The full moon hung bright in the dark sky above the clans. With nary a cloud in sight, it showed to be the perfect gathering. Swirlstar lead his clan sure footed through his territory. As he'd promised, Brightspots was at his side. Their pelts brushed close as he steered her along with his tail. Brokensoul was to his other side, with Skypool and Shadestream close along his heels. Other warriors he had picked trailed along behind him, talking about what they predicted would happen tonight.
"Everyone is expecting some scene to be made." Brightspots murmured to Swirlstar. He twitched his ears to acknowledge he'd heard her, but remembered he would have to speak anyways due to her blindness.
"Don't worry. Their hopes will be dashed." He muttered. She didn't respond, but as they pulled out of their territory into more of a rocky tundra, he could feel Brightspots flinch beside him and hesitate. "The gathering is in a dusty area. A rocky one. Don't worry, it's fine." He assured, urging her back to the same pace they were at before. It wasn't a short journey, and all the clans were on a schedule.
He heard the murmuring of other cats as he drew near, and he instructed Brightspots to stop as they halted on top of a small valley. Looking down, and tasting the air, Swirlstar was able to deduct that RainClan was the only other clan here at the moment. With a raise of his tail, his cats plunged down into the valley below them. Brightspots flinched once more as she felt a tumble of cats rush past her. "D-Did they all just go down?" She asked, correcting her voice as soon as she'd caught the quiver in it.
"Yes. Careful with the slope." He informed, carefully sliding down with her. Once they reached the bottom, Brightspots puffed her fur out, head swiveling side to side as she caught scent of unfamiliar cats.
"Um… RainClan?" She guessed. "I can faintly smell the river."
"Yep." Swirlstar purred, leading her more towards the gather of SnowClan cats. Looking atop the Great Hill in the center, he was just able to catch the dark colored pelt of Duskstar perched there. As commotion was heard back atop the crest of the valley, he caught sight of Grousestar from FlameClan standing there, ears perked. Her tail raised, and her own cats poured down, her following after them. She flitted through the cats like a shadow, scaling to the top of the hill to sit beside Duskstar. The two leaders dipped heads to each other.
"Is that new scent FlameClan?" Brightspots deducted once again.
"That's correct. Grousestar is their new leader, if you didn't know." The SnowClan leader told her, and the elder's ears twitched in surprise.
"I didn't realize how old Sparkstar had gotten." She admitted, lifting her muzzle in the air with nose twitching.
"He was older when he became leader. I'm sure most of his lives were lost due to sickness and age." He shrugged, eyes narrowing faintly as more cats huddled atop the valley crest. He could see Oakstar's pale eyes glinting through the dark, and he charged down the hill with his clan in tow. "All the clans are here now, so I have to go. If you sit here, though, you're beside the clan. RainClan is next to us, though, so you can talk to them if you want." He tried, rising to his paws.
"I'm not a kit." She dismissed him, flicking her tail as she rose to her own paws. Despite her tone, the nervous twitch of her fur betrayed her true feelings as she scuffed her paws on the ground.
"I know. You just haven't been in awhile, so I'm giving you a reminder there's still time." He insisted, briefly touching his nose to her ear, before he turned to the hill. Briefly extending his claws, he scaled up it and settled down. He dipped his head to the two other leaders, whom responded back with brief words of greetings and gestures to follow.
"I'm spotting a young cat among yours, Swirlstar. A new apprentice, I assume?" Duskstar meowed, her deep grey-blue pelt twitching under the silver of the moonlight as she turned her black face towards the SnowClan leader. Leave it to Duskstar to be as observant as ever. The tom squinted as he struggled to spot one of the apprentices, and caught sight of a pale yellow and tabby flecked pelt talking to a young RainClan apprentice.
"Ah, yes. Poppypaw is new, along with Lionpaw, somewhere among us." He informed, angling his ears towards his clan. He glanced down at the BlizzardClan cats, wondering what was taking Oakstar. "Err, your apprentice looks new as well. He is, I assume."
"Yes. Specklepaw is on his second moon of training, but this is his first gathering." She informed, pale blue eyes glowing as she stared down at her apprentice. She shifted over as Oakstar clawed his way up the hill, greeting all the leaders curtly, albeit respectfully. Only moments later after the other leaders returned their greetings did the BlizzardClan cat raise his head and let out a caterwaul, signaling the start of the gathering.
As the cats quieted down, several glittering eyes were fixed upon Swirlstar and the three others beside him. He expected Oakstar to give his report first, but was surprised to see the deep orange tabby dip his head to Duskstar. She rose to her paws, taking the spot in the front. "RainClan grows with new warriors and apprentices alike. Specklepaw has attended his first gathering, and we welcome Reedsweep and Thistlenose as warriors tonight." She announced. The clans below chanted out the new cats' names, and Swirlstar could just spot the two in the crowd, one head ducked shyly while the other lifted his proudly.
"Even with no kits on the way, it only ensures that we have plenty to feed our clan, and to stock up so that come newleaf, we can welcome kits warmly." She finished, giving a nod of her head, setting back down. Oakstar stood next, shouldering his way to the front.
"BlizzardClan thrives in the forest. With leafbare nearly here, prey is harder to find, but not impossible. We have two new litters of kits, and even though it will wrought a challenge to feed them, we will do so." He dipped his head. Swirlstar couldn't help but grow tense at Oakstar's words. He knew all too well how he intended to feed his clan… He glanced down at Brightspots, whom was sitting near to the hill, sightless gaze fixed upon the leaders.
He knew his intentions. Glancing at the sky, no clouds strayed anywhere close to the glowing orb of a moon. That was a good sign. He decided to speak next, rising to his paws as he stepped forward. Oakstar cast him a glance with faintly narrowed eyes, and Swirlstar simply ignored it as he spoke. "I'd like to welcome two new apprentices, that are also here with us tonight: Poppypaw and Lionpaw." He started, and the cats below called out the names. He noticed most BlizzardClan cats kept out from that celebratory call.
"Leafbare is around the corner, and we all know how difficult it can be to find prey. I want to make it clear that the code clearly enforces the laws of taking prey from another clans' territory, and I also want to make sure that everyone knows I will stick to that." It was his turn to cast a look at Oakstar, whose eyes narrowed in response once more, tail lashing. Cats whispered down below about the not so subtle exchange of looks. Grousestar's ears twitched, and Duskstar's fur bristled faintly. The look on her face made it known to Swirlstar that he wouldn't leave this gathering without unscathed words.
"I want to make sure you aren't blaming my clan for actions that have clearly already happened," Duskstar started, her voice making Swirlstar curl his claws into the hill, "But that you are implying BlizzardClan has stolen?" Her eyes swapped between the two clan leaders. Oakstar scarcely bared his teeth as his clan rose up in howls of disapproval and denial. Swirlstar held his tongue against speaking rudely against Duskstar. Leave it RainClan to stir up unnecessary trouble.
"I'm not blaming anyone. I'm merely stating the fact." He informed, loud enough to carry over the angry calls of BlizzardClan. They seemed to quiet down, but Swirlstar still went on yet. "We all know of BlizzardClan's avaricious past tendencies, and with two litters on the way, I just want to make sure they know not to cross borders here." His tail lashed, only furthering Oakstar's bristling fur.
"I know how to control my warriors, Swirlstar. I think you should focus more on your own." The BlizzardClan leader spit out, barely managing to keep his voice level.
"Mine are very well trained, thank you, Oakstar, for your concern." Swirlstar replied cooly, lifting his head more to gaze at the leader in mild defiance. "Let's not have any more incidents, yes?" He asked in a voice quiet enough so only the leaders could hear. Duskstar's tail tip twitched, while Grousestar looked between them all, her brown tabby patched fur twitching uncomfortably. Oakstar gave no reply, only but a snort with a flex of his claws in the ground.
Swirlstar stepped back as Grousestar shouldered her way forward, taking up her place now. The SnowClan leader only half listened to her as he looked up at the sky. No clouds came forth to cover the moon. He sighed out in relief. StarClan must know his words were justified, otherwise the moon would be covered. "And last, but certainly not least, I'd like to welcome our new warrior, Littlepath." Swirlstar snapped back to reality as some of the cats chanted out the new warrior's name.
The gathering was officially over. All the leaders leaped down, going towards their own respective clans. "Swirlstar!" Looking over, he saw a white pelt bounce up to him. He calmed faintly as he saw Fogfur, and dipped his head in a brisk greeting. "Why did you bring that up?" The BlizzardClan warrior hissed, ears flat, head low like his tail. The marbled tom's eyes flickered in surprise.
"What?"
"The whole… Prey stealing thing. In front of everyone!" He continued, giving a lash of his tail. "That was a bad idea, Swirlstar, very bad." The leader's eyes narrowed, and he bared his teeth. And here he thought Fogfur was different than most BlizzardClan cats. He thought he could see the truth behind his own clan's thievery, but he must've been wrong.
"I'm not going to stand here while you threaten me." Swirlstar snarled, advancing sharply on Fogfur, enough to cause the white tom to scramble back in wide-eyed surprise. The leader turned, searching for Brightspots as he raised his tail for his clan to gather.
"N-No! I didn't mean that!" Fogfur tried, but Swirlstar blocked out his meows as he spotted Brightspots. She was with Skypool and Shadestream, and the leader placed his tail upon her shoulders as he reached her, dipping his head to the two medicine cats.
"We're going to go back uphill now." He murmured to Brightspots, whom stuck closely by his side. She raised her head as she heard harsh whispers and hisses from BlizzardClan cats, and Swirlstar could feel his own fur stand on end at them as well. Instinctively, he pressed his pelt further against Brightspot's, and his clan formed a protective circle around the both. They all clawed their way back up the hill, some cats waiting around them as Brightspots struggled up. Once the top was reached, the clan melded into the shadows of the night as they hurried home.
When the camp was reached, Swirlstar heaved out a sigh of relief. All was calm, and quiet. Everything was in order, including Brambleeyes, whom Swirlstar had placed on guard. "All good?" He asked the tabby warrior as he approached. Brambleeyes stood, arching his back in a stretching with a nod.
"Nothing to report." He yawned, waving his tail stiffly. Swirlstar dismissed him with a nod, leading Brightspots back over to the elders' den. Her paws were dragging slightly, and she seemed exhausted, but alight with a new knowledge she didn't seem to previously have. Once he lead her into the confines of the den where the other two were sleeping, she was able to seek out her nest, and sunk down into it with a sigh.
Swirlstar's mind was starting to pace through other things, so he had turned without even bidding a goodnight. Brightspots stopped him, however, when she spoke. "Thank you. I enjoyed tonight. You did well, speaking like that." Her voice was uncharacteristically soft, and the leader reasoned it was because of her tired state. At first, no response was heard from him. He was beginning to think back on Fogfur's words. How he had tried to talk to him after, but Swirlstar had turned a blind eye. Maybe he really did mean something else.
"Y… Yeah. I'm glad you went." He finally answered, turning towards her. "At the end of the gathering, though, Fogfur-" He stopped. The pale yellow she-cat was fast asleep in her nest, tail curled over her nose tightly as she lay soundly in her nest. He stifled a sigh, but a content feeling crawled through his pelt. He knew she truly did have a good time. He could speak with her tomorrow, it was the furthest she had traveled in a long time. Not even BlizzardClan camp had been such a trek.
He briefly pressed his nose to her ear, before turning and padding out of the den. Most cats were heading to their dens, discussing what had happened at the gathering briefly and exchanging other news. With a sigh and a nod to his deputy, Swirlstar made his way to his own den to get a good night's sleep.
The days that followed the gathering, the BlizzardClan border had been particularly quiet. Brokensoul had gotten reports that they hadn't remarked their side at all, and if they did, it was nowhere near as thorough as it had been before. There seemed to be no sight of them inside SnowClan borders, either. Swirlstar wasn't sure if he had effectively gotten the message through, or if there was more behind this ploy.
It almost seemed as if Oakstar was begging SnowClan cats to cross the border. Of course, Swirlstar knew better. It would just be some excuse for Oakstar to jump down his clan's throat, and that was the last thing he needed. Snow had just started falling the other night, which officially meant that leafbare was here. It was crunch time for the clan to get what they could while the bigger prey was still out and about, sniffing around.
To confirm these claims, Swirlstar had lead out a patrol with Frostshade, Solarrose, and Orangestripes. All of them were silent as they were lead along by their leader, whom had his head ducked slightly in concentration as he paced the border. "Has it really been like this?" He breathed, brow furrowed in concentration as he finally stopped, straightening up. The others halted behind him, looking over the border.
"What does this mean, Swirlstar?" Orangestripes asked, voice tinged with worry.
"Nothing good." Frostshade had answered, her own voice shadowing the same emotion. Solarrose was silent, staring blankly across the border with her one eye of good use.
"I don't want to agree with you, Frostshade," Swirlstar started with a sigh as he turned back to his clanmates, "but I have to agree. I don't think I scared them off that easily. We should just be on our toes, is all." He shrugged, marking the border before he moved on back towards camp. As his cats followed, he could hear Frostshade whispering to the other two.
"What if they really needed that prey? What if cats have died without it in their camp?" She whispered.
"I dunno… I think that would've been mentioned, how bad they look." The orange striped tom mumbled back to the black and white she-cat. Swirlstar's pelt prickled as they talked behind his back. Literally.
"BlizzardClan was in fine condition when I visited them." He told them, flatly. The two shut their jaws as he continued. "Besides, you saw them at the gathering. They were perfectly fine. Maybe a little too filled for so close to leafbare, if I say so myself." There was no more debate as they headed back to the camp. When he pushed through the tunnel, his stomach growled. He frowned faintly. Had he even eaten this morning? He couldn't recall with everything that had been going on. He saw the freshkill pile was getting rather low, however, and glanced over at the elders' den to see if they had been fed first. They looked to be, stretched out after they had cleared out snow, snoozing away in the weak late afternoon sun.
A familiar pale pelt was crouched over a grouse, gnawing away at it. Maybe Brightspots would share with him. He took a step towards her, hesitation pulling him back for just a second. He cast it aside as he trotted over to her. "Think you can finish that on your own?" He asked in a challenging tone, tail curled up in humor. Brightspots' whiskers twitched as she gnawed on a leg, and once she swallowed, she answered.
"I sure could. I've already grown rather fat, though, so I could share with you." She responded, looking up at him with a purr. He chortled, settling down beside her as he dug his teeth into the bird's flesh after plucking a few feathers away. He savored the taste of the bird, so rare to see in the forest. He hadn't realized how hungry he was, so he took a few more bites before getting another word out. Brightspots did the same, and the bird was soon finished. He shuffled the remains aside, stretching out contently.
Brightspots did the same, purring in approval as she rested her head atop her paws and curled her tail against the leader's pelt. The tom began to groom her ears calmly, soaking in the little sunlight there was left in the dying light of the afternoon. "How did you enjoy the gathering?" He suddenly asked the elder, whom stretched her legs and lifted her head.
"It was… A lot. I liked it, though. I talked a little with a RainClan apprentice. She had a lot of questions, was rather nosey." She chuckled, tail swishing faintly. "I liked her enthusiasm, though. 'How did you get here when you can't see?' 'Do you know what you look like?' 'Can you still smell your clan?' Things like that." She admitted, looking at her paws. Swirlstar was simply watching her, barely hearing anymore words she spoke as she went on. The sound of her voice, and the way she spoke, how she flexed her toes into the ground… Every little thing about her, was just…
"Brightspots," Swirlstar interrupted. He hadn't even realized that he had, even as he spoke again. "I think… I think I'm in love with you." As soon as the words left his jaws, reality seemed to snap back to him. He closed them shut, blinking, and Brightspots seemed surprised, too. Whoops.
"O-Oh, Swirlstar." She murmured, ducking her head in embarrassment. Swirlstar could feel his own ears growing hot, and he was anxious as she spoke again. "I-I… How, though? There are so many other she-cats in the clan, and… I know you talked to a lot of them, back when you were a warrior. They're so much more able, and can fight, and…" She trailed off, fur prickling faintly.
"I love you because of… Well, you." He insisted softly, faintly nosing her ear. "If I was looking for someone that could fight, and hunt, and go about the daily routine of a warrior, then, well… I wouldn't even be telling you this."
"Me, though… How?" She asked, finally turning her muzzle up towards him.
"You're just, so… So…" He struggled for the words. There was no way he could describe why he felt this way towards her, or how he did. "So you. I know I already said that, I just… Your personality, your humor, your pelt… Everything, Brightspots. I swear." He breathed out. She didn't answer him immediately. Hesitantly, he brushed his muzzle against hers, just barely a graze. She didn't move, and he swore he felt her press back, so he tried again. This time, she pulled away. He flinched, pulling away from her slightly. Maybe he'd overstepped his boundaries. "I… Do you not feel the same, then?..." He ventured cautiously.
"I- I didn't say that." She countered, looking back at him, but her gaze didn't last long. "It's… It's just…" She trailed off, words seeming to fail her. Swirlstar silently urged her on, swallowing dryly as she opened her jaws to speak again.
"Swirlstar! We caught a BlizzardClan cat!" The tom nearly jumped out of his fur as his name was called, and both cats looked over. Lionpaw was prancing around a white tom, while Thornfur and Moonflight flanked him. Swirlstar grumbled, apologizing to Brightspots as he rose to his paws, shaking his pelt out. Padding over, he realized this sullen looking BlizzardClan cat was none other than Fogfur. His eyes narrowed as he recalled the nights of the gathering, but then guilt tugged at his pelt. He hadn't even heard the tom out.
"What were you doing on SnowClan territory?" He inquired as he drew closer. Fogfur straightened up, looking worried still, but significantly better.
"I needed to talk to you. I couldn't wait, I'm sorry, it's kinda urgent." The white tom insisted, pale yellow eyes glittering in earnest. Swirlstar lifted his head slightly, scrutinizing him.
"Want me to give him something to remember and chase him back to his side, Swirlstar?" Thornfur asked, coming forward as he shot the tom a withering look.
"No." The leader raised his tail. "I'll speak to him in my den. Alone." He pointed out as Brokensoul approached. The deputy stopped in his tracks, eyes narrowed, but in the end he dipped his head and backed up. "Follow me." His tail flicked, and he turned, leading Fogfur up to his den. Once inside, the BlizzardClan warrior wasted no time in speaking.
"Oakstar is planning a raid on SnowClan tonight!" Swirlstar hadn't even time to sit yet as the news came out. He blinked, turning to Fogfur, and slowly sat in his nest. He almost couldn't believe his ears, at first. A cat was telling him about his clan's plans. He was… Technically committing treason.
"Where do your loyalties lie, Fogfur?" Swirlstar asked, quite suspiciously.
"I'm- I'm on the right side. I… I know BlizzardClan was stealing prey. I've been apart of a… Patrol, for that." Fogfur admitted, avoiding Swirlstar's gaze. "I had no choice, honestly. I don't think it's right, and by no means do I agree with it. I abide by the code, which is why I'm warning you of this." He insisted as the SnowClan leader snorted in contemptment. "Besides, the only reason Oakstar is attacking is to show his clan won't be pushed around! You exposed him at the gathering, and he was appalled that you- Well, SnowClan in general- Had did it. He hated it. That's why it shouldn't have been mentioned, was all I was trying to say."
"Well it was a little too late for that, huh?" Swirlstar uttered out, eyes narrowing faintly.
"I know, but I had no other time to tell you! I wanted to talk to you on the way back about it, but with Leaftail and Spottedsage right there I didn't dare." His pelt twitched, and he seemed distressed about it all. "I… I can't do anything to stop this battle, but I can do something to help you prepare. I'm sorry I can't do more. This shouldn't happen." He ducked his head, finally quieting and allowing the leader to think to himself.
"Fogfur… I… Thank you, for telling me." He meowed, rising to his paws. Fogfur lifted his head, ears perking and body calming. "We'll meet your clan with a line of our own, and show them we won't be pushed around." The white tom's eyes widened, and his ears flattened.
"You can't!" He urged, and Swirlstar's eyes narrowed from inquiry. "They'll know that you were warned. They'll know it was one of their own, Swirlstar. All eyes will turn to me, I know it. I could be killed!" At first, Swirlstar doubted what Fogfur had said, but the more he thought about it, the more he could see it making sense. "My clan thinks I'm hunting right now, but if I come back too late, especially with nothing to show, it will only confirm their suspicions."
"Fight with us." Swirlstar suddenly urged.
"E-Excuse me?"
"I said, fight with us. With my clan." He knew a judgement like this could really cost him, in the end, if all went bad. If Fogfur was telling the truth, however, he knew that this tom would be a loyal ally.
"I can't." He admitted, looking away as he shuffled on his paws. "I'm loyal to my clan."
"You just sold your clan out." Swirlstar blinked, pelt prickling mildly in irritation.
"I know! I mean… I'm loyal to the code, above all. I want to do the right thing, and I felt like… This was right. But I can't fight with you. I'm sorry. I'll try to stay on the outskirts of the battle, though." He announced, straightening up faintly as marbled tom peered outside the den. There was a moment of silence, and finally, Swirlstar sighed through his nose, stretching on his paws.
"Alright. Thank you, Fogfur. Here," He started, pushing passed the BlizzardClan warrior. He leapt down from his den, moving to the prey pile, and picked out a mouse. He watched Fogfur scramble down as well, trotting up to him, and dropped the mouse at the white warrior's paws. Fogfur looked surprise, blinking at Swirlstar. "To show your clan you've been hunting. It's getting late, so you need to save your energy." Fogfur swallowed, ducking his head as he thanked Swirlstar genuinely. "I trust you know how to get back, but I'll have someone escort you in case."
He looked over, beckoning Rosethorn with a call. The senior warrior trotted over, looking between the two. Swirlstar explained the situation. "Of course. I'll make sure he get theres unseen and safe." She ensured. Fogfur picked up the mouse, waving his tail in farewell to the leader as Rosethorn lead him out of the camp. Swirlstar sighed, glancing over towards the elders' den to see Brightspots talking to Sharpnose and Winglight. He looked at his paws, tail lashing, before turning and bounding onto Highledge.
"Let all cats gather!" He yowled out, body erect as he waited for his clan to gather. Everyone pulled themselves up, coming to settle in the clearing in front of the rock.
"What happened to the BlizzardClan cat?" Lionpaw asked loudly, and other cats mumbled.
"Yeah, what happened?"
"There was a BlizzardClan cat here!?"
"Did you hurt him?"
Questions arose one after another, and Swirlstar called for silence. "He came to warn us. BlizzardClan is planning to raid tonight." Angry, confused, shocked, scared, it was a muddle of reactions.
"Why'd he warn us!?"
"Are you going to believe him?"
"He's lying!"
"We have to prepare!"
"StarClan help us, it's going to be like FlameClan all over again! That's what's gonna happen!"
"Enough!" Swirlstar snapped, tail lashing as he waited for it to quiet down again. Once it was down to mere mutters, he spoke. "The warrior, Fogfur, knew that BlizzardClan stealing prey was an unjust action. Oakstar plans on attacking merely because I called him out at the gathering about it, and Fogfur thinks that it's not truly a justified attack." He explained. More muttering started again, but Swirlstar spoke before it got out of hand. "We will prepare at camp. Tonight, I'll have warriors stationed near the elders' den, and the nursery as well. We will be in our dens, waiting to hear the signal from one of our own. Reinforce the walls while we can. We'll try to keep this fight outside the camp if possible. Are we clear?" Cats mumbled their approval, nodding anxiously.
"Brokensoul, split warriors to reinforce the camp, guard the nursery and elders' den." Brokensoul dipped his head as Swirlstar jumped down. "Gingerclaw, I want you to be the lookout tonight." He sought the ginger and black tom. Said tom blinked green eyes, but obliged, puffing out his chest. Swirlstar turned away, watching Brokensoul quickly divide cats up. He let out a sigh, ducking his head briefly as he paced beneath Highledge. I hope BlizzardClan doesn't think this is too obvious. Sorry in advance, Fogfur. He thought, looking up at the sky. Dusk had descended upon them, and he knew it would be midnight before they even realized it.
StarClan, please. Don't let justice take BlizzardClan's side tonight. He sent a silent prayer, tail drooping. "Swirlstar." He turned his head, watching as Brightspots approached him. His chest tightened. If things went bad, and they broke into camp… He shook his head, refusing to think of such. "Teach me what you can. I want to help in this fight." Swirlstar flinched in surprise at how forward she was. Normally he would think she was just joking, but the determination etched onto her features and body proved otherwise.
"N… No. No, you're not helping." He finally put forward, lashing his tail.
"I want to help. I want to defend my clan. I know I can, I'm not useless." She protested, flattening her ears against her skull.
"I never said you were. You're more useless if you fight because of the danger you're putting yourself in." He snapped back, giving another lash of his tail. She seemed surprised to hear his words, recoiling faintly. He sighed, looking away for a moment. "Look, I'm… I'm just worried is all. You haven't fought for seasons, and if you get into some real trouble with a cat, that could be the end."
"I can hold my own." She responded, arrogance alight in her posture and tone.
"Not against BlizzardClan. They'll tear you to shreds." He responded, tone dismissive. "See if you can help enforce the wall. I got other things to do." Turning, he didn't wait to hear what else she had to say. He bounded over to the entrance of the camp, guilt tugging at his pelt for how dismissive he was with Brightspots, but he had to push it aside.
He had a clan to look after.
The moon dimly lit the night sky, cascading an eerie glow upon the camp below. All activity within the camp was either quiet, or nonexistent. A figure outside the camp stalked to and fro, calm, but alert. His ears perked, body erect, he listened for any sounds. The white tinging his mostly ginger and black marked body was turned a mute silver in the moonlight, his grassy green eyes flickering when caught correctly in the pale light.
The trees stirred faintly as snow began to fall, light against the leaves as if to prepare for heavier fall. The tom sniffed as a flake landed on his nose, only brushing out his fur more to protect against the chilly atmosphere. He shivered unintentionally as a particularly cold breeze blew past him, but stiffened as a scent caught in the wind.
He sharply drew his head up, nose and muzzle twitching, eyes narrowing. An unfamiliar scent bathed his tongue, and his fur began to prickle.
"Does Swirlstar usually leave his warriors out here to freeze?" Gingerclaw nearly jumped out of his pelt as the voice spoke. Pinpointing it, he turned around. A shape melded out from the shadows, and at first, only the malicious glow of pale yellow was able to be seen. As the cat rose up, Gingerclaw knew that this was Oakstar, BlizzardClan's leader. The tom swallowed, starting to tremble against his will, but held his ground.
Claws unsheathing, he held steadfast, mustering up the most defiant glare he could. "I smell fear. I understand, but don't worry. This will all be quick." Oakstar chortled, a sneer crossing his features as he raised his tail. Gingerclaw was able to see more shadows from around meld out, but to his mild relief, he found that there didn't seem to be that many. SnowClan could drive them back easily.
"It must come from your own then." He spat, silently thanking StarClan that his voice held steady. Oakstar snorted, giving a twitch of his tail.
"Funny." Unamusement sat heavy in his voice, and before Gingerclaw could respond, the leader leapt at him. He jumped out of the way just in time, just enough to let out a warning screech. It only turned into a pained one as Oakstar had swiped at his hind legs, tripping him up, and followed up with a nasty bite to Gingerclaw's right back leg.
Another battlecry followed up, and all eyes shot over as a multitude of SnowClan cats poured out of the camp, war cries all around.
Swirlstar had taken the lead, and instantly spotted Oakstar. Spitting, he leapt full fury at the BlizzardClan leader, bowling him off of Gingerclaw. He followed up with a swipe at the other leader's ear, satisfaction boiling up inside him as he felt his claws connect and tear at the fur there. Oakstar growled out, ducking as Swirlstar sent another blow, and dived under the marbled tom's belly.
Swirlstar was quick to leap back as Oakstar took a vicious swipe at his underbelly, and rolled out of the way as he retaliated with a slam of his paws. Bouncing back to his paws, the SnowClan leader moved to leap at Oakstar again, but staggered aside as a cat bowled him over. He was briefly pinned against the ground as he felt rabbit blows sting at his side. Growling, he writhed and fought under his attack, finally managing to dislodge them with a well aimed blow to the stomach.
A grunt was heard, and Swirlstar used all his weight to push himself back up, turning on the cat. As they scrambled up, he was able to recognize Brushfang. The black and silver tom was back on his paws no sooner, a snarl pulled onto his lips. His tail lashed, and he leapt forward, feigning an attack to one side. Swirlstar prepared to block, but as he realized his mistake, it seemed to be too late.
Brushfang had sunk his teeth into Swirlstar's shoulder, claws dragging at his pelt. The leader grit his teeth against the pain, simply pushing against him. His weight seemed to overtake the deputy's, and the two tumbled to the side, the SnowClan cat crushing him beneath his weight. He quickly rolled over, springing away from him, but the other tom was surprisingly quick. He was back on his paws soon after, leaping again, only to stagger as another cat bumped into him.
Rosethorn had come to Swirlstar's uncalled for aide, but as she moved to attack Brushfang again, she stopped. Her eyes widened, horror and surprise clouding her vision. She shifted a half step back, leaving Brushfang to prepare himself, grunting in surprise at this action. "Silverscar?" She whispered, trembling slightly. Brushfang flinched, his own eyes stretching wide for a brief moment. Swirlstar backed up, confused at the exchange, only to growl out as he felt his hindquarters receive a stinging blow.
Whirling around, a she-cat glared at him, hissing furiously. She lunged forward, and Swirlstar reacted slowly enough to purely set her up. At last second, he stood up, and crashed back down on her. Squashing her, he clawed and bit at her sides and back, only digging harder as she writhed and spat furiously. When she couldn't escape, and her spitting turned to howls of pain, he let her go, and she turned and tumbled into the bushes. He stood back up, shaking out his fur.
Looking around, he saw space outside his camp was filled with screeching, writhing cats, fighting for what was theirs. They seemed to be outnumbering the BlizzardClan cats, which came as surprising, but he was grateful nonetheless. He crouched down, ready to charge back into the battle, but was quite literally swept off his paws. When he made contact with the ground again, it was in a pile of snow, and at first, he was frozen from the shock of it. No time was left for him to register as someone leaped atop of him, effectively pinning him.
"I'm sure you'll think words through more carefully, next time." A voice snarled in his ear. Swirlstar was barely able to catch a glimpse of Oakstar's malicious yellow eyes, before he couldn't breath. The BlizzardClan's leader's jaws were clamped around his throat, and his vision was growing black… He could barely feel his flesh and fur ripping, barely could make out the bubbling crimson staining the snow below where he lay, he could barely see anything. Everything was a blur… The shapes around him were fading. He could scarcely tell when the pressure was off of him. The only way he knew was the last glimpse of the world he caught was Oakstar sneering down at him, blood staining his muzzle and chest, and then, nothing.
When Swirlstar opened his eyes, he gasped, scrambling to his paws. He felt battered, beaten, and bruised. He was in a forest clearing, with nine cats surrounding him, brushed in the cold starlight and truth. He shuddered, lowering his head and tail.
He was in StarClan.
A cat stood up, padding towards him on long, lean legs. The ginger pelt, crisscrossed by shades of gold and white. A white muzzle, toes… Grassy green eyes so hauntingly familiar. His mother.
"Bledstar." He whispered, ducking his head as she approached.
"You've lost your first life, Swirlstar." She announced grimly, stretching her head forward to rest it on his own. "You now have eight left. Careful how you tread." She murmured.
"I'll be careful. I will, I swear it, I will." The tom muttered, feeling himself grow hazy. As his vision darkened again, a swelling feeling began to fill him. Power like no other. Unbridled like anything else. He was growing stronger, more alive, and then…
His eyes snapped open. As his vision and hearing cleared, he saw cats running off, and cats swarming into camp. "Another patrol has gotten into camp! Fall back!" That was Brokensoul's cry.
Brightspots. With a grunt, the leader heaved himself to his paws, shaking his pelt out. His throat felt sore, but it was healed significantly. StarClan had done their work. He sent a silent prayer for strength to be held in him as he charged towards the camp, pushing his way inside. There wasn't a crevice of the clearing not filled with fighting cats. Swirlstar desperately searched for Brightspot's pale pelt among them all, but found nothing.
With a growl, he launched himself at the nearest BlizzardClan cat. He caught her in a lock, battering her belly and side with rabbit kicks until she practically begged for mercy. Letting her go, he flung off another BlizzardClan cat that had leaped at him. A stinging blow was sent to his ear, but he shook it off, retaliating. Claws met fur, and went further to flesh. He could feel blood well up under his assets, and it sprayed on his muzzle as he tore back towards him. The cat snarled, swiping at his face, but Swirlstar had ducked. He lunged forward, nipping the tom's foreleg, before fully clamping onto his shoulder.
Blood was sharp on his tongue, but he bit harder, finally releasing as the cat made no more attempt to attack him and took off out of the camp. He whirled around to attack another cat, but found that hardly any of BlizzardClan was left. Finally, a yowl split the air, and cats broke apart from each other. BlizzardClan slunk away towards the camp entrance, but did not leave, only stopped and lingered. Oakstar stepped into the middle of the camp, eyes flickering, head raised. He looked battered himself, but proud, as if he had won. He was about to speak, but the screeching of cats stopped him. All looked towards the scene.
A white tom and tortoiseshell she-cat writhed on the ground, together, blows furious and wild. "Enough!" Oakstar snarled, and the two broke apart, staggering to their paws. Swirlstar recognized Fogfur, bloodied and tired looking, but bold determination set in his eyes. Spottedsage, surprisingly(or not), had been his rival, panting and eyes narrowed, fur on end. Blood dripped from her jaws and side, while Fogfur leaned awkwardly on one leg with a nasty bite to it. "Why?" Was all Oakstar asked, sounding mostly exasperated, but more anger was buried in his voice.
"This mousebrain attacked me!" Spottedsage spat, swiping a paw towards Fogfur.
"She was attacking a blind she-cat!" Fogfur argued, a disgusted snort leaving his muzzle.
"She was attacking me back, though!"
"She was defending herself!" Came his reply, and the two looked ready to jump at each others' throats again.
"Come here." Oakstar growled, tail lashing, and both slinked over. The leader watched the two, but soon turned his attention back to SnowClan, Swirlstar specifically. "I hope SnowClan has leaned a lesson."
"The only lesson to be learned here is that you're a coward." The other leader spat in response, hackles raised in response. "You know you've been stealing prey, and just because you're angry I pointed it out at the gathering gives you no justification for your actions." Oakstar's eyes flickered in surprise at the SnowClan leader's words. They narrowed only moments later, however.
"You know nothing, Swirlstar." The dark orange tabby spat, giving another lash of his tail. "Consider this your warning for your false accusations." Oakstar raised his tail, and his cats filed out from camp. As Fogfur ducked to follow, Oakstar sunk his teeth into his scruff, dragging the tom back. He let go of him, giving a harsh swipe across the right side of his face. The white tom howled out, staggering to the ground.
"Not you." He growled, fur bushing out. "Next time my clan finds you on my territory, they have permission to kill you. You're lucky you're getting away with your life, traitor." With another festering glare sent towards Fogfur and Swirlstar, the other leader turned on tail and disappeared through the tunnel.
Swirlstar felt his body slacken slightly, and Brokensoul bounded up beside him. "Should I take a small patrol to make sure they're all followed out?" He asked. The leader didn't answer him at first, sights set on Fogfur as the warrior groaned and pushed himself to his paws, as well as where Brightspots was and how she was faring.
"Uh… Yeah. Small patrol. Don't be seen and don't engage in combat if you don't have to." He responded, twitching his tail. The deputy gave a nod, calling over warriors that were the most uninjured, and swept out of camp with them. Fogfur staggered again, limping towards the entrance.
"Fogfur-" Swirlstar had started, but the tom had already seemed to predict what he was going to say.
"I don't regret my decision, Swirlstar." The white warrior rasped, head hanging, eye closed as blood dribbling down the side of his face. He was probably blind in that eye now, Swirlstar mused. "But I can't stay. Not right now. I-I'll leave your territory. I'm sorry. Thank you." He ducked out of camp before the leader could protest. Swirlstar ducked his head briefly as well, only to look over as his name was called.
A red and black striped she-cat padded up to him, her gaze sullen. "Brightspots wants to talk to you." Shadestream meowed softly, turning to look over towards the elders' den. Swirlstar dipped his head, ready to hear what she had to say as he turned to stride over. She was probably going to chew his ear off about being able to handle herself. Probably was going to say 'I told you so' for joining in the battle, then apologize as Skypool treated her wounds for Fogfur having to save her, and how hurt she'd gotten.
He stopped walking. His blood went cold.
Skypool was crouched over Brightspots, head low. The elder lay on her side, blood welled up on her belly. Her underside was completely stained with the rich crimson color, her sides scored with marks of a harsh fight. The thin layer of snow beneath her body had turned a brilliant vermillion from the amount of blood loss. The only thing that brought Swirlstar rushing over to her was that he was able to see the faint rise and fall of her side. "Oh, Brightspots…" He whispered as he reached her side, looking down desperately at her. Her eyes were closed, small rivulets of red running down from the corners of her jaws.
As her name was spoken, her eyes flickered open. Sightless and clouded, she focused on nothing, but drew in a wheezing breath. "Swirlstar." She croaked out, voice faint and broken. "I'm… I'm sorry. I thought… I couldn't… Let them... " A shuddering breath was drawn in, and she only coughed from it. Blood hit Swirlstar's muzzle from it, and dotted the ground near her muzzle. He swallowed, looking at Skypool in question. The medicine cat gave a grim shake of her head, apology heavy in her posture and eyes.
Swirlstar drew in his own shuddering breath, burying his head into Brightspot's neck. "I'm sorry." He whispered. "I couldn't protect you in time. Even… Fogfur couldn't… It's my fault. How am I a leader?"
"Don't." She rasped, only causing the leader to draw his head back and look at her. Her lips had drawn up in some form of a sneer, but it only seemed to be out of pain. "You did… What you could. SnowClan is… Lucky to have you."
"But I-"
"I… Love you, but, this is… Not mine… Not our destiny." She breathed out. Her voice was only getting more shaky, trembling from the effort of trying to speak. Swirlstar wanted her to not saying anything, to save her breath, but he knew this was the last time he would hear her voice in the waking world. She turned her head, slightly, seemed to lift it almost. Her eyes stretched wide, jaws parted. "Yes, I… I'm ready. Thank you, Bledstar." She breathed, her head slowly falling back against the ground.
"Brightspots…" Swirlstar gave a pained whisper, ears flat against his skull as he craned over her body. He could feel his heart hammer in his chest as the she-cat's eyes slid towards his own being, and he swore he saw a twinkle in her eye, before they completely glassed over. One last breath left her, and her head lolled more to the side, lifeless as her cold growing body.
The snow fell loudly that night in SnowClan camp and territory.
The next day she had been buried. Rosethorn had passed during the night due to head trauma, and had been buried at the same time as Brightspots. No sign of Fogfur had been spotted, but only mere days later, his body was found between the SnowClan and BlizzardClan border, bloody and bruised.
As Swirlstar sat and watched the cats of his clan mingled about, he couldn't help but think of more trouble that was to come. With the days growing colder and darker earlier, he'd noticed some questionable motives of his deputy, and even a few of his warriors. Deep down, he knew that his clan's worries were far from over.
He had nobody in the waking world to speak and share about these plagued thoughts he had, but he knew someone was walking with him step by step. A lingering feeling, phantom steps and touches by his side, as light as how the snow fell.