The Forbidden Battle against Bloodclan

The gathering came as swiftly as ever. Honeydrop, Leafpool, Sootfur, Whitecloud, Mapleleaf, Lagoonflower, Sandstorm, Dustpelt, Brambleclaw, Squirrelflight, Winterpaw, and Bearpaw were told to come with Firestar to visit with the other clans.

As they headed to the Gathering they passed through Windclan, whose warriors were also on their way to the Gathering.

"Ah, Firestar," Onestar called through the weeds and thicket, "Won't Thunderclan accompany us on the way to the Gathering?" Firestar was going to say no, but he couldn't trample on Onestar's hospitality so he agreed politely with a timid nod.

Several members of both clans jumped to meet with their old friends. Crowfeather knew that he couldn't meet with Leafpool, at least not directly, so he went to speak with Brambleclaw. Honeydrop discreetly joined them, eager to see his beloved father. He marched along side Brambleclaw who was eager to see his old "Sun-drown place friend".

"How's Thunderclan?" Crowfeather mewed quietly.

"Not so good. A fox killed Ivorykit. Worst of all, I was watching him at the time." Crowfeather turned paler. He looked at Brambleclaw empathetically, with sorrow. He would hate to admit it, but he had a sore spot for death ever since Feathertail's traumatic death.

"I got my Warrior name," Honeydrop interrupted, "I'm Honeydrop, now. Lagoonflower and Mapleleaf are warriors, too."

"Really? That's cool." The mood of the conversation changed instantly. Crowfeather's ears had perked up with a distinguished pride, even though he tried his best to hide it when he remembered that no one must know who Honeydrop's father was.

Honeydrop could see from behind him, Leafpool, his mother. She was very good about staying separate from Crowfeather, even though it obviously pained her. She quickly looked away, and hobbled over to Squirrelflight who always enjoyed her company.

Finally, they were at the Gathering spot. The patch of land was barren, not a cat was in sight. The sky was pitch black with a gorgeous full moon, and the air just gusted through the empty land, bringing the smell of fresh water from the lake. A loud splashing echoed across from the lake, and out of the lake came Riverclan in single file, with Hawkfrost in the front.

"Where's Leopardstar?" Honeydrop mewed to Lagoonflower and Mapleleaf in a panic.

From the other side arose Shadowclan. Blackstar was limping, and Russetfur had to help him walk. Honeydrop instantly found Talonwing. He trotted towards her.

"Hey, Talonwing. It's, well, it's nice to see you. How have you been?"

"Great, I suppose," she answered with a giggle. A warm, rosy color showed in her face that made Honeydrop's stomach clench. Briarclaw sat with his fangs barred and his claws pointing at Honeydrop. Honeydrop looked uneasily at Briarclaw, slightly frightened.

"Cats of all clans," Blackstar stepped forward, "There is a menace in the woods who has harmed me. Bone of Bloodclan has chased us to our new home." There was a panic in the crowd. A loud chatter among cats ensued. Brambleclaw bounded to Firestar and muttered something under his breath. Firestar nodded and called out,

"Now, let's not be hasty to judge. As Brambleclaw has reminded me it was Ashfur and him who killed Bone…"

"Dear cats," Hawkfrost spoke in a slimy, cool voice, "I, too, know of whom you speak. He attacked my dear leader, Leopardstar, just two nights ago. She is with my sister now, dying. But this is not Bone. My mother is Sasha of Bloodclan and she has told me of Bloodclan's new leader. He is called Shadow, and he is Bone's son, with the same ambitions as Scourge. He must be driven out. When the moon is at a crescent, I shall fight him. My father may have been a wrong, nasty, twisted tom, but I shall avenge him, and Leopardstar. Anyone brave enough is welcome to join me in-"

"NO! You mustn't. Clan leaders do not be fooled! Lies! Shadow is a friend!"

Hawkfrost looked at Honeydrop angrily. Suspiciously he retorted,

"Quite big talk for such an inexperienced warrior. And why should we believe you? Hm? Who told you such gibberish?"

"Ivorykit did." Whitecloud's eyes became serious as Honeydrop spoke of her brother. "So did Midnight. And Feathertail. And Bluestar. And Spottedleaf. You're a liar, like your father, you two-faced slime piece of mouse-"

"Firestar, do teach your clan manners," Hawkfrost hissed, "Believe what you'd like. I don't care. But will you join me in the Battle?"

Blackstar stepped forward into the circle of leaders. Talonwing whispered to him from behind,

"Father, you heard the Thunderclan warrior!"

"Quiet!" He snarled at her. "I know what is best for my clan. I haven't agreed to join Riverclan yet, simply to fight alongside them. Shadowclan shall show Bloodclan no mercy!" He screamed and howled like a raving madman. The clans grew silent.

Firestar had his turn next. Torn between Honeydrop who pleaded against it, and Brambleclaw who was sure that Honeydrop was mistaken, he simply mewed,

"We'll think about it." Then, all eyes turned to Windclan. Onestar spoke timidly,

"I think, well, that is, we're not sure either."

"Oh, I should have known that Windclan would let Thunderclan decide for them. Some things never change!" Hawkfrost mewed loud enough for everyone to hear him. Honeydrop could see Onestar beginning to boil. He realized with a shock that Hawkfrost was taunting Onestar on purpose.

He wants to pressure Onestar into the battle, he thought loudly. It didn't help that Onestar stood uneasily, unsure what to do.

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That night, Thunderclan headed home in an uproar. On one side was Brambleclaw, shocked at Honeydrop's accusation. He thought that he was surely mistaken. On another side, Dustpelt questioned that they should believe a cat who was cursed as the son of a medicine cat, and therefore could be in League with Shadow. And finally, Honeydrop was insisting that what he said was truth.

Firestar told the whole clan what happened and everyone was shocked.

"What will we do?" asked some surprised cats.

"I'm not sure. I think, I will send one party to help in the fight, the rest of us will stay here." Everyone nodded in agreement.

2 more chapters left...

A. Mademoiselle Giry has asked me to tell everyone that she will be writing a sequel to Firestar's Starclan Adventure and wants YOU to review her story with ideas.

B. Doesn't it stink that Whitepaw will supposedly be... Whitenose. Firestar is name-challenged. And why do people think she'll mate with Spiderleg? He's her cousin! And Sootfur's cooler!

C. Reveiw

D. Review

E. What did you think of this chapter?

F. Review

G. Oh! by the way read End of PEace, Pride an Prejiduce, the life of Scourge, and The truth. Reveiw those too.

H.THANKS!