Disclaimer: I don't own Warriors
Chapter 25: The Moonstone
Tigerclaw was furious. Instead of punishing Firepaw talking to an intruder rather than chasing him off, Bluestar had let Firepaw go to the gathering!
He doesn't deserve that honour! It was the flame-coloured apprentice's first gathering. Tigerclaw suddenly recalled his first gathering.
"This is a puny, small, weak, Thunderclan mousebrain that doesn't know anything!"
He remembered his fight with Brokenstar, Brokenpaw then. Huh, stupid ShadowClan cat, always thinking they're super strong and amazing.
"Don't waste any of your time tonight." Bluestar told the Greypaw, Firepaw and Ravenpaw. "This is a good opportunity to meet your enemies. Listen to them; remember what they look like and how the behave. There is a great deal to be learned from these meetings."
"And say little." Tigerclaw added. "Don't give anything away that might be used against us once the moon has waned."
Firepaw quickly promised they wouldn't. Trying to make up for your slip in your assessment Firepaw? Bluestar may forgive you easily but I won't.
Tigerclaw nodded and he padded towards a group of warriors. Every gathering he would boast about his feats in battle. They might as well know I'm a fierce warrior and a cat to stay away from!
There were two ShadowClan warriors there, Stumpytail and Nightpelt, and three RiverClan warriors, Mistyfoot, Voletooth, and Stonefur. All cats from the most recent battle at Sunningrocks.
Fox dung, I can't talk about killing Oakheart here! Those cats saw a rockfall killed him , not me! Tigerclaw joined them.
Nightpelt purred. "I heard ThunderClan and RiverClan had a bit of a tussle over those rocks." Tigerclaw nodded. "It was a fierce one. You RiverClan cats fought real well!" He added to the RiverClan warriors.
That will lighten up the mood. "Tell us how did the battle go?" Stumpytail meowed. Tigerclaw puffed out his chest. "I wrestled like a LionClan cat. Three warriors tried to hold me down but I threw them off. I fought them until two lay knocked out and the other had run off into the forest like a kit crying for its mother. No offense," he added hastily to the listening RiverClan cats. Mistyfoot flicked her tail to show she didn't mind.
Soon Tigerclaw ended his story. Stonefur brought up a new topic. "How come WindClan hasn't come yet?" Tigerclaw shrugged. "Perhaps they're late."
The rest of the cats let faint murmurings of agreement. Tigerclaw rose, "I'm going to see how my apprentice is doing, it's his first gathering." Voletooth purred, "apprentices sure are a pawful!"
Tigerclaw left the warriors and finally found the small black apprentice chattering merrily with a group of other apprentices.
Tigerclaw froze as he heard what Ravenpaw was telling them about.
"...A warrior screamed. It was Oakheart! Redtail raced past me, his mouth dripping blood and his fur torn. 'Oakheart is dead!' Then he rushed off to help Tigerclaw as he fought another warrior."
That wasn't exactly how it happened. And Ravenpaw... Ravenpaw is telling them Redtail killed Oakheart instead of my story of Oakheart killing Redtail and me killing Oakheart.
Terror suddenly gripped him. Does my own apprentice know? Does he know Redtail didn't die under the claws of Oakheart, but another warrior? A ThunderClan warrior?
No! He couldn't have! But that wouldn't convince Tigerclaw. Fury surged through him. I told him to go back! He should've listened. If he starts spreading more serious rumors I have to find someway to rid of him!
A loud yowl sounded from Brokenstar. Hubbub suddenly broke out, consisting of confusion with why WindClan wasn't here.
"Cats of all Clans, welcome." Bluestar silenced the noise. "It is true that WindClan is not present, but Brokenstar wishes to speak anyway." Her tone was slightly disapproving.
Brokenstar stepped forward. "Friends, I come to speak to you tonight about the needs of ShadowClan-"
Some cat cut through his words. "Where is Tallstar?"
"Where are the WindClan warriors?"
"As the leader of ShadowClan, it is my right to address you here!" Brokenstar spat. He has a point. Leaders should usually speak first and not be interrupted. Tigerclaw mused.
"We all know that the hard time of leaf-bare, and late newleaf, have left us with little prey in our hunting grounds. But we also know that WindClan, RiverClan, and ThunderClan lost many kits in the freezing weather that came so late this season. ShadowClan did not lose kits. We are hardened to the cold north wind. Our kits are stronger than yours from the moment they are born. And so we find ourselves with many mouths to feed, and too little prey to feed them." Brokenstar yowled.
Oh you stupid little Brokenstar! Tigerclaw knew what was coming. "The needs of ShadowClan are simple. In order to survive, we must increase our hunting territory. That is why I insist that you allow ShadowClan warriors to hunt in your territories." Brokenstar finished.
I knew it! Tigerclaw shot to his paws. "Share our hunting grounds?" He called out furiously.
"Should ShadowClan be punished because our kits thrive?" Brokenstar unsheathed his claws. "Do you want us to watch our young starve? You must share what you have with us."
"Must?" Smallear hissed.
"Must," Brokenstar insisted. "WindClan failed to understand this. In the end, we were forced to drive them out of their territory."
Now we know why! It all fits, ShadowClan scent in WindClan territory, and why WindClan wasn't there.
"And, if we have to, we will drive you all from your hunting grounds in order to feed our hungry kits." Brokenstar glared at all of them. No, you're just greedy! Tigerclaw thought.
Tigerclaw was going to argue once more but made himself stay silent. For now. "Each year, the Twolegs spoil more of our territory. At least one Clan must remain strong, if all the Clans are to survive. ShadowClan thrives while you all struggle. And there may come a time when you will need our help." Brokenstar carried on.
Now that's too far! "You doubt our strength?!" Tigerclaw caterwauled angrily. Brokenstar ignored him. "You must each go away and consider my words. But bear this in mind: Would you prefer to share your prey or be driven out and left homeless and starving?"
His plan is clever. Tigerclaw had to admit silently. Threatening to drive out their clan and showing other cats they are able to do such a thing by doing it to WindClan. Nice, Brokenstar...
Crookedstar suddenly spoke up. "I have already agreed to allow ShadowClan some hunting rights in the river that runs through our territory." He confessed. Weak fool! He shouldn't have given up that quickly! ThunderClan is now the only clan that's strong enough to defend itself against ShadowClan!
The protest from RiverClan showed that they did not agree with their leader. Crookedstar only feebly defended himself with, "I feel this is the best for our clan. For all the clans."
"And what about ThunderClan?" Smallear croaked. "Bluestar? Have you, too, agreed to this madness?"
Surely not! Bluestar don't be an idiotic fool like Crookedstar! To his relief she replied, "I have made no agreement with Brokenstar except that I shall discuss his proposal with my Clan after the Gathering."
Brokenstar suddenly cut in with more news. "I also bring news that is important to the safety of your kits. A ShadowClan cat has turned rogue and spurned the warrior code. We chased her out of our camp, but we do not know where she is now. She looks a mangy old creature, but she has a bite like TigerClan."
Tigerclaw stiffened. Does he mean Yellowfang? She said she left ShadowClan, and she has a very bad temper, and she looks like filth. "She is dangerous. I warn you—do not offer shelter to her. And", Brokenstar narrowed his eyes menacingly. "until she is caught and killed, I urge you to keep a close eye on your kits."
Brokenstar jumped down from the Great Rock and motioned to his clan that it was time to leave. A group of apprentices skirted quickly away from the ThunderClan and RiverClan cats. Wow they are even smaller then Ravenpaw. Tigerclaw saw that all the apprentices were strangely tiny. Pathetic.
He shook his head to clear it and saw a group of his clanmates nearby. Smallear, One-eye, Speckletail, Longtail, and Darkstripe.
"That must be Yellowfang he was talking about." Smallear hissed. Speckletail shifted her paws uneasily. "Well, she did snap at Goldenflower's youngest kit the other day." One-eye's single eye widened in horror. "And we've left her behind, with the camp virtually unguarded!" She gasped.
"I tried to tell you she was a danger to us!" Darkstripe spat. Oh Darkstripe don't go against Bluestar... The black and grey tom continued harshly on. "Bluestar has to listen to reason now and get rid of her before she harms any of our young!"
Tigerclaw reached them. What Darkstripe says is true though. Bluestar had to listen to the truth now! Firepaw brought a dangerous cat into our camp! "We must return to camp at once and deal with this rogue!" He yowled.
• • •
Tigerclaw burst into the camp. "Darkstripe, come with me! Let's get that piece of crowfood away from here!" He hissed. Darkstripe nodded and followed the tabby warrior to where Yellowfang was crouching, eyes narrowed.
"Come 'ere you piece of fox dung." Darkstripe growled. He grabbed her scruff and harshly dragged her away from the nest. Yellowfang hissed in surprise and fury. Tigerclaw nudged her roughly and began pushing her to the direction of Bluestar.
"Silence!" Bluestar was on the Highrock. Darkstripe bit down harder, drawing some blood. Yellowfang screeched.
Tigerclaw and Darkstripe hauled her in front of the Highrock. Cats backed away as they came near with Yellowfang. "What is going on?" Bluestar demanded. Tigerclaw felt his stomach drop at her furious tone. He released Yellowfang quickly. Darkstripe and him backed away into the crowd. "I gave no order to attack the prisoner." Bluestar growled.
But obviously we had to get her out here to execute her or drive her out! Tigerclaw thought in disbelief. Frostfur pushed her way to the front of the camp. "We got here in time," she cried in relief. "The kits are safe!"
Tigerclaw saw Bluestar was slightly annoyed. "Of course they are!" Frostfur looked bewildered. "But…you are going to throw Yellowfang out, aren't you?"
Darkstripe lashed his tail. "Throw her out? We should kill her now!" That's what should be done but Bluestar doesn't think so! But why?!
Bluestar glared at him. "And what has she done?" Darkstripe was getting frustrated. "You were at the Gathering! Brokenstar said she-"
"Brokenstar said only that there is a rouge somewhere in the woods." Bluestar was icy calm. "He did not mention Yellowfang by name. The kits are safe. For as long as she is in my Clan, Yellowfang will not be harmed in any way."
Every part of Tigerclaw screamed for him to protest against this but he held still. Trust, Bluestar's trust is your way to power! Yellowfang flattened her ears. "I will leave now if you wish Bluestar."
Bluestar shook her head. "There is no need, you have done nothing wrong. You will be safe here." As long as you don't threaten or hurt my clan! Tigerclaw forced back a growl.
"It is time we discussed the real threat to our Clan: Brokenstar." Bluestar yowled. "We have already begun to prepare for an attack by ShadowClan. We'll carry on with those preparations, and patrol our borders more frequently. WindClan has gone. RiverClan has given hunting rights to ShadowClan warriors. ThunderClan stands alone against Brokenstar."
"Then we are not going to agree to Brokenstar's demands?" Tigerclaw asked Bluestar. You'd better say no! Don't become a complete idiot! "Clans have never shared hunting rights before. They have always managed to support themselves in their own territories. There is no reason why this should change."
Good! Tigerclaw nodded. Smallear protested, "but can we defend ourselves against a ShadowClan attack? WindClan didn't manage it! RiverClan won't even try!"
Just because others couldn't handle it doesn't mean we can't! Smallear is saying we might be too weak; You should never say that! "We must try." Bluestar insisted. "We will not give up our territory without a fight."
Good, good. Tigerclaw thought to himself again. His approval vanished as Bluestar went on. "I shall travel to the Moonstone tomorrow. The warriors of StarClan will give me the strength I need to lead ThunderClan through this dark time."
StarClan! You are going to some starry old fools to seek help?! "You must all get some rest. We have a lot to do when daylight comes. I wish to talk with Lionheart now." Bluestar turned and disappeared into her den with her deputy following soon after.
Tigerclaw's eye suddenly caught his apprentice plodding away to the apprentice den. Not so fast Ravenpaw! Tigerclaw quickly bounded towards him. The black apprentice jumped as he came.
"What," he growled, "where you talking about during the Gathering to your apprentice friends?" Ravenpaw opened his mouth but no sound came out. "Spit it out!" He snapped.
Ravenpaw's white-tipped tail flicked fearfully. "I-I-I wa-as talking about... About... Ab-about the battle at Sunningrocks." Tigerclaw unsheathed his long claws and Ravenpaw let out another squeak of terror. "What about that battle? You told a interesting story by changing up who killed who at that battle."
Ravenpaw shook violently, and without another word sprinted away, not noticing where he was running. Tigerclaw saw him nearly crash into Frostfur, before he turned around and shot across the camp to the apprentice's den.
"Tigerclaw," Bluestar meowed, coming up from behind. "Please accompany me to the Moonstone tomorrow. I will be bringing Ravenpaw, Greypaw and Firepaw-"
Of course. Tigerclaw thought angrily. Firepaw this, Firepaw that, Firepaw is sooo perfect. Let's give him limitless chances to prove himself! Great. "Don't you think," he growled out loud, "that it's a bit early to be sending the youngest apprentices on this journey? Why not Sandpaw or Dustpaw?"
"Firepaw is my apprentice. I don't want him laying around with nothing to do. I wish you to come with me, and Ravenpaw is your apprentice, he should come. Lionheart will be busy with the camp, so Greypaw should come as well." Bluestar meowed. "Now, meet me at dawn at the entrance. Spottedleaf will give you traveling herbs."
Tigerclaw nodded and headed towards the medicine cat's den. Spottedleaf was there giving Greypaw and Firepaw their herbs. The pair bounded away, an extra bundle swinging from Firepaw's jaws, no doubt for Ravenpaw.
Tigerclaw went up to Spottedleaf. "I'm here for my traveling herbs." Spottedleaf licked her paw and drew it over her ear. "Oh, you're going too? Of course, I'll get a batch right now." She mewed. The medicine cat disappeared into the den.
While Tigerclaw waited, his thoughts turned back to Ravenpaw and his story. He knows. He definitely knows. That black flash wasn't a bird at all, it was his pelt. How can I get rid of him before he blabs to the whole cl-
"Here you go. Eat them just before you leave. It would be better to swallow them whole, but if you need to chew them it would still be okay." Spottedleaf instructed, setting the bundle of herbs down. Tigerclaw nodded and picking up the plants, walked back to the warrior's den and dropped the herbs at the entrance, before slipping inside.
Tigerclaw curled up in his nest, and his breath slowing down, he drifted into sleep.
• • •
Tigerclaw was poking his head through the apprentice's den to wake the trio up. The sun had just risen above the horizon.
Firepaw was twitching madly in his sleep, and Ravenpaw was let out a random squeak. Greypaw was snoring softly beside Firepaw.
The flame coloured apprentice's head suddenly shot up, eyes wide in horror. When he caught Tigerclaw's eye, he jumped up.
What are you doing? "Something wrong, Firepaw?" He asked. Firepaw looked away. "Just a dream."
Was the dream so horrible you had to tremble like a mouse? "Wake the others," he ordered, "we are leaving shortly."
Tigerclaw retreated from the den and walked up to Bluestar, and took a seat beside her. "I've told the apprentices already." He informed her briskly. Bluestar nodded.
Soon the Ravenpaw, Firepaw and Greypaw were all gulping down their herbs near their den before scampering up to them. "Ugh!" Greypaw complained. "I knew they'd be bitter. Why couldn't we have eaten a juicy fat mouse instead?"
Stop whining, there are much worse things then swallowing a bunch of leaves! Tigerclaw resisted the urge to snap at him in front of Bluestar.
"These herbs will keep your hunger at bay longer," Bluestar meowed, "and they will make you strong. We have a long journey ahead of us."
"Have you eaten yours already?" Firepaw said, curious. "I cannot eat if I'm going to share dreams with StarClan at the Moonstone tonight." Bluestar answered.
That's just stupid, you should eat those things if they make you strong, you should be and appear to be strong in front of every cat, even those StarClan fools! Bluestar beckoned with her tail and they headed out of the camp.
• • •
The sun was almost setting by the time they reached the Thunderpath. The acrid scent of monsters stung Tigerclaw's nose.
Oh! If Ravenpaw gets scared on the Thunderpath and a monster comes... He won't be able to blab about Redtail! He dismissed the part about Ravenpaw dying if that happened and quickly meowed, "We'll go one at a time. Ravenpaw, you can go first."
Bluestar spoke over Ravenpaw's squeak of fright. "No, Tigerclaw. I shall go first. Don't forget, this will be the first time of crossing for the apprentices. Let them see how it is done."
Bluestar come on! Why did you ruin that?! Bluestar stepped forward, looked both ways, waiting for monsters to pass. When a silver monster flashed by she finally sprinted across the black ground, reaching the other side.
"Off you go Ravenpaw, now that you've seen how it's done." Tigerclaw nudged him roughly. Ravenpaw's fear-scent grew stronger, and though it was quiet he stood frozen on the edge.
Stupid apprentice! "Go!" He hissed, a smelled a monster coming. If he gets hit by this monster...
Ravenpaw stiffened as the shining red monster made the earth tremble and with a roar it zoomed by. Fox-dung he didn't get hit! He should've gone earlier!
Ravenpaw tensed his muscles, before dashing across the Thunderpath, reaching Bluestar safely.
Greypaw was lucky, no monsters came when he passed.
"Go on then." Tigerclaw growled to Firepaw. Bluestar's little pet. The apprentice stared across the Thunderpath, a monster coming.
Tigerclaw waited, giving him no instructions. See how you deal with a monster.
Suddenly the monster veered off the Thunderpath and hurtled straight towards Firepaw. Tigerclaw bristled and yowling, shot out of the way.
Tigerclaw looked back to see Firepaw crouching in the dirt, still alive, the monster steering back into the black ground and shooting off. Firepaw stayed still a moment longer before racing across.
Tigerclaw gritted his teeth, Ravenpaw and Firepaw could've died but they didn't! Come on! He himself waited for a blue monster to pass, before darting across to join the apprentices and leader.
"Twolegs!" He spat, pretending to be angry they almost killed Firepaw. Twolegs, why can't they just kill the cats I need to be killed?
"Do you want to rest before we go on?" Bluestar asked gently to her apprentice. He shouldn't need rest, he should be strong enough to go on. Firepaw shook his head, and they continued onwards toward Mothermouth.
• • •
We're going to see StarClan. The memory of his sister's strange and frightening visit to him flashed through his head. Why did it affect me so badly? Tigerclaw was sitting on a flat rock with the apprentices, it was getting darker.
They had reached Highstones, and the cave to the Moonstone was a little way off. His first visit to the Moonstone. Thistleclaw had ran. Why? Tigerclaw felt strange and powerful vibe coming off of the tunnel.
Tigerclaw swallowed nervously. You are a warrior! You have nothing to be afraid of starry old cats!
A whisper floated through his ears.
You.. You again...
Scratched your claws on our sacred place...
Disgrace to the clans...
Tigerclaw felt terror shoot through him. No! Go away you stupid voices!
"Come on, it's time." Bluestar called.
They walked up to the dark foreboding tunnel. Tigerclaw heard the voices hiss more chaotically.
It's him! That cat!
He should not be here, treating us like filth!
You don't deserve to be here go away!
The voices jumbled together, and they seemed to be coming from the cave. No no no no no you go away! Tigerclaw thought frantically, hoping his terror didn't show on his face.
"How will we find our way in such darkness?" Tigerclaw rasped. Bluestar wasn't bothered by the dark tunnel. "I will know the way."
How? Tigerclaw thought incredulously. "Just follow my scent. Ravenpaw and Graypaw, you will remain on guard outside. Firepaw, you will accompany me and Tigerclaw to the Moonstone." Bluestar went on.
What?! Fear was replaced by anger and disbelief. Why does he get to go, what is soo special about him? Answer me that Bluestar!
Hello Tigerclaw...
Tigerclaw felt a chill run through him. His sister Nightkit's voice. Bring it on you stupid kit! He raised his head boldly, but fear still racked through him.
Bluestar stepped into the black tunnel, shadows almost swallowing her grey-blue fur.
Tigerclaw braced himself, shook his head as if trying to shake away the voices, before following his leader with Firepaw behind him.
It was freezing cold, chilling Tigerclaw's bones. The voices were still whispering to him, all saying the same thing: Go away...
Tigerclaw felt like the walls were suffocating him. It felt harder to breathe. Is StarClan trying to kill me here?!
He faintly heard Firepaw and Bluestar mewing something but they sounded strangely distant and their meows muffled.
The faint scent of heather came from above. They had reached the cavern of the Moonstone, and Tigerclaw was panting heavily, feeling as if there was no more air left.
Tigerclaw, we'll be so pleased to see you... Nightkit and Mistkit's voices twined together. Another meeting with our brother...
No! I'm not meeting with you again! Tigerclaw screamed in his head. A blinding flash of silver light filled the entire cave.
The Moonstone. Glittering silver like a cold clear raindrop, it shone in the moonlight.
Tigerclaw felt like he was hyperventilating, though if he was or was not he didn't know. It was like everything had vanished except those horrible starlit voices, the shining Moonstone, and the unbearable, powerful sense of goodness and strength of StarClan.
The path of the stars is where you can't stay, fire and gold may shine in the way! Smallest of cats can block all the right, Know who is friend, who you should fight!
The warning his sisters had told him about back in the ThunderClan camp was suddenly felt like it was being yowled into Tigerclaw's ears. It rang in his head.
Terror flooded through him. No! Tigerclaw didn't care about what happened to him if he left Bluestar and Firepaw, it felt as if they weren't there anyways. All he wanted was to escape those StarClan voices, repeating warnings and 'go away...'s.
Tigerclaw whipped around and sprinted out the tunnel as fast as he could. He didn't know where he was going, shadows and darkness pressed around him; twice he almost tripped on stones. Legs aching, voices fading, gasping for breath he saw the entrance of the tunnel looming up ahead.
Yes!
The scents of Greypaw and Ravenpaw made him come back to his senses and he skidded to a halt. What am I going to tell them?
Well I'm not going back into that stupid ol' cave. Tigerclaw walked slowly out of the tunnel, racing heart slowing down to its normal rate.
Ravenpaw jumped a couple mouse-lengths in the air and bristled, eyes wide at the sight of him, before relaxing and crouching down, ears flattened. Greypaw flicked his tail, curious. "Why did you come back?"
Tigerclaw had his reason ready. "I came back to see if you two were still guarding the entrance properly." He growled. "I'll stay with you two the rest of the night until Bluestar and Firepaw come out."
Tigerclaw took a place a little way off from the apprentices, tensing at the chirp of a bird and rustle in the bushes.
Are you a mouse or a warrior? Tigerclaw scolded himself. But he couldn't shake off the apprehensive feeling he was being watched by his sisters, or any StarClan cat.
Their warning whispered in his ears.
The path of the stars is where you can't stay. Fire and gold may shine in the way. Smallest of cats can block all the right. Know who is friend, who you should fight.
Aaaand another chapter done! :D
Please check out my other Fanfiction, Raining Feathers!
Review!