Wooo, another chapter! I've been writing this one on/off for a while. It's long. I got really into it, I like Ferretsoar. Anyway, usual trigger warnings of homophobia and sexism apply. Some suggestive themes.

- Mossy

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Cactopus- I wanted to include more Flowerpaw because I do have a plan for her! But alas, this chapter was getting really long. But they'll be more of her in the future! Also, thanks for the OCs! I changed Shrimptail to Sharptail because I imagine him with spiky fur like his brother and I want his name to reflect that lol, hope that's alright.

Rowan Wisteria- Silverclaw thinks he's doing the best for his daughter. And yes! I love Pigeonstar and Yewbranch, they're very sweet!

Ferretsoar almost felt bad for the poor girl. Having Applestorm follow you around seemed like a fate worse than death. (He might have been being overdramatic, but the tom wasn't very pleasant.) And the comments…

The vile filth from the young warrior made Ferretsoar want to shut him up like he would back when they were apprentices. He shivered, once remembering when Pigeonstar's little nephew had had some choice words for Badgerfern. Ferretsoar still believed he had a scar on his shoulder from that.

"Come on, Featherbell!" the orange prat whined as the silver and white she-cat tried to escape him, "You have to go hunting with me. I know how to make it a great time. Pin you against a tree-"

Ferretsoar tuned out so he didn't have to hear the details of what exactly he was planning on doing with Gladeclan's newest queen. Still, they were right beside him and ruining his rabbit he'd been eating. He turned around with a growl in his throat.

"Applestorm, stay away from Featherbell," he hissed, glaring at the younger cat, "Perhaps, if you actually learned to talk to a lady, they'll stop treating you like vermin." Applestorm fluffed up in anger. He was obviously trying, to be intimidating, but he looked more like a deranged puffball.

Featherbell looked between the two toms and swallowed. She looked like she wanted to speak up, but held her tongue. Birchtuft and Silverclaw had obviously taught her well. The thought made Ferretsoar quesy. Featherbell seemed like a smart girl, one who he didn't want to see squashed. He didn't want her to end up like his sister, Plumbird. Simply waiting for the right tom to take her as his own, excited to have litters and litters of kits.

"You trying to challenge me?" Applestorm puffed his chest out, "I don't think Pigeonstar will like that."

"I give a rat's tail about what your uncle's going to do to be," Ferretsoar rolled his eyes, "Because he would personally find your behavior disgusting. You don't just own the right to whatever you want."

"Why not?" Applestorm narrowed his eyes, "She's pretty and I'm probably going to be leader of Gladeclan someday. She should be begging to have my kits." Featherbell stiffened and Ferretsoar stepped forward, baring his fangs. He traced the scar on Applestorm's shoulder.

"How about you go," he whispered in Applestorm's ear. His breath was hot and angry, "Unless you want a matching one on the other side."

He watched Applestorm stumbled back from him, eyes wide with fear. He was red and rigid, not moving. Ferretsoar let out a low growl, "Scram!" The ginger tom watched him and swallowed.

"Foxheart!" he squeaked, turning and running away. His tail was almost between his legs. Ferretsoar snorted and turned to where Featherbell was cowering.

"Thank you," she whispered. Her fur had a stray burr in it, which Ferretsoar took the liberty of pulling out.

He sighed, sitting down next to Featherbell. "If he bothers you so much, why do you put up with him?" he asked, "You're a pretty she-cat who's father is one of the most respected warriors in the clan."

"Do I have a choice?" Featherbell whispered, looking helpless. Ferretsoar knew the feeling. It was one he tried to squash. One he got when Badgerfern was sitting there grooming his sister's fur, eyes gleaming with laughter and Ferretsoar's heart was about to burst-

"You always have a choice," he whispered, "I haven't taken mate yet and you're still young. Even Plumbird hasn't taken a mate."

"She's convinced a cat will sweep her off her feet soon," Featherbell scoffed, causing Ferretsoar to hold back a laugh. "But…" her tone grew more solemn, "A lot of the clan doesn't like you very much."

"Eh, I'm used to it," Ferretsoar shrugged, "Not exactly gunning for to be leader."

"My father is," Featherbell whispered, "He wants… he wants to be deputy after Pigeonstar passes. I'm his only kit, least til Mistflower's are born. Don't I… don't I have to have kits soon?"

"No!" Ferretsoar snapped, "Starclan, what do they teach you. Not soon."

"Applestorm wants them soon."

"Is Applestorm your mate?"

Featherbell paused. "I… I don't know," she admitted softly, shaking like a dove. Ferretsoar's heart ached for her. "Silverclaw wants him to be. Thinks it would be… good for me. But I don't like him." She looked close to tears. "He's awful!"

"Then it's simple," Ferretsoar looked at her, "Don't be his mate."

"But my father-"

"I just don't want you to end up unhappy," Ferretsoar whispered, his tone soft, "You don't deserve that, Feather." He saw her squirm and flush under his gaze and let out a breathy sigh.

"I don't know if I should listen to you," she met his gaze, "They say you're trouble, just a tease."

Ferretsoar have her a long look. "Well, I'll leave it up to you to decide if those rumors are true."

"Ferretsoar…" Featherbell twitched her tail and cocked her head to the side, "Why haven't you taken a mate yet?"

There was a pause. Ferretsoar thought about how to answer the question. Because he didn't want to? None of the she-cats in the clan had caught his eye yet? Starclan, he'd waited for so long to trying to get feelings for one. "I guess… I just haven't met the right she-cat yet," he whispered. The sentiment seemed silly when he could have two or three.

Featherbell didn't laugh at him. She watched him with her mouth hanging open slightly. Her ears were tinted pink.

Oh.

That… that hadn't been quite what he'd meant.

"Hey, are you going to tonight's gathering?" he asked, trying to change the subject. Featherbell nodded.

"Mmmhmm! This is my first gathering as a queen," she smiled, "Think Pigeonstar wants to brag a little bit."

Ferretsoar didn't think Pigeonstar gave a mouse tail over Featherbell being a queen, but he wasn't going to say that. Silverclaw was probably just making her feel more important than she was. (Not that he thought Featherbell wasn't important, but he couldn't deny reality. Even if it was harsh.)

"I'm sure," he smiled, because he wasn't as harsh as his sister. Batpounce would jump on an opportunity to ruin the life of Gladeclan's prettiest new apprentice. He sighed and pawed at the ground.

"I just hope you enjoy your first gathering," he said, giving a small smile. Featherbell shyly ducked her head.

"Yeah, cause it's your only one," a harsh she-cat snapped from nearby, "Enjoy getting out while you can."

"Russetblaze," Ferretsoar have the dark ginger she-cat a strained smile, "How lovely to have you here?"

"What? It's the truth," Russetblaze sighed, "I think it's a stupid tradition, giving she-cats one night off the territory, just so they can be shown off."

"It's a symbol of strength," Featherbell looked hurt, "That's what my mother said. And to see the other clan as a full member of the clan."

"Once, see them once," Russetblaze snarled, lashing her tail. Ferretsoar stepped in front of Featherbell. He really didn't want Russetblaze to ruin this night for her.

"Russetblaze," he started, soft and gentle, "As beautiful as your voice and strong view of things are, you have it wrong. The last gathering is a celebration between the family and littermates. A chance to enjoy themselves and show off before a she-cat is given away to her mate."

"Like you understand, Ferretsoar," Russetblaze hissed, "I haven't been to a gathering since then. You go all the time."

"You have a mate now," Ferretsoar cocked his head, "And no kits. You know you can go with Swiftstorm's permission."

"Permission he hasn't granted," Russetblaze hissed.

"Shame, if you were mine, I'd want to show you off," Ferretsoar grinned, taking a step back as Russetblaze fought with him.

"St-stop it you too!" Featherbell exclaimed, "I know the rules! And I'm sure I'll have a mate soon enough and… he'll let me go to all the gatherings I want!"

She met Ferretsoar's gaze, hope in her eyes. His stomach sank.

"I'm…" Ferretsoar swallowed, "I'm sure you'll go to a lot. You'll have a-" He cut himself off. Her future was clear. She'd be stuck with Applestorm, he probably would deny her. Just as a power move.

(He could save her. He could take her.)

"Russet!" he exclaimed, "Is Twistedspring going to the gathering?" The she-cat bristled.

"No!" she snapped, "That's the only good thing about her and her sister's stupid kits. They're stuck here suffering, just as much as me."

"Swiftstorm would let you go if you simply opened your heart," a soft, kind voice said to Russetblaze. It almost grated on Ferretsoar's ears with how sweet it was. He turned around.

"Twistedspring," he smiled, "How lovely of you to join us."

"Thank you," she purred, dipping her head with grace, "I'm just trying to offer Russetblaze some advice. Swiftstorm prefers it if you give him honey at the end of the day instead of yarrow."

"Swiftstorm can eat a rat's tail," Russetblaze huffed, causing the black queen to gasp. Featherbell also let out a cute gasp, making Ferretsoar smile.

"I-" Twistedspring wrapped her tail around her stomach, as if to shield her kits from Russetblaze's attitude, "You can't say that."

"Just did," Russetblaze hissed, "I can see why Swiftstorm likes you. You're dumb."

"And you're as nice as… as a bad piece of prey!" Twistedspring shouted back. Russetblaze scoffed.

"Learned your insults from your sister? She's the only one worse than you."

"Brightrain? She would never say something like that!" Twistedspring bristled, making Ferretsoar laugh. He didn't think there was much in Brightrain's head. Speaking of the airy she-cat, she was walking over to join her sister.

"Russetblaze!" she exclaimed, bouncy and cheerful, "I was looking for you! I wanted to run some kit names by you. Rowanspring said we should bond!"

"My brother said what-" Russetblaze squeaked as she was slowly dragged away by both pregnant sisters.

"That," Brightrain beamed, "Anyway, I rather like Flowerkit as a name if it's a girl-" Russetblaze struggled to get away.

"Ferretsoar! Help!"

"Sorry," he snorted, "Featherbell and I have to line up to go to the gathering."

"Ferretsoar, you son of a-"

He led Featherbell away. She looked up at him with bright, blue eyes. "Will Russetblaze be alright? Twistedspring and Brightrain are sweet, but they don't get along with her." She paused, "More she doesn't get along with them."

Ferretsoar laughed, "She'll be fine. She can handle kit names. If Swiftstorm has his way, she'll be picking them out herself soon."

He could still hear a load, "What about Chrysanthemumkit?" from Brightrain and snorted. Starclan, please let Rowanspring name his kits. It wasn't entirely common for a tom to name his kits, but it wasn't unheard of. His father had helped name him and his littermates, after all.

He noticed Silverclaw and Birchfrost up ahead, the latter staring at her only daughter with pride in her eyes. The former was staring and Ferretsoar with contempt. The young warrior let out a huff. He wasn't trying to ruin Silverclaw's grand plan to sacrifice Featherbell to Applestorm.

But… she clearly fancied him. And it would be so easy. To finally get a mate, to get the entire clan off his back.

He saw Badgerfern walking with Batpounce up ahead. His sister said something (most likely dry and pointed) and Badgerfern let out a bright laugh. It was a smile thing. He turned and flashed Ferretsoar a smile, causing the tom to stumble.

Ferretsoar swallowed sharply. He could save Featherbell. But he…

(He couldn't. He couldn't. He couldn't.)

He shoved her forward, "Your parents probably want to walk with you." Featherbell gave him a look.

"Ferretsoar, everything alright?"

The look on Batpounce's face is happiness. Ferretsoar wants his sister to be happy. He wants Badgerfern to be happy. He just… didn't want his heart to twist like this. To feel like it's being violently ripped out.

"Featherbell, your parents," he whispered, swallowing. She's still watching him.

"You're not okay," she murmured and then wrapped her paws around him. Ferretsoar felt his heart stop. He sucked in a deep breath. He could be happy with this. Featherbell was a nice, pretty she-cat. She cared about him. He would be content.

He shoved her away. "Thank you," he swallowed, "But uh… I don't want to upset your father by making him wait."

"Oh!" Featherbell nodded quickly, "Of course! Sorry, I don't know what came over me-"

"It's… it's fine, Featherbell," Ferretsoar smiled. He gave her one last nod before letting her walk away. She gave him one last soft glance.

Once she was gone, another she-cat appeared at his side. "So… Featherbell?" Ferretsoar let out a groan.

"Plumbird, please mind your own business," he gave his sister a mock-polite smile.

"I just think it would be good for you to settle with a mate," his littermate huffed, "I understand looking for the right cat, but with how she just looked at you…"

"She's promised to Applestorm!" he snapped, "Okay? There's not much I can do."

"Oh," Plumbird paused, pity filling her gaze. Ferretsoar hated it. Hated this. "I'm sorry, Ferretsoar. But… perhaps there's still hope? If she had your kits-"

Ferretsoar stiffened, "Plumbird. Stop. Just… stop."

"I just don't want to see my brother in love with someone, only to lose her to someone else," she whispered, "I'm still holding out for my true love, but… you might have found it."

Ferretsoar knew what she meant. Knew she didn't mean to hurt him. He glanced at Badgerfern and Batpounce. It was stupid. Something that could never happen.

"No," he whispered, "I haven't. And you.. you will. Promise." He smirked, "I saw the way Thornpaw was looking at you." His sister seemed embarrassed at the change of subject.

"Ferretsoar!" she huffed, "He's an apprentice, he can't-"

"Almost a warrior," he drawled, "A handsome warrior."

"You're the worst," she flattened her ears, flushing, "The worst."

"Oh?" he grinned, "Still fancy Spiderdream then?"

"Ferret-" Plumbird turned a darker red, affronted, "He's the medicine cat!"

"That didn't stop you when you were an apprentice."

Plumbird glared at him, "You know, I'm a proper lady now. I don't have time for silly daydreams over things that won't happen." She huffed and stormed off, going to most likely try and talk to some of the toms. Maybe try and get Rowanspring to take her on as a mate.

Though Ferretsoar doubted it. Plumbird was holding out for the perfect tom. He hoped she found him, one day.

She just didn't know that he was too. And Ferretsoar could never tell her. She wouldn't understand. No one ever would and he'd be cast out, a pariah in his own clan.

He didn't want that.

He trotted into the gathering place, an old clearing on the edge of Forestclan territory. The moon lit up the grass, a gentle breeze saying the green blades. Talk trees peeres down on both groups, like giant shadows judging their every movement. It made Ferretsoar long for the clear meadow that made up Gladeclan territory.

He scoffed as the Forestclan cats walked in. Oakstar was leading the patrol, accompanied by his deputy, Skyshade. In a place of honor was Oakstar's mate, Ivywhisker, who looked less than thrilled. Ferretsoar would be too, if he had to have the kits of that brute. Skyshade was chatting amiably with one of his mates, Runningcreek. Unlike Ivywhisker, she seemed happy to be next to her mate.

Then, trailing in was Oakstar's moronic son. Burnpaw. He looked pompous as he walked in, all strutting with his chest puffed out. His littermates were more tolerable. Ferretsoar had talked to both, Redpaw being a polite young tom and Leafpaw being… reserved. She'd barely spoken.

Oakstar walked up to the front of the clearing, getting up on a tree branch. He scoffed as Pigeonstar struggled get up next to him, settling for a lower branch. Ferretsoar saw Talonshriek twitch his tail in annoyance at the leader's apparent weakness. Ferretsoar figured he was just waiting for Pigeonstar to die.

"Forestclan will start," Oakstar exclaimed, deep voice resonating throughout the clearing, "We are doing well and getting stronger this moon ." He stuck his jaw out and Ferretsoar fought the urge to roll his eyes.

"Shadowstrike, Foxclaw, and Skyshade all have mates that are expecting another litter," he smirked, "With Skyshade taking on yet another mate." Forestclan's deputy shifted on his paws with embarrassment.

Another mate? Ferretsoar wondered how many Skyshade needed. The deputy was flushed, almost bashful looking as Ferretsoar tried wondering who it could be.

"We also chased a fox off into the meadow," Oakstar sneered, "Might want to take care of that, Pigeonstar."

The older leader frowned, "Yes… thank you… Oakstar. Gladeclan is also doing well. We have several expecting queens, including Talonshriek getting ready to welcome his third litter. He and Littlewing are very happy." He offered the deputy a smile.

Ferretsoar wondered if he would ever have a litter announced. It was something one could request of the leader. Pigeonstar didn't always go into names, even if doing so was a show of strength. What would it be like, to be glowing like Talonshriek was?

An image of Featherbell popped into his mind. He shook it away.

"Silverclaw's daughter is having her first gathering!" Pigeonstar announced and suddenly it was hard to forget Featherbell because she was right there with the moonlight reflecting off her silver patches, making them glow with almost ethereal beauty.

Applestorm was a lucky tom.

"Please welcome Featherbell!"

Her name was shouted and

Ferretsoar couldn't keep his eyes off her. Pigeonstar cleared his throat, "Of course, I can't forget, Badgerfern has taken Batpounce as a mate."

Ah, there it was. The fact that stabbed Ferretsoar like an angry wasp. Suddenly he couldn't focus on Featherbell. He saw Batpounce and Badgerfern staring at each other with love-

He felt sick. He started to try to walk away, almost running into Burnpaw pathetically trying to flirt with Flowerpaw. Gladeclan's medicine cat apprentice gave him a funny look.

"Are you alright, darling?"

The use of the pet name made his stomach churn.

"Fine," he croaked and headed deeper into the crowd.

Burnpaw's sad phrases were heard. "Hey baby, you want… babies?"

"I'm a medicine cat apprentice."

"Oh-"

Ferretsoar didn't have time to be amused by their ridiculousness. He sat down in the thick of the warriors and the few queens that had come, grateful for the anonymity.

Pigeonstar kept talking but he wasn't listening. Somehow Featherbell found him. She tested her tail on his shoulder.

It helped. Just a little.

"You're obviously not alright," she whispered. He didn't respond. He knew he wasn't.

But with her nearby, at least things felt manageable.

Question: Do you think Ferretsoar should 'save' Featherbell from Applestorm?