Chapter 24

"Eagleheart? Eagleheart!"

Eagleheart stared forwards blankly, his eyes wide and vacant. He barely heard the voice calling out to him, the voices and sounds droning in his head musch too loudly. She's dead… She's dead… She's DEAD!

After discovering Mousestar's body in the forest, the patrol had brought it back to camp. Eagleheart was too stunned to move, having to be dragged back to camp as well. Once Mousestar's body was placed in the middle of the clearing, the camp fell to a stunned, horrified silence. Then, as the great wave of realization washed over them, the ShadowClan cats began to weep, crying out their sorrows to the night sky. Eagleheart remembered seeing every cat paying their respects to the fallen leader, even those that spoke out against her the day of her exile. The day they kicked her out, like a worthless piece of crowfood!

Eagleheart remembered standing near Mousestar's body, watching the cats around him apologize and express their regret for their actions. He stared at them blankly, too overwhelmed to understand what was going on. Then, it happened. Eagleheart snapped on them all, cursing and screaming, calling them 'mangy fox hearts' and telling them they didn't deserve to live. He reminded them about how quick they were to cast Mousestar out, and how their sadness is all a facade and they truly don't care. A few cats rounded on him, mainly Tigerpaw and Chivepelt, but Flamestar separated the three, scolding the others about their insensitivity. Eagleheart remembered Quailkit running to speak to him but pushing her away, instead racing out of camp to be alone. They're all traitors. They're only sad because they know they're the reason Mousestar is dead!

"Eagleheart!"

Shaken from his thoughts, Eagleheart took in his surroundings, realizing that he was in a forest, but not the forest that belonged to ShadowClan. The ground beneath his paws was soft with lush green grass, and a clear, shiny creek babbled near him. Plump mice and voles skittered around his paws and sweet birdsong sounded through the serene greenery, but Eagleheart was too confused to catch anything. Great trees towered around him, soft, yellow sunlight cutting through their dense leaves and illuminating the area with an ethereal glow. What is this place?

"Eagleheart!" The voice called out again.

Eagleheart looked around for who the voice could belong to, his question answered by a cat materializing in front of him. A small she-cat slowly appeared, a gentle smile on her delicate brown face. Small glowing stars lined her pelt, and her familiar, warm green eyes confirmed his suspicion of who it was. Mousestar! Eagleheart ran to his mother, attempting to press his head to hers but phasing through. What?

Mousestar chuckled, her eyes glowing lovingly as she stared at her son. "You didn't let me finish." After a few heartbeats her body became more clear, the stars lining her pelt twinkling dimly. Mousestar pulled her son in closer with her tail, pushing her head underneath his chin. "I've missed you so much, and my, have you grown? I cant even reach your shoulder anymore!"

Eagleheart started forward, embracing his mother's touch. A lone tear fell from his eye, splattering on Mousestar's head. The she-cat looked up, a sorrowful smile on her face. Finally, he managed to croak out, "Are you really dead?"

Mousestar nodded, her eyes darkening. "Yes."

"Who did it?" Eagleheart began to bristle. "I'll kill them myself! You let me know who it is, mother and I'll-" He was cut off by his mother placing her tail over his jaws.

"No, Eagleheart. I admire your bravery, but this is not something that you should face alone." Mousestar sighed, sitting down. "I was killed by rogues. They slit my throat and left me out to die, but they didn't realize that I was still listening." Her eyes glazed over. "Those rogues are extremely dangerous, Eagleheart. They're cold blooded murderers and they're building an army."

Eagleheart stood in a stunned silence. An army? But why? What do they have against the clans? He swallowed, his eyes wide. "How many are there?"

Mousestar shook her head. "Too many to count. I believe their numbers rival all the clans put together." More than the clans put together? "But their motive is clear: They want to destroy the clans."

"But why?" Eagleheart had to sit down, his head was spinning too fast. "What did the clans do to them?"

The she-cat shrugged, her whiskers twitching. "I don't know any background information, all I know is that the clans should be worried. Their leader is a cruel tyrant, he's training kittypets and loners to fight to the death. Dire times are coming to the clans, Eagleheart, and I need you to be strong."

Eagleheart blinked at his mother, his eyes welling with tears. "It's hard to be strong without you, mother."

Mousestar clicked her tongue, pulling him in closer to touch her head to his. "Oh, that's nonsense. You've been doing so well this past moon, and look at you! You've earned your warrior name, and you have an apprentice now!" She chuckled. "Why, if anything, I'd say that you're doing better without me trampling over your paws."

He shook his head. "I only think Flamestar gave me my warrior name out of pity. He had no reason to do so otherwise, especially before Tigerpaw and the others. And I definitely wish you could be there with me, the clan kind of hates me now."

Mousestar sighed, pulling away. "They don't hate you Eagleheart, they're just hurt. Remember, leaving the clan was my choice, not theirs. Sure, there may be a few vocal cats here and there, but that's just ShadowClan. It may seem that they're against you, but really, they adore and cherish you like any other clan mate. You're my son, Eagleheart. You're destined for great things, remember that."

Eagleheart nodded, taking in his mother's sweet scent. I'm upset that it has to be this way, but at least I get to see her. Those rogues will pay for what they did, I'll make sure of it. Eagleheart stared at his mother, who smiled warmly at him. She seems happy now, but I can't help but feel like there's something deeper going on, and I can't shake this nagging question… "Mousestar?"

"Mhm?"

"What were you doing around the rogues, anyways?"

Mousestar's happy demeanor immediately flipped, and her smile dropped to a frown. As soon as her expression changed, Mousestar attempted to return to her previous manner, but Eagleheart had already noticed. "I was handling business."

"Business?" Eagleheart pressed. "What business would you have with the rogues?"

Mousestar shook her head and sighed. "Eagleheart, there will be times in life where you think you're doing the wrong thing, but in the bigger picture, you're helping build a new future." What in StarClan's name does that mean? "There will also be times where you believe you're doing the right thing, but in reality it's wrong."

Eagleheart blinked, confused. "How can I tell the difference then?"

Mousestar hummed. "That, my son, is where you use your judgement to tell. I've made decisions in my past that other's knew were wrong, that I knew were wrong, but I continued on because I knew it would be worth it. Like you for example." Eagleheart flinched, shocked. Mousestar immediately realized her mistake, shaking her head. "I didn't mean it like that, sweetheart! You're the best thing that has happened to me, I would never think that you're wrong or a mistake." She sighed once more, pausing for a moment, then spoke again. "What I'm trying to say, Eagleheart, is that you should be careful of who you trust. Some of the most trustworthy and respectable cats have dark secrets that could destroy the clans, but they believe they're right. And some cats hold back from doing the right thing, because they're scared that they're wrong. It's easy to get thrown into these situations, especially when you know the cats involved in them."

Eagleheart stared at his mother, his golden eyes fixed with her green. Way to dodge a question, Mousestar. She's hiding something else, but she's obviously not going to tell. He tried to warp his disbelieving expression to a thoughtful one. "So what you're saying is that I should be wary of those around me?"

She shook her head. "Not wary, but be aware of them. There are adders hidden in plain sight Eagleheart, you have to have the nose to sniff them out. Trust your instincts, and be careful about who you trust." Her voice drifted off strangely as she said the last sentence, the last word as soft as a whisper. The stars lining her pelt began to twinkle out, and the scenery in Eagleheart's vision began to blur.

"No!" He shouted, as he realized what was happening. "Don't leave me again!"

Mousestar's voice became more distant as the dream continued to fade. "I never left you, you were always in my heart, and now I can watch over you at all times." The world was black now, and Eagleheart strained his ears to hear his mother's last words. "Stay strong, my son. The fate of the clans rests in your paws."

Eagleheart woke from his dream in a bush, it's prickly branches tugging at his pelt. Crawling out, Eagleheart shook the pine needles clinging to his fur, giving his resting place a disdainful look. And of course, I chose the best place to sleep. Lifting his head, Eagleheart was shocked to see the sun high in the sky. Sun high? How long did I sleep?

Giving his limbs a long stretch, Eagleheart sighed, realizing what he would have to do next. It's about time that I get back to my clan, but I shouldn't go back empty pawed. He stealthily stalked through the undergrowth, eventually catching a lizard, two mice, a toad and even an adder. The sun's beginning to set now. I should get back to camp. Satisfied with his catch, Eagleheart begrudgingly headed towards his camp, his heart filling with dread.

As he passed the large boulder that marked the entrance, Eagleheart felt his heartbeat quicken as cats stared at him accusingly. Forcing himself not to bristle, Eagleheart headed towards the freshkill pile, hoping no cat would confront him.

His hopes were shattered however, as a familiar, mocking voice sounded behind him. "Eagleheart! Oh, Eagleheart!" Eagleheart continued towards the pile, flattening his ears to his head as he attempted to ignore the voice. His efforts were futile, as the annoying ball of fur bounded straight into his path. "I thought you had died. Or, maybe I hoped. Who knows?"

Eaglheart rolled his eyes, trying to push past. "Leave me alone, Tigerpaw." He muttered, his voice muffled by the prey he carried in his jaws.

Tigerpaw sniffed his catch, feigning interest. "Wow, that's a lot of prey! Though, you were gone all night, you know. It would seem like you'd bring back much more, but here you are, with only five pieces. Kind of pathetic, huh?" Eagleheart remained silent, which Tigerpaw picked on. "Unless… you weren't hunting all night." Cats began to gather around the two, blocking Eagleheart's chances of moving around the tom. "Oh, I think I get it now! You were crying and feeling sorry for yourself all night, like a little kit!"

Eaglheart's eyes narrowed, and his teeth clenched tighter around the prey. "Move. You're in my way."

The yellow tom ignored him, stepping closer. "No, I don't think I will. Actually, I kind of like that you had your outburst last night. It shows Flamestar that he shouldn't give weak cats like you special privileges. Why, you left poor Ashpaw all alone, and he was supposed to start training today!"

Ashpaw! Eagleheart's eyes widened as he thought about his apprentice. Argh, I'm such a mouse brain! I completely forgot about him! He groaned inwardly as he realized how his negligence made him look. And Tigerpaw is just soaking it up. I'll show him! "I'll train him later. Just move out of my way, you're frustrating me."

"I'm frustrating you?" Tigerpaw laughed, his teeth glinting from the glowing sun. "What are you going to do, cry and run away like before? You're pathetic."

Eagleheart bit into the prey harder, blood seeping from the area as he desperately tried to hold his tongue. He glanced at the cats around them, many staring at him, as if waiting for his response. "Go away, Tigerpaw."

Tigerpaw sneered at him, snatching the adder from his jaws and making him drop the rest of his catch. As Eagleheart bent down to grab it, Tigerpaw bit into his scruff, making him yelp. Eagleheart tried his hardest to scrabble away from his attacker's jaws, but Tigerpaw clamped down hard, his teeth beginning to pierce his skin. Giving his victim a rough shake, Tigerpaw spat Eagleheart;'s scruff from his mouth, a clump of fur in his jaws. The yellow tom smirked, his teeth slightly stained red. "Go ahead and cry now, Eaglekit."

Feeling his blood boil, Eaglheart unsheathed his claws and leaped at the apprentice, his teeth bared in a fierce growl. Pinning the tom down, Eaglheart glared, his tail lashing. "Don't you ever put your paws on me again!" He lifted his paw high in the air, preparing to strike down. "Don't you ever-"

"Eagleheart? What's going on?"

Eagleheart froze as he recognized the owner of the voice. Flamestar! He met his leader's confused amber eyes, his heart filling with fear. He opened his mouth to speak, but Tigerpaw interrupted him. "He attacked me! This savage attacked me and threatened to kill me!"

"Wha-? No I didn't! He's lying!"

"Yes he did!"

"I didn't! You can ask everyone else!" Eaglheart gestured to the crowd, his eyes wide. "Didn't he attack me first?" Eaglheart's heart sank as no cat spoke up, their eyes staring coldly at him. His pelt began to prickle as he realized what was happening. Why wont they stand up for me? They saw everything!

Tigerpaw smirked, his head held high. "See, Flamestar? He's a brute! He can't be trusted! Not to add, he's the son of traitors! How can we trust a cat that attacks his own clanmates? How can we-"

"You stop lying!" A shrill voice shrieked. Eagleheart whipped his head around to see Quailkit, her body trembling in anger as she charged into camp, Heaherflight in tow. "I heard and saw everything! You were taunting him and you grabbed him by the scruff, you started it!"

Tigerpaw glared at her, his muzzle twitching as he fought back a snarl. "Butt out of it, kit. You didn't see anything."

"I saw everything!" She stalked closer, her tail held high in the air. "And I'm not a kit! I'm an apprentice!"

He scoffed, lifting his chin. "Barely. This is what I mean. Flamestar is giving these weaklings so many privileges, and for what?" He gazed at the crowd of cats, his pupils narrowed to slits. "Because he pitties them, that's why!" Tigerpaw rounded on his leader, his hackles raised. "What we have is a weak leader. He only cares for the meek and helpless, he doesn't value strong cats like us! I say we rise up and drive all of them out! We can truly make ShadowClan great again!"

Flamestar regarded the apprentice in front of him, his expression calm and serious. After a few heartbeats of silence, he finally began to speak. "You know, Tigerpaw, I was actually starting to believe you." The fiery colored tom stepped closer to the apprentice, his face only inches from his. "That is, until I saw this." Flamestar swept his tail around to caress the tom's face, pulling off a few strands of brown fur from his muzzle. Tigerpaw's face dropped as he saw the hairs that obviously didn't belong to him. "If you're going to lie, at least hide the evidence first." Flamestar glared at the tom, his tail lashing. "You talk of traitors, you say that we cannot trust a cat that attacks his own clanmates, yet you commit the very acts of treason that you're trying to denounce, let alone in front of the entire clan? Not only is that hypocritical, its idiotic." Flamestar didn't get to see Tigerpaw's stunned expression, as he whipped around to address the crowd. "And you, not standing up for your own clan mate to defend a foolish apprentice? Why, you're no better than him! Honestly, I'm ashamed of all of you. Go do something useful."

Eaglheart relaxed, letting out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. As cats began to disperse around him, he realized that Flamestar was staring at him. Meeting his leader's gaze, Eagleheart followed him to his den, sitting down beneath the shady roots that made the ceiling. After a few heartbeats of tense silence, Flamestar finally spoke. "Eagleeart, am I putting too much pressure on you?

He was taken aback from the question, blinking a few times in shock. "No, Flamestar. What makes you think so?"

"Well for one, you didn't take Ashpaw out for training today." Eagleheart's heart dropped to his paws. "I understand that you're going through a lot, but you still have duties, Eagleheart. That's why I wanted to know if I'm stressing you out in any way."

Gulping, Eagleheart shook his head. "No, Flamestar. I was just upset, that's all. I promise it won't happen again."

Flamestar blinked, his tail wrapping around his paws. "I'm truely sorry about Mousewhisker, Eagleheart. But I had to have the best interests of the clan in mind and…" He sighed. "Tough times are coming to the clan, and I need my warriors to be as strong as they possibly can, both physically and mentally. Are you sure that having an apprentice isn't too much for you? I won't look at you any differently, and I'll make something up so the clan does not look down on you."

As if they can look down on me anymore than they do now. Eagleheart shook his head again, trying to sound confident. "I'm sure, Flamestar. I can handle an apprentice, I promise I wont dissapoint you."

The flame colored tom hummed, his whiskers twitching. "I believe that you can. If there's any way that I can alleviate your troubles, just know that you can speak with me."

Eagleheart gave his leader a soft smile. "I appreciate the gesture, Flamestar, but I'm a ShadowClan cat, no challenge is too tough for me to handle.."

Flamestar stood, nodding. "That's the spirit. But my offer still stands, just know that I'm here. You're dismissed." Eagleheart stood to leave, but stopped once Flamestar called out to him again. "One more thing. I would like for you to come to the Gathering tonight, if you're up for it that is."

The Gathering! I almost forgot! He nodded. "I would like to go. Thank you, Flamestar." Stepping out of the den, Eagleheart lifted his head to observe the setting sun. He sighed, grabbing a small frog to eat by himself. Shuffling to a secluded corner of camp, Eagleheart ate alone, observing the cats around him. They didn't even stand up for me. He felt the familiar bitterness grow in his belly, but forced it down, letting out a deep exhale. I'll show them. I'll show them how great I can be.

Eagleheart sat alone until the sun had set and the moon began to crawl its way across the dark sky. He hoped that Quailpaw would come to speak with him, but the silver she-cat was nowhere to be found. Seeing Flamestar emerge from his den with Vulturefeather, Eagleheart rose to his paws, scooting closer to the High Branch.

"Let all cats old enough to stalk the shadows gather beneath the High Branch for a clan meeting!" As the cats gathered beneath the branch, Flamestar continued, gripping the branch he sat on. "As I'm sure you all know, the Gathering is tonight. Shrewpounce, Nettleclaw, Valleyskip, Oatblossom, Heatherflight, Ebonythroat, Evengreenstride and Eagleheart will be attending. We will be leaving shortly, so make sure you've eaten." He leapt from the branch and the cats beneath him began to disperse.

Eagleheart remained where he was, his thoughts elsewhere. Glancing upwards, he spotted Quailpaw sliding into camp, her pelt standing on end. Curious, Eagleheart approached her, his whiskers twitching. "Hello."

The silver she-cat jumped, as if she didn't see him approach. "Oh, it's just you. Hi Eagleheart."

"What were you doing out of camp? Heatherflight wasn't with you."

Quailkit stared at him for a few heartbeats, her green eyes darkening. "I thought I heard something outside."

Eagleheart's whiskers twitched as he noticed her hesitation. She's lying. "Why didn't you get a warrior to check it for you?"

"I didn't think it was that serious."

Opening his mouth to press further, Eagleheart paused as Ashpaw slid into camp, his eyes wide. Blinking in curious confusion, Eagleheart nodded to his apprentice, who nodded back. "Hello, Eagleheart."

"Hello, Ashpaw. Were you two together?"

Ashpaw nodded, his tail twitching anxiously behind him. "Um, will we start training tomorrow?"

Eagleheart nodded, noting his apprentice's eagerness to change the subject. "Mhm. But I must ask, why do you two look so-"

"Cats attending the Gathering! We're leaving now." Eagleheart was cut off by Flamestar's mew, who was approaching him. Eagleheart turned back to Quail Paw and Ashpaw, who had scampered past him. A strange but familiar scent lingered in the air, making Eagleheart wrinkle his nose. That scent… is it…? He didn't have time to fully process the scent, instead slowly following behind the gathering patrol.

As the ShadowClan cats crossed the tree bridge, Eagleheart took in the sights and scents around him, noting that only WindClan was missing. He noticed that the ShadowClan and ThunderClan cats were sitting far apart from each other, the tension between the two clans evident. Eagleheart's ears flattened and he moved to a secluded part of the island to sit alone. Last gathering, Dragonflywing revealed Goldenstar and Mousestar's relationship… It was only a moon ago, but it feels like it's been seasons. He looked through the throng of ThunderClan cats for his brother, to no avail. That's strange, Buzzardpaw always comes to gatherings. He lifted his head as he heard a yowl from the Great Oak, Pikestar standing on one of its branches.

"It seems like WindClan is late, and we're wasting moonlight. We'll start the Gathering early tonight." Goldenstar and Flamestar climbed onto their branches, looking down at the RiverClan leader. "I was hoping that I could announce first, but it seems like ShadowClan has more important news." The RiverClan leader was staring intently at Flamestar, who held his gaze. "Flamescar? Where is Mousestar"?"

Flamestar stared for a few heartbeats, his gaze darkening. "It's Flamestar, now." The ThunderClan and RiverClan cats gasped, and their respective leaders leaned in closer in interest. "Mousestar has passed."

The clearing was silent, no cat knowing what to say. Eagleheatrt looked at his father, who was staring forward blankly. Finally, the ThunderClan leader broke the silence, his voice barely a whisper. "H-How did she…"

Flamestar sighed, looking down at his paws. "It's partially my fault. After the previous gathering, ShadowClan decided that Mousestar was no longer fit to lead the clan. I offered that she resigned from her position and became an elder, but of course she refused, instead deciding to leave the clan. We hadn't seen her since… until last night. A patrol found her body in our territory, her throat slit and her body ran over." He lifted his head, his gaze sorrowful. "I could have done more to make her stay. She didn't have to die, not like that."

Goldenstar blinked, his bright golden eyes wide and wild. "But what killed her? Was it a fox? A badger?"

"Rogues. We believe that rogues killed her."

"But she-"

"I don't think you're in the position to be asking all of these questions, Goldenstar!" Cinderpaws was standing, his eyes narrowed at the massive tom. "Lets not forget, you've had a part in this too!"

Flamestar glanced at the medicine cat, sighing. "Now now, Cinderpaws. He's concerned about a fellow leader, that's not a crime." He lifted his head to address the cats gathered. "What's done is done, we cannot change the past. We will not let Mousewhisker's death be in vain, however, she will be avenged." Clearing his throat, the flame colored tom continued. "ShadowClan has been rebuilding since the heavy storms. After speaking with Cinderpaws, I believe that the storms were symbolic, a sign from StarClan. Great challenges are coming towards the clans, and ShadowClan intends to be ready. Thus, three cats have advanced through the ranks. Eaglepaw is now Eagleheart, Quailkit is now Quailpaw, and Ashkit is now Ashpaw."

"Eagleheart, Quailpaw, Ashpaw!" Eagleheart listened as the cats cheered his name, his father's voice the loudest of him all. Locking eyes with the tom, Eagleheart nodded, which Goldenstar returned. He's sad about Mousestar as well… but we have to go on. Life goes on.

Pikestar stood as Flamestar sat down, the gray tom nodding to the orange. "RiverClan sends its condolences to ShadowClan. Mousewhisker died way too soon, and the clans will honor her name forever." The normally obnoxious tom displayed a somber demeanor, much to Eagleheart's surprise. "Unfortunately, RiverClan has suffered a death as well. Lizardshadow was attacked and killed while on patrol, and Spottedpaw and Snakepaw were injured as well." Eagleheart blinked as he heard Spottedpaw's name, his whiskers twitching. That's the apprentice Buzzardpaw tried to kill. "The two apprentices fought bravely however, and have earned their warrior names: Spottedclaw and Snakeshadow. Reedpaw has also earned her medicine cat name, now Reedshine."

Goldestar stood as the cheers died down. "ThunderClan sends their condolences to ShadowClan as well. All of the clans have lost an extraordinary cat, and I hope she sends guidance from StarClan." He paused, clearing his throat. "ThunderClan has had its encounter with the rogues as well, and we lost our warrior Bluebubble, who was walking through the territory alone. We are now enacting a new rule: No cat is allowed out of camp without having another cat accompany them. I would recommend that ShadowClan and WindClan take this tactic into consideration as well, to-"

The ThunderClan leader was cut off by a clamoring going on near the tree bridge. A RiverClan tom was shouting, his voice ringing through the island. "WindClan has arrived, and they are hurt!"

Sure enough, the WindClan patrol emerged onto the island looking badly beaten. Standing to his paws in alarm, Eagleheart watched as a few ThunderClan cats rushed towards the oncoming patrol, their panicked voices too far away to hear. The smell of fresh blood filled the island as the WindClan patrol settled. Furzestar limped towards the great tree, sitting on the roots to catch her breath. One, two three, four… that's much too small for a Gathering patrol! The other clans remained in a stunned silence, until Goldenstar broke it.

"Furzestar, what in StarClan's name has happened to your clan?"

Furzestar turned her head to stare at him, her eyes glazed over. "Rogues. Heaps of them. They outnumbered us… A majority of the clan is in camp, badly injured."

The cats collectively gasped, shock in their eyes as the WindClan leader spoke. Eagleheart's heart raced as he stared at a WindClan warrior next to him, a deep gash on his forelimb and flank. If these are the strongest warriors they have right now, how bad are the other's injuries?

"When did this happen?" Flamestar asked, leaping down from his branch to sniff at the injured she-cat.

"Right before sunfall. We've only just now managed to drive them back, that's why we were late. They-" She began to cough loudly, blood spewing from her throat. The WIndClan leader fell to the ground, a deep gash on the back of her skull red and gushing. The medicine cats of the clans rushed to help her and the gathered cats fell into a deep silence, holding their breath as they watched the scene. Eagleheart closed his eyes, praying. Please StarClan.. let Furzestar be okay.

After what seemed like an eternity, Cinderpaw spoke up, stepping away from the leader. "She lost a life."

The cats gasped, the four WindClan warriors gathered around her, wailing in sorrow. Eagleheart looked on, his eyes wide in shock. A clan leader has never lost a life at a Gathering before! This has gone too far! He watched as the WindClan leader weakly stood, the back of her head white with cobwebs. She blinked at the cats blankly, her yellow eyes dull and glassy.

Goldenstar stepped forward, his eyes blazing with fury. "This has gone on for too long!" His deep voice echoed throughout the clearing, sending chills up Eagleheart's spine. "These rogues have taunted us, killed our clanmates, and attacked a clan mercilessly. They must be dealt with! But it's obvious that one clan cannot handle this alone. No, we need to unite and come together to take them down once and for all!"

The gathered class began to murmur their approval, some standing to their paws and yowling. Flamestar stepped next to the brown tom, his eyes flashing. "I agree. The clans need to come together, we cannot handle this by ourselves."

Pikestar spoke up now, still seated next to Furzestar. "But what if we're barking up the wrong tree? These rogues are ruthless, they show no mercy! Launching an attack on them will only lead to more unnecessary death, don't you think?"

"So what do you suggest we do, lay down and let them pick us off like prey?" Flamestar huffed. "There's more than just lives at stake here, Pikestar, the very future of the clans themselves are at risk here! It is our duty to protect our way of living and the warrior code. We cannot let these moralless fox hearts disrupt our very way of life, that's blasphemy!"

The RiverClan leader still looked reluctant, his ears flattened to his head. "Are lives not valuable to you, Flamestar? Maybe this change is needed, maybe StarClan is intending for this to happen."

Flamestar rounded on the tom, his teeth bared. "Are you saying what I think you're saying? Do you really believe that StarClan wants us to be torn apart? That StarClan wants them to kill us all?" The flame colored tom unsheathed his claws, glaring venomously at Pikestar. "You're no better than the rogues! You're a coward!" He turned to the RiverClan warriors that either glared at him or their leader. "Do you really listen to such a spineless cat? He's suggesting that we surrender to rogues, ROGUES!"

Pikestar stepped closer, his own claws unsheathed. Before he could say anything, Goldenstar stepped between the two toms, his face calm. "We have to do this together, we cannot let these rogues drive a further divide between us." Turning to Pikestar, he sighed. "I was not suggesting that we attack the rogues immediately. We have a lot of planning to do, attacking them mindlessly won't get us anywhere."

Pikestar huffed, shaking his pelt. "I'm assuming that you'll be in charge of that then?"

Goldenstar shook his head. "We're all leaders, we'll come up with ideas together. No clan will be 'in charge' of the other."

"I'm glad. If this loud mouth in charge, we'd all die before we even reached their territory."

Flamestar glared at the tom, but didnt say anything. Eagleheart watched his father who quietly talked amongst the leaders, his voice too low to hear. Blinking at the massive tom, Eagleheart hummed in admiration. Goldenstar is very good at charming, he can change a cat's mind very easily.

He was broken from his thoughts as Furzestar spoke, her voice raspy and low. "I agree with Goldenstar." The she-cat mewed, sounding and looking much older than she did before. "We should all come together to drive away the rogues. My clan could use a bit of help, so I request that you three provide some."

Speckledlight and Cedarsplash stepped forward, nodding to the WindClan leader. "We gladly offer our services to Juniperclaw, we're sure he's overwhelmed."

Pikestar hummed, sitting down. "I'm still a bit unconvinced about the joining together thing, but RiverClan will help WindClan with whatever else they need."

Cinderpaws snorted. "Don't expect any help from me. ShadowClan has its own business to attend to."

Eagleheart blinked in shock. What business? He could at least offer Gorsepaw to help! He glanced at Flamestar, who only sighed at the medicine cat. "ShadowClan will also be willing to help in any way they can."

Goldenstar nodded, speaking louder so all the cats could hear him. "It's settled then. From now on, the clans will be working together to fight back against this plight. These rogues want to destroy us, to destroy our code and way of living, but with our combined efforts, we'll drive them away with their tails tucked between their legs! Trying times are coming to the clans, and we need to rely on each other more than ever. Previous rivalries and quarrels need to be settled soon, to ensure that we've all got the same mindset. For now, we have one objective: Defend the Warrior Code!"

Cats began to cheer, and the leaders began to head towards the tree bridge, WindClan exiting first. Eagleheart watched as RiverClan and ShadowClan warriors exchanged hostile glares, their pelts slightly on end. Sighing deeply, the tom prayed quietly, hoping some cat would hear his plea. Please StarClan, please don't let these rogues tear us apart.

Author's note:

I havent posted in a week, sorry! To make up for it, heres an extra long chapter (5,606 words!) to enjoy. Mousestar has made it to StarClan, Tigerpaw is being a buttface, Eagle is slacking on duties, Quailpaw is being shady, the clans are coming together to drive out the rogues... the pace is really picking up here! Ill try to have the next chapter posted soon, hopefully by the end of the week. Sorry again for not posting!

Thanks for reading!

~MeltingPopsicles