Thanks to those who are still reading this story. Sorry for my erratic schedule but school is settling down so maybe I can update more.
The Outcats
Breezepelt fidgeted beside his father, who was staring up at the leaders.
"Stop that!" Crowfeather snapped. "What's the matter with you? You're a warrior for StarClan's sake and you're acting like an apprentice at his first Gathering!"
"Sorry," The amber-eyed tom muttered. He was nervous, truth be told. If that grey tom revealed the truth at the Gathering, he and his father would be exiled. Sure Crowfeather could be harsh at times, but he was a loyal WindClan warrior who made a mistake. It was that simple, but these cats wouldn't see it that way, and they would be kicked out along with Leafpool and her family.
He shook himself out and got to his paws.
"ThunderClan is here." Crowfeather acknowledged the forest cats, who had arrived just in time for the Gathering to start.
"I'm going to go find my friends, Dad. I'll see you later."
"Sure?" It came out like a question. Crowfeather never realized he sat with anyone and Breezepelt had never felt comfortable enough to talk to his father about his friends or problems. The truth would definitely come out tonight, though.
As the ThunderClan warriors got settled, Ashfur padded over to Hollyleaf with a smirk on his face. Jayfeather's gaze snapped to hers and Lionblaze had stopped talking to Heathertail and glanced at her with worry in his eyes. The golden tabby had made up with the WindClan warrior and they were back to being friends.
"I have a proposition for you, Hollyleaf."
"Whatever it is, keep it to yourself." A new voice growled. She nodded to Breezepelt as he slid up behind Ashfur and hissed in his ear. "I'm sure it's just as repulsive as you are. Leave."
"You have no right to tell me what to do, scrawny WindClan kit! It's you who should leave!" Ashfur spat.
Hollyleaf sighed and flicked her tail. Breezepelt growled to himself and sat down.
"Go on," She sighed, knowing that she would regret this.
"I won't say a word if you'll be my mate." He whispered. Hollyleaf recoiled in shock and Breezepelt started to unsheathe his claws.
"Let us unite under the truce of the full moon…" Mistystar's yowl brought the talking to a halt and Ashfur left a shivering Hollyleaf with a furious tom by her side.
"WindClan is well enough for Greenleaf. The rabbits are abundant and we have two new apprentices. Furzepaw and Gorsepaw couldn't be here tonight, but their mentors are Heathertail and Breezepelt!"
Cats cheered from below and Heathertail swelled with pride. Breezepelt dipped his head solemnly.
Blackstar and Leopardstar reported the same thing, that prey ran well and that the Clans were thriving.
"Have you made your decision?" Ashfur demanded. Hollyleaf gulped and glanced at her former parents. Brambleclaw was staring straight at her, a confused look on his face.
"You don't have to do this." Breezepelt whispered. "It's hare-brained!" He spat, glaring up at Ashfur. He sneered at the other tom with contempt.
"How could you ask such a thing?!"
"Easy. I want a mate."
"No." Hollyleaf muttered.
"What?!"
"I refuse to be your mate, Ashfur. Find some other she-cat to bully."
"Fine then." He spat. He was gone when she looked up and she saw him weaving his way through throngs of cats as he made his way toward the Tree.
Firestar was halfway done with his report when Ashfur interrupted.
"May I speak?" He asked. Brambleclaw growled and unsheathed his claws. He knew Ashfur would stop at nothing to destroy his family, but he would do everything to save them. Firestar narrowed his eyes as he pondered over this. He knew the news would devastate the forest-born cats of his Clan, but he would be seen as suspicious if he didn't let the grey tom have his say.
"I don't see why he shouldn't." Onestar muttered.
"Surely his news can't be that bad, Firestar?" Mistyfoot murmured softly.
"It's worse than any cat could dare imagine." He sighed.
"Cats of ThunderClan, please keep in mind what I told you earlier! I will let Ashfur speak, as he has a right to do so."
Hollyleaf whimpered and Jayfeather glanced up at his mentor. Poor Leafpool had squeezed her eyes shut and was shaking. He jabbed his tail into her side and forced her to look at him.
"It'll be okay whatever he says. Firestar will keep you as the medicine cat and the Clans will get over it soon. We were meant to be born, whether they like it or not."
She nodded and glanced at the WindClan cats. Crowfeather would be furious!
"I have something to tell you all! Something that goes against all our ancestors stood for, that goes against everything we believe in as warrior cats guided by StarClan."
The cats had started fidgeting at the mention of news, but now the clearing broke into murmurs.
"What is it?"
"What could it be?"
"Why is he saying it and not a leader?"
"Surely Firestar knows?"
"What is this news, Ashfur?" Blackstar growled.
"Lionblaze, Hollyleaf and Jayfeather are not the kits of Brambleclaw and Squirrelflight!"
"Shut up!" Brambleclaw hissed to himself. "For the love of StarClan, please shut up!" He whispered.
Ashfoot stared at him with a curious expression.
"I take it you knew this already?" She meowed calmly."
"I've known since they were born." He sighed. "Squirrelflight told me, but it's obvious."
"Who?" Russetfur wondered. She was dying of suspense at the untold news.
"How many black cats do you know?" He wondered aloud. Ashfoot growled to herself.
"Are you saying…?"
"Yes."
"He doesn't know."
"I don't think he does. Just wait and see."
"So?!" Russetfur yowled to Ashfur.
"Whose are they?" She demanded.
"And why do you care?!" A RiverClan queen yowled. "Who are they to you?"
"They are the kits of our medicine cat and a WindClan rat!" He snarled.
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