The night of the gathering was damp and humid. The air had a coolness about it, and stirred occasionally in an apathetic manor. Slick plant life waved lazily against the smothering air, and as ThunderClan made its way to the gathering many felt moisture gathering along their whiskers. The Elders gossiped about how this was a warmer greenleaf than those in the past, heeded not by the apprentices who were clamoring for glimpses of enemy Clans. Yet the overall mood of ThunderClan was muted and uneasy.
Hawkstar led the pack at a brisk pace, striding far ahead of his Deputy or Healer. His medium length coat shone in the silvery bath of the moon, glittering with dewdrops. Tonight he went without his signature orange bandanna, looking more the part of an expected Clan cat and dignified Leader than he had in past meetings. Yet many had remarked, much to his ire, that this was not chiefly what he was known for. He had snapped ruthlessly at these observations, until at least they’d ceased altogether. He could not say why, and indeed at times he found cats looking hurt at him with….no memory of what he might have done. He told himself it was stress. He’d been sleeping poorly, with frequent night trips alongside Juncostar. Was it any wonder he was missing time?
“Hurry up!” He snapped, turning back to face the party joining him. “It’s better if we get there first.” He growled, for a moment his left eye catching glancing light from the moon coloring it a deep ocean blue. A trick of the light, surely.
Crossing over the threshold of the neutral territories was the last thing he remembered.
Ospreyshadow shifted uncomfortably, glancing around himself with obvious unease. Why was he here? He had protested ardently when Hawkstar had suggested he be a part of the group heading to this moon’s gathering, and by the dirty looks ShadowClan cats were throwing him he was feeling only too right in his reluctance.
It’s very important that you be here tonight. All of you.
Hawkstar’s words were ominous. What had his grandfather meant by them?
Hawkstar had not been himself of late. He was fowl-tempered, harsh, and kept chiefly to himself where he had once been brash and sociable. Ospreyshadow was beginning to think there was more than maladjustment from the separation to Coldpaw’s panicked cries of ‘that is not my father!’ but his young uncle was noticeably absent among those selected, so he could not ask him now.
In lieu of any cat actually wanting to speak to him, Ospreyshadow took to people watching. ShadowClan was also behaving oddly. Of course any of them who met his eye gave him murderous looks, but those who did not seemed as nervous and uncomfortable as he was. Yet Hawkstar and Juncostar sat close together, away from the crowd, exchanging hushed whispers.
At long last, they moved to the news-sharing segment of the evening. The Clan Leaders, joined by their deputies and medicine cats, climbed atop the twisting branches of the overhead trees and jutting stones that overlooked the conclave. The moon above hovered in a cloudless sky, inscrutable in its stillness. The eyes of StarClan were upon the living…..but what did they see?
A series of gasps and murmurs arose as Hawkstar shouldered his way roughly past one of the other leaders, who had been readying themselves to speak. Though not completely outside his character, it was bold even for Hawkstar. Despite the mutterings, he did have their attention.
“Cats of the Clans!” His voice rang out over the crowd. There was something uncanny about how well it carried. Despite not being a shout, he as easily as audible as though he were standing among them. Yet even in this he wasn’t quite right. It was imperceptible. The quality of his tone simply screamed wrong to Ospreyshadow.
“I thank you for your time and your attention. What I have to say is brief, but of vital importance. Your very lives depend on it.” A hush as still as the morning snow befell the gathering.
“I have observed for countless moons the hypocrisy of the Clans. We all preached the Code the day we took our vows as Warriors, yet those are but words if they are not heeded. And the hypocrisy in the forest has become a disease. Warriors pay lip service to chivalry and honor, but in our dens we are no better than a common rogue.”
“I myself am not of this mind, so I shall say it now before the heavens themselves! I have laid with the tom beside me.” His tail-tip came to rest on Juncostar’s shoulder. More gasps, accompanied by a few choice expletives, went up around the hollow. Cats were turning their heads, hissing whispers and glaring at Hawkstar.
“Yet I am hardly unusual!” He turned once more to face the crowd. “Look down before you and behold the children of Wisteriastar……and Hornetstar.” He bared his teeth and fixed his amber gaze upon Waspsight, Fennelsting and Rowanshade of ShadowClan. From their reactions, many deduced what the truth was. Many of the voices in the clearing were turning into shouts and snarls.
“Corruption at the highest level! And where are they now, you may ask. It is no wonder that their disappearances coincided. The rules were chafing them, so they abandoned those they swore to protect.”
“And outliers they are not! Copperstar has fathered half-clan kits himself. Carrying on the legacy, hm?” He leered unpleasantly at the orange-and-white tom beside him. It was difficult to tell from his vantage point, but Ospreyshadow would confidently swear that one of his grandfather’s amber eyes was….blue.
“The Clans even went to war over this mixing of blood! ShadowClan and RiverClan are the worst offenders by far. But no cat is free of flouting the code when it pleases them. Shiveringleaf and Windystar, where is Windystar now hm? Was it worth it? You clearly weren’t. But I suppose a cat of half-rogue heritage wouldn’t be. A wonder how ShadowClan can even trust you now.”
"And we cannot forget Sleekfeather, another half-clan brat. Your sin isn't even original. You cling to Auroraskies for relevance, she should choose her friends with more discretion."
He stopped, appearing to take pause to allow the full effect of his words to engulf all who were present. But from the gleam in his eyes, it was clear that he clutched yet more secrets to his breast. And before the night was over, he would relinquish them all.
Despite the overwhelming backlash, Hawkstar’s face was curled into a poor caricature of a smile. The mirth did not reach his eyes, rather it seemed his lips were tugged up by invisible strings. If anything, the expression held an underlying pleading. Yet even that was a fleeting shadow. He had no ears for his deputy’s cries, swiping a clawed paw at Briarstep’s muzzle as a clear warning of what the tom could expect if he opened it again.
“What I am,” He leered at Waspsight openly, though his movements were still erratic. “Is the reckoning this forest has brought upon itself. I am vengeance. I am justice. And I will have my dues!”
His body tensed, as if preparing to leap at the young healer. But Firestar stepped forward, and something about the SkyClan Leader’s proximity halted Hawkstar. His eyes widened for a moment, the amber-and-blue pools swallowing his pupils until they were only pinpricks. Was it fear etched into his face?
Amid the crowd, Oceanstorm felt a fire surge through her veins such as she had never known. Never before in her life had she been the kind of cat who was struck dumb, and indeed even now anger rose quickly within. That he was her father didn’t matter how dare he say such things about any cat! She watched as Firestar approached him, a small shiver traveling down her spine at the memory of his jaws around her nape whilst the roaring ocean for which she had been named churned miles beneath her paws and open air.
‘It’s not him….Coldpaw was right.’
Her ghost was practically purring. It was probably enjoying the chaos and anger quite amicably, but she held its leash as tight as ever. Though her heart yearned to tear, to rip, to shred those causing this discourse, she was in control. It was no small miracle, given the provocation.
With a tremendously shallow thud, Hawkstars body hit the dusty earth just below the highstone. Oceanstorm’s gaze traveled back up to where Firestar stood, like a magnificent lion with his golden mane set aflame by the full moon. There were a few cheers and shouts as many conveyed their appreciation that someone had finally stepped into put an end to the awful speech. The seconds that followed were silent and still, as those directly before the crumpled form of the ThunderClan Leader appeared frozen, unsure of what to do. Others, further back, craned to get a better look.
Those down in front scrambled back as Hawkstar finally regained his composure, lurching awkwardly to his feet as he spun about to snarl up at Firestar.
“Your son's bones cry out for justice from the dirt! Have you begat so many kittens that you forgot your firstborns? It is you who have no right to stand there.” He spat, and flicked his eyes to Copperstar.
“He cannot protect you, fishbreath. We will come for you.”
Whatever he might have said next was interrupted by the return of ShadowClan’s Deputy, Mercuryrose. Not a single cat lifted a claw in his defense as he was slammed bodily into the rock. Oceanstorm herself did wince slightly. It looked like it hurt. Though dwarfed by the larger Warrior, Hawkstar still grinned just as madly as ever. A thin trickle of blood rolled between his eyes from where the skin on his head had split open.
When she finally relented– and it was probably good that she had, for he was on the losing side strength-wise, he staggered back to his paws.
“I’ll put the whore’s name wherever I please, least of all my mouth.” He spat, a truly deranged gleam in his two-toned eyes. A few gasps could be heard from the onlookers. Is he crazy? He’s taunting a mad dog by speaking to her like that! Oceanstorm thought in disbelief.
“And I’m afraid that decision is not your call. Betray your Clan if you wish, but we suffer no traitors.”
He turned back to those who remained.
“ThunderClan! Those still with loyal hearts, follow me. Traitors may remain if they wish, but you only delay your fates.” His hoarse voice carried far and wide throughout the shell-shocked hollow, as his sunken form departed at long last, followed by a small fraction of his Clan. Many it seemed, felt unable to follow him even back to their nests. Oceanstorm supposed that for some, their kits and kin remained still at camp. They could not simply pull up stakes on the spot. Or so she hoped. In the case of some, she knew them not to be tied to anyone not currently present, and the thought chilled her heart. The idea that there were still supporters…
“C’mon Lily,” She pressed close to her sister and their friend Honeydrop. “Let’s go with SkyClan. We’ll get you some calming herbs, and some rest.” She mumbled.
Looking after her kin was something she could hold onto. Take the next right step. It was all she could muster at the moment.
Desertstar
Leader of Windclan
The leader studied Hawkstar with open calculation. Everything about him in that moment had changed. From the tone of his voice right down to his jerky mannerisms, and while his behavior itself was bizarre, something about the way his eyes shone under the moonlight made her narrow her gaze in suspicion, and the more she looked, the more her discomfort grew. At first, she thought she was imagining things, but as she looked closer, she realized that what she was seeing was real. The Windclan leader’s eyes widened in alarm as one of Hawkstar’s eyes flickered like a flame, revealing a bright, piercing blue, like the color of ice; cold and unfeeling. Had she not been so taken aback, she might have been angry about Hawkstar revealing her kinship with Sleekfeather to the clans, yet her mind raced and her thoughts scattered, trying desperately to make sense of what she’d just seen. The more sensible side of her told her that it was merely a product of her exhaustion. However, when the real Hawkstar momentarily regained control of his body, her eyes glazed over, lost in her own world of disbelief and confusion. It was then that all of the pieces began falling into place.
‘Beware the toms who speak falsely. Their hearts are not their own.’
The prophecy Firestar had shared with her earlier echoed loudly in her head, and though she was only vaguely aware of the cats talking around her, their voices muffled and distant, she could hear that she wasn’t the only one that was onto Hawkstar. Still reeling from what had just happened, her golden gaze traveled over to Firestar just in time to see him knock Hawkstar off the high rock with ease, then watched as Mercuryrose returned shortly afterwards to bare her fangs in the imposter’s face. While she certainly shared their anger, acting out on her own frustrations didn’t seem right after knowing what she knew now. Hawkstar was an idiot, yes, but he didn’t deserve to be hated or attacked for the actions of another. The annoying furball was still in there, after all, and seeing as they inhabited the same body, any injuries the imposter was given would be shared with Hawkstar. You couldn’t hurt one without hurting the other.
Desertstar sighed inwardly. As much as she wanted to help maintain peace between the clans, there truthfully wasn’t much she could do for Hawkstar or Thunderclan. For now, her best bet was to act oblivious and leave so she could talk more to Firestar about the prophecy and what she’d seen. Clearing her throat, she announced, “I, for one, will not be feeding into your delusions. Windclan will also be leaving,” and leapt down from the stone with grace, “and anyone who needs a place to stay is more than welcome to take shelter in Windclan, as well." It wasn’t much, and she worried about what the imposter had planned for the rest of Thunderclan, but it was all she could do. With a flick her of long tail, she began leading her own clan back to their territory, deciding then that she’d head straight to Skyclan after getting everyone back home to their nests. Normally she would wait until the next day, but there was much to discuss and not a moment to waste. Hopefully Sleekfeather knew her well enough by now to sense that something was wrong and keep to himself. The last thing he needed to do was attack someone who was looking for trouble and had more than plenty enough lives to spare.
Mercuryrose
Shadowclan Deputy
As the large black and rose-gold Maine Coon deputy was leaving with the group of felines that were following after her, she stopped for a moment as Hawkstar was spewing more nonsense. Closing her dark green eyes for a moment, before the Shadowclan suddenly turned around and began storming into the direction of the entrance of the island once more. Auroraskies’ violet-amber eyes widened slightly as she saw Mercuryrose was stalking towards the direction of where Hawkstar was on the ground after Firestar had shoved him off the leader’s rock, the larger female Maine Coon was shoving past felines that were in her way “Mercy!” Auroraskies called, her expression was full of worry and she stepped forward towards the direction of the enraged deputy. However, she stopped when her mate approached her and began nuzzling against her reassuringly, to which the small black and golden molly relaxed into his touch while closing her eyes in content.
Opening her eyes, she didn’t want her mate or kits in the crossfire of Mercuryrose’s wraith. Her sister was an attack dog, it was well known from her family. “Let’s go home.” Auroraskies whispered softly towards Firestar, leaning up to kiss him gently on the cheek before allowing her mate to lead her and Skyclan home. Mercuryrose shoved the last feline that was between herself and Hawkstar which was Briarstep before grabbing the Thunderclan leader by the scruff and pushing him towards the leader’s rock, her large front paws pinning the black leader against the hard rock before her curved claws began digging into his chest. “Don’t disrespect my Medicine Cat, you know nothing about him, keep his name out of your mouth” Mercuryrose snarled, her dark green eyes blazing in anger as her claws began piercing into his dark fur and leaned back slightly before pushing her entire weight, shoving him until his head connected into the leader’s rock.
“You keep my sister’s name out of your mouth, she has nothing to do with your interests.” Mercuryrose said, enraged that her sister was mentioned. The Shadowclan was very protective towards her siblings, especially to her litter-mate. The large black and rose-gold molly began repeatedly slamming the deputy’s against the rock, it wasn’t until she heard Waspsight’s words. Who was this? “I don’t give a fuck if you’re Hawkstar or not, you leave my clan out of whatever you’re planning. Shadowclan will have nothing to do with this.” Mercuryrose declared before giving Juncostar a warning glare. She wasn’t going to watch her own clan being destroyed because of two idiots. Giving the Thunderclan leader one last shove against the rock before releasing him, The Maine Coon pushing the black tom towards the Thunderclan deputy and stalked off
“Take your mutt and leave”
Raising her head towards the direction of the crowd of felines, her eyes narrowed “Shadowclan, we are leaving now” Mercuryrose said, flicking her feathery tail before padding off towards the entrance of the island. A majority of Shadowclan had followed her, while others stayed behind. It was their choice. Watching Ravenclaw’s brother Honeydrop being the last to leave with Skyclan, the honey color tom followed after Lilypool before intertwining their tails together as they followed Firestar. The Shadowclan deputy looked towards Grimrose who was waiting with the first group of felines that were leaving with her, and she nodded towards her best friend before finally leaving the gathering.
Briarstep Deputy of Thunderclan
The russet tom shriveled inside as the gathering proceeded, filled with shame as the crowd clamored over Hawkstar's accusations. His ears flushed red with embarrassment as Spottedkoi, the new Riverlcan deputy, gave him a sympathetic glance. 'I don't want your sympathy. I just want out of here! Somecat, please make this end!' he screeched silently. His mind numbed, Hawkstar's words droning in his head. "-- are hereby banished from ThunderClan." Briarstep snapped back to attention, his pelt prickling with anger. Oceanstorm, his love, was being banished by her own father? For a murder accusation without proof? With hackles raised he lept to his paws. "Hawkstar, that's too far! Even if it's true, she's your own kin. Have some mercy!"
Firestar spoke, echoing Briarstep's own grievances. However, as the Skyclan leader shoved Hawkstar from the stone, he couldn't help but rush forward to the aid of his leader. Despite the night's occurrences, and his own anger, he still cared for him. "Hawkstar!" he cried, gently pawing the dark tom's shoulder. "What has gotten into you? They're even accusing you of being an imposter!" he whispered. "Come on, let's go home. We should get you checked out and make sure you're medically sound. Then we can talk about this banishment stuff and whatnot." He knelt, trying to assist Hawkstar to his paws. There was so much to worry about. But, for now, he just wanted to get his leader and clan home.
Spottedkoi
Riverclan Deputy Even Spottedkoi coudnt ignore the shift in dynamics that was happening before their eyes. She never met him personally nor cared to but in all the times she saw the tomcat at the gatherings she never expected this from him. He always seemed to be on the more careless side but this was going too far even for such a fellow. It was hard for her to imagine that Thunderclan would thrive under such leadership, her gaze momentarily shifting to Briarstep, trying to offer him a look of sympathy. The Riverclan deputy was not expecting such actions to happen at her first gathering as deputy but at the very least it wasn't boring.
Spottedkois tail swayed behind her lazily just as quickly as thoughts crossed her mind they left, the mere sight of a ladybug pulling her mind away from the dramatics of the leaders. Her body stiff as they bug landed between her eyes, holding her breath to not frighten the small creature. The angry yowls of the other felines scaring away her welcomed company, a pouty huff escaping her muzzle in the process, tossing her mate the ‘Im ready to leave now’ eyes.
Even though her mate usually gave her their undying attention, his mind currently seemingly focused on Waspsight, trying to help his friend, one the qualities she loved most about him. Offering the other deputies a silently goodbye as she slinked away from them, snaking her way over to the dark furred Riverclan medicine cat. Her tail wrapping around his front paw, finding comfort being able to be close to him, her nose briefly touching his muzzle. This was the first time she had a chance to get a look at her mate's friend, she heard many stories of him, even part of her felt for the tom and the predicament he was going through thanks to Hawkstar. With the new information revealed it now accrued to the she cat that this Waspsight was now revealed to be her uncle which made his family business also her, still with her tail wrapped around Venomroses paw Spottedkoi inched closer to the Shadowclan healer, her widen stare studying the feline, her words a soft whisper to the tom.
“Welcome to the family.”
Firestar |The Courageous Lion of Skyclan|
Firestar could tell he was not the only one feeling the tension building up within the Ghostly Flats. His bi-colored eyes often enough kept looking over at Hawkstar. There was something about the Thunderclan leader that was even putting the Skyclan leader on edge. Pursing his lips as he briefly glances down below, eyeing his clan mates and the other residents of the neutral lands. Taking note of where his kits stood and where his mate, Auroraskies was within the crowd. Relaxing only slightly when he caught sight of her next to Sleekfeather. Sighing through his nose harshly as Hawkstar shoulders past Copperstar, deciding he wanted to go first. Sitting up straighter, his gaze hardening as the Thunderclan leader gains the attention of everyone around him. Just listening to Hawkstar’s tone of voice caused Firestar’s fur to rise. Subtly glancing over at Desertstar, wondering what exactly she was thinking in that moment. He had briefly mentioned to her about the prophecy he had received when they had arrived to the gathering first. Out of all the leaders surrounding him, he trusted Desertstar’s opinion and input but sadly did not get to discuss much before the rest of the clans showed up.
Scoffing to himself in utter disbelief as the black tom spits out about hypocrisy as well as revealing that he, himself had broken the code by sleeping with Juncostar. Arching a brow as he looks between the two leaders, was now really the time to be having their personal affairs broadcasted? Agitation flickering through him as Hawkstar continues to reveal secrets of others. Firestar could not help but wonder just how he knew such information? Looking at the stunned faces below as well as the terrified ones of Waspsight, Fennelsting, and Rowanshade as their parentage was revealed for all to know. How in Starclan was it their fault? They had no control over who conceived and birthed them, yet Hawkstar had no problem throwing the term ‘half-clan’ around so casually. Ears twitching as the crowd all reacts to the news, some becoming skeptical of their clan mates, others blatantly disliking Hawkstar. It was when his mate was mentioned that Firestar let out a warning growl. His mate’s name should never be uttered from his poisoned mouth.
Beginning to rise to his paws, ready to put a stop to this idiocy when Desertstar’s clear and precise voice cuts through like sharp talons. Her voice remained level, but he could detect a hint of mockery as she belittles Hawkstar for his vigilante tactics. He could not have said it better himself, her words lingered around them. Like a silent breathe being inhaled and exhaled as everyone processed her words. Fire’s eyes remained entirely focused on Hawkstar, studying his body language and facial cues. It was then he noticed something peculiar; one of his eyes appeared blue while the other remained amber. Skeptical of Hawkstar, taking note that the black tom did not appear to be affected in the least by the negative reactions and responses around them. The commanding yell of Mercuryrose brought most to silence. Firestar could see a burning fury raging within the Shadowclan deputy as she goes to her sister’s side for support. His gaze softening in worry as Auroraskies rises and heads toward the exit, only to sit with her back towards them, signaling her distaste in Hawkstar.
Barely processing Mercuryrose’s departure as well as many other warriors from various clans before Hawkstar begins once more. Tensing as he takes note of the distortion of decay upon the manic leader’s features as he smiles mockingly as he chastises her for not being patient. Firestar almost thought it had been the trick of the moonlight that played with his eyes, but seeing a flicker of the true Hawkstar appear, made him think otherwise. He could not brush away the unsettling feeling that the prophecy had begun. ‘We cannot let this go on any longer’ he thought. His silver tongue was certainly driving a wedge between the clans and their clanmates. Hackles rising as a threatening hiss escapes the large fiery Maine Coon as the subject of his son’s death comes to light. He now knew for certain that Hawkstar was not sound of mind, having turned his back on his two daughters when he tried so hard to save Oceanstorm from Fire’s wrath.
Taking a challenging step forward, his feathery tail lashing side to side sharply as he stares down ‘Hawkstar’. Cocking his head to the side mockingly “You sure know how to run that mouth of yours huh? Because that is all I am hearing. Your annoying, ignorant voice spewing nonsense” Firestar states with a cold laugh. His calculative gaze never wavering from Hawkstar as the smaller leader paces erratically as he goes on about Copperheart’s murder. Keeping his facial expression blank while he could not help but find it suspicious that Hawkstar would lie. Why spin the truth for Copperheart’s favor and not reveal the self-defense? Something was not adding up. Now he could play right into his hand and admit that he knew of Copperheart’s murderers, but how was that any of their damn business? As leader he had confirmed that Copper’s death was just—his own son had tried to kill Lilypool due to carrying his kits. “Now now, you should know better than to accuse without proof. I and I am sure everyone else around you would love to know how you acquired such information? If what you claim is true…prove it” Firestar challenges. Why should Hawkstar’s words be taken seriously? Even if they were true, it is just words.
Firestar could handle Hawkstar talking down to him, trying to turn his clan against him for the death of his son. What he could not stand by and let happen was Hawkstar banishing his own daughters and grand-sons. Clenching his jaw painfully as he storms even closer to the black Tom, lowering his head as his nose was inches away from Hawkstar. His own bi-colored eyes locking with Hawkstar. His tufted ears twitching at Waspsight’s voice, ‘You’re not Hawkstar, are you?’ Rang in his ears. Lips curling back in a low snarl, “To stoop so low without an ounce of remorse and banish your own kin? You do not deserve to stand where you are” Firestar’s voice is deathly calm, even though his tone was soft it carried easily throughout the clearing. Without another word Firestar shoves Hawkstar off the boulder, knowing the fall would not injure but surely knock the breath out of him. Scoffing in disgust before addressing the clans, “Anyone within Thunderclan who does not want to be apart of this imbecile's clan is more than welcome to join Skyclan until he gets his act together” he spats as he glanced down at a momentarily stunned Hawk.
Looking over at Oceanstorm, Lilypool, Cloudjumper, and Ospreyshadow, sighing as he gives them a look of empathy. “You four are more than welcome to stay in Skyclan as well” with that he looks over his shoulder at the other leaders. “I have lost interest in this gathering” before jumping down beside Hawkstar, his tail smacking him in the face before addressing his clan. “Let’s move out!” Moving towards his mate as he nuzzled reassuringly against her, gesturing for her to head home.
Scorpionthroat |Blunt Sword of Shadowclan|
Sitting within the large crowd, his crimson honey eyes glazed over in boredom as he waits for the gathering to begin. Scorpionthroat did not even bother trying to socialize to the felines around him. He hated going to these gatherings, mostly because he was not allowed to sit next to his mate, Waspsight, as the medicine cat had to sit elsewhere. Ears perking up as Hawkstar’s voice filters around the clearing, the hushed whispers of confusion could be heard as the black leader had not waited his turn. “Tsk” annoyance flickering in the blatant disrespect Hawkstar showed to his fellow leaders. Eyes widening in shock as Hawk reveals the secret he had only learned recently. That Wasp, Fennel, and Rowan were a product of Wisteriastar and Hornetstar’s forbidden love.
“Shit” he grunts to himself, his sharp gaze quickly glancing over at Waspsight, noticing the pure shock and fear in his lover’s face. Ignoring the uproar and Rowanshade as she dismisses Hawkstar’s allegations as there was no proof to his words. Rising swiftly to his paws, not caring that he was not suppose to stand where the medicine cats were. He was silently thankful for Venomrose for sticking up for his mate. His titanium silver tabby fur bristling in anger as his cold gaze locks with Hawkstar. “Keep your foul forked tongue between your teeth, snake” Scorpionthroat hisses, his ears pinning back against his skull with pure rage. How dare this feline reveal what is not his to reveal?!
Relaxing slightly as he feels Waspsight press lightly against Scorpion, trying to calm the boiling rage within the short-tempered tom. Tilting his chin downwards as he glances at Wasp, worry clouding his honey crimson gaze but could not help but smirk proudly as the calico stood up for himself. Shivering slightly at Wasp’s vague but powerful statement. If it wasn’t Hawkstar….who was it? Snickering loudly once Firestar shoved the Thunderclan leader off his perch, having grown tired of his words. Biting his lip as he watches Skyclan and several from Thunderclan leave with the fiery leader. Looking back over at his mate, worry forming once more as he whispers to Waspsight, “What do we do now?”
Lilypool |Ice Queen of Thunderclan|
Lilypool could not help but become rooted in her spot, fear and dread coursing through her veins as her father reveals a dreadful secret. One she had planned to take to her grave, ‘Why??’ Is all she could think. Tears clouding her baby blue eyes as Hawkstar continues on, making Copperheart out to be the victim. She wanted to stand up and scream, to tell him to look at her face! Copper was no mere victim! She had been! But not anymore!!! He had deserved his death, she just wished he had perished from her claws, not Oceanstorm’s. Tensing up as she suddenly glances over at her sister, hearing her lash out and deny Hawkstar’s claims. She even vaguely heard Firestar brush off his accusation, but Lilypool could barely comprehend anything. All she could feel is numb as she feels the stares.
Ears laying flat against her skull, wishing she could just disappear. Pressing close to Honeydrop, hiding her face from the world. “Th-that’s not what happened. I swear!” She mutters, begging to Honeydrop to believe her. Sensing her two sons form around her, like a protective barrier as Hawkstar snarls out that they were banished from Thunderclan. His disgust apparent in his voice. Her breath hitching as she stares up at her father, his eyes reminding her of Copperheart, cold and unloving. Now she no longer had a place to call home, her children and sister was homeless because of her. Lily could not even focus anymore as her gaze never left her father, but her ears were ringing with her rapid heart beat.
Only jumping out of her numbing shock as Firestar shoves her dad off the rock, watching him hit the ground with a grunt. Before Firestar offers them a home within Skyclan. Sniffling softly to herself as she rises robotically to her paws. Briefly glancing at Honeydrop, wondering if he would come with her or stay. Biting her lower lip, preventing her lips from quivering as Cloudjumper presses lovingly against his mother’s side.
W A S P S I G H T
The fear in his heart was quickly stifled the moment his sister stepped forward and very loudly denied the claims of the ThunderClan leader. If anything else, he knew he could always rely on Rowanshade to speak her mind without minding the consequences. He appreciated and admired her resilience and he hoped to find some courage of his own under her guidance. But it wasn't just her who stepped forward to support him. Venomrose stepped in front of him to shield him from the prying eyes of the others, their tall frame shielding him as they rebelled against Hawkstar and his cruel words. And it wasn't long before Scorpionthroat was at his side as well, closing the distance between them in large bounds. The silver tom's protective embrace soothed his restless soul and the encouragement from his mate and his friends gave him strength.
The ShadowClan healer watched intently as Desertstar challenged the black tom atop the leader's perch, her tone calm but daring as well, like she were subtly trying to provoke him. And when she did, Hawkstar turned to her, a menacing grin on his face. He began to mock her, his tone ridiculing her openly. But then, something unusual happened. For but a brief moment, something slipped in Hawkstar. Waspsight saw the shift, from the change from the color of his eyes to the erratic movements of shadows only he could see, struggling for control over the tom who fought to free himself. But his efforts were in vain, his body doubling over as if he were in pain as the shadows that puppeteered him regained their control.
As if said lapse in power had not even occurred, the imposter continued on in his speech and began to demand action of the other Clans. Voices of shock and anger uproared, Briarstep, Shiveringleaf, Oceanstorm, Amberhawk, and many more speaking out against the tyranny. The more the crowd began to protest, the more he felt determination and bravery run through his veins. With the support of his friends and family and the outcry from those present, he no longer felt scared to act.
Waspsight stepped forward, his chin high with resolution. He faced the leader's rock and fixed Hawkstar with a firm gaze- however, it seemed almost as though he were looking through the black tom. What he sought was deeper within him, the parasite that took control of the ThunderClan leader. "You're not Hawkstar, are you?" He challenged the spirit, his voice calm and level, unlike the shouts of the crowd around him. He knew what he saw. Even if he didn't know what exactly they were dealing with, he knew that the tom who commandeered the Gathering wasn't Hawkstar.
Amberhawk Thunderclan Warrior "I have laid with the tom beside me"
Amberhawk felt his heart sink as his father announced his relationship with the Shadowclan leader. The thunderclan warrior had spent weeks in Shadowclan as his injuries from their battle healed, Waspsight refusing to let the tom return home until he was fully healed. During his time he found himself growing closer with Juncostar as each day passed, Amberhawk wrongfully thought Juncostar could also feel the growing passion between them. Hearing Hawkstar announce they’ve shared a nest Amberhawk felt like a fool. Averting his gaze from Juncostar, if he stared at him for too long he’d probably cry.
As if his father hadn’t caused enough problems, rather than shutting his muzzle he kept spouting nonsense, his ears shot up as Waspsights name flew out. It didn't matter to Amberhawk who was Waspsights parents, he was one of his closest friends, he didn't get to choose his lineage. He wanted to rush to Waspsights side, he wanted to be the one to comfort his friend but he knew it wasn't his place. Rather his eyes frantically searched the crowd for Scorpionthroat, knowing the tom cat was the one Waspsight needed right now. His worries died down as the Shadowclan warrior acted as predicted, rushing to Waspsights side. Though he did offer the Shadowclan medicine cat a comforting gaze, he wasn't sure if the tom even noticed as Hawkstar didnt give anyones mind a chance to rest as he continued.
“Oceanstorm, Lilypool, Cloudjumper, and Ospreyshadow are hereby banished from Thunderclan.”
His eyes wide, his heart frantically beating as shear anger and panic settled in on the tom cat. How could his father banish his own daughters? For once he was glad he had slipped his fathers mind, he wanted to be with his sisters, but he feared what would happen to Lightkit and Owlkit if their family wasn’t there to protect them. Amberhawk felt torn between knowing he shouldn't defy his leader, but how could he possibly support such a leader. "Dad please, reconsider." His voice wasn't like his dark dapple pelted sister, she snarled and yelled but Amberhawks words were quiet and soft. He knew there would be no reasoning with him, but part of him still had a glimmer of hope that Hawkstars words were merely a lapse in judgement.
Rowanshade’s heart stilled in her chest. Suddenly so many eyes were upon her and Fennelsting, she felt like prickling her fur like ants were crawling on her. But never one to sit in shock for long, her wits (such as they were) found her once more and she got to her feet with her long russet fur on end.
“And why should you believe this flea-bitten former-rogue? I don’t even look like Wisteriastar, or Hornetstar. He started a war with ShadowClan and he’s been sleeping with our Leader? Sounds like a lover’s quarrel, he’s just smearing ShadowClan’s good name because Juncostar dumped him!” She spat venomously. Deny deny deny. What else could they do? The rock she’d been hiding under with her brothers had just been ripped away without any warning. She felt naked and exposed before every Clan in the forest. And she’d be damned if she didn‘t at least take back some of the narrative for herself. Even if it was a lie. She caught Waspsight’s eye, and saw her own fear reflected in his. Where was Weavershade? She searched in panic for their youngest, but the clearing was as crowded as ever.
Hawkstar angled his head towards Desertstar. Though as he did so, it twitched awkwardly, as if a fly was buzzing about and distracting him. The moon reflected clearly in his twin-colored gaze, the deep blue of his left eye swallowing its light like an inky black hole. The grin that worked its way across his face was saccharine, and riddled with condescension as a corpse is riddled with decay.
“Now now, patience, my lady.” He drawled softly. “You’ve not heard all there is to hear. You might be so quick to defend your comrades, if you knew–” Just then, however, the coloration of his left eye flickered like a lamppost. For a few seconds, it shone its true amber hue and a look of fearful horror washed over his features.
“Desertstar? Where–? It doesn’t matter, quick, you have to– before he–” His body doubled over, and when he lifted his head his left eye shimmered cerulean once more. Seemingly he regained some sense of composure before turning to face the crowd, as if nothing were amiss.
“You would defend blood, would you not, Desertstar? Born of a traitor’s seed, your father nearly tore your Clan apart. Sleekfeather can claim all the loyalty to RiverClan that he wishes, but to whose aid did he come in WindClan’s darkest hour?” A sickly sneer curled his lips. The sound of a few gasps below told him that few indeed had been privy to this information. From where she was seated, Rowanshade could see Blankstone of RiverClan baring her teeth angrily at Sleekfeather.
“If this were a personal affair, rest assured, I would have kept it as such. But the news I must share concerns all of us. Who here has mysteriously lost kin? Cats who simply vanished, never to be seen again. Or perhaps vague news of a death was your only solace. We here accept that life in the wild is harsh, this is true. Yet there are cats who would use this fact to obfuscate blackest treason. Or in this case….murder.” He seemed to be addressing Firestar now, though he spoke loudly enough for all to hear.
“You will all remember, I am sure, when the barely recognizable remains of a SkyClan Warrior named Copperheart washed up on Shadowclan territory last summer. Quite a bit of paw-pointing went on at first, no? Yet it was ultimately ruled a tragic accident. Nevermind that he had clearly been buried. And by whom? Whom indeed.” He snarled, his body language becoming more and more frantic as he paced about on the apex of the speaking-stone. He looked bedraggled, half-mad, and deranged.
“Copperheart of SkyClan was murdered by Oceanstorm of ThunderClan!” He bellowed, spittle flying in all directions and potentially landing on any who stood too near him. “She and her sister Lilypool conspired to cover up the death by burying him and keeping the crime a secret. It was far easier than admitting that Lilypool carried half-Clan spawn in her belly. She tricked and lured the tom who loved her to his death. And when the truth came to light six moons later? Firestar and I agreed it would remain a secret. And this is the honor of the Clans. The honor you defend. You’re all hypocrites, content with lies to lull you to sleep in your nests. “
Down by the front, a dappled dark-gray she-cat leapt to her paws, her face contorted in a snarl.
“That is not what happened!” Oceanstorm yelled. But her voice was joined by many others who turned to one another, meowing anxiously. Some looked to Firestar, to the other Leaders, worry etched in their gazes.
“But not in my camp, you won’t. From this moment onward, Oceanstorm, Lilypool, Cloudjumper and Ospreyshadow are hereby banished from ThunderClan. There is much work to be done, my own Clan has much corruption in it. Together, Juncostar and I intend to…fix this issue. For all of us. RiverClan…” He faced Copperstar, a sneer hooking his lips upward.
“You have two weeks to expunge your traitors, or we will come for you, and any cat who attempts to shield them.”
Rowanshade herself felt numb from the neck down, as if a waterfall of ice had overcome her. Was all of this really happening? She couldn't help but eye her own Clanmates warily. What would they do now that the truth about her was out? Would she too be banished?
Mercuryrose
Shadowclan Deputy
Her dark green eyes were narrowed, her feathery tail lashing from side to side as she listened to Hawkstar’s words. Hypocrite, that’s what he was. Standing up from her position at the Deputies’ spot, the large Maine Coon was pacing around the area, ignoring Hailgaze and Heronfeather’s warning looks toward her. The Shadowclan deputy couldn’t stand the Thunderclan leader as it was, she just had more of a reason. However, the news of Juncostar’s betrayal had caught her by surprise. Stopping for a moment to look towards the Shadowclan leader, the black and rose-gold molly’s expression had hardened.
Her trust and confidence in Juncostar was completely broken, their relationship would never be the same.
“Enough” Mercuryrose’s booming voice went through the clearing, everyone was looking towards her. The Shadowclan deputy leaped down from the rock and towards the direction of the other felines. Making her way towards her sister, Auroraskies, she could tell that her sister was irritated that Hawkstar had directly involved her by name. Sleekfeather was next to the beautiful black and golden Maine Coon, Aurora’s tail resting on the black bengal’s shoulder in comfort. A couple of moments later, Auroraskies had suddenly got up and went towards the entrance of the island before suddenly taking a seat, her back facing everyone else and refusing to listen to Hawkstar’s words. A couple of other felines had gone to join her, their backs turned on the Shadowclan and Thunderclan leader.
“I will no longer tolerate this behavior, from either of you.” Mercuryrose said, looking towards the two leaders with narrowed eyes while her tail was lashing back and forth. The large Shadowclan deputy went towards the entrance and gave her sister a nod, before turning to see a couple of felines from Shadowclan were following her, a couple of cats following her from other clans that were going back to their own homes and refusing to listen to Hawkstar and Juncostar. Grimrose and Ravenwatcher were at her side before turning to look towards Hawkstar and give him a sweet smile “Hawkstar and Juncostar, I bid you goodnight. Take a stick and shove it up your asses.” Mercuryrose said before beckoning her head towards the direction of the entrance and Shadowclan deputy had left within the quiet night with felines following after her.
Shiveringleaf
ShadowClan Warrior
Something felt wrong in the air tonight. Something that made Shiveringleaf’s skin crawl, but he kept to himself as he always did, remaining observant and glancing around warily. He could tell he wasn’t the only one looking around as if lightning were going to strike down out of nowhere and he sat down towards the back of the crowd of cats where many of his ShadowClan peers were, his ears twitching before flattening atop his head when Hawkstar rudely shoved himself forward just as another leader was about to speak. Great. Another leader in the Clans who saw himself as better than the others. Just what they needed. His green eyes rolled and he brought a paw up to rasp his tongue between his claws, looking bored until Hawkstar began speaking, glancing back up with a frown and slowly lowering his paw. Hypocrisy among the Clans? When had that ever not been a thing? But what surprised him the most was Hawkstar’s admission about him and Juncostar, one of his brows arching. Falling in love with a leader was something Shiveringleaf was familiar with, but another leader falling for one? How interesting. Lovely gossip.
The ShadowClan warrior continued to look somewhat bored at the ThunderClan leader’s outburst until his whole body froze when he was suddenly called out on, his eyes narrowing at the mention of Windystar. The ginger tom quickly stood up and bared his teeth, the fur on the back of his neck sticking up. “How dare you! You weren’t even in your mother’s belly when I left WindClan. I’ve been a loyal ShadowClan warrior for years now.” He growled, looking up at Juncostar as if expecting his leader to defend him but Hawkstar continued on, calling out Hornetstar and Wisteriastar’s kits. His eyes rolled once more, sitting back down and he laughed, muttering to himself. “What does any of this matter? It’s a wonder the Clans are still put together with all these secrets around. This is nothing new. Carry on with the damned meeting and go back to each other’s nests.”
Briarstep Deputy of Thunderclan
Dutifully taking his place alongside the other deputies, Briarstep couldn't help the uneasy bristling of his fur. He had asked, but Hawkstar refused to elaborate further on his gathering plans. 'He's up to something, has been for a while," Briarstep worried. The gathering settled into an uneasy silence, those participating picking up on the tempestuous atmosphere. The announcement came as a shock and Briarstep found himself leaping to his paws, hissing with outrage. "Hawkstar!" he cried. "How could you keep that from us! How could you keep something so important from me?" he mewed, desperation in his voice. "By Starclan, I don't understand. No wonder you've been acting strange." He would've hung his head in embarassment and shame. But, the situation was quickly escalating as Hawkstar continued with accusations. Desertstar's rebuttal of words dulled to his ears as Briarstep began to panic. He knew the Windclan leader was right. But, he needed to support his leader. He was oath bound to do so. But, how was he supposed to support this? Most cats believed he was rogue-born, and only a pawful knew the truth. 'Why is this happening? What is he thinking? Why won't he tell me anything!" He found himself looking desperately into the crowd for a familiar pair of eyes- Oceanstorm. Briarstep needed her reassurance and understanding. Perhaps she would have some clue about her father's erroneous behavior. Instead, he found his gaze meeting Waspsight's. The Shadowclan medicine cat looked as startled as Briarstep felt. 'I'm so sorry," he thought. 'This isn't fair to anyone. But, how can I defy him?'
Desertstar
Leader of Windclan
Desertstar couldn’t help but feel a touch concerned for her half-brother, Sleekfeather, as she took note of his bristling fur and tightly clenched jaw. The way Hawkstar was acting tonight was very strange and unexpected, and although subtle, the Windclan leader did not fail to notice the changes in his tone, body language and mannerisms. Although well known for his quick temper and arrogance, she did not know him to be very smart, and there was something far more cunning and calculative lurking just beneath the surface. Truthfully, if she didn’t know any better, she’d almost believe he were a completely different cat who just happened to look like Hawkstar.
Not wanting her brother to act recklessly, though, she temporarily shoved her suspicions aside and, against her better judgement, intervened. “Is there a point to this, Hawkstar?” she asked him in a dry tone, flicking her tail-tip impatiently, and trying desperately to conceal her growing irritation. “If you have regrets about your own personal affairs with Juncostar, I suggest taking care of it in private, because it sounds to me as though you’re just trying to save your own skin by acting as some sort of egocentric vigilante and redirecting everyone’s attention,” she pointed out, and though her face and tone showed little to no emotion, there was an unmistakable intensity dwelling within her golden gaze. “Tattling on the rest of the clans like a mewling kit won’t clear your name, and even if what you say is true, you should know that those who are born half-clan do not get to choose their origins, and are therefore exempt,” she turned to look at Waspsight, her expression softening. No matter who their parents were, she wasn’t going to allow such unfairness to befall the medicine cat and his siblings.
Redirecting her attention back to Hawkstar, the fire in her gaze quickly returned. “Punishing those who are simply a result of an interclan relationship would be truly unfair, not to mention cruel— and is that really the example you’d like to set as leader of your clan?” she questioned him, and as she spoke, there was a steel edge to her voice, as if daring him to admit that he was, in fact, an unfair and cruel leader, and therefore unfit for leadership.
Venomrose
Venomrose hadn't wanted to attend the gathering, but as the sole medicine cat of RiverClan, they didn't really have a choice. The vibes in the air had just been absolutely rancid lately, ever since their visit with Waspsight. Their fellow healer's admission that something weird had been going on with the ShadowClan leader had left them on edge, fearing that something terrible was going to happen.
Their fears had been correct. In just a few short moments, things had gone to hell. The dark feline bristled as "Hawkstar" spat vitriol at various cats that were present tonight. This rant was something the young medicine cat would expect from some old, hateful clanborn cat, not from someone born outside of clan culture. What was going on here?!
As eyes turned to the tortoiseshell tom sitting beside them, Venomrose growled, claws flexing. They'd had just about enough of this madness. The tall feline was not one for confrontation, but they rose to their paws and stood in front of Waspsight, shielding him from as much of the hateful gazes as they could. "How quickly these types of cats forget that without the blood of outsiders and mixing between the clans, all the clans would be inbred all to hell," they sneered, tail lashing. Who cares who a cat's parents were? They would never understand why that mattered so much to so many of the clanborn cats.
W A S P S I G H T
It was a far leap from his first gathering, nor was it his first gathering without Hareflight by his side, yet he felt especially uneasy tonight. The ShadowClan healer perceived the difference in his Clan as of late- the gap between Juncostar's personable nature, how he used to be to how he was lately, it began to affect the whole of ShadowClan, slowly infecting the Clan and making every cat anxious. Waspsight inhaled deeply through his nose as he stole a glance over towards the somali tom. In truth, he didn't really see Juncostar anymore. The dark shadow that had resided inside of him seemed to have parasited and spread-- to him, he saw only a black figure. But he knew that no one else saw what he saw and as respected as he had become in his Clan, since Juncostar shook off his initial warnings, no one else took him seriously either.
Waspsight turned his eyes over to their deputy, Mercuryrose, who had spearheaded efforts to keep ShadowClan united when their leader began to unravel. Despite the traumas she had suffered under the claws of The Ripper, she came back to them and devoted herself to her Clan. He was especially grateful for her support- she never doubted him or dismissed his warnings. If it weren't for her, he worried that ShadowClan may have crumbled much further, much quicker. He slipped over to her side and in a low voice for her ears only, he told her, "I have a bad feeling about tonight."
However, time for talk between themselves had been severed by the quick-paced Juncostar, who led them swiftly to the ghostly flats. He dipped his head to his deputy and parted ways with her to make his way over to the other medicine cats. Waspsight greeted them warmly, fronting his usual gentle and comforting presence in an effort to shield his companions from the ugliness that threatened to take over his Clan. As the Gathering began, he couldn't help but notice how distanced from the other leaders Juncostar had become. Figuratively and literally. And beside him... Who was that? Waspsight squinted against the light of the moon. ThunderClan had introduced their new leader, Hawkstar, a few moons ago. Surely, they hadn't changed ranks again so quickly? As his eyes began adjusting, he noticed something that made his blood run cold despite the humid air. The black tom was exhibiting the same strange symptoms as Juncostar. The tom who stood atop the rock with the other leaders... Was being puppeteered too. By something else, something sinister.
Something wasn't right, something so irrevocably wrong was happening and it made his hackles stand on end. But before he could do anything or say anything, Hawkstar stepped forward, shoved Copperstar aside, and demanded the Gathering's attention to himself. Waspsight stiffened as he spoke, beginning a spiel of ominous intent. Then, he said something that truly struck him full of fear.
No, no, no, no, no-
He could feel the eyes of many turn on him. Really, truly, turn on him. He felt his legs tremble despite how stiff he stood. The secret he had spent his entire life trying to protect, it was out now. The family he had done his best to shield, they were now exposed to the harshest of backlash. His heart sank as he sought out the faces of Rowanshade and Fennelsting within the crowd. He could almost feel them, as scared and distraught as he was. His mind raced to his younger sibling, Weavershade, who so closely resembled their father and how impacted by this exposure she would be. Now, as he stood here in the midst of the crowd, without Hareflight or Saplingskies or Smokestar or Scorpionthroat, he felt so alone and afraid.