Chapter 45: A Bent Branch
Bluestar was as close to being her old self as she was likely to get without something drastic happening and Darkstripe had changed. He had become a well loved and kind cat with a habit of throwing the occasional insult. His voice had changed as well. He no longer forcibly lowered it when he talked. Much to his amusement, it befuddled many of his clanmates. Some cats even asked him if he'd gotten injured on his guy parts. He'd just confess to them that this was his true voice. He'd always lower it to maintain his masculinity, but he didn't feel the need anymore. He trusted the clan more than he ever had with a few exceptions.
It was time for a Gathering. Bluestar was in the lead like usual with Fireheart by her side. Fireheart kept a confident stride beside the leader. Her pelt reflected silver in the moonlight. The moon was fully visible, but the sky was tight with clouds, an ominous omen. The trees beneath which they passed were faintly crackling with the wind. Despite the flooding earlier on in the season, the forest was too dry. The soil would lightly crinkle with fallen leaves of the previous two seasons. The prey, while being abundant, were a lot scrawnier than the previous year and the low undergrowth was sparce, and some of it was yellow from being choked out. The forest as a whole seemed to have built up a tension like a springy branch that kept getting bent. The tension would bend and bend, but there would soon come a point when it snapped. Would they be prepared for when it did?
Thunder Clan made their way into the clearing with the careful dignity they held for themselves. Every clan thought their clan was the best and displayed it their own way. Thunder Clan was the one who displayed their discipline. They always walked with confidence into the Gathering. Wind Clan made their appearance next running into the clearing to display their speed advantage over the other clans. River Clan was next. They'd enter chatting and walking calmly as if the other clans were not a threat to be taken seriously. Their sleek pelts would reflect brilliantly in the moonlight as it would be clear they have the size advantage over the other clans. Shadowclan was the last to appear. They'd slink into the Gathering trying to get as close as possible without the other clans noticing. While River Clan reflected the moonlight, Shadow Clan would seem to absorb it. They'd appear from the shadows of the trees like they materialized there.
The usual chatting began while the leaders circled behind the High Rock. The deputies meanwhile began to position themselves in front. Darkstripe sought out the other dealers to get updated on clan needs and arrange a few meetings. Strangely Shadow didn't seem to interested in deals this moon. He spaced himself away stating that their new leader insistent on making their clan self-reliant. It went against the spirit of a dealer to act that way, but Shadow just looked uncomfortable talking. Darkstripe decided not to push it. Finally, the leaders leapt on top of the High Rock to signal the main points of the gathering were about to begin. Among them was a cat Darkstripe never wanted to see again. It was Tigerclaw, no Tigerstar!
The leaders let out a yowl to alert all the cats that it was time to begin. Tigerclaw began.
"It is my unfortunate job to tell you Nightstar has passed. He was struck by a monster while driving off rogues. A great sickness swept through Shadow Clan that killed many, fortunately with Starclan's guidance, I arrived to take leadership of the clan. Despite all that happened, Shadow Clan is strong."
Bluestar moved next. She held hatred in her heart for Tigerstar, but she was skilled in maintaining her poise.
"I welcome you Tigerstar, leader of Shadow Clan. I spy many former members of Brokenstar's rogues among your numbers. I expect you have taught them the difference between rogues and clan cats. May you have a more favorable rule than that the cat who was erased from ever being."
The implication was clear. Bluestar had carefully worded her response threat. If Shadow Clan acted as a threat, Thunder Clan wouldn't be apposed to driving off another leader. Tigerstar's eyes narrowed at the Thunder Clan leader, but he said nothing. Crookedstar, to diffuse the tension, began his report on Riverclan. He made note that the river was a bit shallower than previous New Leafs likely due to the lack of rainfall. Windclan noted the same. Their territory was a bit sparce on water as well besides a few locations.
Fireheart couldn't accept Tigerstar was here and in power. He wanted to voice his disapproval, but the way Bluestar looked at him quietly shut him down.
"Tigerstar. I would like to hear how your time outside of Thunderclan has been."
Bluestar had Tigerstar on his back feet with that statement. She was beginning her setup to quietly inform all the clans that Tigerstar was an exile of Thunder Clan. Tigerstar was clever, but he was not as politically minded as Bluestar. Unfortunately, the cloudy sky went in his favor as the moon was slowly becoming covered.
"I do not like what you are implying Bluestar. Look to the skies and see the moon is being covered. Obviously, Star Clan does not view this topic favorable."
The whole Gathering after Tigerstar's appearance, Darkstripe had been petrified. So many hows and whys flew through his head before he just shut down. Those yellow eyes held such power over him. He silently waited for some cat to save him. He did not hear or see the Gathering. Only those yellow eyes registered. It was fortunate that the main part of the Gathering was short because Darkstripe had forgotten to breath since Tigerstar's appearance. If it were any longer, he'd have likely passed out.
Tigerstar was quick to leave with his new clan. Fireheart was furious that despite all his work, Tigerstar still made his way to power and now would be an active threat against his clan. He turned to get Darkstripe's opinion to see the cat as still as a rock. He looked like he was dead while standing. Fireheart gave him a soft nudge which seemed to have awakened the cat. Suddenly he was panting while shaking severely. His posture swiftly shifted into a scared submissive form while his eyes frantically scanned for the source of his fear.
Fireheart pressed himself against the panicking cat. Several other clanmates made an effort to hide what was going on. They crowded close to keep Darkstripe hidden while trying to give the cat the comfort that his clan would protect him. Fireheart meanwhile quietly mewed encouragements to the poor cat. He knew Darkstripe could not be expected to do anything Shadow Clan related until his trauma was dealt with. Bluestar was almost in overbearing mother mode, but she still had the mind to lead Thunder Clan home first before she could coddle Darkstripe like a distressed kit. Bluestar kept Darkstripe pressed between herself and Fireheart as they led the clan home.
Faintly the wind picked up snapping dry branches off the trees. The air tasted drier than it seemed before. The current clouds were light, but the swift wind hinted at a storm to come in the following days.