Chapter 48: Full Moon

The Gathering was fast approaching. I would not be in attendance this time, but Bluestar called me and Lionheart in to discuss the coming meeting regardless. Her den was a fortress of stone, firm and defensive of incursions, but the nature of stone was what got Bluestar sick in the first place. It is cold and lonely. This den is made for one with no bodies to reflect warmth off of. In the summer, it must be heavenly, but in the depths of winter, it would be freezing. At least the den was warming up now given that there were three of us there.

"So, we've gathered here to discuss what should be brought up at the next Gathering. You've listened in to patrol reports Lionheart. What do you think?" Bluestar began.

"Well, we've got semi consistent reports of Shadowclan on the territory with even some bones found out there." Replied the tom.

I voiced my unease at that. "Hm. That doesn't sound right. Shadowclan is small, filled with elders and half trained apprentices. They couldn't win any fight right now. Pressing our borders like this doesn't sound right. What's especially suspicious is the bones."

"What do you mean?" Asked Lionheart in response.

"If they're so desperate for prey, why would they eat it on our territory? If anything, they'd be even more willing to bring it back to their camp. My guess is either Shadowclan has some really unruly apprentices or this is a setup." I stated.

"So, you don't think Shadowclan is behind this?" Bluestar questioned.

"I'm not saying that. I'm saying there might be an alternative answer. As I've said, Shadowclan is weak. It wouldn't take much to muscle them out. It would be really easy to make a power grab if Shadowclan suddenly was at war with another clan. Also was it just me that thought the scents came off a bit strong?" I asked.

"Now that you mention it, they were a bit obvious." Lionheart answered.

"Thinking back, they smelled more like border markers than just Shadowclan scent." Bluestar added.

"It still could be Shadowclan, but I think you should take a more guarded approach at the Gathering." I mewed.

"Agreed. I'll ask Shadowclan the question, but I'll field your theory as well. Anything else?" Bluestar asked.

"I'd suggest talking to Mudfur or Mistyfoot if you're still looking for the truth." I stated.

I turned to leave, knowing my part was done for the night. I'd have to let my schemes flow their course.

As I watched Bluestar, Fireheart, and the rest of the chosen cats leave, Ravenfeather pressed into my side. He felt chilly to the touch, but I enjoyed that I provided him warmth. He may have been a head taller than me, but I was still bigger than him. Amusingly, if given a look from outside, I'd consider myself somewhat of a puffball. My short, but not quite munchkin, legs only just peaked out of my winter fur. I also had a pretty robust body, so my shape with the fur came out more round. And here was Ravenfeather, buried in my fur like I was some kind of pillow. He's lucky I like him because anyone else but Fireheart I'd claw with embarrassment.

Ravenfeather guided me back into the warriors den. I was going to make my way over to my nest, but Ravenfeather stopped me. With a gentle touch, he motioned to his own next which had been slightly extended. It took me a moment to realize what he'd done. I felt my ears burn in embarrassment briefly, but I pushed it aside. I didn't mind sharing a nest. I settled in first, knowing I'd take up most of the space. Ravenfeather stepped in after. We couldn't fit in side by side, but that was never Ravenfeather's intent. Instead, he snuggled into me, his head resting on mine. My fur, all floofed out, seemed to cover most of his form.

The light rhythm of his breathing was hypnotic. I felt myself growing drowsy, his body providing enough warmth to keep out the slight chill. Ravenfeather seemed to be enjoying the new sleeping arrangement as well given that his body was thrumming with a subtle purr. Before long, I drifted off to sleep.

I opened my eyes to see a familiar field. I was in Starclan again. Despite this being paradise, I was rather annoyed. They stole me from a perfectly good night. I knew I would have had the most amazing dreams, but instead I was here. My tail twitched rhythmically, displaying my state of emotions. A certain calico former medicine cat made her appearance.

"Forgive me Smudgefoot, but I have urgent news for you." Mewed Spottedleaf.

"Is there a reason why you had to interrupt my dreams now? I was having a good night." I jokingly complained.

"Starclan's power waxes and wanes with the moon. A full moon is when we are most powerful, and you are a very difficult cat to connect to." Spottedleaf answered.

"Let's hear this warning. The sooner we're done, the sooner I can get back to dreaming."

"Unfortunately, that's now how this works. You'll wake up in the morning as soon as you leave, one of the drawbacks of those connected to Starclan." Spottedleaf answered.

"Sheesh. I can't imagine running several days back to back with no breaks because Starclan got talkative." I teased.

"You have no idea." Spottedleaf deadpanned. "Anyways, a shadow still lurks around the clan. They wish to use you and your clan to break what once was broken, but temptation may drive them to act more recklessly. Keep your camp safe and do not leave it long." Spottedleaf warned.

"I'll keep that in mind." I responded.

I thought things would have ended there, but instead we just sat in awkward silence for a moment.

"Were you supposed to wake me up after the warning?" I asked.

Spottedleaf huffed, her aloof vibes lost due to the odd situation she found herself in. "I was, but it seems we overdid it by contacting you on a full moon. You'll be here a while longer."

I shuffled in place, unfamiliar with this kind of situation. "So, what have you been up to?" I asked awkwardly.

Spottedleaf decided to tease me with her response. "Oh, the usual. Talking to our ancestors, learning to be cryptic, and making sure you don't succumb to the cold."

My eyes narrowed in realization. "That was you at the gorge. I knew I scented you. Your scent was also on the Windclan medicine cat."

Spottedleaf looked me over with a scrutinizing eye. "You really don't know how important you are. Everywhere you go, you leave a wake that we cannot see through. Things have gone differently than we've expected. Lionheart was supposed to be here before me, but he's still alive. That's thanks to you. You are an anomaly, but we aren't against you. In fact, we want you to keep changing things. We can only act towards what we know, and sometimes the unknown is the best option."

Things started to become fuzzy. It was like my vision couldn't focus.

"It seems like you're waking up. Take care of our clan Smudgefoot. Keep those you care for close. There is much blood shedding to come."