Reviews:
Kuu :3 - 1) Brokenstar might get a bit too crazy because of his anger in this chapter, and probably even more as the story progresses. Bluestar's also getting rather fed up with Violet now, so things at the Gathering might get even worse. 2) I'm glad you think so! I added Wasppaw in because I felt that Spottedleaf could've had an apprentice before she died. Wasppaw's character is also very interesting for me to write. 3) Alright. Thanks for letting me know.
Firegaze glanced around herself. Almost all of the Clans were here now, all except for WindClan. The RiverClan cats were upset with Bluestar for inviting a whole group of cats to the Gathering, but they didn't fuss much about it. In fact, they really didn't care that much. But where's WindClan? Aren't they supposed to be here?
"Isn't WindClan supposed to be here by now?" Violet meowed to Bluestar.
Bluestar looked a little more agitated with each growing second. "I believe they should be here soon."
"Is it just me, or do you get the feeling they don't like each other that much?" Twyla whispered quietly.
"I think everyone can tell by now." Firegaze replied back. I just wish that my mother wouldn't act so aggressive and tough so much...it's like she's trying to make enemies out of the Clans.
Twyla nodded. "She'd better start thinking before she speaks. It isn't helping anyone at all."
Firegaze murmured in agreement. She looked up at the large rock that all the leaders were sitting on, except for WindClan's leader. Where could they be? Her fur was now standing on end. All the Clan cats were staring at them, and it was starting to get uncomfortable. Suddenly a new scent drifted into Firegaze's nose. It smelt like heather.
"I think that might be WindClan," Twyla mewed. "I did hear that they smell like heather."
The heather scent got stronger as they waited. Soon there were more cats walking into the clearing, which Firegaze assumed was WindClan. They were just as surprised to see a whole bunch of cats they've never seen before. Of course they were upset, but they at least didn't try to attack the group.
"Alright, now that all the Clans are here we need to discuss an important matter." Bluestar announced firmly.
Brokenstar growled impatiently. "Yes! The rogues that you invited here!"
Violet glared at him, softly growling as well. Firegaze felt her heart freeze for a heartbeat. Please don't start a fight now, Violet…to Firegaze's relief Violet didn't do anything but glare at Brokenstar.
Bluestar ignored him. "Today, we received an unexpected visit from-"
"Bluestar, I appreciate you introducing our group, but I think it'll be better if I do it myself." Violet interrupted. Many cats yowled at her, but once they saw the angry gleam in her eyes, they all silenced quickly. Firegaze heard low muttering coming from beside her, particularly coming from Twyla.
Violet continued on after everyone silenced. "I am Violet, the leader of my group called The Ten Flames. Today I visited ThunderClan's camp, and we were invited to join the Gathering tonight. We have come to make a proposition with you Clan cats,"
"...You have…" Twyla mumbled.
Firegaze glared at her mentor for a bit, but she didn't say anything. Her attention was more focused on Violet.
"We'd like to join the Clans." Violet bluntly meowed. Louder cries of protest spread through the clearing like wildfire.
"There have only been four Clans in the forest!" a mottled dark brown tom bellowed.
A smoky black tom hissed, "Let's chase these trespassers off Clan territory immediately!"
Firegaze heard several more protests coming from the cats around her. But what caught her eye in particularly was Twyla's bristling fur. I didn't know she was this upset about it!
"Silence! It's my right to speak to you all!" Violet yowled over all the voices. Some of the cats didn't seem to take the hint to shut up, though. "SILENCE!"
All the cats stared at her, out of fear this time. Even some of her own members were frightened of what she might do. Firegaze shuddered. The only time she'd seen Violet this mad was earlier today, when she was yelling at Tristan and Silverfire. Twyla looked scared, too.
"Your ancestors didn't tell you, because they were too ashamed to admit it! There was a fifth Clan in the forest, SkyClan!" Violet shouted, baring her teeth. There was pure anger in her voice. "The ancient Clans kicked SkyClan out of the forest when the twolegs took over their territory! But-" Violet suddenly calmed down, as if it was forced. "We want to fix that. We want to restore SkyClan back to the Clans!"
Firegaze took a few steps back. Was this her mother speaking? Violet was seething, bristling with absolute anger. And now she was proclaiming that she was returning SkyClan to its former glory? Something tells me that this is more than just joining the Clans…
The other leaders looked either scared of Violet, or they looked like they were about to shred her. Bluestar and Brokenstar were both snarling at her. Most of the cats next to Firegaze were now growling at her friends, unsheathing their claws. Firegaze shuddered. She looked up at Twyla, who was now looking at Violet in horror.
"She's trying to get us all killed…" Twyla whispered under her breath. Firegaze then noticed Twyla protectively wrapping her tail around her. "Don't move, Firegaze. I don't want to lose you."
"Violet, I can put up with all of your other nonsense, but this is the last straw!" Bluestar snapped, now more fed up than ever. "The other Clans most certainly wouldn't kick SkyClan out of the forest, even if it did exist! All you've been telling us so far is lies!"
Violet barely stirred. "Did StarClan tell you SkyClan is a lie? If not, then you have no accurate evidence to prove me wrong."
"That isn't how StarClan works!" a dappled tortoiseshell she-cat cried out. "We can't just talk to them instantly!"
"So you say." Violet jumped down from the rock. Cats took several steps away from her. "Let's ask something of StarClan, then if we can't reach a decision." Firegaze pressed her muzzle into Twyla's pelt out of fear. "Let's ask them what they think should happen. Should SkyClan rejoin the Clans, and return to its rightful place? Or should the Clans once again exile SkyClan, keeping them silent forever? We shall see."
"And how will you ask them this, then?" Brokenstar sneered.
Violet sharply glanced at him. "You will see."
Brokenstar growled at her once more, but restrained himself from attacking her. Twyla gestured for Firegaze to take a few steps back. Firegaze nodded and followed her orders. This looked like it was going to get ugly.
"Well, StarClan! You must give your answer now, or forever hold your tongue! Do you accept SkyClan as a true Clan? If you truly care about SkyClan, then fill the sky with lightning to accept us back where we belong!"
Firegaze looked up at the night sky. I hope Violet hasn't gone insane, thinking StarClan will actually answer. Firegaze learned in some of her lessons that StarClan didn't interfere with the Clans that much. They only talked to the medicine cats and leaders, and that was usually only to deliver a prophecy or an omen.
Twyla leaned down to whisper into Firegaze's ear. "Your mother has officially lost it."
Firegaze reluctantly found herself agreeing. All the cats were now looking at the sky, awaiting for the sign from StarClan. Nothing happened. The crowd was now impatient. Firegaze tried to block out the taunting coming from the Clan cats. It's hard, especially when they're shaming your own kin.
"I've had enough of this nonsense!" Brokenstar yowled over everyone else. His broken tail was lashing furiously. "ShadowClan, attack!"
With his signal, all the ShadowClan warriors attacked, aiming for any of the new arrivals to the forest. ShadowClan cats attacked all around, confusing Firegaze. Oh no! I can't find Twyla anywhere! Firegaze also saw the other cats trying to protect her group members, at least. How did this mess start?
Firegaze stopped fretting to find herself facing a large brown tom with tons of battle scars. She shivered. She'd never been in actually combat before. Firegaze attempted to He leapt on Firegaze, pinning her down. The tom raised his unsheathed forepaw, ready to strike. Firegaze winced. Suddenly a flash of brownish gray fur tackled the tom.
"You stay away from my apprentice!" Firegaze heard Twyla screech. Thank you, Twyla…
Firegaze jumped back onto her paws to see Violet face to face with the ShadowClan leader, Brokenstar. Is he going to kill her? Brokenstar glared at her maliciously.
"You never should've come here, rogue. Now all of you will die!" Brokenstar hissed.
Violet snarled at him. "I don't think so, Brokenstar." She lunged for Brokenstar. "In fact, I'd say quite the opposite!" She sunk her teeth into Brokenstar's scruff and shook him violently, making the large tabby tom screech in agony. Is Violet trying to murder Brokenstar?! Brokenstar struggled to fight back, with Violet now holding down his paws.
Then a flash of light struck the clearing. Violet quickly pulled away from the leader, who was now finding it hard to stand. All the cats stared at the sky in amazement. Did StarClan send that…? Violet then looked up at the other leaders, who were also looking up at the stars.
"That was the sign from StarClan. I see no other explanation for that." Violet meowed, her voice now seemingly calm. "Whether you like it or not, we are joining the Clans as SkyClan."
"I want to see what our medicine cats say first." the black and white tom meowed evenly. "Barkface, Mudfur, Spottedleaf and Runningnose. What was that?"
The tortoiseshell she-cat looked up at the sky on more time before answering. She took in a deep breath, then sighed.
"Violet is right. StarClan did send it." She meowed.
Violet narrowed her eyes. "Then it is settled. SkyClan is to return to the Clans."
