Karma's Gonna Come Collect Your Debt [OPEN WIDE]

Blizzardshine’s legs literally gave in under her weight when the news arrived. Her head felt it was spinning like if suddenly she had been sucked by a powerful tornado. Many things had crossed her mind when Jaystar had arrived, but knowing she had allowed one of her best friends to be condemned to die…when she was innocent? That her paws were stained with innocent blood that she would never be able to wash off?

She didn’t care if the RiverClan cats saw her, she didn’t care if she looked pathetic or weak for the first time in a long time. She broke down crying.

Grief that had been held back by a wall created by the belief Specklefang was a murderer had been released, and now it overwhelmed the former leader. She was too busy mourning her fallen friend’s death to even feel mad at Wildfire and Sharptooth for the crime they had been accused of. That anger, that indignation, it simply would’ve to wait for the strong sadness that overflowed her to recede if it ever wanted a chance to take over the queen.

However, the words of her clanmates forced her back to the real world and to look up from her white paws. She listened, at first silent, but the grief joined forces with the strong feeling of guilt that had been haunting her day and night since that awful day, strengthened beyond what she felt possible after Jaystar’s revelation. Shaky paws forced her back up with a determined glare in her tear filled eyes.

“Claiming justice is fine…but if what you are asking for is for us to commit the same mistake we made in our past and sit as out clanmates are executioner…no, sorry but no” Her voice was low and shaky, but filled with determination and a tone she had only used during her time as leader to let anyone know her point of view wasn’t up for discussion “Since that day, since the day I stepped back and allowed Ivystar to dictate the fate of my clanmates, the guilt has been my constant companion. Knowing my paws were stained with blood that would never be cleaned, know that I had broken the promise I made a long time ago to never take a life…” Her eyes went from Jaystar to Leopardstar and then back to Jaystar.

“A cat can learn and grow from their mistakes, their future is not written in stone. But how will we ever know if those that disappointed us in the past won’t become the very cats that will save us in the future if we don’t give them a chance. Life is a precious thing, once lost you can’t replace it, and taking one away, regardless of the reason, puts us at the exact same level the worst scum of the Dark Forest is” Her tongue still held many examples, mentions of injustices made by RiverClan, cats who had proven her both right and wrong with their actions in the past…and yet she decided to not use any of them. The last thing she wanted was even more unnecessary bloodshed.

“Didn’t we all lost enough? Haven’t we all suffered enough? Please, don’t bring back from the grave a war that was finally starting to become nothing but tales of a distant past. We shall decide how to deal with these crimes, but don’t let more blood be spilled. It won't only don't bring those we lost, it won't only not fix anything at all...it will only cause more pain”.

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Bonepaw looked the unfolding scene from a sunny patch, flicking an ear as he sighed as yet again he expected the warriors to break into battle, or worse, for the war of old to restart over a couple cats that had committed a crime a very long time ago. He knew all crimes deserved punishment, but to come and reopen old wounds and then make new ones over them…seriously the clans were nothing but a bunch of cats with never ending desire to cause harm and pain to those before them, weren’t they?

“So we are fixing things by breaking them even further, aren’t we? Funny how the only way you think problems can be solved is through spilling blood, breaking apart families and causing old grudges to be revived. How are the clans not extinct by now if that’s the path we all walk?” His wide carefree grin and relaxed posture could’ve caused many to think he was just joking, but his cold eyes that contrasted with both made clear he was being serious.

Rainpaw's blood ran cold and his paws felt numbed, the forboding feeling of nausea swirling in his mind as he was just told his mother was a murderer. All this time, she had slept soundly, ate soundly, lazed about in camp and complained about mundane problems all after letting her grandmother take the fall for her crime. Why had StarClan gone to RiverClan for this? Why had she killed an apprentice in the first place? "How could you? You spoke of RiverClan as if they were the scum lining the river. Preached about their cowardly behavior. Our family drops like flies and you indulged in sloth, watching as one of our own took the blame for you! You're more of a coward than any decent RiverClanner could ever be! I-" There was a splitting pain that exploded across his face and the warm sensation of blood. Had she...?

Wildfire didn't panic when the truth was revealed closing her eyes and standing up. Glancing down, she saw the defeated look in her mate's eyes. She knew nothing of his promise to Thistlepaw and if she did, it would not have stopped what she was about to do.Her claws were stained with her own son's blood now and for a split second, she was surprised by the wound she herself had just inflicted. With a snarl on her face, she padded through the crowd and made up her mind. She scoffed as her mother submitted and was beginning to discuss how they'd kill her. Pathetic. Blizzardshine's plea for peace. Worthless. The blood stuck to her claws. Disappointing. "RiverClan is but a tick in the pelt of the forest. They feed off of the fish with little work, they drain the efforts of ShadowClan's pity, WindClan's weakness, SkyClan's indifference..." Her gaze locked on Blizzardshine for a moment. "Blizzardshine's idiocy. I envy the fox that took you mother's life, Jaystar. I had dreamed of doing it ever since your mother's filthy maw dragged Flickerpaw from her rightful place. I sat my warrior's vigil wondering if she would ever do the same and silently hoped she had died rather than becoming part of the rotten fish you call camp. My father died because of your clan as well. Injured by one of those rats you call clanmates and later, that injury got him killed while he saved the life of another. Look at your clan. They have grown taking everything that wasn't theirs. I intend to feel that same feeling now. My only regret is that it can only be done nine times. I'd rather do it twenty times over." The she-cat spat before she lunged at the tom with outstretched claws. The anger that had pent up in her for her whole life now empowering her. Hawkpaw had told her to stop complaining and do things herself in life when he came to her dreams at the Moonstone. Perhaps this was not what he meant but it was what she would take it as. Reflecting on her life, she noted how everything had been done for a reason. Even taking a mate. Only doing so to get closer to Leopardstar. The fact that Newttongue loved her was unfortunate and the fact she had begun to feel the same way just a moon ago was foolish of her. Her son was a direct connection to StarClan and she knew that was meant for something. But, she had hoped that something would be leadership. Well, tearing Jaystar to shreds would be just as rewarding.

Silverfang heard all of Thunderclan's pathetic excuses quietly, containing her rage. If she spoke out of her turn, she would risk the trust that Jaystar had put on her shoulder. That was why she remained still but with her paws pressed harshly against the dirt, almost unsheathing her claws. Her muscles were tense and the senior warrior only wanted to end this soon so the storm in her heart would stop.

However... he felt something. While Jaystar was distracted, the she-cat saw another cat approaching him and her words put her in a state of alert. Without a warning, Wildfire jumped to attack her leader and Silverfang's instincts acted for her. In a blink, she jumped in between the two cats and jumped to the Thunderclanner, grabbing her by her belly. She fell and after some hisses and claws, she pinned her down, her jaws closed around her chest, completely immobilized to hurt her leader anymore. But after what she had done... the senior warrior didn't contain. Her claws ripped her belly and her fangs sunk into her chest and neck.

But when she came back to her senses, the RiverClanner stopped and stepped back, knowing the mistake she had made.

Jaystar watched the scene with panic at first. He saw the danger and was about to react when silver fur flashed in front of him. Everything happened too fast and then he saw the wounded body of the cat who attempted to kill him, barely alive for the wounds. In the end, a murderer was a murderer. He did not come here wanting death because he had hoped to come up with an agreement with Leopardstar. It was a shame that Thunderclan had misjudged his intentions but now... maybe they weren't so wrong. Wildfire attempted to kill him. She was a treacherous murder scum... and deep inside... he knew she deserved it.

Silverfang looked at her leader, worried that she would see the disappointment in his eyes. But they weren't. Jaystar nodded silently and the she-cat understood. She returned to his side, ears lowered and waited. "Thank you..." He whispered only to her to hear. After all, she saved his life. She might have made mistakes but she wasn't disloyal to him or Riverclan. That was something he valued too.

Then, the leader turned his face to see the rest of Thunderclan's camp. "Most of you have said your opinions as I've wanted to murder every killer here. I've never stated such a thing because I've come here to talk. But then again... I've proven you're misguided. You've been trying so hard to protect these two for the crimes and wanting me to leave as they didn't do anything, having the vain hope that they don't deserve a thing because of all the grief my clan suppodsely have given to you. Can you see now the true faces of the murderers you've been sheltering under your dens? I did not come here for death but the ones that are to be judged have given me reasons to think that I might do it." Jaystar faced the other leader, with sharp green eyes. "This cat is Wildfire, isn't it? I won't apologize for my clanmate's actions. She tried to murder me right in front of your eyes before we could have come to a proper agreement."

Leopardstar didn’t break eye contact with the rival leader that stood before him, merely flicking an ear in an undeterminable response to Marshstorm’s worries.  He knew very well that Jaystar was a much more reasonable leader than Ivystar had ever been...but any form of trust the tom had ever held in RiverClan had been shattered.  They had flounced the Warrior Code without a care for their own benefit too many times and wreaked havoc in his clan’s sanctuary without a lick of respect.  This day would not be one to continue that trend.

As the gray tabby tom began to explain himself, Leopardstar allowed his gaze to sweep for a moment over the crowd of RiverClan warriors and apprentices once again.  He had to admit that, even though this was one big escort party, he probably would’ve brought back up to an enemy clan’s camp as well, especially if he was bringing potentially controversial news, which from Jaystar’s hints seemed to be the case.  His nerves began to soften, but he remained on guard.  If a single one of them put a paw out of line, they were all gone before they could say ‘attack’.

In a heartbeat though, thoughts of suspicion and defense seemed to float away on a soft twilight breeze, because night had just fallen over him at the name Specklefang.  The quotes returned from his ceremony, his dreams, and he felt his paws stiffen.  So his instincts had been correct... today he would learn the truth.  He was about to speak up, mention her appearance in his own ceremony, but Jaystar swept on with a statement that sent his blood running cold.

“She wasn’t the cat who murdered Rowanpaw, but a cat of your clan who’s living here without punishment.”

“What?!”  Leopardstar’s eyes widened to the size of full moons.  “You...you can’t be serious!”  It seemed though, that he was.  The ThunderClan leader’s outward shock slowly began to fade as Jaystar went on...but it was only being channeled within, to be quickly joined by rage.  How is this possible...they sentenced the wrong cat to death!  Her family suffered...the clan suffered, for a false claim!  Why had Specklefang never told him?!  She could’ve in the ceremony...had she wanted this news to come from RiverClan instead?  Why would she, it didn’t make any sense to him.  They could’ve handled this on their own without a patrol breathing down their necks...but there was no point in asking the what ifs.  He needed to face this, here and now.

His hazel eyes narrowed further and further as Jaystar kept talking, about how Ivystar had been the one to reveal the truth to him, how Specklefang must have been a wonderful cat and she deserved justice along with the apprentice, stating the obvious…  “Quit rambling Jaystar and tell me who did it already!”  His words came out as a hiss, but he didn’t care.  There had been enough stalling and theatrics.  Even though he asked for it though...he was not prepared for the answer

Wildfire and Sharptooth

Leopardstar was speechless.  His mouth opened, but no sound came out.  His gaze faltered, and fell to the ground, watching it as if it was about to fall out from under him.  No...no, it can’t be...not her own family...not my apprentice!  Alas though...he knew it was true.  He didn’t want to believe it, but he had to.  The apprentice he had trained since six moons...and the mother of his adopted son’s kit...were murderers and liars.

“Jaystar….I-”  He cut himself off as Sharptooth stepped forward, her head raised high.  She resembled her mother so much in this moment, the same determined gleam in their eyes...but his paws shook with indignation.  This cat had allowed her mother, her own mother, take the fall for her crimes.  He couldn’t stop the way his lip began to curl; she would never know how privileged she was to have had a mother who was willing to be slaughtered just to protect her.  As she continued to speak though, he stepped forward and hissed.  “No one will die today, peacefully or violently.  Stand aside.”  His voice was like jets of ice as he fixed his gaze on the brown tabby she-cat, rumbling out of his throat like a warning roar.

His ears twitched as the clan began to speak up; he couldn’t help wincing as Leafstorm hissed at Jaystar.  An eye for an eye, a kit for a kit… He had said the same thing to the RiverClan leader after his son had died...but that agreement couldn’t work now.  Blizzardshine’s sobs struck his heart, and as the clan began to cry he could feel his heart beginning to race.  He had promised them things would get better...how was he going to fix this?!

Out of the corner of his eye, he finally noticed Wildfire, and her son Rainpaw.  His grandson...not by blood, but by heart.  How broken he must feel...he listened as he berated her, spoke to her exactly as he would have, but Leopardstar’s eyes widened as the she-cat whipped up a paw, and clawed her son across the face.  “W...Wildfire!”  His furious yowl was meaningless though, as the ginger she-cat stepped forward...and sprung.  “No!”

He was about to spring forward to pull his warrior off of Jaystar, but one of his entourage beat him to it.  The scarred silver tabby, clearly battle-hardened and skilled.  Before his eyes, he watched as she grabbed Wildfire like a piece of prey, pinned her...and shredded her.  He stepped back, unsheathed claws quivering against the ground, as her blood flowed out of the cuts too deep to heal.  She was nearly dead.

“N..No…”  His hazel eyes glowed with a hesitant sorrow as he stared down at her.  This could’ve been worked out...she could’ve lived!  Why had she been so reckless…  As much as he wanted to blame RiverClan, he knew that he couldn’t.  She had attacked them, they had defended themselves...there was nothing he could do.  Now, thanks to her, this messy situation had just gotten worse.  Whipping his head around, he fixed Sharptooth with a venomous glare before turning to his deputy.  "Make sure she doesn't try anything."

Forcing himself to remain calm, he met Jaystar’s threat without fear.  “Yes, that is Wildfire, and you have no need to apologize.”  To even his own surprise, he turned to his clan, and hissed.  “Those of you who are defending these two cats by dragging up claims of past trauma...stop.  We have not yet heard the full story.  Don’t defend someone until you know what exactly you’re defending, ThunderClan.  We are a family, but we must admit the truth in the times that we are wrong.”  His eyes narrowing, he turned back to Jaystar.  “I am sorry for my warrior’s actions, both past and present.  This is a matter deeply personal to ThunderClan, as you can see, and I’m afraid that you being here in these kinds of numbers is only adding to the tension.”  What he was about to say was probably not smart...but it was what he needed.  This chaos would not lead to something fair for both sides, and he could only hope he wouldn’t live to regret this.  His eyes darkening with a deep resolve, he spoke.

“With all due respect, I must ask you and your escorts to leave.  I thank you for the valuable information, and I promise that it will not be brushed aside.  I will inform you of Sharptooth’s punishment once it has been decided.”

"Inform us?" Minnowslip spat at the ground with her words, her ears were flat against her skull as she looked at the ThunderClan leader incredulously. Her body was shaking with rage at the audacity of the ThunderClan's foolish warrior that tried to harm her leader, as if insulting her former leader wasn't enough for the little rat. She was half-tempted to go over to Sharptooth and rip the other warrior apart, send her off to join her filthy forest-scum friend.

"Who's the leader of this clan, Leopardstar? Blizzardstar or you? Sharptooth has asked for a warrior's death, I'll give him one." The brown tabby knew that she was speaking out of turn, but she was spitting mad at the idea that Leopardstar wanted them to just walk away after all this. ThunderClan had tried to kill their leader, and a cat in league with that ingrate was just standing there. No, she refused to step down.

Sharptooth's face twisted with fury as she watched Wildfire fall. They would pay- she would haunt their dreams from the Dark Forest if need be, but she would fine a way to avenge her daughter.
"And you call us murders." She whispered, brushing of Leopardclaw's burning gaze and turning once more to face the Riverclanners. Her heart was pounding in her ears. She wouldn't accept exile: There was only one way to make things right. "Once I die, I'll go to the Dark Forest. That's what you all want, isn't it?" Although she was addressing Jaystar, she spoke loud enough that her voice echoed through camp. "Exile... that's what you're planning, isn't it, Leopardstar? You of all cats should know that an exile doesn't solve everything- or have you forgotten Rockthorn?" Her eyes narrowed, tufted ears flattening against her head. There was no going back now. Maybe if she dug deep enough, found his weakness, he'd stand aside and let her get what she deserved. Her claws dug into the earth as if clinging to life.

Funny, how one notices everything about themselves before they die. Every breath sent hot air shooting from her, heated by her own flesh, blood, and bone. Her heart beat a ceaseless rhythm, working constantly day and night. "I'm ashamed of you, Leopardstar. Family always comes first. Always." She knew Leopardstar well. Countless hours spent with the leader while training had given her to read the tom's outermost thoughts with a glance. If only he could see what was going through her mind now. "Perhaps, if you'd known that, you would still have living children left to care for you. Now;" She whirled around to face the Riverclanner, eyes flashing. Please, please. The sooner she died, the sooner she'd arrive in the Dark Forest. Perhaps then, if she was lucky, she'd be allowed to visit Leopardstar once or twice and explain herself. That is, if he'd listen.
"If you're really willing to grant my request, I'll allow you to strike first." She spoke through gritted teeth, stepping back into a fighting stance. Her hackles rose, but a steady calm ran over her. She didn't deserve such an honorable death, but then again, when had she ever deserved anything? Her mates, her children, her children's children. Her mother, her mentor, her friends. All of them purer in spirit and stronger in soul.
Forgive me.

The ThunderClan deputy didn't suppress the rumbling growl that crept out of his throat at Jaystar's beginning words. At first, because he mentioned Specklefang, then because he declared his intention. He took a single pawstep closer. His head high but amber eyes filled with disgust and distaste for the RiverClan cats before him. Guilt clawed at his chest, but he hadn't been there for what had happened. He had played no part in the sentance, execution or jury. Still, it didn't matter. This clan was his home, and for a RiverClan cat to just stroll in and demand justice for a cat long dead. The fur on his spine rose, even as he quelled his growls with a couple deep breaths.

Attacking him, would solve nothing. Violence, wouldn't be the answer that was needed. He had to be smart. His gaze even at Jaystar even as Leopardstar seemed stunned by the news.
"You have no right to come here, to claim 'justice' for Rowanpaw." He spoke lowly and dark. His words cut through the stunned silence. "ThunderClan has paid for their life, in blood. Specklefang may have not done it, but to suggest that her sacrifice means nothing in your eyes." His gaze narrowed. "Specklefang chose to sacrifice herself, and the courage of that sacrifice is to be honoured Jaystar."

Marshstorm's words were cut short when Sharptooth interrupted, then Wildfire. He stared at his two clanmates with no less disdain than he had levelled at Jaystar. For moons, these two cats had lied not just to him and Leopardstar, but to the entire clan. He had trusted them, put faith in them. His heart lurched to think of the apprentices they were supposed to mentor. Then, as Wildfire attacked, he felt any residual hope exhausted. The ginger she-cat's body lay bleeding on the ground.

Within moments, he barrelled into Sharptooth. Shoved her out of the way and loomed over her with his bulk the moment Leopardstar had given the order.
"No more blood. Not this day, Sharptooth." He hissed lowly. Ears flattened, his entire focus was keeping his body between her and RiverClan. "Think about Wisteriapool, about Featherheart. Do you think she would want this of you, would he?" He tore his gaze away from her to look towards the RiverClan cats. Pelt bristled in defiance.
"Now I believe you heard our leader. Leave, now."

---

Dewshine kept quiet during the affair and exchange as accusations were thrown and names tossed. She looked down guiltily at the thought of a cat dying for nothing... but the sudden movement of Silverfang caught her eye. She lunged forward, at first to stop the other she-cat, but then she noticed how Wildfire had leapt at Jaystar. Time seemed to freeze, as the blood of the former warrior ran deep into the earth. As Silverfang padded back to them.

She had to. Wildfire had attacked Jaystar... but Dewshine stared at Silverfang. Her blue eyes wide in fear and shock at what the other warrior had done so effortlessly. Was killing just that easy for her? Did it not even phase her at all?

Lichenpaw felt a queer sense of detachment as he witnessed the ensuing bloodshed.

In one heartbeat, Wildfire was lunging for Jaystar. In the next, Silverfang was effortlessly hurling the she-cat into the dirt, practically eviscerating her without a second thought. And in the final moment, Wildfire's sightless eyes were rolling up into the depths of her head like a freshly culled animal, the foul stench of death already clinging to her rapidly stiffening form. So this was the best that the mighty ThunderClan had to offer? Disgusting, the whole lot of them. They're perfectly content to live and die like animals lacking a sentient mind. Lips twitching at the corpse of the offender, the young tom's gaze shifted to steal an uncertain glance at the scarred, bloodied features of his mentor. He had ridiculed and scorned Silverfang for the murder of Sweet, but perhaps... he had been wrong to do so. He knew that the Clans were broken, but they seemed more content to bicker over the usual tedious arguments rather than work to correct the looming issue of such a grace injustice. It was only Silverfang who seemed to be willing to show deviants the price they had to pay. Code breakers and impure liars deserved to die like Sweet and Wildfire, with their names reduced to nothing but mere insults.

Callously ignoring the hisses and crude remarks that were carelessly tossed between the opposing Clans, Lichenpaw brushed past several of his Clanmates until he reached Silverfang's side. The remorseful expression upon the scarred she-cat's features puzzled him slightly, especially in the aftermath of his newfound revelation, but he didn't dwell upon it too much. Affectionately tucking himself beneath Silverfang's chin in a poorly-timed gesture of approval, the tabby's unflinching gaze connected with Leopardstar's. Lichenpaw's eerily bright gaze peered into the golden Leader, burning with a savage intensity- appearing as though he could almost see completely through Leopardstar and catch a glimpse at all the little dark thoughts. After a few painfully long moments of extended eye contact, the young tom's expression was tinged with obvious displeasure at whatever he managed to glimpse. Reacting instinctively, Lichenpaw's voice was raised as he brazenly addressed the Leader of ThunderClan with an ominous amount of certainty. "What has happened here will not be forgotten." He mewed, "Nor will it save you from what comes next."

Jaystar looked at the leader and let out a relieved sigh. It was a relief to know that he didn't share the misguided thoughts of his clanmates. Of course, the family was important in every warrior's life but the clan was over blood. Thunderclan had forgotten the Code but he had hope it wasn't too late if Leopardstar could guide them on the right path.

However, he narrowed his green eyes slightly when the leader told him that he would inform him. He didn't like that idea. Even if he respected the older tom, the RiverClanner needed the sureness that he would punish Sharptooth with what she deserved. She was the main killer after all and her next words made his fur raise in anger and frustration. How dare she to speak like to her leader? She was rotten, misguided. The only good thing she had on her was her pride.

He faced the deputy who dared to speak after his leader. That fact didn't annoy him but his words did. With a lash of his tail, he stood up stronger than he ever had. The anger of injustice and death always helped him to overcome his shy and nervous nature. "A sacrifice only should be honoured when the cat you're sacrificing yourself for is worthy for that. Specklefang died for a murderer, a cat who has no longer respect for the Code. I've all the rights to come here and ask for what was denied to my clan for her lies. Starclan itself sent me here, have you forgotten that? This is the desire of my and our ancestors. Specklefang was a noble she-cat in my eyes but I believe her sacrifice wasn't worthy of her life. She could have been an amazing senior warrior now. Now, if you excuse me..." The tall leader made his way to the spotted tom and nodded at him, respectfully.

"Thank you for listening and understanding my message, Leopardstar. I hope I've come here with better news but this was Starclan's will. I will leave as you ask but only under one condition. Riverclan will only leave this issue alone if you promise to punish this murderer with the death she asks for or with exile. I leave that decision in your paws. I know you'll make the right one." He did not give the order to his clanmates to leave. Before he could do that, Jaystar wanted an answer.


Unlike Dewshine thought, the scarred warrior was shaken by the murder. Not because she took another cat's life but because of how fast she reacted to attack and kill. Was that her true nature? The same one she taught to... Shade? She was awful. The warrior sunk her claws bathed in blood into the ground, her gaze fixed on her paws... until her odd eyes caught a glimpse of brown and white fur. The silvery she-cat looked up just to see her apprentice, Lichenpaw, stepping forward after that affectionate demonstration. He... didn't hate her?

Her stone-heart warmed for a second but she couldn't enjoy for too long. The young tom was directly defying the leader of a clan. The senior warrior disliked Thunderclan as much as he did but those words shouldn't be told to a leader in a situation like this, where both clans could start a war at the most minimum mistake. Silverfang walked to her apprentice and softly touched his shoulder with one paw. "Lichenpaw... I think that's enough for now. Come with me, please." She walked back to her place, making sure the apprentice followed her to the back of their leader.

Rainpaw watched in horror as the life drained from his mother's body. He took in a shaky breath, the scent of blood coating his lungs. He shakily walked to the crowd now, staring down at her bleeding body. There was nothing he could do now. StarClan, this was a joke. How many more times was this going to happen? When would their camp return to it's role as a safe place for kits to never see the horrors of warriorhood? There was way too much blood for him to handle. He wasn't going to be able to think clearly soon. He was bleeding, she was bleeding, the ground was taking it all in as if it were water in a drought. Slowly, in order to not meet her same fate, he grabbed her scruff and dragged his mother- she-cat-... the corpse to the side. The tom shook his head, letting his restraint go at last and burying his face into her neck fur despite the blood. His eyes traveled to Silverfang, committing her face to memory before closing his eyes and attempting to keep Wildfire's warmth from escaping just yet. She'd be rotting pile of blood and fur soon. He wasn't ready for that. He couldn't bear the thought. Listening to Jaystar's words, he merely flicked his ear. He said that as if all of StarClan had run to him with this oh so noble cause, not just a few in their ranks.

Boarpaw watched the meeting with a sad look in his eyes. Just as he had been with Gingerstripe's trial, he wasn't sure. He had chosen death over leaving ThunderClan before after just a moon under their stars. While he hated the fact that Sharptooth would let her mother take the fall, he was equally understanding as to why. She loved ThunderClan so much she'd do anything to stay a part of its ranks. He'd be grateful to have a mother that would do such a thing for him. Three times now had he been betrayed by the one who took up the task of being his mother. The strange looking tom didn't know how he could lose Sharptooth too. At least she was owning up to her crime now, he supposed. The tom had his loyalties tangled. He was loyal to her, always had been but, he was loyal to his clan as well. He proved that moons ago when he willingly prepared to take a death blow if it meant Pigeon would leave the clans and he wouldn't become a loner once more. What would Shrewheart think of him if he just stood by while Sharptooth died? What about her kits? Could she really leave them to see her die like this? The tom scolded himself silently. She had to face her punishment. She had killed an apprentice for trespassing. A cat like her could easily just chase off an apprentice. It took no real effort for her to break Pigeon's back! The force wasn't necessary. She didn't need to kill that cat, he was sure this apprentice posed no threat that Pigeon had. He shuddered as he remembered how she'd defended him so furiously. Was he really not going to do the same for her? What kind of friend was he? The conflicting thoughts made him dizzy with doubt, guilt, and grief.

Sharptooth's venomous words sparked a burning rage in the pit of Leopardstar's stomach, and he had to try very hard not to unsheathe his claws and punish her there and then, but he stood his ground.  He would not allow RiverClan to watch their weakness again.  Just as he was about to turn and reply to Jaystar, his gaze was caught suddenly by a cat who stood behind the rival leader...an apprentice.  He seemed quite young, his brown tabby and white pelt untouched by scars...yet his piercing amber eyes burned deep into his own as if he could see right through his pelt, down into his very soul.  Leopardstar found that he couldn't look away until the tom's face twisted into an expression of disgust.  This felt normal, coming from RiverClan...

He never could've predicted his words though.

"What has happened here will not be forgotten.  Nor will it save you from what comes next."

What?  Leopardstar looked physically taken aback, his hazel eyes widening in surprise.  He knew that it was probably just an insult like his other clanmates had thrown his way in the past...but there felt something much more sinister about it.  This tom spoke with the intensity of a cat twice his age, and the certainty of one who knew what was coming next.  What exactly was he trying to reference?  Before either of them could say anything though, the warrior Silverfang stepped forward and led him away...but a name caught in his ears.  Lichenpaw.

"I like you, Leopardstar, but you're a cuckoo in a sparrow's nest. All it takes is one mistake, for the sparrows to see you for what you truly are... Walk by Sunningrocks at dawn, and see where the Lichen faces. You'll see the truth of what you've been lining your nest with."

Even though the realization set in, Leopardstar forced himself to return to his conversation with Jaystar, listening to his words intently.  Death or exile.  That was the fate that faced his former apprentice...his warrior.  He knew though, without doubt, that this was what needed to be done.  Fixing his gaze upon Jaystar's own, he nodded firmly, his brow furrowing.  The Gavel had dropped.  Now, he needed to decide.

Echopaw stared at the bleeding bodey of his mentor in horror. How could she have just thrown her life away?! He asked himself. Turning away from the bloody scene, he looked at Leopardstar. He seemed to be staring at a young RiverClan apprentice. When Leopardstar looked back to Jaystar, so did Echopaw. Even though he didn't want to see it, his eyes kept involuntarily looking back to Wildfire's body.

OOC: Oof. I'm LATE to this party...