Weary Travelers [Newleaf Tears Topic]

OOC: continuation of this topic

Entering the dimly lit cave, Tinystar's legs practically collapsed under his little body and he sat down, desperate for rest. On top of his lungs aching and legs feeling like blades of flimsy grass, the amount of blood he'd lost was alarming. While he wanted nothing more than to sleep for the next several moons, he knew what had to be done; talk to the Tribe leader and reunite with Jaystar and the other clans who had left before them. Part of him hated that they had been forced to come to such a strange place and he already wanted to go back, but that obviously wasn't an option with the dogs still around.

"Jaystar!" he called out, his voice weak. While this wasn't the RiverClan leader's territory, he didn't know who else to ask for and his mind immediately went to the first cat he thought of. Not to mention, he was already exhausted enough and didn't want to bother trying to figure out who the other leader was. He'd save that for later.

Glancing around, curious eyes gleamed throughout the cavern and cats began approaching. Great Silverpelt, SkyClan and WindClan must have looked pretty pathetic, all collapsed in a heap blood stained exhaustion. Covered in dust and blood from himself and the dog he'd fought, one might not have even recognized him except for his exceptionally dumpy legs, which hadn't been much used to him this journey, but luckily, he'd managed. Head hung low and stinging eyes slowly closing, he waited for some-cat's arrival, not really caring who it was at this point. Hopefully a medicine cat... But what if they didn't even have herbs way up here? What were they going to do with so many injured cats? StarClan... he absolutely hated feeling so helpless and confused.

After what felt like hours of tedious grooming, Chirp of Cricket at Sunset's silky calico pelt was back to its usual level of poof after being covered with mud and burrs during that day's long and tiring hunt.  The boisterous she-cat sighed gratefully after giving her tail one final lick, before bouncing back to her paws; finally, she could go talk to the clan cats again!  She knew now that, for some stupid reason, SkyClan - and her cousin - were not with this group, but she was determined to find out more!  Why had they stayed behind?  Didn't Night of Stormy Gales want to see his family again?  Though her mother had been young when the tom had left all those moons ago, she knew that she would be at least interested in talking to him, and her grandmother was his aunt for Stoneteller's sake!  Chirp had grown up on wistful tales told by the old elder-bound she-cat, about the dark, deadly winter that killed Night's mother and siblings, and had eventually driven half the Tribe to leave for new lands and to find their long-lost relatives.  What stories he could tell, she could only imagine!  Now though...she was starting to doubt if she would ever be able to hear them...

Her bouncing coming to a halt as this sad though set in, the little to-be still tried to smile, but she found it was a lot harder to manage.  This isn't fair...maybe I should go talk to Mama instead, or Shimmer.  Standing in front of the waterfall entrance, she contemplated between the two caves when suddenly the raucous noise of many paw steps echoed up the ledge behind her, and Chirp spun around just in time to watch as an odd, very small tom-cat rushed into the cave, followed by many other cats she didn't recognize.  What the...?!  Dark amber eyes trying to take in everything at once, her fluffy ears pricked as the pale-pelted to-be called out for the cat she had spoken to the other day; Jaystar.  No...it can't be!  Her paws moving before her mind, the little tri-colored she-cat dashed up to the intruder, the bounce in her step slowly returning as her eyes sparkled with immense anticipation.  "...You!  Are you..."  She cut herself off with a squeal of pure joy, before crouching down a bit to look this possible dream-come-true in the eyes.

"...are you SkyClan?!"

Dawn had split the sky as WindClan and SkyClan made the journey up the mountains. The red hues danced and twisted through the darkness, washing out the stars, and singing songs of sun. When the white ball of light finally broke over the peaks, Finchstar couldn't help but gasp at the sight. It lit the pelts of his clanmates with gentle rays, exposing their fresh wounds, reflecting off their blood. It was glorious in its beauty. But the leader could only see Brookclover in its midst. WindClan had survived another night, but at what cost? They were now farther from their goal, straying deep into the unknown, paws slipping over stones, eyes gazing over cliffs. Part of it excited the orange and white tabby. Never had he witnessed lands such as these. This is what he dreamed of, he felt free. But his happiness was strained. Lives were lost farther down the mountains, smashed under boulders, blood spilled over Mothermouth. And Brookclover, his calling, his very breath. She, as well as the rest of WindClan were still missing. Finchstar knew that with every step taken, it pulled him farther from his love. His wounds seemed to enunciate his hesitation, screaming red hot fire with every bound. And the leader could tell those around him felt the same.

With the sun now high in the sky, SkyClan and WindClan padded on. Large slabs of stone slumbered on the territory, some stretching into the very sky. Finchstar followed Tinystar, listening as he spoke of Tribe Cats... A few sunrises ago, Finchstar had denied their very existence, but now, he needed to be willing to put the fate of his clan in their paws. Apparently they were in search of a large cave, according to the SkyClan leader. The tabby kept his eyes on the mountains, scanning the cliff face for crags in the rocks.

When they finally arrived, it couldn't have been more of a surprise. A large hole sunk into the stone, as if a large cat had scooped it out of the very earth. The scent of cat was strong here, but it smelled more different then anything Finchstar had ever experienced. The wounded clan cats stepped into the cave warily. Tinystar called out for the RiverClan leader, and Finchstar winced as it echoed across the stone walls. Dozens of eyes stared at the clan cats from the gloom. A bubbly calico jumped from the crowd, sliding to Tinystar's side, asking if he was "SkyClan."

Perhaps the fabled mountain cats do exist... Finchstar thought, whiskers twitching. His curiosity soared, wondering how the small she-cat - most likely an apprentice - could possibly know what SkyClan was. He decided he would let the other leader answer her question.

With a sigh, the orange and white tabby weaved around his clan, counting tails, helping the elders find a place to lay. He hoped with a fire that Jaystar, as well as ThunderClan and ShadowClan really did reside here. If not, then SkyClan and WindClan had just waltzed into enemy territory, and were about to have the feeble remains of their pelts shredded.

Echo of Shattered Ice had just settled down next to Moth when her ears swiveled towards the sound of paws on stone, but these steps were different from those of her tribe mates. They sounded more like... the strange, uneven steps of the clan cats. Looking up from the mouse she had been about to eat, she watched with mild curiosity that turned quickly to alarm as the much smaller cat walked into the cave suddenly, calling for the cat whose name she recognized from when the clans first arrived. What was this to-be doing, padding in? What happened, why are they all injured?... Surveying for a moment longer, she stood, picking up her mouse and making her way over to the new arrivals.

"Are you also part of the clan cats? Here, eat, gain your strength back." She spoke softly and gently, placing the mouse in front of the small cat that she had assumed was a to-be. Upon closer investigation though, it was easy to tell that he was not, although his size would initially indicate that he was. Looking around at the large group, she brushed her tail against Chirp's shoulder. "Chirp, dear, could you go inform Stoneteller that we have more visitors? I'm sure that these cats will answer all of your questions when they've gotten some rest." Smiling down at the apprentice, she turned back to small cat before her with a friendly glimmer in her eyes. "Greetings, I am Echo of Shattered Ice. This is Chirp of Crickets at Sunset. Who are you so we can inform Stoneteller of your arrival?" Her gaze flickered to the orange and white tabby who was weaving in between cats for a few moments before settling back on the tiny white and gray tom.

"There will be no need. For I am already here, Echo." Stoneteller mewed, emerging from the cave of pointed stones. Blue and amber eyes locked on the rest of the clan-cats, her eyes narrowed. "If I had thought that there were lots of you before, then now that is exactly my thoughts." Stoneteller regarded off-handedly, her long strides bringing her closer to the huddled group of injured cats. "It seems you all seem to be pawing the line. Come on in." Stoneteller invited before turning on Echo of Shattered Ice, her eyes stony and cool despite the warm tones of her right eye. "Echo of Shattered Ice, I will let this transgression slide, for now, seeing as these Clan Cats are wounded and in need of it. But you should not freely give our prey to every cat that comes to our home. It is I to decide if they are welcome, and I alone. Had they not be familiar and friendly to those already staying here, they could have been tracking those that we are sheltering." She hissed before turning back to those entered the cave.

"Jay Star! Prickle Bush! Please come out here and verify that these cats are safe to let into our home." Suspicion did not leave Stonetellers gaze, leaving the verification to the cats she had grown to respect. She did not know these cats that had come crawling to their cave. Silently, she waved her cave-guards closer to her, nodding to the Kit-Mothers to put away their kittens. These cats will be treated with the potential to cause serious harm if they so chose. Despite being beaten and ragged, she would be bird-brained to not treat them as a threat. She was not trained from birth to be leaving any room for stupidity.

The leader saw and heard the commotion from inside the depths of the cave. He was organizing his cats, talking with when the news came to his ears about a group of strange cats outside the Tribe's home. The leader was suspicious from the start about who they were and he had no doubt to follow Stoneteller when she left the main cave in search for these strangers.

As the tom came closer to the exit, a familiar scent reached his nose: the scent of the clans and blood. The fur of his tail bristled, worried about what could have happened to all those cats but he remained still until the dark-furred she-cat called his names. Jaystar finally made his appearance, meeting the gaze of Tinystar and the younger leader, Finchstar. He saw behind them, all those cats who had decided to stay with their leader at the Highstones and noticed how wounded they were... and how some of them were missing. What had happened to them?! He had to contain a horror gasp and merely looked at the she-cat in charge of these mountains. "These cats are Skyclan and Windclan, Stoneteller. The clans who decided that it was safer to stay at Highstones for the time being while we chose to come to the mountains, in search of you and the Tribe. They are no danger but... I think... something horrible must have happened to them..." He mewed looking from the corner of his eyes the horrible wounds some of them had, including both leaders. Compared to them, the Riverclan leader looked so healthy and well, even if his ribs were still visible due to his stubbornness of not eating as much as his other clanmates and tribe cats. "The former leader of Skyclan, Crowstar, a dear friend of my mother and my clan, once welcomed your cats in the past. Though I'm not sure if Tinystar still shelters them... but they need our help. My clan and I can work harder for the extra prey if you wish. Goldeneye may be retired but she's a good healer too..." He mewed politely, trying to convince the already generous tribe leader to give them the same hospitality she gave them a few nights ago.

Glancing a baby blue gaze around the cavern, Tinystar watched as cats began to swarm around them, most of which he assumed to be members of the Tribe. Of course, he didn't blame them all for being so curious, but with his whole body on fire from pain and his eyes growing heavier by the minute, all he wanted to do was be left alone.

Hearing a much younger and significantly louder voice than the whispers of the larger cats, the little leader's attention was put in front of him, where a calico she-cat stood and met his gaze with somewhat overwhelming curious eyes.

"Y-yes, we are SkyClan," he croaked, looking up at her, who was noticeably already a little taller than he, even though he assumed she was no more than apprentice aged. "Well, part of this group is WindClan, but yes," Tinystar added. "I am-"

Before he was able to say anything else, a leader-like cat stepped forward, followed by Jaystar. While he usually wasn't one to easily grow embarrassed, his grey ears flattened against his head as the RiverClanner began to speak. How foolish they must have looked, not going with RiverClan, ShadowClan, and ThunderClan... and then arriving all bloodied and beaten. Some leaders they were, putting their clans in danger.

Standing up on his stubby legs with a wince, Tinystar turned to the cat in which Jaystar called Stoneteller and tried to keep his chin high. "As Jaystar said, I am Tinystar, leader of SkyClan," he introduced himself with a respectful dip of his head. "I wish the circumstances weren't so, but yes, we were attacked by dogs and driven from our resting place. I do not desire to stay here long, for there might still be clanmates out there that we left behind, but if we might be able to at least regain our strength, we would be forever grateful. I will make sure all of the able warriors in our group also contribute to hunting, if need be," the little leader mewed, though he highly doubted that the other leaders would deny them staying with them for at least a little while. He'd might as well be as respectful as possible and not tread on thin ice, seeing as though this was unfamiliar land with lots of unfamiliar cats inhabiting it.

Finchstar watched with wary eyes as another tribe cat emerged from the gloom, placing a mouse at Tinystar's paws. Her fur was almost white, marked with black stripes. The other tribe cats seemed to share the same intricate patterns, weaving between the battered clan cats like ghosts in the night. The leader felt fur rise on the back of his spine, sending a chill down his body. It fully hit him now, these cats were no myth. His skepticism was now stripped away, replaced by a world-shattering awe. Finchstar had to blink to stop himself from staring. But the groans of his clanmates pulled him back to reality. The metallic taste of blood still swam in his mouth, and the orange and white tabby swallowed apprehensively, turning back to his friends, and giving them a nod, before metaphorically throwing himself at Stoneteller's feet.

The she-cat had arrived in the cavern not but moments ago, her presence not noticed by eyes, but by the mystical aura that radiated from her. She glanced at Finchstar, catching him in a blue and amber gaze. "Stoneteller." Finchstar mewed, striving to keep his voice monotone. A silvery blue tom emerged next to Stoneteller, and the orange and white leader felt his ears burn. Jaystar... A voice sounded from behind Finchstar. Tinystar had spoken first, naming the two bloody clans who had just arrived, and then offering SkyClan's services. Finchstar wondered if he should do the same, not wanting to test Stoneteller and her mountain cats.

But Jaystar's green gaze bore into Finchstar's fur. While the WindClan leader was glad to see the tom, he was on edge, ready to throw back a witty comment if the blue-gray cat decided on scolding him for staying at Highstones. Sighing, the orange and white tabby smoothed out his fur, setting aside his defensive state for now. "Just as Tinystar said, we were driven out by dogs, and now we've found ourselves in the mountains." Finchstar turned his yellow gaze to Stoneteller, ears flicking. "I must admit, I didn't think the Tribe cats existed. But here we are." The leader wrestled with his stubbornness, not wanting to admit to failure in front of Jaystar, but also not wanting to send WindClan to its doom. "Life on the mountains must be difficult, and I can see your paws are already full... We only ask for shelter for a few sunrises, then we'll be out of your fur. Any generosity you decide to give us will be compensated for, a few of my clanmates are healthy enough to hunt, if we can serve you in that fashion." Finchstar dipped his head, his wounds screaming as his joints bent and straightened. He didn't like to grovel, it felt wrong, straying far from his love and goal. Finchstar squeezed his eyes shut at the bottom of the bow, this is not a failure, just a detour... As he rose, Finchstar gave Stoneteller a smile, yellow eyes twinkling despite the dreary circumstances. His supply of hope was small and meager, but he would stretch it far. For WindClan. For Brookclover. "You can call me Finchstar, Stoneteller. It is very nice to meet you."

Pricklebush was just sitting in the cave, having the occasional conversation with a Clan cat and trying to figure out what he should do, when he heard loud sounds coming from the entrance. Along with many other cats, he went to find out what was happening, and his eyes widened when he saw the bedraggled remnants of WindClan and SkyClan damp and beaten on their doorstep. A few slow blinks disabused him of the notion that he was seeing things... the other cats from Highstones had finally arrived. However, they seemed even smaller than they had been before- what had happened? Why were they missing cats? And why had they come, when Tinystar and Finchbreeze had seemed so against it before? Whatever the reason, he had to admit that he was somewhat glad his Clan's ally had shown up. He had been worrying that Leopardstar would accuse him of abandoning them, even though StarClan had given the very clear message to leave that place. Maybe, the other Clans had experienced the fallout of their decision?

The tan tom sat on the cold stone floor, listening to what the cats would have to say. He paid close attention to Stoneteller's words when the she-cat arrived- by listening to him and showing a cool head, the Tribe leader had already gained his wary respect. However, he was very surprised to be referred to in the same breath as the fabled (if unfriendly to his Clan) Jaystar. He supposed that as medicine cat he had definitely taken over the temporary position of leading his Clan, but the power of the position was still completely new to him. Somewhat bemused, the medicine cat let slip none of his uncertainty, although he allowed the RiverClan leader to speak first. When Tinystar revealed that vicious dogs had attacked them, a small part of Pricklebush's brain suddenly became smug, and the rest was exasperated. Hadn't he warned those cats that predators would come? Hadn't he said that they had to leave? But showing his newfound restraint, he refrained from saying anything to the tune of "I told you so..." however tempting it might be. He was also somewhat shocked at learning that Finchbreeze was the leader now. Brindlestar was dead, then? It was strange... though their Clans were allied, he felt nothing for the strict and often lofty former leader of WindClan. Finchb-star seemed far more down to earth, though that wasn't necessarily a good thing. Well, then, at least one good thing had come of their dismissal of his suggestions.

Jaystar had already said what needed to be said, but the medicine cat felt he should speak up anyways, as he had been addressed. "I'm not sure what skies your ancestors walk in," he began slowly, "but our ancestors we call StarClan. And though I am not fond of them, as a medicine cat it is my job to commune with them and listen to their instruction. While we were still sheltered at Highstones, a warning was delivered to me, telling me that we had to leave that area and come find you. Otherwise, the same fate may have befallen us. These two cats are indeed the leaders of WindClan and SkyClan, who chose to stay there... and regretted it, I assume." Pricklebush's eyes flicked across the faces of each cat in the huddled mass, then returned to Stoneteller. "They are hunters and warriors like us, and not all of them look badly injured. If you provide me with any herbs, I can tend to them myself if need be. Once healed, they will be a good addition to bolster your ranks alongside us, until our home is inhabitable again. Rest assured that, like us, they mean no harm and do not wish to impose. If any trouble comes of our being here, we will gladly deal with it. And any cat who attacks one of your members will answer to me before being turned over to you." He sent a sharp glance at not only the new arrivals, but also the other Clan cats who had gathered to watch. Though he may have been a medicine cat, he had received warrior training and was also a formidable fighter. Just looking at his size would tell any cat that. "We thank you again for allowing us to stay, Stoneteller, and also for considering our fellow Clanmates." Talking like this exhausted him... the warrior in him disliked all the diplomacy going on and wanted a quick and simple solution. But his self-control had grown massively, and he now had a group of Clanmates to protect... and Hailpaw. He would do this for them.

Swiftstep had arrived behind Finchstar tired but relieved. Everything had happened so fast. He hadn't even felt that much time passed from the dogs to the tribe. The adrenaline was beginning to slowly fade so his tiredness and previous pain were starting to magnify. He slowly relaxed his rapid breathing and began to observe the surroundings, previously ignored by him due to the haziness plaguing his mind. The tom stared in wonder at the tribe cats. He was definitely curious on how their everyday life was and what customs they had in place. The tom continued to observe quietly and attentively as the conversation went on. He offered a few smiles when a pair of eyes would scan him as he stood.

Foxspirit padded up to Swiftstep, stopping by his side. "How are you feeling?" she asked. She wasn't feeling very well herself, but she new that Swiftstep probably felt worse. And anyways, she was just an ordinary Warrior, but he was the Deputy. Foxspirit understood that how he felt, and what he needed, was a higher priority than she was. She searched around, until she spotted both Pricklebush and Briarpaw. "Hey," She said to Briarpaw. "Do you wan't to go see if Pricklebush has any herbs you can use?"

Briarpaw walked in silence. His mind was racing, filled with questions. Questions no one could answer except him. I'm such a coward! I left everyone to get hurt, I ran away! Why am I so useless?! Why does WindClan have so few warriors? What can I do to help? He was jolted out of his thought by Foxspirit, one of their few warriors, talking to him. "Uh- yes! Yes, I will go do that." As he started to walk away, the questions returned, but he pushed them aside. I can't become a warrior! WindClan needs me! I can't do that. I just can't. He padded up to the large ThunderClan Medicine Cat. "Hey, Pricklebush," he started, "do you have any herbs I could use? My clan mates are injured..."  The thoughts came back again. They woulden't be injured this bad if you had helped them, Briarpaw! You aren't even a good Medicine Cat. If you were, you would have your full name by now, like Pricklebush. What is wrong with you!?

Chirp started at the intrusive feeling of Echo's tail brushing against her shoulder and the older she-cat's words made it feel as if her heart had dropped into her stomach.  Brown eyes wide, she twisted around with a forepaw raised pleadingly, about to protest, when Stoneteller's voice suddenly rang out close by, causing the young to-be to whip around with a small squeak.  Oh, I hope she didn't see me questioning that to-be...it doesn't matter though!  I need to find out where he is!  Dipping her head respectfully to her leader for about half a heartbeat, before realizing that the little white tom was answering her; "Y-yes, we are SkyClan,"  At once, Chirp felt herself once again begin to bounce with excitement, a broad smile across her fluffy calico face.  Yes yes yes!!  They're finally here!  Ceasing in her bouncing for a moment, she was about to open her mouth to inflict the short-legged cat with a barrage of questions but clearly thought better of it once realizing that Stoneteller was still there.  Hmmph, she probably wants to treat them and find them sleeping places, and then send me out to find more moss...and by the time I get back, they'll all be asleep!  Again!  Her mood quickly darkening, she glanced down at her paws as the high ranking cats continued to speak.  Sometimes being a to-be was so annoying...you never got to speak for yourself and ask your own questions, the older cats just sent you off to do the work they didn't want to do.  As quickly as her resentful thoughts set in though, they vanished as the white SkyClan spoke again...and against her best interests, Chirp found herself desperately holding back giggles.  His name is Tiny STAR?  Like Jaystar...wait...does that mean he's SkyClan's leader?!  Staring down at the small cat in obvious disbelief, she characteristically ignored the doom-and-gloom about a dog attack and purred in a low yet friendly tone; "You're the Tiniest Star I've ever seen!"