Chapter Text
Tawnypelt crossed the half bridge with her other classmates. All the other clans were there, on edge for some strange reason. Tension filled the air. Tawnypelt settled right next to the tree, as all the senior warriors and deputies did.
“The sky is very clear tonight.” Rowanstar remarked. Tawnypelt shrugged. Bramblestar, Harestar, Mistystar, and Tigerstar all sat on the tallest branch, conversing quietly among each other. Tawnypelt glanced at her former clanmates. She noticed Brightheart, and how she still seemed to be going strong.
“Brightheart is quite pretty.” Rowanclaw teased, leaning against Tawnypelt. “But not as pretty as you.”
“Don't tell me you’ve been eyeing up Brightheart.” Tawnypelt laughed. “First of all, Leafpool is much prettier and also Brightheart has a mate you silly mouse-brain.”
“Cloudtail could join the polycule, in a two-for-one package if you know what I mean.”
“Rowanstar,” Tawnypelt replied. “We’re clan cats. We don't do polyamory here.”
“We could change that.” Rowanstar smirked.
Before Tawnypelt could reply, a whole clan of cats strode confidently across the fallen tree to the gathering island. The moon seemed to shine even brighter. It was Skyclan, the clan from the gorge. Tawnypelt had recognized the leader, Leafstar. She had seen her in passing earlier, but never got the chance to say hello. She settled right next to Tawnypelt. The other cats gasped in shock. Alderheart came up to her.
“What do you think of Skyclan?” Alderheart asked. Tawnypelt whipped around, a little surprised by his question.
“Skyclan deserves a place among the clans.” She said confidently. “I would hate to see them driven away again.” Leafstar blushed at Tawnypelt's words.
“See!” Alderheart shouted to Leafpool. “I told you that other cats want Skyclan here!” Leafpool rolled her eyes. Everyone was whispering about Skyclan, and rumors echoed around like wildfire.
“I heard Skyclan is all kittypets.”
“Doesn't Skyclan eat turtles?”
“They're not a true clan." Tawnypelt could see the discouragement on Leafstar's face. It broke her heart. She felt bad for Leafstar, having to lead her clan through such hardship. Leafstar remained at the bottom of the tree but Rowanstar climbed up.
“Are you even really a leader?!” One of them mocked.
“Is Shadowclan even really a clan?” Another one sneered.
“Quiet mouse-brains!!” Tawnypelt snapped. “Shadowclan has lost many warriors fighting Darktail. Don't you dare mock us! I don't see you sacrificing your lives to defend your clan.”
“Yeah right!” Lakeheart laughed, pushing cats out of the way to get in Tawnypelt’s face. “You filthy fox-hearts sided with the rogues. It's the way of Shadowclan after all.”
“Shut up mouse-brain!” Rowanstar growled. “Some TRAITORS may have left us but good riddance to them! The rest of us were working night and day to usurp Darktail. Needletail DIED! DIED!”
“Fox-heart!” Lakeheart retorted.
“Step down filthy rouge!” Another cat yowled. It took all of Tawnypelt’s restraint to not murder Lakeheart and the other cats. Rage burned in her heart. She couldn't believe other cats had the audacity to say such awful things.
“SHUT UP ALL OF YOU!” Harestar screamed. Everyone shut up.
“Onestar was the one who caused Darktail’s evil, not Rowanstar. Instead of insulting each other like kits, how about you give thanks to the cats who died for you so that we could meet in freedom. Onestar may not have been the perfect leader, but he gave his last life to murder his own son.”
“Thank you.” Mistystar continued. “Riverclan is recovering from the brutal attack by Darktail. To facilitate this recovery, our borders will be closed and we will not be attending gatherings for a while.”
“But what about Skyclan?” Bramblestar asked.
“You guys do whatever, but leave us out of it.” Mistystar replied. “But you guys should probably think twice before letting another group of strange cats live here.” Leafstar climbed up the oak, confident and determined. Tawnypelt felt her heart flutter a bit.
“Cats of the clans.” Leafstar said. “I understand that we have destroyed generations of peace with our presence and raise many questions but I implore that you listen. We have suffered from Darktail just as much as you have. We have made a great journey from the gorge to the lake, just like your great journey. Cats have died, kits were lost, and we had to make very hard decisions. We are not some mysterious new group that will come to destroy you, we are one of you, a clan just like yours as Starclan intended. I hope you can accept that we are here to stay.” Tawnypelt admired Leafstar. She was so brave for making her speech. She hoped she would stick around.
“We wish to facilitate good relations with Skyclan.” Tigerheart said. “We will give Skyclan a piece of our territory, from the pine clump to the rocky portion.” Tawnypelt was a bit surprised by this action. It was a sizable chunk of territory but Shadowclan really didn't need that much. She looked at Leafstar, who seemed relieved.
“We earnestly thank you for your kind deed.” Leafstar meowed warmly. The Shadowclan cats yowled their protests, enraged at such a bold decision.
“What is Tigerheart doing?”
“We’ll starve because of those greedy Skyclan cats.”
“QUIET YOU NOISY MOUSE-BRAINS!” Tawnypelt screamed in frustration. “The leader’s word is law, and that is no way to treat Skyclan. Be quiet and show some respect!” The Shadowclan cats glared at her.
“Listen to Tawnypelt.” Rowanstat growled. “I am tired of the blatant disrespect today.”
“Well then,” Bramblestar declared. “This gathering is over.” Rowanstar climbed down from the tree and stormed away. Tawnypelt knew better than to bother him right now. Her eyes turned to Leafstar as she scrambled down the tree.
“Greetings.” Tawnypelt said to Leafstar. She turned around.
“I admire your bravery.” Tawnypelt commented. “It must have been quite frightening to stand up for your clan in front of all those cats.”
“Thank you!” Leafstar purred in delight. “I could sense you really wanted to murder Lakeheart. I wanted to murder her too. She's such an asshole. I could feel your rage seep into me. I applaud you for your restraint.” They stared at each other in awkward silence.
“I hope to see you around.” Tawnypelt said. “If you’ll excuse me, I have another cat to talk to.” Leafstar nodded and walked away with Hawkwing.
Tawnypelt looked around for Lakeheart. Her gray fur stuck out like Cloudtail in the forest. She was near the shore of the lake, talking with Lizardtail. Tawnypelt snuck up behind her, and shoved her into the lake. Lakeheart yowled as she fell in, and Lizardtail rushed to get her out.
“What the heck was that for!?” Lakeheart screeched.
“That,” Tawnypelt hissed. “Was for insulting my mate and my clan. I hope you’ll think twice next time, before saying such mouse-brained things.” She turned and walked away.
“Good riddance.” She whispered to herself.