"No. It can't be-"
Tallstar weakly moved among a rock face. He wants to view the vast lake –a paradise for the four clans. Tremendous effort had been spent journeying here and finally, they have arrived. Ahead is WindClan's potential new territory.
Brambleclaw, Onewhisker, Mudclaw, and Firestar surround the beloved Tallstar worriedly. A cat called for Barkface's help yet they knew there could be nothing done.
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He thoughtfully considers each cat before him.
Should Onewhisker be leader instead? Tallstar wants peace between WindClan and ThunderClan. Firestar's kindness and durable friendship with his warriors would ensure that. Wouldn't it? Mudclaw is very aggressive. But he's dependable and wishes the best for WindClan's survival.
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"My last wish," Tallstar wheezed. Every breath requires a painful tug at his lungs. "Is for a lasting friendship between our clans." The tom believes Mudclaw will choose Onewhisker as deputy. Additionally with Barkface's guidance Mudclaw will be an exceptional leader.
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"I'll do my best to establish your last wishes, Tallstar. WindClan won't fail!"
"So will I." Onewhisker agreed.
"You're a wonderful leader. WindClan won't forget you."
"Yes." Firestar's nose rested on Tallstar's forehead. "Your immeasurable kindness, wisdom, and bravery shall live on, my friend!"
Tallstar smiled.
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Shimmering starlight cast upon Tallstar. He feels weightless. Physical body is being dragged by sleep. But he's content.
The cats he cares about are here and WindClan's safety seems guaranteed. Adorning a starry pelt Tallstar walks onto the horizon, following StarClan ancestors.
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Earth around the lake has been divided and marked. Tallstar was given proper burial and Firestar returned to ThunderClan.
Below sprawling hills Mudclaw sees Clanmates completing tasks cheerfully. Organizing dens, hunting, helping queens and the elderly, and patrolling.
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It'd be only a few moons –no. Probably less until war breaks out. Mudclaw knows the Clans friendly pleasantries are deceptive. Tallstar's docile tactic might have worked back in the forest but times change. Mudclaw admired Tallstar's strength and unwavering spirit when battling BloodClan so he'd do his best to replicate that same resolve.
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Ice. Colder than any leaf-bare season. But there's no snow. Barkface is atop a single hill viewing the expansive newfound forest. Sharp winds of frost crash through and brush his fur like needles. Starless darkness shrouds a blue sky. The moon is gone. Its soothing silver light absent.
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Water that had been serene now frothed uncontrollably. A violent wave rises higher than any tree and crashes down upon the earth. Wrathfully it rushes past a forest, the lake, and clearings. Muddy red. Whirlpools spin endlessly. Barkface, frightened, hesitantly reaches out a paw to prod the sticky substance. It drips in globs and its smell revolting. Blood. The mud is mixed in with the crimson color.
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What could've caused this?! Famine? Sickness? War? The lake's familiar outline becomes unrecognizable. Wrapped in complete darkness. He must run-
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Barkface jumped. Breathing hard he felt his heart racing. No danger here, he's in the medicine den. A pile of dropped herbs are at his paws. The medicine cat carefully reorganized the herbs and left for the leader's den.
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Briefly he stared at the entrance, unsure of what to do.
"Yes? What do you need?"
The medicine cat walked in and bowed respectfully. Mudclaw was a somewhat intimidating cat. Should he discuss the vision he had? Or would it be better to ask StarClan first?
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"Have you considered a deputy yet?" Barkface asked. "Today is your Nine Lives Ceremony."
"I will. If I need help I'd ask you."
"It'll be a difficult path to the moonpool. So prepare for the journey."
Mudclaw waved his tail dismissively, as if distracted by something. "I'll meet you by WindClan's exit. I won't be long."
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Nine lives are bestowed upon Mudclaw. He's now Mudstar. StarClan had revealed only a few clues to the omen. Unrelenting ice. Blue like clear summer sky. Cold winds, ice, mud, and a wave of blood. What does it mean? Is Mudstar in danger? Is winter going to be disastrous for WindClan?
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"Do you hear that?!"
Barkface stumbled. Faint sounds of battle dash by on a gust.
"WindClan is being attacked!" Mudstar sprinted to camp. Barkface followed. Urgency propelled their legs. They crash into WindClan only to see two foxes lunging at everyone.
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One is being deflected by warriors who're defending queens and kits. Apprentices are trying to ambush the other fox. The vicious creatures wildly display razor teeth and long claws.
Mudstar leaps straight into danger. He saved an apprentice by clawing a fox's nose. Flecks of blood spill from cat and fox, mere coils in air.
Barkface dragged the injured out of range while unfamiliar cats joined the fight. RiverClan warriors!
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"We'll distract from the front while you attack from elsewhere!" Mudstar shouted. Evading snapping jaws and thrashing limbs, the foxes are chased out of camp. Quickly scanning the crowd Mudstar called for some warriors. "Follow their scent but stay clear. I want their burrows found and destroyed."
Wordlessly they obeyed the command.
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"What happened?"
A RiverClan cat stepped forward and bowed. His whole posture and personality held elegance, perception, and coolness. "My Clanmates and I saw foxes head towards WindClan while on a patrol. We decided to help."
Barkface and Kestrelpaw heal the wounded. Everyone is alarmed and weary. He expected a curt reply from Mudstar but instead there's genuine shock.
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Composure overshadows Mudstar's face. He sat and his tail curled over his paws. "Our Clan is strong but I'm thankful for your support."
The blue-eyed tabby bowed. "It's what we must do."
Mudstar nodded. "Your quick action and bravery are significant. Maybe…you'd prefer to be among our ranks?"
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The clearing is silent. Awed. Barkface shook his head. Allowing other Clan cats to join is a risky move. Not uncommon but who knows if they're just looking for weaknesses? He's bewildered. Mudstar's sudden generous offer isn't like him at all –unless it's for WindClan!
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"My friends and I would be honored to join WindClan."
'And why is that?' Barkface wondered.
"Isn't that dangerous?" Onewhisker asked. "We don't know his intentions."
Hawkfrost remained still as stone. "I simply feel as if I don't belong in RiverClan."
Mudstar narrowed his eyes at Onewhisker. "Aren't you friends with ThunderClan cats?"
Onewhisker bristled and his green eyes blaze. "I'm loyal only to WindClan. Everyone talks to each other at Gatherings."
Mudstar's gaze returned to Hawkfrost. "You four are allowed to stay here as official WindClan warriors."
A few voiced congratulations and cheered but many apprehensively eyed their new Clanmates.
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It's almost time for a Gathering. Barkface nervously observes a cloudy sky. The moon is concealed by dusk and heavy mist.
Not many will go to the Gathering. Mudstar had instructed longer training times. They're tired, already dozing in their dens or languidly talking to their Clanmates. Among the small crew Barkface searches for Mudstar. Where is he?
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"WindClan!" Mudstar effortlessly climbed up a collection of stones. "I have decided on a deputy."
Curiously cats looked at their leader. It must be Onewhisker. He's been diligently helping with patrols, organization, and defending WindClan from threats.
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"Hawkfrost will be deputy."
"What?" Barkface's eyes widened in disbelief.
Murmurs of uncertainty clamored in the camp like the beginning gusts of a powerful storm.
"Though here only a short time he's shown outstanding fearlessness and dedication. Hakwfrost is a wonderful addition to WindClan."
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The tom leapt up to sit beside Mudstar. No thanks are exchanged. Pride and arrogance gleam coolly in Hawkfrost's eyes.
Bristling, Barkface feels an icy chill pierce his pelt and grip his bones. Something is wrong. Tension is thicker than mud.
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"We've had some talks. WindClan has always been seen as the weakest of the four. It'll only be a matter of time before one decides to attack us."
"How do you know?" A warrior asked.
"Not even StarClan can pinpoint every detail of the future!" Kestrelpaw meowed.
"Don't you remember," Mudstar's tail lashed angrily. His eyes exhibited anguish. "That ShadowClan chased us out of our territory at the forest? WindClan shouldn't experience the same pain twice."
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"But Clans are at peace." An apprentice said.
"Not for long." Hawkfrost meowed. "Survival is crucial. We must expect war from the others when things get bad. Leaf-bare for instance."
"ShadowClan and ThunderClan have been attacking us more often. Clearly they're searching for our weaknesses." Mudstar reasoned.
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"No." Onewhisker glared at Mudstar. "I've been on patrols. Sure a few skirmishes have happened. But nothing too aggressive."
A few agreed with him.
Mudstar glared back just as fiercely. "But you always stop to chat with ThunderClan warriors. How do I know you're not going to abandon WindClan for them?"
"Yes…" Hawkfrost almost smiled. "Your loyalties seem to be with ThunderClan. You could betray us any moment."
"What?!" Onewhisker hissed. "Never! I will always fight for WindClan! I just know Tallstar asked for peace, for friendship. Making enemies will only bring WindClan misfortune!"
"Friendships don't last." Hawkfrost eyed the warrior. "Without solid loyalty to a clan, it shall be destined for ruin."
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"WindClan won't be pushovers anymore!" Mudstar shouted. "I refuse to fail Tallstar or WindClan!"
Cats shuffled. Their gazes bounced from Mudstar and Hawkfrost to Onewhisker. Most gathered underneath the rocks, a few next to the warrior. Mudstar observed the cats below suspiciously. "I banish you Onewhisker. And the ones who follow you."
"What?! But-"
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A claw slices Onewhisker's face. He reeled, stumbling, before staring back bafflingly. Shock turned to rage.
"I respect your deftness as a warrior. So I won't chase you out. But don't expect a heartfelt reunion after you leave."
Barkface quickly stood by Mudstar. "I'll escort him out. If you're late to the Gathering-"
Mudstar nodded. "Yes. Very well. Let's go, WindClan!"
The medicine cat leads Onewhisker out. They took a detour away from the marching cats.
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"Listen. Go to Firestar after the Gathering. Ask him for help."
"I…I was thinking of going there. But why?"
"I had an omen." Barkface ignored Onewhisker's somber gaze to look at the stars. "You must tell him or their medicine cat. Mudstar can either bring WindClan's continued peace or a horrible war."
"How?"
"Hawkfrost is up to something. I'm sure he's part of the prophecy. Maybe one of the medicine cats had similar visions. I'd ask at the Gathering but I feel as if Hawkfrost might be-"
"So I must deliver a message."
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Barkface retold the omen he had. Onewhisker nodded and sprinted into dusk woodlands. The warriors sticks to shadows and efficiently makes his way towards ThunderClan. Surely Brambleclaw and Firestar will hear what he has to say. Maybe they could provide Onewhisker a place in their ranks. He'd miss WindClan and wants to return, but first he'd have to figure out this newfound prophecy that Barkface discovered.