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Post by Foxstar26 on Sept 4, 2023 18:20:00 GMT -5
Lightningstar looked in shock as Echowing shouted the accusations at Opalmist. “Do you have any proof?” He asked gently. She couldn’t go around accusing people without some sort of proof.
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Post by Willow on Sept 4, 2023 18:28:33 GMT -5
Shadow:
Starrylight's ears flew back at Cedarstar's harsh tone, she had never heard her mate speak like that before. She stood, eyes searching Cedarstar's "Cedarstar, do you truly mean that?" she called in shock.
Thunder:
Webstripe shrunk as Cedarstar's appearance changed, an unknown tom standing in front of him on the rock instead. The tom shook in fear, what was happening? He backed up slowly, yelping in surprise as he backed directly into Bluewhisker and Palegaze
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Post by Moonblazer on Sept 4, 2023 18:30:03 GMT -5
Diamondheart stared at Cedarstar, eyes flicking wide for a moment before he quickly tried to keep himself looking impassive. Cedarstar looked like he was looking at his greatest enemy, and the deputy couldn’t help but silently gasp as he very clearly spoke words of banishment for the Shadowclan Medicine Cat apprentice.
“W-what does he mean?” Coalhaze whimpered, looking at Vixenflame as Cedarstar ordered Opalmist to get out.
Withermist slunk to the ground as his pelt bristled, seeing the cat that completely replaced Cedarstar up there. Withermist knew this cat, yet he didn’t at the same time. Darkness, he was swathed in Darkness! Withermist shuddered, whispering nonsense to himself.
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Post by thistle on Sept 4, 2023 18:32:04 GMT -5
ShadowClan & SkyClan
Fuzzypaw crouched to the ground, her ears flat as she pressed herself close to Spottedpaw, trembling at the raw rage in Cedarstar's voice and the tension in the clearing. "No, no," she whispered. How could Opalmist betray StarClan like that? Betray ShadowClan?
Warblerpaw was rooted to the spot, shock making every hair on his pelt prickle. How could Echowing do this? He understood that Opalmist and Frostyfoot had broken not one, but two codes, but to reveal such a thing at a Gathering of all places?
WindClan & ThunderClan
Palegaze froze in shock, eyes zeroing in on Eclipsesky. This would crush him, he knew it. His eyes sought out his apprentice with a wince. Poor Beanpaw. What a horrid first Gathering. He startled a little when the ThunderClan warrior bumped him.
Bluewhisker growled lowly, tail lashing, stopping when Webstripe bumped into her. "Webstripe," she said.
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Post by Icefire15 on Sept 4, 2023 18:37:30 GMT -5
SHADOW-
Snowdance’s ears flattened against her head at Cedarstar’s harsh tone and looked up at him. She flinched at the sight of the cat before her, felling her fur bristle in surprise to see his scars gone. It was Cedarstar, but at the same time, it wasn’t. Snowdance shook her head sharply and looked back at her apprentice, “Opalmist… what have you done..?” She murmured quietly, taking a small step towards her.
Vixenflame looked at Coalhaze, surprised by the anger in Cedarstar’s voice, “I.. I don’t know.” She mewed.
SKY-
Frostlight spotted Withermist and made her way towards him, worried for her friend. “Withermist, what’s wrong?” She whispered to him quietly, letting her pelt brush against him lightly.
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Sept 4, 2023 18:41:39 GMT -5
ShadowClan
Whorlpaw gasped at Opalmist's admission, but it was her father that scared her more. She didn't recognize the hate in his eyes. He had never looked that way before. She glanced at her siblings.
Palepaw stood stock still, his pelt sticking out every direction. He kept his gaze locked on Cedarstar and wasn't sure what to do.
Ashrock tilted his ears back and kept a steady gaze on his brother. The look in Cedarstar's eyes didn't look like Cedarstar. What's going on with him? He glanced at Opalmist. As furious as he was with her, he didn't feel she deserved this type of wrath from Cedarstar.
Closesky squinted at his son upon the Great Rock. He tried moving through the crowd to get closer. Maybe if Cedarstar saw him, he would calm down? He's making a mistake doing this. Northstar would have never done this.
Kinkfire pinned her ears back and she glared at Opalmist, Frostyfoot, and Echowing. "And here I thought Snowdance would finally get some rest from disappointing apprentices." She shifted to a more comfortable position and looked away from the medicine cat. Kits are hardly worth losing your Clan over, she huffed.
WindClan
Beanpaw crouched as low as he could and covered his head with his paws. Maybe if he pretended like he wasn't here, the tension of the gathering would go away? His heart was thundering. The tension in the air felt like lightning ready to strike. He didn't want to be here anymore.
RiverClan
Eelshock blinked at Echowing's outburst and Opalmist's admission. Intriguing. He took a deep breath and shot a look of sympathy at Opalmist and Frostyfoot. If the Clans were one, they wouldn't have to hide their love. I'd make it okay for medicine cats to love too. What harm could be done? Love is love.
Frostlake's pelt bristled at the tension in the air. The look on Cedarstar's face disturbed her. What would Earthstar think if he was here?
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Post by Moonblazer on Sept 4, 2023 18:42:09 GMT -5
SHADOW- Snowdance’s ears flattened against her head at Cedarstar’s harsh tone and looked up at him. She flinched at the sight of the cat before her, felling her fur bristle in surprise to see his scars gone. It was Cedarstar, but at the same time, it wasn’t. Snowdance shook her head sharply and looked back at her apprentice, “Opalmist… what have you done..?” She murmured quietly, taking a small step towards her. Vixenflame looked at Coalhaze, surprised by the anger in Cedarstar’s voice, “I.. I don’t know.” She mewed. SKY- Frostlight spotted Withermist and made her way towards him, worried for her friend. “Withermist, what’s wrong?” She whispered to him quietly, letting her pelt brush against him lightly. Withermist could only shake his head, brushing against Frostlight as he mumbled to himself, shutting his eyes tightly. So many new sensations and realizations were beginning to fill him. Something was wrong, something about him was different, and he knew then that there was something set for him, and that whatever this was… it was not the light or vision of Starclan. Why couldn’t it be Starclan?! He took a shaky breath, pressing into Frostlight’s fur to hide away from what he saw. |
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Post by Moonblazer on Sept 4, 2023 18:44:11 GMT -5
RIVER
Fluffcloud nearly blanched when she realized that Cedarstar was banishing the medicine cat apprentice. She bristled, her fur pressing to Eelshock as she whispered tightly to him. “He’s banishing her! His own medicine cat, after revealing about prey-maulers?” She breathed.
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Post by Moonblazer on Sept 4, 2023 18:58:08 GMT -5
“What?” Frostyfoot whipped around to look at Cedarstar with shock. “You can’t mean-… Opalmist can’t be banished, she- she’s crucial to Shadowclan! Please, reconsider! I pushed her to hide it, I told her to let me bring them to Skyclan, please!” He tried to plead with the Shadowclan leader.
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Sept 4, 2023 19:03:35 GMT -5
Cedarstar bared his fangs at Frostyfoot. "Silence! You have interfered with ShadowClan affairs enough already. The both of you knew the codes you swore to and yet you still chose to betray your clans." He looked back at Opalmist. "ShadowClan has no place for a medicine cat who can't put her clanmates first."
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Post by Frozen on Sept 4, 2023 19:05:17 GMT -5
ThunderClan
Slatesight's fur spiked. He had never heard Cedarstar sound so angry, and he was so quick to announce her exile... were there signs of the relationship all along? "Is she going to be okay? I... I don't like this. It's even more harsh than what happened to me..." The normally calm tom looked unnerved and spoke quickly.
Exile right away. I guess Cedarstar is less merciful than Lightningstar. Magpiewing observed the events in silence. Would Spiritstar take Opalmist in?
WindClan
"This... this is awful. Will StarClan intervene? I've never seen anything like this..." Slushfur admitted to Blacktail. She was thankful WindClan was uninvolved.
ShadowClan
Cinderspeck jumped at Cedarstar's outburst. In that moment, he wished nothing more than to be in the medicine cat den with Hazelblaze instead. This had gone too far, and for what? He'd never seen his leader so angry. Don't we need Opalmist? Don't her moons of service mean anything to Cedarstar?
Shortcloud looked disappointed, though she also looked uncertain by Cedarstar's anger. It wasn't like him to be so angry. She understood his disappointment at the breaking of the warrior code, but to exile Opalmist on the spot?
RiverClan
Glacierpaw looked back at Foxripple and nodded. "You're right... I don't think I'll see SkyClan and ShadowClan the same after this. What would Earthstar do if someone accused us like this?"
SkyClan
Willownose rested her tail on Redspring's shoulder in comfort, fully understanding her anger. Willownose had no end of questions herself, but these cats were her best friend's kin. "We'll get through this," she vowed. "Let's see what Spiritstar says."
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Post by Willow on Sept 4, 2023 19:17:05 GMT -5
Thunder:
Webstripe squeaked, looking back at Bluewhisker sheepishly, "Sorry Bluewhisker, uh.. sorry.. to you too." he mewed to Palegaze, not knowing the Windclan tom's name. He looked back up at the rock, realizing that Cedarstar looked how he was before. He frowned, had it been some sort of illusion?
Shadow:
Spottedpaw pressed back against Fuzzypaw, "I've never seen Cedarstar be this angry."
Duskpaw placed a hesitant tail on Beanpaw's shoulder, "It'll be over soon. Don't worry Beanpaw." she whispered, trying to keep her voice soothing. Though it was clear the older apprentice was tense, her gaze worried as she continued to stare at her father.
Starrylight's tail lashed, she looked pleadingly at her mate, "Cedarstar! Please!"
Opalmist turned to face the leaders, holding her head high as she addressed them. "I have served as Shadowclan's medicine cat for moons, my clan has always come first. But if you truly want me to leave, I will go quietly."
Sky:
Ashfeather moved to Redspring's other side, pressing against her. "Willownose is right, Spiritstar will be reasonable."
Wind:
Swiftstar stayed silent, though his ears flicked back at Cedarstar's harshness. He hadn't thought the other leader would react so strongly.
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Post by thistle on Sept 4, 2023 19:39:51 GMT -5
ShadowClan & SkyClan
Fuzzypaw shook her head, gazing uncertainly at their leader. "M-me neither," she whispered. "Isn't this too harsh?"
Warblerpaw bit back a growl, his eyes flicking over to Fuzzypaw, and then to the three siblings. "What is he doing?" he hissed quietly. "This is madness! Didn't he just warn us all about Prey Maulers or whatever?! Now he's exiling a healer!"
WindClan & ThunderClan
"No worries," Palegaze murmured, thoroughly perplexed by Cedarstar's rage. He'd always seen the ShadowClan leader as a bit hesitant, always thinking through his words before he said them; now, he wasn"t sure what to make of him. He cast a look over to Bluwhisker, an apology in his eyes as he dipped his head deeply. "I'm sorry, but I must go to my apprentice. It was good to see you, Bluewhisker." With that, the albino tom used the distraction near the Great Rock to weave his way toward the clump of apprentices.
Bluewhisker huffed, gently tapping the younger warrior with her tail. "It's fine," she said. Clearly Webstripe was rattled about something, so she didn't fault him for his distractedness. She gave Palegaze a respectful nod, understanding his concern for his young apprentice. "Goodbye."
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Post by Foxstar26 on Sept 4, 2023 20:38:03 GMT -5
Lightningstar looked at Cedarstar in surprise. This certainly was a bit harsh and to do it at the gathering of all places? He kept his mouth shut, it wasn’t his place to interfere with Shadowclan business. He looked back down at Frostyfoot and Opalmist.
Dawnshadow stared at Opalmist. Her eyes were guarded as she shook her head. The medicine cat code was to be followed above all else. How could she break the code? Though it sure seemed Eclipsesky wanted to as well. “I can’t believe this.” She breathed.
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Post by Frozen on Sept 4, 2023 20:53:19 GMT -5
Spiritstar's blood went cold. Her veins felt full of ice as Echowing's accusation and Cedarstar's outburst rang in her ears. Opalmist, ShadowClan's dedicated medicine cat apprentice, had kits with Frostyfoot? A SkyClan cat? Two codes broken at once. The leader stared down at Echowing, then at Frostyfoot and Opalmist, then Dreamlily and Whisperstone. There indeed was a family resemblance. Frostyfoot had brought them into camp with the lie that they belonged to a rogue. How could she not have seen it?
It was simply too outrageous to consider.
Spiritstar wanted nothing more than to vanish herself. This accusation, which was immediately proven true by Opalmist herself, would cause darkness to crash down on all the Clans. She knew the weight of breaking the medicine cat code, and to reveal it during a gathering was done with only the purpose of causing harm, distrust, and disorder. Echowing did this with intent, and now she must deal with the fallout. As much as she wanted to escape this, it was in moments like these where she vowed to act as SkyClan's leader.
Spiritstar let a spark of anger guide her back into focus. "Echowing! What is the meaning of this?!? I did not give you permission to speak for SkyClan at this time of peace! I demand that you remain silent for the remainder of this gathering, and I will be speaking with you as soon as we return to camp," she growled, sounding uncharacteristically angry for the typically reserved leader. She cared not that she was scolding her Clanmate like a kit in front of everyone. Echowing had betrayed her trust.
She turned to look back at Frostyfoot, gaze and voice softening with disappointment and sadness. "Frostyfoot. I understand that you take blame for this relationship, and I am sorry that this is causing harm to your family. However, you are involved in the breaking of the warrior code and the medicine cat code. I cannot allow you to remain a warrior." She took a breath. If she were not leader, speaking for her Clan in front of the other leaders and many others, she would have done anything else to keep him safe. "You are banished from SkyClan."
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Post by Icefire15 on Sept 4, 2023 20:59:37 GMT -5
Whisperstone’s ears flattened against his head as Spiritstar banished Frostyfoot. Was this what Echowing truly wanted? Their father banished from SkyClan? He looked at Dreamlily and Frostyfoot, unsure of what to say now.
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Post by Frozen on Sept 4, 2023 21:04:05 GMT -5
SkyClan
Willownose's ears fell. She was surprised to hear that Spiritstar was banishing Frostyfoot, though it was understandable. "I'm sorry. It doesn't look like she's going to change her mind." she murmured to Redspring.
Firefang gasped in shock. Frostyfoot was a nice and loyal Clanmate! He may have broken the code, but... would he be left to wander alone?
ThunderClan
"Oh no," Slatesight gasped. "They're both getting exiled. What will they do?"
Aspenfall stared at his paws, unable to see how Opalmist was faring with all of this. He only hoped that Dreamlily and Whisperstone would come out unscathed from this mess.
Magpiewing flicked her tail in surprise. She wasn't expecting Spiritstar to banish Frostyfoot as well.
Nighteye frowned. This was going to be one fractured family at the end of this mess. He sniffed in disdain as he glanced over at Echowing. I don't think announcing this at a gathering is right.
WindClan
Silverpaw shuffled his paws in unease. He couldn't imagine seeing his family be torn apart like this.
Gustpaw stared in shock. Spiritstar seemed like the most forgiving leader, but maybe this was too much for her? "I can't believe it." he whispered to Arcticpaw.
RiverClan
Shellstream looked surprised and concerned, watching for Diamondheart's reaction. She hoped the deputy was keeping cool amidst everything going on.
Koishade shuffled to the back of the RiverClan cats. None of this was her business.
Winterfrost curled her tail around her paws. This seemed like an unusual time in the Clans. She was suddenly thankful that Earthstar let her join without a hitch.
ShadowClan
Shortcloud waited to see Cedarstar's reaction to Frostyfoot being banished as well. It seemed like a fair punishment.
Cinderspeck flattened his ears. Could the two at least leave together now?
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Post by Moonblazer on Sept 4, 2023 21:36:31 GMT -5
SKYCLAN:
Frostyfoot’s eyes flashed with shock for a moment, having not expected Spiritstar to banish him. She had always seen everyone in the Clan with such care. He had hoped she would allow Opalmist refuge in Skyclan, give them an advantage with extra medicine cats… but a prickle of realization and difficult acceptance filled him. He looked at Spiritstar, praying he understood that she did this out of mercy, not anger. For if he was banished, and Opalmist was banished…
“I… I cannot argue, then.” Frostyfoot rasped quietly, before he rose his voice again. “If this is my last moment amongst the Clans, then I want you to know that even if you may not believe me, my love for Skyclan never wavered… but neither can my love for Opalmist.”
“You heard her! You heard Cedarstar!” Echowing snarled as she stormed up to her parents, voice aching with rage and raw contentment. “Now you both will finally pay for the lives you’ve forced upon us! For all your lies!” She stopped as Spiritstar’s words rang through her head, and her ears fell as she shot a desperate but certain look at her leader. “I am following the Warrior Code! Too many cats have trampled all over it, and nothing would be done if we kept it to ourselves. I’m proving that there are Skyclan cats that are dedicated to this Clan!”
“How could you?!” Dreamlily screeched, the usually gentle she-cat rushing up to her sister and shoving her roughly so they were face to face. Dreamlily’s silver fur bristled as her voice cracked with agony. “You did this for you! We were fine as we were! Everything was fine! Frostyfoot is a wonderful father, he always has been, we didn’t need Opalmist! Shadowclan needs her!”
“You have no idea what I want! What I’m doing for the three of us!” Echowing screeched back, ears pinning back at the way Dreamlily responded.
“In front of every Clan?!” Dreamlily sobbed. “How could you do this?! You didn’t do this for us! If you did, you wouldn’t have shamed us like this! In front of everyone! What did Thunderclan, or Riverclan, or Windclan need to know about this? Now we have no mother or father! Is that what you wanted?”
“We don’t need either of them! They deserve to rot!” Echowing hissed, resolved as she squared up to her sister.
Redspring felt her heart shatter as she heard Frostyfoot’s exile. She felt weak in the paws, stumbling back against Ashfeather and Willownose. “How… how could he…” She stammered.
RIVERCLAN
“Do something!” Fluffcloud whispered to herself as she stared up desperately at her father. Diamondheart was staring down, why wasn’t he reacting? He should be challenging Cedarstar and Spiritstar! What kind of leaders banished clanmates for simply being in love? Her hatred for the Warrior Code grew stronger and stronger. She felt her claws dig in as Diamondheart remained still and calm, betraying no signs of his true feelings. Even if he felt he had to be silent as a deputy amongst leaders, Riverclan needed to be a unifying force! She growled to herself, heart aching for Frostyfoot and Opalmist.
Diamondheart watched, biding each second of information. He felt an ache of sympathy for the now banished cats. A part of him wanted nothing more than to offer them shelter… but he was not leader, and he had no place to dictate other Clans’ affairs. He would need to find Earthstar’s patrol. He looked up, weary that the sky was still crystal clear.
Foxripple gasped. “Holy Starclan… Spiritstar just exiled him!… That… is unexpected…”
THUNDERCLAN
Frostmoon watched with a stunned look, inwardly twisted up that both cats were banished, right as the Clans needed as much Warriors as they could get with the prey-maulers.
“I… What do we do?” Hornetstrike fretted.
WINDCLAN
“Why aren’t the clouds covered?” Blacktail rasped with a rare confusion, pressing close to Slushfur. “Is… does Starclan approve of this?”
Splashstone felt like he was going to be sick, suddenly more afraid than ever. What would Swiftstar do, now that Cedarstar and Spiritstar both had cast such powerful punishments? Would Swiftstar banish him and his sisters for being living examples of the broken code?
SHADOWCLAN
“Traitor!” Honeycrest seethed, hiding his pain at Opalmist’s betrayal with his coiled anger. He bristled as Goldberry rushed to his side to gently hush him, shaking his head sharply.
Coalhaze whimpered as he watched Opalmist. He didn’t want her to leave! Where would she go?!
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Post by Willow on Sept 4, 2023 21:46:36 GMT -5
Opalmist couldn't watch as her kits screeched at each other. She stepped forward, placing a tail on Dreamlily' shoulder. Pain rippled through her, she hadn't touched her daughter since she was a kit. "Please, do not fight over us. We will face the consequences of breaking the code together. Frostyfoot and I will be fine." she murmured, voice soothing and soft.
She stepped away looking at Frostyfoot with a small bittersweet smile, "Let's go. We are no longer wanted here." She walked away from her daughters, brushing her pelt along Frostyfoot's as she made her way out of the clearing. With one look back, her eyes settled over her clanmates, she gave them a parting tail-wave. "Goodbye Shadowclan. May Starclan light your path."
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Post by thistle on Sept 4, 2023 21:48:07 GMT -5
ShadowClan & SkyClan
Warblerpaw growled deep in his chest at the way Echowing carried on. "She's embarrassing all of us!" he seethed. "Following the Warrior Code by talking back to your leader?" he snarked, just loud enough to be heard. He shook his head with disgust; but not for Frostyfoot nor Opalmist. He snorted, landing an icy glare on Echowing as the two parted from the Gathering. Happy now? Everyone's got eyes on you. That's what you wanted, right?
Fuzzypaw looked down at her paws as the tension rose higher and higher, feeling her heart thudding in her chest. Her gaze flicked up at Warblerpaw, a little shocked by his reaction. She flicked her ear, not liking how this situation was playing out, then shrank further when the former medicine cat and warrior left. "Good-bye..." she murmured, sadness filling her chest. She hadn't known Opalmist long or well, but she'd cared for Fuzzypaw when she'd been brought into ShadowClan.
WindClan
Palegaze paused when Spiritstar dealt the punishment for Frostyfoot. The fact that both parties were banished together...it was not lost on the tunneler. He flattened his ears with disdain for the scene Echowing was making. He shook his head, carrying on towards where Beanpaw was; he stopped again, a resigned frown on his face as the two made their way from the clearing.
ThunderClan
Bluewhisker sniffed, allowing her tail to rest comfortingly against Webstripe. Her soft side was typically reserved for kits and young apprentices, but this was a strange situation. She twitched her ears when Spiritstar banished Frostyfoot. She hadn't expected such a reaction. She frowned as the pair parted, sad for two Clans to lose valuable cats, but not daring to question the leaders making the decision.
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Post by Icefire15 on Sept 4, 2023 21:52:07 GMT -5
SKY-
“Dreamlily! Echowing! Please stop this!” Whisperstone begged, rushing forward and placing himself between his sisters. He turned to face Echowing, his eyes pleading with her, “Please, just let the leaders handle this. Haven’t you done enough with this revelation? We can’t fight here!”
SHADOW-
Snowdance shook her head again, at a loss for words. She never would have thought that this was the reason for Opalmist’s sudden change in behavior.
Vixenflame pressed against Coalhaze, surprised to see both Frostyfoot and Opalmist banished from their clans. This news wasn’t going to help her father’s recovery at all.
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Post by Willow on Sept 4, 2023 21:54:58 GMT -5
Sky:
Ashfeather placed a shoulder under Redspring's, keeping her upright, as he watched in shock. He wrapped her tail around her shoulders beside Willownose's, glad all three of them had been at the gathering tonight. "They'll get to be together now, it won't be so bad for him." he whispered.
Sparrowstrike tapped his tail on the ground anxiously, sending a quick prayer to Starclan that this would be over soon. He was glad his kits weren't here to see this.
River:
Stormsplash was silent through the whole ordeal. His eyes unfocused and hazy as he looked up at the stars. His stomach churned with guilt and fear, worried that his kits might feel that way about him someday. He hoped it never came to that. He couldn't bring himself to look back at Splashstone.
Shadow:
Duskpaw shook her head as she watched them leave, "This can't be happening."
Spottedpaw looked helplessly at Fuzzypaw. "Cedarstar is being so unreasonable! We need Opalmist."
Wind:
Swiftstar looked between Spiritstar and Cedarstar, holding his tongue. He hoped one of the other leaders would quiet the crowd though soon, this was getting out of hand.
Eclipsesky watched Opalmist go, mouth clamped shut and eyes misty. That could have been him if he had followed through, he was suddenly glad he had made the decision to step down. He refused to break the code that had held him up for so long.
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Post by Moonblazer on Sept 4, 2023 21:55:34 GMT -5
“D-don’t go!” Dreamlily cried out miserably, stumbling a few steps after her mother, only to be stopped this time by Frostyfoot as he gave her the gentlest of looks, heavy as stone but as heartfelt as possible.
“She’s right. We will be okay.” He looked at Echowing with as gentle a gaze as he did Dreamlily, and then at Whisperstone. His voice ached as he murmured. “I just wanted you three to live your lives safely, happily. I… I never wanted to ever hurt you. I don’t… I don’t blame you for this. I don’t blame you for your anger. You are the greatest things I have ever had the pleasure of being a part of. I… I am sorry. I’m so sorry. And I love you-“
“Liar!” Echowing screeched, her sturdy facade crumbling as her pain and anger made her voice ache. “All we are is evidence of your lies! That’s all we’ll ever be!” She choked.
Frostyfoot stared sadly at Echowing, shaking his head. “I love you. I still do, I always will. Even after this, I will never stop. And I know Opalmist loved you too, no matter if you believe it or not.” He turned before Echowing could hiss her fury at her father. He padded after Opalmist, looking back at his Clanmates one last time, and then at Spiritstar. It was more painful than anything he had ever felt… but Spiritstar had freed him, amongst the agony of it all.
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Post by thistle on Sept 4, 2023 22:04:19 GMT -5
ShadowClan, SkyClan, & WindClan
Fuzzypaw shook her head, blue eyes round. "He's our leader! We can't...his word is law!" she whispered. "What will ShadowClan do?" she said, leaning into Spottedpaw's smaller frame. She looked to Duskpaw, concern for her friend etched into her face. She startled a little as a white cat with piercing red eyes came towards their group.
Warblerpaw lashed his tail, embarrassment for his Clan heating his fur.
Palegaze finally reached the gathered apprentices, but said nothing yet, wanting to see how the scene played out.
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Post by Moonblazer on Sept 4, 2023 22:05:44 GMT -5
SKYCLAN
Echowing panted in her waning anger, though her eyes flicked to the side as she overheard Warblerpaw’s words. What did he know?! She was doing the right thing! There was no code, no Clan, without honesty! Frostyfoot and Opalmist deserved this! She looked around at each cat now, the whispers and cold glares making her fur prickle with even more anger. Surely they had to understand why she had done this!
Dreamlily stumbled on her paws as Whisperstone broke up the fight. She watched her mother and father go as her eyes stung with tears. She looked around fearfully at the cats around her, terror in her veins at the thought of being such a shameful center of attention. She looked at Echowing and whispered, ragged and cold.
“If I don’t get to have my father, then you can get your wish. Live your life all on your own, with no kin, because I refuse to call a cat as selfish and hateful as you my sister!” She stormed past Echowing with a brutal shove before she dashed her way through the crowd of gathered cats, breathing frantically as she fled from Fourtrees.
“Dreamlily!” Plumwillow gasped, ears flat and eyes wide with sadness as her clanmate fled from the whispering crowds. She turned to look back at Echowing with a heavy disappointment.
Redspring flinched. “He didn’t tell me… He’s my brother! He told me everything, we told eachother everything! He’s my brother! And now he…” She watched the gathering helplessly.
“Good riddance!” Poppyclaw snarled angrily, fur fluffed as shame filled him at each stare and whisper. “How could he do this? And how could she put us on blast like this?” He mewed to no one, glaring tightly at Echowing.
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Post by Icefire15 on Sept 4, 2023 22:12:03 GMT -5
Whisperstone watched as his parents left Fourtrees, feeling pain in his chest. He turned at Dreamlily’s words and blinked in surprise as she stormed away from Fourtrees as well. “Dreamlily! Wait!” He called, starting after her. Whisperstone glanced back at Echowing as he did, not wanting either of his sisters to be left alone. His ear flicked in uncertainty as he hurried after Dreamlily, not liking the idea of her being alone on the territory with these prey-maulers on the loose.
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Post by Moonblazer on Sept 4, 2023 22:31:45 GMT -5
Echowing did lift her ears in surprise as Whisperstone ran after Dreamlily, her sister’s words slashing at her chest in a way that struck her harshly. Seeing her brother run after Dreamlily made her ripple with her first flicker of confusion. But… but, he seemed like he had wanted this too. He had supported her, not their parents! She watched with a growing numbness.
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Post by 🌙Moonpower🌙 on Sept 5, 2023 0:48:03 GMT -5
Cedarstar watched the pair leave from Fourtrees with eyes narrowed to slits. He glanced briefly at the ruckus amongst the SkyClan warriors, watching as one ran from the clearing. "Perhaps," he looked at Spiritstar. "You should have a better handle on your clanmates, Spiritstar. As a former medicine cat, I would have expected you to teach them to respect the medicine cat code better." He stepped forward on the Great Rock. The whole evening had his pelt bristling. Opalmist's betrayal...and learning it here at a gathering from a SkyClan cat. It was humiliating to all of ShadowClan. He couldn't hear his mate through the anger that burned within him. He felt such a fool! To be betrayed by a medicine cat again--
No. Cedarstar caught himself with a shake of his head. Snowdance and Opalmist are the only medicine cats of ShadowClan I know. Opalmist is the only traitor. His stomach tightened. Why did he think it happened before?
"ShadowClan!" Cedarstar raised his voice over the crowd. "We're leaving." He jumped down from the Great Rock and headed through the crowd to lead the Clan off, his ear flicking rapidly a couple times when he felt a lot of eyes land on him.
RiverClan
Frostlake grit her teeth as both cats were banished. "She's only banishing him because Cedarstar banished Opalmist. She's trying not to appear weak," she muttered mostly to herself. She watched the two cats leave the clearing. At least they'll be together, though.
Eelshock stared at the ground, unusually still. This is all wrong.
WindClan
Beanpaw peeked through his paws when he scented his mentor nearby. "Is it over?" he squeaked.
ShadowClan
Whorlpaw stood up when her father jumped down from the Great Rock. "I want to go home," she muttered softly. The gathering had started off so fun, but now...
Palepaw glanced at his sisters. "The leader's word is law. I'm sure father knows what he's doing."
Kinkfire watched Opalmist and Frostyfoot leave with a stoic expression. Now what we are going to do? She stood up when Cedarstar jumped down to lead the Clan away. It felt easier on her stomach. Snowdance isn't as young as she used to be. Who's going to be our medicine cat? She glanced at Ashrock. At least he knows how to treat injuries, but he's the last cat I want consulting with StarClan for us. She amused herself with the thought of Ashrock arguing with StarClan.
Closesky tried to reach Cedarstar, but the ShadowClan leader didn't notice his approach in his efforts to push through the crowd. Closesky swallowed his misgivings and glanced at the leaders remaining on the Great Rock. Cedarstar wasn't himself tonight and he hoped the other Clans didn't catch onto that.
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Post by Moonblazer on Sept 5, 2023 6:05:20 GMT -5
THUNDERCLAN
Flurrypaw had been confused and unhappy the entire last half of the gathering. He was slunk low to the ground. Mumbling low to himself, he swallowed, quiet enough to believe he hadn’t been overheard. “T-thank Starclan Spiritstar didn’t talk about the Twolegplace patrols…” He straightened up, scrambling quickly over to the other apprentices.
SHADOWCLAN
Unknowing to him, Honeycrest had picked up the statement as the golden tom had begun making his way towards Cedarstar to leave. Honeycrest’s anger turned to a cold intrigue as he heard the muttered words. Patrols? To Twolegplace? Glad that Spiritstar didn’t… Flurrypaw was a Thunderclan cat, what did-… He blinked in realization, and felt a flicker of tense unease. Unlike Echowing though, this was a matter he would address to his leader in private. He hurried up once more, now buzzing with all this new information.
Spiderfang slowly made her way towards Cedarstar, still stunned and struck by Opalmist’s betrayal and banishment. How could she have done this? Her lips lifted into a cold snarl as she passed Echowing. What an embarrassment, to announce such a thing to every Clan instead of just the Clans involved.
RIVERCLAN
“Riverclan!” Diamondheart called once Cedarstar called for the summons of Shadowclan. He cast one look at Lightningstar and Swiftstar, before shooting one of faint sympathy to Spiritstar and Cedarstar. The look was gone in two seconds, as he knew he had to get Riverclan home. Earthstar had to know about all of this.
“We are returning home as well. There is no need to participate in Clan business that does not concern us.” He gave Echowing a scolding and surprisingly harsh and calm look that made the she-cat glare and bristle. “Unlike what impulsive young Warriors may believe, Riverclan has no place to cast judgement on the decisions made by the only two Clans that should have been involved in this. I only pray you have accomplished what you have set out so boldly and so hatefully to do.”
He leaped down at the last word, lifting his tail as he wove through the crowd and past the hissing Skyclan Warrior, towards his clanmates.
“Thank Starclan, time to go!” Foxripple sighed in relief, only to choke a bit and lift his paw with a pursed muzzle as Diamondheart’s calm jab at Echowing registered. Foxripple breathed. “Oop! Well! He’s not wrong! Ah… Glacierpaw, let’s get out of here. Come on, let’s go.”
Fluffcloud widened her eyes at her father’s stern response to Echowing, agreeing that Echowing’s actions were immature and uncalled for, but being angered that he believed this wasn’t Riverclan’s business. She loved her father… but she was now convinced that he couldn’t be the leader Riverclan needed if they wanted to unite the Clans. She looked around, realization filling her as she watched each Clan matter into their own business. She leaned over to Eelshock as Riverclan prepared to go home.
“…Eelshock… I’m starting to think that we’ll need to create a new Clan all our own, instead of expecting Earthstar and Diamondheart to lead it…”
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Post by thistle on Sept 5, 2023 6:41:51 GMT -5
ShadowClan, SkyClan, & WindClan
Fuzzypaw stood when Cedarstar called for ShadowClan to leave, relieved at the prospect of being back in her cozy nest instead of FourTrees. She quickly muttered a good-bye to Beanpaw and the other apprentices, even forgetting her irritation with Warblerpaw momentarily as she gathered with the other ShadowClan apprentices to leave. She frowned at Whorlpaw, agreeing with her. "Me too," she said glumly. "I didn't think this was how it was gonna go at all..."
Warblerpaw bristled as Cedarstar admonished Spiritstar in front of the Clans, ears flattening, even more annoyed when Diamondheart commented on the situation. He isn't even a leader! It's not his place to scold another Clan's warrior...
"I think that's my cue," he muttered. He shot an apologetic glance to Whorlpaw, Duskpaw, and Palepaw, not wanting them to think he was upset with them. "I guess I'll see you next time," he sighed. He gave the other apprentices polite nods as he parted.
As he prowled through the crowd, hoping to find Plumwillow, he tried to avoid the eyes of the other Clans. She shouldn't have done this here! Now the other Clans will think they have a place in SkyClan's business.
Palegaze leaned down to nose his young apprentice, sympathy making his heart squeeze. "Yes," he said softly. "The meeting's ending. Let's get you home." He looked up as Spiritstar's son left, knowing this would surely weigh on his shoulder's. He gave Cedarstar's kits a look as well, dipping his head toward them, and the other two ShadowClan cats. "May StarClan light your paths," he said, beginning to lead Beanpaw back towards the WindClan slope of the hollow.
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