May Gathering 2020 [Sitewide Plot Finale]

Before Whinchatswirl could land an attack on Frostpaw, another starry cat slammed his head hard into her side, sending her skidding across the ground a few tail-lengths away. Scorchstar stood tall beside the apprentice, the former ShadowClan leader glaring furiously down at the Righteous Few molly. ”That will be enough from you, Whinchatswirl,” he growled lowly. ”The rest of StarClan will not sit idly by as you and your team of rogues destroy our Clans. Return to the darkness of the Dark Forest from which you came.”

Scorchstar used Run-and-Tackle on Whinchatswirl, dealing 15 (+3) damage and costing 10 stamina.

Scorchstar
120/120 HP
290/300 SP (-10)

Whinchatswirl
0/120 HP (-18)
260/300 HP

Finally. As the benevolent starry hosts flooded in, some of them taking their sweet time with speeches and condolences, Gingerstripe went straight to scanning the crowded battle scene. He'd been in these forest-wide fights before, and seen more than his fair share of blood. Caused more than his fair share, as well. He knew how to fight, and he'd do it well. They'd take the forest back from these flea-pelted fox-hearts.

The orange tabby glanced from battle to battle, searching for where he was needed. His lean form stalked through the fighting, offering no explanation, speaking to no one, only searching. Green eyes glinted in the darkness, flashing with memories of other times he'd fought in this same clearing. Alongside Dewshine. The love of his life. But where was their daughter? Where was Dappleshine? He'd regretted for all these moons that he'd died in the flood, leaving their daughter with no mother nor father. Thornstar had risen to the occasion, as well as many other cats in many Clans. Then, she'd found her own path to another Clan: WindClan. It was almost strange how many Clans were related to him now. Clan-hopping must be in their blood. But these Righteous Few had targeted her, along with many others. They had hurt her. And now he would return the favor.

He finally found her- lying stunned on the ground, in pain. His daughter.

No one hurt his family. Especially not these terrible excuses for ancestors.

With an ear-splitting snarl, Gingerstripe threw himself at Vixenstar, raking his sharp, starry claws deep into her fur. He normally wasn't a violence-loving cat; he'd had his fair share of killing and death while he was alive. But he wouldn't settle for just injuring these cats. He wanted them dead, dead and gone. He cut deep gashes into the she-cat, eyes filled with contemptuous rage. Once he'd finished attacking with his moment of surprise, he turned to his daughter on the ground, his gaze softening as he spoke his first words to her since her Moonstone journey. "On your feet, Dappleshine. We'll defeat them together." His familiar, crooked smile flashed into view for a moment. "Let's show these scum that the power of family defeats any Clan bond- and what the power of StarClan truly is."

Gingerstripe used Rending Front Paws on Vixenstar, using 25 stamina and dealing 20 damage.

Gingerstripe:
120/120 HP
275/300 SP

Vixenstar:
32/120 HP
280/300 SP

Dappleshine:
64/105 HP
229/280 SP

Cedarheart:
45/45 HP
81/120 SP

Foxspirit:
50/50 HP
145/160 SP

Cherryblossom:
50/50 HP
90/160 SP

Many seasons had passed since the starry she-cat had laid her paws in the clearing that she now stood in, stars twinkling in her starry gray pelt. One could have mistaken her for the malevolent Lavenderbreeze that had been so bravely put down at her former Clan's new deputy's teeth, but her own pelt sported none of the tabby stripes. She couldn't be more proud of her Clan, and the leadership that WindClan now had. With a smile, she turned to survey the clearing, looking out for the battle that needed her the most. Since having run the starry plains of StarClan for so long since her death, she hadn't been forced to raise her claws since her death many moons ago, and in some way, it felt almost satisfying to protect her Clan once more.

She found Olivestone, chest heaving from the effort of long and prolonged battle, three of the Righteous Few having fallen to her claws now. She'd been watching sweet Olivestone from the moment she'd been brought into the Clan with her brother Ferretdance, through her apprenticeship as kind and energetic Olivepaw, her warriorship as steadfast and hardworking Olivestone, and now as the strong and steady WindClan deputy. Needless to say, she was so proud of her Clan and what it had become, and while she too grieved the loss of Finchstar, she knew that Raventail and Olivestone would lead her former Clan well.

The starry she-cat approached and laid her tail across the deputy's back and waited while the other she-cat regained her breath and prepared to throw herself back into battle.
"Wait a second, Olivestone."

Olivestone had been about to throw herself into the next battle that presented itself, when a starry tail laid itself across her back, and an unknown voice spoke to her. She almost whirled around, ready to attack, but when the kind, shining eyes of a true StarClan cat gazed down at her, she immediately relaxed. The StarClanner's pelt looks similar to her own, except it held more blue undertones and lacked the tabby stripes that Olivestone herself sported. Instead, a darker dorsal stripe spanned from her shoulders down to the tip of her tail.
With a smile, she waited to hear what the starry she-cat had to say. She didn't have to wait long, as the starry cat began to speak once more.

"I am Cobaltfire. I one lived in the Clan that you call home and family, and I once aspired to the path of leadership. Falconstar was my leader, and while my chance for leadership never came, I'm so proud of you. You're doing great, and when your time comes, know that you'll have my support."
She smiled gently at Olivestone before continuing.

"Galestar broke down the barrier between StarClan and the living world. As much as I disagree with her actions leading up to this, she's grown to truly regret them. Hold her accountable for what she's done, but know that she's also had a change of heart. She now fights for you, and with you."

Cobaltfire turned to Redwolf and gave a kind and respectful nod.
"Now, let's drive the Righteous Few out of the forest for good."

---

With Cobaltfire at her side, Olivestone quickly found the battle where it looked like they were needed most. The starry she-cat matching her gait step for step, Olivestone hopped in and gave Kestrelstorm a vicious swipe, Cobaltfire following with one soon after.

Olivestone used Rending Front Paws on Kestrelstorm, dealing 17 damage and costing 19 stamina.

Olivestone:
74/100 HP
150/280 SP (-19)

Kestrelstorm
37/120 (-17)
245/300 SP

---

Cobaltfire felt her claws tear through starry fur and flesh much like her own, and she felt the familiar-yet-foreign rush of adrenaline flow through her body.

Cobaltfire used Rending Front Paws, dealing 20 damage and costing 25 stamina.

Cobaltfire:
120/120 HP
275/300 SP (-25)

Olivestone:
74/100 HP
150/280 SP

Kestrelstorm
17/120 (-20)
245/300 SP

As she was about to rejoin the battle, cats flooded in. Yowls permeated her ears, one standing out above the others. Scorchstar. Her father, her father had come to help! Ravenmist yowled in glee, running to his side. "Dad!" She stopped short of embracing him, however, turning her ears to the battle. Where he went to fight, so would she.

______________________________________________________________________

Falconwing thundered into the clearing, a grin on her face as she barreled into a former ThunderClanner, with a ginger and gray pelt. "Finally, some action! I'll have to thank Galestar." She ripped into the other StarClanner's pelt, before locating Mossbloom. She'd have to say hello, once they had taken care of their misguided comrades. There was no fear, no hesitation in her actions. Just glee, as she flashed Colbatfire a grin.

Falconwing used Run-and-Tackle on Kestrelstorm, dealing 18 Damage and costing 10 Stamina.

Falconwing:
120/120 HP
290/300 SP (-10)

Kestrelstorm:
0/120 HP (-18)
245/300 SP


No. No. Everything was going wrong. This wasn't order. This wasn't discipline. StarClanners had returned. She was taken off-guard when one barreled into her, and she was thrown to the side. She tried to get up, but she was too weakened, too injured. Slowly Kestrelstorm faded away, in silence, noble. Like the proud warrior she had always been.

As soon as the barrier shattered, Leopardstar leaped from the sky with the power of a thousand storms, his hazel eyes narrowed down to the tiniest of slits.  He could see Fourtrees clearly, every cat in it an individual and sacred life.  From the smallest apprentice to the strongest leader, they all deserved to call this place home...and he would make sure that stayed a reality.  Without turning his head, he called out to the cat he had helped many times before, in life and in death, and she had helped him in return.  "It's time.  Let's finish this Wolffang."  With a mighty yowl, Leopardstar bombarded Brackenstar with a flurry of flashing claws, and hissed in his face.  "You will not hurt any more innocent cats!"

Leopardstar used Rending Front Paws on Brackenstar, costing 25 stamina and dealing 20 damage.

Leopardstar
120/120
300/300

Brackenstar
85/120
300/300

Dustcloud's gaze only faltered when Dawngaze spat nonsense back at her, frustration rising in her chest. What could possibly compel her own daughter to attack Oakstar in such a way- her father!? "D-Dawngaze, we... we raised you, f-for StarClan's sake!" Shaking her head, she waited a moment before lashing out again, guilt growing by the second. Dustcloud was supposed to protect her... Yet here she was.

Dustcloud used Rending Front Paws, dealing -17 Health Points and using -19 Stamina Points. Dawngaze is stunned for one more turn.

Dustcloud:
40/105 HP
147/280 SP

Dawngaze:
21/85 HP
169/240 SP

---

Gustpuddle felt invigorated- Galestar's attempts hadn't proven futile after all, and now the rebellion of the stars joined that of the ground, forces coming together to defeat a mutual enemy. Her fur was shiny as ever, tamed down as she took form in the clearing- and oh, how dearly she'd missed it. Not in the shape it was now, of course, but she missed gatherings and congregating with her friends and family. Fluffing out her fur, she looked around, hoping to find one of her loved ones. Her amber eyes fell immediately on her son's pelt, almost identical to her own. Leaping forward, she attacked the she-cat he'd been fighting. "We're here, son. It's all gonna be okay, I... I'm sorry I couldn't get here earlier, to stop all of this..." Shaking her head, she waited a moment to regain her strength, urging Ploverpuddle to do the same.

Gustpuddle used Rear-Up to Slash on Creeksplash, dealing -20 Health Points and using -15 Stamina Points.

Gustpuddle:
120/120 HP
285/300 SP

---

Briarpaw looked up to Redwolf quietly, not wanting to have to lean on her for support. She allowed the she-cat to boost her to her paws, but after that she lumbered behind her quietly, kneading her paws anxiously as Mossbloom tended to her wounds. Wounds that she wouldn't have if Briarpaw had done her job like a proper ShadowClan warrior would have. Should have done better...

As the clouds dissipated, revealing the stars, another starlit warrior joined the fray - Swanpetal surveyed the fight, looking for where her opponent of choice resided. There, standing against several very much alive ShadowClan cats, stood Brackenstar. The others, it seemed, had it handled - at least for now - and so she made her way over with pride and purpose.

Stars, it felt strange, being down among the living again. She didn't see Waspburn anywhere, but that was alright so long as her daughter was safe. It meant there was nothing to distract her now, anyway.

"I hope you don't mind a little help," she greeted. "Thornstar is a friend of mine. And as for you, another so-called leader... You're not fit to lead a kit to the dirtplace, let alone a revolution!"

Without another word, she leapt into the fray.

Swanpetal used Belly Rake on Brackenstar, dealing 20 damage and costing 10 stamina.

Sparkfire
19/65 HP
155/200 SP

Brackenstar
65/120 HP (-20)
300/300 SP

Ravenmist
100/100 HP
221/250 SP

Viperpaw
25/25 HP
72/80 SP

Smokepaw
3/25 HP
72/80 SP

Swanpetal
120/120 HP
290/300 SP (-10)

Leopardstar
120/120
275/300
~
Willowpaw fell to the ground, and Batbite didn't bother with any taunts this time - just the pure, untainted language of war; spoken with tooth and claw. Just slash after slash, bite after bite - she raked her claws across his side, once more cutting deep.

Batbite used Rear-Up To Slash on Stembreeze, dealing 11 damage and costing 9 stamina.

Stembreeze:
17/120 HP (-11)
265/300 SP

Batbite:
50/50 HP
129/160 SP (-9)

Snowpaw:
20/20 HP
38/50 SP

Addershade:
65/65 HP
141/200 SP
~
Zinnia followed Galestar and Downpaw into the fight, relieved that she could at last face off against the true threats; though she watched with wonder as more starlit cats joined them. These ones were fighting on their side - so that was what Galestar had been doing, whatever it was. "Raventail," she greeted. "I'm sorry for the delay, but I'm here to assist in any way I can."

Zinnia used Run-And-Tackle on Badgerstar, dealing 13 (10+3) damage and costing 4 stamina.

Galestar
120/120 HP
270/300 SP

Raventail
105/105 HP
206/280 SP

Juniperpaw
15/25 HP
71/80 SP

Lionspark
120/120 HP
275/300 SP

Badgerstar
25/120 HP (-13)
280/300 SP

Zinnia
65/65 HP
190/200 SP (-4)
~
Mothglow stood, drawing herself to her full height when a starlit warrior approached Flintstar's still frame, but relaxed when she spoke. StarClan hadn't abandoned them, then - not on purpose, at least - and that was the only thought she managed to understand as Lionspark darted away.

"I-I'm here, Mothglow. I came back."

"You came back," she agreed, a soft sight of relief escaping her. ShadowClan had lost enough, had faced enough heartache - and that was setting aside herself, as well.

"I...I am sure you will have words for me, afterwards. But...I must go. I must fight and drive them back...But I swear, I will be back, sister. All of you, I will lead you home victorious. I promise."

She found herself smiling as he returned to the fight, unsure if she could recall another time he'd addressed her as such. "I believe you," she murmured as he left, turning her attention back to the cats around her. Trying to focus on the living ones, not wanting to be caught up in her own memories again. Not far from where she stood now, there was... "Redwolf! Here, let me help you... You're doing great."

Mothglow used Major Heal on Redwolf, restoring 8 HP and costing 14 stamina.

Redwolf
19/50 HP

Mothglow
55/55
78/120

When Kestrelstorm faded away, Cobaltfire allowed herself to relax a little, and her gaze fell on Morningpaw, laying still beneath the great rock, with Softpaw and Spotlake hovering over her. Laying her tail on Olivestone's back, she led the deputy over to the trio.
"Before we jump back into battle, I have something to do first."

Cobaltfire closed her eyes, the stars in her fur glowing brighter as she touched her nose to the dying apprentice's forehead. A few stars from the StarClan warrior's body transferred to the apprentice's, speeding along the length of her body to heal the injuries that would kill her, given enough time. A few of the stars sunk into her body, targeting the internal bleeding and wounds that Lavenderbreeze had caused. As quickly as the healing began it ended, and Morningpaw's breathing had strengthened.
"Her punctured lung, broken ribs, and crushed skull have all been healed. She will live, though I do not know how long she will sleep. She's been through a great trauma, and I do not know how long it will take for her mind to catch up with her healed body."

Olivestone watched as Cobaltfire healed her apprentice, the apprentice she loved like a daughter. Tears filled her eyes, and she pushed her face into the starry cat's neck fur after she'd explained what she'd done.
"Thank you." she murmured.

With a smile, Cobaltfire purred, "You're welcome, dear Olivestone."
After a moment, Olivestone pulled back, and nodded at the StarClan warrior to continue the battle. Cobaltfire led the charge this time, Olivestone following step for step as the pair launched at Owlstar. Olivestone didn't have to strike, as Cobaltfire's swipe knocked Owlstar to the ground.

Cobaltfire used Rending Font Paws on Owlstar, dealing 20 damage and costing 25 stamina. Owlstar is unable to battle.

Cobaltfire:
120/120 HP
250/300 SP (-25)

Olivestone:
74/100 HP
150/280 SP

Owlstar:
0/120 HP
260/300 SP

As Meadowpaw broke free of the wall that the so called "Righteous Few" had put up, she servayed the battle scene that unfolded before her. It wasn't long before she spotted a young apprentice fighting one of them. She rushed forwards to help, leaping up and bowling the former StarClanner over. She came out on top, then stepped off of the she-cat, looking her in the face with her mitch-matched eyes. "Th-this is what you get for r-rebelling against us! G-go rot in the dark forest!" Sometimes, Meadowpaw found it anoying that though she was a StarClan cat, she still stutterd. At least it wasn't as bad as it once was! She looked over at the young ShadowClan apprentice and the others who had been fighting this cat. "G-greetings. My name is M-meadowpaw, I-I'm sorry that we couldent come untill now, but we will help you w-win this battle!"

Meadowpaw used Jumping Strike on Aspenleaf, dealing 16 damage and costing 20 stamina. Aspenleaf can no longer fight!

Meadowpaw:
125/125 HP
280/300 SP (-20)

Aspenleaf: (KO)
-8/120 (-16)
225/300

It was like a nightmare that plagued your mind at night but then it begins to seep into reality. The atmosphere was thick with hatred. The only word Swiftstep could think of to describe this carnage is chaos. The "Righteous Few" made his blood boil. Very few things anger him as much as this. His muscles ached with want to run down there and stop those monsters for good. Their ideologies were twisted and sadistic. They were more more suited for The Dark Forest than StarClan.

It felt odd but good being back on the ground. He and some fellow StarClanners managed to breach the barrier that separated Starclan from the clans below. They were ready to fight alongside their former clanmates and loved ones. He was doing this for his family and friends, for those he had left behind. As he stretched and flexed his claws, he scoured his surroundings to find an opening to attack. After a few moments, his eyes were set on someone. His signature grin made its way onto his face as he readied himself to sprint. After waiting a little bit, he tore across the battlefield. His eyes never leaving his target. Right before he crashed into him, he outstretched his paws and tackled the tom with as much strength as he could muster. It seemed that it was over for this one.

"Hello there young'uns. Hope you didn't mind me coming in like that. The name's Swiftstep and i'm one of the many here to help ya'll drive these rats out." he said when he turned to face the other three. He gave them a charming smile before looking elsewhere as he began to scout out another fight he could jump into.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Swiftstep used Run-And-Tackle on Stembreeze, dealing (15+3)18 damage and using 10 SP. Stembreeze can no longer fight!

Swiftstep
120/120 HP
290/300 SP (-10)

Stembreeze (K.O)
-1/120 HP (-18)
265/300 SP

Batbite
50/50 HP
129/160 SP

Snowpaw
20/20 HP
38/50 SP

Addershade
65/65 HP
141/200 SP

Blossomstep swayed in place momentarily as the stench and taste of blood grew stronger. The great oaks that made Fourtrees seemed to spin around her as sharp claws dug further in, and her legs collapsed from under her as her vision started to go dark. I'm sorry, Wolfcall.... I wasn't good enough.... she thought as the world started to go black before a stern voice interrupted her thoughts, forcing her eyes to open lazily. The blurred face of a calico seemed to hover inches from her, and for a moment she considered swatting at the vision.

Blossomstep is KO'ed!

---

Mossbloom carefully slipped through the battlefield when a still form caught her eye and she hurried over to find Willowpaw. Picking up the apprentice and carefully carrying her to place next to Ivystar, she lowered her to the ground gently and inspected her wounds. There was breathing, although slight. She took a few heartbeats to patch the apprentice, stabilizing her to the best of her ability before rushing back out to the battlefield with a whispered promise to return soon. As she made her way towards the moonlight that was bathing the battlefield, she saw another cat fall, a she-cat. Darting over, she avoided the cats still fighting nearby as the she-cat started to close her eyes. "Just what do you think you're doing? Don't you dare close those eyes on me, we've got work to do. This is gonna sting, hang in there though. We'll get you back on your paws."

Mossbloom used Max Revive on Blossomstep, restoring 45 HP and costing 39 SP.

Mossbloom:
65/65 HP
76/200 SP (-39)

Blossomstep:
45/45 HP
89/120 SP

---

As the calico set to work, Blossomstep slowly felt her strength returning. Her claws flexed in and out, and as she refocused on the she-cat who had come to her she was grateful she hadn't initially had the strength to swat out, because now she recognized the face of Mossbloom, ThunderClan's medicine cat. As Mossbloom stepped away, Blossomstep slowly stood, assessing her wounds and their dressings before purring and smiling at the medicine cat. "Thank you, truly." With a final nod, she turned back towards where she had been fighting with Wolfcall, searching for his pelt.

Ferretdance could see stars as he was shook around like a leaf on the breeze. And then he could literally see stars, as more StarClan cats joined the fray. He felt a moment of despair, then realized it was really StarClan, and hope swelled in his chest. As they moved on Owlstar, he felt himself lose his balance as the teeth let go of his scruff, and he collapsed at their paws. Glancing up, he realized that Olivestone was alongside his rescuer, and he quickly got back to his paws.

"Olivestone! I'm so glad you're okay," he glanced over his sister quickly, and while she was definitely not in the best condition she'd ever been in, she was safe enough. He hadn't been able to keep track of her in all of the fighting, and relief flooded him.

---

Viperpaw felt horror take over as Smokepaw's face was slashed and all she could see for a moment was blood. She didn't have enough time to really study his face, either, as now Brackenstar was on his paws once more. She felt exhausted and frustrated, but more than anything she felt hate. This stupid walking corpse had taken so much from her, and he couldn't just die and let it be over. She swiped at him with a front paw, her movements limited due to her position near to her brother, but managing to make contact all the same.

Her eyes widened as more starry figures joined in the battle, the one joining the fight against Brackenstar even speaking her mother's name. "Mom...?" Hope lit up her green eyes, as the smoky apprentice looked around, trying to spot Thornstar among the fighting cats. Surely if StarClan cats were here to save them, her mother would be here as well?

Viperpaw uses Front Paw Strike, dealing 6 + 2 (8) damage and costing 10 - 6 (4) SP

Viperpaw
25/25 HP
68/80 SP (-4)

Brackenstar
57/120 HP (-8)
300/300 SP

Sparkfire
19/65 HP
155/200 SP

Ravenmist
100/100 HP
221/250 SP

Smokepaw
3/25 HP
72/80 SP

Swanpetal
120/120 HP
290/300 SP

Leopardstar
120/120
275/300

Olivestone perked up when she heard her name called, and saw Ferretdance. She bounded over and rubbed her face against his, and purred,
"I've been better, but I've been worse. I'm doing well enough, considering that three of those Righteous Few mange-bags fell to my claws! I'm just glad that you're okay!"

Cobaltfire watched happily as the siblings took comfort in one another, remembering her own brother that too, resided in StarClan. I wonder what Wolftrot's doing right now? Probably chasing some starry rabbits.

---

Redwolf felt energy flood back into her body as the medicine cats patched up her wounds. She nodded her thanks at them, meeting eyes briefly with Mothglow, smiling before darting back out onto the battlefield. She caught sight of one of the Righteous Few leaders still fighting, and jumped into the fray, bloodstained claws glinting in the moonlight.

Redwolf used Upright Front Paws on Brackenstar, dealing 13 (11+2) damage and costing 14 stamina.
Night Finesse is active.

Redwolf:
19/50 HP
90/160 SP (-14)

Brackenstar:
44/120 HP (-13)
300/300 SP

Honeytongue panted as she watched Ivystar's killer fade away into stardust, hoping he wouldn't enjoy whatever laid in the afterlife for already dead cats... Or perhaps there was nothing more for him - either way was good with her. She blinked, suddenly becoming aware of her surroundings as she looked up and saw more star-pelted cats that were charging The Righteous Few. StarClan was...Here? Her breath caught in her throat, almost terrified as she scanned the cats looking for the familiar pelt of her father or siblings...Or even Ivystar. But in the chaos, she saw nobody that she recongized. She turned to look at Stormbringer, taking a step to press her muzzle against the deputy's neck like she had at the start of the Gathering, drinking in her scent for a few heartbeats. "Stay safe, we...We will win this yet. None of this will be in vain," she murmured before she turned and raced off, already knowing her new target.

She could see Dappleshine still in combat with Vixenstar, along with the one that had broken the news of Dacedream's death and even a StarClan cat. She had wanted to be at her sister's side for the fight but she knew that Dappleshine could handle herself and her sons and mate had needed her strength first. But now, there was nothing stopping her from helping Dacedream's family from getting revenge for the darling she-cat's death. With a war cry, she weaved her way through the battles until she was at Vixenstar's side, before she reared backwards and brought her paws and weight down onto the she-cat's flank.

Honeytongue used Upright Lock on Vixenstar, dealing 16 damage and costing 19 stamina.

Honeytongue:
85/85 HP
98/240 SP (-19)

Vixenstar:
16/120 HP (-16)
280/300 SP

The starry warrior in front of them finally fell at last to a few last victorious swipes, disappearing in a flutter of starlight that vanished into nothing. Clovertwist panted hard, feeling his legs tremble as he backed away from the empty space where the Righteous Few brute had been terrorizing them moments before. The WindClan tom was untouched by enemy claws, yet there was a radiating, consuming pain pulsing in his crooked tail. His allies dispersed, and Clovertwist glanced after them as they each disappeared; to family and friends and foes alike. He flexed his claws and immediately began searching the clearing for Galestar, that fox-heart who'd killed his mentor and leader - that traitor, that no-good crowfood-eating Clan-killer! His pale amber eyes found her tabby pelt, but what he saw shocked him: she threw herself with a screech and raking claws at one of her allies.

"What?" Clovertwist breathed, dumbfounded and staring in the middle of the battlefield as he stared at the bewildering sight. What in Finchstar's name...? Wasn't she just against them a moon ago? The ancient WindClan she-cat danced in battle alongside their leader, Raventail, two ThunderClan cats, and a third starry figure. Clovertwist's confusion was magnified, and for a moment he was terrified that somehow the Righteous Few had called in reinforcements to overrun them. But no, they were fighting the Righteous Few, too! Who...?

At last Clovertwist's eyes found the answer in the form of an unforgettable cream tabby form leaping into the fray alongside living cats. "D-Dad," Clovertwist squeaked. His eyes grew wet with tears and he stared wordlessly. A sharp pulse of pain in his tail made him nearly crumple to the earth, forcing him to tear his gaze away from his father. Softpaw, Aspenheart, he thought through the pain, I have to find them. I have to tell them - tell them dad's here. Gritting his teeth and gathering his will, Clovertwist began to lumber through the chaotic battle and mass of flowing starry cats. He found his young sister, Softpaw, beside the broken Morningpaw and Spotlake. Clovertwist's movements were stiff as he tried to hold his tail still.

For a moment the urgency of his own pain was distracted to see the movement in Morningpaw's chest. "Oh... Oh, StarClan, she... She's...?" he stammered, unable to find the words. She's not gone. He looked back out towards the fray, stunned into silence with horror and amazement of what the stars above and the shadows below had unleashed upon the forest.