The Gathering, Pt. 1: Blackstar's Challenge
Author's Note:
Omg, I am so mortified. It really shocks me that I have not updated in nearly two and a half months! I've been so busy with school and marching band. And then when everything started to quiet down, I got writer's block!:( I know that's barely an excuse, and all I can say is that I'm very and deeply sorry. This is my longest chapter yet, so hopefully that makes up for it a little.:) I did read Eclipse, and I will keep it in mind as I write this. I'm still debating whether Sol should be in the story or not, but he most likely will be. However, I absolutely despise the name Lionblaze, and Lionpaw's warrior name in this story will be Lionclaw, so sorry for those of you that like the name Lionblaze. It's just not my cup of tea. So please forgive me and enjoy the chapter!:)
(Lightningstar's pov)
The leaf-bare night was cold and dark as Lightningstar met the ThunderClan party at the top of the slope. Firestar dipped his head formally and introduced the warriors of his party: Sandstorm, Brambleclaw, Graystripe, Leafpool, Brackenfur, Dustpelt, Ashfur, Squirrelflight, Brightheart, Whitewing, Jayfeather, Hollypaw, Lionpaw, Cinderpaw. They all dipped their heads in respect, but their eyes still held a wary look in them as they stared at the new Clan.
"Come," Firestar called, and Lightningstar followed him with his Clan and ThunderClan close behind. The warriors broke out in nervous conversation.
"How long are you going to be here?" Firestar questioned Lightningstar above the other warriors' conversations.
"As long as it takes until the prophecy is fulfilled," Lightningstar replied steadily. Then, changing the subject, he asked, "What usually happens at a Gathering?"
"The Clans meet in peace under the full moon and share news about the welfare of their Clans. However, one mustn't reveal anything that makes their Clan look weak, or else they'd be thrust into battle," Firestar explained.
Lightningstar nodded. "And it's against the warrior code to fight at a Gathering, am I not correct?"
"You're correct, however that may change tonight," Firestar mewed grimly.
"What do you mean?" Lightningstar hissed in alarm.
Firestar sighed. "Look Lightningstar, even though the medicine cats foretold their leaders of your coming, they're not going to be expecting to see you. I know I wasn't. I thought you were an intruder, but then Leafpool recognized you for what you were and stopped us. If she hadn't been there, than we would've made crowfood of you."
Lightningstar grimaced. "So you're saying that the other three Clans will think we're intruders and try to drive us off, and we may have to fight them?"
"You might," Firestar mewed. "It's always been in the warrior code that there were four Clans of the forest. I can tell you now that Blackstar, the leader of ShadowClan, will not be happy about this. ShadowClan is not very accepting of outsiders."
"What about the other two leaders?"
"You mean Onestar and Leopardstar?" Firestar mewed. "Leopardstar of RiverClan will probably side with Blackstar. She always has. Onestar of WindClan will probably be wary at first, but ready to hear you out before he decides what to do with you. I'll try everything in my power to make them see that you are the Clan, but they're not going to be happy about you being Twolegs in your former life, especially all-powerful Twolegs. In fact, they may not believe you. They may think you to be a bit wrong in the head. I know I still have trouble believing it."
"But it's true!" Lightningstar retorted. "I really was a god of lightning and thunder! I'm not crazy!"
"I'm not saying that I don't believe you," Firestar mewed. "I'm saying that it's just incredible." He then fell back to talk with Sandstorm and Lynxclaw.
"I believe you," Lightningstar heard a soft mew beside him. It was the medicine cat Leafpool. She was gazing at the tom with admiring eyes. Lightningstar stared right back into her warm amber eyes. Leafpool, he observed, looked nothing like her father. Her light brown tabby pelt was earth compared to her father's fire. While Firestar had not the slightest hint of white on him, Leafpool's delicate paws were white, as was her snowy chest. When she again spoke to him it was in a curious and awed voice, "Is it true that you saw the rulers, Glacier and Wojtuso?"
"Yes," Lightningstar replied proudly. "They were one of the nine cats who gave me my lives."
"You must really be special then," Leafpool sighed. "For it is only the medicine cats that can share tongues with Glacier and Wojtuso."
"How come you believe me more than the others?" Lightningstar asked curiously.
Leafpool glanced at him. "Because my apprentice, Jayfeather has told me all about you when we arrived back at the ThunderClan camp. He has a power called the Sight, an ability that enables one to read a cat's mind and share their feelings. He has seen all of your pasts," she replied mystified.
"Has he seen my past?" Lightningstar queried, horrified.
"Yes he has," Leafpool answered with an amused look in her eyes. "He says you were quite active when it came to having mates."
Lightningstar groaned. "That is true. I have never known true love, and I used to cheat on Lynxclaw all the time, and we would get in violent fights. I once even hung her in the sky. I was a horrible leader, and a horrible father. But you know what, Leafpool? That part of my life is over. Lynxclaw is not my true love, but I will find true love someday. And when I do, I will be the best leader there is!"
Leafpool gazed at him appraisingly, "Spoken like a true leader. Lightningstar, if the Clans do not see a great leader in you tonight, then they are mousebrains, all of them!"
Lightningstar purred, then his eyes darkened. "You don't think I'll have to fight Blackstar tonight, do you?"
"I hope not, but if you do, then it is StarClan's will," Leafpool mewed gently. "When my father first came into ThunderClan, he had to fight Longtail to prove himself a worthy warrior of ThunderClan. Now look at him; he is a great leader!"
"But I just became a Clan cat two days ago!" Lightningstar protested. "I don't know how to fight!"
"You fought well enough today," Leafpool purred. "My medicine den was very full. And that little Achilles…Graystripe just couldn't stop talking about what a powerful little kit he was!"
Lightningstar purred in amusement as Battlepaw marched up to Leafpool and growled, "I'm not Achilles anymore! I'm Battlepaw, and I'm the mightiest warrior in the Clans!" Ha stuck out his chest indignantly as Leafpool whispered, "He's so cute!" to Lightningstar.
"I am certainly not cute!" Battlepaw squeaked. "I'm a mighty warrior!" And to prove his point he leaped at Leafpaw, Swiftpaw, and Jayfeather, who were deep in converstion. The three apprentices scattered, and Battlepaw playfully tackled Leafpaw to the snowy ground, scooping up pawfuls of snow and throwing them at her face. Leafpaw threw him off with a playful squeal and started chasing him. Leafpaw shrieked with delight as Battlepaw began to pursue her in turn. She ducked between Firestar's legs and knocked down Graystripe, who grunted when his large body hit the ground. Firestar and Sandstorm exchanged amused glances when Cinderpaw and joined in the chaos. Cinderpaw and Leafpaw tackled Battlepaw and slammed into Hollypaw. Hollypaw sniffed at Battlepaw and turned her head pointedly away. Noblepaw and Riverpaw, burst into laughter and snuck up on Gentleheart. They tackled the DivineClan medicine cat, and Gentleheart, ever patient, simply pushed them away gently and came to stand beside Leafpool and Lightningstar.
"Those kits are wild!" she purred breathlessly to Leafpool. "But I suppose it is good for them, especially Battlepaw."
Just then, Leafpaw and Swiftpaw dived between Gentleheart's legs, sending the cream-colored she-cat sprawling. "Battlepaw's chasing us!" she gasped breathlessly. Gentleheart got to her paws and scolded Leafpaw lightly.
"Now Leafpaw, as my apprentice, I expect you to behave," she purred. Leafpaw dipped her head and giggled as Battlepaw leaped to her side screeching, "Leave me alone!" at Swiftpaw who was trying to tackle the golden kit. Jayfeather was at Battlepaw's side in an instant, rolling his eyes and muttering under his breath, "she-cats."
"Alright young apprentices," Firestar purred. "Enough playing around. You must save your strength for the Gathering."
The apprentices dipped their heads and started talking quietly amongst themselves.
Leafpool purred and turned to Leafpaw. "So Leafpaw, Gentleheart says you have chosen the medicine cat's path. Good for you." Leafpaw purred at the praise.
"Thank you! I'm going to be the best medicine cat in all the Clans," she purred, with a look of determination in her eyes. Gentleheart glanced down at her proudly then she added to Leafpool, "Leafpaw used to be a priestess in her former life. A priestess is a lot like a medicine cat where we come from."
"That's right!" Leafpaw mewed proudly. "Of course, I lost my right to being a priestess because me and Battlepaw…what did you say cats called it again Firestar?" she called to the ThunderClan leader. "Mated?"
Cinderpaw and Hollypaw let out shrieks of laughter, and Firestar glanced up sharply. Lightningstar and Leafpool looked at each other, then looked away blushing. Battlepaw looked half-amused, half-pained. The joy evaporated from his face and he hung his head, looking sullen. Lightningstar felt his heart twist with pity for the kit. Battlepaw and Leafpaw would always be the best of friends, but they'd never have what they did before. Especially now that Leafpaw chose the path of medicine cat.
"Yes, yes that's right," the ThunderClan leader replied, highly embarrassed.
"And you and Sandstorm mate, right?" Leafpaw asked giggling.
"You're correct," Firestar turned to Stealthystep and Lynxclaw groaning, "Kits, kits, kits. They say some of the most unexpected things."
Leafpool turned to Jayfeather and mewed sternly. "I hope you are showing Leafpaw the ropes on being a medicine cat apprentice."
"That's what I've been doing!" Jayfeather snapped. He rolled his eyes at Battlepaw and mewed, "She's always nagging me."
Leafpaw turned to Leafpool and asked, "Did you ever mate?"
Leafpool stopped laughing and Lightningstar thought he saw a flicker of sadness dance across the beautiful cat's face, but it cleared and Lightningstar thought he must've imagined it.
"No little one, we are medicine cats and we do not do such things," Leafpool replied crisply. She turned away from Leafpaw abruptly, and Lightningstar wondered what had gotten into Leafpool. He saw Jayfeather poke Leafpaw sharply with a paw and whisper in her ear, "Try not to mention mating to Leafpool. It's a very touchy subject for her." Leafpaw looked confused, but did not question her new friend. Lightningstar was flabbergasted. Did Leafpool regret being a medicine cat? Did she wish she could fall in love? Then Lightningstar wondered why he was worried about Leafpool. It was her business, and who was he to know true love, anyways?. He fell back to speak with Firestar, letting Gentleheart and Leafpool continue their conversation about herbs.
When the moonlit island came into their views, Lightningstar saw the familiar structure with its odd chariots he had encountered with Lynxclaw the day before.
"Firestar, what are those things?" he questioned in alarm.
Firestar let out a mrrow of amusement. "That, my friend, is called the Thunderpath, and the creatures that run on it are called Twoleg monsters."
Lightningstar nodded, satisfied. He turned to his warriors and mewed, "Now listen. We come here in peace tonight, with the illusion that we were sent by StarClan. If they try to drive us off, then we fight back. But I don't want anyone starting a fight, that means you Battlepaw," he added to the bristling apprentice.
"Let's just hope no one will fight," mewed Brambleclaw grimly. As Firestar trotted toward a small steam covered by a fallen branch, he followed with the rest of ThunderClan close behind.
"Keep behind us," he instructed. "The other Clans will be less likely to attack if we get there first and explain."
Lightningstar nodded as Firestar started to climb up onto the slippery branch that led to the clearing where the Gathering was held. The rest of his Clan followed with caution, careful to avoid falling in the ice-cold stream below the branch. When it was Lightningstar's turn to clamber up onto the icy branch, he did so with caution. Moving quickly but carefully, he finally reached the top of the branch and leaped onto the icy ground. Lynxclaw landed beside him gracefully, then Staelthystep followed, and soon the rest of his warriors were on the ground next to him. But what about the kits? How would they make it onto the island?
"Don't worry. Brackenfur and I will take care of the kits," Brambleclaw mewed. Lightningstar dipped his head gratefully and followed Firestar cautiously through the evergreen trees. Then, a powerful of many cats scent hit his nostrils. Some cats smelled like fish and water, some smelled of crowfood and reptiles, some smelled of the wind, and ThunderClan, Lightningstar already knew had a pleasant, leafy scent. As he neared the clearing where the cats were gathered, a chilling yowl pierced the still night air.
"I smell intruders!" the voice belonged to a she-cat. Her yowl set the other cats off.
"Intruders!
"Where are they?"
"Drive 'em off!"
"Stay here," warned Firestar over the yowling. He slipped into the clearing with his Clan. Lightningstar and his Clan obeyed Firestar and stayed hidden in the trees.
"Well Firestar, you're late," a huge black tom with jet-black paws drawled from his place on a long branch. "What took you so long?"
"Everybody calm down and-"
"And why is the intruders' scent on your fur?" an unusually spotted golden tabby she-cat queried critically.
"Please listen to me-"
"Did you have a run in with rogues?" A small brown tabby asked with concern.
"Yes and no, but-"
"Where are they?" growled a smoky black tom.
"Just listen to me-"
"Yeah, tell us where they are, and we'll take care of them," spat a tortoiseshell she-cat.
"WOULD YOU MOUSEBRAINS CALM DOWN AND JUST LISTEN TO HIM INSTEAD OF GETTING WORKED UP OVER NOTHING?" this was now Leafpool who spoke. Her eyes glittered dangerously and her fur was fluffed out as she stared the Clans down. Everybody quieted immediately.
From where he was hiding, Lightningstar let his breath out. He didn't know that his new friend had such a…fiery spirit.
Firestar flashed Leafpool a grateful glance and addressed the Clans.
"Do you remember, just a couple of days ago, when your medicine cats warned you of divine cats coming to bring a new dawn to the Clans?" Firestar began.
"I do remember that prophecy!" a blue-gray she-cat cried out. "They come from ancient times! She looked at Firestar excitedly. "Have they come?"
"Yes Mistyfoot, they have come," Firestar replied. The Clan cats gasped and began murmuring uneasily amongst themselves.
"Where are they, then?" growled Blackstar, the huge white tom with the jet-black paws. "Last time I checked, StarClan didn't seem to care for us at all."
Firestar ignored that comment, and turned in the direction of the trees where Lightningstar was hiding. "Come out, leader of DivineClan. Bring your Clan with you as well."
At Firestar's signal, Lightningstar lifted his head proudly with his Clan close behind him. He strode majestically to Firestar's side, the starlight turning his majestic pelt to flame. He gazed at the other Clan cats steadily. Some were eyeing his Clan with hostility, some gazed at his Clan with awe, but most of them just looked curious.
"What? That's not a Clan," spat Blackstar. "They look like a group of soft kittypets, if you ask me. Is that it, Firestar? Are you allowing more strangers into ThunderClan, and therefore staining the Clans' pure blood?"
Lightningstar sighed. He could tell already that ShadowClan was the Clan that liked to pick fights and only allowed pureblooded Clan cats within their ranks.
"Why don't you just shut up and find out for yourself?" growled Leafpool, and Ligfhtningstar admired the she-cat's courage. It seemed as if no other cat would dare talk to Blackstar like that. Blackstar pulled his lips back in a snarl, but remained silent. Lightningstar guessed that medicine cat's had that kind of power over leaders. Clearing his throat, he addressed the Clans.
"I am Lightningstar, leader of DivineClan and this is my deputy Stealthystep," he mewed, gesturing to the white she-cat that had crept to his side. "I don't recall what happened before I came here. All I remember is waking up in this desolate wilderness, and it felt like I had fallen from the sky. You see, you may not believe me and it's very hard to explain. But I ask you to listen with an open mind, forgetting for a moment what you believe and don't believe."
Lightningstar closed his eyes as he felt the Clans give him his full attention.
"I used to be a Twoleg before I was a cat," he explained. "And the same goes for all my Clan. However, we weren't ordinary Twolegs. We were gods and goddesses. We ruled over all mortal things and we could control the mortals' way of life. We were a lot like your StarClan, only we called our domain Mt. Olympus and it was located in Greece. I myself could control weather, and I was the god of thunder and lightning. We all had special powers like that. I was the ruler of gods and men, which is why I'm leader of the Clan now. As I've said before, Stealthystep is my deputy and we have ten apprentices. The apprentices weren't immortal like us, but they used to be heroes and one was even a demigod. But that's in the past now. My Clan and I can only use our powers for good, and we are no longer immortal. I have accepted this and I am ready to be a Clan cat. I have received my nine lives from StarClan, and from the rulers, Glacier and Wojtuso as well." He dipped his head and looked at the other Clans, seeing how they would react.
At first they just murmured uneasily amongst themselves, agreeing or disagreeing with each other. Finally, a small brown tabby tom that the other cats called Onestar stepped forward and mewed suspiciously, "If you were all Twolegs in your former lives, can we really trust you? After all, it was Twolegs who drove us out of our former homes."
"I have no such desire," retorted Lightningstar, flicking his tail.
Onestar still looked uneasy as he glanced at Barkface, his medicine cat.
"What do you say Barkface? Are they the prophesied Clan or imposters?"
Barkface glanced up at the bright and twinkling stars, then back at his leader.
"The stars are bright and twinkling," the old medicine cat declared. "StarClan has spoken their approval!"
"Very well," Onestar meowed. He dipped his head to Lightningstar. "I, Onestar, leader of RiverClan, accept you as the fifth lake Clan. I can't quarrel with StarClan."
"Well I can!" growled Blackstar, leaping from his sitting place and stalking up to Lightningstar threateningly. Lightningstar tensed, ready to spring if the ShadowClan leader attacked him.
"I've been losing my faith in StarClan," announced Blackstar, ignoring the other cats' gasps. "I hardly believe that they have the power to help us at all, let alone send us a group of softest kittypets for salvation. He glanced threateningly at Lightningstar and growled, "This pitiful cat who has the audacity to call himself a leader is lying! They used to be all-powerful Twolegs? They come from Greece and Mt. Olympus? I have never heard of such places before! Tells for kits, if you want my opinion!" he spat.
"All I ask is for you to give us a fighting chance," Lightningstar urged. I saw StarClan for myself. I heard the prophecy and I know what my destiny is! Drive us out now, and you've just lost your chance of a new dawn!"
"Tells for kits," Blackstar repeated stubbornly. "You also claim to have seen the rulers, but did you know that it is only medicine cats that can share tongues with them?"
"How would I even know what StarClan is or what the rulers names even are if I were not a truen Clan cat?" Lightningstar argued. "StarClan has explained everything to me! They said it was my destiny to bring a change among the four Clans!"
Blackstar turned his head away and glanced at the RiverClan leader. "Leopardstar, surely you don't agree with all this kit-talk!"
Leopardstar gazed back at Blackstar then turned to face Lightningstar. "I don't know what to think," she replied. Lightningstar saw her address her medicine cats briefly.
"Should we trust them?" she murmured very quietly.
StarClan has prophesized a very hard leaf-bare," Mothwing meowed slowly. "If they're going to send the prophesized Clan, it would make sense that they send them now, right when leaf-bare is just starting."
Leopardstar saw the sense in that and straightened up.
"But it's StarClan's will that there be only four Clans!" growled a smoky, black tom.
"But it's also StarClan's will that DivineClan be the fifth lake Clan!" countered Mistyfoot, a blue-gray she-cat and Leopardstar's deputy.
Leopardstar sighed at the arguing pair and said to Lightningstar, "My medicine cats have faith in you, and I accept you along with ThunderClan and WindClan. However, if you put one paw out of line, then we will not hesitate to drive you out."
Now everybody turned to stare at Blackstar with baited breath.
"I still won't accept them!" he hissed. He strided closer to Lightningstar until they were face to face.
"They," he spat, gesturing with his tail at the crowd of ThunderClan, RiverClan, and WindClan cats, "might accept you. But I absolutely refuse to grovel down on my belly and pay tribute to you just because you're "the chosen Clan." Your Clan is not a real Clan, and you are not worthy of the title of "warrior." You have led a pampered life, but let me tell you kittypet: You're no longer an all-powerful god. If you're a true Clan cat, then I challenge you to prove it by beating me in a fight!"
The three Clans gasped, but ShadowClan looked amused. Only Littlecloud looked stricken.
"Blackstar," he cried. "It is not the will of StarClan that we fight at Gatherings! Surely, it's time to move on and accept them just like everyone else. I too, know that this is the Clan from the prophecy, so let it be!"
"Nothing is ever solved by fighting," agreed Barkface, nodding wisely.
But Blackstar ignored them and glanced contemptuously at the clear, starry sky.
"If StarClan doesn't want this kittypet fighting to prove himself, they sure aren't showing it," he sneered. "So what do you say kittypet? No lightning bolts, no powers. Just our teeth and claws!"
Before Lightningstar could reply, Battlepaw broke away from his place and bounded to Lightningstar's side.
"Lightningstar will rip your pelt to shreds!" he shrieked in anger. He'll rip your pathetic throat out! He'll turn you to crowfood! You make me sick, especially because you remind me of Agamemnon!"
"Who's that, one of your little kittypet friends?" Blackstar sneered.
"No, he was fat, stinky sack of wine just like you!" spat Battlepaw, turning on his heel and stalking back to his Clanmates. (AN: Sorry guys, I just had to add that! I couldn't resist!)
Blackstar's eyes turned black with anger and when he next spoke to Lightningstar, his voice changed from bored contempt to utmost loathing.
"If that little kit insists that you can beat me, then prove it," he spat, beginning to circle the DivineClan leader.
Lightningstar tensed. This was exactly what he had been dreading all night, and yet….
Anger filled him. Who did this pompous cat think he was, insisting that he was a liar and not worthy to be a warrior, let alone a leader? A familiar anger filled him, and Lightningstar recognized it as the anger he had felt as a god, burning with desire to punish his offenders, yet it was not quite that either. No, the adrenaline rushing through his veins and the desire to bring his wrath down upon Blackstar was an anger of a different sort. It was the anger that only wild animals feel before fighting each other: the desire for dominance. Blackstar had called him unworthy, but now Lightningstar yearned to sink his claws in that white pelt, and just show him who the better warrior was. He glanced up at the clear sky. Blackstar was right. It was as if StarClan were giving him permission to fight the arrogant ShadowClan leader, and it was satisfying.
"You're right," he stated calmly, circling Blackstar in turn. "I'm not a god anymore. I'm not a mortal demigod, or hero."
"But," he snarled anger filling him once again, "I'M AN ANIMAL!"
StarClan, Firestar, DivineClan, and all the cats around him forgotten, Lightningstar lunged at Blackstar with fire in his eyes. The cats around him gathered around eagerly, eyes glowing as they watched the ultimate warrior fight: the battle between two Clan leaders.
Blackstar was shocked, but not unprepared for the attack. Lightningstar slammed into him ripping a deep gash in his shoulder and throwing the ShadowClan leader to the snowy ground. But Blackstar was quick. Twisting out of Lightningstar's iron grasp, he kicked out with his hind paws and sent Lightningstar sprawling on his side.
Before Lightningstar could regain his footing, Blackstar had pinned him down and was clawing at his belly while ripping out tufts of red fur. Lightningstar yowled in agony, struggling desperately to break Blackstar's hold. Then he remembered a move Firestar had told him about before arriving at the Gathering. He went suddenly limp, and Blackstar let out a yowl of triumph while diving to sink his teeth in Lightningstar's fiery throat. But whoosh! Lightningstar shot up like a bullet sending Blackstar flying.
So the kittypet does know how to fight," he panted. "Never mind you'll need to do a lot better!" And with that, he lunged at Lightningstar. The two toms got up on their hind paws, clawing each other's shoulders and wrestling each other to the ground. Lightningstar sank his teeth in Blackstar's ear, the taste of blood feeling him with a savage fury and determination. Blackstar yowled and struck Lightningstar across the face hard. Lightningstar hissed in pain as he saw stars. Backing up, blinded and dazed, he stumbled and lost his footing. In that moment Blackstar saw his chance and leaped into the air. His intention was to bring his weight crashing down upon Lightningstar and render him helpless. However, Lightningstar, though dazed, sensed what was coming and quickly set himself in a crouch. He had a distinct move of his own.
The moment Blackstar's paws brushed his pelt, Lightningstar shot up, ramming his head into Blackstar's ribs and hooking his feet into Blackstar's belly so that it flipped the tom over and sent him crashing to the ground. Lightningstar landed swiftly on his feet and striding over to Blackstar, he placed his full weight on the helpless tom and pressed his head into the ground.
"Now I think we understand each other," Lightningstar yowled. I am a warrior, I am leader, and we are the Clan of the prophecy. And like it or not, you will treat us with respect and you will leave us alone!" He glanced threateningly at the other cats.
"Does anyone else wish to challenge me and see if I'm a worthy Clan cat?" he snarled. The cats around him vigorously shook their heads. They gazed at him with awe, curiosity, and a new respect. Lightningstar let Blackstar up.
"ShadowClan accepts you," he murmured, not looking at him. He then slunk in shame back to his Clanmates.
"I have no quarrel with ShadowClan," Lightningstar insisted. "So for StarClan's sake, don't give me a reason!"
Firestar bounded up to Lightningstar. "Great fight, Lightningstar," he murmured. "You certainly have proved yourself to be a Clan leader." He turned to face the Clans.
"Then it will be," he announced. "That DivineClan is the fifth lake Clan."
"Lightningstar! DivineClan! Lightningstar! DivineClan!" the cats lifted their voices in praise. Only Blackstar remained silent. He would not forget this.
"Thank you, all of you," Lightningstar replied, choked. He then turned away.
"The Gathering is officially over though the night is still young," announced Firestar. Let's take time to get to know our new ally. They still have much to learn, and we in turn have much to learn about them."
The cats murmured in eager agreement, and Lightningstar broke off to join in a conversation with Firestar, Graystripe, and Sandstorm. What he heard next made him truly happy.
"And that's why I'm proud to have him as mentor," Noblepaw was bragging to the other apprentices. "He will make me the best warrior there is with the way he fights!"
Well that's it guys! Long awaited, I know, but I should have more up soon Well…sooner than last time. (grimaces) I'm starting to fall into writer's block again, so guys please review! It gives me inspiration and will enable me to continue. If you're going to flame, please keep it to yourself. Next chapter will include growing friendships, more BattlexHolly, and basically the Clans getting to know their new brethren. Otherwise Hasta la vista! (Until next time!):)