The beast known as anxiety was practically mauling Gingerfall's belly. He strode behind Stingtail, along with all the other LustClan cats. Their destination was the well-known island in which the Gathering was being held.
As soon as Stonefall, now Stonestar, had returned with Appleheart at his side, he announced that they must go to the Gathering. After all, they were now an official Clan, having received the blessing of StarClan. Why? Well, no one really knew how the cats of Silverpelt worked. But there was one thing needed in order to show their status as a true Clan: A territory.
Gingerfall wondered how the others would respond to – not just the fact that there is a new Clan – but that they may have to give up some of their own territory, as well. Judging by how simple border-skirmishes went, he supposed that it wouldn't go too well. All he could really do was pray to StarClan that the truce would protect them.
He hopped onto the tree-bridge, his heart racing like the horses that Briarfall told stories about. Taking a breath to calm himself a bit, he trotted after Stingtail, aware that Inksplash was following him. The walk seemed to be over in a mere heartbeat, which Gingerfall wasn't too pleased by.
Nevertheless, he waited for Stonestar's signal, before walking out into view for all the gathered cats. His new clanmates were at his side, causing his fear to lessen. They stood as a whole, making a point of their numbers. At the head, Stonestar lead them forward, into the crowd of confused cats.
"Stonefall, what are you doing?" Darkstar asked from his place on the giant oak. His tone was filled with pure bewilderment, "Where were you when I organized the group? And why are these cats with you?"
Rainstar, Birchstar, and Petalstar seemed to be just as puzzled as Darkstar. The WindClan leader leaned forward slightly, while Rainstar tilted his head, and Birchstar bristled as discreetly as possible.
"My fellow leaders, I have some news to share," Stonestar meowed, completely ignoring the questions that were shot at him.
"'Fellow leaders'?" Birchstar questioned, his tail flicking with uncertainty. Gingerfall had never seen the ShadowClan leader act in such a way.
Stonestar nodded, "Yes, that's part of my news. Now, do allow me to take my place among you."
Without waiting for a response, the striped tom leaped and climbed his way to a lower branch, one that would let him be heard a bit easier. His tail wrapped neatly around his paws as he gazed down at the cats below. Above him, the other leaders were baffled by what would be an act of disrespect, had Stonestar been a deputy still.
"Stonefall, what is the meaning of this?!" Darkstar growled, obviously trying to get his former-clanmate back in his place. It made sense; what good was a leader who could not control his cats?
Instead of answering directly, Stonestar addressed every cat in the clearing, "I advise that everyone listen to what I've got to say, because it's very important."
Those who were not part of LustClan were experiencing a mixture of confusion and hostility. Many cats' necks where bristling, while others murmured to their companions with wariness. Gingerfall sat down, watching his new leader. He gulped, hoping that this wasn't going to end in bloodshed.
"Some of your clanmates have joined me, in reunion as a new clan. A clan with a freedom unlike any other, and we've received the acceptance of StarClan," the new leader bellowed, "The cat you see before you is no longer Stonefall, the ThunderClan deputy; but Stonestar, the leader of LustClan. The cats who have joined me are no longer your clanmates; but warriors of LustClan. I come to you now, asking that you accept us, just as our ancestors did."
The reaction was an expected one; with shock, denial, curiosity, and awe mingling among the cats in the clearing. As for the leaders, they gaped with their eyes wide. Amberflame, the WindClan medicine cat, turned her head to the night sky. Her orange eyes widened.
"He speaks the truth," the old cat rasped, "The moon has not been covered. Look!"
Indeed, almost everyone did look. The sky was as clear as can be, without a cloud in sight as the moon beamed above them. Stars twinkled brightly, showing their agreement.
Rainstar was the first to speak, "Well then, I think I biggest matter now is where this…new clan shall reside. Surely you don't plan to take any of RiverClan's territory?"
"Or ShadowClan's, for that matter! We'd sooner give up our pelts!" Bluestripe, the ShadowClan deputy, cried. Her clanmates mewed in agreement, daring Stonestar to try taking their land. Thankfully, they quieted once Birchstar waved his tail for silence.
Stonestar's eyes glittered with slight amusement, "Not to worry, we don't even want your land. My clan will set up our territory just beyond that of ThunderClan and WindClan. None of the other clans will have to relinquish their own hunting grounds."
The tom's words quickly soothed everyone's tempers, much to Gingerfall's relief. He admired the leader's ability to remain cool and collected in situations such as this, and it made him wonder if that was why Darkstar selected him.
"What's the point of this new clan?" Petalstar asked, "Isn't four clans enough?"
Several cats murmured in agreement, being mostly from WindClan. Stonestar's whiskers twitched and he turned to the aging leader, "LustClan is like no other. We have been created for the purpose of freedom; erotic freedom, that is. My clan will recognize all desires with no judgment, and express them with no shame."
Beside him, Gingerfall heard Moonshade cheer for their leader. Other LustClan cats quickly joined in, showing their support. After staring at them with wide eyes for a few heartbeats, Gingerfall put in his own cheers, feeling the full effect of Stonestar's words. His pelt tingled with excitement at the thought of being able to mate as he wished.
"With that said, shall we continue the Gathering?" Stonestar asked rhetorically.
The territory that now belonged to LustClan wasn't bad at all; just new. Gingerfall noticed that even the soil felt a bit different from that of ThunderClan's, taking note of this as he padded behind Jayflight.
Stonestar led them as if he had a specific destination, eventually stopping at an enormous clearing. The bare grass was surrounded by towering trees, their branches spanning out and shielding the clearing from most of the sky. Several bushes and large stones were scattered around the area, with a huge, hollow redwood tree sitting at the very edge. Its roots themselves were massive.
"This will be our camp," Stonestar meowed, "We can figure out where the dens will be tomorrow. As of now, get some rest."
With that, the leader padded away, heading towards the hollow tree. Appleheart followed close behind him, eventually catching up and brushing his pelt against Stonestar's.
Gingerfall shrugged, making his way over to a densely-leaved bush and crawling inside to lie among its roots. He heard others following him, and the scent of Willowleaf washed over him as the silvery she-cat plopped down beside him. To be honest, he didn't mind the feeling of being pressed against, and found some comfort in it. Besides, he was never going to feel the body-heat of his brother again.
"A new life starts tomorrow," he heard Silvermoon whisper. Smokefur mumbled something in response, but Gingerfall was unable to make it out as he fell into a slumber. He ducked his nose under one of her forepaws and sighed, allowing sleep to overtake him.
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A/N: Short chapter is short. Bleh…
This is the last chapter of this story, and the actual fun will start with the sequel, Lustful Lives. I'm certainly looking forward to it, and I hope you guys are too!
I still need some cats from the other clans to join LustClan, so please give me some!
Aside from that, I wish you all a good day!
Later, my lovelies!
~ Tina
