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Post by *Ottersplash* on Aug 31, 2021 13:49:18 GMT -5
Why is everyone acting so surprised that Leopardstar acted awful while under Tigerstar's influence? Lol. I thought this was already known knowledge, this is after all before she actually developed and improved as a leader in the future.
That being said, it's enjoyable to see her character in these scenes. Nothing she's doing is justifiable, but it's nice to see things from her perspective, and her paranoia getting the best of her. To the point she's even turning on her own father, which kinda sucks since she spent most of her life trying to get his approval. On the other hand, it's also interesting to see how she molded into the character she is now due to the circumstances of RiverClan, she became easy pickings for the likes of Tigerstar, which is unfortunate. I wonder when she'll have her moment of clarity, and start to question if what she's doing is actually the right thing to do. Because even with the scene with Skyheart, she did agree that it was for the good of her kits, but at the same time she was slightly uncomfortable with forcing Skyheart to go along with Tigerstar's demands.
I also think Leopardstar is a pretty good reason why younger cats shouldn't be put into positions like deputy so quickly. Destiny or not, I do agree with her father, it was too soon, because being a young and inexperienced makes them more vulnerable and naïve. Being put on a pedestal all her life doesn't help either, and no it's not an excuse, but just an analyzation of her character so far.
I'm not surprised because I've always known she's morally questionable (and I'm really not a fan), but this book shines light on behind the scenes and shows what other terrible things she has done
and not only under Tigerstar's influence, but through a lot of the book we've seen her with terrible judgment.
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Post by Mau Furlong on Aug 31, 2021 16:28:03 GMT -5
Whens the next chapter coming out? jw
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#04F9B3
StarClan leader
Name Colour
Featherstar
She could now see that destiny alone could not save RiverClan. - Frostpaw, Wind
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Post by Featherstar on Aug 31, 2021 16:32:05 GMT -5
Whens the next chapter coming out? jw I don't know. But what I do know is that Chapter 31 will be next,
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Post by *Faith* on Aug 31, 2021 16:37:09 GMT -5
I feel like the little comic at the end will be Leopardstar's death, but who really knows at this point.
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Post by Mau Furlong on Aug 31, 2021 16:52:59 GMT -5
I feel like the little comic at the end will be Leopardstar's death, but who really knows at this point. Oh...ok
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Post by Hollyfall on Aug 31, 2021 17:31:34 GMT -5
Chapter 31: Leopardfur thanks Stonefur for a rabbit as he drops it at her paws. He eyes her warily and then pads away, making Leopardstar wonder if it's because he clearly doesn't trust Jaggedtooth and Boulder staying in their camp. They had been sent by Tigerstar so RiverClan can get accustomed to having ShadowClan in their camp, and so they could help protect them against ThunderClan or WindClan aggression. Blackclaw and Reedtail seem to appreciate their presence, and since then, RiverClan had stop questioning whether aligning with ShadowClan was wise, making Leopardstar grateful that she doesn't need to defend her choices anymore.
Tigerstar comes in, and says he needs to speak with Leopardstar. She goes up to talk with him outside of the camp, and Stonefur begins to follow her. Tigerstar sees him and sneers that the discussion isn't for half-clan cats. Stoenfur looks away, and Leopardstar reflects that RiverClan now knew that Stonefur and Mistyfoot were the kits of Bluestar and Oakheart; Stonefur saying as much himself. Stonefur pads away, and Leopardstar follows Tigerstar, asking what's wrong. He asks if she still plans to make Mistyfoot and Stonefur mentors to Silverstream's kits. She replies yes. He grunts that she's taking a risk having half-clan cats train half-clan cats, and traitors will encourage traitors. Although wary of their ThunderClan blood, Leopardstar insists they're not traitors, and perhaps if she shows them trust, they'll prove themselves. Tigerstar asks if she needs their support, and she replies that she needs the support of everyone.
Tigerstar mews that she doesn't gain support by giving trust. Instead, she should gain support by showing what would happen if they don't follow her, and Leopardstar is unsettled by the darkness in his expression. Carrion scent then enters Leopardstar's nose, and it draws her to a heap of rubbish at the far end of the camp. Tigerstar hurries towards it, and claims he got the idea from when Skyheart refused to eat her mouse. Leopardstar is horrified and disgusted as she sees it's a heap of bones, and asks if can't just dump it on his territory over hers. Tigerstar snarls that this territory is his territory, his hackles lifting. Leopardstar replies it's their territory. He glances at her, and says of course, and then says that the bone pile is a monument. Leopardstar asks what's it for, disliking the idea of a stinking monument so close to their camp.
Tigerstar growls it's so their Clanmates will be grateful to always have food, and one look at the pile will remind them how lucky they are to be part of TigerClan. Leopardstar thinks to herself that admittedly, it's impressive, but can't stop the shiver of surprise as Tigerstar leaps on top of it, turning to stare down at her. He bellows that it's a good place to address the Clan, and says from now on, they hold TigerClan meetings there. Leopardstar is satisfied, as the bone pile is on RiverClan land over ShadowClan. Tigerstar mews that it's a good spot to lookout for enemy patrols as well. She asks if he thinks the other two Clans would attack. Tigerstar says they must, as surely they will recognize their strength sooner or later. As he bounds down from the pile, he asks why they should bother taking risks, and they should attack first. Leopardstar frowns, and says that they should try talking first. Tigerstar sneers again as he says Firestar is leader now. Leopardstar asks about WindClan, and Tigerstar replies that WindClan does whatever ThunderClan tells them to. Leopardstar mews that it sounds like they should attack them both at the same time. Tigerstar leans in, asking if that's wise. Leopardstar insists they should defeat them with a single swipe, as if they attack only one Clan, the other could send reinforcements.
Tigerstar dips his head, mewing that she's a good strategist. Leopardstar puffs out her chest, admitting it just takes a little reasoning is all. He growls that if they're to attack both, they need more cares. Leopardstar suggests they can appeal to some WindClan and ThunderClan cats to join them. Tigerstar's eyes gleam, and Leopardstar feels self conscious as Tigerstar asks why she's never taken a mate. Leopardstar feels warm, and wonders if he's flirting with her.
She mews it was a choice, and Tigerstar mumbles it's a shame. She says that she dedicated her life to her Clan, and she likes to think of them all as her kits and her own kin. Tigerstar remarks that it sounds lonely. She mews it isn't, but admittedly she feels different and a bit distant now that she's leader. He holds her gaze, and says that she's not much different from him. Leopardstar looks away, and mutters she doesn't mind the loneliness. She pauses, and then blurts she misses Mudfur, and asks herself if it was the right choice to send her father away. Even if she disagreed with him, she knows that she still loved him, and she knows that he loves her.
Tigerstar leans in, questioning Mudfur's name. Leopardstar says it doesn't matter, and what matters is making the Clan stronger. Tigerstar leans in even closer, and whispers that it's a shame that their timing wasn't different, causing the fur around Leopardstar's neck to tingle. Tigerstar than mews that he thinks he knows how to get more cats to fight for them. Intrigued, Leopardstar asks how. Tigerstar meows to just let him look into it, and then pads away back to his territory. Her mind tingles with Tigerstar's words of their timing being different. She wonders if perhaps there's a future for her and Tigerstar, but then shoves the thought away. This is about her Clan, not her.
Some time later, light snow falls on the ground and Stonefur asks Leopardstar if he should send word to the other medicine cats that Mudfur won't be present. Leopardstar asks what would he even say to them, and Stonefur mews that he's looking for herbs. Leopardstar replies no, and they'll wait for him to return. Stonefur sorrowfully meows that he hopes he comes back soon, as they need a medicine cat. Leopardstar grumbles they have Runningnose. Stonefur snorts he lives in the ShadowClan camp, and Leopardstar curtly mews that there is no ShadowClan, only TigerClan. Stonefur points out that he's still a long ways away, and Leopardstar wonders if Stonefur is dedicated to finding a problem in everything. She flexes her claws, wondering if perhaps Tigerstar is right in that she shouldn't trust him.
Pride swells in her chest as Tigerstar pads into view, beside him is Blackfoot, and the other is a small black tom with one white paw and icy blue eyes. She notices his kittypet collar stubbed with what appears to be teeth, and her belly tightens at how menacing he looks. Leopardstar asks what he's doing here, and Tigerstar says smoothly that he thinks he should keep an eye on her, considering she has cats in her ranks with divided loyalties, eying Stormpaw and Featherpaw.
Leopardstar says she trusts them all, and as Blackfoot and the tom approach, she wrinkles her nose as the overwhelming scent of blood engulfs her, and asks if they didn't bother to wash before coming here, and it's a shame that the river is frozen. The tom mews that it sounds like she's objecting to the smell of rabbit blood, and if all river-cats are squeamish about prey. Leopardstar retorts that it's the fact that he's covered in it, and asks if he doesn't know how to look after himself. Tigerstar flicks his tail ominously and says she should treat their new friend nicely, and introduces him as Scourge.
Scourge pads around Featherpaw and Stormpaw, and snorts that he's heard about cats with divided loyalties within their ranks. Leopardstar grunts they're apprentices and too young to fight as it is. Tigerstar snorts they're of no use to them anyways, and a patrol of foxes would be more trustworthy. Featherpaw rebukes that it's not true, and they're as trustworthy as any RiverClan cat. Tigerstar pads towards her, and asks surely she means TigerClan. Featherpaw looks ashamed, and says of course. Stonefur comes up and stands in front of the two apprentices, facing Tigerstar. He says that they're loyal members of the Clan, as are he and Mistyfoot. Tigerstar leans towards him, and asks whether his loyalty lies with TigerClan or ThunderClan. Mistyfoot pushes forward beside Stonefur, and says TigerClan of course. Tigerstar sneers that by that logic, they're disloyal to ThunderClan, and the problem with half-clan cats is that their loyalties are divided, and can only be half-loyal. He adds that he's clearly made a mistake in allying with them as they have spies in their Clan. Timberfur steps forward, his pelt bristling, and says there aren't any spies in RiverClan.
Tigerstar snarls TigerClan, and asks Leopardstar why her warriors can't remember the name of the Clan, and if she bothered to even explain things to them. Cedarpelt then steps forward, and asks who they're supposed to be following, sarcastically saying "you" to Tigerstar, before turning his attention to Leopardstar and asks if she's given up the leadership as well as everything else. Leopardstar insists she's given up nothing, and beckons Tigerstar to follow her. She leads him out of the camp, with Tigerstar flanked by Blackfoot and Scourge. As she takes them outside, she hisses that they're supposed to be working together, and asks why he's acting like this. Tigerstar narrows his eyes and says he thinks Leopardstar is acting too much like Bluestar. Leopardstar retorts she's nothing like her. Tigerstar's muzzle wrinkles and asks really, as Bluestar let a kittypet deceive her into giving up power, and now she's letting half-clan cats run the place. Leopardstar argues they don't, and Tigerstar snaps that one of them is her deputy.
Stonefur pads up, and asks if everything is okay. Leopardstar reassures him that things are fine, but then Tigerstar hisses that he's lucky to be alive, for a half-clan traitor. His sudden reaction makes Leopardstar uneasy, and Stonefur bares his teeth. Leopardstar knows Tigerstar's gone too far. She nods to Stonefur and says he should go train his apprentice. Stonefur keeps staring at Tigerstar, and says that as deputy, it's his job to make sure that they're all safe; something that isn't going to happen when Tigerstar is around. Tigerstar snarls that he's his Clanmate now, and he has no need for Stonefur anyways considering TigerClan already has a deputy, gesturing to Blackfoot, and then adds that he'd never appoint a mange-pelt like Stonefur. Leopardstar's tail bristles with rage, and says she never agreed to that. Tigerstar asks if she's daring to disagree with him. She stiffens, not wanting to have this discussion now, and gently asks Stonefur to return to camp, as she can manage this. Blackfoot calls him a half-clan snake, and to go back to mentoring his half-clan apprentice. Scourge sits down, clearly enjoying Stonefur's humiliation. Stonefur eyes Leopardstar, but then pads away, furious.
Leopardstar snarls that Tigerstar doing that wasn't needed, and asks why he's acting like this. Tigerstar replies that she shouldn't be letting half-clan cats run her Clan, and even letting them stay is making TigerClan weak. Leopardstar wants to answer so badly that because they're her Clanmates, and if she broke her agreement with Tigerstar, RiverClan would stand alone against the other three Clans. She figures he's being so aggressive and rude just to appease Scourge. Leopardstar suggests talking about something else, but then Tigerstar hisses that he wants to talk about the traitors in their Clan. He reiterates that having half-clan cats in their alliance will only further cause disloyalty, and Stonefur clearly doesn't agree with their plans as it is, and asks if she's sure Stonefur hasn't pledged to ThunderClan and Firestar. Leopardstar's heart lurches, as she knows she's been betrayed before, and after some consideration, she suggests exiling them. Tigerstar, flabbergasted, says that's stupid and they could go straight to Firestar with all of TigerClan's secrets. Leopardstar retorts that she doesn't know what else to do then. Blackfoot and Scourge glance knowingly at each other as Tigerstar asks if she can't guess.
Leopardstar realizes that with the tone of his voice, he's threatening them. She says he can't kill them without her permission, and Tigerstar sneers that she clearly thinks he still needs him. Leopardstar hisses that he does, and he shoots back that her Clan clearly doesn't follow her orders, and asks why should he. Leopardstar insists they do listen, and says all of them do. Tigerstar narrows his eyes and says even the elders defy her, and mimics Cedarpelt's words of "Have you given up the leadership as well as everything else?", and mutters afterward that it's clear he can't depend on her to lead and inspire loyalty. She asks how they're going to lead then, and he leans forward, and with a realization of horror, she scents blood on his muzzle as he says fear, and they're going to start by making prisoners of her disloyal warriors, and when they see that she's sitting back without lifting a paw to save them, they'll understand she's someone worth following.
Leopardstar stops herself from trembling, and asks why wouldn't she lift a paw to save them, and Tigerstar meows that he's sure she won't. Leopardstar begins to tremble slightly, and asks herself why he's acting like this. He had been friendly and even seemed to like her before becoming leader. Before she can answer him, he turns his back to her, and says it's time they solve their half-clan problem, and it'd be wise for her to back him up, a threat edging his mew.
Later on, Leopardstar dreams of being a kit again. Mudfur has brought her a trout and she begins play-fighting with him. As they play, a hawk swoops into the camp, and as Mudfur screeches at her to watch out, Leopardstar jolts awake, and feels her heart heavy as she knows that despite everything, she misses her father.
Pushing her way from her den, she sees that the camp looks deserted, and Skyheart, gazing from the nursery, informs her that Darkstripe and Blackfoot have rounded up the half-clan cats and took them to the Bonehill, but she doesn't know for what reason. Leopardstar asks why wasn't she informed about it, and Skyheart says she doesn't know. Realizing with dread of what Tigerstar likely plans to do, she races through the camp to the Bonehill, and sees as she runs past that in a willow tree, Mistyfoot, Stormpaw, and Featherpaw are kept hidden in the shadows, guarded by Jaggedtooth and Darkstripe. Leopardstar yowls that they're hurting them. Jaggedtooth mutters they're alive, to which Darkstripe quips "for now", and then grabs Stormpaw's scruff, dragging him out to the clearing. Jaggedtooth does the same to Featherpaw. Mistyfoot turns to Stonefur, and says they need to help. Stonefur, whom Leopardstar realizes is alarmingly thin and has a tattered pelt with semi-healed wounds, mutters that if they do, they'd take it out on the apprentices.
Leopardstar feels more and more like a fox-heart as she realizes that Tigerstar has slowly been taking more and more control of the Clan, but holds out hope that she can still fix it. Padding past Jaggedtooth and Darkstripe, she spots Tigerstar sitting at the top of the Bonehill with Blackfoot down below. As she pads closer, she sees that Jaggedtooth has run back and started dragging out Stonefur. Stonefur growls at Leopardstar if this is really what she wants, to which Jaggedtooth snarls to stay quiet. Tigerstar then makes eye contact with Leopardstar, and mews that it's lucky she's awake, and she can come join them. The gaze of RiverClan cats pierces her fur like fire and Leopardstar climbs the Bonehill, stopping midway after Tigerstar casts her a look. He then lifts his muzzle, and yowls it's time for the trial to begin.
Leopardstar glances at him, and mutters to herself that a trial is a cruel way of exiling cats. At Tigerstar's call, Jaggedtooth drags and then shoves Stonefur to the ground in the clearing. Tigerstar tells TigerClan that the other Clans have not realized the wisdom in joining the, and that Bluestar and Graystripe of ThunderClan have flaunted and broke the very rules they live by, resulting in half-clan creatures, and as such, they cannot be trusted. Leopardstar thinks to herself that it's better to drive them all off rather than risk betrayal and hopes Tigerstar will banish them quickly. She wants this to be over.
Stonefur only glares at Tigerstar with nothing but undisguised hatred in his blue eyes. Leopardstar again notices how thin he looks, and realizes that despite her orders for the prisoners to be fed, they clearly weren't. As anger twitches her fur, she tells herself that this isn't her fault. Tigerstar undermined her orders.
Stonefur snarls that no cat has every questioned his loyalty, and demands that Tigerstar come down himself and tell it to his face that he's a traitor. Tigerstar ignores him and glares at Leopardstar, and angrily meows that she made an incredibly poor choice in making Stonefur her deputy, his amber eyes burning with fury. Leopardstar drops her gaze, and hopes Tigerstar just goes on with banishing them instead of humiliating her. Tigerstar turns back to Stonefur, and says he'll give him a chance to prove his loyalty, and then orders him to kill Stormpaw and Featherpaw.
Leopardstar feels her blood run cold. She assumed he only threatened to kill the half-clan cats in front of Scourge to appease him, but now it seems he genuinely wanted them dead. She doesn't want either of the two apprentices dead, and knows that Stonefur won't kill his own apprentice. She asks herself if this is how Tigerstar seems to believe this is what makes a Clan strong. Tigerstar orders Stonefur to kill them.
Stonefur turns to Leopardstar and says he takes orders from her. She must surely know this is wrong, and asks what she wants him to do. Leopardstar feels her breathe being taken from her body as all eyes focus on her. She replies finally that "These are difficult times. As we fight for survival we must be able to count on every one of our Clanmates. There is no room for divided loyalties. Do as Tigerstar tells you."
Something changes inside Stonefur. She realizes she's disappointed him. Stonefur turns to face the apprentices, and snarls that Tigerstar will have to kill him first. Tigerstar's tail twitches with menace, and orders Darkstripe to kill him.
Leopardstar can hardly breathe as Stonefur, despite being clearly starved, fights fiercely against Darkstrope, and silently cheers as her deputy hauls Darkstripe to the ground, digging his claws into his throat. Tigerstar orders Blackfoot to finish it. Blackfoot shoots forward and drags Stonefur off of Darkstripe, and, as Darkstripe gets up and pins Stonefur down, Blackfoot rakes his claws across Stonefur's throat. Stonefur struggles, but then stops moving, his blood gushing out onto the ground and staining it.
Leopardstar struggles to not sway her paws. If Tigerstar saw that she was disgusted, who knows what he might do. Her pelt tingles with horror as she knows this is wrong, and feels another surge of horror go through her as she realizes what a terrible mistake she's made. Watching Jaggedtooth drag Featherpaw and Stormpaw back to their prison, and the Clan begin to disperse silently, she asks herself what she's let RiverClan become, but knows that it's too late, and she's taken a path with no way back. She asks herself how she could have made such a horrid mistake like this.
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#04F9B3
StarClan leader
Name Colour
Featherstar
She could now see that destiny alone could not save RiverClan. - Frostpaw, Wind
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Post by Featherstar on Aug 31, 2021 17:44:00 GMT -5
Whoa!
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Post by Chicken on Aug 31, 2021 17:46:19 GMT -5
Oh dang 0_o. You know, as much of a jerk Mistystar was in VOS, this book makes me feel really bad for her. She lost three of her kits, her parents, her uncle, and her brother all around the same time. And with having Blackclaw as a mate and everything else she had to deal with..yikes.
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Post by *Faith* on Aug 31, 2021 17:50:08 GMT -5
Huh, interesting that they reused the prologue again. Sort of. Also, Leopardstar did want Stonefur to carry on as deputy which was interesting. She still didn't save him, though. Actually, she almost wasn't even there.
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Post by Hollyfall on Aug 31, 2021 17:51:50 GMT -5
Huh, interesting that they reused the prologue again. Sort of. Also, Leopardstar did want Stonefur to carry on as deputy which was interesting. She still didn't save him, though. Actually, she almost wasn't even there. I found it odd that they just retold the prologue as well, even though it's the exact same scene and same point of view character. Though I suspect it's to hammer it in that Leopardstar's realized that she's made a very grave mistake by joining Tigerstar.
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Post by *Faith* on Aug 31, 2021 17:52:17 GMT -5
I wonder if Primrosepaw and Pikepaw died in the BC battle.
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Post by *Ottersplash* on Aug 31, 2021 18:04:26 GMT -5
She makes me so mad
Stonefur is such a good cat
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Post by vectoring34 on Aug 31, 2021 18:06:18 GMT -5
Leopardstar not even bothering to check on Stonefur after he was imprisoned, wow. Out of sight, out of mind, huh?
Pretty funny how Tigerstar tries to put the moves on Leopardstar, what a player.
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Post by *Faith* on Aug 31, 2021 18:11:05 GMT -5
Rereading the scene, Skyheart seems to be the only RC who isn't there.
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#a3c5e6
Name Colour
𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵
Warrior Fanatic
All hail me, the flower-flushing queen of Prague
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Post by 𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵 on Aug 31, 2021 18:15:36 GMT -5
Okay, so Leopard x Tiger might kinda be a thing, but it's after TigerClan gets formed, so I don't mind. And once again RIP, Stonefur! I wonder why they reused the prologue, though. Talk about lazy, but certainly no less tragic.
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Post by plaggy on Aug 31, 2021 18:26:48 GMT -5
Predictions Ch. 32: Prisoners escape and the attack on Windclan. Ch. 33: Tigerstar crimes reveal and his dead Ch. 34: Leopardstar dealing with the aftermath and Firestar coming to ask them to aid them attack Bloodclan. Ch.35: Bloodclan attack and aftermath. Leoparstar reflecting the whole situation and promising herself she would become better.
Just me I been feeling the SE have better than the actual arcs. TBC is okay but if you compare it with this.
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Post by briarfrost on Aug 31, 2021 18:27:42 GMT -5
I actually like the reused prologue, the pacing of Leopard’s character arc would feel awkward if the realization of how far she’d fallen had been skipped just because it was an earlier chapter.
I can also deal with the TigerLeopard because it’s after TigerClan was formed and she only toyed with the idea for a bit, rather than selling her Clan out because of a crush. Here she still sold it out, but that’s because of her lost honor and misplaced intentions, which is both much more compelling and much more in-character. If it had to be included, this was the way to do it.
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Post by Saint Ambrosef on Aug 31, 2021 18:29:05 GMT -5
Leopardstar not even bothering to check on Stonefur after he was imprisoned, wow. Out of sight, out of mind, huh?
Pretty funny how Tigerstar tries to put the moves on Leopardstar, what a player. funnier when you remember he's canonically seeing sasha around then too
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Post by Mau Furlong on Aug 31, 2021 18:54:59 GMT -5
What do you mean by reused prologue? i thought the prologue was in the begining of the book?
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Post by *Faith* on Aug 31, 2021 18:59:52 GMT -5
What do you mean by reused prologue? i thought the prologue was in the begining of the book? Stonefur's death was both in the prologue and chapter 31.
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Post by Hollyfall on Aug 31, 2021 19:01:08 GMT -5
Chapter 32: Mudfur had returned at sunset, and up until then, Leopardstar had horrid dreams about his reaction to her leadership and the Bonehill. She fears she's no longer the cat he thought she was, and perhaps if she's even lost his love now. She had wanted nothing more than to go to him and curl up next to him, but instead stayed in her den, numb to everything but grief. She hears her Clanmates stirring outside. Normally, that's Stonefur's job, but without them, they're lost. She knows she should go speak to them, but her pelt feels as heavy as stones as guilt engulfs her.
She then hears Timberfur's mew from outside. He asks Blackclaw to take a patrol to the river, noting that it seems warmer so they may be able to break the ice and fish. Blackclaw asks who he's to take with him, and Timberfur mews anyone who wants to join. Ottersplash asks if she's to take a border patrol out, and Timberfur declines, as they're not ready to fight today. Tigerstar's harsh yowl sounds from across the camp, and says they'll fight when he wants them to fight, and asks if they've at all noticed that their prisoners have escaped. Suddenly, Tigerstar bursts into Leopardstar's den, and demands to know why she hadn't posted a guard at the willow tree. Leopardstar blinks at him, and says that Jaggedtooth claimed it was on his orders that only ShadowClan guard the prisoners. Tigerstar takes a moment to control himself, and then snarls that they're attacking WindClan today, and they're going to send the message that TigerClan is the future, and either they join them or they're driven from their land once more. Leopardstar asks if they're going to attack ThunderClan too, as per her suggestion. Tigerstar snaps that the plan has changed. Her heart still weary with grief, she forces herself to stand up and look Tigerstar in his eyes. She tells him that he can't change plans without consulting her.
Tigerstar leans in, and asks what she's going to do about it, and threatens that she's seen what his warriors can do to disobedience. Leopardstar swallows, and Tigerstar asks if she'll help him. She quietly mews that she will, but her warriors are grieving. Tigerstar asks why. Leopardstar, in disbelief, says they watched Stonefur get executed yesterday. Tigerstar's glitter and he says "They watched me save them from a traitor! They wouldn't have seen anything if you hadn't made a half-Clan cat your deputy. How can any warrior have faith in a leader who makes such dangerous decisions? Stonefur might have betrayed you all. ThunderClan was probably waiting on his signal. Your Clanmates are lucky I stepped in. From now on, I'll be making the decisions for TigerClan. You can't be trusted."
Leopardstar hisses that this isn't what they agreed, and she's joint leader of the Clan. As she says this, Blackfoot and Darkstripe step into the light of her den. Seeing the threat in their eyes, she understands that Tigerstar means to kill her. She then replies okay, whatever he says. He growls good, and they attack WindClan at dawn, and to be there. As he leaves, Leopardstar sinks into guilt again. She knows she's failed her Clan, and wants nothing more than to run straight to Mudfur and ask him for advice, but then wonders if all he would say is that he told her so. She sinks back into her nest, and asks herself how she could have done something like this, and all her Clanmates must hate her.
Now in WindClan territory the following day, Leopardstar mutters that at least Scourge seemed to have gone away. She wonders if without Scourge, there's a chance to stop Tigerstar and oppose his viciousness. She looks around. Despite his threat, Tigerstar appears to not have arrived in WindClan territory yet. Although her Clanmates hadn't openly objected to the battle, she can tell they don't agree, and they've all lost their taste for battle since witnessing Stonefur's execution. Loudbelly eyes her with uncertainty. Ottersplash and Vixenleap exchange nervous glances, and Reedtail only stares blankly ahead. As they pad forward, she orders her warriors to let Tigerstar's forces do most of the fighting, and she wants them all home in one piece. None of them meet her gaze though. They're all looking at the ground. She knows full well that they know they're being forced to participate in a dishonorable fight. And she agrees with them.
Loudbelly's gaze flashes nervously to ahead of them, and Tigerstar pads out of some bracken, and growls that they need to hurry up. Leopardstar flicks her tail to her warriors to join up with Tigerstar, but her belly fills with dread. She had ordered all the apprentices to stay behind, not risking their lives in this fight, and as Tigerstar pads to her side, she's grateful he doesn't seem to notice their lack of apprentices. He growls that the battle needs to be quick, and it needs to hurt. WindClan is bound to send for help, and they need to in and out before ThunderClan can reinforcements can arrive, but he wants to make sure they know what will happen should they defy him and not join TigerClan. Her clanmates perk up their shoulders and look proud. But Leopardstar knows it's all an act to appease Tigerstar.
As they reach WindClan's camp, the TigerClan forces chase away the guards so quickly that the rest of the Clan is totally unprepared for an attack. Leopardstar glances at Blackclaw, and she's relieved to see that he hangs back like she ordered, letting Tigerstar's cats funnel into the camp. Vixenleap, Sedgecreek, Loudbelly, Beetlenose, and Loudbelly fan out to the edges of the camp, avoiding fighting all while Tigerstar's forces leap into battle, and WindClan meets them. As screeches fill the air, Leopardstar reluctantly goes into the battle, knowing that she above all cats needs to be seen in there fighting, or else face the wrath of Tigerstar. She ducks below a WindClan tom and meets the gaze of a WindClan she-cat, and hatred gleams in her amber gaze as the lithe tabby she-cat (My guess is that this is Runningbrook perhaps? I can't think of anyone else) slams into her, gripping Leopardstar's pelt and thumping her onto her side. As Leopardstar manages to eventually kick off the tabby, claws grab her from behind and she's dragged further into the fray, hissing, clawing, and kicking at figures she can't even get a clear picture of. The word "survive" echoes in Leopardstar's mind repeatedly. Claws grip her ear and Leopardstar whips around, slamming into her attacker and knocking away a tom.
Tigerstar yowls to finish it. The snarls and shrieks of battle ease away as Leopardstar sees Tigerstar's dark tabby pelt in the camp, his eyes glittering with triumph as she realizes he's pinning down a young WindClan apprentice. WindClan gathers around Tallstar, who, despite his injuries, looks on to Tigerstar. A WindClan she-cat yowls Gorsepaw. Tallstar commands Tigerstar to let him go. Tigerstar only meets Tallstar's gaze, not saying a word as Blackfoot and Darkstripe flank him.
Tallstar growls "He's an apprentice, for StarClan's sake!". Tigerstar then leans down, whispers something into Gorsepaw's ear, and Leopardstar sees Tigerstar's eyes turn from triumph to cold fury, and slams down his other forepaw into Gorsepaw's throat. Blood spurts from the wound, and Gorsepaw only lets out a screech before twitching, and then remaining still.
Tallstar's eyes widen with shock, and the WindClan she-cat wails in pain. Leopardstar feels dizzy, and remembers Stonefur's own defying growl to Tigerstar. She realizes with horror that an innocent apprentice is dead, and asks herself if Tigerstar would ever stop killing. She glances at Blackclaw and Vixenleap; they all have the same expression of fear while gazing at Tigerstar. Tigerstar snarls at Tallstar that he has a message for Firestar when he gets there, and says that he wants to meet him at Fourtrees tomorrow. He's tired of waiting, and wants to know if he's going to take him up on his offer to join TigerClan. Tigerstar then picks up Gorsepaw's lifeless body with a claw, and sneers that if he doesn't, then he'll know what to expect.
As TigerClan treks back, Tigerstar's jubilation makes Leopardstar feel sick. Tigerstar had been telling Blackfoot and Darkstripe that they should have killed more of them, to make things easier for tomorrow and Firestar will surely turn down his offer. He also hadn't objected when she led her Clan back to their camp, insisting that Mudfur needed to look over their wounds. As the patrol enters camp, Cedarpelt gets to his paws and Dawnpaw races over to nuzzle Mosspelt, looking at her wounds. Primrosepaw, Reedpaw, and Pikepaw linger near the apprentices den. They knew Mistyfoot escaped with Stormpaw and Featherpaw, but it didn't stop them from worrying about her.
Cedarpelt blinks at her, and asks what happened. Leopardstar explains Tigerstar's ultimatum to Tallstar and Firestar. Timberfur asks if she'll be joining them, and Leopardstar replies that she has no choice, and thinks with horror that if she doesn't support Tigerstar, then Dawnpaw, Reedpaw, Primrosepaw, or Pikepaw could be the ones laying dead in their camp.
Mudfur races from his den, various herbs dangling from his jaws. His eyes lock with Leopardstar's, and her heart breaks as she sees disappointment in them. Mudfur breaks the gaze and begins treating his Clanmates. Leopardstar closes her eyes and knows that Mudfur had been right from the start. She was never meant to be leader, her Clan was in tatters, and soon her Clanmates would be nothing more than Tigerstar's minions. She knows that despite everything, she needs to talk to Mudfur. She pads over to his den after seeing him go back in there, and as she enters, she's greeted by Sedgecreek and Vixenleap, who, much to her surprise once more, greet her warmly and friendly. Mudfur says that they'll be fine in a day or two, and gently ushers them out of the den.
Leopardstar isn't sure what to say to him. She knows she's been stupid, gullible, and practically destroyed the Clan she loves. Mudfur breaks the silence and mews that she did well to hold the patrol back, as nobody has any serious injuries worth worrying about. Her throat tightens as she knows he's being kind. She wants to bury herself into his fur like she had done as a kit. She huskily mews that she's sorry, and she should have listened to him. He mews that yes, she should have, but he knows she's always been one for rushing ahead and thinking she knew best. She hangs her head in shame, reflecting again on that she got Stonefur killed. Mudfur asks what she's going to do. She's surprised by his question, and asks what she can even do. Mudfur mews she was born to save RiverClan. Leopardstar shakes her head and says she's failed RiverClan, and his vision was wrong. She wants to go back and change things. She could have been Frogleap's mate, had kits, and everything that had gone wrong simply wouldn't have. She says it was just a dream and she was dumb to believe it.
Mudfur looks at her steadily, and asks if she blames him. Leopardstar insists no, and that everything is her fault. Mudfur mews again that he still believes his vision. Leopardstar only stares at him, and asks how he possibly can. She's failed and just about destroyed everything. The only thing left standing is TigerClan, and it's evil. Mudfur asks what she's going to do about it. She meows miserably that there's nothing she can do. Mudfur says that some cat must stand up to Tigerstar and stop him. Leopardstar mutters that it can't be her. Mudfur asks if she remembers what his vision was about. Leopardstar replies that Brightsky came to him and said she would be important one day. Mudfur mews yes, and that she'd be important to not just RiverClan, but all the Clans. Leopardstar only stares at him helplessly, and almost wails that she's let down every cat. Mudfur pads closer and assures her she hasn't, and Tigerstar was always a danger to the Clans. If he hadn't used her, then he would have used some other cat as his pawn. He was always a reckoning that the Clans would have to face, and, blinking at her, he says that she shouldn't let them face it alone, and to help them. Leopardstar is surprised to see affection in his gaze, and realizes that despite everything she'd done to him, he still loved her and has faith in her.
She thinks that she must do this, and tries to concentrate. She says if RiverClan, ThunderClan, and WindClan were allies, they could beat Tigerstar. Mudfur's eyes brighten, and says Tigerstar has done nothing to earn her loyalty. She nods, and says she's only following him now so he doesn't hurt her Clanmates. Mudfur mews that if he were gone, she wouldn't have to worry. Her heart lifts, and says that if they were to join forces against Tigerstar, he wouldn't be able to hurt RiverClan again. Mudfur purrs, and that seems to warm the air around her. She sits down, tucks her tail around her, and mews that Tigerstar is expecting another battle tomorrow, and still thinks that they're allies, but it'd be awful for him to find out that he's not up against two Clans, but three. Mudfur swishes his tail, and murmurs he would lose, adding that she'll be the one who decides the fate of the Clans, and they're depending on her.
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#a3c5e6
Name Colour
𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵
Warrior Fanatic
All hail me, the flower-flushing queen of Prague
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Post by 𝓣𝓲𝓷𝓾𝓿𝓲𝓮𝓵 on Aug 31, 2021 19:05:50 GMT -5
RIP Gorsepaw! It's hits worse when it's actually shown. Nice to see that Mudfur and Leopardstar have finally rekindled their relationship, it's just a shame it happened during such a horrific time. And Leopardstar was planning on going against Tigerstar. And I'm guessing Tigerstar either doesn't know that Mistyfoot had kits or just doesn't count them as half-Clan. Either way, glad to see they're still safe for now.
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Post by Mau Furlong on Aug 31, 2021 19:16:00 GMT -5
What do you mean by reused prologue? i thought the prologue was in the begining of the book? Stonefur's death was both in the prologue and chapter 31. Ohhhh...ok
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Post by *Faith* on Aug 31, 2021 19:31:42 GMT -5
Poor Gorsepaw. :c I'm glad Leopardstar didn't bring the apprentices to this fight and that Primrosepaw and Pikepaw are still okay for now. Another battle tomorrow? Does that mean Tigerstar dies in chapter 33? It sounds like it.
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Post by ✲ριкαƒυєу✲ on Aug 31, 2021 19:32:44 GMT -5
Oof Gorsepaw's death hurts even more when we see him actually die. I wonder what Tigerstar whispered to him though?
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Post by vectoring34 on Aug 31, 2021 19:39:37 GMT -5
Oof Gorsepaw's death hurts even more when we see him actually die. I wonder what Tigerstar whispered to him though? "Hail HYDRA"
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Post by Saint Ambrosef on Aug 31, 2021 19:54:36 GMT -5
"Tigerstar then picks up Grosepaw's lifeless body with a claw"
physics who????
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Post by vectoring34 on Aug 31, 2021 20:13:36 GMT -5
"Tigerstar then picks up Grosepaw's lifeless body with a claw"
physics who???? Technically possible if he hooked it under his jawbone or something. The bigger issue is anatomical, I don't think a cat's wrists are dexterous enough to work like that.
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Post by *Ottersplash* on Aug 31, 2021 20:15:37 GMT -5
I like the AU where Leopardstar tells Riverclan to turn against Tigerstar at the bonehill instead of being a coward.
From the reaction to Stonefur's death, I bet those cats would have fought for him
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Post by Hollyfall on Aug 31, 2021 20:53:04 GMT -5
Chapter 33: Leopardstar hisses softly to Blackclaw that once the battle starts, they're to fight ShadowClan, not ThunderClan. Blackclaw nods, returning his gaze to Tigerstar. Tigerstar whips his head around and asks what they're whispering about. Leopardstar replies that if he'd like to win this battle, then she needs to speak to her warriors. He grunts and turns away, only ordering them to fight when he says so. She spots Boulder and Jaggedtooth eyeing them with scorn, and grumbles to herself that it'll be easy to turn on those two with ease. Leopardstar leans over again and whispers to Blackclaw to tell the apprentices that when the battle starts, they're to hide with the mentors. Blackclaw murmurs that he has.
Reedpaw, Primrosepaw, Pikepaw, and Dawnpaw shift uneasily beside their mentors, and this would be their first battle. She feels regret, and hopes their next battle would be something more honorable, but knows that above all else, she wants RiverClan to be safe and home soon. Tigerstar asks if there's any sign of Firestar and his mouse-hearted friends, and Darkstripe grunts he can't scent them. Tigerstar says he should be here by now, and Blackfoot suggests that perhaps he's not coming. Leopardstar stiffens at that, and wonders if RiverClan had to endure more of Tigerstar should both ThunderClan and WindClan reject Tigerstar's ultimatum. Blackclaw growls that ThunderClan and WindClan are good fighters, and if Tigerstar's sure he can beat them. Tigerstar snorts of course, his eyes already gleaming as if he's already won, and says they won't be fighting alone. He flicks his tail, and Leopardstar stiffens again as Scourge comes out of the ferns, and feels her heart sink as more cats come out of the bushes. The cats look wiry but strong, and Tigerstar gleams that with BloodClan, ThunderClan and WindClan will be exterminated for good. Scourge narrows his eyes and mutters they've agreed to fight, and that's all. Tigerstar says of course, and that's all he needs. Leopardstar internally prays for StarClan to help her.
Blackclaw nudges her, and asks what to do. Leopardstar pushes back despair. Her plan won't work now that BloodClan has arrived. She forces herself to calm down, and mutters that there's nothing they can do, and they fight for TigerClan. Blackclaw's shoulders slump. Leopardstar says they have no choice, and to tell the others. Blackclaw disappears, weaving between his Clanmates. Leopardstar notices that Scourge and his Clanmates hadn't moved, staring down at the slope as Tigerstar and his warriors reach the bottom. She asks if he's going to join them, and Scourge mews that he'll wait for the other Clans to join, as he assumes they have "warrior business" to attend to, and eyes a big black-and-white tom beside him.
As Leopardstar leads her cats down, she scents ThunderClan and WindCLan. Tigerstar flicks his tail and orders her to wait, but she peers through the branches and sees Firestar and Tallstar standing side by side beneath the great oaks. Behind them are their Clans, shifting nervously. WindClan is still bloody from their last battle, but both Clans look fearful. Guilt worms beneath her pelt, and if she had never agreed to align Clans, this wouldn't have happened. She knows now that the only thing she can do right now is to ensure she and her Clanmates escape with their lives. Firestar greets Tigerstar, and asks if he's still looking for his lost prisoners. Leopardstar pricks her ears, and wonders if he played a part in their escape, and her heart lifts for a moment as she hopes that they're safe in ThunderClan. Tigerstar snarls that he'll regret that day's work, and Firestar retorts to make him. TigerClan begins streaming from the bushes and branches, but Firestar looks undaunted. Tigerstar asks if he's considered his offer. Firestar and Tallstar exchange glances, and Tallstar dips his head. Firestar mews they reject his offer, as the forest was never meant to be ruled by one Clan, especially led by a dishonorable murderer. Leopardstar feels some admiration for Firestar, so openly willing to call out Tigerstar.
Tigerstar swishes his tail and says that with or without him, one Clan will rule the forest by sunset. BloodClan then comes crashing down like a wave down the slope. Leopardstar whispers to Blackclaw to defend the apprentices, no matter what happens, and he nods approval. She breathes to make sure RiverClan is seen fighting, as Tigerstar will make them pay if he sees them not pulling their weight. As she speaks, BloodClan comes out into view of Firestar and Tallstar. Tigerstar demands if they're still going to fight. Firestar doesn't answer, and Tigerstar begins gloating about how he's more powerful than StarClan, and that TigerClan and BloodClan shall rule forever. Leopardstar tries to catch Firestar's eye, to perhaps silently tell him she's sorry and she's a hostage to Tigerstar now, but Firestar only looks on defiantly at Tigerstar.
(Honestly the rest of this here is just what's happened in The Darkest Hour. Tigerstar trying to command BloodClan, Firestar revealing Tigerstar's crimes, Scourge killing Tigerstar, etc. I can post the pages if people would like me to but it's more or less the same occurrences albeit from Leopardstar's point of view.)
Leaving off from when Scourge gives the Clan leaders their ultimatum, it's now a timeskip to a few days later. Leopardstar is focusing on feeding the Clan. The ShadowClan cats who hadn't fled after Tigerstar died were now with her in RiverClan's camp, mentioning Boulder and Darkstripe, and even Blackfoot dipped his head to her now. She wishes that Mistyfoot, Featherpaw, and Stormpaw would come home, and that she doesn't trust the ShadowClan cats. She'd left Skyheart with Mudfur and a few warriors, but keeps holding meetings at the Bonehill. The river had at last thawed, and she's grateful for it, but also wary of sending patrols close to the pine forest in case they run into Scourge's cats. She isn't sure what to do, as there's still a day left to decide on Scourge's ultimatum.
Now, as dawn lights the sky, she thinks that Stonefur should be here organizing patrols, but knows that he won't be doing that anymore. Blackfoot moves behind her, and begins dismantling the Bonehill. Darkstripe sneers that it's stupid to do that, considering all the time they spent building it. Blackfoot eyes him resentfully and asks what kind of warrior collects crow-food. Loudbelly comes up to Leopardstar and asks if he should take Pikepaw out training, and she mutters she guesses so. I guess this confirms that Pikepaw's mentor was Loudbelly.
Loudbelly mews that he should practice his fighting skills, and in fact, all the apprentices should. Leopardstar asks if he means in the fight against BloodClan, as the apprentices would be ripped to pieces. Loudbelly swishes his tail and says they should be allowed to try. His courage boosts her mood a little, but wonders if he's truly willing to sacrifice his apprentice. She decides that he has a point, and orders him to train them all. As Loudbelly turns away, she sees Mudfur padding to her, his eyes dark with worry.
As he comes up, he asks if she's decided. She answers there's nothing for her to decide, as Scourge gave his ultimatum to Firestar and Tallstar. Mudfur asks if she's sure it won't involve them. She mews they're Tigerstar's allies, and he may be reasonable to them. Mudfur's shoulders droop, and asks if she believes that. She lets out a sigh, and admits no, they can't defeat him, but she isn't sure what to do when Skyheart is so close to kitting. Mudfur asks if they're to just sit around until Scourge comes to them, and mews she's to save the Clans. She asks him bitterly how many times she has to fail until he stops believing that. Mudfur says he doesn't know why she doesn't believe it anymore, and it's still true. Leopardstar grunts to look around him, and to take in the misery of the camp. Mudfur looks her in the eyes and says that the Clans need saving more than ever right now. She snorts that he thinks she's the one to do it, and he'd ought to try his luck with Firestar, as he's a true warrior by standing up to Tigerstar and Scourge; something she couldn't do.
Mudfur mews Firestar can't do it without her. Leopardstar growls that he'd never listen to her. As Tigerstar's ally, he's just as much of a traitor as he was. Mudfur insists that he needs her, and gestures to Blackfoot, who is still dismantling the Bonehill, and says that now she has more warriors than ever, and to use them in the fight, as they'll listen to her. Leopardstar snorts they're fools if they follow her. Mudfur begins to get angry, and says she's a good leader, and no cat has worked harder to make RiverClan strong. She mutters she's destroyed it.
Mudfur concedes she's made mistakes, but it was Tigerstar who hurt them, not her. She's only ever wanted the best for her Clan. Leopardstar grumbles she didn't protect Stonefur. Mudfur gets angry again, saying "Stop feeling sorry for yourself and do something! You can't change the past. But you can change the future. You can save the Clans, and you will. You're strong and smart, and these cats decided to follow you, even after everything that has happened. They're looking to you to protect them. You can't let them down, not after everything they've been through. You owe them one last fight."
Leopardstar looks at him, echoing "one last fight". She looks to her Clan. Heavystep had moved scattered bones and was teaching a crouch to Dawnpaw. Ottersplash is carrying a trout for Shadpelt. Vixenleap is plucking reeds for Mosspelt's nest. Her cats are getting on with their usual duties, despite everything. Leopardstar begins to see what Mudfur means, and that although things have been rough, they're still looking after each other and acting like a Clan. She straightens, and asks if he really thinks she'll save the Clans. Mudfur mews that she'll make the difference between winning or losing to BloodClan. He asks if it's worth the risk. He asks what she thinks. Her heart aches at the thought of Primrosepaw or the other apprentices being pinned down by a BloodClan rogue, but then asks herself by what right does she get to stop them from living or dying as true warriors.
She tells Mudfur that she thinks it's dangerous, but lifts her muzzle, and sees Firestar crossing the river, heading in her direction. Getting to her paws, she mews to Mudfur that she thinks they have to fight.
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