Chapter 2: Revelation
Lucina walked out of the warriors' den the next morning, the she-cat looking around camp. When she woke up, she noticed that most of the other cats were still asleep. I wonder how I can be of help. Perhaps a hunting patrol? Or maybe Alderheart and the others need help.
"Lucina, good morning." She looked over and saw that it was Lelouch. She had learned yesterday that because of Squirrelflight's sickness, Bramblestar assigned him as interim deputy until she was cured.
"Oh, good morning, Lelouch. Is there any way I can assist the Clan at the moment?"
"Well, you're up pretty early. A border patrol just left a few minutes ago, but we haven't had a hunting patrol leave yet. I can put you on it if you'd like." The she-cat nodded. "Great. For now, just wait for some of the others cats to wake up."
"Of course; thank you." Lucina made her way back to the warriors' den but suddenly stopped. She turned her attention towards the medicine cat's den. I haven't been in there yet. I really hope they don't mind me just taking a peek. The blue-gray she-cat approached the den and passed through the brambles. Her gaze grew solemn at the sight of all the resting cats in the den. This sickness must really be bad. Hopefully the watermint we collected yesterday is enough.
"Who's there?" Jayfeather's blind gaze turned towards the entrance to the den, the tom tasting the air. "Lucina, what are you doing here?"
"My apologies, Jayfeather. I don't mean to interrupt anything. I just wanted to see the severity of the illness going around camp."
"Well…here it is. I'm not doing much now, so you didn't interrupt anything, but it'd be in your best interest to leave."
"Right." Lucina exited the den, and as she turned around, she bumped into a cream she-cat. "Oh, I'm so sorry." Her blue eyes touched her hazel gaze.
"It's okay. Wait…you're Lucina, right? Alderheart told me about you when he returned to camp yesterday." She explained. "My name's Asuna."
"Asuna…oh yes, Nightheart told me a bit about you. I didn't see you at all yesterday. I'm guessing that you've been in the medicine cat's den for most of the time." She nodded.
"With all the cats suffering from the belly sickness, this is the longest I've been in there. It's horrible." Asuna meowed. "You're not sick, are you?"
"Oh, no. Lelouch told me to wait for some other cats to wake up, and I was curious about how many cats have caught the illness."
"That's a relief. I'd feel so bad if you got sick on your second day here." She stated. "Well, it was nice meeting you, Lucina. I don't mean to cut this short, but I'd like to get to work."
"I understand. It was nice meeting you as well, Asuna." The two passed by each other, Lucina now waiting for more cats to awaken from their slumber. She had noticed Lelouch walk out of the warriors' den, Nightheart following behind him. The violet-eyed she-cat approached her with a smile.
"Good morning, Lucina. Father told me that you were waiting to go on a hunting patrol?"
"Correct. I hope he didn't just wake you up for my sake." Nightheart shook her head.
"It's alright. I'd be honored to be a part of your first hunt in this world." She assured her. "What are you hoping that you catch?"
"I'm not sure. Yesterday I saw mice, squirrels and some birds in the fresh-kill pile, but I don't know what else is considered prey." She replied. "Do you hunt for any fish in the lake or streams nearby? In my world, I know cats love it."
"We leave fish to RiverClan. It'd probably be best if we don't try hunting for any." Nightheart said with a hint of laughter. "A lot of prey that we catch is probably better than fish. You looked like you were enjoying that mouse yesterday."
"It took a while, but it definitely took me by surprise. I was hesitant at first, that's for sure." As the two continued talking, they didn't notice Sorrelstripe approach.
"Hi you two." The dark brown she-cat greeted. "Lelouch told me you both were waiting to start a hunting patrol?" Nightheart nodded, the she-cat sitting down and joining the two. Soon after, Hollytuft approached the group. "Hi sis. Did you just wake up?" The black she-cat let out a yawn. "I'll take that as a yes."
"Sorry about that. So, are you three ready to go hunting?" The others nodded and got to their paws. Nightheart took the lead and made her way towards the camp exit. Before they left, they were stopped by Lelouch.
"Oh, hello father." Nightheart meowed. "Is something wrong?"
"No. I just wanted to tell you all good luck, and make sure to help Lucina in any way possible. This is her first time hunting, after all."
"Don't worry father, we will." The black she-cat assured him.
"Great. Come back safe, you four." The tom meowed before they made their way into the forest. As they were walking, Nightheart suddenly came to a halt.
"Do you smell that, Lucina?" The blue-gray she-cat brought her nose up in the air, trying to pick up any sort of scent that wasn't ThunderClan.
"Yes, but I'm not sure what it is. Can I assume that it's prey?"
"Yeah. Look over there." Sorrelstripe poked her shoulder with her tail and pointed towards a nearby tree. At its base was a squirrel. "Are you ready for your first hunt?"
"I think so. I'll have to sneak up on it as quietly as I can."
"Right, and when you feel like you're close enough, get into a hunter's crouch and jump!" Hollytuft added. Lucina began to approach the squirrel as cautiously as possible. Her paws began inching closer and closer, the she-cat hoping that the prey didn't sense her yet. As she got closer, a sudden crunch echoed throughout the forest, the squirrel looking up at her quickly before dashing away. Lucina broke out into a run, but stopped when it escaped by climbing up a tree. I thought I had it, too. She walked back over to the other three she-cats.
"You were so close Lucina. One of the most important things to do while hunting is look at your surroundings, especially the ground." Nightheart explained. "You stepped on a leaf while you were sneaking up on it."
"I should've been more careful. I apologize, you three."
"You don't have to. It's your first time, after all." Sorrelstripe assured her. "There should be more prey around. Let's go!"
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Lucina, Nightheart, Sorrelstripe, and Hollytuft returned to camp, prey in each of their jaws. They approached the fresh-kill pile to drop off their prey. Lucina looked down at her thrush and vole and let out a smile. I actually can't believe I went out hunting as a cat. This world is definitely an experience I never imagined. I wonder how father's going to react when I tell him all about it.
"Excellent work, you four." They turned around to see that it was Lelouch. "How did your first hunt go, Lucina?"
"She did great. She did mess up a few times, but she seems to have the hang of it." Hollytuft stated.
"Great. Thank you for teaching her." The tom meowed. "Graystripe and Millie might appreciate some of the prey you caught, and so would some of the sick cats. I hope you four don't mind."
"Not at all, father. Sorrelstripe, Hollytuft, can you bring some fresh-kill to the medicine cat's den and the apprentice's den? Lucina and I will bring some to the elder's den." The sisters nodded and picked up the fresh-kill they caught and split up. They did the same, Lucina following Nightheart towards the elder's den. When they walked inside, Lucina saw that Twigpaw was inside with another apprentice, a brown tom. They were busy fixing the elders' nests. He suddenly stopped once he caught sight of Lucina.
"Hey Twigpaw, is that the cat you were talking about?" His eyes became fixated on her tiara. "Yes! It has to be!" He ran up to her and began looking all around the she-cat.
"Um, hello." Lucina greeted, her voice muffled by the thrush between her jaws.
"Don't mind him. You can just bring the prey over here." The gray tom told them. Lucina dropped the thrush in front of him, while Nightheart dropped a vole in front of the silver tabby.
"Thank you, Nightheart."
"You're welcome, Millie." She responded with a smile. "How are you and Graystripe doing today?"
"Good. Thank StarClan none of us have the belly sickness."
"Yet." The gray tom meowed. He then looked at Lucina. "Your name's Lucina, right?"
"Yes."
"Good. I'm actually surprised that I remembered after hearing talk about you yesterday." He said. "It feels like just yesterday I was out in the forest patrolling with Lionblaze and Dovewing when we ran into Lelouch." Graystripe chuckled. "Cats from other worlds; I'm sure no cat ever expected it to happen, and that they're all Twolegs, no less."
"But they've all been a blessing to have around." Millie meowed. "Thank you both again for the prey. It was nice meeting you, Lucina."
"Likewise. I'd be honored to bring you both prey any time." She meowed, bowing her head. Her blue gaze then looked over at the tom. "I'm sorry, I never asked for your name."
"It's Finpaw!"
"Finpaw. It's a pleasure to meet you." She then looked over at Twigpaw. "Hello, Twigpaw. How are you doing this morning?"
"I'm okay." Her voice sounded solemn. "Sparkpelt caught the belly sickness this morning." Nightheart looked over at her in shock.
"That's horrible! First Squirrelflight, and now Sparkpelt? StarClan, please stop it there. The last thing we need is Alderheart or Bramblestar catching it." The she-cat hoped. "Well, we'll get going now. Bye you four." The two she-cats exited the den, Nightheart letting out a sigh. "This sickness needs to stop soon. I can't stand hearing the list of cats who catch it increase."
"I know I've only been here for a day, but I feel the same way. Seeing all the sick cats this morning was a painful sight." The blue-gray she-cat said. "Sadly, the watermint we collected yesterday is probably the only supply we'll have left."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Asuna walked beside Alderheart as she and the other medicine cats made their way to the Moonpool. The cold wind blew through her fur, signaling the coming of leaf-bare. Jayfeather and Leafpool walked in front of them, while Puddleshine, Frecklewish, and Fidgetpaw were behind. Kestrelflight, Mothwing and Willowshine were the only cats missing.
"How are you feeling, Alderheart?" The cream she-cat asked.
"Okay. Not sick or anything." He said. "You?"
"I'm okay, too. If anything I'm just worried about all the sick cats at camp. This is the worse time for something like this to be spreading."
"Yeah. I can't believe Sparkpelt caught it this morning. I hope she's the last cat who has it, but something tells me that's asking for a lot."
"At least there's no fighting going on. That's the last thing we need right now."
The medicine cats reached the final slope leading to the Moonpool, Alderheart seeing a figure moving across the moor. He let out a sigh of relief when he realized it was Kestrelflight. They waited for the WindClan medicine cat, the tom panting for his breath when he reached them.
"Sorry I'm late."
"Don't be. Did you see any sign of Mothwing or Kestrelflight?" Leafpool asked, the tom shaking his head.
"Their borders are closed, after all." Frecklewish commented.
"Maybe we should wait…just a bit." Puddleshine suggested.
"We're wasting time if we do." Jayfeather meowed, letting out an irritated hiss of objection. No cat said anything else and the group waited, hoping that they'd see two more figures crossing the moorland soon. Moments passed, but there was still no sign of the two RiverClan medicine cats. "What did I say? They didn't appear at times before."
"Alright Jayfeather, we get it." Leafpool told her son. "Let's get going, everyone." The group crossed through the final row of bushes and then scaled down the spiral path leading to the Moonpool. Before they started, Leafpool cleared her throat to get the attention of the others. "A belly sickness and vomiting outbreak has occurred in ThunderClan. We're recovering, but a lot of our cats have been falling ill."
"The same goes for WindClan." Kestrelflight announced. "Only six of us have it, but both WindClan and ThunderClan have used up all the watermint at our border stream with them and with RiverClan." Alderheart looked over at Frecklewish.
"Has SkyClan contracted it?"
"No, at least, for now." She replied.
"It would be if we kept it that way. For now, we should keep our border patrols away from each other." Leafpool stated. "May we change the subject now and speak about the prophecy?"
"The dark sky must not herald a storm." Alderheart muttered. "The sky has darkened due to five Clans now being three. We can have hope for RiverClan, but ShadowClan is a concern."
"Right. Rowanstar has given up, and with Tigerheart gone…I don't know what we can do to help." Asuna meowed. She then looked over at Alderheart. "Didn't Lucina tell you something about shadows, Alderheart?"
"Oh, right!" The other medicine cats looked at the tom. "Another cat from a different world has come to ThunderClan. Her name is Lucina, and she told me that she received a prophecy. It said that the shadows are approaching, and must not be dispelled."
"So that's who Featherpelt was telling me about." Kestrelflight meowed. "That makes six cats who are here to help us. Does this mean that we're facing an issue we can't solve by ourselves?"
"I'm not sure, but can we trust her?" Frecklewish wondered.
"Of course we can! Asuna's not from any of the Clans and she's been such an amazing help." Puddleshine stated. "If what Lucina told you is true…then it has to be about ShadowClan's cats that were lost!"
"Right, and that means that no matter what, we must welcome them back." Leafpool added.
"This is great! Hopefully StarClan has more to tell us about." The ShadowClan medicine cat hoped. Each cat moved closer to the Moonpool and touched their nose with the shimmering water.
Asuna's hazel eyes opened up to reveal a moonlit landscape in front of her. She looked around and saw that no other medicine cats were present. Alderheart's not here with me? I remember him telling me that C.C. was no longer here, so maybe Luna's trying to send me a message?
"Asuna." She turned around and saw a dark tortoiseshell-and-white she-cat with amber eyes. "I'm sorry that it's taken us this long to finally meet."
"Oh, it's okay. Luna, right?" She let out a small laugh.
"She's only here to watch over Noctis."
"Then if that's the case…" Asuna's eyes widened when she came to the realization that the cat in front of her was Spottedleaf. "Spottedleaf?" The past ThunderClan medicine cat nodded her head. "Oh my gosh! I can't believe it's actually you! I was beginning to think that none of us would ever see you."
"I understand, and I'm sorry about that. C.C. has been assisting me, but after she left, I had to ask Luna for help in order to keep contact with cats, but like I said, she's only here to watch over Noctis."
"Is there a reason that you needed those two to help?"
"Yes. I'm sure you know that this place is like StarClan, but for cats from other worlds. While I was in StarClan, when Lelouch first arrived, Bluestar, one of ThunderClan's past leaders, knew about the prophecy that would bring Lelouch to our world. C.C. was the one who brought him here at the time. After I died fighting against the Dark Forest, I could no longer live in StarClan. Instead, I was sent here…the Forest of Moonlight…at least, that's what I've referred to it as."
"And you've been here all alone by yourself?"
"For the most part, yes. However, being here has given me the power to contact other worlds who I believe could help the Clans. The message I sent you, Kirito, and Suguha, for example."
"Right, the e-mail. That still doesn't explain why this is the first time we're meeting."
"Sorry! I'm sure you care about that the most." Spottedleaf meowed. "C.C. and Luna were helping me because I've been busy searching for cats who could assist the Clans. Lucina was the very last cat that I brought to this world and with her help and the help from you and the others, I'm sure the Clans will overcome what lies ahead."
"I hope you're right." Asuna then remembered about the prophecies that Alderheart told her about. "Spottedleaf, you gave Lucina messages that no medicine cat has received before. Could you not have given them to me?" She shook her head.
"There's a special reason for that." She meowed. "Each cat that I contact for help has a special sort of effect that is granted to me in. For you, Kirito, and Suguha, I was given the ability to type out a message and send it. Thank StarClan C.C. was here to help me with that. When it came to Noctis, I was able to speak with Luna and I had to ask her to tell Noctis that the Clans needed help."
"And for Lucina?"
"While I was trying to contact her…I was granted visions of the future, which I then passed on to her. I learned that she's traveled back in time to save her future, so I'm sure it ties into that." Asuna was in awe about all the information Spottedleaf had just told her. It almost sounded surreal.
"I didn't know how complicated your job was, Spottedleaf. I'm sure the Clans are all thankful for what you're doing." The she-cat let out a smile.
"You're very sweet, Asuna. StarClan definitely made the right choice in allowing you to become a medicine cat." The tortoiseshell's ears suddenly fell flat. "I hope everyone in ThunderClan feels better soon. It hurts to watch the sickness spread and not be able to help. What's worse is that Kirito caught it. It's almost like it's my fault."
"Don't say that, Spottedleaf. You brought us to this world and none of us would ever ask for it to have never happened." The cream she-cat assured her. "Oh! I should be thanking you for sending us here! We've made so many friends and created so many memories, all while still working hard to help the Clans. It's been a blessing." The she-cat let out a smile.
"I'm very happy to hear that, Asuna. I'm really sorry for keeping you away from home so long."
"As long as my body's still fine, it's okay." She assured her. "I hope we didn't get sidetracked from any message you needed to tell me tonight."
"I mostly just wanted to speak with you so that I could explain everything." Spottedleaf told her. "If anything, make sure that you remember that the shadows must not be dispelled. It's definitely important to keep that in mind." Asuna watched as Spottedleaf's body began to fade in front of her along with her surroundings, her vision turning black.
Asuna drew her nose away from the Moonpool and looked over at the other medicine cats. They all seemed to be waiting for her.
"Asuna what happened? Did you receive another message?" Kestrelflight asked her, but she shook her head.
"I'm sorry."
"It's okay. We weren't really fortunate, either." Alderheart stated. "We all were told that the shadows are approaching, and must not be dispelled, just like Lucina said."
"This gives me hope. ShadowClan may be gone for now, but I'm sure that won't be forever." Puddleshine meowed. "Now if only we could convince Leafstar…"
"We must take this message back to camp." Leafpool stated. "This meeting is over. May StarClan keep lighting our paths." The medicine cats all said their goodbyes to each other after climbing up the spiral path and going their separate ways. Asuna and Leafpool followed behind Jayfeather and Alderheart, the cream she-cat noticing that Leafpool look troubled.
"Is something wrong, Leafpool?"
"It's just that…not all the 'shadows' deserve to be welcomed back so easily." She meowed. "There were still cats who are loyal to ShadowClan and it'd be a blessing for them to return…but there were still some who followed Darktail immediately."
"I know what you mean. I actually spoke to Spottedleaf for the first time tonight and she told me the same prophecy. If StarClan told us the message, and so did Spottedleaf, we have to have faith in the cats that return."
"They're not the only concern I have. SkyClan just got situated and had to take in ShadowClan to form one Clan. There's no telling what will happen if those ShadowClan cats return."
"Well, this is still all speculation, after all. We want to believe that it means ShadowClan cats will come back, but it could be all wishful thinking in the end."
"I guess you're right. I just…" Leafpool stopped in her tracks. "Sorry, I'll be back." Leafpool ran off into the woods, concern in the she-cat's eyes. When she returned seconds later, Asuna could see a hint of worry in her eyes. Asuna's hazel eyes glowed for a few seconds before it faded.
"You're sick too…right?"
"I think so. I really wish I could say no…but it's always been a possibility. We're near cats with the sickness all day." Leafpool told her. "For now, stay close to Jayfeather and Alderheart. I'll follow from behind." Asuna nodded and picked up her pace to catch up with the toms.
"Is something wrong?" Jayfeather asked when he noticed her presence.
"Leafpool is sick." Alderheart turned around to look at the light brown tabby, sorrow in his gaze.
"Let's try to get back to camp so we can give her some watermint."
"Right, and so we can get away from the cat following us." Jayfeather meowed in a sarcastic tone.
"I told you I was just being cautious!" Alderheart retorted. "C'mon, we can't let Leafpool's sickness get any stronger.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
"I told you to stop moving!" Noctis told Twigpaw as they were huddled together inside of a bush. The two were hiding from the medicine cats. Twigpaw wanted to help figure out how to solve the prophecy, and going to the Moonpool was the only way she could think of helping. "You're lucky Jayfeather was there to tell him it was nothing."
"I know, sorry, Noct!" She apologized as the two left the bush.
"You know, when I said I would be with you for as long as I'm here, it wasn't an invitation for you to be more reckless and sneak out of camp at night." The tom meowed. "This place is for medicine cats only, after all. You don't even know what will happen."
"Well, we won't know unless I try, right?" Noctis sighed and followed the apprentice towards the Moonpool. He took one final glimpse back and saw the tiny figures of the ThunderClan medicine cats off in the distance. "Let's just get this over with so we can get back." They reached the top of the spiral path, the two looking down at the shimmering water. The black tom looked over at Twigpaw and saw her paws shaking. "Alright, you're scared. Let's go home."
"No! I need to find out how I can help!" She ran down the path, the tom unenthusiastically following behind her. When they reached the edge of the Moonpool, Noctis peered closer into the water. Alderheart found me in here, huh? Is it really that deep? He looked over at Twigpaw and saw that her nose was already touching the water's surface. She must really want to help with the prophecy. He backed away from the Moonpool and rested down on his paws, slowly closing his eyes. Just for a few minutes…
The black tom's eyes slowly opened, Noctis letting out a yawn as he looked around the Moonpool. He saw no sign of Twigpaw.
"Twigpaw? Twigpaw?" He called out. He tasted the air, but couldn't pick up her scent either. Are you serious? I go out here with her and she just leaves me? She's definitely got some explaining to do. Noctis scaled up the Moonpool's path and made his way back to camp.
When he crossed through the thorn tunnel, he immediately looked around for Twigpaw. His blue gaze scanned the camp, but there was no sign of the gray apprentice.
"Noctis, there you are." He looked over and saw that it was Lelouch. "Did you just go out for an early walk? I didn't see you when I woke up this morning."
"Something like that. Listen, have you seen Twigpaw around?"
"I think she's in the warriors' den."
"Thanks." As he began to walk, he felt Lelouch's tail stop him.
"I know you didn't go out for a walk, Noctis." His meow was full of concern. "Where'd you and Twigpaw go last night?"
"You're taking your deputy role too seriously, you know that?" He said. "Fine, you caught me. If I tell you, don't tell any cat, especially Bramblestar."
"Fine."
"Twigpaw wanted to help solve the prophecy, so she wanted to go to the Moonpool. Obviously, I'm not going to let her go alone, which she knows, so she told me and I tagged along. Only problem is that I woke up to see that she left me behind."
"So you're worried about her?"
"Infuriated is a better word." Lelouch let out a small chuckle.
"Very well. Just try not to get used to it. Once Squirrelflight gets better, I'm sure she won't be as lenient."
"Gotcha." Noctis made his way into the warriors' den and saw Twigpaw resting beside Lilyheart. Once Twigpaw's green gaze met his, she curled up deeper into her nest. By force, he picked up the she-cat by the scruff, Twigpaw trying to wriggle from his grasp.
"Noctis, what are you doing!?" Lilyheart asked, her meow filled with apprehension. "She's trying to sleep!"
"This'll only take a second, Lilyheart." He assured her as they exited the den, the other warriors inside also watching in confusion.
"Let me go, Noct!" The apprentice continued flailing her paws until he finally dropped her.
"What's the deal leaving me at the Moonpool by myself?" He whispered in anger.
"I know, I know! I'm so sorry! I just…what I saw was terrifying." She meowed. "I think it was our camp…it looked like it was on fire. Then, Yellowfang yelled and told me that I didn't belong here. I ran away back to camp, but when I got back, I realized that I left you. I really didn't mean to, Noct, I promise." The black tom sighed.
"I know you didn't. I was just…worried when I woke up and didn't see you around." He meowed, a small blush on his face. "T-That doesn't mean I'm still not at least slightly mad. I could've been back in my nest here."
"To be fair, I was surprised when I left the vision I had. The sun was already starting to rise."
"Really?" She nodded. "So…do you think that vision helped you understand any way to help with the prophecy?"
"No…but at least not yet."
"Right. At least we tried. Hopefully that'll be the last time we go on an escapade like that."
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
"So…a Gathering is when all the Clans come together to discuss news?" Lucina meowed as she walked beside Nightheart on their way to the island. The black she-cat replied with a nod.
"You'll definitely be one of the main topics they talk about tonight, I'm sure of it. You do have quite a lot to share, after all." Nightheart replied. "Did you really see two dead cats in the vision Spottedleaf sent you?"
"I did. It was frightening, to say the least. I'm still unsure what that message meant, but I hope it's not one that I need to take literally."
"Right. After all, the medicine cats also received the prophecy about the approaching shadows, just like you did, so maybe that means your other prophecy about the sky clearing is one that they'll receive later, as well. If anything, that prophecy is very reassuring." The group of ThunderClan cats reached the fallen tree bridge leading them onto the island. Once Lucina crossed, she looked around in surprise at the sheer amount of cats on the island. There's so many of them! "Were you not expecting so many cats?"
"I probably should have by using ThunderClan as a reference point." She said with a small laugh.
"There should be more, but you know the situation with RiverClan." Nightheart meowed. "Look, it seems like you're grabbing some attention already." The black she-cat pointed her tail to where SkyClan was, Lucina looking over and seeing cats stare at her for a bit before they noticed her blue gaze discover them. "Let's go join the rest of the Clan." The two found a spot next to Cherryfall, the she-cat greeting them both with a smile.
"Hi Lucina, hi Nightheart." She moved a bit to give the two room. "I bet you're so proud of your father, huh?"
"Of course. I'm sure he was honored when Bramblestar assigned him as deputy in Squirrelflight's place for the time being." Lucina looked towards the Great Oak and saw Lelouch sitting on one of the branches alongside Hawkwing and Crowfeather. "I'll try not to get used to it, though." Bramblestar's yowl broke through the clearing, bringing all of the cats' attention towards him.
"I'd like to welcome you all to the Gathering. Who would like to speak first?" He looked at the other two leaders.
"I will." Leafstar meowed. "SkyClan is thriving well on our new territory…but the other day, we were brought two more cats from ShadowClan: Yarrowleaf and Sleekwhisker." At the sound of the two names, a mixture of protest and greetings came from the cats on the island. They once sided with the rogues, so the protest was definitely to be expected. Leafstar rose her tail to silence the crowd before continuing to speak. "After much discussion, I have decided to let them both stay in SkyClan due to Yarrowleaf being close to kitting. However, they will be on probation until then."
"Traitors!"
"They followed the rogues! How can we trust them?"
"Drive them out!" Voices from all around broke out once the SkyClan leader finished speaking, Bramblestar silencing them with a raise of his tail.
"Leafstar, is it possible that these cats are the 'approaching shadows' that the medicine cats were told about?"
"I…I suppose so." The ThunderClan leader turned his attention towards the crowd of cats.
"The medicine cats were told that the shadows are approaching and must not be dispelled. These two must be the shadows the prophecy mentioned." All around, cats began to discuss what Bramblestar had just told them, some were enthusiastic, while others sounded unsure.
"Yes…Puddleshine did tell me this…but we're not sure that they're what StarClan was talking about." Leafstar stated. "Regardless, these two will be staying here with us for the time being."
"Very well. Harestar? Do you have anything to speak about?"
"Yes. Prey has been running well in WindClan, but we've been plagued with the same sickness ThunderClan has. We are recovering slowly, however."
"I hope that your Clan is granted a speedy recovery." Bramblestar meowed. "Like Harestar said, ThunderClan has been infected with a belly sickness. Cats are getting better, but as one cat gets better, another ends up contracting the illness. We're hoping for a healthy future." He looked towards his Clanmates. "There is one other important piece of news. ThunderClan has found another cat from another world. Lucina, do you mind coming up here?" Nightheart pushed her lightly with her tail towards the Great Oak. When she reached the base, she let out a breath. Okay, exactly how Nightheart taught you. She unsheathed her claws and slowly made her way up to the branch where the leaders were all sitting.
"Hello. It's nice to meet you all. Like Bramblestar said, my name is Lucina. I was brought from my home of Ylisse to help restore peace to the Clans."
"Another cat from a different world?"
"Of course ThunderClan found them yet again!"
"She definitely isn't a Clan cat, that's for sure." Bramblestar silenced the cats before he began.
"Lucina was brought here and given the same prophecy about the shadows that the medicine cats had only received yesterday. She was also given another prophecy as well. Lucina, do you mind sharing?"
"Not at all." She looked out at the crowd. "I was told that I must help the five Clans prosper and that the sky would clear, but the Clans need to work together to make the forest grow."
"So…that must mean that ShadowClan is bound to return!" Tawnypelt stated, joy in her voice. Some scornful eyes from SkyClan cats fell onto her. Lucina looked towards the she-cat, but her eyes suddenly widened in horror.
"Lucina, thank you for…" The ThunderClan leader felt a sense of dread emanate from the she-cat. "Lucina, are you okay?" The image of the two dead cats flashed into her mind. There was a dark tabby…and a ginger tabby. The blue-gray she-cat's surrounded faded to black, the same two fallen cats suddenly appearing in front of her. Unlike before, she walked up to the ginger tabby and looked down at him. His amber eyes were lifeless, blood seeping from his wounds. Oh gods…oh no…
"Lucina! Lucina!" Bramblestar shook the she-cat with a paw, her vision returning back to the site of the Gathering. "Is everything alright?"
"No." She looked over at where SkyClan was, her gaze affixed on a ginger tom who looked exactly like the one in her vision. Lucina turned towards Bramblestar and pointed her tail towards him.
"Rowanclaw, can you walk forward?" The ThunderClan leader asked. The former ShadowClan leader nodded and stepped forward, away from the rest of SkyClan. Lucina made her way down the Great Oak and stood directly in front of the tom.
"Is something wrong?" The tom asked her. The she-cat let out a small gasp before nodding her head.
"Yes. I was granted one more vision." She announced. "In front of me were two cats who were dead from injuries. Rowanclaw…you were one of the cats that I saw."
