Chapter 9: Emergency Meeting

It was time for the emergency meeting. This was in no way a Gathering. Only a very choice select few would be brought in for the meeting. From our own cats, Father and Firestar were going, obviously. Brambleclaw, being the chosen of Thunderclan, was also told to attend. The remaining cats chosen to attend were myself, Cinderpelt and Leafpaw since it was a matter of Starclan, and oddly Ashfur. I have no prejudice against Ashfur, but unlike the rest of us, he didn't have a direct connection to this prophecy, but Father insisted he attend.

We arrived just as the sun set, knowing it wouldn't be long before the other clans would make an appearance. We sat in silence contemplating the meaning of the prophecy Starclan had sent us and what all it meant. It wasn't long before Shadowclan came skulking in. Blackstar with his deputy Russetfur led the way. With them was their medicine cat Littlecloud, as well as their chosen cat Tawnypelt. There was an odd tension between Brambleclaw and Tawnypelt given that they were siblings. Blackstar also looked a bit unhappy that there were so many Thunderclan cats in attendance when he was told only the most pertinent cats would be brought to the meeting.

Windclan appeared next with Tallstar in the front, Mudclaw by his side, and Crowpaw trailing slightly behind. Barkface, the elderly medicine cat, also was in attendance. He slowly meandered over to the other medicine cats to discuss the possibilities of this prophecy as far as he was told. Of course, Father and I had the final piece that would solidify that this prophecy was a matter of potential extinction.

Finally, Riverclan approached. With them was Leopardstar and her deputy Mistyfoot, the chosen Riverclan cat Feathertail and her brother Stormfur, their medicine cat Mudfur, and oddly Hawkfrost. Well, Hawkfrost was a bit of an exception given that he is the previous apprentice of Leopardstar and still had her ear when it came to council. Either way, all the clans were in attendance.

Firestar started the meeting off. "As you all have heard, Starclan has given us a prophecy that spans the whole forest. What exactly it means is still unknown, but luckily for us, Brambleclaw, the one chosen to represent Thunderclan, received a dream last night of salty water. According to Smudgefoot's contacts in the Twoleg Place, this salty water is referring to an endless lake where the sun drowns. There, they will meet Midnight who will direct them further. Thus, the chosen cats must make a journey chasing the setting sun. That is at least how we interpreted it."

Leopardstar cut in after Firestar's opening. "How can we even know this Sundrown Place exists? Riverclan has known the rivers of the forest forever, and we have never encountered a lake tasting of salt. Why have none of the other 'chosen' not received the saltwater dream? I, unlike the overpopulated risk takers of Thunderclan, do not want to send out the cat potentially holding our salvation towards what could have been just a meaningless dream."

Blackstar voiced his opinion next. "I concur with Leopardstar. We have not received enough information to act. With such a large potential threat, we must remain cautious. To send our chosen cats after the setting sun is too risky given that we have not received confirmation that the saltwater dream was an act of Starclan."

Tallstar rebutted Leopardstar's and Blackfoot's answers. "But to act too cautiously is just as dangerous as to act recklessly. Starclan prophesized a threat to the entirety of the forest. This is likely a threat that cat kind simply cannot stand against. To act slowly will bring death. I am sure that Starclan would redirect the chosen if the saltwater dream was in fact meaningless. We have to face it. We're on a time limit. We do not know when this threat will come or how it will threaten us. The only way we will get that answer is to trust in Starclan and send the chosen on their way."

There was a few moments of bickering as each clan leader refused to be swayed. That is when clouds began to blot out the sky, sending the clearing into silence. The clouds slowly parted at the silence, allowing in almost a beam of unfiltered light upon Father.

Father puffed himself up a bit before giving his speech. "It has become clear that Starclan's request for me to take up the duty of Guardian is now necessary. I'm sure the medicine cats can confirm. Starclan gave me the unique position of Guardian to break ties among the clans and to act as an unbiased voice in discussions regarding to the safety of the clans. Unfortunately for me, remaining unbiased means I must temporarily lose my membership of Thunderclan. I am clanless but of the forest. I have heard all of your opinions and now voice my thoughts. We will send the chosen on their journey at the dawn of the day after tomorrow. Each clan will prepare their chosen for the journey. It is the chosen's lives at stake, so they will be the ones who deem what is necessary to complete their mission. I have one other thing to announce or rather request. Since I will be unable to join the journeying cats and that they might also need a Guardian of sorts, I'd like for my son Darkpaw to have the position. He bears a similar nature to myself, so his attendance may allow our chosen to defy even fate."

Leopardstar hissed, "How can we even believe this Guardian nonsense? You just wish to have Thunderclan flaunt its power over us."

All at once, the medicine cats' eyes misted over as they seemingly without thought trotted towards Father. They all bowed towards the leaders and Father. Their voices were off as they all spoke in sync. "We of Starclan cannot hold silent. Smudgefoot was chosen as our voice between clans for the time being. He is indeed Guardian. We also accept Darkpaw's position of Guardian of the Chosen. Thus is Starclan's will."

All at once, the medicine cats snapped out of their possession. Barkface mewed excitedly at the experience. "I've heard of a divine possession, but I never thought I'd experience one. Ooh! I feel so blessed."

Cinderpaw grumbled in response. "Speak for yourself. Whoever possessed me clearly didn't know how to walk on three legs. I think I pulled something."

Hawkfrost was the one to point out a problem with Father being removed from Thunderclan. "If Smudgefoot is no longer of Thunderclan, then who will be your deputy?" He queried at Firestar.

Smudgefoot responded on behalf of Firestar. "I have brought Ashfur here for that purpose. While he lacks a level of empathy, he is the closest stand in for myself that I know of. Ashfur, if you are willing, will you act as the acting deputy while I fulfil the duties of Guardian?"

Ashfur answered quickly and dutifully. "I will do what is necessary. I will act to the best of my capabilities to uphold the responsibilities of deputy while you are away." Ashfur then tilted his head in thought. "Wait, if you are currently without a clan, where will you reside? I can't imagine the other clans will take too kindly if you just come back with us to Thunderclan."

Father winced at the question. He likely anticipated the question but hadn't wanted to address it. "I… will remain here. It is the only neutral territory. Any clan can come and visit me to discuss ongoing issues and if they spot the coming threat. Feel free to visit me, any of you, be it Thunderclan, Riverclan, Shadowclan, or Windclan. To remain unbiased, I must receive your opinions. I'd also prefer not to remain isolated that long. If you are willing, bring some prey as well. Fourtrees isn't exactly known to have a good supply of prey."

That was the real kicker. Father would be isolated from his friends and family, just like me. Though, since I was temporarily nonclan as well, I'd at least be able to give him comfort for a day. This was going to be hard for the both of us. The meeting was resolved. Father and I were forced to watch our ex clan leave us behind. I could feel a sharp pain in my heart. To not be Thunderclan was inconceivable to me, and yet here we were. I knew it was only temporary, but it still hurt. I couldn't help shedding a few tears before Father wrapped me in an embrace.

"It'll be ok my son. We'll get through this. We're strong, so strong that Starclan itself fears our power. We get our strength, not through violence or cunning, but because we have something worth fighting for. We're doing this for our friends and family. As long as we continue to fight for them, not even the jaws of death will keep us down. It is ok to be upset about the situation, but you must not be afraid to act. Now, let's find a good place to set up our nest and catch some dinner. Tomorrow, we can play some games. We deserve a good day before you leave. I've also got something hidden here that may give you the edge you need for the journey. Though, it'll be one that will be a heavy burden you can choose to bear. I'll trust your judgement when the time comes." Father stated before guiding me around to look for some soft material for a nest and a place not too exposed too the elements.