We Have a Lot of Work to Do [OPEN WIDE]

It was time... Jaystar knew he couldn't delay this meeting any longer. It was for his mother's sake... for the souls of those who were killed by fox-hearted that were never punished. The leader stood up slowly in his nest and he looked at the entrance... remembering how Goldeneye disappeared through there angry at him. They never had a chance to talk. Both of them didn't have time for that anymore and he hated it. The tom didn't want to lose someone he loved so much again...

He shook his head. He knew he had to focus on the main issue of his clan. After that problem was settled,... he was going to try to arrange a small meeting with her. But now, he had to talk with his deputy.

The leader left his den and when his green eyes gazed at Scorchclaw, he made his way to him. The older tom greeted him with a nod before speaking his true intentions. "Scorchclaw, please come to my den as soon as you can. There's something we must discuss together." He mewed, simulating a calm yet serious expression. Jaystar walked back to his den and waited. Jaystar knew that the last time Riverclan irrupted into Thunderclan's camp, his deputy was chosen by Ivystar, when he was an apprentice, to join the patrol. He saw Specklefang's unfair death but little did he know about what truly happened with Rowanpaw. Now that the truth was revealed, it was time to act and his second in command needed to know the reasons behind the patrol he was planning to organize.

The sound of approaching pawsteps caused Scorchclaw to raise his head. The fluffy deputy had just returned from a border patrol, and he was feeling somewhat exhausted. The matter of the recently exiled Shade had most cats on edge. The short-furred warrior had clearly left behind some threats before leaving RiverClan camp. Although he had already increased the number of patrols, Scorchclaw couldn't help the unease roiling within him. No matter what, he didn't want to let another clanmate suffer because of his carelessness. The thought of the murderous tom made him want to grind his teeth together in frustration. He wanted nothing more to be able to rest right now, perhaps grab some food. Nevertheless, it seemed that StarClan refused to grant him a reprieve. As Jaystar entered his vision, he straightened his posture in respect. Upon hearing what the gray leader had to say, his jade-green eyes narrowed slightly. It was clear from the other tom's expression and tone that there was an important matter to be discussed. "Got it." He mewed with a slight nod.

Since he no current duties that needed to be carried out, it wasn't long before his silhouette appeared in the entrance to the Leader's Den. The large tabby tom stepped into the shady interior to where he could see Jaystar waiting for him. "What did you want to discuss, Jaystar?" He asked carefully, his fluffy tail flicked slowly from side to side. He could only hope that it wasn't more bad news.

The tom waited inside his den until the brown-furred tom entered. The tom took a deep breath, trying to let go of everything that tormented his aching heart and his troubled mind. He couldn't hesitate. Justice had to be made. And he was the only one who could do it. "Scorchclaw... do you recall the time in the last Gathering that I asked for a meeting with Thunderclan? It's... time. I can't leave the camp unprotected so I want to ask you to stay here and lead Riverclan temporary. If I don't return by midnight, go to Thunderclan with our best warriors... attack if necessary. But I'm sure this will not be necessary."

Jaystar glanced past the deputy to the entrance. He had an announcement to make but he didn't want to go without telling what this was about to Scorchclaw. After all, he was his deputy and despite his young age, he had faced and endured tons of hardships due to Shadefang's threat. He had earned his trust and if he trusted him, the leader had to be honest with him. "You must be wondering why your leader is acting so enigmatic... ha... During my leader's ceremony... a Thunderclan she-cat appeared... a cat that you know: Specklefang. As you might remember, she was killed by Ivystar for the crime of murdering one of your denmates during your apprentice-hood, Rowanpaw. But if she was in Starclan, she couldn't be the murderer... and that meant the true killer was or is still in Thunderclan... After her, Ivystar's confirmed my doubts. The two cats who murdered our clanmate live and they not only kill him but let a clanmate of them die. I need to ask for justice. It was my mother's last request and... I believe is the right to do..."

Scorchclaw knew about the request that Jaystar had made to Leopardstar at the last gathering. He had thought that it was strange; however, he had not had the opportunity to ask the tall gray leader the reason for the meeting yet. It had been pushed to the back of his mind as the days succeeding the gathering had passed, but now it was brought forward again. So this was what Jaystar wanted to discuss with him. The ominous instructions caused the fur along his back to rise. However, he didn't say anything and continued to watch the older tom with piercing green eyes, silently waiting for him to go on.

When Jaystar did continue, the news he delivered was nothing less than shocking. The brown tabby tom stared blankly at his leader for a moment, absorbing the information he was just given. His words stirred memories of his apprentice-hood. It seemed like ages ago that he had been nothing more than a 'paw, but he would never forget that time that he had visited ThunderClan's camp. Well, perhaps 'visited' was not quite the right word for it. Heronflight (hadn't he been Heronpaw then?) dragging Rowanpaw's lifeless body into the camp. The latter tom's fur still wet from the river water. In her rage, Ivystar had led a small patrol into ThunderClan territory to demand justice. Scorchclaw had been one of the cats who were chosen. He remembered Specklefang on that day; so infuriatingly full of herself, even in the face of Ivystar's wrath. Then she had died after swallowing deathberries. What was Jaystar saying? She hadn't been the murderer. Aah, he felt like he had headache. Just when the conflict with ThunderClan had been dying down, another issue had to pop up. By now, he really shouldn't be surprised. The two clans seemed destined to be at odds forever.

The fluffy deputy glanced down at his paws, before looking up again. "Are you sure you want to do this?" He asked in a low voice, eyes narrowed. The last time, ThunderClan had not given Specklefang and Flamepaw up without a fight. Now Jaystar wanted to go to their camp and demand that they punish another two of their cats? "What if this leads to another war?" While it wasn't Scorchclaw's intention to be disrespectful toward his leader, he was also a cat who spoke his mind.

The tom watched to his deputy silently and closed his eyes for a second, meditating his words. Scorchclaw wasn't wrong. There was a chance of an upcoming war if Leopardstar disagreed with him. However... how could he do nothing when a good warrior died for two murderers of one of his clanmates? He grew believing that Specklefang was a murderer, a despicable monster that killed a cat that was barely an apprentice. Everything he knew about her was wrong thanks to Wildfire and Sharptooth. It made him angry. He just simply couldn't let them be living happily while the she-cat's memory is tainted with lies and Rowanpaw's life had not been avenged. "It's not something I want to do, but something I have to. I-I named him an apprentice because I thought he was r-ready... As the one who allowed Rowankit to become an apprentice just to be killed days after... I can't rest in peace until justice is done."

Jaystar stood up and walked closer to his deputy. Somehow... he reminded him of himself when he was in his position. A young warrior who was put in a high rank on the verge of a possible conflict between clans. "I... I understand your concerns... I'm afraid too for my clan. But trust me when I say I'll do everything in paws to come up with an agreement between me and Leopardstar about the fate of these two killers. I can't predict the future... but I believe this is the best choice. Not only Rowanpaw's deserves justice... but Thunderclan needs to know the truth." He offered him a gentle but tired smile. Jaystar didn't know the right answer but he had to try his best. He hoped Scorchclaw would understand him.

The leader passed by his side to the exit of his den, when his clan was waiting. It was time to make an important announcement. He looked back at his deputy and flicked his tail, calling for him to leave the den with him. "Shall we begin?" The tom asked more to himself than to the other warrior. He had to be brave.

The tall tom finally walked to the outside, straight and with his chin tall. In a strong leap, he landed on the top of the Willow Branch, already knowing what he had to say. "Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey, gather beneath the willow branch for a clan meeting!"

Splashwillow and Adderpaw, who had previously been sharing a leisurely meal together, both redirected their attention to Jaystar, dropping whatever mindless conversation that they had previously been indulging in. Pushing away the partially consumed remains of the plump fish that they had been sharing, the two she-cat's exchanged a short, confused glance.

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Lichenpaw spit out the foul-tasting clump of moss that he had currently been clutching, relieved to get rid of the soiled piece of bedding. Hurriedly checking to see if another cat was currently observing him, the young tom quickly kicked the partially rolled up bundle of moss towards the edge of the camp, clearly not intending to go after it. Scuttling towards the Willow tree, the young tom's features betrayed his eagerness.

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Sunfish drowsily peered out from within the Warrior's den, features still soft with sleep. Taking advantage of the reprieve between her duties, she had intended on taking a brief nap. Trying to push down the spark of irritation at being interrupted, she didn't fully rise up from her nest.

Scorchclaw's expression as he listened to Jaystar was unreadable. He sat as still as a stone statue, not even twitching a whisker. Unlike the other tom, he did not have a scrap of sympathy for Specklefang even after learning the truth now. Due to her actions, the true murderers had been allowed to go unpunished for so long. He wasn't as kind-hearted as his leader. Maybe the ThunderClan warrior had thought to save her clan through sacrificing herself, but her noble reasons meant nothing to him. She had only herself to blame for her death. However, he also agreed that allowing Rowanpaw's murderers to go unpunished would be unfair for the dead apprentice. Just like Jaystar, he wanted justice. A moment of silence passed between the two cats. Sighing softly, he finally nodded his head. "I understand. You are my leader; I will do as you tell me to." The fluffy deputy got to his paws and followed the other tom out of the den.

As his eyes readjusted to the brightness outside, Scorchclaw blinked once. The sight that stretched out before him was that of his clanmates ambling to and fro in a bustling camp. A group of apprentices tumbled by, their rowdy chatter reaching his ears. While the brown tabby tom lingered by the entrance to the Leader's Den, Jaystar had already leaped unto the Willow Branch. His loud call instantly captured the attention of the surrounding cats. Scorchclaw's paws carried him to his seat as his clanmates began to crowd towards the meeting place. He looked up at Jaystar, his pupils narrowed to slits.

Cinderfall padded under the willow branch. Perhaps today, Crowpaw would be named a warrior. Or maybe it was another ceremony. Who knew?
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Spotfur limped to his favorite spot to sit under the branch. It didn't seem like a ceremony today. It was more like that time Ivystar was announcing to get justice for Fawnsong... he took a glance at Flamepaw. He hadn't heard of any other murders at the gatherings. Or while sharing tounges. Could they be giving Sunningrocks back to Thunderclan? Surely Jaystar wouldn't stoop to that level?
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Flamepaw was there too. She tried to keep the other cats from noticing her, but the older ones stared at her. Why? She hadn't done something that she remembered... what if she killed someone in her sleep!?

Smokewish padded softly over to the meeting, taking a seat beside Spotfur. She had barely left his side since the incident with Shadefang... Shadefang. She should have told someone. He wouldn’t really have killed Nutfur... Would he? He was that far gone, he probably would kill anyone. That was what scared her the most, the fact that her dearest mate, her Spotfur, could have been killed. She shuffled a little closer to him until their pelts were touching, twining her tail with his. She couldn’t let anything happen to him. She couldn’t live with herself if he ever died. She exhaled softly thorough her nose, leaning her head gently on his shoulder. Hopefully this meeting would be just like the others Jaystar had conducted, and nothing like when Ivystar had declared war on ThunderClan. She needed to be able to keep her loved ones safe.

Muddypaw glanced up from his fresh-kill at the sound of Jaystar's yowl. He quickly scarfed down the rest of his meal before trotting underneath the willow branch next to his mentor, Smokewish. What could Jaystar possibly be calling a meeting for? He glanced around in search of any kits ready to become apprentices. His gut wrenched as he pondered what his leader would say, his thoughts racing. Whatever it is, it can't be good, he concluded.

Snowblossom padded out of the warriors' den at her leader's call, scanning the faces of her Clanmates to see what kind of meeting it was. Both leader and deputy looked worried, and she didn't know of any cats ready for ceremonies. The fluffy white she-cat sat down, green eyes slightly anxious as they gazed at the tom atop the Willow Branch. Maybe, hopefully, she was just misreading the signs, and Jaystar was concerned about something else. But if her intuition was correct- and she'd always been good at seeing others' feelings- RiverClan was about to get some bad news.

Meadowpaw looked up as she saw Jaystar leap up onto the willow branch, calling to gather the clan. She stood up, and padded to sit by Snowblossom. Looking at her mother, she saw worry cloud the fluffy white she-cat's green gaze. Meadowpaw hoped that her leader had to say wouldn't be bad.

Flurrypaw blinked up at Jaystar curiously as she padded away from the apprentices' den to sit by Snowblossom and Meadowpaw. She wondered what this meeting would be about. She could already tell by the grave expression on the leader's face that it wasn't anything cheerful like an apprentice or warrior ceremony...

Lakewhisper and Turtlepaw had just arrived from a small hunting patrol when Jaystar's call rang out across the clearing. The tom looked anything but happy, and it made his fur stand on end. He had a family now, and he didn't know if he was ready for his kits to have to endure any hardships yet. They were still so young... Shaking out his fluffy pelt- and with it his worrisome thoughts- he gave Turtlepaw an affectionate lick between her ears before padding over to join his mate and other kits.

Turtlepaw's ears perked at the sound of Jaystar's familiar call, and at the sight of the worried look in his eyes and her father's eyes, she felt anxiety course through her. What's going on? Her blue eyes darted around the clearing for any threat to be found, but there were none.

She gave her father a loving purr as she felt his tongue rasp the top of her head, and followed him to join the rest of her family. The presence of her kind calmed her nerves a bit, and now she just waited slightly anxious for Jaystar to address them.

Nutfur recognized that tone as one of both fear and anger. Something she had felt many times herself, but had the feeling that it was different in Jaystar. Reminded her more of Ivystar than it did of herself. Padding out into the clearing, she sat down beside Smokewish and Spotfur, nuzzling her mate quickly before sitting down. Both of them were obviously tense, probably having the same worries that she did. Catching the look the three legged tom shot at Flamepaw, she followed his gaze and sighed. Hopefully this wouldn't be about her, or anything similar to what had happened to her. Maybe this was to tell them good new. Shadefang could be dead, and that was what they were being told. But something told her that this was most definitely not a ceremony.
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Hillpaw strutted out beneath the Willow Branch, chest puffed out as he sat down. While he recognized that Jaystar seemed different than usual, he didn't suspect anything anything. He couldn't help but notice Flamepaw, and that she had come out for a RiverClan clan meeting. Didn't she know that it was only for real RiverClanners? Forgetting all about how the leader's tone had seemed a bit odd, he pranced on over to her, lip curled with disgust. "I didn't know you could even catch your own prey, ThunderClanner."