tom yowled. One cat, a brown spotted she-cat padded forward.
"Y-yes..?"
"Can you fight?" the tom asked.
"N-no I can't. I've never fought before but I can-" Her response what cut short as the tom swiftly sunk his fangs into the back of her neck. The she-cat stuggled for a moment and was still. The other three cats shook with fear, one yowled pitifully at the loss of its companion.
"Silence!" the tom hissed. "I will have no weaklings in my clan. Why that furball allowed you to come here is beyond me. But know this, any cat young or old will be killed if they cannot meet up to my standards. Fight or die!"
That's all for now peeps! Hoped you enjoyed.