helloo! and welcome to my entry of the fallenclan october comp! my deadline for this is literally in like five hours so glad i made it!
the prompts i used for this were " waiting " "the watcher" "its just your imagination" and "flock of crows" there was another one but i ignored that one rip lol
i dont actually know how i feel about this- its alright? im proud of the dialogue but idk how i managed the plot- it got a bit hurried in the end because i already surpassed the world limit by then lol (og word limit was 6k, this is 9k) but its fine, and it was cool writing this anyways, and isnt that what counts? theres also this thing with reappearing specific numbers of crows? thats because apparently counting crows was used a lot to tell the future in the past, and i used one as templet for this! it doesnt actually matter a lot, it was just a fun detail i added:)
anyways have fun reading!
There was a murder of crows sat on one of the few trees in RainClan territory. Exactly eight, Horizonstar counted, then continued to watch the birds. They ruffled their black feathers once in a while, cawing and rasping amongst each other, little beady eyes carefully watching their surroundings. If Horizonstar didn't know better, she'd be intimidated.
None of the crows left, and neither did the leader, both of them waiting for something. Horizonstar knew what she was waiting for, but before she could get into wondering what birds did with their time, a smooth voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Ah, Horizonstar, early as usual."
Horizonstar let their gaze glide over to the cat just arriving. Settling her tail over her paws, she smiled slightly as she answered "I'm fairly certain you're late, Owleye. Also as usual."
The cat, Owleye, smirked and flicked their ear in a dismissive gesture. "If you feel the need to hurry me around in the middle of one of the last few nice days this year then it's on you if my entire heart isn't in it." They too settled down, stretching their front legs and yawning widely. Their bright yellow eyes flashed mischievously as they gazed at the leader. "So, dearest, what gives? Surely the honour of being called here has a reason, O gracious leader?"
Horizonstar stared at them, unimpressed. Then they sighed and nodded, watching the eight crows fly away finally, one after another, before replying "You're right, I do have a reason; it might sound a little odd though…" She trailed off, suddenly unsure of her query.
But Owleye only repeated the dismissive ear flick, rolling their eyes, "Odd is why I like you. Imagine if you'd be one of those incredibly perfect and boring leaders. Like Mossystar. No thank you, dear. I'd have to join EarthClan if that were the case, sadly."
Horizonstar smiled weakly at the cat, "I'm sure Mossystar has her reasons. She was one of the youngest leaders ever, after all. But alright-," the leader took a breath, looked around, then explained their worries. "I asked you here because I need a favour. I didn't want anyone listening in, which is why we're," she flicked her tail to indicate their sparse surroundings, "here."
Owleye narrowed their eyes at Horizonstar, a mix of concern and curiosity in their expression. "I'm listening…" they meowed carefully.
"You may have heard that I spoke to your apprentice about something that bothers me." The she-cat began.
"I did indeed, and I also wondered why you wouldn't come to me. After all, Swamprose is still an apprentice, even if she earned her name already."
Horizonstar inclined her head. "I'm well aware, but I didn't want you worrying. In the end that brought us nowhere." They said dryly, blue eyes flicking around their surroundings. "So you know why…?"
Owleye nodded sharply, "You think you've been hallucinating cats."
Horizonstar sighed. "It sounds weird, I know. But lately I've just been getting this feeling of being watched, and when I look around, it's like I see these eyes stare back at me for a moment. Then I blink and they're gone."
"So what do you want me to do?" Owleye asked, voice light as they continued but eyes full with concern, "Try to find a matching pair of eyes amongst our Clan?"
Horizonstar shook their head, equal parts amused, exasperate, and tired. "Of course not. I'd like you to- to count everyone at the end of the day. See if everyone turns in and is in their nests on time. If not, please report to me." She hesitated again, before pressing on, "I'd also like you to do this as inconspicuously as possible. There's no reason to raise alarm if I simply might be coming down with something."
Owleye frowned at her in disbelief slightly, before dramatically shrugging with their entire body, "If that is what you desire, beloved friend." Their voice still had a sceptical edge to it, so the leader mustered up what they hoped was a reassuring smile.
"I'm sure it's nothing. Possibly just Starclan being cryptic again."
"Right…"
The two cats stood in silence for a little, Horizonstar watching her friend as they thought. Owleye's yellow eyes were narrowed and their whiskers twitched continuously, but other than that they seemed to have no further objections. Horizonstar sighed internally, feeling something heavy settle in her chest, before brightening slightly and turning to their friend again. "Shall we go back together? I'm fairly certain we shouldn't leave Duckfeather and Swamprose alone to the Clan for too long."
Owleye jumped up enthusiastically, falling in step next to the leader. "You're of course correct. They might burn the entire Clan down! A spectacle I wouldn't dream of missing."
Horizonstar chuckled as they left the single tree behind in the crisp breeze. A lonely crow sat on one of the branches, staring after the cats. It cawed and flapped its wings without flying away. Horizonstar heard its cry, but didn't look back.
"It's such nice weather, eh, Runningstar?"
The leader hissed annoyed when the cheerful and much too loud voice startled the cuckoo in front of him. It would've been good prey, and with Leaffall at its highest and Leafbare just around the corner, everyone would've appreciated such a massive bird. But no, Runningstar thought, gritting his teeth, that idiot of a warrior just had to say something about the weather.
Runningstar sent Scorchsky his best scathing glare, but as usual the other was immune to it. Scorchsky came up to the leader, bumping shoulders, before continuing lightly on his paws like he hadn't just ruined a very good catch. Runningstar forced the tension out of his muscles as best as he could, violently reminded himself that Scorchsky had only just become a warrior and that Runningstar himself could make sure to never go on patrol with the younger tom ever again, and stalked off in the opposite direction.
He followed the faint scent of a bunny through the trees, fallen leaves crunching beneath his paws. It really was a nice day, he noted absentmindedly. It was chilly, but the sun shone through the tree tops, warming his fur slightly. Runningstar couldn't see his breath, since it was noon and the sun at its highest, but he was sure that by evening EarthClan camp would be filled with white puffs of air all around. The leader stepped on a fallen chestnut and swore quietly as he felt his paw slide off the smooth surface. Only seasons of training drilled into his head and muscle memory kept him from losing his balance. His face still flushed warm with embarrassment and he was glad for a moment Scorchsky and Applemask were already ahead- he really didn't need to humiliate himself in front of the new warriors.
Stepping over more golden-brown leaves and soft green moss, Runningstar was relieved when he found the bunny hadn't noticed his stumble either. He approached it slowly when it came into his vision, sniffing at some sparse blades of grass. His body almost instinctually fell into the hunter's crouch, ears and tail stiff while his legs moved smoothly and silently. The bunny's ears perked up slightly though, and Runningstar stilled, holding his breath as its little pink nose moved rapidly in alarm. The leader tensed, ready to jump, when his hunt was interrupted a second time today by pounding paw steps behind him. The bunny flinched and was gone in seconds.
Swearing internally to discuss with Whisperlake if he could never go on patrol again generally, Runningstar turned to look at the intruder. It was Duskhaze, the last part of their hunting patrol. She stopped almost in front of the leader, who tried and failed to school his glare into something more patient.
"Oh, sorry about that, Runningstar." Duskhaze meowed distractedly, "I seem to have lost the appre- the young warriors." She corrected herself. "Have you seen them by any chance? Whisperlake is going to kill me if something happens to them."
Runningstar sighed and nodded vaguely to where he suspected Scorchsky to be. "Scorchsky ruined my prey earlier, just as you did now. He's probably still back there somewhere, and Applemask should be with him."
Duskhaze inclined her head in thanks, whispers twitching nervously, and set off in the direction Runningstar had pointed her in, "Thanks dude! I mean- Runningstar…"
The leader sighed again as he watched the she-cat retreat, wondering at the same time what Whisperlake saw in her and how he had ended up leading this mess of a Clan.
"I bet Horizonstar and Mossystar don't have the problem of dealing with endless stupidity all day…" he mumbled to himself before looking for a new track to follow.
He didn't get far.
The feeling of being watched was sudden and strong. Runningstar tensed up immediately, eyes scanning his sunny surroundings, then flicking around the trees and bushes. It was eerily silent, no rustling of leaves or anything, and Runningstar held his breath as the feeling grew. His back felt vulnerable every time he turned the other direction, when finally he looked up.
A dark, blurry shadow of a cat was perched on a branch, piercing amber eyes blazing down at the leader. For a moment Runningstar couldn't move, couldn't breathe, before he snapped out of it and anger filled his mind. "You again! What do you want from me? Who are you?"
The cat didn't answer, didn't even move, and only continued to gaze at him. Runningstar felt it itch and burn on his skin, and his tail whipped from one side to the other, agitated. "Get down here!"
Of course no reaction, and before the leader could climb up himself, he blinked and the shadow was gone.
His awareness of his surroundings returned suddenly, but Runningstar felt strangely hollow. Not wanting to linger, he swallowed his concern down and went in search of his Clan mates.
Heatherclaw hadn't been kidding when she had said that the day before would be the last nice day of the year, Mossystar thought idly as she tried not shiver at the disgusting texture of wet leaves beneath her paws. It had rained over the night, and the clouds still hung heavy and grey in the sky. It would've been dark either way, but it was night now, so it was extra dark. Mossystar couldn't even see the moon, which would usually worry her on a Gathering night, but on this it was probably simply Leaffall being Leaffall.
"Mossystar," her deputy, Heatherclaw, interrupted her thoughts, "You're- you're not going to mention what we discussed, right?"
Heatherclaw seemed genuinely worried, and Mossystar smiled lightly at her deputy, "It's fine if you don't believe me, Heatherclaw. I wouldn't believe me either." Seeing the relief spread across the other she-cats face, Mossystar almost regretted her next words. "But I will mention it to the other Clans anyways. They deserve a right to know a possible stranger on Clan territory, even if it is just my imagination."
Heatherclaw considered her for a moment, before sighing and nodding reluctantly. "You're the leader. Speaking of which, we're here."
Mossystar had noticed, but she inclined her head in agreement anyways. She turned around for a moment to scan her Clan, and when no one seemed to miss, flicked her tail tip. Immediately FireClan started moving, joining RainClan and EarthClan on the smooth stone plateau.
Mossystar nodded to a few warriors she recognised while walking to the middle of the plateau where the leaders, deputies, and medicine cats stood. Whisperlake and Duckfeather were there already, chatting calmly with the medicine cats. Mossystar spotted Swamprose anxiously pressed up next to RainClan's unconcerned deputy, talking hesitantly with the brasher Thymepaw. Mossystar supressed a chuckle as she watched the much younger medicine cat apprentice crowd the RainClan medicine cat until she was basically shrinking into Duckfeather. Mossystar considered saving Swamprose by pointing Marshpuddle in the direction of his misbehaving apprentice, then stopped when Horizonstar and Runningstar waved her over with a smile. The FireClan leader smiled back herself, face growing slightly warm as she approached the other leaders. Heatherclaw behind her stopped next to Lichenspeckle and Whisperlake, and Mossystar heard her greeting as she herself meowed a friendly "Good evening."
She had already expected their replies, Horizonstar politely inclining her head as usual, and Runningstar scoffing, "It's not evening, Mossystar, it's the middle of the night," also as usual.
Before Mossystar could fling back a probably rude comment, Horizonstar scolded them mildly. "Runningstar, please, was that necessary?"
The EarthClan leader only grumbled in reply, and Horizonstar smiled at him, then turned to Mossystar, "How has your moon been?"
They continued with their easy conversation for a little while, long enough to catch up but not too long for the Gathering crowd to get awkward. Mossystar always loved talking with the two other leaders- they were her friends, no matter the fact they all lead different Clans. Ever since Pinestar had died and Runningstar became leader, it had been a peaceful era. Mossystar hoped it stayed that way, because she really did like the leaders; they were friends, but they also understood what it was like to be a leader. Heatherclaw tried to understand, but she was still just a deputy, and as much as Mossystar loved Marshpuddle, he was a medicine cat. They had to maintain a professional relationship as much as a friendly one.
Which should apply to Horizonstar, Runningstar, and her as well, but for some reason it felt different with them, Mossystar thought as she retorted one of Runningstar's jabs with one of her own.
Horizonstar watched with a slightly odd look in her light blue eyes, waited until Mossystar finished speaking, and talked before Runningstar could growl back. "Should we start the Gathering then?"
Runningstar and Mossystar agreed simultaneously and the three of them jumped up onto the elevated pile of earth in the middle of the stone plateau. Mossystar always wondered why there was nothing growing on it, but then reminded herself that every full moon twelve paws stomped all over it.
Horizonstar started the Gathering, as she and her Clan had been the first to arrive, with the usual call. She stepped back and looked at the other two leaders expectantly, and for once Mossystar let Runningstar have the first word. She hoped maybe one of the other leaders would mention the strange shadow of a cat she's been seeing- mainly because she didn't want to be the only one seeing it.
"EarthClan has been doing well," Runningstar started, "We have two new warriors- Scorchsky and Applemask."
Mossystar was sure she wasn't imagining the slight irritation in his tone, and chuckled as the Clans called out the two cats' names. Mossystar watched as the two preened under the attention, grinning all around while trying to appear as big as possible.
"Berrytuft had a litter of four kits. They're all healthy. Other than that, nothing's changed. Prey's alright, considering it's Leaffall, and there hasn't been any worrying illness or anything." He nodded, pondered for a moment, then seemed to decide that was all and sat back down. Mossystar inclined her head at Horizonstar before they could ask, and the RainClan leader shot her a smile and then straightened, voice clear and carrying across the plateau.
"We too have new warriors- Brackenlight, Wetshimmer, Cloudwatcher, and Silversong." The Clans cheered again, and Mossystar caught sight of four white and grey flecked cats sat together. She also saw Duckfeather's eyes shining with pride at the four, and dimly remembered that the deputy's now former apprentice had been one of them.
"RainClan is good as well. Our elder, Copperpool, sadly passed away." Murmurs of grief and support rose slightly. "Willowleaf had a litter of two. Prey has been good, since it's not cold enough for the lake and swamp to freeze. We've had mild problems with the dogs from the two-leg place, but it's been handled. We have Rivertooth and his apprentice Troutpaw to thank for that." Attention fell to a slightly grumpy looking tom and a small, tortoiseshell she-cat. She looked oddly familiar, with her abundance of fur but somehow still sleek statue. Mossystar shook the thought away, assigning her as a kit to some RainClan warrior.
"Now, Mossystar?" Horizonstar's polite mew addressed her.
Mossystar stepped up as the RainClan leader sat back down next to her again.
"FireClan has been very well." She started, ignoring Runningstar's muttered "Of course it has…"
"Marshpuddle has taken on a new apprentice: Thymepaw is now training to be a medicine cat." Cheers for the young she-cat. "We also have three new warriors- Barkclaw, Stonefur, and Wolftooth." The three were a wild bunch, with apparently only Stonefur being able to form a coherent thought, but they were good warriors, loyal above all else.
"Prey is good, and we have nothing worrying to report." She paused then, because there was something worrying to report, a strange cat that was wandering around Clan territory- that only she was seeing. Mossystar was unsure if she should mention it- perhaps it was no cause for concern. But then again, these seasons of peace hadn't come from lying to each other, and she didn't want to possibly endanger her friends, even if that danger could be her own imagination.
The FireClan leader spared Heatherclaw a glance, who looked back up at her, slightly resigned. Apologising mentally to her deputy, Mossystar continued. "Except one thing, actually."
She was aware of Horizonstar and Runningstar's ears perking up, turning slightly back in her direction. Mossystar took a quiet deep breath, "There has been a large cat spotted all around our territory- I am unsure if they mean harm, since we can't seem to manage to approach them whenever we try, and so far they've been relatively peaceful." Just watching and looming, Mossystar thought. Concerned whispers rose, and Mossystar felt the other two leaders tense besides her.
"What does the cat look like?" rose the question, from multiple cats in the audience.
Like a shadow, raced a thought across Mossystar's mind, unwanted and sudden. With amber eyes blazing like fire, form and body unclear and blurry around the edges. Black, but not because of its fur- like a moving shadow with no body it was attached to. Unnatural and smooth and real and melting into the shadows.
It didn't look like anything, it felt more like something, like dread before a battle, or coldness in heart and body, or the emptiness of a stomach due to hunger, or loss. Like losing your senses, but having them all at once, like being sucked into a dark hole, knowing there was no return. Like anticipation buzzing and fluttering in the chest, but knowing it was bad, knowing-
"It's unmistakable."
Mossystar was so glad Runningstar's quiet words disrupted her spiralling thoughts that it took a moment for them to settle in. When they did she turned quickly to the EarthClan leader, eyes wide as she gazed at him around Horizonstar, "You saw it too?"
She hadn't meant to say it, but the words were out before she could stop them. Runningstar stared back at her, green eyes for once not narrowed, but just as wide as hers.
Horizonstar interrupted them then, dismissing the Gathering with a few reassuring words before shooting both the other leaders a strange look.
"What?" Runningstar snapped, "Gonna tell us we're crazy too?"
Mossystar gaped at him, because no one snapped at Horizonstar, not even the most aggressive empty-minded EarthClan warrior. Horizonstar had the perfect leader-aura, a mix of respect and politeness and strength, but also like you could trust them- Mossystar was fairly certain the RainClan leader could calm ten Clans down with just a look, and she was also sure part of that was the fact that everyone had a crush on her. It was just given, and it was fine, because it was Horizonstar.
So Mossystar was confused when Runningstar snapped at her, but she would be lying if she didn't agree on some level. But Horizonstar shook her head, glancing around them before explaining hesitantly, "I've- I've been seeing a strange cat as well. No one else could see it and I thought I was going mad, or coming down with something." Her voice had lost its usual over politeness, and they sounded quiet and unsure.
"Is it the same cat? Weirdly intense amber eyes, and basically just a shadow?" Runningstar asked, eyes flitting between the other two leaders. Horizonstar nodded, and Mossystar had to swallow a few times before confirming as well.
They were silent after that for a few moments, sharing worried glances and not knowing how to continue. Finally Mossystar broke the silence between them, "If- if we're the only ones who can see it, do you think it's some kind of- of message from Starclan, perhaps?" for some reason she didn't think so- Starclan had never felt this ominous and looming.
She was glad when Horizonstar shook their head as well, "Our medicine cats should know about it if that were the case. Like this it could be something else, although I can't think of what…" she trailed off, unsure.
Runningstar's tail twitched, agonised, as he thought and then meowed, "What if we meet again in five days' time, if we see the cat again. Just here, and if we did, we can figure out what- what it wants, or something."
Horizonstar and Mossystar looked at each other, then nodded. Worry pinched the RainClan leader's face as she scrambled her way down the small hill again. Runningstar and Mossystar met eyes as well for a moment, for once without any insulting quips or jabs, and followed Horizonstar down. Most of the Clans had been assembled already, waiting for their leaders, and Mossystar caught Heatherclaw staring at her impatiently. The leader sent her deputy an apologising look, then turned around to her friends one last time. "Five days." She repeated quietly. The other two nodded.
Before any of them could go anywhere though, Mossystar felt a heavy stare settle on her back. She tensed immediately, whirling back around to the earth hill she had been standing on a minute ago. The shadow of a cat stood there, sat there, was there, looking at the leaders with its burning amber eyes with its head ever so slightly inclined to the side in a silent query. It didn't move, and it was barely visible in the dark of the cloudy night, but Mossystar felt its presence the same way she felt Horizonstar and Runningstar press into her sides in the same thoughtless fear she was experiencing. She couldn't hear herself breathing, didn't feel the slight drizzle on her fur anymore, wasn't aware of the masses of cats around her- all her attention was on the silhouette in front of her. She felt the coldness, the emptiness of it in her entire body, couldn't swallow and couldn't move a muscle. She felt like crawling out of her body in an attempt to get away, but also possibly to join the cat, she realised with horror.
Then, before her eyes, the silhouette vanished. It didn't dissolve, or walk away, or anything- one moment it was there, the next it was gone.
Mossystar felt her senses returning to her numb brain and body slowly, could finally swallow and feel Horizonstar and Runningstar trembled against her. The sound returned as well, and Mossystar was dimly aware of someone calling their names, but all she could focus on was getting air back into her lungs, slowly and steadily.
A moment later Horizonstar spoke, voice as shaky as Mossystar felt. "You- you saw it too, right? That- that-,"
"Yeah." Runningstar gulped.
They shared a glance, and Mossystar repeated "Five days," before they parted. She could feel the strange weight on her shoulders and back the entire way to her Clan, but when she looked up at the sky, the only things she saw were ten crows on a bare tree, barely outlined against the dark clouds. A single, eleventh one joined them with a hoarse caw, and Mossystar shivered, averting her eyes.
It was four days after the Gathering when Horizonstar was getting increasingly worried. By now she'd seen the strange shadow of a cat more times than she could count, always accompanied with that horrible feeling. She hoped Runningstar and Mossystar were fine, and that the three of them would figure out a solution for the problem, because if the RainClan leader was being honest, the dark, sucking feeling kept getting worse every time she met the amber eyes of the silhouette.
They'd consulted Owleye about their problem again, this time not wanting to worry Swamprose- the younger she-cat was anxious enough as it was. Horizonstar was half surprised she didn't pass out every time an injured cat came to the medicine cat's den.
Owleye still hadn't really believed their leader, and when Horizonstar had asked about her request of seeing if everyone was where they were supposed to be in the night, the cat had simply shook their head.
"Everyone's perfectly fine, Horizonstar. No missing cats going out to wander around in the middle of the night, except for the night patrol Duckfeather sent out two days ago, and-," they had shuddered, and the leader had grown worried for a moment before their medicine cat continued, "I ran into Rowansun and Reedwind just outside of camp. I wish Starclan would let me un-see."
Horizonstar had grimaced with them, before the two simultaneously shook their heads. "Except for those scarring images there was nothing out of line, love." The soft edge in Owleye's voice had definitely been out of concern, but Horizonstar hadn't wanted to deal with their best friend questioning her sanity.
That night the shadow cat was in the leader's den when she had woken up in the middle of the night. It had looked at her, amber eyes fierce as usual, staring at them as if it was waiting for something, with its head inclined slightly to the side. Horizonstar hadn't managed to breathe for the entire time they held eye contact, and when the cat disappeared she had run out of her den, gasping for the fresh, cool, slightly wet night air. They had barely gotten sleep over the night, at first scared to go back into their den and when they had finally returned to it out of coldness and tiredness, hadn't been able to forget the bright amber eyes flashing at her out of the shadows.
Which is how it came to be that the next morning she was one of the first out of her den, shivering in the cold air. Thornshell, who was leading the morning patrol, eyed her warily, and she mustered a smile so he wouldn't worry. His daughter was bouncing around him with far too much energy, and Horizonstar almost managed a real chuckle watching Troutpaw's antics. Thornshell smiled, a rare thing, then set off out of camp with his patrol. Horizonstar watched them go with tired eyes, already feeling fatigue set in their bones, before realising with a start that the sun had barely risen.
They sighed, air puffing out of their mouth with a small white cloud, and as she tried not to freeze to the ground the leader watched her Clan wake up. It had a certain niceness to it, seeing the cats she led in their usual routines, completely ignorant to her worries. Mentors urged their apprentices out of the apprentice's den, and Horizonstar watched with a pinch of rare mirth has the young cats came out, groaning and movements sluggish. Swamprose emerged from the medicine cat's den, whiskers twitching, spared a glance at the occupied or not present apprentices before slowly making her way across camp to the warriors den. She was about the stick her head inside just as Duckfeather came out of it with her fur all fluffed up against the cold. The two she-cats knocked heads together accidentally and Horizonstar flinched in sympathy. They watched them talk, then saw Duckfeather stick her head back into the den, call something that was lost to the leader's ears due to the wind, and after a few more moments Rowansun and Wetshimmer came out, listening attentively as Duckfeather talked, then followed an obviously flustered Swamprose out of camp.
The day continued like that, Horizonstar not really doing anything because she was tired and done. She couldn't wait for her meeting with Runningstar and Mossystar that evening, because every time she felt a stare lingering on her she flinched, paranoia claiming her heart and brain.
They lasted until around noon, although it was hard to tell when their sense for time was gone, and the sky was covered in clouds. It was then that Duckfeather found them, frowning down at her leader with the same blatant stubbornness, brazenness, and shamelessness that had basically gotten her her position of deputy in the first place.
"What is it?" Horizonstar asked, too tired for her usual amounts of politeness.
Duckfeather's frown deepened and she took a moment longer to respond. "You don't look too well," she answered at length, "You good?"
Horizonstar sighed, not even bothering to hide their weariness. Internally, they wondered if they really looked so bad that all her friends worried more than usual about her. Perhaps they just had friends that fretted too much. "I didn't sleep a lot last night," she admitted.
The deputy considered her for a moment longer before her shoulders slumped and her amber eyes were more resigned than judging. "Maybe take the day off today. Go somewhere warm and spend some calm time with some nice company. The nursery, maybe, or the elders."
Horizonstar would've lied to themself if they had said they had big plans for today, but that didn't stop them from asking, "Are you sure you'll be alri-,"
"We'll be fine," Duckfeather laughed with the dismissive ear flick Horizonstar was sure she had learned from Owleye. "It's not like you're suddenly completely gone, if a serious problem comes up I'll bug you about it, don't worry."
It didn't take a lot more convincing, and a few moments later Horizonstar was half sat, half curled up in the elder's den, listening with one ear to a story Burrfall was telling to the kits. The leader had been able to dodge most questions, but Bluekit, after telling her he was going to be leader someday, too, had snuggled into her side. Horizonstar didn't really mind- she hadn't ever wanted kits, and hadn't taken a mate either, but she didn't not like kits. They were sweet (most of the time) and didn't care about her personal life.
The den was quiet as they listened to Burrfall as the old she-cat talked, and Horizonstar dozed off to the warmth and the slight raspy but soothing voice.
"It was Leaffall when the leader finally cracked, demanding that he was listened to. But no one believed him, and he was thought of as insane in his own Clan."
"But that's terrible!" a kit gasped.
"It is indeed, Blossomkit" Burrfall purred, "But the Clan didn't know better, and the leader did no great job of explaining himself. That's why I'm telling you this story, isn't it? So that you know to always give everyone a second chance."
"I will do that when I'm leader!" tiny Bluekit called, stirring from where he was buried in Horizonstar's side, "I'll remember you, Burrfall, and I'll say that everyone deserves a second chance, even if they were stupid before!"
Horizonstar heard Burrfall purr again, a deep resonating sound, and buried their nose a little more in their tail. "That's good of you, Bluekit. Now, where was I...?"
She continued with her story, the kits listening attentively, other elders occasionally chuckling as well. Horizonstar felt at peace, and only jumped up from her half asleep state when Burrfall answered another kit's question, "What did he look like? Well, I can't be entirely sure, since this was many seasons ago, but he was said to have blazing amber eyes, like fire, that could get even the strongest of warriors to shrink under their gaze."
Horizonstar sat up suddenly, startling Bluekit, and stared at the slightly bemused elder with wide eyes. Bluekit pawed at her a little, asking what was wrong, but the leader couldn't answer, couldn't find her words.
"Dear?"
"Blazing amber eyes?" she finally managed at Burrfall's inquiry, "Like fire?"
The elder nodded, confusion evident in her blue eyes. Horizonstar could only stare back for another moment, before excusing herself with a trembling voice. They left Bluekit's disappointed mew and Burrfall's concerned eyes behind as they stepped out of the den, feeling an odd flutter in her stomach.
Could it be? The thing she's been afraid of, the strange shadow of a cat they've been seeing, an old leader from an elder's tale? A tale told to kits, who would never have to experience the horror and dread of when they looked into flaming amber eyes, staring back as if waiting for something.
Horizonstar shivered at the thought, then decided to tell their fellow leaders about their possible discovery. Even if she was correct though, she wasn't entirely sure how it would help their case. Lost in her thoughts, the leader missed the five crows pecking at a dead fish just outside of camp.
Runningstar was running late, he was fairly certain. It had taken a lot longer than he thought it would have for him to convince Whisperlake that yes, it was fine, he was fine, Horizonstar and Mossystar were fine. When she had finally let him go, it was already a lot darker than he was fully comfortable with. Not that he was afraid of the dark, or anything, but the last days the constant unease of never knowing when he would see the shadow cat again had set him on edge.
He was not surprised when he arrived at the stone plateau and saw Horizonstar and Mossystar already present, talking in low voices. Mossystar spotted him first, and greeted him with a slightly stiff nod. Runningstar narrowed his eyes at her in turn and sat next to Horizonstar, who eyed them and sighed quietly.
"Nice of you to join us." Mossystar muttered, and Runningstar immediately threw back his defensive retort.
"I was held up by my deputy, who is slightly too capable."
"I'm sure-,"
"Please try not to bicker too much tonight," Horizonstar interrupted before the other two leaders could really start arguing. Runningstar was fairly certain he wasn't imagining the tiredness in their voice. Mossystar and him shared a quick look before the RainClan leader continued, "This is a fairly serious matter and I really want to get rid of it so could we maybe concentrate?"
Mossystar nodded immediately, but Runningstar supressed a chuckle, no matter how she was right with how grave the situation was. He had never actually seen Horizonstar this easily annoyed before, except for a few Gatherings where he and the FireClan leader found no end to their bickering.
"You're right, of course." Mossystar said, "So- have you- have you guys seen it again?" she sounded nervous, and Runningstar was astounded to find he was too.
Horizonstar swallowed before replying, "Yes, I- I did."
Runningstar simply nodded, slightly relieved. He didn't want to show it though, because who would be relieved that other cats suffered with him? The EarthClan leader, apparently.
"Does anyone have any ideas at all what we can do about this or are we just as clueless as before?" he couldn't help but ask.
Mossystar shook her head, and Runningstar couldn't refrain from hissing "Of course you don't." at her.
"You don't either, apparently. So no need to get snappish with me." The FireClan leader bit back.
"I wasn't being snappish. I was simply pointing out the truth that you know nothing."
"I know nothing? I know double the things you do, because I took medicine cat training as well as warrior training, whereas you're just a typical aggressive EarthClan warrior. You probably don't even know the word whereas!"
"Of course I know that word, dumbass! And just because you learned a few facts about plants and leaves and how to chew them doesn't automatically make you smarter."
"Oh yeah-,"
"Guys!" Horizonstar called, by now definitely annoyed, "What did I say just a few seconds before? Try to keep this bickering to a minimum- it's not getting us anywhere except to the state of constant headache." Before either of them could apologise or say something else, they continued, "And as a matter of fact, I did learn something. I do not know if it's actually true or if it will help us any, but it's more than what we have right now, which is nothing. Are you willing to shut up and listen?"
Runningstar could only stare at the usual sweet-tempered RainClan leader, trying to conceal the awe in his eyes. He realised Mossystar wasn't any different, looking at the other she-cat with sparkling green eyes filled with adoration, so he sighed and sat down again.
"Right again, Horizonstar. So, what do you have?"
Horizonstar nodded in acknowledgement when the two sat down, satisfied, then started, voice quickly turning serious again, "Right. I was in the elder's den today, and one of our elder's was telling a story." As per usual in elder's dens, Runningstar couldn't help thinking, wonder what she had been doing in there in the first place. He rarely ever visited his elder's. "It- it was a story about a leader, seasons ago, who- I don't fully remember, I wasn't listening too carefully, but something happened, and no one believed him and he kept getting more and more frustrated, so at some point he went insane and then nobody saw him ever again. He simply vanished."
"But that's just an elder's tale, isn't it?" Mossystar prodded carefully, "It doesn't actually mean anything. Right?"
Horizonstar looked at her with a strange look in her eyes, then replied with an even voice, "It's said that the leader had amber eyes, blazing and fierce, that even the strongest would shrink under his gaze."
Runningstar felt like he had been hit in the chest. Blazing amber eyes, a vanishing leader seasons ago… that couldn't be a coincidence, could it? Next to him, Mossystar breathed a soft oh.
"That- that probably isn't a coincidence," Runningstar muttered when the silence went on for too long.
"No." Horizonstar replied softly, ears twitching.
"So-," Mossystar's voice shook, so she swallowed and tried again, "So what we know, is, that apparently the shadow cat that's been stalking us for the past moon or so is a former, gone crazy leader that is probably dead." She looked at the other two leaders, and when they nodded, sighed, "Great."
Runningstar could only agree to the dead tone in her voice, and as rarely as he did agree with the FireClan leader, there really wasn't any room to object with this one. After more moments of resigned silence he started digging in his brain for a solution. He didn't get to be leader by immediately giving up when an impossible looking problem came his way, no, he became EarthClan leader because he was stubborn and strong, mentally and physically. He was the perfect example of an EarthClan warrior, and even though Mossystar had spat it as an insult at him, and the other Clans mainly saw EarthClan as aggressive jocks, Runningstar knew they were stronger and better than just that. They could stand tall in the eye of the storm and they had a great sense of loyalty, so whatever RainClan and FireClan tended to think of them, Runningstar used the same stubbornness EarthClan was feared for to overcome anything.
And anything included a possible ghost.
"So if this leader really is dead," he started, drawing Horizonstar's and Mossystar's attention, "Then the best way to go about this would be contacting Starclan, right?"
"You have a point," Horizonstar answered, but they still sounded hesitant, so Runningstar pressed on.
"It must be Starclan, right? Or a ghost of some sort. That odd feeling that comes with it, how it vanishes just like that? It has to be a ghost, there's literally like no other explanation."
He looked at the other two leaders, who in turn glanced at one another, before nodding slowly. Runningstar felt slightly pleased at their support but continued vigorously, "And ghosts usually come from Starclan, or the Dark Forest or something. At least usually they're dead."
"And what should we do about this?" Mossystar asked, and this time Runningstar couldn't help his grin at the fact the FireClan leader was asking him. She rolled her eyes, muttering, "No need to look so happy."
"I am happy. And we can just contact Starclan by going to the Sky Pool, right? Easy as fuck."
Horizonstar looked unhappy about his choice of words, but didn't really object. They lightly put their head to one side, considering him with a calculating look, then said, "Theoretically that should work. But the journey to the Sky Pool is fairly long, we'd be gone for two days. Can we really allow that? All three leaders gone?"
Runningstar shrugged, "Should be fine, right? We have the deputies and medicine cats and two days isn't that long."
"I for one completely trust my deputy and medicine cat to keep the Clan alive until we come back." Mossystar announced, to which Runningstar replied, "That's because you don't actually do anything."
He heard Horizonstar sigh, but it wasn't as heavy as before, and grinned internally at himself for finding a solution. The RainClan leader murmured something like "I'm terribly sorry, Owleye," to herself, before straightening and looking at the other two still bickering leaders. Runningstar ceased slightly with his attitude and turned to her, as did Mossystar.
"Let's leave tomorrow. The sooner the better. Tomorrow when the sun has barely risen, here. Alright?"
Runningstar nodded, gritting his teeth in anticipation, and after bidding the two she-cats goodnight, left back to his camp. Tomorrow they'd set an end to this lurking bastard.
Mossystar had never spent this much time with the leaders of the other Clans before. Not that she minded, or that it was a bad thing- it was simply unusual and new, but pleasant. Surprisingly, it wasn't awkward on the way to the Sky Pool, as she had slightly dreaded it would be- what would they talk about, travelling together for an entire day? When she had confided her worries to Marshpuddle, he had laughed at her, and told her that with Horizonstar and Runningstar it could not be awkward. And even though Mossystar had been slightly confused at her friend's words, now she could only agree with him.
The entire journey was- nice. Runningstar and she bickered, as usual, and Horizonstar intervened when they got too worked up, as usual. It was an easy routine they practiced every full moon at the Gathering, and it was comfortable and familiar enough that Mossystar almost managed to forget why they went out in the first place.
But of course it came back when late in the evening, some stars already visible where there were no clouds in the sky, the three leaders arrived at the Sky Pool. Mossystar had only been at the Sky Pool once before- when she had received her nine lives and had gone from Mossfire to Mossystar. It had been a while ago, but nobody would forget the Sky Pool. It was a small pond nestled in between some elevated, smooth rocks and stones, similar to the stone plateau they held their Gatherings on, except a lot smaller. Some sparse plants like heather and moss grew around it, but other than that it was mostly bare. The pond itself was deeper than it appeared to be, and the sky reflected almost perfectly in it. This was where cats would go to connect with Starclan, and where medicine cats would meet up every half moon, except if they needed to be closer to their Clan, in which case they'd simply go to the stone plateau.
The Leaffall night coldness had already swept the entire sun-warmth from the stones, so Mossystar shivered when she crouched down next to Horizonstar. The three leader sat in silence for a moment, before Mossystar breathed and asked, "So… how do we do this? Just like the medicine cats, dip our nose in, go to sleep, hope for the best?"
She sounded unsure to her own ears, but Runningstar shrugged. "I guess so."
"Then what if we lose each other in there?" she continued, having to voice her concerns, "What if only one of us finds that cat, if we find it at all?"
"Then that one of us will confront the cat," this time Horizonstar answered her, "And with some luck we'll be finished here before the moon has reached its highest point."
Mossystar nodded but shifted with nerves nonetheless. If this didn't work out, they had no second plan, and they could possibly be stuck forever with a shadow cat watching them. It was not a future Mossystar liked, especially if she didn't want to end up like the leader Horizonstar suspected it was- insane, with no one believing him.
Mossystar shivered again, this time not because of the cold. The other two leaders shot her a look, so she nodded with as much determination as she could muster. "Alright." She said, and turned her gaze to the cloudy pool in front of her, "Let's do this."
They dipped their noses into the Sky Pool on the count of three, and Mossystar almost immediately felt the sudden drowsiness settle. She didn't fight falling asleep as best as possible, but with her still present nervousness it took her a moment longer. Finally the dark overtook her, and for a moment she was unconscious, not aware of anything- then the world got abruptly colder and she tore her eyes wide open.
Mossystar was no longer by the Sky Pool. The FireClan leader was on a wide meadow, the grass reaching up to her stomach, but it was frosted over and cold even through her thick fur. Mossystar didn't like this place. She would leave if it wasn't for the fact that they needed to be here if they wanted to even have a chance against the shadow watcher. The leader then realised with a start that Horizonstar and Runningstar were standing next to her, staring out at the field like she was. At her look they both turned to her, and in unspoken agreement the three leaders set off across the meadow.
Somehow they knew where they had to walk to, and Mossystar would've been confused if it weren't for the by now almost familiar pulling feeling. It was weaker than when she had looked directly into the blazing amber eyes, but it was definitely present, and for the first time Mossystar followed it willingly.
They walked for a long time, or maybe it was no time, but then they were off the frozen field and in a forest. The forest wasn't any less unpleasant, but the familiarity having trees around her almost managed to ease the sick flutter in Mossystar's stomach. When she couldn't feel her paws anymore and her entire body had gone thoroughly cold and the only still other breathing things were Horizonstar and Runningstar next to her, the leaders arrived in a clearing.
And across from them was the shadow cat sitting.
Mossystar heard a startled intake of breath and glanced at her friends for a moment. They looked as shocked and frozen as she felt, which helped somehow. When she turned back to the shadow cat, it was still watching them with its blazing amber eyes. It wasn't as blurry or inscrutable as before, but it was definitely still odd, fading at its paws. Mossystar swallowed. Now or never. They had found the cat, they were in this together, all Mossystar needed to do was find her words.
"Who are you?" she finally managed, and was proud when her voice didn't shake. The cat didn't react, only turning its burning gaze completely on her now. The FireClan leader didn't budge, feeling a sudden wave of stubbornness come up. "What do you want from us?"
The cat reacted now, but only by tilting its head to the other side, still staring Mossystar down. Mossystar swallowed a few times- now what should she do?
But she was saved by the other two leaders also finally snapping out of their trances.
"Why have you been watching us this past moon?" Horizonstar demanded in her best leader voice. "Do you want something from just the leaders?"
"Can't you just leave us alone dude? We didn't do anything to you and you're being a massive dick by tracking us and creepily watching us." Runningstar snapped, and Mossystar was somewhat glad he was on their side today. "Can't you just chill out?"
Although his choice of words could've been better as usual. The FireClan leader sighed internally, and she was sure Horizonstar did too, but she was also kind of glad- her friends behaving as usual eased some of the dread in her heart. It didn't bring them any answers though, because the strange shadow cat continuously did not react. The only acknowledgement they got was the unblinking stare and still slightly inclined head. Mossystar felt her temper rise with every demand, and she knew the other two leader's was as well if the bristling of their fur was any indication.
Then Runningstar took a step forward, and just like that, the shadow cat vanished. With it the ominous, sucking feeling. Mossystar paused and almost physically lurched back at the sudden normalness.
"Uh-," Horizonstar mewed, sounding just as confused and the least articulate Mossystar had ever seen her.
"Huh." Runningstar muttered, "Guess he didn't wanna go."
Mossystar couldn't help herself- she snorted, then shook her head. "Idiot," she teased, and received a mock gasp in return. The whole atmosphere was suddenly so much lighter she couldn't believe it. It was also getting increasingly colder though, and right before anyone could ask anything, it was completely dark again.
A heartbeat passed, and then Mossystar jumped up with a gasp and wide eyes, staring down at the innocently glistening Sky Pool. Next to her Horizonstar and Runningstar awoke with similar reactions, and the three processed in silence for a minute, before the EarthClan leader spoke, "Well that was the weirdest shit I've ever experienced."
"I'm soaked." Mossystar said numbly instead of an answer, only now noticing her wet fur. "It's freezing"
Horizonstar looked down fondly at both of them, before shaking her head and turning around with a twitch of her whiskers. "Let's go home."
Mossystar followed.
Epilogue
The look Owleye gave her was pitying. "Always said you had a thing for green eyes," they muttered, then turned away without acknowledging Horizonstar's startled "What?"
The RainClan leader turned away from their medicine cat still slightly confused. It was easy to forget though, with the knowledge that they were almost at the Gathering. They hadn't seen Mossystar or Runningstar since the three had parted ways almost a moon ago after the Sky Pool. The three had hoped nothing further would happen, and so far nothing had- no shadow watcher and no dreaded feelings. Nevertheless, Horizonstar was excited to see her friends again.
RainClan was the last Clan to arrive, but the mixed among FireClan and EarthClan immediately. Horizonstar walked with Owleye and Duckfeather to the earth hill in the middle, her chest feeling strangely warm at the sight of Mossystar and Runningstar bickering as usual. They stopped when they spotted them though, and smiled just as happily as Horizonstar felt. Owleye rolled their eyes and sat next to the equally exasperate looking Marshpuddle and Lichenspeckle. Swamprose was whisked away by Thymepaw to the younger apprentice's friends, and Duckfeather left Horizonstar's side with a quick touch of her tail tip to the leader's shoulder.
"Evening, Horizonstar!" Mossystar called brightly.
"Hey," Runningstar greeted less cheerfully, but still just as genuine. Horizonstar purred her own greetings and the three sat in comfortable silence for a moment, before the EarthClan leader asked, "So… anything happened? Outside of normal?"
And Horizonstar was relieved and even happier when the three leaders all shook their heads and declined. They started the Gathering with cheer in their voices and two crows flying over their heads.
dont mind me shamelessly shipping three leaders ha ha what
if you read my other fic a shrike to your sharp and glorious thorn you may have noticed some similarities- thats because this is set in the same universe, and in basically the same time, just a few years later (not even that many tho). i came up with horizonstar, mossystar, and runningstar then as the most random side characters but i loved the one line where they interacted so much i used them as mains for this
that should be it! leave a review, it would be very appreciated, thanks so much for reading! and bbyeeeee:)