The full moon shone through the branches of the massive tree as ThunderClan, WindClan, SkyClan, ShadowClan and RiverClan mingled. Ferncloud's litter were talking enthusiastically to Tallpoppy's, while Berrypaw, Mousepaw and Hazelpaw talked to Tumblepaw, Minnowpaw and Pebblepaw. In a cluster, the journeyers, sans one, talked; Swiftstrike and Tadpolefur had joined the group too.

"...And Bluebellkit seems to be the shyer one, but Rookkit keeps everyone in camp on their paws." Swiftstrike said.

"I'll bet." Tawnypelt said, joining the group with Rowanclaw. She wore a wreath proudly.

"Congrats!" Brambleclaw purred.

"Turns out the ShadowClan betting pool was going full swing. We were making eyes at each other, apparently."

"How's the pool on Blackstar and Russetfur?"

"Honestly, I think we're going to have to stage an intervention." Rowanclaw laughed.

"How are you getting on?" Crowfeather asked.

"We're rebuilding, slowly but surely. The wolf may have taken three of our Clanmates, but it hasn't robbed us of our spirit."

"Spoken like a true deputy." Squirrelflight chuckled.

"You didn't tell me you were deputy!" Tawnypelt yowled.

"I became deputy just last night." Brambleclaw curled his tail around Squirrelflight, who reciprocated. "Truth be told, we're figuring this out together."

"Yep. There are practically two deputies!" Hollypaw purred, coming up to the group.

"Weren't you talking with the ShadowClan apprentices?"

"They started to jabber about crushes; I got bored."

"Ah. You came at the right time then; we were talking about the lovey-dovey stuff too earlier." Tadpolefur said.

"Yeah. Anyway, we have debated-"

"-Argued." Squirrelflight jumped in.

"Well, it wasn't like we were at each other's throats."

"Fair."

"We debated patrols today. She saved me from an unintended Sootfur-Mistleflight combo."

"That wouldn't have been fun for anyone." Primrosepetal said.

Just then, the leaders called the Gathering to attention; Brambleclaw took his required place at the base of the tree.

"ThunderClan seem to have a new deputy; would you like to go first, Firestar?" Leafstar asked.

"ThunderClan have endured a wolf attack; however three of our cats were lost. Doeflower and Cinderpelt both gave their lives fighting the beast, and Graystripe made a deal with it that would stop it from coming to attack any Clan again. In return, it took him." Squirrelflight could see the effort it took for her father to keep his voice steady, and resolved to take him on a hunt to distract him later.

Gasps of horror emanated from the crowd, particularly in SkyClan.

"Brambleclaw is the new deputy in his place. Although not born in the Clan, he has proved himself loyal these past moons."

"Brambleclaw! Brambleclaw!" The Clans chanted. Goldenflower padded up to him and licked him on the forehead.

"Other than that, ThunderClan are doing well and are as strong as ever."

"Who wishes to go next? Leopardstar? Gorsestar?" Blackstar asked. Before anyone could respond, Hawkfrost swarmed up the tree.

"I have learned of a grievous injustice to StarClan. It pains me to say this, but my brother Tadpolefur faked Mothwing's sign that led to her being a medicine cat."

Murmurs grew; Brambleclaw abandoned his deputy post to form up around Tadpolefur. Leafpool herded Mothwing into the middle of the group, trying to shield her from accusing eyes.

"Is this true?" Leopardstar asked. Tadpolefur strode out of the group.

"It is. StarClan have seen many faked signs before; the elders told me of a few. Jumpfoot and Mossfire's story ended with the medicine cat faking a flower-stem sign. The stars cannot decide everything." Tadpolefur sat away from the group, head held high.

"Besides," Sandstorm said. "StarClan have control over some lightning and some wind. There would have been myriad ways for them to destroy the moth's wing if they wanted to."

Murmurs of agreement sprung up around RiverClan.

"StarClan have accepted her as one of us, and she will remain that way." Echofur said.

"Thank you for bringing it to my attention, Hawkfrost." Leopardstar nodded.

"RiverClan have been doing well. Two elders have passed from natural causes, but although we grieve them, we will move on. Two apprentices have joined our numbers from a group just above our territory – Beechpaw and Ripplepaw. The rogues are not a threat."

Blackstar went next. "ShadowClan is strong, the prey is running well and it would be unwise to look for a fight."

"Short and sweet." Tawnypelt said.

"That's Blackstar for you." Brambleclaw replied.

"SkyClan is flourishing. Our apprentices are skilful; our warriors even more so. We do not go hungry and are making advances in hunting technique in our new home."

"Hear, hear!" Longtail waved his tail.

"A border dispute between us and ShadowClan has been resolved."

"You mean some of our younger warriors, craving recognition, tried and failed to take you on. Rest assured, they have been assigned to elders' duties and in some cases have been sent back to the apprentices' den to learn the meaning of warriorhood again."

"Thank you." Leafstar nodded.

Longtail smiled. "I gave one a nick to remember."

Gorsestar was last. "WindClan are thriving, the rabbits are running well and our new source of food on water stocks our fresh-kill pile. Barkface wishes to speak now."

"Cats of the Clans, it is no secret that I am getting old. Before StarClan calls me, I wish to make a temporary apprentice of Rosethorn. She will train in herb knowledge and healing, and will pass on her knowledge to a proper medicine cat apprentice in the event that I am unable to."

"We will take her as one of our own for the time where she is with us." Littlecloud promised.

"Thank you." Rosethorn purred.

"The gathering is adjourned." Firestar called, jumping down.

Tadpolefur padded up to Primrosepetal. "Would you like to go for a walk after this?"

"Sure."

"Ten to one it's Primrosepetal that makes the move." Tawnypelt hissed into her brother's ear, before repeating it to the other members of their group.

"Oh, none of us doubted that." Squirrelflight said, satisfied that the two were summarily occupied.

"So, how did you two get together?"

"Oh, we were both dancing around each other, trying to be the best warriors we could be. I just blurted it out on patrol." Tawnypelt said.

"Doesn't surprise me." Squirrelflight said. "We were all romantic and sappy, trying to do it the 'proper' way, and you two don't really care for the formalities. Congratulations."

Just then, Firestar broke up the gathering, and cats of all Clans moved to the tree-bridge.

ShadowClan warriors: *Try to scuffle with SkyClan*

Blackstar: Do you have the minds of kits or the minds of fleas?

ShadowClan warriors, beaten and shameful: ...Kits.