The Fourth Clan [Gathering]

[Willow]

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[atrb=background,http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r230/Mica556/willowtablebg.png] A pale moon shone over the dark, cold landscape. Tendrils of silver light splayed through the trees and across the dense, brown foliage. The sky was clear and cloudless and the stars shone brighter than usual, as if StarClan was watching intently. Perhaps they were. Willowstar’s pale eyes reflected the moonlight as she strode confidently towards fourtrees. Her tabby fur was fluffed up in excitement as each pawstep brought her closer to the sacred meeting place. This was a gather she would remember forever. She wanted to see the look on Elkstar’s face, see how ThunderClan had fared without part of their land. The ShadowClan leader grinned slightly and continued on her path. Her cats were following close behind her, excitement in their steps as well. This was a Clan of victory going to boast of their achievements. This was a strong Clan, oblivious to the harshness of leaf-bare. ShadowClan was faring well and Willowstar was going to make that very clear to the other two Clans. Perhaps they could extend into WindClan soon as well… Her eyes glowed with ambition at that thought and her tail stood straight up. Finally she arrived at the top of the ravine overlooking the four mighty trees. Somehow, the fourth sickly one was looking healthier. Maybe it was just an illusion, though. Willowstar turned to face her Clan, her expression equal parts warm and proud. “This will be an interesting gathering, my Clan. Let all cats know of the strength of ShadowClan. We have nothing to fear here.” The leader turned again and flicked her tail, signaling for her cats to head down into the large clearing. They were, again, the first Clan to arrive. Willowstar liked to be early and sit upon the great rock, watching the descent of the other two Clans. She stalked towards the rock now and sprang easily onto the smooth, cold surface. There she stood, alone, without her loyal deputy, as she waited for the other Clans to arrive. She would mention nothing of Duskfrost’s disappearance here. ___________________________________ words xx 340 audience xx Gathering music xx None comments xx These cats must attend: Rookstar, Elkstar, Blackmoon, Hawkfang, Vixenfang and Viperfang.

[tenacious]

ROOKSTAR:

The time had come once more for the Gathering. There would be much to share and cats could only hope that it would all go over well without a fight. The full moon hung overhead, giving a ghostly illumination to the pelts of the RiverClan cats as they moved across the territory separating them from the sacred Fourtrees. Rookstar padded on without an increase or decrease in his steady pace; while his paws were carrying him towards Fourtrees, his mind was elsewhere. If blood bathed the ground tonight, StarClan would surely be full of wrath and the Clans would be punished. He would have to tread carefully tonight if he did not want to be the spark of a battle. The elderly tom cat looked up at the sky for a moment. The stars twinkled down, unchanging, but silently watching all the same. A light shiver rolled down Rookstar’s spine and he fluffed up his coat against a sharp wind that suddenly blew, nipping at his skin with icy teeth.

He led his Clan to a patch of shadows. ShadowClan’s stench filled the air. So, Willowstar had arrived early, once more. Never mind that- at least they were not the last Clan. The tom turned to face the warriors he had brought with them, “Remember, do not spill any of RiverClan’s secrets, and keep your claws sheathed at all times. Rookstar remained facing them all for a moment longer before he turned and silently padded down the ravine. He carried his head high as he approached the boulder, on which Willowstar sat. The RiverClan leader leapt up beside her. The stiffness in his legs caused the landing to be slightly awkward, but at least he did not slither down ungracefully like some sort of dizzy adder.

He gave Willowstar a curt nod of greeting before sitting down and wrapping his tail around his paws.

HAWKFANG:

He had been fretting all day. How would the other Clans react to Vixenfang’s announcement? Would the warriors that were leaving to go to WindClan be pummeled by their Clanmates? Fretting. Fretting. Fretting. But his resolve had stiffened long ago. He was going to join WindClan. That was where his true loyalty lay- this…this loyalty to RiverClan was simply in existence because it had to be, not because he wanted it to be. All the same, the walk under the moon and the eyes of StarClan had seemed long. What if WindClan was unable to remain strong? Would any of the leaders attack? He wouldn’t put it past some cats to want to battle the new Clan, even if old Clanmates were there. As far as Hawkfang knew, no ShadowClan cats were leaving; Willowstar would have no reason not to attack such an easy target.

The questions buzzed through his mind like a swarm of pesky bees that wanted nothing more then to disturb the small amount of piece Hawkfang had. He nearly bumped into Moonwing as Rookstar came to a halt and turned to face his Clan. Spill no secrets. That was obvious, though a good warning. Still, any secrets spilt now would not bother Hawkfang himself. He avoided his leader’s gaze and scented the air. Part of him hoped ThunderClan had arrived first- perhaps he could speak to Vixenfang before the Gathering started. But, no, it was the stench of ShadowClan that swam over his scent glands and Hawkfang flicked his tail tip irritably before padding down the ravine. His mind was too troubled to notice that the sickly oak was…healthier in appearance. As if time was reversing upon it.

[blackie]

Crowfrost follwed obediantly behind Willowstar. Although a few dawns ago she had birthed, nothing would stop her from her warrior duties. After all, her sister and brother had agreed to watch them for her so she could be here tonight. She let out a taunting mew. They had won the battle between Thunderclan."You will not be announcing Duskfrost will you?" Crowfrost fell in step with their leader."Or perhaps you will pretend as if nothing happened..." She was not sure what to say. Their own deputy had vanished."Perhaps, Willowstar, you could say that Duskfrost died bravely, and perform your deputy ceremony when All of starclan and all of the clans will be wathching you. It will show your true power..." Her blue eyes glinted before falling in step with another shadowclan clan cat. However she was not far behing from Willowstar, so she would be able to hear if the She-cat responded.She did wonder, however how Thunderclanw as doing....

[Sparrow]

[atrb=border,0,true][bg=black] Her concern grew with each step she took, tonight would be the night that would decide the fate of all of the Clans. RiverClan was worried, ThunderClan seemed apathetic. StarClan only knew what ShadowClan cared or felt. How they would react at any time was a mystery to the little she-cat, and despite her fears that the marsh-dwelling ShadowClan cats would react negatively, she could only pray that they would remember the peace that the full moon was meant to bring. Her paws flew as RiverClan loped towards the sacred clearing. Three and not four, though the four trees remained the same. A reminder of what they had done in the past, and a reminder of their troubled. She did not care that WindClan had been evicted. She never had known a cat in the Clan and it was hard to imagine that even the remaining WindClan cats cared or missed their territory, wherever they were. She did once, before this whole mess began, but now she had more important things to consider. Maybe once this all blew up in her face she'd start caring again, but now her efforts were to be in the present and to remember - not try and change - the past. “Remember, do not spill any of RiverClan’s secrets, and keep your claws sheathed at all times" She wouldn't forget it. She merely prayed that Moonwing's prophesy would not come to pass. A battle during the gathering would be catastrophic for all of the Clans. It would never do to fight on the night of the full moon - even cats with no belief in StarClan wouldn't risk it, if only because of tradition. She took her place beneath the rock in the center of Fourtrees, noting with irritation that ShadowClan had been the first to arrive. Though they weren't the last, Willowstar would now be witness to everything they did at arrival. With a worried glance, Mintleaf flinched slightly as she saw Rookstar leap up to take his place and falter slightly, the arthritis and the cold both working against his battered joints to make his landing more lucky than graceful, and she prayed that Willowstar would not take notice. If she noted even the slightest weakness about RiverClan... She turned to face the ShadowClan deputy, but Duskfrost was not present below the rock, nor could Mintleaf scent him anywhere amongst the assembled cats. A violation in courtesy, if not in code, the only reasons for him to be missing would be illness, incapacitation, or death, traditionally. Craning her neck upwards, she attempted to get a glance of her leader to see if his eyes showed that he too had noticed the ShadowClan deputy's absense. word count: 452 audience: The Gathering comments: Meh. She sounds prejudiced.

[m o o n]x[s t o r m]

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[atrb=background,http://i145.photobucket.com/albums/r230/Mica556/moontablemiddle.png] Each silhouette of each cat shone a dappled silver by the mighty moonlight. The Gathering was sacred, a time of no war and tradition by all new and old to the clan - four trees was once to represent the four clans, which are now three. It kept Moonwing awestruck how Starclan could do such a thing to the clan whom did not deserve the treatment. Though the only way to preserve their haunting memoirs were to keep their grasslands open, undaunted and peaceful. There was a reason for the close positioning to the Moonstone and Mothermouth. Ah yes, there is. Rookstar's raspy voice sounded commanding us to hush about the Riverclan secrets as usual as he, then, gave us the cue to make our entrance in the clearing. The leader of Shadowclan had arrived and sat alone, the absence of a deputy left Moonwing nearly sputtering in surprise. Where had Duskfrost gone? Reminding herself silently to close her ajar mouth, Moonwing covered all traces of shock and cleaned off her disposition as she daintily padded closer to the leaders and gave a small nod to Willowstar - ambition, as always, gleamed clearly in her eerie yellow eyes; which followed as no surprise to Moonwing. Sight followed those who were in attendance so far. Merely Shadowclan - a she-cat, a tom, and the leadess - and Riverclan - the leader, deputy and medicine cat. Were no other medicine cats come along to this very highly regarded meeting? Where was Dewcloud? And Stormheart and the rest of Thunderclan. 'I suppose they'll be here in good time...' The medicine cat of Riverclan soothed herself, settling herself on the terrain as she surveyed the cats in the clearing with a nebulous look - airy and compassionate; as a good she-cat should. Because, well, let's not hide it - Moonwing was pretty good in she-cat standard, and in medicine cat standard. In fact, she was the epitome of what a maternal, faithful, she-cat should be - like a southern two-leg, she was seemingly perfect. And then some. Though... That wasn't the case always. No, she was just as scarred as any other on the inside, and some of her quirks and thoughts were not as beautiful as her exotic pelt. There's no denying that she just wanted a normal night; and the agenda already wasn't normal... Neither was the attendance. _______________________________ words xx 397 audience xx Cats of the Clans. music xx Country Music. comments xx ^-^ Nothing much to say here. code xx text, 'thought', "speech"

[{Otter}]

The time had come.

Heart beating violently inside of her chest, the small ginger deputy of ThunderClan padded beside her former Clanmates, deep amber eyes narrowed and set ahead as she prepared herself for what was to come. Once this Gathering ended, there would be no going back. No one would be able to doubt the existence of WindClan, and no one would be able to deny her own terrible disloyalty, as well as the disloyalty of those who had promised to follow her. There really was no going back.

Others of her Clan looked to Elkstar for instructions as they stopped at the edge of the clearing. Many cats shifted in the moonlit clearing, and as Vixenfang's gaze rose to the heavens, she saw not a single cloud in the sky to hinder the moon's ghostly light. Strange, for there were almost always clouds in leafbare. Perhaps StarClan was trying to help her out.

While the others waited for Elkstar to tell them to go on ahead, Vixenfang did not glance at her leader. Her former leader. She had kept up the air of "good ThunderClan deputy" for a full half-moon, and now it was over. No more. She was not ThunderClan. And so, without a backwards glance, Vixenfang trotted into the moonlight, moving rather stiffly from nervousness. Sure, she knew what she wanted to do, but actually doing it was going to be difficult. Very, very difficult.

Gaze swept the gathered cats for members of the Fourth Clan. of WindClan. She spotted Hawkfang among the RiverClanners, and casually strolled over to him. She kept her tail high and body as nonchalant as possible, hoping her approaching him would not draw any unwanted speculations. She hoped to look, for all the world, like a deputy of ThunderClan casually speaking to a warrior of RiverClan.

"This will be hard," she mewed very quietly, tail-tip twitching as her heart seemed to beat out of her chest. Could he hear it? Could the entire gathering hear it? "I hope you have not changed your mind."

Mood of Character: rather nervous. Wouldn't you be? ^.^
Audience: ...everyone! Hawkfang specifically for this post
Muse: quite well, in fact. Can't wait to start the true betrayal.
Notes:Bye bye, ThunderClan ^.^ Betrayal will happen probably in next post. I'd like to do it before the Gathering officially starts, like before any of the leaders hop up onto the rock.
Ten--Ottersplash will upset at first, but he'll sneak into WindClan to hang with Hawkfang ^.^

[tenacious]

ThunderClan. They had arrived, but they had not come into the clearing yet…Hawkfang turned his head slightly to see Vixenfang trot into the moonlight without once looking back at her former Clan. Elkstar clearly hadn’t given the signal for her Clan to enter- Hawkfang wondered, briefly, how she would react to Vixenfang’s sudden burst of independence. How would she react when her own deputy voiced her betrayal? The tom’s tail tip twitched nervously once more as Vixenfang strolled over. Her posture was casual. Oh, yes, they would have to be casual; no need to raise much suspicion, right?

“This will be hard.”

Indeed. Numerous ties would be broken tonight. Betrayal. The word echoed in Hawkfang’s mind as Vixenfang continued on. “I hope you have not changed your mind.”

“I know…but my mind has been made up. It was made up long ago,” Hawkfang added, keeping his voice quiet as well, because some cats enjoyed eavesdropping. Nosey little buggers they were.

Hawkfang looked past Vixenfang for a moment, looking towards the other ThunderClan cats outlined on the hill. And then his blue gaze swept over RiverClan cats. He wouldn’t even be able to say goodbye to Ottersplash. But it wasn’t like Clan boundaries meant a lot to Ottersplash, right? They could still be friends. Just with different Clans. Different loyalties. Oh, who was Hawkfang fooling? He’d find it too hard to keep friends within RiverClan. He wouldn’t turn totally hostile, but he would have to find friends within WindClan. He could only have acquaintances outside of the fourth Clan, for now.

The brown tabby stifled a sigh and looked back at Vixenfang once more, wondering if she felt the same way. Surely she would have more ties then Hawkfang within her own Clan? She was older, after all, and that generally gave a cat more time to make friends.

[Willow]

WILLOWSTAR

Willowstar stood tall and proud upon the great rock. Her tail was straight and her head was held high. Yellow eyes watched as RiverClan and ThunderClan poured into the cleared as well. The cats were tense, but it seemed a gathering like any other. No clouds marred the sky and no claws glinted in the moon. A laugh caught in her throat as Rookstar leapt rather ungracefully upon the rock to stand beside her. Her lips curled in a smirk but she was otherwise silent.

Soon, Elkstar had joined them as well and the cats were beginning to settle down on the flattened grass beneath the great oaks. Willowstar looked around at the cats, noting the tension and anxiety in a select few. Blackmoon looked exceptionally tense, his gait was stiff and his fur was bristled. Vixenfang, deputy of ThunderClan, also appeared suspiciously anxious. Willowstar's eyes narrowed but she said nothing.

The night was cold and the cats were obviously tense. There was no point in prolonging this any longer. This gathering would likely be short, what was there to say really? She stepped forward and let out a loud yowl, silencing the visiting cats below. Then, she took it upon herself to begin the gathering.

"ShadowClan has thrived quite well, as I am sure you know. Our victory at Snakerocks proved that we are a formidable force of the forest. We have many young kits to feed and now, they are all well fed. As it should be. Besides, mice are easier to catch than stringy rabbits," there was a challenge unveiled in her words as her words spread through the frosty air.

"On to lighter news, three kits were born only yesterday. They are the children of Crowfrost and Wolfclaw and will grow to be great warriors in their time. ShadowClan is well off for leaf-bare." She stepped back, her coat gleaming in the moonlight. "That is all."

BLACKMOON

The ebony tom's legs were stiff and his fur was on end. This would be the "gathering to end all gatherings" as it were. He was unsure how things would happen, but it would be monumental. He was anxious and automatically sought out Vixenfang and Hawkfang. They were speaking together on the side of the clearing. He steered clear of them, they had no clue yet of his destiny.

Blackmoon turned silver eyes to the great rock where the three leaders had gathered. He breathed deep and slow, calming his raging emotions. He jumped at Willowstar's commanding yowl and stared at his lithe leader upon the large grey rock. His long fur stood up further at her arrogant, audacious words. He noted also that he mentioned nothing about the disappeared deputy. So like Willowstar. She would highlight their strengths and completely overlook the weaknesses.

The time is coming soon, a voice whispered near his ear and he spun around to see the glowing form of Tallstar standing beside him. Moonlight and starlight shimmered off his black and white pelt and his eyes gleamed brightly. "Tallstar... Are you here to watch?" The former leader smiled. Of course. Both cats, living and dead, turned their attentions back to Willowstar as she finished her report of the new kits.

Silver eyes turned to Vixenfang again. Waiting.

[{Otter}]

“I know…but my mind has been made up. It was made up long ago,”

A very small amount of relaxation passed over Vixenfang, and her gaze softened as she watched the RiverClan warrior. Surely, surely he would be a good deputy. She had not yet told him of her intentions, so perhaps it would be a pleasant surprise. Her mouth was opening to respond to his words when a yowl from Willowstar silenced her, and she turned to see the leaders already sitting atop the Great Rock. Foxdung, I meant to move sooner than that, she thought. She did not enjoy the thought of having to scramble up onto the rock to stand with the three leaders of ShadowClan, RiverClan, and ThunderClan. She had meant to get up there first, and start the Gathering with her announcement. What a great leader I'm turning out to be, she thought sarcastically, closing her eyes for a brief moment as her tail lashed in irritation. There was no point in waiting any longer. Willowstar's words might cause a ruckus among ThunderClan and ShadowClan, and Vixenfang might never get to command everyone's attention. Now was the time.

The small ginger deputy stepped away from Hawkfang, towards the Great Rock and away from the collected crowd of onlookers. No longer would she sit as deputy beneath the shadow of the Great Rock. From this night onward, she would stand beside Elkstar, Willowstar, and Rookstar....as Vixenstar of WindClan, if StarClan chose to accept her.

She ignored the stares of the onlookers and she mewed up to the three cats atop the rock, "Please make room," and without waiting for them to respond she launched herself up the boulder. Her light body made it perfectly easy to bound onto the Great Rock, which was a lovely advantage for her--it would have been more than embarrassing to slip or fall in an attempt to join the leaders.One thing, at least, was in her favor.

However, once she situated herself beside Elkstar (naturally), Vixenfang turned to gaze down upon the cats of the three Clans, and her heart skipped a beat. Never before had she stood up here, and the height was greater than she had imagined. The cats below were nearly unrecognizable, shadows and moonlight mixing together so that she could barely even make out Hawkfang and Viperfang among them. It was exhilarating and terrifying all at once, and for a moment the former deputy of ThunderClan was struck speechless.

Speak, you mousebrain! You haven't much time! she thought furiously, tail-tip twitching in irritation as she narrowed her eyes and squared her shoulders. Now, when everyone was silent with surprise, was the time to speak. If she waited, she might never be able to be heard above the ruckus.

"At the last Gathering, RiverClan and ShadowClan decided they would compete to claim the empty moorlands, while ThunderClan chose not to get involved," she yowled, perhaps too loudly. She was not at all used to speaking to so many cats. Could they all hear her? "It was made clear a few days ago, when Snakerocks was taken by ShadowClan, that ShadowClan no longer seeks to take the moorlands. I do not know if RiverClan still plans on claiming the land." She glanced very briefly at the elderly leader of RiverClan befire continuing, "But I do know this: RiverClan will not have the moorlands. ShadowClan and Thunderclan will not have the moorlands. As Elkstar said at the last gathering--the moors belong to StarClan, and to WindClan." She stopped for a moment to collect her thoughts. Though Elkstar stood beside her, Vixenfang did not dare to look at her. What did her former leader thing of her now? What did Brackenheart, sitting in the crowd, think of her? And the rest of ThunderClan? Her eyes sought out Hawkfang's form and took strength from his presence.

"Every cat here knows WindClan were the only ones fit to hunt the rabbits of the moor. They were small, fast, well-suited for racing across the moors. No Clan but WindClan could possibly make full use out of it." Amber eyes shifted to the sky, and saw no clouds. The moon shone down steadily upon the Gathering, and StarClan showed no sign of fury or disapproval. She wondered what Brokenstar was thinking now. Vixenfang chose not to speak of her visit to the Moonstone. If those before her could not accept the absence of clouds as StarClan's approval, that was their fault. "Much blood has been shed over that land, but not any more. Do you want to know who should have control of the moorlands? WindClan. And WindClan is here to claim it."

This was their cue. Now was the time for Viperfang, Hawkfang, and Shrewclaw to step forth. Only four warriors...it was not a large number. But perhaps more would come. Later.

Finally, Vixenfang braced herself and turned her gaze on the three leaders beside her. She braced herself for the looks in their eyes, the fury that would be bursting forth. She was taking warriors away from them. For Elkstar, she was taking her very deputy. But no matter. It was done. She steeled herself for what was to come.

Word Count;; 856
Audience;; ...everyone
Muse;; decent. I had written a much longer post previously (like weeks ago) for this, but I could not find it, and so I had to make do with my current muse x.x
Notes;; er...ta da? 'twould be terribly lovely if Blackmoon could speak up before everyone, like, eats the WindClanners.

[Willow]

BLACKMOON

Vixenfang's ginger shape moved up to the great rock as she asserted herself among the three leaders. Blackmoon's silver eyes gleamed in the moonlight as he watched his future leader move to the front of the rock and raise her voice to address the three Clans. His face was impassive and placid as he listened to the ginger she-cat speak but his eyes shone with excitement. This was their moment. WindClan's moment.

He turned his eyes to the glittering shape of Tallstar and observed the ancient tom's expression. He looked so proud, so nostalgic, so incredibly happy. A tiny smile came to the ebony tom's face as he looked at the white and black tom. He did not speak and turned his attention back to the former ThunderClan deputy. She was finishing her words while the cats all around where transfixed with awe and anxiety.

Vixenfang finished and Blackmoon saw his chance. He must take advantage of the cats' shock or else he would never have a chance to speak above the commotion that would no doubt transpire. The black tom stood and stepped stiffly forward, fur bristling and eyes shining. He came to a pause below the great rock, Tallstar still beside him, visible to no one but him.

"What Vixenfang speaks is truth. WindClan will sweep along the open grasses of the moor yet again. I have received a vision from Tallstar, the last leader of WindClan. He has revealed my true destiny, intermingling with that of Vixenfang. I was told that I shall become medicine cat of this great new Clan, assisted at every step of the way by Tallstar and my Bluefeather. It has been my ambition for a long while to serve my Clan as a medicine cat. That has never occurred within ShadowClan, but it seems that it is my destiny to heal and protect the cats of WindClan. I hope you will accept me."

His gaze turned to Willowstar, locking yellow eyes with silver. "I am sorry, sister, but this is my destiny. I wish you all the best, but this is the end of our family relationship," he spoke softly and dipped his head to his half-sister. They had been close throughout life, around the same age. He had acted as a counselor to his leader for many long years, but this was the end.

WILLOWSTAR

Willowstar stood still and rigid upon the great rock. Her mouth fell open in amazement and shock as Vixenfang leapt upon the great rock, edging her way between the three leaders. Her shock only grew as the small she-cat spoke her part, asserting the notion that WindClan would rule the moor again. Was this cat seriously thinking of reforming the Clan?

She tried to speak after the ginger cat had finished, but Blackmoon, her half-brother, beat her to it. Willowstar sat with a slightly bowed head as she watched the black and white tom speak. He mentioned Tallstar and his destiny as a medicine cat.

This was really happening.

Her eyes were downcast, she couldn't believe this. Her plan had failed, completely failed. ThunderClan could not stretch into WindClan now. Now her actions were seen only as greedy, not strategic. Her head was bowed and she was deep in thought. Could she truly hope to keep Snakerocks now? The obvious answer was no.

Instead of addressing this issue, she turned her attention to her warrior. "This saddens me, Blackmoon. I wish I could have given you the position of ShadowClan medicine cat. I did not know it was what you wanted. Good luck in WindClan," her voice was defeated and she was still seated behind the other leaders.

[tenacious]

HAWKFANG:]
Before Vixenfang had a chance to reply, Willowstar’s commanding yowl silenced the light chatter all the cats had been having amongst themselves. Irritation showed in the light lash of Hawkfang’s tail as the she-cat turned and headed towards the Great Rock as Willowstar spoke. It was hard, keeping his mind focused on both Vixenfang and what the ShadowClan leader was saying. Victory at Snakerocks? He flicked his gaze over to Willowstar- RiverClan had been ignorant to this fact. The tom looked over towards Elkstar, wondering how she would react. Well, at least Willowstar hadn’t tried such a thing on RiverClan territory- she and her warriors would be back home nursing wounds for moons to come.

Hawkfang watched as Vixenfang leapt up beside the leaders, taking her place beside Elkstar. He noticed Rookstar’s eyes narrow slightly and there was an irritable flick of the tail from the RiverClan leader. Great StarClan- what if the Clans did attack, despite having former Clanmates within WindClan? A chill ran down Hawkfang’s spine. He would fight for WindClan, yes, even if every swipe felt like it was tearing at his heart, but they had few cats within the Clan. They would be sorely outnumbered and that would be the second fall of WindClan!

Vixenfang’s loud yowl broke through the surprise sitting heavily over the cats. He listened to her words with rapt attention. Cats were too surprised, still, to begin yowling in protest; oh, hopefully this surprise would linger so no cat unsheathed their claws tonight. Finally, the cue. Hawkfang narrowed his eyes slightly before he stood and stepped forward, looking up at Vixenfang and giving a light dip of his head. He looked over at the other cats that would join WindClan, but no others. He did not want to know what they were thinking, right now. He did not want to see hostility, surprise, pity, or anger in their eyes.

The tom turned his gaze forward and allowed it to pass over the other three leaders- their reactions mattered the most. If any of them became angry enough to ignore their warrior’s wishes, they would order an attack, and, because of the Warrior Code, cats chosen would have to fight. He nearly grinned as Blackmoon spoke. He nearly smiled at Willowstar’s words- she seemed defeated, standing up on that rock, but he felt no sympathy.


ROOKSTAR:
A light smirk seemed to play on Willowstar’s muzzle, but Rookstar paid her no mind. Soon age would curse her as well and Rookstar would have his chance to sneer then….hopefully. Soon, ThunderClan arrived and Willowstar began the Gathering. A light frown graced the tom’s face- Willowstar had taken Snakerocks from ThunderClan? He had been unaware of this and, for a moment, there was a light spark in Rookstar’s eyes. Nevermind Willowstar’s slight insult to his previously wanting the moorlands. (Hadn’t she wanted them as well? The hypocrite!) No, now he would not have to convince the ShadowClan leader to keep her paws off of the moorland. Rookstar’s gaze flicked towards Elkstar and he tried to gauge her reaction, but was cut off by the sudden appearance of Vixenfang.

What was the ThunderClan deputy doing up here? Her place was beneath the rocks! The silver tabby edged slightly over, nonetheless, so that the she-cat fit up beside the leaders. Rookstar’s surprise kept him quiet and his eyes remained on Vixenfang as she began to speak. As she began, her words angered the RiverClan tom. Who was Vixenfang to boss RiverClan around? She was not even the leader of ThunderClan yet! He had half a mind to tell her to get her scrawny self back onto the ground, but she continued on.

“WindClan is here to claim it.”

Rookstar’s eyes widened- WindClan? Returning? His gaze flashed out over the cats, as if small warriors from a distant land would come into the clearing, but only a few cats stepped forward. No…no…WindClan was being rebuilt from the existent Clans. He could spot two of his own warriors and the tom frowned. Would StarClan even accept this nonsense? He looked up towards the sky, but there wasn’t even a cloud in the black expanse! Before Rookstar could open his mouth to speak, a strange tom he had noticed before from ShadowClan started to speak. He had received a prophecy from Tallstar.

The leader looked over at Willowstar. When she spoke, she seemed defeated, and Rookstar took a breath before looking at the other cats once more. How could he defy StarClan?

“My medicine cat, Moonwing, received an omen from StarClan warning us not to try and take the moorland. When my Clan arrived, we had no interest in taking over the moors. I cannot say I am glad to see cats leaving their Clans…but I cannot argue the will of StarClan… the tom’s mew was distant, as if he was lost in thought. Well, he actually was. This, after all, was a large blow.

[Deleted]

[atrb=border,0,true][bg=black] Viperfang and Stormheart traveled down to fourtrees at a quickened pace. One was following Vixenfang, the other kept in line with Elkstar. Viperfang was ready to leave ThunderClan. She had no attachments, other than Snakeheart and Foxblaze, in this corner of the forest. Her paws ached to feel the moor under her paws again, this time for the rest of her life. The she-cat kept her eyes on Vixenfang and when her true leader broke away from the group, she followed suit. She kept her distance, however, as they entered the clearing. She met up with the tom from RiverClan called Hawkfang. The small warrior grinned to herself. She was pretty sure she was the only one other than Vixenfang who knew he was her choice. Hawkfang himself was in the dark about it. Stormheart snorted as the two she-cats broke away from the clan. What in StarClan's name were they up to? Oh well. If she wanted, Elkstar would have a word with them later. Or maybe they broke on their leader's orders. Who knew? He was only the Medicine cat, for crying out loud. The gray tom was one of the last cats into the clearing. He growled to himself for not keeping directly behind Elkstar. He'd have a better seat. The senior warriors of all the clans had taken up the best elevated positions to better hear their leaders. Putting on his grumpy face, Stormheart pushed and shoved his way forward, scaring away any apprentice that dared get in his way. Somehow, both Viperfang and Stormheart ended up pretty close to the Great Rock. The Medcine cat stared up defiantly at Willowstar, who had taken it upon herself to start the meeting. Wasn't it the eldest leader's job to announce the Gathering? Whatever. That great pile of fox-dung had taken Snakerocks and deprived ThunderClan of some important herbs. Not that there was much to find in leaf-bare, but still! Viperfang, on the other paw, didn't care. Not one bit. Sure, she felt that Rookstar should have been the one to silence the cats, but the matter of Snakerocks was not purely ThunderClan's problem. Both cats generally ignored Willowstar's announcements. Other than the kits, there was really nothing surprising in her statements. Stormheart looked on in confusion as Vixenfang joined the leaders at the top of the Great Rock. Beside him, Viperfang's eyes were glowing with excitement. Her paws shuffled as she tried to remain connected with the ground. The moments before her leader spoke were torture. Finally, she opened her mouth. The she-cat almost reacted too quickly, but stopped herself from moving forward to join Hawkfang before she was noticed. She sat through the speech, dieing to move. She was like an excited kit about to get her mentor and become an apprentice. Now that she thought about it, this was almost an exact reenactment of her ceremony before Vixenfang herself was announced as her mentor. After a few agonizing seconds, she finally heard those fateful words. "WindClan is here to claim it." Viperfang nearly jumped out of her skin as she stood up and stepped forward to join Hawkfang and the other WindClan cats. She hoped those who were caught at the back of the group remembered their cue, WindClan had a hard enough time with the few cats they had recruited. Three total standing cats did not look at all very formidable, and the cats' sizes themselves made them look puny to say the least. The tan she-cat turned and stared in surprise as the black tom of ShadowClan spoke up. He was to be WindClan's Medicine cat? Cool! She stared up at Vixenfang with humor laced in her gaze. Had she not told her not to count ShadowClan out? Here was her proof! Ha! Her happiness grew as Willowstar practically shrank in defeat at the back of the group of leaders. She had been worried that the ShadowClan leader might have tried to retaliate and stop this madness, but her fear was, for the moment, unnecessary. She even wished her brother good luck! What a sweet heart. Now all that was left was Rookstar. Again, her worries were unneeded. Moonwing had told him to back off- a direct order from StarClan. Viperfang lifted her head and stared at Silverpelt, giving a silent prayer of thanks to her warrior ancestors. Stormheart had trouble keeping jaw connected to the rest of his skull. Word Count: 737 Audience: EVERYONE Comments: Rawr

[{Otter}]

As she spoke, the WindClanners stepped forward. Her WindClanners. Her Clanmates. Vixenfang's eyes lit with a slightly sorrowful light. They were brave, leaving their Clans like this. What they were going to go through in the next few moons would be very tough...if they even made it out of this place alive. She would not, in any way, sugarcoat this for them. She would not make this out to be easier than it was. It was hard. It would only get harder. And they would be hated by many.

The moment the deep amber gaze fell on the other three leaders, a voice from below caused her eyes to shift back below. A black cat was trodding forward, a cat she knew to be Blackmoon of ShadowClan. Never had she spoken to this warrior before, and the words that issued from his mouth sent a shock down her spine. Was he being serious? Had this ShadowClanner really been visited by...by Tallstar? A very small corner of Vixenfang's mind felt bitterness at the announcement. Not only because he was of ShadowClan, but also because he had been visited by Tallstar, while the WindClan ancestors had kept away from her dream. Why was this? She couldn't imagine. And was she to truly believe this Blackmoon was being serious? Did WindClan already have a medicine cat? Vixenfang opened her mouth slightly, her eyes set on the stranger standing below, but closed it after a brief moment. She did not know what to say to this.

"Good luck in WindClan."

The words, issued softly from the fierce leader of ShadowClan, fell on surprised ears. Vixenfang's attention shot towards Willowswtar, who was standing atop the rock with sorrow and defeat written all over her face. It was Willowstar who Vixenfang had feared the most. Willowstar was the one who should have put up the most struggle, should have voiced the most disapproval. But here she was...deflated. She didn't even voice a single protest, but merely told her brother "good luck." Vixenfang smirked and frowned at the same time, her gaze shifting up to the clear sky above. If Willowstar didn't disapprove, who would?

Not Rookstar, as was soon made clear. A flash of embarrassment rippled through Vixenfang when she realized that RiverClan had come to the Gathering with their minds already made up--they weren't planning on fighting for the moor anyway! Her eyes shot up to the sky, and she glared irritably at the stars. What is this, StarClan? she demanded in frustration. You let me fear complete opposition for so long, when in reality you already spoke to all the Clans! No one is planning on arguing against WindClan!

Or...not yet. Amber gaze lingered on the sky for as long as possible, but eventually Vixenfang realized she had to come back to reality. She turned her small, scrawny body to face the she-cat who sat beside her now. She hadn't moved...she hadn't spoken. Vixenfang couldn't even read her expression. Elkstar had once said she would approve of WindClan returning. What would she say now, now that she knew her own deputy would be their leader? Vixenfang took a breath, steeled her gaze, and looked her former leader full in the face. I am the leader of WindClan. What she says cannot hurt me, she thought, tail lashing in challenge as she suddenly forgot the cats below. "Elkstar. What do you say to this?" she asked carefully, doing her best to make it known that in no way was she asking permission.

Word Count;; 603
Audience;; everyone--words to Elkstar
Muse;; Sorta? I'm just out of it recently, I dunno why.

[Administrator]

Due to Elkstar's inactivity, we can either bypass her part in this or consider this thread finished. But, in either case, let's not keep waiting for her or a new ThunderClan leader.

[Willow]

RABBITFLIGHT

Rabbitflight sat calmly in the back, listening without any true emotion displayed on his face as the leaders discussed their Clans. ShadowClan boasted. Typical. He tuned out Willowstar’s words, they were of little importance. After this gathering, her possession of Snake Rocks would not matter to him whatsoever. He would no longer by in ThunderClan. As these thoughts passed through the tom’s mind, his short fur stood up in anxiety and anticipation. His brown eyes watched Vixenfang closely, waiting for the she-cats move. He gave her a small, proud smile. His former apprentice was about to become one of the most powerful cats in the forest.

Finally it was time. Willowstar had finished and Vixenfang was moving forward to leap upon the Great Rock. Rabbitflight’s fur continued to bristle as he watched the ginger she-cat stand up there and begin to speak. He held his grey head high as she began to speak in a powerful, proud voice. The smile was still on his face as he listened. There was something about change that he loved, something about some unexpected turn of events in the forest that sent his heart racing in anticipation and excitement.

His brown eyes turned to the sky and watched the dark heavens. The moon shone bright and strong, unhindered by a single cloud. StarClan approved of this decision. This strengthened his resolve in the matter and made him stand strongly and proudly as Vixenfang finished speaking. He was about to speak, but another cat beat him to it. A ShadowClan warrior, Blackmoon was his name. Rabbitflight stared at the strange, moon-marked tom in amazement. He too had a vision of WindClan? His mouth opened a little in shock and gave pause to his actions.

Willowstar spoke again in a voice so unlike the arrogant ShadowClan leader. It was laced with defeat and sadness. His mouth opened a little wider. Rabbitflight moved silently to stand next to Hawkfang as Viperfang made a movement as well. He sat calmly beside the brown RiverClan tom. His eyes dared any cat to challenge their decision.