Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Utter silence fell over the clearing as Bluestar announced her decision. The reactions varied from disbelief to anger, and almost none of them looked happy. Why would they? After all, Tigerclaw had just been found guilty of killing Redtail.
"I hereby banish you from ThunderClan. If you are found in our territory after sunset, you will be treated as an outsider." Bluestar continued, but it was clear the words pained her.
Tigerclaw seemed the most shocked, looking around for some kind of support. He looked to Darkstripe, whose hackles were raised, yet he said nothing. He looked to Longtail, looking equal parts angry and disappointed. He looked to Lionheart, a sorrowful gaze looking back at him. He felt anger rise up in him and he glared back at Bluestar. A calculating gaze, with barely concealed pity underneath. His claws unsheathed and scored into the dirt.
"As you wish... Bluestar." His voice was dangerously low and he didn't bow his head in the normal fashion.
Instead, he turned, kicking up dirt in Bluestar's direction- one last act of defiance- before he disappeared through the gorse tunnel. The shock of the Clan still hadn't subsided as the sun continued along its path in the sky. Eventually, Bluestar spoke again.
"We have lost another great warrior... However, due to the circumstances, we must treat him as our enemy. The gathering will be held soon. We will make no mention of this to the other Clans. If the subject cannot be avoided, then I will take care of it." She paused briefly, looking at the cats gathered around her.
Little more than whispers and mutters greeted her and she sighed.
"Before you are dismissed, a ceremony must be held. Rusty, step forward." She flicked her tail.
The orange tom, who couldn't make heads or tails of what just happened, padded forward nervously. She placed her nose on his head.
"After your name is announced, lick my shoulder." She instructed quietly.
Once he nodded, she resumed in a louder voice.
"From this day on, until you receive your warrior name, you will be known as Firepaw." She named him.
He licked her shoulder as he was told and stepped back, looking proud. She flicked her tail again.
"Dustpaw, Ravenpaw, please join me." She mewed.
They both briefly looked surprised before understanding passed over them. Dustpaw wrinkled his nose, apparently unhappy to be sitting next to the previous kittypet. Ravenpaw looked even more nervous than the newly appointed Firepaw. She raised her head and spoke loudly again.
"Two of these apprentices have lost their mentors, and one apprentice is newly named. Mousefur, you are ready to take an apprentice." She called the she-cat forward.
Mousefur looked surprised, obviously not expecting this, but she padded forward all the same.
"You have received excellent training from your previous mentor and have shown yourself to be brave and quick-witted. You will be the mentor of Dustpaw, and I expect you to pass on all you know to him." She stated the familiar words.
Mousefur nodded, licking her leader's shoulder respectfully before padding away with her new apprentice.
"Willowpelt, you are ready to take an apprentice. You have received excellent training from your previous mentor and have shown yourself to be kind and fierce. You will be the mentor of Ravenpaw, and I expect you to pass on all you know to him." She repeated.
Willowpelt stepped forward, smiling kindly at Ravenpaw, who seemed to relax as Willowpelt repeated the gesture of licking her leader's shoulder. Finally, Bluestar's gaze moved to Firepaw.
"Firepaw, you are a new addition to our clan and are unfamiliar with our ways. Therefore, I will be taking you as my apprentice. I hold myself to the same standards as any mentor and will teach you everything I have learned." She declared.
Gasps echoed across the clearing, followed by whispers and muttering. It had been many moons since Bluestar had an apprentice. It was likely only the elders and some of the senior warriors remembered that time. Firepaw looked surprised, but happy, once again licking her shoulder. Bluestar nodded, suddenly feeling exhausted and padding back to her den. She heard heavy pawsteps behind her and sighed, turning around. She gave a tired smile at Lionheart's concerned look.
"I'm fine, Lionheart. Thank you for bringing this to my attention." She murmured.
"You're welcome, but... I'm not sure any of us are happy with the result. Myself included." He admitted.
"Nor am I, but I did what had to be done. However... I feel the need to speak with StarClan." She replied.
"You're going to the Moonstone? So soon?" Lionheart asked, surprised.
She shook her head.
"Not until after the Gathering. While I would like StarClan's guidance, I need to be present with the Clan, due to the recent events." She explained.
"I see." he nodded in understanding.
"Besides, this will be a good chance to grow Firepaw's skills. I plan to take him, Graypaw, and Ravenpaw with me." Her whiskers twitched slightly.
"You won't be bringing any warriors with you?" He looked concerned.
"Unfortunately, we cannot afford to have too many warriors out of the camp. If I am to keep the patrols and hunting parties as normal, I can only risk to take those three." She pointed out.
"Yes, I suppose you have a point." Lionheart muttered his agreement.
"I trust you'll watch over ThunderClan while I'm gone?" Her voice lilted slightly and it was clear she was trying to lift the mood.
"Of course, Bluestar." He nodded resolutely, his gaze understanding.
She gave him a half-hearted smile, turning and padding to her den. Her heart was heavy and it felt as though she had aged several moons in the span of one day. Tigerclaw was gone, and though she loathed to admit it, ThunderClan was weaker because of it. But then, only StarClan knew the damage he could have done if he had stayed. She sighed softly and shook her head, her shoulders sagging. If felt like everything was working against her, as though the foundation she built was starting to crumble. She pushed those thoughts away and huffed. She couldn't allow negative thoughts, the Clan needed her. She just hoped the Gathering would pass without incident... and then, maybe, StarClan would ease the strain on her heart.
Five nights after Tigerclaw's exile, it was time for the Gathering. In that short period, Bluestar had drilled the Warrior Code into Firepaw to the best of her ability. To his credit, he was a quick learner, and seemed to be a natural hunter despite his upbringing. However, she wouldn't be taking him to the Gathering. He and his fellow apprentices would need all their energy for the journey to Highrocks, and they couldn't very well cover that distance a day after the Gathering.
As expected, he was disappointed, but he did a decent job of not showing it. For that she was thankful. The Gathering party consisted of her, Lionheart, and Spottedleaf, as always, along with Mousefur, Longtail, Speckletail, Patchpelt, Dappletail, Sandpaw and Dustpaw. Not the largest group, but she really couldn't afford to bring anyone else. The gathering was a time of peace, but just in case something did happen... She tried to shake those thoughts away. She needed to focus on the present.
She paused as the group arrived at the hollow, staring down among the other Clans, though she very quickly noticed something odd. She didn't see any cats from WindClan. Lionheart noticed as well and spoke up.
"It seems WindClan is running late tonight." He muttered, tail flicking back and forth.
She merely nodded, wondering where they could be. At the very least, that question would be answered during the Gathering. She flicked her tail, signaling for her clan to move forward, and they streamed down into the clearing. Both ShadowClan and RiverClan had larger groups, but she wouldn't let that intimidate her. However, it was easy to feel the tension in the air. They had just lost a battle to RiverClan, after all, and they weren't exactly close with ShadowClan. Still, they mingled and talked, even if it was a bit forced.
Bluestar leaped to the top of the Great Rock, nodding to Crookedstar and Brokenstar, while Lionheart settled next to Blackfoot and Leopardfur.
"Is WindClan not attending?" Bluestar question, turning her gaze out over the throng of cats.
"I haven't known Tallstar to miss a Gathering if it can be helped." Crookedstar pointed out.
"Still, we can't sit and wait all night. There are important things to discuss." Brokenstar took initiative, letting out a caterwaul that silenced the three clans present.
A questioning murmur swept through the crowd for a moment before Brokenstar continued.
"As I'm sure you all noticed, WindClan is not among us this evening. Allow me to put the mystery to rest... ShadowClan was forced to drive WindClan out of their territory." He announced boldly.
The response was immediate, angry and confused caterwauls immediately erupting from RiverClan and ThunderClan alike. Crookedstar was clearly shocked at this revelation, as was Bluestar, her hackles raised and eyes piercing into Brokenstar. He ignored her incensed look for a moment, yowling once more to silence the cries of outrage.
"Yes, forced!" He reiterated, now turning to the other leaders. "Leafbare was harsh to us and Greencough swept through our camp."
Shocked mews echoed from the clearing, some in genuine concern, others in surprise. It was unusual for the ShadowClan leader to admit weakness. However, he had a reason for doing so.
"Sadly, elders and kits alike perished to this deadly disease. The sickness spread to any prey we brought into our camp, so once again, we were forced to hunt on WindClan's territory!"
"Brokenstar, this is absurd!" Crookedstar interrupted. "Leafbare is always the harshest season. Despite your misfortune, that doesn't give you the right to drive WindClan out!"
"I agree." Bluestar stated vehemently. "Needing extra prey is expected, but to drive out WindClan is another matter entirely!"
Brokenstar almost looked insulted at their response.
"So then, you would have us do nothing? Sit and wallow in sickness, with no food to show for it? Oh, but I forget. RiverClan has the plentiful river and ThunderClan's forest is always rich with prey." He spat.
"What happened was a tragedy," Bluestar cut in, "but you can't just take what you want! If you had only asked for help, then-"
Brokenstar spat and hissed at the suggestion.
"And show even more weakness? I think not! The only reason I reveal this to you now is for one reason: I demand Shadowclan be allowed to hunt on your territory as well!"
And again, angry yowls rose up from the clearing. Hissing and spitting could be heard, hackles were raised, and claws were starting to unsheathe. However, the clearing fell into a sudden darkness, and every cat froze as they looked to the sky. A stray cloud had floated in front of the moon, blocking out its light for only a moment before moving on. Still, that one moment was enough.
"It's clear that StarClan disapproves of your demands, Brokenstar! The borders will stay where they are, and you will not be hunting on our land!" Bluestar announced.
"RiverClan will not bow to you, either! This Gathering is over." Crookedstar hissed, glaring at Brokenstar before leaping down from the Great Rock.
Bluestar locked him with an icy gaze of her own before she, too, jumped down. She knew Brokenstar was shooting her a hateful look, but there was nothing she could do about it. He could be angry if he wanted, she wasn't about to let him make unreasonable demands. She flicked her tail, and ThunderClan gathered around her quickly. She could hear the angry and worried mutters being exchanged as they left the clearing, setting a quick pace back to camp.
That hadn't gone the way she expected, nor did it bear any good news. She'd hardly had a chance to speak, though perhaps that was for the better. She preferred to keep Thunderclan's own weakness hidden for a while longer.
"Bluestar," Lionheart's soft voice caught her ear as he padded next to her, "I'm concerned about Brokenstar's demands."
"As am I." She agreed with a sigh. "But if ShadowClan is as weakened as he claims, he wouldn't dare attack us."
"But what about WindClan? If they were driven out, then something needs to be done." He murmured.
She pondered for a moment before nodding.
"Yes, the forest must always have four clans. Perhaps StarClan will give me guidance about WindClan as well." She allowed.
Lionheart supposed that was the best he could hope for. The rest of the trek back, at least for Bluestar, was silent. She wasn't in the mood to talk. As soon as they returned, she joined Spottedleaf in her den. She was quick about what she needed, asking the Medicine Cat to prepare enough traveling herbs for herself and the three apprentices. She was thankful that Spottedleaf didn't try to push any issues, as it was clear Bluestar had a lot on her mind. Right now, she needed rest. It was just a shame she couldn't eat.
She padded swiftly over to the Apprentice's Den, sticking her head in briefly.
"Firepaw, Greypaw, Ravenpaw." She called softly.
They were groggy, but almost jolted awake when they saw who was calling for them.
"You'll all be accompanying me to the Moonstone tomorrow, please be ready at dawn." The command was clear, but her voice was soft.
She smiled slightly as she dipped out, hearing Greypaw whisper excitedly with his nestmates. It was good to see those three getting along so well. Sandpaw and Dustpaw were still a bit distant, though that could be expected with Firepaw's sudden arrival. A sudden wave of exhaustion threatened to overwhelm her and she barely made it into her own den before collapsing into her nest. She gave a heavy sigh and closed her eyes. With all the chaos thrown her way, she wouldn't be surprised if she had used one of her nine lives just to get through it all. A wry snort left her nostrils at the thought, though sleep came easy to her. That, at least, was something she was thankful for.
