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Post by Hollyfall on Mar 27, 2024 15:26:30 GMT -5
Chapter 8: Jayfeather chewing out Squirrelflight is funny, not gonna lie. He's actually dropping some good opinions in this book, and I'm enjoying it. I'll be honest, the meeting they had between Squirrelflight and Tigertwo really didn't give much plot wise? Just felt like rehashed information that we already knew, and exchanging it between characters. But it's pointless since no plan came out of it?? Beyond establishing that Tigerstar and Squirrelstar are on the same page about Splashtail, pretty much.
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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 Mar 27, 2024 15:28:40 GMT -5
Aw, poor Whistlepaw! Though it's nice to see Crowfeather actually being decent.
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Post by 𓆩♡𓆪Moonshine𓆩♡𓆪 on Mar 27, 2024 15:29:00 GMT -5
Squirrelflight being hypocritical what a surprise :/ Glad Jayfeather is calling her out on it though lol
So Bramble told everyone about training in the DF offscreen? Wonder if people know if Lionblaze was in the same boat?
Podlight: Bu-but Starclan might reject him!🥺
Jayfeather: *pointing at Tigerstar and Brokenstar* What's your excuse again?
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Post by ❅Maplefrost❅ on Mar 27, 2024 15:35:45 GMT -5
Chapter 9: Berryheart being stubborn, then again she could also just be self-punishing herself too? I'm not sure. Part of me wonders if she'll be more redeemable by the end of all of this. I don't think she's a bad cat per say, but I also don't want her to get sacrificed or something for plot, I like her a lot. As for Sunbeam getting caught, I'm just gonna say it, if it were Breezepelt, he would have let her go. His father is too stuck up, but at least he and Harestar treated her decently. It's a breath of fresh air compared to how terrible things were when Onestar was running the place.
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Post by Hollyfall on Mar 27, 2024 15:38:50 GMT -5
Chapter 10: (Like chapter 7, this is from the older thread but Sand provided it to me. I just added the missing content) Puddleshine and Frostpaw sneak out to the Moonpool to verify whether or not Splashtail and Podlight are lying. Frostpaw wants Puddleshine to come since he's a reliable medicine cat, and Puddleshine wants to put an end to the lies. They briefly encounter some foxes, and Puddleshine talks about how vague StarClan can be and comments how a medicine cat lying about their StarClan connection is worse than than having none at all, which makes Frostpaw wonder if it's a jab at her.
At the Moonpool, the two of them hide in some hazel bushes to mask their scent. Puddleshine wants to stay the whole night, and it's clear to Frostpaw that Puddleshine is tired of the manipulations and lies from RiverClan. Splashtail and Podlight soon arrive. Their original plan was to just hide out somewhere, but Duskfur and Icewing questioned them so much that they decided to just go to make things seem legitimate. Mothwing isn't with them, as Havenpelt is giving birth. Podlight says things are working out for them since Splashtail will be "leader" and have new siblings. Splashtail says they'll stick around long enough so things look real, but neither of them know the actual process for a new leader. Puddleshine and Frostpaw are satisfied as Podlight and Splashtail stand around debating what the actual leadership ceremony is.
Podlight is relieved since when it's over, Splashtail will be Splashstar and they'll be free of Tigerstar's interference. Splashtail calls ShadowClan a bunch of bullies and they'll take any excuse to invade them again, especially with that "wretched Frostpaw sowing doubt into Tigerstar's heart", which makes both Puddleshine and Frostpaw angry. Splashtail says that since the process is so hush-hush, they can make something up. He figures they must meet with some StarClan cats. Podlight suggests Mistystar or Leopardstar, but Frostpaw notices Podlight actually seems nervous that spirits might actually show up, and Podlight adds that Frostpaw says she saw Riverstar.
Splashtail says Frostpaw is a load of fox dung and she doesn't control them. Podlight agrees, and apologizes. Splashtail says it would be funny if Reedwhisker himself came, and he hopes he'll be able to kill him again. Frostpaw thinks that Reedwhisker would win in a fair fight with Splashtail. Podlight suggests that perhaps new leaders need to fight nine StarClan cats and achieve a life. Splashtail says it's a stupid idea since "weakling" leaders like Harestar or Leafstar exist. Podlight suggests hunting nine pieces of prey, and Splashtail admits it sounds much more appealing since he's hungry. Frostpaw grows angry that Podlight and Splashtail are mocking their warrior ancestors.
Splashtail says that even if StarClan appears, he wouldn't listen to them considering they're a bunch of dead cats. Podlight agrees, though Frostpaw is starting to wonder if it's something Podlight genuinely agrees with, or he's too much of a coward to stand up to Splashtail. It takes courage to stand up and reject StarClan in their special place, and she guesses Podlight just doesn't have that courage. Podlight asks what happens if StarClan actually does intervene and chooses a different leader. Splashtil sniffs and says that they'll make up some nonsense about being so devoted to their Clan and traumatized by Tigerstar's conquest, they wanted to rebuild their Clan by any means necessary until they achieved a true leader, muttering it's probably not far off from the truth.
Podlight mutters uncomfortably that he hopes he's right. Splashtail only says of course he's right, and Frostpaw notes the conviction in his voice, wondering if Splashtail genuinely believes he's in the right. Splashtail continues, adding that he doubts StarClan even cares that much if they put the power in Frostpaw's claws, which leads to both of them howling in laughter, collapsing to the ground as if it was the funniest thing ever.
As Splashtail says his name though, Riverstar materializes from the waters of the Moonpool, wading out and leaping over Podlight and Splashtail. He gazes at Puddleshine and Frostpaw with a warm gaze. Puddleshine drops his jaw in surprise, certainly not expecting the founder of RiverClan himself to appear. Puddleshine's gaze renews with determination, clearly more resolved than ever and knows the truth. What's more, neither Splashtail nor Podlight reacted to Riverstar when he was right beside them. It's clear to both Puddleshine and Frostpaw that Podlight, like Splashtail, is a usurper.
Once Podlight and Splashtail leave, Puddleshine and Frostpaw return to ShadowClan to inform Tigerstar. Frostpaw isn't sure about waking Tigerstar up in the middle of the night, but Puddleshine does anyway. Tigerstar groggily exits out of his den, muttering it better be important since it's the middle of the night. Puddleshine takes a deep breath and says it's very important.
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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 Mar 27, 2024 15:50:03 GMT -5
Again, I'm really loving Splashtail as a villain and I really hope the series goes into more details regarding the backstory of the entire conspiracy someday and not just leave it for a prologue. And of course, great that Frostpaw has a witness now.
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Post by sheepbite on Mar 27, 2024 15:58:10 GMT -5
while Mothwing defends Splashtail and says he would never murder a cat since he is "chosen by StarClan". i haven’t been able to stop malding over this since the pdf leaks. did the authors forget her dad was tigerstar. what are they doing to my girl.
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Bisexual
#FF00EC
Name Colour
BҽɾɾყႦʅσσɱ
Villain Enjoyer
Finally reading Wind!
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Post by BҽɾɾყႦʅσσɱ on Mar 27, 2024 15:58:30 GMT -5
Chapter 9 finally gave WindClan some more focus as a Clan. Glad to see Harestar be so responsible.
I already said this on the now moved initial leak thread for what has now been shown to be Chapter 10: Splashtail is such a disrespectful, rude, cocky little shit and I love it. Hope it bites him in the ass big time soon though because he certainly deserves it lol.
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Post by Hollyfall on Mar 27, 2024 16:01:06 GMT -5
while Mothwing defends Splashtail and says he would never murder a cat since he is "chosen by StarClan". i haven’t been able to stop malding over this since the pdf leaks. did the authors forget her dad was tigerstar. what are they doing to my girl. Mothwing is only pretending to support Splashtail. She wants to get rid of him, but can't risk getting found out since that just leaves Podlight to heal the Clan. She does not think very highly of Podlight and is only playing along for now.
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Bisexual
#FF00EC
Name Colour
BҽɾɾყႦʅσσɱ
Villain Enjoyer
Finally reading Wind!
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Post by BҽɾɾყႦʅσσɱ on Mar 27, 2024 16:01:37 GMT -5
while Mothwing defends Splashtail and says he would never murder a cat since he is "chosen by StarClan". i haven’t been able to stop malding over this since the pdf leaks. did the authors forget her dad was tigerstar. what are they doing to my girl. She's only pretending. The summary for Chapter 4 shows that she believes Frostpaw but has to keep Splashtail happy while trying to convince other former Clanmates of Frostpaw about him being bad news. And leaving RiverClan in the rather inexperienced paws of Podlight as healer is just not a good idea either, after all.
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Bisexual
#FF00EC
Name Colour
BҽɾɾყႦʅσσɱ
Villain Enjoyer
Finally reading Wind!
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Post by BҽɾɾყႦʅσσɱ on Mar 27, 2024 16:06:46 GMT -5
RiverClan is so going to attack ShadowClan next book fr.
I think it's a good thing that Squirrelstar and even Tigerstar II are now trying to avoid an all out big battle. Still think the latter is a piece of work though. And I still want a big battle lol. The fact that Squirrelstar was calling for a battle not long ago, but now is avoiding trying to cause one is so weird. She has seemed to always want to do things her own way but now that she is leader she has to handle things more cautiously. True. But it's as you said. She's leader now, no longer "just" deputy. Squirrelstar has more responsibility for the safety of her Clan than before as Squirrelflight.
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Post by sheepbite on Mar 27, 2024 16:09:46 GMT -5
i haven’t been able to stop malding over this since the pdf leaks. did the authors forget her dad was tigerstar. what are they doing to my girl. Mothwing is only pretending to support Splashtail. She wants to get rid of him, but can't risk getting found out since that just leaves Podlight to heal the Clan. She does not think very highly of Podlight and is only playing along for now. that’s relieving, thank you. i know someone mentioned it in the pdf leaks but it only seemed to be a passing thought from frostpaw and i wouldn’t have put it past them to completely disregard it later. i still think “no leader chosen by starclan would kill anyone” is a bit too stupid to be realistically coming out of her mouth though.
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Post by Purdyisbestboi on Mar 27, 2024 16:09:58 GMT -5
You didn’t get it from Barnes and nobles right? I know they have a new rule that cracks down on early releases.
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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 Mar 27, 2024 16:15:45 GMT -5
The fact that Squirrelstar was calling for a battle not long ago, but now is avoiding trying to cause one is so weird. She has seemed to always want to do things her own way but now that she is leader she has to handle things more cautiously. True. But it's as you said. She's leader now, no longer "just" deputy. Squirrelstar now has more responsibility for the safety of her Clan than before. Exactly this! And like it's been said at least twice now, Splashtail has the backing of most of RiverClan at the moment, along with SkyClan's support, while Harestar is neutral. If she were to attack now, it would possibly oust a false leader, but at the risk of impeding on RiverClan's freedom and igniting theirs and maybe even SkyClan's anger. It'd just be a disaster for everyone! They just finished dealing with ShadowClan, the entire reason for why Squirrelstar had wanted to get involved originally, but the circumstances have changed now.
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Post by Hollyfall on Mar 27, 2024 16:22:36 GMT -5
Chapter 11: Nightheart pads with Waffle, having persuaded Squirrelstar to let Waffle join the dawn patrol and mentally notes that he's taken every chance he could to visit the elders and listen to their stories. Waffle sees Nightheart seems depressed, and asks why. Nightheart admits he's worried about Sunbeam since she's missing. Waffle says he likes being a warrior, but misses the freedom that came with being a Park cat and Clan borders seem silly. As they talk, Crowfeather hollers Nightheart's name, and Nightheart spots Crowfeather and Hootwhisker at the opposite side of the WindClan/ThunderClan border. Crowfeather issues a greeting, and asks for them to escort him and Hootwhisker to their camp, saying they have someone to return, gesturing to Sunbeam hanging behind him and Hootwhisker in shame. His pelt burns in shame, as well as relief she was fine. Nightheart agrees, and beckons for them to come across.
Nightheart leads them to the ThunderClan camp, where Crowfeather and Squirrelstar issue polite greetings and explains that he found Sunbeam on WindClan territory. Before Squirrelstar can say anything, Crowfeather says that no prey was stolen nor was harm done. He adds after that he knows some things are more important than Clan borders, which surprises Nightheart as Crowfeather was typically cranky, but here, he was understanding. Crowfeather continues and says that he WindClan still needs to defend their borders, and surely Squirrelstar can see that. Squirrelstar agrees, and apologizes for her wayward warrior, saying she will be punished. Crowfeather meows respectfully then the matter is settled, and dips his head politely, wishing her a good day and may StarClan light her path. Squirrelstar returns the gesture.
Once Crowfeather and Hootwhisker leave, Squirrelstar orders Nightheart to fetch Bayshine. Nightheart does, and Bayshine nervously approaches Squirrelstar with his friend. Squirrelstar demands to know what happened, and doesn't want lies or excuses. Before anybody can answer, Lilyheart bellows Squirrelstar's name. Squirrelstar lets out an exasperated sigh as Tigerstar flanks Lilyheart, and asks if he can wait. Tigerstar says he can't. He explains he's already been kicked out of SkyClan land this morning and he's hoping Squirrelstar will be more open minded. Squirrelstar sighs, and tells the younger cats that they'll talk later, dismissing Bayshine and Sunbeam, but orders Nightheart, Jayfeather, and Alderheart to come with her to speak with Tigerstar. Nightheart asks Waffle to go and comfort Sunbeam, and he'll be with her as soon as he can.
Now by the rock wall, Squirrelstar demands Tigerstar spit out what he wants. Tigerstar explains what Frostpaw and Puddleshine told him about Podlight and Splashtail. Nightheart is shocked. Although he knew they were frauds, he's surprised that they openly mocked StarClan in the very place where their connection is strongest. Tigerstar finishes that Splash"star" is no true leader, and he's openly disrespecting StarClan at that. Alderheart is surprised that Riverstar appeared to Puddleshine and Frostpaw. Tigerstar confirms he did, while he was invisible to Podlight and Splashtail. Squirrelstar narrows her eyes, agreeing they need to intervene but, as Tigerstar knows, it didn't work out last time since he tried to take matters into his own paws. But, no other cat has come forth as a leader, nor has Frostpaw received anything about who it should be.
Tigerstar bristles, and mutters Duskfur was a fine leader and she never lied about being chosen from StarClan. Squirrelstar asks if he truly wants to spill more blood over it. She hisses that assuming Splashtail's ambition ends with ruling RiverClan, why not let him? So long as RiverClan is fine with him and he's a leader they chose. She reminds Tigerstar of Nightstar who lied about becoming a leader, and how the new rules for deposing a leader can only happen when the Clan itself wants the leader gone. She finalizes with that while he and she want Splash"star" gone, it's not their place. RiverClan must oust Splash"star" themselves.
Nightheart nervously adds that he can verify that Splashtail tried to kill her, and he even killed Reedwhisker. He feels weird lecturing two leaders like he is, but keeps going. Nightheart says that Riverstar warned about Splashtail becoming leader, and while he isn't sure to what ends Splashtail's ambition will go, he's sure it doesn't end with RiverClan and he'll stop at nothing to get it. Squirrelstar asks if it's really something they can spill blood over. Jayfeather asks if they can afford not to, bringing up Ashfur and the amount of damage an evil leader can do and how the damage they can do can take seasons upon seasons to heal. Jayfeather then jerks his head to the bushes, and says he's sure Wasp and Waffle would agree. Alderheart dives into the bushes and forces out Wasp and Waffle. Angry, Squirrelstar asks what they're doing.
Waffle explains they heard Frostpaw's name, and wanted to prove Frostpaw is a true friend and isn't a liar. Wasp adds that she spoke to Riverstar, and Riverstar himself is asking for help in RiverClan. Squirrelstar is silent, but then mumbles that if Leafstar is refusing to get involved, it makes things harder. She suggest Tigerstar try to persuade WindClan, but she doesn't want to shed ThunderClan or ShadowClan lives over it unless there's no alternative. She worries if Leafstar isn't listening to Tigerstar, then Splashtail may have convinced them to be his allies. In that case, they'll need WindClan so they may have the greater strength. Tigerstar agrees, and says he'll go to WindClan, heading out of the camp. Squirrelstar waves her tail at Waffle and Wasp, saying they can go, but to not sneak around again. Waffle apologizes for both of them, and they leave.
Alderheart asks what will happen if ThunderClan, ShadowClan, and WindClan decide to confront RiverClan and depose Splashtail, or if they end up keeping him in power. Squirrelstar sighs, and says she doesn't know. As the cats begin to disperse, Squirrelstar orders Nightheart to bring Sunbeam to her.
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Post by Hollyfall on Mar 27, 2024 16:23:11 GMT -5
You didn’t get it from Barnes and nobles right? I know they have a new rule that cracks down on early releases. nah there's no barnes and noble in my country
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Post by Hollyfall on Mar 27, 2024 16:24:22 GMT -5
Mothwing is only pretending to support Splashtail. She wants to get rid of him, but can't risk getting found out since that just leaves Podlight to heal the Clan. She does not think very highly of Podlight and is only playing along for now. that’s relieving, thank you. i know someone mentioned it in the pdf leaks but it only seemed to be a passing thought from frostpaw and i wouldn’t have put it past them to completely disregard it later. i still think “no leader chosen by starclan would kill anyone” is a bit too stupid to be realistically coming out of her mouth though. no problem! it happens in chapter 4 if you're curious
stupid yeah, but imo it's only because she's feigning support
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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 Mar 27, 2024 16:28:31 GMT -5
As much as I can understand Squirrelstar's reasoning, I never understood the whole "maybe their ambition will lessen now that they've got what they wanted" thing. This goes in general, btw. But she's right, RiverClan has to be the one to make the final decision, as risky as that plan is. Also, it's actually kinda nice seeing Crowfeather, well, actually being nice.
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Post by Hollyfall on Mar 27, 2024 16:51:56 GMT -5
Chapter 12: Sunbeam awkwardly waits for the meeting between Squirrelstar and Tigerstar to end. After it does, Nightheart comes to get her, and asks if she saw her family. Sunbeam frets that Berryheart is doing worse and didn't want her help, but Sparrowtail was going to make her eat them through her food. She explains that she and Sparrowtail planned to meet by the small thunderpath in three days, and if Berryheart is no better, then he's taking her to Jayfeather and Alderheart. Nightheart says it's a sensible plan.
As they approach Squirrelstar, the leader, fuming, asks Sunbeam rhetorically if she did or did not tell her to avoid getting caught. Sunbeam is ashamed, and Squirrelstar meows she sympathizes and knows it's difficult, but she cannot have disobedience in times like this. She says that they're both new; Squirrel as a leader, and Sun as a ThunderClan warrior, but Sunbeam will still be punished. Sunbeam apologizes, but Squirrelstar reiterates that when she gives an order, she expects it to be followed. And when that order is "don't get caught", she expects it to be followed. Sunbeam pleads with her not to exile her, and she wants to stay in ThunderClan.
Squirrelstar sighs, and asks how Sunbeam's family is. Sunbeam replies not good, and wants to tell Squirrelstar about the plan she made with Sparrowtail, but holds her tongue in the hopes that Sparrowtail might go to Tigerstar or Puddleshine first to get help. Squirrelstar apologizes for that, as she knows Sunbeam is suffering. Sunbeam's punishment is that she's now undertaking apprentice duties and confined to camp until said otherwise. She then orders Sunbeam to fetch Bayshine. Hanging her head low, Sunbeam goes to find her friend, but worries that she'll still be stuck in the camp for three days, and she won't be able to meet Sparrowtail.
After returning from her second patrol of the day. Three days had passed, and anxiety fills her mind when she thinks about Sparrowtail, and whether or not he'll be disappointed in her, and assume she doesn't care about her family anymore. She contemplates telling Squirrelstar, but decides to ask Nightheart to take her place instead. Nightheart agrees, and reveals to her that Harestar is still insisting on thinking things over and won't make a decision until the gathering. However, if Splashtail still isn't chosen by StarClan by the gathering, then his leadership will probably collapse before then. Sunbeam suggests Nightheart stick close to the lake to avoid getting in trouble with WindClan. He agrees, says goodbye, and goes out of the camp to meet with Sparrowtail.
Sunbeam continues her duties, including playing moss ball with Spotfur's kits so their mother could nap. She annoys Jayfeather by not knowing the differences between herbs, so he tells her to go away. Jayfeather's scathing comments have made her feel worse about herself, so while trying to recover her self esteem alone, she spots Nightheart coming back, exhausted. She asks about Berryheart, and Nightheart says no cat was there. He heard some scuffling from cats, but doesn't know who it was. Sunbeam sighs that they must have lost their ShadowClan scent by now. Nightheart solemnly says that he thinks they did come, but turned around when they saw it was him. Sunbeam mews that Sparrowtail doesn't hate Nightheart and he wouldn't reject help from him, but notes that Berryheart would.
The other possibility that Sunbeam can think of is that Berryheart died, but pushes the thought away. She chooses to believe they didn't come out of distrust for Nightheart, but then grows anxious again as she wonders what happened to them, and where they went.
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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 Mar 27, 2024 16:57:43 GMT -5
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Bisexual
#FF00EC
Name Colour
BҽɾɾყႦʅσσɱ
Villain Enjoyer
Finally reading Wind!
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Post by BҽɾɾყႦʅσσɱ on Mar 27, 2024 17:11:38 GMT -5
Chapter 11:
It's really better to be cautious rather than demanding when it comes to Splashtail for now. Most cats don't know he's a fraud yet and he hasn't exactly shown his true colors either but I'm sure that'll change soon considering the Wind blurb mentioning him turning to violence as well as what the Star blurb spoiled in regards to poor Harelight. Squirrelstar is making the right call here, in my opinion.
Chapter 12:
Sunbeam is not having a good time in this chapter. Nightheart taking her place while she's confined to camp as punishment for being caught by WindClan probably wasn't the best idea considering that her mother is not a fan of him. Looks like ThunderClan will not be dealing with her yet.
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Post by moongloweevee on Mar 27, 2024 17:45:09 GMT -5
I'm going to say, I'm not a fan of how dismissive Squelch is being towards Splashtail's ambition. She's on of the cats who SEEN how dangerous an ambition cat can be. She's seen it with Brambleclaw having to kill Hawkfrost who had laid HER FATHER in a fox trap; then there's the Dark Forest rising; Darktail taking over Shadowclan and Riverclan; and finally, Ashfur's obession over her to the point where she and Bramble was dragged to cat hell.
For her to be so dismissive is UNLIKE her
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Post by Hollyfall on Mar 27, 2024 17:48:11 GMT -5
Chapter 13: On the way to the gathering, Frostpaw thinks that only Tigerstar and Squirrelstar were willing to oppose Splashtail. Harestar had not made a decision, while Leafstar defended RiverClan's right to pick their own leader. Frostpaw knows arguments are bound to happen, but perhaps StarClan might intervene and show that Splashtail isn't the true leader of the Clan. She feels gross about the other Clans making choices about RiverClan's future, but feels a spark of hope as she remembers Mothwing telling her that not every cat in RiverClan supported Splashtail. Frostpaw hangs out with Puddleshine and Shadowsight with the other medicine cats, spotting Tigerstar, Squirrelstar, and Leafstar already present. She can spot Mothwing, Icewing, and Duskfur huddled together near the edge of the clearing, though cannot see Podlight or Splashtail.
WindClan finally arrives, and Harestar leaps onto the great oak with the other leaders while Crowfeather takes his place with the other deputies. Splashtail is nowhere to be seen, so Tigerstar bellows to start the gathering. At that moment, Splashtail makes his appearance, leaping into the branches. Tigerstar mutters his name, to which Splashtail says he's Splashstar now and RiverClan's troubles are over now. However, as he smugly says the last sentence, only a few yowls from RiverClan chant his new name, and it quickly ebbs away into silence.
She knows Tigerstar had planned a big speech, but her anger gets the better of her and she calls Splashtail a liar (he is explictly referred to as Splashtail this chapter, not Splashstar) and she saw him mocking StarClan and the idea of nine lives. Splashtail gazes down at her, unfazed, and he shrugs, mewing that Frostpaw is a known liar. He tells Tigerstar to throw her out for good, referring to Frostpaw as a traitor. Tigerstar explodes in anger, calling Splashtail the traitor, and he is appalled that Splashtail would dare lie about the solemn granting of nine lives, in addition to disrespecting their ancestors. Tigerstar says he believes Frostpaw, and it's time for cats to pick sides. He growls that both Frostpaw and Puddleshine saw him mocking the nine lives ceremony, and Podlight is lying as well.
Puddleshine steps forward and says Splashtail is lying, and he saw Riverstar appear then too, but only to him and Frostpaw, invisible to Podlight and Splashtail. Puddleshine calls Splashtail an imposter, and he believes Frostpaw. A huge caterwaul of yowls erupt from the gathered cats, drowning out Frostpaw's thoughts. Splashtail looks briefly disconcerted at the mention of Riverstar, but by the time Tigerstar is able to command order and quiet, Splashtail has regained his composure. Splashtail asserts he is a true leader and it finds it rich that the claims against him are from a traitor who lies about her visions, and the medicine cat who helped invade and conquer his home. Splashtail hisses that the more unheaval in RiverClan, the more Tigerstar likes it, and he is Splashstar. He ends his rant by saying that they should treat him with the respect he deserves, befitting of someone with the -star suffix. He then asks what the point of gatherings are if cats can't even decide who among them is a rightful leader or medicine cat.
Tigerstar growls it's a good question, which makes Splashtail slide out his claws. Leafstar interjects and says that Splashtail makes a good point considering who his accusers are, and their motives suspicious at best. She declares she believes Splashstar. Frostpaw feels disappointed, while Puddleshine looks angry. Splashtail thanks Leafstar for her support, and announces he has chosen Harelight as his new deputy. The cheers for Harelight were far more loud and enthusiastic than they were for Splashtail. However, the noise drowns out as Frostpaw sees Harelight take his place beside the other deputies, and she feels heartbroken that a cat she considered a friend, her own mentor no less, would work with Splashtail. However, Harelight catches her eye, and she can see sadness. He breaks away, and yowls that they're sorting out what happened in RiverClan, and he wants his Clan to be strong and in charge of their own fate. He wants to help Splashstar rebuild.
Splashtail adds that they have StarClan's favour, announcing the birth of Sneezecloud's and Havenpelt's new kits: Floatkit, Rapidkit, and Troutkit. More yowls of enthusiasm follow, and Frostpaw can see that the mood of the gathering is changing to support of Splashtail. Once the yowling dies down, Tigerstar meows that he has made his views on Splashtail clear. Splashtail corrects him, saying his name his Splashstar. Tigerstar says he isn't, and he's a liar. Tigerstar asks Harestar what he thinks. Harestar admits he's thought about it and consulted his senior warriors, and he thinks RiverClan has the right to defend and appoint their own leader.
More cheers come from RiverClan. Tigerstar bitterly mews that it seems the matter is settled, and it's a RiverClan issue unless it comes to involve ShadowClan, casting a glance at Squirrelstar, who returns an angry, but accepting, look. Harestar congradulates Harelight on becoming deputy, and says that perhaps one day there will be two Harestars, but they have other matters to turn to. He announces the birth of Featherpelt's and Oatclaw's new kits: Leafkit, Branchkit, and Grasskit, and informs Tigerstar of spotting Berryheart, Sparrowtail, and Hollowspring on their territory. Tigerstar's reaction is only a curt nod.
Squirrelstar asks Wasp and Waffle if they plan to stay with the Clans. Waffle agrees, but Wasp wants to go home. Wasp says he wanted to join RiverClan, but he can see that's not possible. Frostpaw is disappointed, but can't help but agree since the RiverClan he was told of, versus the one he sees, is quite different. Squirrelstar says she's sorry to lose him, but she's grateful to have Waffle. Tigerstar ends the gathering, huskily meowing that he hopes the choices made won't be regretted in the future.
Frostpaw trails behind the ShadowClan cats. She scents RiverClan, and fear spikes in her throat as she thinks it's Splashtail coming to finish her off. However, it's actually Icewing and Duskfur. Frostpaw waits for them, remaining cautious, especially since neither exactly objected to Splashtail's promotion a moon ago. Icewing quickly mews they don't have much time, but wants to tell her that she's not alone and they believe her. Duskfur says Frostpaw is a true RiverClan cat like them, and they're working on bringing more to their side and deposing Splashtail. Tigerstar's voice bellows from the darkness, and he says they need to do it soon. Icewing mews that Splashtail has a talent for manipulation, but he can't keep it up forever, and that Mothwing is with them too.
Frostpaw asks about Graypaw and Mistpaw. Duskfur and Icewing exchange a glance, and Duskfur meows that they're doubtful, but they've advised them to keep it quiet for now. If it comes down to a battle, they can count on them. Duskfur whispers that they're both young, much like Frostpaw, and she wants to protect them. Frostpaw thinks that it makes sense, but wishes her grandmother was as dedicated to protecting her as she is to her siblings back when she was a confused apprentice. Frostpaw asks if she can do anything to help, and she's not scared of Splashtail. Tigerstar says she ought to be, and Frostpaw is a direct threat to Splashtail. Frostpaw sarcastically thanks him for his insight. Duskfur touches her nose, and tells her that they'll let her know if she can help, but she won't risk her life. The two older she-cats bound away to rejoin RiverClan, while Tigerstar gestures for Frostpaw to catch up with ShadowClan.
Standing on a bank of a river that cuts a deep channel through the high moorland. She blinks, and sees Reedwhisker's spirit, his paws glittering with stars, and his pelt glimmering with starlight. Reedwhisker blinks at her, and announces that it's not over. A crack of lightning then splits the river in too, summoning a harsh river. Reedwhisker disappears, and Frostpaw hears yowling behind her. She doesn't want to turn away from the river, feeling it could help her understand something. But then she hears the wails of terrified kits. She jerks up, awake, and realizes something is wrong in WindClan.
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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 Mar 27, 2024 17:52:47 GMT -5
And there it is, more support for Splashtail. Poor Frostpaw, but at least she's not alone. Also the comment from Harestar is still very cute!
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Bisexual
#FF00EC
Name Colour
BҽɾɾყႦʅσσɱ
Villain Enjoyer
Finally reading Wind!
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Post by BҽɾɾყႦʅσσɱ on Mar 27, 2024 18:27:21 GMT -5
Not surprised that Splashtail does have support outside of RiverClan and it does make sense but I'm kinda mad/sad that it has to be Leafstar (even though, again, it makes sense considering her previous support of RiverClan while ShadowClan was wrongfully all up in their business in the past two books).
Harestar's comment about there possibly being two Harestar's one day after Harelight is announced as deputy is bittersweet at this point when already knowing what's to come (thanks Star blurb).
I'm glad that Duskfur is supporting her grand-daughter. I remember suspecting her of being the ringleader when it came to the RiverClan conspiracy so good for her on actually being a good grandma.
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Post by Jaysnow on Mar 27, 2024 18:40:48 GMT -5
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Post by *Faith* on Mar 27, 2024 18:44:30 GMT -5
Congrats! c: I just got the book as well, though I haven't started it yet.
Funny thing, I was checking bookstores on the chapters indigo website and it said there was three in stock at my local bookstore. When I went, there was only two books. I checked the website when I came home and it said 0. Good thing I went when I did.
Also, the book jacket was glossy which I wasn't expecting. That completely took me off guard. Lol!
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Post by Hollyfall on Mar 27, 2024 18:47:34 GMT -5
Congrats! c: I just got the book as well, though I haven't started it yet. Funny thing, I was checking bookstores on the chapters indigo website and it said there was three in stock at my local bookstore. When I went, there was only two books. I checked the website when I came home and it said 0. Good thing I went when I did. Also, the book jacket was glossy which I wasn't expecting. That completely took me off guard. Lol! Chapters is where I got mine as well. The ones available were weirdly spotty across the GTA. Yours are glossy too huh? No idea why that is.
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Post by *Faith* on Mar 27, 2024 18:52:47 GMT -5
Congrats! c: I just got the book as well, though I haven't started it yet. Funny thing, I was checking bookstores on the chapters indigo website and it said there was three in stock at my local bookstore. When I went, there was only two books. I checked the website when I came home and it said 0. Good thing I went when I did. Also, the book jacket was glossy which I wasn't expecting. That completely took me off guard. Lol! Chapters is where I got mine as well. The ones available were weirdly spotty across the GTA. Yours are glossy too huh? No idea why that is. Technically it was Coles (Chapters didn't have it yet), but that's the website. From Google: "Indigo - Chapters - Coles | Canada's Biggest Bookstore". Yeah, I had to do a double take. It was so unexpected.
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Post by Snowfire on Mar 27, 2024 19:07:26 GMT -5
Congrats! c: I just got the book as well, though I haven't started it yet. Funny thing, I was checking bookstores on the chapters indigo website and it said there was three in stock at my local bookstore. When I went, there was only two books. I checked the website when I came home and it said 0. Good thing I went when I did. Also, the book jacket was glossy which I wasn't expecting. That completely took me off guard. Lol! Chapters is where I got mine as well. The ones available were weirdly spotty across the GTA. Yours are glossy too huh? No idea why that is. Yeah the recent books from Erin Hunter have been getting glossy books, such as the newest Bravelands arc and the latest Bamboo Kingdom book, my guess is because of either budget reasons or people not buying as much books, I think the former is more likely though.
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