H A Z E L F A C E
As she made her way down the ridge, her paws skidded haphazardly along the slippery grass. Her brows furrowed into her signature scowl, blemishing her attractive features. It annoyed her that half of ThunderClan had to hide away in the recesses of Clan territory, but it couldn’t be helped when Hawkstar acted like a complete and total mousebrain, stupid enough to exile half of his own Clan. She needed to protect her family first and foremost and she’d be damned if she was going to allow her mate and kits to be denigrated. No one else seemed to have the guts to stand up to a leader when he’d wronged them- unless they were Hazelface, that is. Even if Hawkstar had betrayed them, she still owed ThunderClan the right to fight for their freedom against oppression.
Therefore, tonight she made her way towards neutral grounds. Sacred grounds. The ghostly flats were ahead of her and she expected that she would be there shortly. A messenger from SkyClan had been sent to them to request their presence for a meeting to discuss their options, how they could save ThunderClan and ShadowClan and reunite the balance of the five Clans. Since Briarstep had sided with Hawkstar, she would end up being the one to speak with the other Clan leaders who defied the black tom’s demands. However, she wouldn’t be entirely alone. Tonight, she was accompanied by her former apprentice, Appleblossom. They had been encouraged to not arrive alone, for fear of being ambushed along the way.
If she were a lesser warrior, perhaps she would have been nervous, but Hazelface was never one to back down or bow her head to anyone else. Regardless, she was grateful for Appleblossom’s company. Figtree had chosen to stay behind and monitor the others and another feline with her wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.
With the moon rising behind her, the gray-freckled warrior neared the peak of the ghostly flats. She had made this walk many times before but tonight was different for her. Tonight, she would be speaking for the best interest of her Clan, rather than blending into the crowd like every other warrior. She gave herself a brief second to swallow any possible remnants of nervousness before she finalized her footsteps towards the meeting place they had discussed.
When she made it, Hazelface paused to glance around. Had she arrived first? She would have assumed that Desertstar and her representatives would have placed ahead of her, with their proximity to the ghostly flats. Perhaps she had simply left much sooner than she thought she had.
“We’ll wait here.” She announced, turning to face her former apprentice. “They’re sure to arrive soon.”
Mercuryrose Shadowclan Deputy Her dark green gaze remained on Firestar, letting out a scoff and shaking her head towards the Skyclan leader “You’re not the first ignorant leader that I’ve dealt with, nor the last.. But you better deal with the disrespectful words towards my sister, otherwise you’ll be dealing with me.” The Shadowclan deputy said sternly, as the two remained eye contact with each other. Facing Wisteria, she noticed her medicine cat’s gaze looked uncertain while the former Riverclan leader was looking over at Waspsight. The large Maine Coon female had stared at them for a second before suddenly the appearance of the Starclan cat had showed up that caused her to roll her eyes Better late than never huh? “Thanks, as if we didn’t know.” Mercuryrose said towards Nightfall, closing her |eyes for a moment. The Shadowclan Deputy was irritated with everything happening, she just wanted to return to her litter of kits. Looking towards the group, her feathery tail waved back and forth in curiosity. “So now that we have confirmation in our thoughts, we need a proper plan. You have my group and I, so we must plan this accordingly.. I will not risk their lives if we aren’t able to take out ‘Juncostar and Hawkstar’ without a proper idea” Mercuryrose said before her gaze turned to look towards Wisteria and Firestar “Where do we start?”
Desertstar
Leader of Windclan
As the conversation grew louder and more heated, the golden leader couldn't help but feel a sense of detachment. While everyone else was focused on proving their point and getting the upper paw, she found herself momentarily lost in the beauty of the world around her. The distant waves crashed against the shore with a steady, rhythmic beat, and the salty scent of the sea filled her nostrils, mingling with the warm, humid air to create a heady atmosphere. Desertstar felt a sense of peace wash over her as she took it all in, content to let the others bicker amongst themselves as she relaxed, that is, until she heard a new voice join the fray. Narrowing her gaze, she turned to see a translucent, starry figure approaching them, and her heart skipped a beat once she realized she was seeing a Starclan cat in the waking world. Their fur was like liquid moonlight, and he glowed with an inner light that seemed to radiate outwards, filling the area with a sense of peace and tranquility, and though a part of her was in awe of this, inwardly, she was reeling. She couldn't believe that she was seeing a Starclan cat while she was awake. Ghosts, possessions, spirits taking form in the physical world— what was next? “I suppose that settles everything, then,” she quietly rose to her paws, turning her head to look at them with a thoughtful expression, “Now the only question that remains, is,” she paused, a steel edge creeping into her voice, “How do we lure both of them out so that they can be killed at the same time?” she asked, eyes flicking to each of them expectantly.
H A Z E L F A C E
When Firestar turned at her, the small molly's fur prickled to its ends, her hackles raising defensively at the large tom's remarks. The ThunderClanner didn't appreciate the self-righteous air of surperiority that the SkyClan leader gave off, perhaps because she was one of the same as well. A real charmer this guy is, she thought dryly to herself, at least smart enough to keep her retorts to herself this time. However, as Desertstar turned to face her, Hazelface relaxed a bit more. It was nice to know that at least one of the big leagues present was a sensible feline. "I suppose you're right," she commented in return, though she quickly began to wonder if her response had even been heard over the bickering of Firestar and Wisteriastar- who had suddenly appeared to join their meeting.
Hazelface had never known the former RiverClan leader, but she could put two and two together as the calico went on with everyone else present. She felt it was best for her own benefit not to stick her nose in where it didn't belong and simply watched quietly on the sidelines as she began to voice her input.
After what seemed like an eterninty, the leaders finally settled down and started to discuss the root of why they were all gathered here. About time, she internally scorned, feeling drained and ready to leave. But before they could get any further, they were interrupted by the appearance of a StarClan warrior. She was incredibly uneasy when his eyes landed on her- it felt like he was seeing through her, like her presence here was only for appearance's sake and as though she didn't truly belong. Her self-defense mechanism kicked in and instead of showing the fear and unease she felt, her short temper and aggressive attitude flared.
"What's the point in telling us all of this now!?" She snapped, a growl rising from the back of her throat. At this point, she didn't care if she was disrespecting some dead noble warrior of years past, she just wanted to be over all of this. "Why does StarClan always act when things are on the brink of falling apart? Why didn't you do anything moons ago to prevent all of this? Why do we have to clean up after you now!?"
In the center of the group, the ambient light began to gather and twist itself into a shape that was vaguely feline. Before their very eyes, the outline of a cat sharpened from the amorphous starlight. Nightfall released a sigh as the pressure of manifestation passed through him.
“Greetings, Leaders and Warriors.” His gaze rested briefly on each face, pausing upon Mercuryrose and Hazelface a touch longer than the others.
“I am called Nightfall. I served as RiverClan’s deputy many moons ago, and gave my life in service to my Clan.” He settled back on his haunches, feeling a sense of weariness that showed only in his eyes.
“It is StarClan’s understanding that you seek the truth of recent events. Although I gather that we had already warned you of the coming dangers, it is clear that you require yet more explanation.” A hint of irritation crept into his tone, but passed as quickly as a darting fishes shadow beneath the water.
“Beware the toms who speak falsely– you have gleaned this much, for I do not see them among us tonight. For their hearts are not their own. It is fair to be unaware that the dead may return in the skin of the living, it has been many moons since this occurred. Only strong feelings of hate, or of love, can overcome the boundary that separates us.” Nightfall nodded sagely, closing his eyes for a moment before he continued.
“To put it in terms that leave no room for misinterpretation, they are possessed by the essences of two cats from the Dark Forest. They seek vengeance for perceived wrongs– they wish only to make others suffer as they have, out of pain and hatred. But who would do such a thing? They are not of lions, of tigers– who does this leave, among the great Clans of old? No cat has been named Cheetah in some time, it is true. Think!” His tail swished agitatedly. “Panthers also walked the forests of old, did they not?”
“Nor of gold, or of silver. These words do not describe the other assailant. That leaves us with a much more common metal.”
He rose to his feet, gazing at each of them.
“The cats possessing your fellow Leaders are Copperheart of SkyClan, and Pantherstorm of RiverClan.” He nodded astutely, pleased to see some of them had put the clues together.
“You must kill them at the same time, not precisely, but it is best that they both be in the realm of spirits when your Leaders return to their bodies. Once back, our StarClan Warriors will...deal with the traitors, on our end.” His eyes flashed as he spoke.
Firestar |The Courageous Lion of Skyclan|
‘I need to remain levelheaded….this is getting us no where’ Firestar thought to himself. Turning his large stature away from the leaders and warriors around him. His gaze remain unfixed on those around him, instead he was replaying his dream—the prophecy within his mind. Searching for hidden clues as to what his next step might be. It would seem as if the demons were catching up to him, weighing his shoulders down with each breath he took. To him it felt like most of this was up to him, sure it involved mostly everyone around them, but as a leader and father that had went wrong somewhere along the way raising Copperheart, he needed to take responsibility and shake off the demons once and for all. Fire felt within his bones that killing ‘Hawkstar’ and ‘Juncostar’ was the only way to defeat the dark forces inhabiting the vessels. Though there was concerns on if that would only delay the inevitable of the dark spirits jumping hosts.
His train of thought is halted when Mercuryrose’s firm voice warns him to watch himself. Clenching his jaw, his anger and fighting aura blazing within his ember and emerald eyes. He may respect her for all her hard dedication to Shadowclan and for being Auroraskies sister, but he would not take orders from no man or woman. He had every right to snap at the medicine cat, they withheld viable information that certainly was affecting them all now. Just hearing Mercury admit that she had known, but did not reveal such sensitive information made him shake his head. Why is he standing here, trying to work with these felines when none can communicate? He had been upfront since the beginning, revealing the prophecy, and his speculation on who it pertained to. He was running in circles, trying to dig out each essential piece to end the war before future battles.
His cold gaze remaining locked with Mercuryrose’s, “You are dealing with me now. I have every right to question anyone here as do you. Information has been withheld, I do not take that lightly. I should have known about this after the gathering—we” gesturing to Copperstar, Desertstar, before himself. “We should have been informed before now. How are we going to get anywhere without full disclosure and honesty?” He calmly states, though his eyes betrayed the calmness emitting from his words. Others might still see him as the short tempered reckless deputy that he once was, but that is where they were wrong, that will cause them to underestimate him and they will be the ones to be the fool. His eyes hardening considerably when Mercuryrose reminds him of the foul words ‘Hawkstar’ had uttered about his mate. Lips curling back in a silent snarl, warning Mercuryrose. Knowing she only brought up the incident to shut him up, to remind him of the vile words that had been spoken about his wife, his mate, mother to his children, his soulmate.
“I was there. I heard the poisonous words the snake spoke of her. You do not need to remind me” Firestar hissed out. He had wanted to kill Hawkstar then and there when he had spoken ill of Auroraskies. Yet, he has learned from his past that such violence started at a gathering had the opposite affect on others. He could not always let his emotions guide him, he couldn’t fall for the bait ‘Hawkstar’ had laid out for him. Instead of being the one to spill blood, Firestar decided to take a step back, he would wait for the perfect moment to strike back at the unsuspected dark forest spirit. They needed to be strategically focused to cleanly deal with ‘Hawkstar’ and ‘Juncostar’ to avoid any blood being spilt unnecessarily. He vaguely heard Mercuryrose’s voice echo his inner thoughts. They would be doing nothing until a plan was formed.
Sighing loudly to himself as Wisteria does not back down, as stubborn and annoying as ever. What did she expect? That he would greet her with open arms? She should know better than to expect anything less from him. Staring down at her blankly as she steps closer, getting right in his face in return. Ears twitching at the word fool, smirking in amusement as Wisteria’s threats did not bother him in the slightest. “I do not need the whole story, whether your clan turned their back on you or not. You are still no longer leader of Riverclan. Why help the clan that turned their back on you? Really for the goodness of your heart? If so where were you when the Ripper was terrorizing the clans?” Fire asked, he was genuinely curious on why now. He could respect her warning threat in regards to snapping at her son, as he would have done the same thing.
“Just answer me this—are you only here for your family? Or are you willing to put your one life on the line for the clan that turned from you, Wisteria?” He would not call her, Wisteriastar, as when she left her leadership duties and renounced her lives—her leader name was invalid in his eyes, until she proves it. Fed up with conversing with the calico molly, his attention turns to the leaders or those stepping up to their leader’s plate. “Since this is getting us no where and quite frankly I have no interest being here any longer than needed” Firestar begins. Though he pauses respectfully to allow Waspsight to explain his understanding of the spirits. From his understanding, you have to have a strong will and fighting spirit to have a chance to overcome a possession.
He could tell by one look at Wisteria that she understand his hidden meaning. Pantherstorm has to be the second piece to the destructive chaos. Stepping into the center of the group, silently commanding attention. “It would seem that maybe you are here for a reason Wisteria—it would seem that our purpose and reason for the prophecy is to preserve our children’s souls by killing them” he agrees with a sorrow look on his tired features. “I have been thinking and then I realized that in the prophecy copper and Panther were one. What if that means they have to die as one? At the same time?” It was the only thing that stuck out to him, it was the final piece that they were searching for—-he could feel it.
It’s not over, until I say it’s over.
W I S T E R I A S T A R
Wisteriastar did not get to spend much more than a heartbeat with her son before Firestar reared his ugly head into things with his temper flaring as he snapped at Waspsight, his voice harsh and rising with agitation. Her fiery orange eyes narrowed coldly in response. I take back everything I said about him maturing, she thought to herself. The calico warrior stood her ground when the maine coon leader stalked over to her and exercised his stature over her. Even with his shadow encompassing her more petite frame, the fire in her eyes did not die down. While he may have overwhelmed her in size and height, the former leader did not flinch at his threatening actions. If it came down to it, she could take him evenly. She knew it, and surely, he did as well. Wisteriastar was no push over in battle.
Instead of shrinking or backing down, she took a poised step forward and shoved her face right into his. “I advise that you speak only on topics you truly know about, less you remove all doubt that you are, indeed, a fool.” Her voice was calm and even, much unlike the loose temper of the SkyClan leader, the calico spoke with quiet, resolved promise. “Raise your voice against my son again and be prepared to lose your tongue.”
“M-Mom…” Waspsight spoke up, as timid as ever, prompting her to remove herself from the situation. While perhaps they did not know each other well, it seemed to her that her son knew that she did not speak with a lack of intent. She didn’t make threats, rather she acted with a poised and silent sureness. Wisteriastar never spoke upon anything that she could not surely follow through with.
The two were only finally broken apart by Mercuryrose’s interruption. If not for the presence of her family, perhaps Wisteriastar would have been tempted to take more action against Firestar. She doubted that the SkyClan leader really wanted to deal with the wrath of two women from Twilight’s family. “Hmph.” The calico sighed, pointedly only choosing to answer her aunt’s questions. “Dear Mercy, I do believe that you have been horribly misinformed,” She replied calmly, meeting Mercuryrose’s narrowed gaze with a straightforward bluntness. “I did not turn my back on RiverClan- it was my Clan that had forsaken me.” A lifetime of explanations would not satisfy anyone who bore a grudge against her and she knew that already- it would not matter to them whether she had been blackmailed and threatened to leave her Clan or that StarClan had seized her nine lives. Every trial or piece that involved her situation was no longer relevant to her and she doubted it mattered to them either. To her, it simply wasn’t worth wasting her breath.
This time, her sharp eyes bore into Firestar as she challenged him. “I am no more or less a leader than anyone else standing here. I have never once renounced my name or my status. Every action I have ever taken has been for the best interest of my Clan and loved ones in mind. It would do you best to remember that.”
Now it seemed, while he was clearly intent on expressing his distaste of the situation, the SkyClan leader appeared to understand that she was not leaving. She could see from the corner of her eye her son’s physical relief as he slumped over with an exasperated sigh, as though he had been stiff as a plank this entire time. She thought she heard him mutter a thanks to Mercuryrose for her support and the fact that she didn’t let Firestar bore into him either. Wisteriastar was grateful to her for looking out for her son, she made a note to herself to be sure to tell her so later on.
Now that they were finally able to come together and have a civil discussion, Wisteriastar chose to settle back down again next to Copperstar, taking in what he said and suggested. Desertstar seemed to agree with his concerns as she spoke up. The more she listened to what the other leaders had to say, the more it seemed to her that their main concern was preventing the possessors from hopping into someone else’s body. A fair concern, she mused. Yet, she had doubts that it was that simple. “Waspsight,” the calico addressed her youngest son, prompting the ShadowClan medicine cat to face her. “Of all the spirits you’ve met and spoken to, how many have told you anything about this?” For a moment, he paused in thought and then he replied.
“From what I know, it’s not as easy to possess someone as you’d think it might be,” he began, feeling more confident in speaking up now. “The spirit trying to take over would have to overcome the current, living cat’s will and suppress them enough to take control. It’s like fighting in battle, their will to get control would have to be stronger. It’s a process that takes a lot of time and planning. I don’t think it’s as simple to just hop from one body to another.”
“Well now that’s a relief now, isn’t it?” She smirked over at Copperstar and Desertstar. However, they did not get much time to feel any sort of consolation over solving one problem before Firestar spoke up with another. When he revealed to her the prophecy he had been given and the details behind it, her expression darkened almost coldly. She knew immediately, without a single inkling of doubt, who was responsible for the other half. At his inquiry, Wisteriastar replied flatly, “That depends on whether or not you have the resolve to kill your own son.” She saw Waspsight flinch at her cold statement, but she did not let up. “If the other half of this prophecy involves who I think it does, then it won’t come to a peaceful end. The Pantherstorm I know has no interest in surrendering nor does he care how many lives are lost for him to get what he wants. That boy is a sociopath and there is no reasoning with him.”
“At this point, taking his life is the only thing I can do to save his soul.”
Mercuryrose
Shadowclan Deputy
A familiar voice had caused her to open her eyes before narrowing them. Ah, Wisteria. Mercuryrose hadn’t seen the calico since they were kits growing up at Viper’s army. It wasn’t until her eyebrows furrowed for a moment when witnessing Wisteria and Waspsight’s interactions. It appeared that Mercuryrose’s niece had given birth to her gifted medicine cat, who knew? Raising an eyebrow when noticing that the calico tom had looked a bit uncomfortable with Wisteria around, she had given him a look to give her a signal and they would leave the meeting. Suddenly hearing Firestar snapping at the others, and throwing the blame towards Waspsight, Mercuryrose had given a warning look towards her brother in law “Choose your words carefully Firestar, I’m in no mood to start a quarrel with you, because it won’t be you that I’ll be dealing with.” The black and rose-gold molly had said calmly, as both of them had known that a certain black and golden beauty wouldn’t hesitate to storm into the middle of Shadowclan and start a fight with her.
Borders didn’t matter to her siblings, if they had a problem or grudge with each other then it would be dealt with properly.
Mercuryrose had let out a sigh through her nostrils before shaking her head slightly “Waspsight had informed me about Juncostar’s condition, although I couldn’t warn you about it because I was busy bashing ‘Hawkstar’s head into the leader’s rock after he called your mate a whore.” Mercuryrose had said firmly, noticing Firestar had became silent at her words. The Shadowclan Deputy had known her words had stung the Skyclan leader, no one disrespected his mate in front of him and would get away with it. Firestar could throw a tantrum all he wanted to everyone else, but she was here for business. Narrowing her eyes, her gaze turned towards her niece, Firestar did have a point “Wisteria, I cannot help but wonder what your business is here.. You had forsaken your leadership duties from tales I’ve heard, what brings you back to the clans?” The black and rose-gold molly had questioned.
“We will need to come up with a plan, I will not let my group go into war without a proper plan.. I will not let ‘Juncostar’ and ‘Hawkstar’ cause any more blood on their paws than they already have.” Mercuryrose said, her eyes narrowed. No one would be dying within her group, she had a duty to protect them. There were many nights in which the deputy had considered moving her group into the mountains, starting a new life with them. However, it was Waspsight who would stop her as they couldn’t leave the clans, they couldn’t leave their home. Her kits’ futures had depended on this, her group’s lives depended on this. Letting out a small huff when Wisteria and Firestar had suddenly broken off into a bickering match, she had given Waspsight a look.
Firestar |The Courageous Lion of Skyclan|
“You got to be fucking joking” Firestar says blandly as his attention drifts over to Wisteria, watching her strut like she owns the place. Scowling as his sharp gaze flickers over to Copperstar, instantly knowing it had to be some sort of his doing for having his mother show up. Ignoring Wisteria’s greeting, as his irritation began to spike the more he looked at her. Instead he looks away, the voice of Hazelface holding his attention, arching a brow as he hums out “Spiritual possession is where you draw the line? Not the visions, prophecies, or the 9 lives?” Firestar muses dryly at the young warrior. Nothing surprises him anymore, as the leader had received several visions throughout his leadership. What’s a prophecy and possession gonna change? Nothing. Starclan sure loved to have the last laugh.
Stiffening as there was something Waspsight had said that made Firestar turn completely towards the smaller calico. He could certainly see the resemblance between him and Wisteria, eyes narrowing “Are you saying that you have speculated that Juncostar was not himself for moons? Yet, we are only hearing about this now?” Sure he knew that he was being unreasonable towards the Shadowclan medicine cat. As not many new of his born spiritual gifts, but it was hard for Fire to remain levelheaded when he was almost certain that his deceased son and come to wreck havoc amongst the clans. “You have a deputy for a reason. The moment you suspected something off with your leader, you should have spoken up! Not withhold information until after that lovely spectacle ‘Hawkstar’ did at the gathering” his words were calm but sharp.
Could this all have been avoided if they had known all the information sooner? Is this why Starclan decided to present the prophecy to him? He felt personally responsible with needing to set things right, to put an end to the chaos. Sighing heavily to himself, tempted to run his paw over his tired face. This was the last place he wanted to be right now. Ignoring the oh so touching moment between Wisteria and Copperstar, noticing the awkwardness between the once leader and her younger son, Waspsight. Temper rising as Wisteria questions what the plan was. A cold laugh escapes Firestar, he had tried his best to keep his thoughts and emotions to himself, but he had finally snapped. Rising to his intimidating height as he stalks over to Wisteria, towering over her. Regarding her coldly, “What right do you have to be standing here?”
His harsh voice, causes the hushed voices to cease altogether. “You chose your path. You turned your back on Riverclan. You don’t get to just waltz back in here. This is clan matters, last I checked you were not part of a clan.” Fire states before looking over at a battered Copperstar. “What is the meaning of this? She is not leader, you are.” It was time the young newly made leader realize that. “One who has given up her name and resigned any attachments to Starclan the moment she left” Firestar growls before stalking off back towards Desertstar. He had a feeling that his words and obvious distaste towards Wisteria would not sway the others. They needed to get this meeting moving. Ears swirling in Copper and Desert’s direction as they discuss what would be the next course of action.
Snorting, “wouldn’t mind just killing those until they had no lives left” he mumbles more to himself. “The prophecy that Birchstar gave me showed a copper panther attacking from the leader’s rock. I believe the copper aspect reflects that Copperheart is part of the issue, now I have some idea on the Panther” his bicolored gaze lands on Wisteria. Wondering if she had an inkling to the missing piece. “The only way is to kill then. That I know. The question is…how do we do it? And who does it?”
Desertstar
Leader of Windclan
Though Firestar wasted no time getting straight to the point of this meeting, her gaze never left Hazelface, wordlessly communicating her sympathy with a gentle look before turning her attention to everyone else. Soon after, the golden leader cleared her throat, her expression returning to its usual seriousness. “What Firestar speaks is true,” she began in a steady tone, glancing to each of them, and then paused to speak to Hazelface more directly, “However, if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes at the gathering, I wouldn’t have believed it, either,” she carefully admitted, as if trying to show that she understood her reason for disbelief. After all, when she’d first seen it, she thought she was hallucinating or losing her mind. Those things were much easier to accept than the possibility of dark forest having the ability to possess the living.
As Wasppaw spoke up to share what he had witnessed, she gave him a small smile. However, her smile vanished when her senses began to tingle, alerting her to another nearby presence. An unexpected yet familiar voice entered the conversation. Her eyes widened in surprise to see the former Riverclan leader standing there, and though Wisteriastar was no longer a part of the clans, she listened quietly as the calico spoke, as though carefully weighing her words. Sitting there, she listened as the conversation went on, though winced inwardly when she finally took notice of the fresh scars that adorned Copperstar’s body, undoubtedly healed by Starclan from the severity of the marks. Seeing as a leader’s lives were a private matter, though, she quickly adverted her gaze and acted as though she had never noticed.
At Copperstar’s suggestion, her ears flicked. “If we kill Juncostar and Hawkstar, what would stop them from jumping into someone else’s body and taking control?” the leader raised an inquisitive eyebrow, “We have to think of a more permanent way to be rid of them.”
~Copperstar The Reborn And Resolved Leader Of Riverclan~
Copperstar’s flicked what was left of his tattered ear, as Firestar explained the situation, something about spiritual possession and his deceased son Copperheart. If Starclan and the Dark Forest didn’t exist, and he had not heard or seen either dark or light spirits walking alongside him in his dreams or otherwise he might have scoffed at the notion of it all.
Yet, seeing as Starclan could directly commune with the clans and even intervene in some cases, he was more inclined to believe that two dark spirits had taken over Hawkstar and Juncostar respectively, especially given how their behavior had shifted so sharply. Also, though he didn’t speak much with his half-brother, Waspsight’s words also led him down the path of believing in Firestar’s theory, and then with his mother Wisteriastar’s arrival he decided that it was best to treat this with the utmost concern.
“I won’t lie, I’ve seen better days, brother. Though I assure you that I’ll heal.” He turned his attention towards his mother and gave her a sheepish smile, “Hey ma... it’s good to see you. Yes, I know, I’m a mess, but I promise I only did what I had to in order to allow my clan to escape. I haven’t been much of a leader to them, and I intend to change it starting today. I believe in Firestar, Desertstar and Waspsight’s words, if they believe this is the work of the Dark Forest and those that hunt within it, then they have my support. After all, Starclan can interact with the living, so why would it be any different than those of the Dark Forest?”
He gently rubbed his head against his mother’s shoulder, grateful that she was still around, though he wishes she would come back to Riverclan. He missed her terribly, especially during those nights he lay tossing and turning in his nest, unsure how he’d lead his clan. Having her back would certainly bolster his resolve even more, but he understood why she had to leave and would never try to force her back.
Besides she was only a short journey away, he could make the time now, especially since his latest batch of kits were soon to be warriors, in fact they would have been come tomorrow, if not for the fact that Riverclan was currently displaced. It would have to wait until they could reclaim their camp. For now, they had to focus on the lingering threat of dark spirits in their midst.
“I am uncertain, mother, how would we even begin to fight against corrupted spiritual forces?” He let his gaze trail away from his mother and land on Firestar.
“If what you’re saying is the truth, this is grave news for all of us and more pressingly, even though we have this information- how do we go about fighting the dead? How do we forcibly drive the spirits out of Hawkstar and Juncostar, are you suggesting we kill them? Well, say we do kill them, what if they simply do not come back and your son, Copperheart, and whomever has hold over Juncostar simply remains in control of their bodies? What would we do then? Kill Hawkstar and Juncostar over and over until none of their lives remain?”
He inquired not out of any intent to be disrespectful or scornful, but merely out of genuine concern. Though Hawkstar and Juncostar had run his clan out of camp earlier, he still harbored no ill will towards them, as ludicrous as it might sound.
Copperstar truly didn’t have a bitter bone in his body.
H A Z E L F A C E
When Copperstar arrived next to greet her, she was surprised at the sight of him- such a thing which showed clearly on her face, with her raised brows and upturned mouth. Of course with the circumstances surrounding RiverClan being driven from their home, she didn't expect him to be without some fresh wounds. She was just surprised to see the state in which he had been devastated. A leader's lives were a sacred and private thing between him and his best, but she doubted with injuries like that he came out without dying at least once. It was like announcing to the world he had lost a life, but she chose not to poke at the subject, for once standing as a sensitive character.
"Hello Copperstar," she replied coolly, dipping her head in respect to the RiverClan leader. Not long after his arrival, they were greeted by ShadowClan's deputy, Mercuryrose, and Desertstar of WindClan. She greeted them both and when Desertstar commented on Briarstep's lack of appearance, Hazelface scoffed in agitation. "That coward wouldn't stray from his leader even if it meant his own life." She had always had a low opinion of Briarstep, ever since he had intervened with her and Hollystar, and it seemed like her sour take on him would only continue to worsen. "Unfortunately, both the leader and deputy of ThunderClan have proven to be inept at their jobs."
When Copperstar commented on the state of mind concerning the two leaders, he received a reply from the incoming Firestar, who stated bluntly and loudly that these leaders were indeed out of their minds. Then, he revealed the truth, which was far beyond what she thought was even possible. "You're telling me that Hawkstar and Juncostar are possessed by dead cats?" Disbelief crossed her face and her lip curled into a sneer. "You might as well tell me that the sun can disappear in the middle of the day!"
W A S P S I G H T
The ShadowClan medicine cat had arrived beside Mercuryrose, along with the other warriors she had brought with her as guards. However, instead of waiting behind with them, he joined the Clan deputy by her side to attend the meeting of leaders. When they settled, he dipped his head respectfully to the leaders and representatives present. However, at the sight of his half-brother, Copperstar, the calico tom leaned in closer to him and gently whispered, "I hope you're doing okay."
While it was arguably not necessary for a medicine cat to be here, Waspsight's case was different from the other healers- especially when it concerned matters with ShadowClan. With his gift to see ghosts, he had known for many, many moons that "Juncostar" was not actually Juncostar, and following the circumstances of the Gathering, he had every reason to believe the same of Hawkstar.
And then Firestar joined them, confirming to him his fears. Just as I thought, he noted. Waspsight's ears flattened at Hazelface's rebuttal and he spoke up to rebuke her sharp remark. "I've seen it," he began sheepishly, as he didn't know how well his words would be received. While it was common knowledge in ShadowClan that he spoke with the dead directly, he wasn't aware of how the other Clan leaders would perceive him or his gift- if they would accept the weight of it or reject it. Regardless of what happened at the Gathering and the scene that transpired, he felt he owed it to the Clans to speak up. "The sight of an evil spirit manifesting inside the soul of a living cat... is quite hideous." Waspsight grimaced at the mental image of it. He glanced to his right where Mercuryrose sat, taking comfort in her presence.
"I can't speak for Hawkstar, but the spirit that's taken hold of Juncostar has been here for many moons now." The healer glanced over to Firestar, their bi-colored eyes meeting. "Unfortunately, these spirits seem to sense that I can see them, so they've burrowed deep within to hide from me. I can't confirm whether or not if it's your son."
W I S T E R I A S T A R
"Then you better brace yourself for what's to come!" Over the ledge came a voice that these woods had not heard for many seasons now. Appearing before them was the regal form of a calico warrior, whose steps did not hesitate or falter as she joined the meeting ahead of her. Her long tail streamed confidently behind her and her tattered ears faced forward. A fiery set of amber eyes locked onto Firestar, a smirk on her features as she addressed him. "Long time no see." It seemed to her that the burly tom had grown since she last saw him- perhaps grown stronger. Maybe he wasn't such a nuisance as she initially thought he was when he was a young fledgling deputy. But that didn't mean she wasn't going to mock him to her heart's desires.
Even though she didn't recognize the ThunderClan warrior presenting for her Clan, Wisteriastar did not bother to introduce herself, since she knew everyone else here- Desertstar, who she had known as deputy at the time, and her cousin Mercuryrose. The little warrior would just have to catch up on her own.
Perhaps, if she were anyone else, her attitude would be considered arrogant and conceited. However, the former leader had every ounce of strength and skill to back it up. In her case, it was more like confidence and capability.
She turned to face her family, a frown marring her beautiful features as she looked over Copperstar's injuries. "What in StarClan's name did you do to yourself?" She scolded him, sniffing at the webs that plastered his body. She knew a wound like that when she saw it. It didn't mean good news for her son. Wisteriastar wanted to ring him a new one entirely, but she held herself back. He was alive and that was all that mattered. She was sure he had his reasons. Placing a paw on the back of his head, she urged her son forth so that she could place her forehead to his and whisper for his ear's only, "I'm proud of you." Releasing him, she turned to face Waspsight, whose round, watery eyes greatly betrayed his desire to cry at the sight of his mother.
Wisteriastar smiled gently at her son. When Spottedkoi came to fetch her and ask for her assistance in regards to this matter, the now Clan deputy had relayed to her the circumstances of the Gathering and the reveal of Waspsight's birthright. She longed to embrace him just as she had Copperstar, but in the many seasons she had not been much of a mother to her son, she doubted whether or not she had the right. "You've grown a lot." She told him, a tender smile gracing her face. Her tail gently brushed his flank. "So, ghosts, huh?" The former RiverClan leader grinned, revealing that she knew more than perhaps the group had thought she did. The calico feline took a seat between her sons, her orange eyes surveying the cats present at the meeting. "You got a plan?"
Firestar |The Courageous Lion Of Skyclan|
”That is because they are not sound of mind” his strong voice ricochets throughout the clearing as he leisurely makes his way towards his fellow leaders. Though of course not all were leaders, but might as well be during this time. Behind him standing proudly were Wildbear and Ebonywolf, remaining silent but observant as Fire approaches the group, mentally noting that he was the last to arrive. Sighing as his bi-colored gaze lands on Copperstar, arching a brow at the rugged and discomfort appearance of the new leader. Though he was itching to comment on the obvious that Copperstar looked like shit but surprisingly decided against it. Instead he pauses near Desertstar, not sitting down. His feathery tail flicking side to side as his serious features are highlighted by the moonlight.
“Desertstar and I have come to an conclusion…” he begins. Remembering when Desertstar came to Skyclan to discuss matters of the gathering that went wrong. Pacing slightly, trying to sort his thoughts to better explain to the rest before him. Ignoring Desertstar’s inquiry on Briarstep’s lack of appearance, it did not matter of the deputy whereabouts. They had more pressing matters to discuss, this meeting was not to be taken lightly or wholeheartedly. “Before the gathering had taken place I had received a prophecy that I was going to mention at the gathering. We all know how well that went down” he scoffs, kicking a few stones to convey his frustrations. The theatrics ’Hawkstar’ had pulled certainly had the affect that Birchstar had warned him about.
”From what Desertstar saw that night, Hawkstar is not who he seems.” Taking a deep breath to steel his nerves at what he was to admit next. “My theory is that Hawkstar is actually Copperheart…my deceased son.”
Desertstar
Leader of Windclan
As she neared the Ghostly Flats, her long legs carrying her forward, she could already scent that most of the clans had already arrived. “Greetings,” came the light, honeyed voice of the Windclan Leader as she dipped her head and settled down beside Mercuryrose, wrapping her tail around her paws. Raising a questioning brow, her golden gaze flicked from Hazelface to Appleblossom, evaluating their body language briefly before asking. “Where is Briarstep? I hope that nothing more has taken place in Thunderclan since the gathering,” she spoke to the two of them, and though her tone remained professional, it was full of genuine concern. The last she’d seen of the Thunderclan deputy was at the gathering, and she truly hadn’t heard much since then.
Mercuryrose
Shadowclan Deputy
The black and rose-gold deputy’s eyes were narrowed slightly while making her way towards the ghostly flats, her white paws stepping into the wet dirt of the previous night’s rain. Mercuryrose was on high alert, Incase one of Juncostar or Hawkstar’s warriors planned an ambush on her. Looking towards the left, her former apprentice Aspenwood was almost unrecognizable within the shadows of the trees as he was following after her. Her son Ravenclaw was on her right, you couldn’t see him at all due to his black pelt camouflaging into the darkness. The two young warriors were hiding in the shadows in order to protect the deputy. She had gotten word from Thornheart, Primrosethorn and Tumblewave when they arrived at the temporary camp that Firestar and Desertstar had called a meeting. Mercuryrose wasn’t quite sure about the future of Shadowclan now that the clan was divided, but it was a life and death decision. The Shadowclan deputy was ready to move her group over to the mountains and nearby a lake, so that everyone that was under her care was safe.
This was a last ditch effort, to save her clan. Letting out a sigh through her nostrils, Mercuryrose had finally entered the island. Flicking her tail, her gaze turned towards Aspenwood and Ravenclaw who remained in the shadows of the woods towards the entrance. She brought them for backup, hopefully she didn’t need them. Looking towards Hazelface and Copperstar, her eyes narrowed before making her way towards them. “Greetings.” Mercuryrose said quietly, dipping her head in greetings towards the felines. The large deputy was graceful, always keeping a neat appearance. Perhaps she adapted that from her older sister. Wrapping her feathery tail neatly around her front paws, she closed her eyes for a moment as she listened to the crickets. It was small talk between the group, Mercuryrose didn’t like small talk. Instead, she remained silent and listened to the conversation while waiting for Firestar and Desertstar to arrive.
Hopefully her kits went to bed at a reasonable time.
~Copperstar The Reborn And Resolved Leader Of Riverclan~
Despite Venomrose’s beseeching Copperstar to remain in the Misty Clearing to take more time to recover from losing his first life, yet the silent vow that Copperstar made to himself. Which was to believe in himself and his ability to lead his clan and ultimately it guided his paws to march onward despite the trauma he’d endured.
Though his body throbbed with dull aches and his muscles were stiff and sore, he pressed forth, knowing that he had to do right by his clan, which meant being more active and present, instead of allowing the majority of Riverclan’s day to day be directed by his deputy.
Spottedkoi, bless her heart and soul, she was such a sweet spirit and he had allowed the majority of the burdens of Leadership to fall onto her shoulders for her to bear, which was quite unfair and unbecoming of him. She was still the Deputy, and her duty was to prepare for Leadership, not to be thrust into it without proper process. Certainly, there was nothing wrong with her doing whatever she could for the clan, but the flawed design of shifting all his responsibilities onto her wasn’t doing her any favors.
She would certainly end up crumbling underneath the strain of it all, trying to act as Leader and Deputy all at once. It might even encourage her to end up reckless, wild, and she may even throw caution to the wind, ending up in Starclan’s ranks too early because she thought that she had to take up the mantle of Leadership and cast her life away in order to save another.
And while sacrificing oneself was noble, it wasn’t something to be done lightly and without taking into consideration that one did not have lives to spare if they weren’t the Leader of their clan.
He would have to formally apologize to her for putting so much pressure on her, and promise that he would step up, and lead his clan as he should from this day forward.
Finally, after much trekking, and reflecting, Copperstar arrived in the Ghostly Flats and there he caught sight of Hazelface. He made haste towards her, with his own troop of cats following closely behind him, of course Copperstar wasn’t foolish to come alone.
Shadowclan and Thunderclan might be lying in wait somewhere, waiting to spring an ambush.
“Hazelface.” He greeted, dipping his head to the warrior respectfully, though she was a tad feisty, she was still one of Thunderclan’s finest. “It would seem that my warriors are the first to arrive to meet you.”
He did his best to stand tall and sturdy, despite how bedraggled he must look. What with his neck wrapped with swaddles of cobwebs, and poultice patching up scattered wounds all across his back and legs, finished off with a now severely tattered ear, which was nearly half-way missing now.
“Starclan, what a fine mess we’ve found ourselves in. Have Hawkstar and Juncostar completely lost their minds? I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around the fact that this is happening, that this is the reality we face. I cannot even begin to fathom what led us all down this dark path.”