Faded Hope [Riverclan Finale]

Pineheart blinked a few times, making sure that it was no hallucination, sitting up he saw glorious Starclan cats where there once was alive and, presumably, healthy warriors. He gazed in awe at the newly knighted Starclan warriors, and looked up at the sky, switching between the two in awe. "Wait, what? Starclan?! Oh by the stars they're here! They're back!!" He cheered, looking at the gorgeous cat silhouettes, stars shimmering and shining in their godlike figures, a once-in-a-lifetime experience! Few have ever seen one in the flesh, if any cat in any of the clans has seen one at all before this! This was a special moment, one he'd never experience again, not in a thousand moons! He wouldn't even be alive by then.

The silver tom blinked in disbelif, "But Starclan is just a tail for kits. You are all so exhausted that you are imaginging things." he scoffed, but even he couldn't deny that the Stars were now back and that something incredible was happening within the clans and within the warrior's spirits.

Gasps and murmurs of shock filled the air as the tension shifted to the... stars? Wait, what? Hollyleaf tilted her head, her eyes widening as she observed the event unfold in front of her eyes. But she was alone now — unlike most others. Perchfall, she saw from the distance — had been approached. And Hollyleaf attempted not to overthink it as her ears lowered once again. What little hope there was restored in her, though.

StarClan's back.

Only this time it wasn't an exclamation, but a soft mutter. She felt blank. This was what everyone wished for, so why wasn't she feeling... joyous?

Whitesnake's whiskers twitched, the dark forester clearly amused by the reaction he'd gotten.

"You take things far too seriously." He stated casually, as Rushtalon well, rushed at him. If he wanted a bloodied pelt however, Whitesnake would be happy to oblige. Perchfall had told him gatherings weren't a place for claws last moon after his little scuffle with Owlshriek... Too bad this young tom didn't feel the same. Long claws unsheathing, Whitesnake slashed at the tom with a series of swipes, lunging forward to sink his teeth into whatever part of him he could reach. He wasn't being especially careful of where his blows landed, and why should he? Either the tom would learn better manners, or he'd died. Whitesnake didn't much care which so long as he could feel blood beneath his paws. It was so warm... So full of life...

Otterdance’s eyes shifted to the sky up above as gasps and murmurs erupted across the camp clearing, stars dancing across it gracefully, shimmering in and out of view. Otterdance knew what that meant. Stars began to twinkle in the pitch black overhead, one by one reappearing faster than the tom’s eyes could track. He looked back down to Cloverheart, offering her one final weak smile. It was just moments afterward that he felt an indescribable weightlessness, as if his very being had been lifted from his physical form and nothing but his soul remained. Stars twinkled in his own eyes, reflecting the sky above him as he wandered. Would he, perhaps, find Mallowmist here? His focus shifted immediately to searching around camp while he still could, before chaos erupted around them and engulfed the camp.

Life blurred a little bit less as Poppyshine appeared next to her. Perchfall still felt sequestered, closed-off, shrinking in the background of camp, but she was a little more alive next to the calico. Someone was there. Maybe she didn't understand everything, and maybe she couldn't do anything, but she was there. And for the moment, that-- at least-- was enough. Things were happening around her. That foolhardy rogue Moon was demanding something or other. Cats were conversing. And then, a shadow approached. One of the Dark Forest cats; the one who had attacked Owlshriek last moon. Smirking, Whitesnake approached. Here to rub it in my face... I suppose it was inevitable. Stars, I should have just sat this Gathering out. It's not as though I have anything to do here. Letting out a sigh, the former deputy raised her head, ready to wearily respond--

And then, everything happened all at once.

A fox-length away, Flurrypaw and Otterdance collapsed lifelessly to the ground. Owlshriek stood between Poppyshine and Whitesnake. Rushtalon leapt at the Dark Forest tom, who responded with a violent flash of claws and teeth. And... the stars returned. Bright lights suddenly flared into existence all across the sky, and for a moment, all Perchfall could do was watch the dazzling spectacle in wonder. Had the sky always been this beautiful? Had the stars always been so vibrant? She barely even saw the starry form of Sparkfrost that sprang up from Flurrypaw's still form. Her light blue eyes reflected the beauty of Silverpelt, splashed across the heavens in a breathtaking display.

Yet, the moment of glory was short-lived. There was no time for her to sit around like a star-struck kit. If StarClan was truly back-- and the repercussions of that were too massive to be completely understood-- then things had to be done. She couldn't intervene in the fight between Rushtalon and Whitesnake; she couldn't tell where the young warrior ended and the murderous ghost began. Their fight was too vicious to be interrupted. But, if the Dark Forest cats were to be attacked... if they could finally have the support to drive them out... Well then. Eyes narrowed, acting impulsively, Perchfall stood up from where she had cowered by the warriors' den. This was no time for thoughts. This was a time for action. She strode forward, further into camp, and her eyes caught sight of the shadow that had been looming over RiverClan. The specter of death who threatened to take away everything that she loved. "RiverClan, now is the time to defend your home!" the former deputy called out, her voice clear like a bell-tone above the murmurs and cries of her Clanmates. Then, she leapt at Vixenstar, claws outstretched.

Perchfall used Jumping Strike on Vixenstar, dealing 13 (10+3) damage and costing 7 stamina.

Perchfall:
63/63 HP (+3 from Cloverheart's Defending Buff)
133/140 SP

Vixenstar:
87/100 HP
180/180 SP

"RiverClan, now is the time to defend your home!"

At the call of their deputy, Hollyleaf's body stiffened. So much happened in just a moment — just like then, when everything happened and came to the start of all of this. She was helpless then. She couldn't allow herself to repeat the same now. Her paws rose, and her tail lashed, claws unsheathing as her eyes narrowed. Whoever wanted to take her on — she'd accept the challenge. She wouldn't let Perchfall, or any cat's efforts go to waste, not again.

Hollyleaf is open for any DF cats to fight!

Dewlight had never felt so frustrated then she had seemingly unable to defend and aid her clan from her places among the stars. Tonight, however, that would change. As the stars emerged in the sky, and Otterdance sacrificed his life, she took form beside him, nudging him lightly as they briefly stood next to each other. "It's time. I forfeit an eternity in the stars to fight for my clan one final time." She mewed, sealing her decision. When her eyes opened once more, she took in a breath and steeled herself. Through narrowed eyes, she searched for a target.

80 HP / 170 SP

Another young warrior rushed in, likely trying to defend his foolish clanmate. Well, this one was equally foolish and would learn that attacking the dark forest was a mistake, then. Whitesnake spun, unsheathed claws striking out at the Riverclanner. Starclan was here, but they could not save these cats from the damage his claws would inflict. He would not go down without a fight.

Whitesnake used Front Paw Strike on Divesight for -7 sp, dealing -10+2 damage.

Dovesight
18 / 30 HP (30 - 10 - 2)
73 / 80 SP

Whitesnake
90 / 100 HP
173 / 180 SP (180 - 7)

Vinethorn was gazing around RiverClan camp when a sudden glimmer in the sky above caught her attention. What? Could it be... No, those mouse-hearts couldn't just come back. A snarl started to form in her throat as more and more stars appeared. Soon after, two Riverclanners dropped dead and StarClan cats took their place.

Vinethorn whipped her head around and found the nearest cat to attack. It was a gray tabby she-cat. She ran towards her with outstretched claws and bowled her over, rolling them both across the ground.

Vinethorn used Jumping strike, dealing 15 damage (10+3+2) and costing 7 SP!

Vinethorn
100/100 HP
173/180 SP (-7)

Hollyleaf
35/50 HP (-15)
120/120 SP

(OOC: Edited for Passive bonus of +3 HP to all living RC cats)

As she expected, a ghastly soul was to attempt to strike her down. She hissed, her body stiffening as the cat on top of her bowled her over. Hollyleaf would lash out at them, her claws slashing across the Dark Forest cat's face. During the short, yet valuable meantime — the grey she-cat slipped from underneath the cat, readying herself for another attack.

Hollyleaf used Front Paw Strike and Desperate Blows for 14 SP, dealing 13 (8+5) damage!

Hollyleaf
38/53 (50+3) HP
106/120 SP (-14)

Vinethorn
87/100 HP (-13)
173/180 SP

Vinethorn felt claws rake across her face, and a hiss escaped her throat. The Riverclanner managed to escape from her grasp and was now standing next to her! Vinthorn quickly steadied herself on her paws and darted forward. She felt her jaws close around the she-cat's leg.

Vinethorn used Snap, dealing 12 (10+2) damage and costing 7 SP!

Vinethorn
87/100 HP
166/180 SP (-7)

Hollyleaf
23/50 HP (-12)
106/120 SP

Greyfeather watched with disdain as the stars soared across the sky and Riverclan warriors dropped, Starclan cats rising from their corpses. How pathetic, that Starclan had to use the living to get anywhere, and so few too. This would be easy. The grey tabby soared across the clearing and clashed with Dewlight, feinting to the side and slamming into them harshly. Take that foul beast!

Greyfeather used Dishonourable Charge, Dewlight is stunned for two turns. Dealing 10(+2) damage and costing 20 SP

Greyfeather:
100/100 HP
160/180 SP

Dewlight:
68/80 HP
170/170 SP

Sorrelfern growled out when she saw that Starclan had started coming back. She didn't want them here, they didn't have a right to be here! Amber eyes roamed over the camp looking for someone to attack, but amid the chaos is was hard to do so.

Sorrelfern is open to be attacked!