Warriors: The Power of One: Chapter Eight

"On the Fifth Moonrise"

The four siblings were on their way to the Gathering. Sunpaw was trying to convince Runningpaw that WindClan would bring up the confrontation on the two clan's border. Runningpaw was did not agree.

"I think they'll want to let it blow over," meowed Runningpaw, "It was really only Weaselfur and Sootpaw who caused trouble."

Sunpaw leapt over a rock. "No, Onestar will probably use this as an opportunity to make a swipe for our territory. WindClan are just as greedy as ShadowClan."

"Don't say that," Toadpaw said, "There are good cats in all the clans."

"You're just saying that because of WindClan Sunpaw," Runningpaw teased.

"I am not!" Toadpaw sputtered, "Willowpaw and Pebblepaw of RiverClan are decent cats. Tawnyfur and Heatherpaw of WindClan are fine enough. Even ShadowClan has some good cats! What about Shrewpaw and Tawnypelt and the rest of our kin?"

"Someone's got it bad," Sunpaw mewed.

Toadpaw just huffed and continued the walk in purposeful silence.

"Leave him alone," said Mousewhisker, overhearing the sibling's conversation. "We've all fancied cats outside of ThunderClan. I used to be fond of Minnowpaw. And Runningpaw, you used to fancy Heatherpaw!"

"Keep your voice down," Runningpaw hushed. "I don't want anyone who doesn't remember to remember that any longer."

"Oh, keep your fur out of a ball," Sunpaw meowed. "We're only teasing."

Nightpaw shook her fur with a chill. "It's going to be a cold night."

The group of cats from ThunderClan neared the tree bridge that led to the island where the Gathering was held. They crossed, and joined the other three clans who were already there.

Nightpaw immediately ran to greet Kestrelpaw and Willowpaw, her fellow medicine cat apprentices. Sunpaw and Hazeltail greeted Shrewpaw. Runningpaw and Toadpaw were beckoned by Heatherpaw, who stood talking to Pebblepaw.

Heatherpaw greeted Runningpaw and his brother warmly. Pebblepaw, however, stood oddly stiff and sad-looking. "What's wrong?" Runningpaw asked.

Heatherpaw looked awkwardly toward Pebblepaw. "His denmate, Pouncepaw was killed this past moon. By a badger," she added cautiously, looking at the two brothers pointedly.

"I'm so sorry to hear that," Toadpaw said.

"Yes, that's terrible!" Runningpaw added.

Pebblepaw excused himself and went to join a couple of his clanmates.

"It's good to see you, Heatherpaw," Toadpaw said, "Uh, is Sunpaw here?"

Heatherpaw's eyes twinkled mischievously, "No, she wasn't asked to come this time."

Both Runningpaw and Heatherpaw could see the disappointment in his eyes, but they kept their comments to themselves.

The Gathering began shortly after, and ShadowClan announced the death of an apprentice, Scorchpaw, to the cough. Thankfully, all other cats were on the road to recovery. RiverClan mentioned the sad news of Pouncepaw's death, and warned that there was a badger near the clans. They also announced the naming of a new warrior, Dapplenose, who Runningpaw remembered being a relatively kind and friendly cat. When it came time for WindClan's announcements, they only chose to relate the naming of a new apprentice, Sootpaw. Runningpaw saw his brother give a pointed glare to Sunpaw, as if to prove his earlier point.

Then it was time for Firestar's address. The flame-colored leader stood atop his large branch and began, "The prey is running well in our territory and all our cough victims have recovered in full."

The ThunderClan cats in the crowd cheered.

"However," Firestar continued, "I do have something further to say. ThunderClan will not tolerate the transgression of its territory by any clan. The boundaries have been set for moons. If prey crosses the border of a clan, it should be left for the clan whose territory it crossed onto."

Onestar seemed to understand what Firestar was referring to, but he kept silent.

Runningpaw purred in admiration. Leave it to Firestar to find a way to keep the peace yet make his point clear at the same time.

Most every cat in the crowd except for Sootpaw and a few WindClan cats murmured their agreement. Then Firestar ended the Gathering, and the cats began to find their clanmates and prepare to leave.

Runningpaw and Toadpaw quickly found their sisters. Sitting next to Sunpaw was Heatherpaw. Hazeltail had already joined a group of ThunderClan.

Quickly, Heatherpaw's expression became serious. "Listen quickly," she said, "Sunpaw and I are planning to track another badger that we've scented near our territory and take it down."

Nightpaw began to interrupt, but Heatherpaw continued, "There's no time to discuss it. We've made up our minds. I'm only telling you to extend the invitation. You can come or not but we will go regardless."

The siblings looked at each other. Runningpaw was unsure of how to feel. Heatherpaw began to walk toward her clan. "If you want to join us, meet us by the crossing we used last time on the fifth moonrise from tonight." And with that, she was beyond their view.

Runningpaw went with Toadpaw, Sunpaw, and Nightpaw to join the rest of their clan at the tree bridge. None of them spoke until they were back at the camp. Quietly, they discussed the proposal in their den.

"It's out of the question," Nightpaw hissed, "It didn't exactly work out well last time, did it? It would be mouse-brained to do the same thing again!"

"Keep your voice down," urged Toadpaw. "Now, I don't necessarily think it's the best idea either, but don't you think Heatherpaw and Sunpaw will need our help?"

"It doesn't matter," Nightpaw insisted, "They can go to their own graves if that's what they choose to do, but we should have no part in it."

Runningpaw somewhat agreed, but he couldn't help think that they should avenge Eaglepaw and Pouncepaw. "We shouldn't decide tonight," he said, "Let's give ourselves a few days to think it over."

"I agree," Sunpaw supported.

Nightpaw sighed, "Well I'm not changing my mind. You all can do what you want but I think it's mouse-brained." She stomped out of the apprentice den, and toward the medicine den.

The other three siblings began to make their beds in the moss as Silverpaw and Thrushpaw came in from the outside. Silverpaw and Runningpaw shared a glance. When Runningpaw thought about how he used to feel for Heatherpaw, he was sort of ashamed. How had he felt so strongly for her when Silverpaw had been in his own clan all along? Now he was getting ahead of his own emotions. Thinking too much. He had more pressing decisions to make. It was going to be a long five moonrises.

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