Chapter Six- The Meaning of the Prophecy

Hollywhisker's eyes were glazed with shock. She unsheathed her claws and sank them into the loose sandy soil in thought.

Why was Leopardstar bringing up all the things that had happened in the past? Hollywhisker personally thought that some things are better left buried. But Leopardstar had just dup them up again!

She glanced around to the reactions that Leopardstar had created.

Onestar looked expressionless, as well as the other WindClan cats, and Blackstar merely looked amused.

Firestar stood tall, his firey pelt gleaming in the dappled moonlight.

"Leopardstar," Firestar shouted, his eyes having a glint of unbelief in them. "Have you realized what you're doing?"

Leopardstar's eyes were ferociously in anger, but she remained painstakingly calm. "Don't try to talk your way out of this one, Firestar."

Firestar returned her harsh gaze. "If it's a war you want, then it will have to be done." He swished his tail, signaling the ThunderClan cats to get to their feet. "Come on, we're leaving. The Gathering is over. Unless, any of you have something to say?"

Onestar and Blackstar shook their heads, and then started to gather their own warriors. Hollywhisker leapt to her feet, and glanced around for her mother. In the crowd of moving cats around her, she couldn't see her mother's ginger pelt.

Hollywhisker sighed. She had wanted to tell her the worries that she had. Suddenly a nudge made her jump nervously.

She turned around to see Berrypelt. Her heart leapt to her throat. She self-conciously licked her ruffled fur. "What is it?" she asked, not able to meet his gaze.

"I just wanted to talk with you." Berrypelt said.

"Alright." Hollywhisker said, her face turning red in embarrassment.

"Don't you think that it's weird that Leopardstar brought this up all of a sudden?" he asked, his head tipped to the side in thought.

Hollywhisker couldn't help feeling disappointed. She thought what he had to say would be more emotional, not political. But she managed to say, "I guess."
"Why didn't she bring it up before?" Berrypelt asked.

"I don't know. Maybe she just wants trouble." Hollywhisker said.

"Or maybe it's because Leafpool went away, and she thinks we'll be weaker with only one medicine cat." Berrypelt said, and then added strongly. "But Jayfeather is one of the best medicine cats that ThunderClan has ever had."

Hollywhisker brightened. Finally someone who understands who my brother is without commenting on his blindness.

"Berrypelt, I-I wanted to tell you something…" Hollywhisker said, and then stopped herself. She was rushing things. She didn't even know if he liked her back. "…Nevermind."

"Alright." Berrypelt said a bit puzzled. "Would you like to walk back with me?"

Hollywhisker nodded eagerly. Maybe he does like me back….

The next morning Lionclaw noticed his sister talking enthusiastically with Berrypelt. At first, his pelt bristled in annoyance, and then he reminded himself that his sister could care for herself. But he still watched her cautiously.

He walked over to his brother's den. He poked his head in to see Jayfeather pulling out a thorn from Foxpaw's pad.

"Ouch!!" He squeaked in pain. "That hurt!"

Jayfeather gently put poultice on it. "It will get better, don't worry, Foxpaw. Just tell Brightheart, no more patrols until tomorrow."

Lionclaw marveled his brother's amazing ability of gentleness and knowledge.

"May I come in?" He asked Jayfeather, putting one paw inside.

"Of course." Jayfeather said, not even looking up. After Foxpaw scampered past him, Lionclaw settled down beside his brother.

"So, Jayfeather, what have you been up to?"

"Graystripe had aching joints, Icepaw got a horrible stomachache from a pigeon that was filled with a few grubs, and Fowpaw treaded on a thorn." Jayfeather said.

"Any prophecies?" Lionclaw asked jokingly, and saw his brother stiffen.

"Yes." He said quietly.

For a second, Lionclaw decided that he better not prod farther into his brother's business with his ancestors, but then his brother spoke.

"Yellowfang said,

'White Ashes will save Thunder and River from meeting tooth and claw,

But a price will have to be paid.'"

Jayfeather turned to him and demanded, "Do you know what that means?"

Lionclaw shook his head, "No-"

"Lionclaw, it means that Whitewing's and Asfur's kits will save ThunderClan and RiverClan from fighting in battle, but a price will have to be paid. Don't you understand, Lionclaw? It means that Coalkit and Blizzardkit will save our clan."

Lionclaw shuffled his paws in the dust. "Jayfeather, why are you telling me this?"
Jayfeather paused. "I don't know. I just…needed to share it with someone…and…" Then he took a sigh and said, "Lionclaw, StarClan have told me that you are involved in the prophecy as well."

"What?" Lionclaw said, ashtonished. "What would I have to do with this?"

Jayfeather closed his eyes and shook his head. "I don't know. I just don't know."