Sorry this is late! But this is a longer chapter than normal at least. 4002 words, instead of the usual 2,300-2,700 lmao. Also, to explain the end of the chapter, Crookedstar wants Redpaw to speak because of what she said during the last gathering. He was really grateful that she spoke, since he took back the agreement with Brokenstar and was relieved to do so. He also picked up on the fact that she looked like she wanted to speak and gave her the chance to without interrupting.

I looked up from where I was playing with Thornkit, sinking a lone claw into the moss ball. The golden tabby growled angrily and pounced on my paw, wrestling it off of his plaything.

Bluestar was settling herself on the Highrock calling for a clan meeting. I shushed Thornkit and he looked up, watching our leader with shining eyes. "It must be Swiftkit's apprentice ceremony!"

I sat up from my laying position and brightened, "That's right! Oh," I muttered, casting a glance at the black and white kit as he left the nursery. "I wish I still wasn't an apprentice."

Thornkit sighed beside me and gave a dirty look. "I wish I was an apprentice!"

I snorted and pushed him a little bit with my paw. "Okay, but when you're an apprentice you'll want to be a warrior." I flicked my tail, "Besides, at least you know when you'll be an apprentice."

"Didn't Bluestar say you were going to be a warrior soon though?" Thornkit pointed out, "You don't have to wait much longer either."

I purred at him, "We'll be made warrior and apprentice together then."

We both looked back up at Bluestar, whose eyes were shining in contentment. I relaxed, semi relieved that Bluestar was bouncing back from her own grief. "From this day forward," She meowed, staring down at Swiftkit, "until he has earned his warrior name, this apprentice will be called Swiftpaw."

My ear twisted at the sight of poor Swiftpaw. He looked terrified. For all his eagerness, he was a shy little thing. I was glad I had gotten to know him as he was young.

Longtail padded towards Swiftpaw determinedly, his eagerness rubbing off slightly on his apprentice. I frowned in annoyance, since Longtail hadn't told me that he was getting Swiftpaw.

"Longtail, you were Darkstripe's apprentice. He taught you well, and you have become a fierce and loyal warrior. I hope you will pass some of these qualities onto Swiftpaw."

The pair of cats touched noses and Longtail whispered something to Swiftpaw, who relaxed at the words. I smiled softly, blinking slowly. The clan started to cheer and congratulate Swiftpaw, and I turned back to Thornkit. "Who do you think you'll get as a mentor?"

"Not sure." Thornkit replied breezily. "I'm okay with anyone, honestly. Mousefur is your mentor right? I wouldn't mind her."

Surprised, I blinked down at him. "Not me? Why Mousefur?" Personally, Mousefur wasn't all that great as a mentor. Maybe it was because I was her first, or that my skill-set wholly revolved around fighting.

The kit shrugged, "She taught you didn't she? She's kind of calm as long as you don't bother her. Besides, new warriors don't really get apprentices, right?"

I conceded his point with a tail flick.

I turned my head in alarm when I heard something shuffle beside me. Frostfur stared down at me, her eyes squinted in apology. "I didn't mean to sneak up. It's just time for bed."

Thornkit let out a little groan and I stood, shaking out my pelt. "I understand. Goodnight Frostfur."

"Goodnight."

Frostfur led her kit away towards the nursery, pausing to share words with Bluestar before she went in. I cracked my neck and started for the apprentices den, walking past Fireheart and Graystripe who were laying down and grooming each other.

They both murmured their greetings but didn't pause me to start up a conversation. Slightly disappointed, I pulled into the apprentices den and blinked at Swiftpaw. The black and white cat was curled up half on top of my nest.

I blinked at the sight, the laughed quietly to myself. There was a grumbled to my right and I turned fully, tilting my head at the sight of Dustpaw sleeping alone. I walked over to Swiftpaw and jabbed him with a paw, blinking slowly at him

He jolted and stood, staring at me with wide eyes. I leaned forwards and whispered, "Let's go over here. We don't want to catch Dustpaw's stupidity."

Confused, Swiftpaw glanced at Dustpaw and narrowed his eyes. I huffed and dragged my nest to the corner farthest away from the apprentice. I had nothing, mostly, against the brown tabby aside from his friendship with Sandpaw.

"Why don't you like Dustpaw?"

Swiftpaw's question forced me to twist and face him fully. I kneaded my nest and settled myself before I answered. "He caught his mouse-brained thoughts from Sandpaw," I started, flicking my tail. "Both are narrow minded and rude. Neither of which a clan cat should be."

Swiftpaw blinked. "Shouldn't a clan cat protect its territory and turn others away?"

"Yes. If they are hostile." I replied calmly. "If there's a cat that doesn't know if the forest belongs to anyone…" I stared at Swiftpaw pointedly, "There's no need to hurt them or fight. It wastes energy. Protecting the territory is important, but doing so when unnecessary is cruel."

"What if they are hostile?" He asked, not getting the point.

"Turn them into mouse dust." My answer made him furrow his brows. "Only if they want a fight, do you give them one. Use your words before your claws. Information is just as good as fighting. Either way, Sandpaw and Dustpaw think that roots define a cat."

Swiftpaw gave me a confused look. "What do you mean? Why does that matter."

"Well," I started tentatively, "Fireheart and I used to be kittypets. We left that life behind to become warriors and help Thunderclan."

Swiftpaw's amber eyes were wide but he nodded. "Okay."

His acceptance made me wary. "That's it? There's a reason Sandpaw and Dustpaw don't like me."

The apprentice shrugged. "Goldenflower told me how you saved my denmates when I was in the nursery. Sandpaw and Dustpaw didn't do that. You'd be a warrior if you didn't miss the chance to go to the Moonstone back when."

Pleased, I started to groom my front paw. "You are right. It's good to know you aren't fox-brained."

"Of course!"

"... Get some sleep." I demanded, laying my head down. I felt Swiftpaw shift and press against me.

"Okay."

I sprinted next to Tigerclaw as he led on, glancing once to see Fireheart and Bluestar disappear on a crest. I glanced at the tabby next to me, "What do you think that was about?"

His mouth twitched unpleasantly. "I don't know."

After a few seconds he paused suddenly, ignoring the quizzical meows of our clanmates. "Wait here." He ordered to the clan, bounding off back to where we had come from.

I sat down and panted, catching my breath. Oh how I hated running.

I looked to Graystripe, who met my gaze with a confused facial expression. Curious, I peered over the bodies of my clanmates and spotted Tigerclaw coming back with an annoyed look in his eyes.

He pushed through and flicked his tail, "We'll meet Bluestar at the lip before Fourtrees."

No one complained or asked anything, so Tigerclaw led the group before anything else happened again. I watched him closely, noticing his shoulder ripple in aggravation. "Whatever it is, I wouldn't worry about it."

From the corner of his eye Tigerclaw glared at me.

I rolled my eyes and slowed my pace, picking up next to Graystripe. The gray tom was panting under his breath and I shared the sentiment wholeheartedly. "I hate running."

"No kidding!" Graystripe meowed, turning his bright gaze my way. "Worth it though. The gathering should prove to be interesting tonight."

"Indeed." I agreed. "I wonder how Shadowclan is fairing without Brokenstar and if Nightpelt was accepted by Starclan. I wonder if they'll mention that we helped."

Graystripe snorted in disbelief, "I seriously doubt it."

We said nothing for a while before I hummed under my breath. "Are warriors allowed to talk during the gathering?"

"Of course!" Graystripe answered in confusion, sending me an odd look.

I shook my head. "I meant when the leaders are talking. Like I did before. I have a feeling tonight, regardless of status, I'll have to speak up."

The gray tom stared at me, his eyes glinting with respect. "You aren't as weird as you used to be all those moons ago. You've taken to clan life well."

His bluntness caught me off guard. "Thank you?"

His head dipped and we continued the rest of the trek in silence.

We stopped above the clearing and the sound of many cats conversing reaches our ears. Tigerclaw stood impatiently, howling shortly after a moment.

We didn't have to wait long for Bluestar and Fireheart to come charging in our direction. The pair slowed and pulled in front of everyone, though Fireheart pulled off to the side to speak with Graystripe.

I looked to Bluestar for the cue, unsheathing my claws in anticipation. I really was excited for the gathering.

Her tail went up and Thunderclan charged down to the edge of the clearing, where we waited for Bluestar to call it again. In a way,.stopping before the gathering was like stopping during a field trip. When you get to the destination and the teacher speaks before letting everyone off the bus after talking.

The sudden memory hit me hard and I almost missed Bluestars ear flick.

A brief nudge from Longtail shook me out of my thoughts, and I followed the clan into the clearing. I spotted Whiteclaw and made my way over, nodding to him in greeting. "How have you been?"

Whiteclaw brightened and flicked his tail. "Very well. Riverclan has kits on the way. And you? Have you gotten your warrior name yet?"

"That's good news." I murmured cheerfully, watching Fireheart and Graystripe from the corner of my eye. "And well as well. But no, however I've been told I would be getting it soon."

"You definitely deserve it when you do."

I looked up to stare at Stonefur, who was gazing at me with respect. I dipped my head, flicking my ears in thanks. The gray tom sat down next to me and flicked his tail at the blue tinted she-cat that took a seat next to him. "This is my sister, Mistyfoot."

An interesting name, for sure. "Nice to meet you." I said pleasantly, tilting my head at her round belly. "Is prey running that well in Riverclan or are you expecting?"

Surprised at my bluntness, Mistyfoot blinked rapidly. "Expecting." She hesitated for a second, eyes flitting to Stonefur. "But prey is running well."

Satisfied, I nodded and twisted to my right to get a good look around. Stonefur noticed my eye with a wince and flicked his ears apologetically. "Can you still see? Or are you still healing."

"Healing. Although I don't personally think I'll be able to see." Sure I was already healed, but it would be weird after a few days for a relatively serious eye wound to be perfectly healed.

The Riverclan cats around me bowed their heads and I flicked my tail. "It's no loss. There have been warriors who fight perfectly well without one eye. I'll just be one of them."

Mistyfoot blinked softly at me. "Commendable words. I wish you luck, then."

"Thank you."

There was a nudge on my right shoulder, and I hissed in alarm. Stumpytail shrunk backwards in surprise, before he caught sight of my eye. "Sorry." He apologised, moving around the Riverclan cats and sitting down in front of me. "I didn't mean to startle you."

I shrugged his apology off. "How are things going in Shadowclan?" I took in his sleek pelt and thick, stocky muscles. "Seems like even after the short amount of time, Shadowclan is doing well for itself."

"Thanks to assistance from Thunderclan and Riverclan." Mistyfoot, Stonefur, and Whiteclaw nodded their heads and Stumpytail turned to me. "I wanted to thank you for getting the apprentices out during the fight. Who knows what could have happened to them in that mess."

I nodded and gave him a smile. "It wasn't their fight. Where's Brownpaw?"

Stumpytail grinned, "Back at camp changing the bedding in all the dens. He played a nasty trick on one of his littermates."

I snorted, leaning closer. "What on earth did he do to garner such a punishment? Sounds impressive."

Beside me, Stonefur rolled his eyes and gave his sister a long suffering sigh. Mistyfoot giggled and looked around her brother at Stumpytail eagerly.

The brown warrior laughed, "No way. You aren't getting any ideas."

"I've already got some." I hummed evilly, narrowing my eyes at Stumpytail playfully.

Stonefur stood and nudged Mistyfoot to her feet. "Before I get pulled into a bad idea, I'm going to go over there."

The siblings waved their tails in goodbye and the three of us laughed. Whiteclaw sighed and flicked his tail. "I don't think clans have ever been so casual after some sort of fight." He visibly relaxed and smiled. "It feels nice."

I blinked at him, my idea from a long time ago returning. "Speaking of…" I trailed off unsurely. "Even though you pair are from different clans may I ask you both something?"

Both toms looked to each other. Stumpytail flicked his eyes back to meet mine. "Depends."

"What are your opinions on a small meeting of four cats, one from each clan." When both of them stiffened, I muttered hastily. "Not to break the warrior code or plot some evil plan. Just to share information that could affect the forest. I trust you both, enough anyways, to take part in this."

Whiteclaw narrowed his eyes, but he stayed sitting. "Explain your reasoning."

"If there's some sort of shortage of prey, or increase in two-legs. Something like that." I looked around us quickly, thinking hard. "If everyone met up under the darkness of new moon, we could share vital information. Nothing that could harm another clan during war, but to advise a danger that could affect any clan."

Stumpytail looked to the ground thoughtfully. "That would have been useful when Brokenstar was leader." He admitted, unsheathing his claws. "I could have told someone what was happening earlier and stopped a lot of deaths."

"So it's basically an honest gathering? With less cats and less pride." Whiteclaw muttered, licking some prickled fur on his shoulder.

"I'm in." Stumpytail decided confidently. I gave him a small smile and he returned it with a blink.

Whiteclaw scuffed a paw in the dirt. "No shady things going on?" At my head shake he tilted his head. "It's worth a try, I suppose."

"Obviously," I started quietly, "It will be a secret. Eventually you may need to involve another cat as replacement in case one of you dies. I'm young, therefore I won't need to for a while."

Stumpytail's shoulders dropped in offense. "We aren't old either, but I understand."

Whiteclaw nodded and flicked his tail. "In case one of us dies in an accident though, what would happen?"

I flicked my tail dismissively. "I'll figure it out if that happens. I'll likely just choose another cat that can be trusted."

Both cats nodded in agreement and turned up when Crookedstar yowled to the start the gathering.

"Bluestar wishes to speak first." The tabby meowed, stepping backwards to let the blue-gray leader step forwards.

"Thunderclan brings to the Gathering their new medicine cat, Yellowfang." She meowed, pausing to let cats look over at the gray she-cat. Yellowfang shifted in discomfort, and I stared at her in amusement.

Runningnose, Shadowclan's new medicine cat, swapped a respectful nod with Yellowfang. After the nod, Yellowfang relaxed and I grinned.

"We also bring two newly named warriors-" Bluestar looked down at said new warriors and smiled. "Fireheart and Graystripe."

Cats at the Gathering started to cheer softly and I added my own cheerful meows. Stumpytail cheered, but Whiteclaw stayed quiet.

Nightpelt brushed past Bluestar and stood tall. "Congratulations to those young warriors." He looked around the crowd, his eyes lingering on me. "Starclan has sent a sign to young Runningnose and chose me as the next leader of Shadowclan. Tomorrow night, while the moon is still full, I will make the trip to Mothermouth and share tongues with our ancestors."

The black tom paused for a second before he let out a loud sigh. "I will also send thanks to Thunderclan and Riverclan for helping drive out Brokentail."

I blinked, surprised Brokenstar wasn't referred with the same suffix. Considering the fact that just because they changed his name didn't mean he still wasn't a leader. He still had his extra lives.

With a glance at Nightpelt, I wondered if it would matter for his leadership ceremony. Would he still get his lives? Would the number be decreased if he still did get them?

I looked at Stumpytail and leaned down. "I have a question about the leadership ceremony."

The brown tilted his head curiously and hummed. "What is it?"

"Does it matter if the previous leader still has lives? Will Nightpelt be able to get his lives even though Brokenstar still has his?" As I asked my question, Stumpytail's expression slowly went darker and more doubtful.

At his face, I shook my head apologetically. "Nevermind."

"Where is Brokenstar now?" Called at cat from the crowd. I looked around and spotted Frostfur staring up at Nightpelt in fear.

"I think we can assume that he has left the forest, with the other banished warriors. He knows it would be dangerous for him to try to return." Nightpelt responded confidently.

I narrowed my eyes doubtfully. Brokenstar is both smart and not. He would definitely return. The question wasn't 'if', it was 'when'.

Crookedstar stepped forwards and ducked his head in agreement. "Let's hope Brokenstar has had the good sense to leave the forest for good. His greed for territory has threatened us all."

I started up the yowls of agreement, and watched Crookedstar patiently wait for them to calm down.

"All is well in Riverclan, and I'm sure I speak for the forest when I say we're relieved Brokentail is no longer an issue." Cats muttered their agreements and Crookedstar waited again. "Not only that but Windclan's territory will be free for everyone to used."

Immediately I stood, at once annoyed. Bluestar stiffened visibly from the rock and curled her lip. "No! Windclan must return!"

Nightpelt tossed his head, turning his amber eyes on Bluestar. "Why is that? With Windclan's territory we'll be able to feed our kits well during the colder days."

"The forest needs for clans." Bluestar insisted, lashing her tail. "Just as we have Fourtrees, and four seasons. Starclan has given us four clans. We must find Windclan as soon as possible and have them return home."

Crookedstar shook his head in disagreement, and spoke over the sound of Thunderclan cats. "Your argument is weak, Bluestar. Do we really need four seasons? Wouldn't you rather go without leaf-bare, and the cold and hunger it brings?"

Bluestar tilted her head up at the leaders beside her. "Starclan gave us leaf-bare to let the earth recover and prepare for newleaf. This forest, and uplands, have supported four clans for generations. It is not up to use to challenge Starclan."

Leopardfur stood up defiantly. "Why should we go hungry for the sake of a clan that cannot even defend its territory?"

"Bluestar is right!" Tigerclaw spat in response, bristling angrily. "Windclan must return!"

Bluestar held up her tail for silence and Tigerclaw settled, shooting a glare at Riverclan's deputy. "Crookedstar." She meowed, blinking slowly. "Riverclan's hunting grounds are known for their richness. You have the river and all the fish it contains. Why do you need the extra prey?"

I started in surprise. That made a lot more sense! With a glance at Whiteclaw, who was staring uncomfortably at Bluestar, I wondered what was wrong with Riverclan's food supply.

"And Nightpelt," I looked back up at my leader. "it was Brokenstar who drove Windclan from their home." Bluestar paused. "Which is why you were given assistance to drive him out."

Nightpelt shut his eyes, then opened them after a moment. "Very well Bluestar. We will allow Windclan to return."

Crookedstar hissed lowly, turning away his head. Bluestar flicked her tail. "Two of three have agreed Crookedstar. Windclan will return and reclaim their territory, meanwhile, no hunting shall be done on their territory."

Crookedstar turned his head to the gathered cats below, and his eyes landed on me. They lightened and he turned his head to Bluestar. "The apprentice. I want to hear her opinion. She was wise during the last gathering, and helped me make a choice then. I want to hear her now."

Caught off guard, I jumped. Bluestar started down, her expression hard and searching. After a moment, she leaned back. "Very well."

I inwardly grimaced, shrinking back when Whiteclaw nudged me forwards unsympathetically. "Well, honestly." I met Crookedstar's eyes hesitantly. "I believe Windclan should return. That territory belongs to them, regardless if they are there or not."

Crookedstar's expression darkened, and Nightpelt wrinkled his nose. Bluestar seemed pleased, and I thought quickly. "Rabbits are prey of Windclan, and Riverclan nor Shadowclan are used to hunting it. Why waste time and resources on something that only has half a chance of paying off?"

The leaders blinked, glancing at each other thoughtfully. Nightpelt stared at me in curiosity. "And if we adapt? Eventually we will learn how to catch the rabbits."

"Over a long time." I pointed out. "Along with the fact that one piece of territory will not be shared well." I raised my eyes at the leaders wryly. "The clans can't even share the forest well enough. There will be fights over Windclan territory if they remain gone."

Sheepishly, Crookedstar and Nightpelt nodded in agreement.

I thought some more, glancing at Bluestar. "They do need to return though. Out of morality and sympathy if anything. They lost cats to Brokenstar, their family, their home. Place yourself in their paws. Lost to world you know nothing about because you were chased away from home."

The two toms looked down, along with many other warriors.

A moment of silence pulled through the gathering, and the moon shone brightly overhead. Crookedstar looked to the sky thoughtfully, then looked to Bluestar. "This young cat should be a warrior already. She is wise beyond her years."

The tabby looked down at me, blinking gently. "Thank you. I see now, that Windclan should return. I would hope that my clan was never chased out of camp into the unknown. Riverclan will not hunt on Windclan's land."

Bluestar blinked in satisfaction, lowering her head. "This gathering is over."

The she-cat touched noses with Crookedstar and leapt from the rock, followed closely by Nightpelt. The pair shared words briefly, before Bluestar walked away with bristling shoulders. She stalked in my direction, and I bade goodbye to Stumpytail and Whiteclaw.

As Bluestar walked past, she flicked her tail urgently at me. "Accompany me, young Redpaw."

I grunted at the use of my name, figuring it unnecessary. It felt like she was rubbing the fact I was still an apprentice in.

Either way, I followed closely as she walked. "My fellow leaders are criticizing me over the fact that you are still a 'paw. You have yet to earn your warrior name because of not taking the trip to Mothermouth." She paused. "What do you think?"

I blinked, confused. "About what?"

Bluestar turned and pinned my with an icy look. "That you are still an apprentice. The other leaders think you should be made a warrior regardless."

Pleased, I flicked an ear. "I'm willing to wait as long as necessary. I won't ruin a custom because I'm impatient. It's just a name." I scuffed my paw in the dirt, "Plus I don't mind doing apprentice duties."

Bluestar relaxed, her eyes softening. "You are a warrior in all but name."

I smiled at her, sheepish. Bluestar nodded at me and turned away, muttering under her breath. I almost didn't hear it, but I couldn't help purr at the almost silent comment.

"You would make a wonderful leader. Just like Redtail would have."