So...those were the three?
Shadowsoul thought with disbelief as he and his clan returned home. After the announcement of the new apprentices and warriors, the gathering came to a close and the representatives of all four clans were allowed to leave for their territories. Once the departure took place, every cat remained silent as they followed after their leader. Shadowsoul knew that there would be a lecture waiting in Shadowclan camp; knowing his own father, Shadowsoul knew what to expect. Blackstar would gather all of his warriors and inform them of the level of incompetence befalling the other leaders and how they were dwindling in power and how Shadowclan was only gaining strength. After seasons of abuse and torture at the hands of the mad king, Shadowsoul had grown used to hearing the words of the arrogant ruler.
But at the moment, that was not the problem. Before the gathering even took place, Graywhiskers informed the dark warrior that the three other chosen cats would appear and he would notice them when the time came. Shadowsoul was so ecstatic that he could hardly contain himself-finally, he would be able to see the faces of his future companions that would help him banish the wicked storm that threatened their way of living; however, he wasn't expecting the three other cats to look so...useless?
A warrior who's as fresh as fresh-kill, a deputy who looks as though he could be tricked by a kit, and an apprentice-an apprentice! Shadowsoul wanted to spit and shout in protest, but he reminded himself of where he was. He didn't want the other warriors to get suspicious of him. Remembering the words of his teacher, Shadowsoul would have to meet up with the three clan cats by midnight in order to discuss with them any ideas in stopping the rising cyclone. The problem was that he would have to find a way to speak out without Blackstar finding out: if he asked to go hunting at midnight, Blackstar would find that strange, and he didn't want to take the chance of speaking out and being spotted. He would have to come up with a decisive plan and fast.
By the time the cats had arrived, every warrior, apprentice, and senior present at the meeting gathered close their leader's den, which was a hollowed tree that had fallen over many seasons ago. The entire clan awoke at the sound of their leader's call and formed around the ruined tree to listen to their deranged master.
"Attention, members of Shadowclan," Blackstar began. "Today is a marvelous day for us; after arriving at the gathering, we have proved ourselves to be the strongest of the four clans!"
Every cat present let out a yowl of triumph at the news of their supposed victory. Shadowsoul let out an annoyed sigh as he witnessed the level of blindness that befell his comrades; it wouldn't take much to cause a pack of mindless kits cheer at the words of a commanding officer. Though he would never say it in public, Shadowsoul had grown to loathe his leader and father for his atrocious crimes in the forest and came to a point in which he would never fully acknowledge him as a father, nor would he honor him as a true leader. As this puppet show continued to play on, the dark cat blocked out the voice of the liar and began to plan. As he did so, Shadowsoul's own dreams began to pierce their way through his thoughts. He imagined becoming strong-strong enough that he would ultimately rise in the ranks of warriors and gain the strength to kill his own father. Blasphemous as that may be, he was determined to liberate his clan from the shackles that bonded them.
Fortunately, there were others that supported him.
Originally, Shadowsoul's paranoia's would get the best of him and he would began to think that Blackstar knew of his intents, however, should that be the case then the leader would've had him executed, right? Then again, Blackstar was known to play with his enemies' psyche before delivering the final kill. The roaring of the brain-washed warriors brought the slender tom back to reality as the group dispersed and returned to their active duties, leaving Shadowsoul by his lonesome. Thinking quickly, Shadowsoul dashed toward the warrior den where he could think. Before he could reach the den, he was stopped by a familiar face.
"Hello, Shadowsoul," Gemheart purred pleasingly. "You look as gloomy as ever."
"What do you want," Shadowsoul replied in a grim voice.
"Nightclaw, Dusktail, and I will be scouting the territory at midnight and are wondering if you feel like accompanying us?"
A thought came to Shadowsoul at the mention of the group's mission. This would prove to be an excellent way to sneak out to the gathering trees and speak with the other cats. He nodded toward the she-cat and she departed in the opposite direction. Shadowsoul took the other path toward the fresh-kill pile. Picking out a small mouse, Shadowsoul made his way toward the medicine den, where he hoped to find his kin.
Midnight had finally come by the time Shadowsoul left his den and departed from the camp. When he arrived at the entrance, he saw the bodies of Nightclaw, Gemheart, standing beside the dark trees, while the body of Dusktail stood in the center of the group. As the moon rose higher in the air, the appearance of Dusktail was revealed: a slim tom with gray fur and black striplings that covered his body.
"Greetings, Dusktail," Shadowsoul bowed before the warrior.
"It is good to see you, old friend," Dusktail replied with the same form of courtesy. "Now that we have all gathered let us make our way, shall we?"
All three cats nodded in unison and the group made their descent into the dark forest. Shadowsoul took the lead of the group and led them through the woods; the other three would have volunteered to lead, but Shadowsoul was more connected to the forest than the others were. Waving through the trees and rocks, Shadowsoul marched through the deep-rooted forest while his companions were getting farther away from him.
"Slow down, Shadowsoul," Gemheart growled.
Ignoring the urge to howl in irritation, Shadowsoul stopped where he was and allowed his friends to arrive. When everyone was gathered, Shadowsoul stared in the other direction while listening to the pants of the other cats.
"What is your problem," Gemheart growled. "Are you in a hurry or something?"
"Lower your voice," Nightclaw. "We are approaching enemy borders. Do you wish to awake the other clans?"
"But he-"
"He is right, Gemheart," Dusktail agreed. "As we grow close to the edge of the border, it is imperative that we remain silent!"
Gemheart spat bitterly but did not bother to argue with the two male warriors. Shadowsoul, who paid no mind to the argument, looked toward the sky and saw that the moon was close to reaching its peak. He turned toward the pair and set up a plan to distract the three.
"Everyone," Shadowsoul announced. "I think it is best we split up at this point."
All three cats looked up in surprise, but Shadowsoul continued to speak. "I propose that half of us search and the other half search for scurrying prey-it sounds proper, considering we will be up till dawn. Afterwards, we will switch positions and repeat the cycle."
The three warriors remained silent. This was the only chance that Shadowsoul would get if he didn't want to be late. Eventually, all three cats agreed on Shadowsoul's idea.
"Very well," Dusktail nodded. "Nightclaw and I will search the territory, while you and Gemheart search for food."
Shadowsoul nodded in thanks and, without hesitation, took off into the darkness. Retracing his steps, Shadowsoul raced through the forest and circled around his unsuspecting companions and into unclaimed territory. The black cat raced through the forest like a phantom and his body merged into the dark shadows that surrounded him. It would be impossible for him to be detected now. Shadowsoul purred at his accomplishment. One may embody lightning, one may embody water, and one may embody the wind, Shadowsoul thought with arrogant. However...I embody the shadows!
By the time the moon had reached its peak, Shadowsoul had arrived at the great trees. The area was silent and devoid of life as Shadowsoul sat patiently in the darkness. Time seem to pass as the Shadowclan warrior stood patiently beside. Shadowsoul's faith began to dwindle as the moon started to fall; paranoia began to set itself in Shadowsoul's mind as neither clan cats appeared. Could it be that they weren't coming? Were the other cats stopped by their own leaders? Or could it be that he was set up by someone? Suddenly, a cat appeared from the woods.
It was the Thunderclan cat. Shadowsoul thought.
"Is anyone here," Talonclaw whispered. "Can anyone hear me?"
"Who's there," A voice sounded in the distance. Both cats looked in the eastern direction and saw a Riverclan cat stroll out of the forest-the same Riverclan warrior from the gathering. It was him. The deputy seemed to know the warrior, but his body tensed up as he walked cautiously toward the intimidated Riverclan warrior. "You are Talonclaw?"
"Who else would it be," Talonclaw retorted.
An awkward silence befell the group. Finally, it was the warrior known as Silverfur that broke the silence.
"So..." he began." Have you seen the Windclan cat yet?"
"Someone say my name?"
In a flash, the sound of paw steps echoing through the grass caught the two warriors off guard as a shadowy silhouette leapt from the bushes and landed before the two startled toms. The cat was the Windclan cat from before-the same one that shared such a similar trait with Shadowsoul.
"Windpaw here," he greeted with a purr. "Apprentice of Windclan; what are my orders?"
Both cats looked at the apprentice in a state of shock before responding.
"Are you insane," Talonclaw's fur began to bristle and his size seemed to grow. "Do you want the entire clan to hear us?"
Windpaw blew off the threat as though it were a mere leaf.
"Will you calm down," Windpaw reassured. "Everybody's asleep and wouldn't even bother coming out here during the night; there's nothing to fear."
Both warriors didn't seem so sure, and they had a right to be so. It was important for any warrior to be on his/her paws, or risk getting detected and caught-Shadowsoul knew that and so did the rest...well, maybe except for the thistle-brained apprentice. Knowing that the time was growing ripe, Shadowsoul decided to make his presence felt.
"You should follow the advice of the deputy, apprentice,"
All three cats turned their heads in every direction, but they couldn't see detect Shadowsoul's presence; they used their sights, hearing, and smell, but all attempts were in vain. Shadowsoul chuckled darkly at the thought that he could pass through the three cats and they wouldn't even notice his presence. However, due to the current objective, he decided against that. Making his way out of his hiding spot, the Shadowclan cat took his spot in the center of the group, surprising the unsuspecting cats. He smirked at their inability to realize his presence and took the time to remind them of their failures.
"A warrior must always expect any attack in any direction, should he not, he will end up as crow food," Shadowsoul stated. "Take this as a future warning; if I were an enemy cat, you would have been slain a short time ago."
All cats stared profoundly at the Shadowclan cat. The only cat to break away from the hypnotic words of the cat was Windpaw, who bared his teeth toward his darker half and stood in a fighting position.
"Who are you to preach of what a cat can and cannot do, faker?" Windpaw growled.
Shadowsoul faced his counterpart and cast a glare in his direction. Instead of following in the Windclan cat's footsteps, he remained seated with his tail wrapped around his paws.
"Are you sure you are not the faker, apprentice," he responded cool and calmly. "You, an apprentice, who is old enough to be a full-fledge warrior, but was sidelined because of a fall-injury? Ha! You aren't even worthy of being my shadow!"
"I'll make you eat those words!"
Windpaw unsheathed his claws and was preparing to strike, but was stopped by Silverfur, who acted as a fence between the two male. Shadowsoul snorted at the Riverclan's attempt to cease a would-be fight between two fighters, but he knew that he made the right decision: if he didn't get in the way, then the group would be one cat short.
"Enough of this mindless bickering," Silverfur hissed through gritted teeth. "We have to work together if we want to save our clan, and attempting to slay one another will not accomplish anything-that goes for the both of you!"
Windpaw and Shadowsoul's eye locked on one another and both cats could sense the other's desire to fight and beat him. After a second seemed to have gone by, Windpaw sheathed his claws and turned away, while Shadowsoul purred in victory. When the two cats cooled down, Silverfur invited them into the center of the clearing, where Talonclaw lied on the fresh grass, unconscious and asleep. This shocked the two cats because they didn't expect this to happen. Before the two cats could respond, Silverfur moved toward the napping Thunderclan and took his spot on the opposite side. As the Riverclan tom took his next step into the realm of dream, he left a message to the two rival cats: "Our ancestors are waiting for us. It's time we meet them." Afterwards, he closed his eyes and fell into a state of sleep.
Casting one more glare at the Shadowclan cat, Windpaw padded his way toward the sleeping cats and proceeded to mimicking their actions. Only Shadowsoul was left standing; he didn't like where this was going and these actions were shady in his mind. His instincts told him not to partake in this, but due to the condition and the limited time they were on, he swallowed his fear and began his descent into slumber. When Shadowsoul came to, he realized with a shock that he was no longer among the living; everything around him was completely different from the forest he grew up in. It came to him in an instant as to where it is he was.
"This..." he breathed in awe. "This is Starclan?"
"I know, right," Windpaw chirped in.
The ebony-colored cat turned his head to see all three cats huddled together. Shadowsoul moved toward them but kept his distance due to rivalry he shared with the others. Aside from that, a question remained unanswered: Where were the messengers? Before any tom could respond, a gust of wind blew back the four clan cats and four other cats-one from each clan-appeared before the startled warriors and apprentice. Remembering their manners, all four cats bowed before the Starclan spirits and the phantoms responded with nods of their own.
Shadowsoul searched the group and saw Graywhiskers standing beside a dark gray cat that shared the same physical trait as the apprentice. The other two cats were females, who also had unique traits that differentiated from the others. But what made them all unique were their twinkling eyes that were similar to the stars. Indeed, these were cats of Starclan.
"Greetings to you all," the pack's leader held out his paw before the group. The cats bowed respectfully before the spirit and lifted their heads up. "It is good to see you all. I am happy to know that you are the ones chosen to save the four clans."
The four clan cats remained silent, but their urge to speak with their ancestors was growing. Even Shadowsoul was affected by the need to speak with the tom he had always considered as a father, but he remained silent and focused his attention on the four elders.
"As you all know," Graywhiskers stepped in. "A dark storm is fast approaching and if left unchecked, it could cause great calamity."
"What can we do," Windpaw asked. "Out of any cat in our clan, why choose us for?"
One of the cats, a molly from Riverclan, stood before the living cats and growled in annoyance for their stupidity. Shadowsoul and Silverfur held their ground, but the rest seemed a tad fearful of the deranged she-cat.
"Unlike the other cats of your clan," the Riverclan cat rasped. "They lack the capacities you four seem to have. You all possess the right qualifications for saving the forest: valor, wisdom, leadership, and hope."
"Indeed," the other female she-cat agreed. "Though you are still learning, we assure you four that you all possess extraordinary abilities; this has led us all to believe that you are destined for greatness."
"Are we really that special?"
All eyes fell on Silverfur. Shadowsoul shook his head in embarrassment, but he did see a point in the Riverclan cat's question. What powers did they have over the elements? If Shadowsoul cover vanish into the shadows and not get detected, what could the other cats do that was abnormal to some?
"Are you that naive," the Riverclan she-cat snapped. "Have you forgotten everything you were able to do these past moons?"
"Sorry, ma'am," Silverfur apologized. "It's just that-"
"You know full well that you are different from that of any other warrior. Not only can you read your opponent's move, but you also have an unlimited amount of knowledge no one else knows of."
All three cats looked at Silverfur in bewilderment. Shadowsoul's hypothesis seemed to have been right: all four cat's power seem to dwell in the environment they thrive in, and the symbolism of their clan.
Though Shadowsoul suspected this, it would appear that the other cats did not.
"You can do that," Windpaw gasped. "That's amazing!"
"Interesting," Talonclaw nodded his head.
"He is not the only cat with abilities, Talonclaw," the Windclan spirit said, capturing the attention of the rest. "You, for example, are able to endure many attacks and hardships, and also have a great show of valor and honor."
Talonclaw bowed his head before the spirit-not to show thanks, but to his embarrassment. The spirit then directed his attention toward Shadowsoul, who held his gaze before him. "Shadowsoul," he announced. "You have demonstrated your abilities before the rest; the ability to fade into the shadows and give such strong commands is a remarkable ability to control."
Shadowsoul bowed respectfully before the spirit and then took his spot among the four living cats. The final cat not addressed was Windpaw, who was shaking his body impatiently. All eyes turned toward him and he felt his fur warm with pride at finally being noticed. He puffed up his chest and closed his eyes, waiting to be informed of his skills.
"Windpaw," the mysterious Starclan cat addressed the apprentice. "Though you may be young, you have already displayed techniques that many would not suspect from someone of your caliber. You control a power that is stronger than you have yet realized. Fast and strong as the wind and an unintentional ability to form a bond with those you meet. You and everyone here have a part to play in this future event we must face.
"You were all summoned as to decide of a method to combat this new threat, as well as to gather you all together so that you will know who you must side with when the time comes. It is advisable that you all train by yourselves to hone you skills and better your techniques. If you ever get the chance, we advise you all to meet with each other from time-to-time to report any suspicious events that could affect the clans."
The four cats stared at the spirit as though they had murdered a kit before their eyes. Each one was taught to serve their clan above everyone else, excluding Starclan, but the spirits were asking them to break rules that had been passed down through the warrior code. The messengers seemed to realize the difficulty that resided in each cat's mind. The leader of the pack padded toward Windpaw and placed a tail on his head in comfort. As Shadowsoul looked on, Shadowsoul began to wonder what connection the spirit shared with the apprentice; whatever it was, Windpaw was oblivious to it because he showed no confirmation that he knew the cat.
"I understand that this is hard on all of you, but we are being honest when we tell you that this is for the good of all clans. Your actions will either help it, or destroy it. I just hope that you all make the right decision before it's too late." Suddenly, the Starclan cats began to deteriorate and their bodies slowly dwindled away into the forest. Shadowsoul and the rest nearly shook in fear as they saw their ancestors disappear, but the looks from their faces reminded them that they would be alright. Before Windpaw's ancestor could disappear, he left one final message:
"May Starclan light your path-all of yours..."
Everything grew dark and Shadowsoul fell into a state of sleep. When he came to, he was back in the living, and stood in the same place he slept at. He looked up and was awestruck at what he saw. The moon had barely left its spot when they went to sleep. Did this mean that time and space was entirely different in Starclan than it was in the living? Shadowsoul turned his head at the sound of groaning voices. It would appear that all three cats were beginning to wake as Shadowsoul walked toward them apathetically. As the Shadowclan cat stared at the three cats, he felt uncertain about the idea of partnering up with rival clan members. Though it was a wish from his ancestor that he join forces with them, a part of him felt wrong for teaming up with cats he may come to distrust or dislike-one example is his light counterpart.
However, being a cat of his words, Shadowsoul decided to put on a strong appearance and deal with the problem at hand. After all, he was meant to lead the group, according to the spirits. It would prove to be a difficult and challenging journey ahead for the four cats, but if they wished to carry on their way of living they had to be ready and prepared for the unknown.
"It is time for us to depart," Shadowsoul ordered the still sluggish cats. Each one faced the svelte cat as his fur shone in the darkness, courtesy of the moon's ray. "Return home and prepare yourselves for the rising storm."
