May Gathering 2020 [Sitewide Plot Finale]

Larchneedle got exactly what he wanted. He watched for several moments as Spiderquill quivered and slowly shrank, trying to block out the words, but at last the starry warrior had the satisfaction of watching the medicine cat's golden eyes turn into sopping golden pools of falling tears. Larchneedle's grin grew and he loomed with delight over the cowering patchy tom as he wept and sobbed about being weak and disappointing. "Doesn't it feel nice to just accept what a loser you are instead of pretending to be something you aren't?" Larchneedle practically sang. Much to his surprise, Spiderquill responded once more with fire - a low, cold voice even despite the stammering. Larchneedle quieted his laugh and glared down his nose with patronizing amusement at the patchy tom as the medicine cat tried to defend himself. Just because Spiderquill wasn't like Larchneedle, that made him better than him, of course.

Softpaw came tearing in at that moment, roaring and spitting and flexing her claws into the earth. Larchneedle rolled his eyes at her, and then the starry warrior glanced around with an expression on his face as if asking the others if they were seeing the hilarious display of what likely seemed like bravery. Softpaw threatened to fight back and he scoffed. The ShadowClan medicine cat finally spoke up, and Larchneedle turned his head to face Mothglow once more, the tip of his tail twitching dangerously. He snorted at her attempts to derail his words; she was wrong, as clearly Spiderquill had cared very much about what he'd said. The black she-cat, too, warned that she could fight back even if she wasn't supposed to, and Larchneedle thought with a menacing smile on his face, Oh, please do. Then she began to speak of her past and her proud heritage and what a lovely choice she was for the job and how noble she was for sacrificing her warrior name and training for the position and yadda yadda blah blah.

Larchneedle made a show of rolling his eyes so hard they looked like they might fall out before turning to Aspenheart with a raised brow. "Chimin' in, I see, maybe somebody'll say somethin' interestin' now?" He didn't know what his mother had to do with anything until the WindClan cat made his taunt clear, and Larchneedle just bubbled his lips dismissively. He then laughed at Aspenheart's seemingly clear admission of the medicine cats' weakness and corruption. The round-faced tom shook his head, and the tip of his tail went deathly still as he looked coldly back into Aspenheart's eyes. "You wanna watch it start, bud?" Larchneedle echoed, watching the stupid WindClan tom settle himself and look so proud. The starry cat's gaze raked over the medicine cats, young and old, and then he met Spiderquill's eyes and growled through wickedly grinning teeth, "Resist this, Spiderkill."

With fabled ShadowClan roguishness, Larchneedle wound one russet paw back and then immediately swung for the RiverClan medicine cat's ugly naked face. Hooked dark claws flashed in the moonlight and then disappeared as they slashed hard through Spiderquill's soft skin, over cheek and bridge of nose, and came out again with a flash of scarlet blood. Larchneedle laughed horribly, a wretched delighted laugh, and he immediately prepared for the showdown. Badgerstar's words were enough permission to begin for him.

Ever since his first gathering, Ferretdance had lived in fear of StarClan. The Righteous Few technically, he supposed, but they hadn't known that at the time. Every move he made, he felt like he was going to be struck down for. His thoughts, guiltily turning to that race at the ShadowClan border. That could have lost him his life, if it had been a few moon later. He was so sick of constantly watching the skies for cloud cover, signifying that once more they had done something wrong. A life lived in fear of retribution was no life.

"Then why don't you do something? You love to make a big scene, to use as much fear as possible. I'm going numb to the theatrics, frankly. I barely remember a time when I wasn't afraid. Fear is my life, so you don't have power over me. I still stand against you."

---

Viperpaw had no words to add, as she stood beside Smokepaw she knew that everything he had spoken was enough for her as well. She often felt as though she didn't truly know who she was. Perhaps if her mother had been alive for more of her life, things would be different. Maybe not. The stars had abandoned her from the beginning, leaving her in a darkness she couldn't see through.

If her path was so cloaked in shadows, she would just have to stop worrying about what was in the dark. She lifted her chin, defiance shining her green eyes. Brackenstar would pay for what he did to their mother. This was what they had been spared for - to avenge their parents. If StarClan had forsaken them, then it was up to them. No more room for fear or doubts. Her claws dug into the ground, and she was ready. The anger she had tried so hard to deny churned in her stomach, her inheritance.

That had down it. Softpaw was broiling with anger now. How dare this tom feel so good with himself after making Spiderquill cry? And then- and then, as if that wasn't bad enough, he attacked him. Suppressed memories flashed through her mind, ones she'd hoped and tried so desperately to vanquish, all rushing back with the force of a tidal wave.

That one fateful Moonstone. Aspenheart's sheathed paw. The ground. Tears, Sagelight and Mossbloom upset. All of it. Running home. Distancing herself. Barleytuft's concern and his illness. The peaceful sunrise. Downpaw confronting her. And... And Downpaw.. Downpaw attacking... Attacking her mentor... Attacking Aspenheart. Blood. Softstar. Punishments. Barelytuft's look on his face. All the painful memories she'd suppressed came back up, and it was all too much.

Tears blinded her vision and she ran forward, all the intent of attacking Larchneedle, her paws unsteady, "STOP!" She shrieked, but as she dashed at him, the memories fresh and her paws weak, she fumbled, tripped and fell, tumbling a bit way from where they gathered. She did, however, manage to grab one of the russet colored tom's legs on her way down, but she didn't really believe she did much more than tug at him.

Softpaw lay there, dirt mudding her pelt, looking utterly defeated as she just lay motionless there, tears falling to the ground. With one final plea, she looked up, and across the clearing, made eye contact with Galestar, the only one of these cats who truly had a heart. A small sobbing, crying noise escaped her throat as she lay her head down, completely exhausted from all her efforts.

As Ashpaw watched the proceedings, face twisted with fierce determination as Morningpaw fought for their cause with more bravery and nerve than he ever could, he felt the shock the rest of the crowd felt as Spottedstar began to gather his clan and turn to leave.  No...how could he leave us here?!  I suppose that he's just looking out for his clan, but he has to know how selfish he appears!  Don't give in to the Righteous Few, one SkyClan cat could mean the difference between life and death!  His hardened green eyes followed the pale ginger leader as he leaped off the rock, but something else caught his attention...who was that standing in front of Spiderquill?  Why was he raising his paw...?  In a rush of anger and shock, Ashpaw watched almost in slow motion as the Righteous Few tom struck a blow to his adopted brother's vulnerable face; one of the she-cats standing nearby leaped forward in turn, grabbing on to the perpetrator's leg.  Moving before he knew what was happening, Ashpaw dashed through the crowd, dodging between narrow gaps and over lashing tails, before sliding in to stand between the two sides, medicine cats versus StarClan.

"Stop it!"  He was panting, but the apprentice's usually gentle voice held quite a bit of power.  Planting himself in front of Spiderquill, he prodded the young molly who had jumped forward (another medicine cat he assumed) with his forepaw, a sympathetic look on his face.  "Please, let go.  If fighting breaks out, Morningpaw's attempts to settle this peacefully will be in vain."  Finally, he looked up and met the golden-brown tom's gaze; Ashpaw definitely wouldn't win if he attacked, untrained and small as he was, but he could try and delay the inevitable the best he could.  Hopefully.  "Won't your leaders see it as disloyal if you start fighting before they order it?  Especially fighting a healer?"  His diplomatic tone notwithstanding, passion still flared in the former rogue's green eyes, and he hissed out his next words in a low tone, standing as tall as he could.  "Spiderquill brought me and my siblings back from the brink of death...attacking someone who saves lives will make you the enemy of survivors."

Lavenderbreeze watched Spottedstar intently for his reaction to her words, and wasn't disappointed in the least by the way his resolve seemed to dissolve right before her eyes. Pleased, she turned back to Morningpaw, ready to speak, but she never got the chance as Owlstar's voice boomed across the clearing, directly addressing Spottedstar as well. She curled her tail around her paws as she cast her gaze around, grin widening further as she was Owlstar curled threateningly around Sunflower, the most cowardly cat she'd ever had the misfortune of knowing of. As Owlstar gave Spottedstar his ultimatum, she watched for his reaction, and in turn, his decision.

As he thought, she flicked her tail, and turned her gaze back to Morningpaw. She smirked at the apprentice, goading her into anger, something that wasn't hard for her to do, their last meeting having proven that. Her attention was brought back to SkyClan as Spottedstar declared that he was leaving. She was a little bit surprised that he didn't take the bait, but she had to give him credit where it was due. Well played, Spottedstar. I guess you're smarter than I thought!

As Spottedstar took his cats and led the way out of the clearing, Lavenderbreeze could finally put her undivided attention onto Morningpaw. Her eyes glittered with malice as she stood, looking down at the apprentice before her.
"Now, finally, we can get back to the matter at hand. You offered yourself for a one-on-one, right? Well, I accept!"

With her signature grin plastered on her face, she raised a paw, cruel claws glittering as she brought her paw down in a slash, though the apprentice was too fast for her, dodging her blow and instead ripping her own claws across the ghost-cat's face, and sending the ghost-cat toppling over with the sheer force behind the apprentice's attack, fueled by her belief in herself. Morningpaw's words buzzed around her, and spat as she rose to her paws again, Morningpaw's waving tail grabbing her attention. With speed and grace, she slipped to the side, grabbed the apprentice's tail in her teeth, and pulled as hard as she could, a sick glee lighting up her face as a sickening crack echoed around the clearing as the apprentice fell, and her words were cut short.

But still, Morningpaw spoke. Baring her teeth, Lavenderbreeze knew that she needed to silence her, once and for all. As the apprentice lay stunned, she rose up onto her hind legs, and brought her front paws down onto Morningpaw's head with all the force of the stars. A resounding thud echoed around the clearing as the blow landed, and Morningpaw lay limp and defeated under her paws.

Taking a step away from the apprentice's limp form and towards the remaining four Clans, and called out, her voice demanding attention.
"Clans! Your little rebel leader is no more! It was so nice of her to martyr herself for her cause, but will you do the same? Will you fall like her? Because, if you choose to fight, you will. You still have a chance to submit! You still have a chance to give in! Make the right choice."

---

A scoff left Olivestone's mouth as Spottedstar chose the cowards's move, and went to take SkyClan back to their home. However, she didn't have long to dwell on her distaste as Lavenderbreeze took the reins and accepted Morningpaw's offer for a one-on-one battle for the rights of everyone to go free. Before she could say anything to discourage them, combat broke loose, with the ghost-cat beginning by throwing a mistimed blow that sliced nothing but air, and Morningpaw taking advantage to knock Lavenderbreeze to the ground. She watched in near horror as the ghost cat scrambled to her feet and yanked Morningpaw's tail so hard that the resulting crack made Olivestone's stomach turn.

Frozen to the spot, she watched as Lavenderbreeze took advantage of the stunning effects of her tail yank, and brought her paws cruelly down onto Morningpaw's head. The thud that resounded through the clearing made way for rage to course through the normally docile deputy's body, and the fury grew more and more as the ghost-cat spoke to the crowd, calling for the Clans' surrender.


Olivestone roared as she took a flying leap towards the ghost cat, calling out for everyone to hear,

---

Olivestone used Rending Front Paws on Lavenderbreeze, dealing 17 damage and costing 19 SP.

Olivestone:
105/105 HP
261/280 SP (-19)

Lavenderbreeze:
103/120 HP (-17)
300/300 SP

---

It's said that the greatest fires can start from the smallest sparks. And just as the four great oaks surrounding the clearing had grown from tiny acorns, so too had Morningpaw's revolution begun from a single thought - Not like this. This was not how the forest would fall; this was not how WindClan would fall. It was how Finchstar had fallen, and how Dacedream, and Thornstar, and Torrentstar had fallen; but not like this. Not one more death would come under her watch, and not one more cat would suffer while she still drew breath. Despite all evidence to the contrary, Morningpaw was not (at least in her eyes) a rebel leader - no, she was simply a spark, and every day, the Righteous Few poured more oil onto the flames. Every day, the Clans grew stronger, bonded together, mourned their fallen- but fought on. And every day, that spark paid dividends, both good and bad. But in the end, all fires must burn out eventually.


She had hoped for peace; but peace was not a herb, to be planted and left to the elements and harvested in six moons' time. Peace was a kit, young and defenseless, requiring nurture and love and protection to flourish, requiring constant upkeep and effort. And she had hoped, however naively, for a bloodless resolution - no, more than that, a bloodless revolution. But the tyranny of the stars would not be vanquished through kind words alone; and though her words were as cutting as any claw, the apprentice's silver tongue had failed her once again. She hadn't been able to prevent war from breaking out, just as she hadn't been able to prevent the beasts from above from stripping away the lives of her Clanmates and forestmates. Words had brought together these valiant warriors, but it would be claws that enforced the truth. Morningpaw's only fear as she looked upon the cats of the Gathering- those loyal to the forest, and those who came to deliver wrath and ruin- was that those claws would claim more than simply the lives of the Righteous Few.



Her own death- that was acceptable. Regrettable, of course, but this had been her idea, her fault- she had failed in talking down the Righteous Few, and the blood of their victims was on her. Morningpaw would accept her fate-- but the fates of the other cats? Those who stood with her, those who remained stalwart and true in the face of overwhelming opposition? She would die nine times over to protect them, and her only regret was that she had but one life to give. So she dived forwards, her claws extended and her face a howling whirlwind of fury and justice and peace-through-war- and Morningpaw knew this was not a fight she could win; but she didn't have to. She simply had to keep Lavenderbreeze busy, to keep her talon-sharp claws and star-studded teeth focused on the apprentice, rather than on claiming the lives of those who stood with her. And, to her eternal credit-- Morningpaw did just that. For all of ten seconds, she fought with the fury of a veteran warrior; ducking, diving, a flurry of claws lashing out at Lavenderbreeze's eyes, ears, paws, tail; her speed, her strength, her heart, all singing in unison as she landed blow after blow, fighting not for herself, but for the lives of every Clan cat in the Gathering- for her father, her mentor, her siblings, her leader, her friends. She fought with the ferocity of LionClan, her claws a whirlwind, her teeth a hurricane- and she fought for peace, and she fought for love, and as she slammed Lavenderbreeze into the ground, pulling and tearing the StarClan cat's whiskers with as much force as she could muster, it seemed- almost for a moment- that Morningpaw might just win their little duel.

Just for a moment.



A sharp, overwhelming pain in her tail, and Morningpaw's rallying cry was cut short as she slammed into the ground, claws tearing into her fur, all her energy knocked out of her in a single blow- but Lavenderbreeze did not stop there. She could feel bloody claws digging into her pelt, raking long, deep gashes across her; she could feel her tail broken and useless, a neverending symphony of agony and torment; she could feel herself-- stand, as Lavenderbreeze took a step back. Morningpaw's legs shook as she pushed herself up, blood pooling beneath her from her wounds - and as her paws buckled beneath her, sending her to the ground once more; as the StarClan cat stepped towards her with malice and hatred and all the force of a great typhoon; as Morningpaw's vision blurred and she squinted, looking past Lavenderbreeze to the blurry figures beyond- Olivestone, Raventail, Crowspirit, the leaders of the Clans, the cats of the forest- those she had sworn to protect, vowed to give her life in defense of- and she had.

I'm sorry, the apprentice thought, already slipping in and out of consciousness even before Lavenderbreeze's final blow; she could just about see the cat above her raise her paws for one final, horrible strike. I'm sorry I couldn't protect you all. I'm sorry I couldn't talk them down. I'm sorry I couldn't do more.

And through gritted teeth and a mouth of blood, through unceasing pain and as her breaths grew ragged and shallow, as the iron fist of tyranny descended upon her head, she called out;

Flintstar's ears twitched as he listened to cat after cat give a speech, some voices louder than others as the two groups bickered back and forth. It was growing hard to focus on the words, his head starting to pound as he desperately wished to escape the backing of the Great Rock. He had despised this spot during his short time as a deputy - how the sound reverberated back at him from the rock and made it so much more...Unbearable. Being above the noise was nice as leader, but he couldn't escape back onto the Great Rock now. He had to stand his ground with those who were speaking out. There was one voice however that captured his attention, ears straining to hear only that voice as his eyes locked with Brackenstar as the leader spoke out.

Their lives were owed to them? It was almost enough to make the stoic leader scoff, wondering who this tom truly thought he was. He was a leader, one of many that had been all but forgotten until they chose to make themselves known in such a matter. The life of the Clan cats were not owed to them - just because they had died moons ago did not make them special. The lives of the Clan cats were their own, the code was meant to be upheld but not like this. Not at the cost of innocent lives because they desired to find where they truly belonged. He could hear Smokepaw start to shout at the tom, his eyes quickly tracking the source but was relieved that his brother didn't make the rash choice he had back at the camp - he was holding his ground and not springing to attack...Yet. A fear started to rise in the leader's throat at the sight of his brother so angry, knowing that if things were to...Deteriorate into combat, he had to stop Smokepaw from challenging Brackenstar alone.

But slowly the voices he was drawn to listen to started to fall and the sound of talking, shouting and speeches started to become unbearable once more. His claws dug into the ground as he held his tongue, ears slicking back for as little as it helped as his fur started to rise. He could feel himself growing angry as the pounding in his head continued to beat in time with his heart, struggling not to focus on the words enough to be overwhelmed but enough to grasp what was being said, what was transpiring. Morningpaw wasted no time in springing into another one of her long speeches and he was only becoming more certain that this would end in bloodshed. Nobody would stand by The Righteous Few...Other... He blinked as he recalled a conversation he had barely heard and turned his gaze upwards toward Spottedstar. He had heard one of the Righteous Few call SkyClan to join them and...He wasn't sure what the SkyClan leader would choose.

Their goal, all of their goals, was to protect their Clan. He had come to accept that the best way he could do so with ShadowClan would be to fight - his Clanmates not only wouldn't accept anything less but so many of them could - would - be in danger due to their parents' actions. So many half-blooded cats or rogues that had been taken in as kits...He had to protect them. All of them, they were all ShadowClan cats despite what Brackenstar seemed to believe. But...If SkyClan would be spared, why wouldn't Spottedstar take that opportunity? There had been something else that had been mentioned but the details of the deal had been quickly lost in the cacophony of debate, something that he was certain was making the leader pause. He only hoped that Spottedstar would make the right choice...Whatever that truly was.

Finally, Spottedstar spoke up. SkyClan would be leaving. His ear twitched as for once, a silence almost fell over the Gathering as that information sunk in. He...Was not surprised but was a bit relieved. It was not the choice he was expecting but one he could see as the...Right one. To save his Clanmates while also not raising a claw against the other Clans. To escape all together and leave the others to fight... It was noble in some sense, to stick by his standards and the call that each leader had made. There was no doubt that the others would not take it well, but that was the way of things. Emotions were so tricky, he at least saw the logic of it and respected that and nothing more.

There was a suddenly cracking noise that caught his attention, realizing that words had been shared that he had somehow missed. He turned to focus just in time to see that Morningpaw fall to the cold embrace of the earth, Flintstar's breath caught in his throat. For all of the she-cat's strong willed speeches...She had only been an apprentice. It had been...Foolish of her to demand such a challenge. And it was the foolish cats who died the earliest. It was the cold, harsh reality that the leader had accepted for so long but yet...That didn't make this any easier. He could accept most deaths with almost an easy coldness. They would happen, it was how the world worked. But when cats died at the claws of another, those who made their choice to take a life...That was when he could not accept because that was not the working of an unforgiving world. That was the choice of a twisted cat who thought themselves above all.

With that action, of Morningpaw suddenly silenced so...Viciously, he knew what this meant. War. There was no denying it - Morningpaw had been their voice despite her young age. She had rallied the Clans together in their own rebellion and this act would not be taken lightly. Cats would leap at her defense, in vengeance of what was done...There was no sense denying it, loyalty and courage meant everything to them. So be it - the she-cat that had struck her down spoke out for them to stand down but he knew that there was no point. There would be no surrendering here - it was time. "ShadowClan, attack! Defend our honor and livelihood!" he shouted, suddenly moving into action as he went charging across the clearing toward the cat he had tracked among the many conversations...

Brackenstar. With narrowed eyes, the ShadowClan leader threw himself at the StarClan tom, teeth bared in a rare snarl. Brackenstar had done enough damage with his slaying of Thornstar those moons ago. He would not wait to see the tom try to raise a claw against his remaining family. "You will threaten ShadowClan no longer, fiend!" he growled as he raised his large paws, bringing down his claws onto the deceased leader's face. He could hear the sound of combat around him and he forced his ears down, recalling Lynxscar's comments on that he couldn't get overwhelmed in the thick of battle. But already he was starting to hear his head pound and struggled to remain focused on the tom in front of him.

Flintstar passively gains Night Finesse, gaining +2 damage for the duration of the fight.
Flintstar used Rending Front Paws on Brackenstar, dealing  22 damage and costing 19 stamina. (Regular 20 + 2 from Night Finesse)

Flintstar:
125/125 HP
281/300 SP (-19)

Brackenstar:
98/120 HP (-22)
300/300 SP



As other cats started to shout at Vixenstar, another cat took Honeytongue's attention as she watched one slip toward the medicine cats. Terror spiked through her as she saw Spiderquill standing there among the other medicine cats, eyes growing wide as she prayed that nothing would happen. The speeches and shouting became all but background noises to the warrior as her eyes remained trained on Spiderquill. She had once been rather close with the tom back when he was a kit but their duties had separated them...But he had always had Stormbringer and Ivystar to look out for him and the two had even started to see him as a son. And so, when she had become mates with them...Well, she had gained not just one son but two.

At the thought of Ashpaw, she quickly tried to locate her other son but he was lost in the crowd. She prayed to...To, well she wasn't sure who. Somebody that was still good, she supposed. There still had to be good cats in StarClan, they all couldn't have...Why had they been so quiet? She shook her head, eyes falling back onto Spiderquill and her heart sank as she saw him recoil from something the StarClan cat had said...And with a spike of motherly anger, she realized that the medicine cat was crying. He was also saying something but she couldn't hear what and another medicine cat - the ShadowClan one - spoke up as well. There were other things going on but it meant nothing to her.

Her eyes and complete focus remained on Spiderquill and the other medicine cats. Finally, something else transpired and her attention was briefly torn away as she realized that SkyClan was...Leaving. What? Her heart sank as she watched some of the cats start to head toward the border of the clearing, confused as she tried to make sense of it. But...They had to stand together! This fight was so much bigger than just one Clan - they had to fight together! They... She swallowed, her eyes suddenly found their way back to the medicine cats - just in time to see the StarClan cat strike Spiderquill. She could see one of the other medicine cats go to Spiderquill's defense but also Ashpaw, yet another young tom that Ivystar and Stormbringer had taken in. "GET AWAY FROM THEM!" she suddenly howled as she broke into a sprint, weaving between cats with the grace that only a RiverClan cat could hold until she was close enough to take a flying leap. With teeth bared and claws sinking into the strange form of the StarClan's cat, the rage of a mother flooded through her body. "Leave my sons alone!"

Honeytongue used Jumping Strike on Larchneedle, dealing 14 damage and costing 14 stamina.

Honeytongue:
85/85 HP
226/240 SP (-14)

Larchneedle:
116/120 HP (-14)
300/300 SP

The yowls that sounded as chaos broke out in the clouded clearing served as the sign to Dappleshine that it was time. Taking advantage of the sudden screeches and movement around them, she rose to her hind paws and brought both sets of claws down across Vixenstar's face, neck, and chest, letting out a shriek as her paws made contact. "That's for my daughter you mange-ridden foxmother! I'll make you regret every last blow you landed on her pelt!"

Dappleshine used Rear-Up-to-Slash on Vixenstar, dealing 17 damage and costing 9 SP.

Dappleshine:
105/105 HP
271/280 SP (-9)

Vixenstar:
103/120 HP (-17)
300/300 SP

---

Just like that, it began. As chaos broke from around her, Goldengale sprung forward towards the nearest member of the Righteous Few, bowling them over with a hiss as her sharp claws raked through their fur.

Goldengale used Jumping Strike on Cypressflame, dealing 14 damage and costing 14 SP.

Goldengale:
85/85 HP
226/240 SP (-14)

Cypressflame:
106/120 HP (-14)
300/300 SP

---

Blossomstep hissed in frustration as she looked between Spottedstar, Wolfcall, and the other clans, torn between respect and duty to her leader and the fear of what should happen if the other clans failed and then the Righteous Few turned on them. She glanced to the back of the she-cat who had so rudely interrupted her moment with Wolfcall, and had attempted to pit them against each other. Enough was enough, and if they were going to insult her leader and mentor on top of trying to cause issues between herself and Wolfcall on unfounded claims, then she wasn't just going to sit silently by. Besides, if the other clans didn't succeed, then nothing would help them when the stars decided to turn on them. "Wolfcall, I'm sorry, but I can't just leave. If we don't act now, we could be acting alone later.... I can't risk that. I'm sorry.... Tell Spottedstar I'm sorry..... I can't just walk away." Charging up behind her, Blossomstep turned on her front paws and kicked out, landing her hind paws squarely on the marbled she-cat's rump. As she stumbled, Blossomstep turned back to face her with a hiss, her back arching as she eyed up her opponent.

Blossomstep used Back Kick on Whinchatswirl, dealing 10 damage and costing 9 SP.

Blossomstep:
45/45 HP
111/120 SP (-9)

Whinchatswirl:
110/120 HP (-10)
300/300 SP

---

Galestar bit her tongue as Softpaw lunged at one of the warriors that accompanied them, and she sighed. She knew there were many of WindClan's ranks that would want to rake their claws through her pelt, and honestly she didn't blame them, but.... She deserved it, and if she were in their positions she knew she would want the same. She couldn't just stand back though, so she moved through the crowd and picked Softpaw up by her scruff, setting her on her paws with a rough nudge. "Stand tall, chin up. I'll do what I can." She wasn't going to be let off easy, she'd have to fight for the chance, but maybe... She hissed in frustration at herself. This is what you brought upon yourself, Galestar.

Galestar:
120/120 HP
300/300 SP

Aspenheart’s face sank as Larchneedle impishly approached Spiderquill, a lump growing in his throat. In what felt like a few terrible seconds, Badgerstar called out to his legion, Spiderquill was slashed across the face, Softpaw was running at the starry tom, and Morningpaw was crumpling to the ground… no! No! No! Stop!

Chaos.

“RAVENTAIL!” Aspenheart screeched, lunging at Softpaw and grabbing her tail in his teeth. Galestar was too close for his liking. “GET AWAY FROM HER!” He yanked Softpaw backward, tugging her along until she was in line with the other medicine cats. He looked at the ragtag group of healers. They all saw the riot coming. “We need to move back!” Aspenheart suddenly blurted out, motioning for everybody to move back until they were lingering on the far edge of the clearing. He continued to call out over the sound of war, “We have to find herbs, go find herbs! We need to help them! Spiderquill, get over here! Let me take a look at you, kit!”

Dustcloud's fur stood on end with every word that left Lavenderbreeze's maw, her claws unsheathed as she leaped forward. Before she even had time to comprehend what had happened... Fighting exploded around her. She hadn't even gotten the chance to look for Oakstar before fur was sent flying every which direction, and she simply looked about in confusion. When her eyes locked on Badgerstar, her gaze grew dark. He was responsible for Oakstar's absence... He would pay, dearly. Leaping forward, she stopped just short of the starry leader and pummeled his face with her paws.

Dustcloud used Rending Front Paws, dealing -17 Health Points and using -19 Stamina Points.

Dustcloud:
105/105 HP
261/280 SP

Badgerstar:
103/120 HP
300/300 SP

Cedarheart watched, scenes flashing before her eyes, and soon, they struck Morningpaw. She gasped, and hissed angrily. ”Morningpaw, if you can hear me, your death won’t be in vain. I, and many others, will fight for you!” She yowled, her green eyes exploding with rage. They had killed Dacedream, and now Morningpaw was laying defeated. No. No more. She would shred these Righteous Few, shred them until they ran. She turned to Vixenstar. The cat she had learned was Dapplehsine was fighting her, but she hoped the she-cat wouldn’t mind her joining in. ”Dacedream never deserved nay thing you did to her!” she yowled as battle erupted. She reared up, slashing angrily at Vixenstar.

Cedarheart used Rear Up Slash, dealing 9 damage and costing 9 stamina!

Cedarheart:
45/45
111/120

Vixenstar:
94/120 (-9)
300/300


Daisybloom watched in horror as battle erupted, frozen to the spot.


Creeksplash stood, watching and waiting, triumphantly smiling as the battle begun. She soon spotted an apprentice, Streampaw. She bounded up to the unsuspecting she-cat, ready to strike at her. She didn’t go too hard at first, she didn’t want to kill her. She shook the Riverclanners mercilessly.
Creeksplash used Scruff Shake, dealing 10 damage and costing 25 stamina! Streampaw is stunned for 1 turns!

Creeksplash:
120/120
275/300 (-25)

Streampaw:
15/25
80/80

Within just moments of the righteous few arriving, the clearing exploded into chaos. SkyClan had left and now the fighting had begun. Among the sudden burst of madness, the ShadowClan warrior wanted to make his way to Ravenmist, but there was no getting through the flurry of fur and claws that covered the clearing. Shaking his head, he let out a huff. His mate could take care of herself, he was sure of it. Right now, he would need to fight, for his clan and the entire forest's sake.

Finding some-cat near him, Daisyflame extended his claws and bared his fangs. "For the forest!" the white and ginger warrior yowled as he leaped onto the StarClan cat, pinning her down and digging his claws into her sides. Unlike his former days, he wasn't keep on fighting in such a gruesome way, but if it meant protecting his family and clan, then so be it.

Daisyflame used Leap and Hold, causing 14 damage and costing 4 stamina. Kestrelstorm is pinned for two turns.

Daisyflame
HP: 105/105
SP: 276/280

Kestrelstorm
HP: 106/120
SP: 300/300

~~~~~~~~~~

Sunflower, padding away with SkyClan still couldn't believe all that had happened. Owlstar had made a threat to him and his clan and now, they were just walking away. Behind them, the screeches and yowls of fighting cats filled the once silent air of the forest, and the lengthy warrior winced at the thought of how many cats would lose their lives tonight. At least SkyClan would be safe because of Spottedstar's decision, but that still didn't excuse the fact of what Owlstar had whispered to him as he was released from his grasp...

"I'm not done with you yet, little flower."

Owlstar's words rung in his abnormally large and odd shape ears and shiver was sent down his spine. Great Silverpelt, would this nightmare ever end?

The member 'Ice' has done the following action : Dices roll

---

'Effect Dice' : 5

Redwolf leaped up as Flintstar called for battle, and she exploded forward, looking for the closest target. She quickly found one, and raced towards them, claws out and teeth bared as she attacked.

Redwolf used Jumping Strike on Ivylight, dealing 12 damage and costing 14 SP.
Redwolf gets the Night Finesse passive bonus, and deals +2 damage.

Redwolf:
50/50 HP
146/160 SP (-14)

Ivylight:
108/120 HP (-12)
300/300 SP

---

Cherryblossom hissed at Vixenstar, and watched as Dappleshine explosively attacked the offending ghost-cat. She lashed her tail and waited for her moment to strike.

Cherryblossom:
50/50 HP
160/160 SP

Ivystar's fur ruffled as she heard speeches and monologues from every corner of the clearing, her ears pinned to her skull. It was difficult to concentrate on anything but the pounding in her head, her rapidly quickening pulse as tensions rose exponentially. All she knew is that Morningpaw had absolutely no filter, and she was going to get herself hurt. Her eyes were frantically searching for her mates, relief settling over her when she spotted both of them unharmed- so far. And then, faster than she could utter foxdung, Morningpaw was on the ground. A hiss left her maw immediately, her gaze shifting wildly between Olivestone and Lavenderbreeze as they tussled. Several fights had broken out around them, and she almost let out a cry when she spotted Honeytongue leaping towards one of the star-forsaken goons the Righteous Few had collected. After quickly debating on what she should do, she looked to her son Spiderquill... Who's face was bleeding. Immediately, she knew that had to be Larchneedle's doing- His claws had the blood of her son on them, and that was unacceptable. She leaped forward, aiming for Larchneedle... Before crashing into another member of the Righteous Few. She was going to shake her head and keep going, but any of them were better than none. With a hiss, she raked at the SkyClanner's belly, cringing as blood coated her claws.

Ivystar used Belly Rake on Sunspark, dealing -20 Health Points and using -4 Stamina Points.

Ivystar:
120/120 HP
296/300 SP

Sunspark:
100/120 HP
300/300 SP