Chapter 4! :) We're doing quite well on the peace front in the forest, and Thunder is about to enter Wind's territory for the first time? Will the Quarter-Moon Gathering happen at all...?
And, just to say, I'm not commenting on what will happen further in the story. That's for me to know, and you to find out. :)
Enjoy!
-Leo
Chapter 4
I had gotten up early the next day, hoping that, if I left early, I might catch some of Wind's cats checking their new territory. Cloud was wary to come with me on that day, but agreed eventually, saying that going alone would look weak, and would also be dangerous.
Finding a small vole, I ate, needing to keep my strength up for the rather long journey through the newly discovered forest and into a new unknown across to the open moorland where Wind's cats resided.
"So you're going then?" a newly familiar voice interrupted my appreciation for the food I was eating.
"Yes, Fox, you were right – I need Wind there. She may be stubborn and questioning, but she seems much more rational than the others. We might even find an ally in her". If it wasn't for Fox's persuasion, I wasn't sure that I would ever face Wind. Although my leader status gave me more reason to want to negotiate with her, it didn't detract from her formidability and the high stature that she held herself in. She would make a frightening enemy, but a powerful ally.
"Good," she stood up. "Well?"
"What?" I was confused.
"Aren't you going?" she probed. "No time like the present".
I shook myself up, "Of course!" I licked my chest fur and nodded to her, the heavily pregnant queen watching me as I poked my nose in the bigger den. "Cloud?"
"I'm coming, Thunder!" the black cat called tiredly through the den. "Is it dawn yet?"
"Not quite," I looked to the sky, night clinging on with its claws, about to succumb to the sun dragging it away from view for the day.
"Good, we might catch Wind's cats on an early patrol round the territory," Cloud popped his head round the tunnel's walls and padded softly to the clearing. I nodded to him. "I'm not hungry, I ate some herbs that I gathered last night which curb hunger and provide energy to the eater. I used it when I was living alone, to stop me from feeling starved".
I was quite confused, but this cat could be very helpful and important, I felt it deep inside. "Come, let's leave before we miss them".
I nodded to Rabbit, who was guarding that night, and we walked into the forest. It was weird walking through the forest in near darkness, unlike the previous dawn, when the sun was just beginning to rise. I felt more vulnerable, but I also felt that the fact that I knew this part of the forest so well I could navigate in near darkness gave me comfort and homeliness. We were heading toward the Sandy Hollow and the second of the two streams leading towards Shadow's territory, off leading up to Fourtrees, as Shadow put it, the four giant oaks towering over a huge rock in the middle – our hopeful meeting place in three moonhighs time. Crossing the Twoleg path, we walked over to the clearing. I peered as far as I could into the nearby Wind-held territory. Nothing. I grimaced – this was going to be done the hard way.
We padded past the great boulder in the middle of Fourtrees, and up towards Wind's moorland. I took a big sniff; it smelt of rabbit, and moorland, and grass – drier than the luscious, almost juicy tastes and smells of our forest. Taking one step over the edge of Fourtrees, I braced myself, and ploughed onward. It was then I realised – I had absolutely no idea where their camp was. It could be anyway, I could be waltzing around all day trying to find it.
But I couldn't let Cloud see me weak – I had to plough on up through the rolling hills. I saw a few rabbits, but I didn't catch any; I wasn't hungry, and besides, I had no right to them. Cloud's herbs seemed to be working on him, since he was walking with purpose and intent, and didn't seem half as tired I was.
The sun was well and truly rising now, dawn had been and gone, and I thought that if Wind's cats weren't awake now, they were lazier than a half-dead badger. Bracing myself slightly, I walked with more apprehension and wariness – I had no idea what my entrance would be like, and the impression I make. I didn't think I looked like I would attack them – two against twenty would be ludicrous even for someone on catnip – but I couldn't be sure. I hoped that Wind would see I was coming in peace, not in malice, but I could not account for what other cats might spread around the camp.
"Halt!" I whipped my head around sharply to see a group of three cats coming towards me in the thick overgrowth. "Who goes there?"
"It's Thunder, and this is Cloud. We've come to talk to your leader, if it's at all possible," I hoped I sounded plausible enough – even though I had no reason to lie, I still didn't want it to sound like I was.
The other cats whispered amongst themselves.
"It seems pretty urgent," one muttered.
"But what if it's a front? What if he wants to come to the camp to note our weaknesses?" the biggest one, who still wasn't very old, countered.
"Well, what if we keep him here, and we'll bring Wind to him," the third one argued. This one was clever. A calculating mind, but not untrustworthy, like Shadow.
"Good idea, Rushpaw," the biggest one conceded. Rushpaw? That's an unusual name... He turned to Cloud and I, "I'll stay here with you, to make sure you don't do anything untoward whilst we're away – the others will fetch Wind for you".
"Thank you," I blinked my gratitude. I can talk to her – that's the first part over. "Rushpaw, huh? That's an unusual name."
"And?" the warrior rebuked.
"I was wondering why the ''paw'," I said fairly.
"Why should I tell you?" he looked at me evenly.
"Because it could be something of use to all the Clans in the future," I had to remain as calm and patient as possible. The other cat's neck fur flattened.
"It's to show that he's not old enough to be a full warrior, but too old to be a kit," he explained uncomfortably. "It shows his rank within the Clan – he knows what to achieve, in this case, his warrior name".
"So what's your name?" I asked.
"My name used to be Red, but now it's Redstripe," I could see why – he was dark ginger from nose to tail tip. "It shows that I'm old and skilled enough to be a full warrior".
"Very interesting," I nodded. "Thank you – this might help in my discussion with your leader".
"Just don't think I'll be giving away all our secrets," he warned as I saw the wiry shape of Wind over the horizon. "She's here." He stepped out of the way to let his leader past.
"Yes?" she panted, but held her head high in stature.
"Thank you for coming," I began. "It means –"
"Will you hurry it up? I have a Clan to get back and feed," she interrupted me.
"Okay," I dipped my head. "I'm asking you if you'd want to meet with the other leaders at the quarter moon at Fourtrees?"
Wind looked in disbelief, "That's it? I thought it was an emergency!"
"But it's still important!" I stressed. "It's a chance to decide what we want to do with this forest, and how living here is going to work".
"And the others have agreed to come?" she asked.
"Yes, they have," I confirmed.
"Even Shadow?" she tipped her head in slight amazement.
"Yes".
"Well," she thought for a second. "I'll come. But I'm bringing Gorsefur with me," her head jumped forward at the last part as if she hadn't meant to say it.
"Don't worry – I know about your naming system," I tried to relax her, but Wind cuffed Redstripe around the ear. "I think it's a good idea, and something we should discuss when the time comes".
Wind turned to face me, "Well...I suppose. Star is right – we need to form the warrior code together. If we all govern the forest in the same way, we'll be able to trust each other better".
"I agree," I mewed. I went to turn around, and called, "I'll shall see you at moonhigh on the quarter moon".
"Wait!" she yowled. I looked back. "We'll escort you back – then we know where you're going, and you won't get attacked by any other members of WindClan".
"WindClan?" I echoed. Guess I wasn't the only one to call it after themselves after all...
"Erm...yes, it was simple enough name – everyone agreed, that's the name that stuck..." the brown she-cat looked hot under her neck-fur.
"Whatever you say," I twitched my whiskers. We walked in silence back to Fourtrees, the sun well and truly in the sky, promising another warm and sunny day. I just hope this doesn't bring a drought...
"We're here," Wind meowed. "I'll trust you know your own way back now".
"Yes, thank you," I dipped my head. "Till moonhigh, quarter-moon!"
Wind just raised her tail and moved back up the windy, winding hills that were now her home.
"You should call your Clan ThunderClan, Thunder," Cloud meowed.
"Really?" I looked at him. "Don't you think it seems...too selfish of me to do so?"
"You founded this Clan, you're leading this Clan, you deserve to have your name define it".
I didn't reply – it sounded very exciting to think that my Clan could be named after me. But I didn't want to be complacent about it – one opinion doesn't represent all. We just walked through the territory in silence, watching as birds flew across the canopy that formed the roof of our giant forest home, and as butterflies flew from flower to flower, elegantly landing and fluttering their mesmerising, but delicate wings slightly in the very slight summer breeze.
We picked our way down the ravine, water tumbling through the middle, but seemingly less than before. I hope we get some rain before long, I silently prayed that StarClan would listen and help out, but there was nothing we could do for the moment. Tugging our way through the gorse tunnel, the Clan was a hive of activity. Some of the queens were putting the finishing touches to the walls of the dens, some of the older cats bringing in left-over prey to be eaten – some of the working cats rushing to eat something. I twitched my whiskers – I was already immensely proud of these cats for working together so quickly, and that we've had no trouble. I just hoped that would lay off for longer.
I let out a yowl from the Highrock, and all the cats looked round.
"Is something wrong?" Straw asked.
"No," I shook my head. "I just wanted to call a meeting".
"Well, could you call us in a way that doesn't make it sound urgent and worrying?" Petal asked. "You're scaring my kits!"
Fair point. "Okay – All cats gather round the Highrock for a Clan meeting. Better?"
The cats nodded in approval, and the kits ran out into the clearing in excitement.
"But what if it's something I don't want the kits to hear and worry about?" Petal was obviously concerned for her kits. I hoped to StarClan that she'd realise that they were safe with us.
"Okay – All cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather round the Highrock for a Clan meeting. Better?" I seriously didn't want to make it any longer – I would've run out of breath with anything else...
Petal nodded, and brought her kits back into the nursery, Thrush especially annoyed at my change of greeting.
"Well, I just want to say I'm going to the meeting with the other leaders on the quarter-moon night. It'll be just Cloud and I that goes, to keep it calm," most of the Clan shrank back in disappointment "and we'll discuss how to form the warrior code effectively. I'll tell you what happens afterwards. Oh, and one other thing," the Clan were about to turn away back to their jobs, but looked back "it's come to my attention that this Clan has no name. What do you want it to be called?"
"ForestClan?" one cat, I couldn't tell who, shout out.
"I think it should be ThunderClan, after you, Thunder," Fox shouted from just outside the nursery. "You're leading us, you founded us, it should be a lasting memory of the cat that brought us together". The rest of the Clan seemed pretty happy with this, whilst I felt embarrassed. Did I really want to be remembered for ages upon ages for starting this Clan? I don't know if it's going to turn out okay or not!
"Okay, okay, ThunderClan it is," I conceded to the ever-louder yowls from the cats.
"ThunderClan, ThunderClan, ThunderClan," they chanted. I looked down, feeling proud to know these cats, these hard-working, these loyal, wonderful, friendly, determined and generally fantastic cats. I put my tail up to silence them, and the chants eventually drowned out. "Now, let's get back to work".
The three days had gone quickly, and it was now the night of the Quarter-Moon Meeting. I had hoped that the days would go quickly, I was fervently anticipating the meeting – I couldn't wait to finally get the moss ball rolling, we could start to plan how we were to plan on looking after this forest and the cats in it.
The sky was darkening, and the sun was finishing its daily vigil, letting the moon replace it to guide the Clans' dreams until the sun woke up again. I had eaten, and the camp looked completely secure now. Our first quarter-moon in the forest had passed, and we were still here. We had explored the outer reaches of the forest, the furthest south-east of the forest. I recognised it as a place my brothers and I stayed in for a little while, and how I practiced my technique for hunting in the forest. The other cats hunted reasonably well, but they were still all paws – they were too loud, and sometimes far too lucky. I hoped that soon I could teach them how to be quieter, and let it pass through generations (if people wanted to remember me, that is).
"Good luck, Thunder," Fox said goodbye to me, her belly seemingly bursting to the brim with her kits. "Tell us what happens – we'll all be awake".
"Will do," I purred. "See you later, guys!" I lifted my tail as I exited in farewell, as me and Cloud squeezed through the gorse tunnel, and towards Fourtrees. I was full of ideas for the Clans, but I knew I was going to have to make compromises – we were all very different cats, and I didn't know what the other cats wanted.
Cloud had remained silent until we entered Fourtrees territory, "Can you see any of the leaders yet, Thunder?"
"Nope, not from here," I grimaced. They better turn up!
Entering the clearing I had found that Wind and Gorse were both there on the big rock, but River and Shadow were still not there.
"Wind," I dipped my head.
"Thunder," she replied. "You're here".
"Of course, I organised it," I meowed. "I just hope the others come, otherwise this whole thing would be pointless!"
"Let's get it over with," a yowl came from the ground. River had arrived, with a delicate tortoiseshell she-cat in his wake.
"Thank you," I greeted him, but the fluffy cat just ignored me and looked out for Shadow.
We waited. And waited. And waited. River was looking more frustrated by the minute, and Wind looked tired and disappointed. Even I had to admit that we might have to start without Shadow or call it a night.
Suddenly, Shadow caterwauled from the ground, with four cats around her.
"Why did you bring four cats?" Wind asked.
"Better safe than sorry," she mumbled loudly, and leapt to the big rock, her cats ready to attack if necessary.
"Right, let's begin," I stood forward. "StarClan have given us the task of forming a warrior code that all cats can live by and governing fairly and justly. To start with, does anyone have any ideas they would like to put forward now before I begin?"
The others remained silent. I took the opportunity to speak, "Right, upon my visit to WindClan –"
"WindClan?" River spluttered. "You named it after yourself?"
"But I thought you wanted our Clan to be called RiverClan?" his tortoiseshell companion mumbled.
"Shhhh, Dapple!" River hushed her with his tail.
"Anyway, upon my visit to WindClan," I continued "they had come up with a naming system which would help us differentiate between ranks. Wind?" I gestured for her to continue.
She stood forward, "Yes. You take the name of the cat, and put an ending on to it to show their rank in the Clan. Kits have –kit at the end of their name, like Redkit; Cats too old to be kits but too young to be warriors have –paw at the end of their name, like Redpaw; Warriors have an ending like –whisker or –foot or –tail, to tie their name with the ending, like Redstripe". She looked uncomfortable sharing the information, but she knew to keep stability, it had to be done.
"Does everyone agree with that?" I asked.
"What about leaders?" River asked. "Don't we get an ending?"
"I think StarClan should give that to us," Wind decided "for they are the ones that will give us our nine lives".
"When are we doing that?" Shadow's eyes lit up, but she kept her silky, mysterious voice.
"I don't know," Wind confessed. "Perhaps they'll visit us in our dreams. But I'm sure it's best that they give us our endings and they don't".
"Right, does everyone agree on the ranks?" I asked – I didn't want to waste moonlight. The other cats mumbled their agreement, and I went to carry on.
"That ranking system will go well with our mentoring system," Dapple commented.
"Shhhh!" River looked at her with scathing eyes for telling another thing that River wanted to keep secret.
"What mentoring system, Dapple?" I asked.
"Nothing!" River tried to cover up Dapple with his hindquarters.
"River, this is for the best for the forest – it will bring peace and bring a code that we can all live by in peace," Wind tried to reason with him.
River looked thoroughly annoyed, "Fine. We've decided that the cats that are 'paws need to be mentored, since they don't have enough experience of the forest to be a full warrior. They are assigned to a mentor who is not related to them, so they aren't too soft on them, and they get trained to hunt and fight for their Clan. Then, once they have learnt the ways of a warrior, they earn the right, and now the ending, of a warrior, as a mark of their achievement and their status".
"I think this is quite important," Wind thought out loud. "It would be great to keep warriors in check whilst raising our young. I think this would be an excellent system to have in our Clan. Everyone else agree?"
We all nodded. We were making good ground, and not one of us had ripped anyone's face off yet, not even Shadow, who was remaining quite about proceedings.
"What's going to happen when I die?" River asked suddenly. "Who's going to succeed me?"
That was a good question – who would succeed me? I thought of Lion, his bravery and humble nature standing out as a good leader. But I might not choose until seasons from now...
"I've appointed a deputy," Wind answered. "Gorsefur delegates jobs around the camp, and is responsible for waking up the Clan and organising patrols. I've said that once I die," Gorsefur tensed slightly at that – Gorsefur and Wind had been mates for moons, and were pretty well known to be inseparable, perhaps the only cat Wind would ever truly rely on with her life "Gorsefur will take over after I've gone".
"That seems sensible," River mumbled.
"But, if the deputy should die for some reason, another deputy should be appointed as soon as possible," Shadow gave an idea for the first time, "to keep the Clan secure".
"Indeed," I meowed. "Is this passed?" Again, the cats nodded. "Good". I had never imagined that we'd be so co-operative that night – we were all helping each other, and seemingly genuinely focussed on bringing peace to the forest.
Just then, Oscar burst into the clearing, panting heavily.
"What in StarClan's name are you doing here?" I bellowed. We were doing so well!
"Come quick! We're being attacked!"
CLIFFHANGER! What happens? Who's attacking? Is it ShadowClan? RiverClan? Or someone else...or something else? Peace couldn't last that long! :P MUAHAHA!
REVIEW! Please – they really help me out loads, and sometimes give me more inspiration. :)
-Leo