Bleeding Stars [closed]

Despite the ethereal warmth that simmered within the dreamy realm of StarClan's territory, smokey plumes of steam still arose from the starry-flecked depths of the Wishing Pond.

The steam rose and fell thickly, moving as though a giant creature beneath the surface of the lush territory was exhaling slow, slumbering breathes. There was hardly a pattern to the gentle waves of steam, only the occasional burst of starry vapor that only lasted long enough to be replaced by the next fresh exhale. Wispy tendrils danced about, playfully protecting the heart of the ever-rippling pool and the dazzling fish that inhabited it. The soothing smoke and the soft chattering of the lapping and rolling waters served as a protective barrier from unwanted eyes and ears. Few were willing to risk such a undoubtedly stern rebuking for a supposedly unwarranted discussion of taboo topics.

Barely discernible through the thick curtain of cool vapor, several pair of gleaming eyes blinked warily at one another, hesitancy bubbling up within the depths of their ghostly eyes. Despite the common cause that had drawn the loosely scattered group of ancestors together, it was clear that the ring leader had yet to announce their presence among the mere supporters. Although the coolness of the spring before them had easily washed away the heat of the tension, many of the ghostly cats could feel a strange heat akin to wary excitement pooling from the base of their spine, eventually flooding the nonexistent flesh beneath their starry fur.

And then finally, a voice rose from above the chattering of the swirling depths of the Wishing Pond. "Well, is everyone here?" Despite her infuriating amount of confidence, Poppypaw couldn't help but keep the slight tremor from overtaking her voice.

Briarheart sat at the clearing, her eyes looking to Poppypaw once she spoke up. "Why are we here?" She asked. The fluffy brown cat wasn't sure why this handful of cats was gathering. Was it all because they were concerned about the blood infecting the clans? She liked that Riverclan was growing but she was afraid of outcast blood getting out of hand. She had noticed it in other clans but Riverclan was her old home. She wanted just wanted to fix things somewhat or at least tell the newly named leader to be careful of erasing Riverclan blood.

At the sound of a trembly voice, Willowwhiser's head lifted to glance into Poppypaw's starry eyes. Her own luminous pelt was slightly ruffled as she gazed back into the Pond, her own mind reeling. In all the time she'd spent in StarClan, she'd never felt so... uneasy. She tried to untense her muscles, but the unsettling glares from every direction across the Pond prevented her from being able to relax. "I'd like to think so." She mumbled, looking around at the collection of lustrous cats around her. There were some familiar faces that she could pick out, but many that she had never really seemed to associate with. It came as a relief that they all had nearly the same views on a certain subject, after all, was that not what they were there for?

--

Brackenberry had never been much of a social cat, so the slight gathering of cats was already making him somewhat nervous, alongside the fact that he wasn't actually sure if he wanted to be a part of it. He'd never much liked to dabble with the Clan cats lives, and he was worried about what may happen in light of this meeting. "She has a point." He noted the she-cat that had spoken right before her, a RiverClan cat that he'd seen around before. He looked around at the assemblage of cats, letting his eyes finally rest on Poppypaw, who'd been the first to speak. He'd have to assume that she'd be the one leading this gathering, as he couldn't see why she'd be speaking up otherwise.

"Tsk, be patient and let them talk." Another ghostly cat appeared in the Wishing Pound, his green eyes glancing at the Starclan cats gathered. Just like them, he didn't know exactly why they were here but he wasn't so nervous or concerned about it. He sat down with an expressionless face, sometimes moving his long, lean tail from one side to another, bored.

Even if he was a former tribe cat, the spotted tom had taken the title of a warrior and embraced their beliefs when he was alive. It was no wonder why he was here in Starclan but the real question was why he was chosen to be here, among these other clan cats. It was obviously an important reunion... would this affect his daughters in Skyclan? If there was a thing that worried this apparently unexpressive tom was his remaining family in the clans. He was worried about Tigerpaw's interest in Pantherblaze... not only he was a half-clan cat but he also had a tendency to be particularly violent and cruel. If he dared to lay a paw on his precious daughter... he would not hesitate to make him pay.

"You're here for the same reason as any of us are," Despite the carefully measured words, an impish tone sweetened Sparrowleaf's already soft voice, "Because you care." Hardly discernible through the thickly wafting plumes of richly colored smoke, the former Medicine Cat was only visible through her russet markings. Murky gaze traveling slowly from each feature, a knowing glint was clearly visible within their glimmering depths. The weak light of the eternal starry sky bathed Sparrowleaf's grey fur in an odd halo-like light, which rippled and swayed like the water before her with every subtle movement portrayed. Ears swiveling upright, the former Medicine Cat paused for a brief heartbeat, undoubtedly searching for any signs of unwanted company. Even among the dead, it wasn't always safe. The last thing she needed was all of her carefully orchestrated plans sent scattered into the wind all because of some bumbling apprentice.

Once she was satisfied with the lack of straying noises or scents, Sparrowleaf straightened up once more. Resolve tightened her muscles, locking her form in an imposing outline that displayed unwavering confidence. Not even the fact that she was in mixed company could take away from her entitled sense of determination. It was all falling into place. The realization made her fur prickle slightly with anticipation, the urge to succumb into her looming sense of triumph so great she nearly couldn't resist. A lifetime of plotting, just mere heartbeats of being put into play. "I assure you, the fears that bind us together are more than just. Savagery reside in the place of greatness, lead by those who have all but spit on the ways of old." A note of bitter fury had tinged her voice, sharpening the edge of it substantially. "The desperation these spineless Leaders of theirs have has all but run what we hold so dearly straight into the awaiting jaws of oblivion- and yet, so few care."

Pausing for a brief heartbeat, Sparrowleaf swallowed down the thorn of rage that had blossomed within her chest. Were they all truly so blind? They had deemed the old ways primitive and prejudiced, completely disregarding the fact that it was the old ways that kept them from falling into listless rogues! Perhaps, if she was one to be overcome with emotion, she would've allowed herself a few tears in mourning for what was lost. How can I be the only one to care? "But I care. Which is why I have called you here on this evening, to show you that I intend on following through with what I promised. The change will come, it's just only a matter of time."

To follow up with her words, Sparrowleaf reached forward with a nimble paw, the pristine white fur of her foot a sharp contrast to the stark colors of the lifeless steam. Gently brushing her forepaw against the rippling surface of the Wishing Pond, the rough vision of a heavily pregnant Queen was only just visible through the swirling depths of the dazzling waters. "Gaze upon destiny, for it has arrived."

---

Owlish gaze straining to pick out the obscured form of Sparrowleaf through the haze of steam, Poppypaw remained silent as the words rang within her ears with a vigorous quality. The tendrils of apprehensive enthusiasm merely tightened at the long-dead RiverClanner's words, sparking her soul with a hungry flame. The validation of the fears and hopes she held onto was sweet- sweeter than anything she had experienced during her brief life. No longer would the living be subjected to needless pain or suffering, they would only know a life of righteous morality. Everything...would be okay. Leaning forward to catch a glimpse of the ebbing and flowing image of the Queen, the long-furred calico's whiskers trembled with something akin to excitement.

"So it'll happen soon after all."