September's Gathering 2017

Both Larksong and Smokestripe jolted as a cry echoed in the clearing shortly after Crowstar had finished speaking, followed by a second one. Larksong was the first to spot the second source, her ears falling flat on her head as her heart sank as she saw the beloved ex-leader Thrushstripe collapse with a wail. Her whole body shook, the truth of what had really transpire hitting her in her core. Leopardstar had been there when she had returned to her Clan - he had been the one to help sharpen her skills back into being fit a warrior and now...Now she hadn't been able to return the favor by being his loyal warrior. He had been stolen from them way to soon. She spotted another warrior - Redstorm - wail out. Her eyes darted back and forth before she broke as well, throwing her head skyward as she continued to echo the wailing song in mourning.

Smokestripe's eyes were wide as he stared at Larksong as she joined the wailing, his face flashing with confliction on what to do. He shut his eyes, his muscles bunching up before he mirrored Larksong as he allowed his voice to join the other three warriors. It was a question of why - why had StarClan seen fit to steal a leader who had so much left to give them? Perhaps he would never truly understand why but in this moment surrounded by his Clanmates who all struggled to swallow the truth that Magpiewing had revealed...He was all to eager to let his mourning voice be heard with the rest of his Clan as he softly questioned why so many promising cats had lost their lives in the last few moons.

Wildstorm was shocked at the news that Magpiewing announced. Leopardstar was dead, but more importantly, so was Wolffang. His heart hurt and a pounding in his ears blocked out the other voices around him. He couldn't believe it. The cat he had spent part of his self-induced exile was gone. If only he had been able to convince her to come back to SkyClan with him. She might still be alive if he had.

Rockpaw was stunned by the news about the dead ShadowClan leader. He'd never had the chance to meet the leader, but he'd heard stories about him. Hopefully Magpiewing would be able to carry on his legacy well.

Mistpaw sat close to his father, as saddened by the news of his mother passing as Wildstorm was. While he had no memories of Wolffang, he still felt somewhat attached to the cat simply because she was his mother. He pressed his nose into his father's flank as the both mourned the former ShadowClan cat. He wasn't sure what to think, but his mind was clouded with sadness.

Blizzardstar’s ears went flat against her skull as she heard the news the soon-to-be-leader had to deliver. Leopardstar and Wolffang were…dead?

She lowered her head respectfully, not saying anything as a sign of respect towards the mourning clan, Leopardstar had been leader for such a short time, all his lives taken away in such a quick, awful way. It was sincerely something hard for the white leader to swallow. While she didn’t know Leopardstar well enough to have a real opinion about him, she could tell he was a good leader that followed Thrushstripe’s teachings and principles, loyal to his clan and beloved by them as well.

Her eyes focused on one of the mourning cats from ShadowClan as soon as his wail was heard. Of all cats in the forest, she never expected to her such a pain-filled sound such as that coming from the old former leader’s muzzle. It honestly caused her chest to ache and have to use her claws to keep her from jumping down as her whole being told her to help him in any way she could.

However, the fluffy she-cat had nearly no time to think about it before her attention shifted from Thrushstripe to Barkfall. His reaction came as no surprise for her, any kit would react like that if they ever heard that their mother had been killed. Even she secretly mourned the rogue’s death. While Wolffang could’ve been a villain on the eyes of those living in ShadowClan, Blizzardstar had only a brief interaction with her beyond the couple glimpses she caught of the rogue back at the barn, an interaction that had placed her as a brave and determined cat with all the love a mother could have for her kits. However, she was careful to not say anything about this, at least not at the current time. It was not the time, nor the place.

After Crowstar finished speaking, clearly glad to see him again on top of the rock and leading the clan that was rightfully his’, she stepped forward to take her turn “ThunderClan is doing fine, especially now that all our missing clanmates returned. We have several new apprentices, Ferretpaw, Cherrypaw, Boarpaw, Owlpaw, Ravenpaw, Creampaw, Sharppaw, Asterpaw, Sparkpaw, Wrenpaw, willowpaw and Falconpaw. We also welcome our new warriors, Blazingwing, Barkfall, Weedblaze and Smallbird” Her eyes went from the crowd to the cats of ShadowClan “I want to express my deepest condolences to ShadowClan and wish you the best, as well as wishing luck and a good trip to the Moonstone to Magpiewing”.

Lilacpaw sorrowfully watched the wailing warriors, unwilling to join in as she hadn't known their leader well. Her mind drifted to what she had known. He had made her an apprentice, and she had hoped he would be there to make her a warrior as well, but StarClan saw fit to take him away instead? Why, when he hadn't done anything wrong? She found herself wanting to join the wailing in her despair, but she was unable to. She was frozen to her spot, and her mouth was frozen shut. She could only watch, and listen.

Ashstar's ears flattened at the news that Magpiewing shared. Leopardstar... dead? The tom had barely even been leader for maybe four moons, and had only come to the Gathering once or twice! He had been deputy of ShadowClan for so long- he deserved a longer leadership than that. It brought back memories of how stricken she had been when she came back from the Dark Forest Gathering to find Sablestar dead and herself suddenly leader- she was sure that Magpiewing was now feeling that pain, and she could sympathize. The gray she-cat bowed her head in grief at the passing of a leader who had seemed so reasonable and wise. She didn't have much reaction to Blizzardstar's announcements, but let the barest trace of a snarl cross her lips at Crowstar's succint words. Would he say nothing about the Tribe cats who had caused them all so much pain? Was he seriously going to keep harboring them after at least one of their number had been in league with the Dark Forest?

After ThunderClan's leader spoke, the WindClan she-cat stood up to make her announcements. "WindClan has recovered well from the troubles of the past few moons, as the warrior that the Mist snatched from our ranks has returned safely home to us. Our moors are full of plenty of rabbits, and we are as strong as we ever were. We have some new warriors- Cheetahpelt, Dovespirit, Oakfall, Newtslip, Swiftstep, and Laurelsong- and new apprentices, including Cloverpaw, Amberpaw, Fawnpaw, Foxpaw and Frostpaw. The nursery is full of kits, and our numbers are steadily growing." Her green gaze turned to Magpiewing, full of sympathy and respect. "I am also grieved at the loss of Leopardstar. He was a great leader, and I hope he finds his peace in StarClan. That is all I have to say. I wish for the continuation of peace for all of our Clans." Bowing her head, Ashstar stepped back, leaving time for Fishstar to speak. There was no reason to further debase herself by meddling in the affairs of SkyClan- hopefully Crowstar had the common sense to get rid of the Tribe cats before they brought some other scourge upon the forest.

--

As Magpiewing stood up first, Honeydrop found herself starting to panic a little bit. She wasn't ready for him to announce what they both knew he had to announce. Leopardstar is dead. When the tom had come down with a strange sickness that no one had recognized, she had used all her limited knowledge and most of her herbs to try and heal him, believing that at worst he would lose one of his lives. Instead, all of them were taken in one fell swoop and the ShadowClan deputy was suddenly going to be leader. She didn't know why the tom hadn't told the rest of their Clan yet- she only knew that it wasn't her place to tell any of them either, as much as she had wanted to let Flamestrike or at least her sons know. Her sorrow was not as fresh as the pain she saw on her Clanmates' faces at the announcement, but it was more like a dull ache that constantly lived in her heart. A fresh pang struck her when she saw the look on Gingerstripe and Firestone's faces. She looked down at the ground somewhat guiltily, not wanting to look at Roaringblaze or any of the rest of the cats she knew and loved.

However, Magpiewing's next announcement took her somewhat off guard. Wolffang was- was dead? She had come back? And Flamestrike had killed her? The golden she-cat glanced around, trying to find the tom's orange pelt in the crowd of ShadowClan cats. She hadn't been aware of this fact. How long ago had it happened? Where? Why? Some part of her was relieved beyond measure to know that her last enemy was forever gone, most likely to the Dark Forest where she belonged. Another part of her was quietly grateful to the warrior for being willing to risk his life for her again. How could she ever repay him for everything that he had done for her? Honeydrop was full of different emotions as she listened to the leaders' other announcements, not paying attention to most of them except being slightly concerned at the briefness of Crowstar's remarks. He hadn't even mentioned the Tribe. It was definitely confusing and a little off-putting that the SkyClan leader expected them to continue as if nothing had happened at the Gathering last moon.

--

Gingerstripe looked up with respect at Magpiewing as the deputy began to speak, but his heart dropped at the words that were spoken. What? Leopardstar can't be dead! That's impossible! The tom was the strongest cat in the forest! What could have killed him? Why did StarClan have to take him away from ShadowClan now, when they needed him most? Most importantly, why had no one told them?! At Magpiewing's mention that Honeydrop had tried to heal him, the tabby tom's green eyes found the medicine cat. She was looking at the ground, her face unreadable. She knew, too? Why couldn't she have healed him? She was the medicine cat, for StarClan's sake! It was her job to heal cats! Did she want him to die, for some bizarre, twisted reason? He couldn't believe it. He just couldn't believe that the leader was dead. All the other leaders' announcements fell flat, absorbed by the despaired wailing of cats he knew and loved. All Gingerstripe could do was lean into his brother Firestone's form and hope that in comforting him, he could somehow comfort himself.

"Ah, um." Violetpaw's ears flattened against her skull in surprise that the warrior didn't simply blow her off and demanded her name. Was she going to tell her off and tell Magpiewing about her behaviour? What if this was the last gathering she was ever allowed to go to because of this? But with no one to bail her out, the apprentice looked downcast as she spoke. "Violetpaw, my name is Violetpaw."

When a gasp broke their conversation, she rejoiced at having a chance to slip away but then she heard the horrible wailing and utter words of grief. It was in that moment she realised what had happened and her joy turned to ash. She felt sick to the stomach that she'd even felt a moment of happiness, Leopardstar was dead...

"Oh StarClan."

-

Dewtuft didn't even flinch at the news, it meant nothing to him. The tom simply waited for the gathering to be over. The only thing that he learnt was that ShadowClan was vulnerable.

She'd scarcely been paying attention to any of the reports, but the mention of Leopardstar's passing was what finally drew Fishstar out of her deep-thought trance. She turned to listen to Magpiewing give the report of his leader's untimely passing. He'd barely been at the head of ShadowClan for half the time Fishstar had been leading RiverClan, and he was already dead..? For the second time that moon, Fishstar could feel her age creeping up on her; a looming shadow in the back of her mind that she rarely gave any consideration.

Perhaps she should have been more shocked than she was, but her expression remained stiff as she watched the deputy speak. Everybody was dropping like flies. By now, it was just by the numbers. She'd watched so many lives play out right in front of her, and also watched all too many of the deaths that followed. Of course, it was always a little bit jarring when a leader passed, but true shock seemed to elude her these days. Surely, it wasn't a healthy mindset to have, but it was just the way the she-cat was wired.

The only real feeling she'd experienced when watching her adoptive son's lifeless body arrive in camp was anger, so she would not grieve for cats she scarcely knew.

Anger was all she had now - all she needed. Anger was what turned her ears away while the remaining leaders spoke.

When all the other reports had tapered off, and a patient silence fell over the crowd again to signal her turn, the RiverClan leader rose to her paws and took a step forward. She would not be kind for StarClan's sake anymore. The sacred peace of the Gathering had been broken enough times already in the past twelve moons, it was meaningless. It wasn't like StarClan deserved the honor to begin with, anyhow. "I will not pretend the events of the past couple of moons did not impact RiverClan in a profound way, but we did what we have always done - we moved past it and bounced back swiftly." There was a momentary air of bitterness in her voice, but it dissolved swiftly. "Finchstream and Snailbelly recently earned their warrior names, and Batpaw, Nutpaw, and Sunpaw are due for their warrior ceremonies next sunrise. A drove of kits are on the brink of apprenticehood, as well. Cold weather is nearing, but the river is always generous, as with every Leafbare."

The silver she-cat hesitated, staring off into the distance for a heartbeat at something invisible, thoughts collecting in her head. "My sincerest condolences go to ShadowClan in light of your loss. I had specifically hoped to thank Leopardstar tonight, but I suppose I will thank you in his stead." She then turned her head to look to Magpiewing, tail swishing. "ShadowClan has my respect for being in opposition to the Tribe - the vermin who slunk into this forest, killing, and kidnapping, and terrorizing as they went. They took friends, and family away from us all. Leopardstar was smart. the same cannot be said for every Clan." Her eyes swept over the other leaders, jaw tightening as the bitterness returned, swelling inside of her like an overflowing stream. If bridges burned, so be it. New ones could be built in their stead. "Every time before the Tribe that we opened up to strangers from outside the forest, it brought us nothing but ruin. Every kit knows this already. Despite that, half of you welcomed them like long-lost littermates. Save me your regrets, because they mean nothing to me after everything that happened because of that decision. Cats died. Cats were stolen away. Cats were left with lasting nightmares." Her voice twisted into a hiss, attention flashing from Ashstar to Crowstar. The SkyClan leader had promised her caution with the Tribe, and he'd failed. She'd thought better of him. Perhaps it was a mistake to put too much faith in anyone - that was becoming abundantly clear. "My daughter was taken by the Mist, and my son was killed by that Dark forest carrion-piece named Smokefang. I challenged you both when the Tribe arrived, and you both disregarded the consequences the forest faced by welcoming outsiders in the past, and did it anyway. I was a fool to trust your integrity as leaders, because that got us here."

With that, Fishstar leaped off of the Great Rock. She beckoned with her tail for her Clan to follow her, but didn't look back with her parting words. "Mistakes can only be forgiven so many times."

And then she disappeared into the bushes surrounding the clearing.

Willowheart shook herself out of her trance as Fishstar said her final part.
Frankly, she could care less what Fishstar thought. Ashstar and Bizzardstar, too.
She only felt emptiness.

Finally, she got to her feet and padded over to her sister, her bright amber eyes -so like her mother's- challenging.
"Get away from her." She hissed, pulling Violetpaw closer to her chest. "She doesn't want to talk to you."

OOC: mobilee

Swanpaw followed her leader's example, gracefully leaving Fourtrees without a second glance. She was somewhat sad that she hadn't caught sight of Cloverpaw, but concern for her friend faded into concern for her Clan. She hadn't seen the damage caused by the Tribe cats personally, only heard of it from others. She knew, however, that according to the other cats, the Tribe cats had brought the Mist to the forest. The Mist that had killed her mother. And so she would hate them too, for the pain they had caused her and her brothers. After all, the damage they had caused to her family couldn't be undone by any amount of apologies. Her mind drifted back to her mother as she left the Gathering, seeing her pelt shining with starlight, and she ran faster.

Lilacpaw, however, was paying close attention to everything the leaders said, and was left contented only by the knowledge that the RiverClan leader's anger wasn't fixed on ShadowClan. Immediately after, though, she felt bad for thinking that way. The cats of other Clans were still cats, after all... But her friends - her family - they were most important to her, and she couldn't help herself feeling glad that they weren't on the wrong end of another Clan's anger. She scanned the Gathering for said friends, and seeing that Willowheart and Curlypaw were both present and not too far from her made her feel better. She could see her brother Crowpaw as well, and having ensured the safety of her friends and family - well, those she could see - she fixed her attention on the leaders of the remaininig Clans once more. Would the Gathering end suddenly after Fishstar's abrupt exit? Gatherings were meant to be peaceful, weren't they? All of a sudden, this one seemed anything but.