Sunhigh in Camp

[Ki]

Bluethorn was surprised by this announcement. War with ThunderClan? He looked around at the other cats. They were, indeed, the largest Clan. And they would only become larger when ShadowClan got Foxfur's kits. (Bluethorn really didn't care. Half-Clan mutants, that's what they were..) But their Clan was huge. With so many mouths to feed it was a wonder they were able to feed themselves even in greenleaf! Yes, attack was the only option. It wasn't like ThunderClan was losing anything. Their Clan was so small they needed only half of their territory. His entire body began to tingle with excitement. There was no way they could fail. ShadowClan was twice as large as ThunderClan. "ThunderClan has no need for most of their territory! They're mice-sized, compared to ShadowClan!"

[Kitty]

Icepelt completely and totally agreed that they - ShadowClan as a whole - needed more territory, and their need for more territory would only grow when Foxfur's four kits joined them - and the tom was sure they would, no ifs, ands, or buts. But was fighting really the answer? Sure, ThunderClan was small...and with all their territory, they surely didn't need so much. But it was also the logical answer. WindClan was smaller than them, sure, but ThunderClan was even smaller. They were over two times larger than them! He reluctantly agreed that fighting ThunderClan was the only way to keep their ever-growing Clan from starvation, but refrained from commenting, instead looking up at the leader with eyes narrowed in thought.

Specklestar's announcement had barely left her mouth before Stormclaw was on his paws. "ThunderClan doesn't need all their territory!" he agreed. "They barely even need half of it! Surely they could spare some of it for us, especially if we can overpower them!" And he knew they could. He was certain. THey were twice the size of that puny Clan! "And we will fight for every pawstep we need!"

[Mousy]

Hawktalon yowled in agreement to Stormclaw's statement. His amber eyes narrowed sharply and he clawed at the ground, crouching down angrily. He didn't notice Snowpaw and Dustpaw pad out o the apprentices' den until Dustpaw stood beside him and Snowpaw beside Toadpelt, who was equally well-hidden. My sight's not what it used to be... he said to himself, then stood up. ShadowClan were huge. They were to get four more kits, as well! This would be a bad thing, to say the least. Hawktalon glanced over at Snowpaw and Dustpaw, both of whom were looking as though they wanted to sink their claws in to ThunderClan right that second. And he couldn't blame them. Toadpelt, however, was more reserved. His eyes were narrowed with anxiousness, as though he could already see the fight happening. He padded over to Hawktalon, who glanced at the dark tom.

"This may well be my last battle..." he mewed softly. Toadpelt nodded understandingly. His eyes were bright with anxiousness, but there was something else in the brown tom's emerald eyes... Hawktalon couldn't quite pin down what Toadpelt was thinking, but he was thinking something that Hawktalon knew wouldn't be a good thing...

Toadpelt was worried for the lives of the Clan. Surely, if Fireshadow was injured, she wouldn't have to fight? And her RiverClan heritage? Wouldn't that have something to do with it? It was true, they were a big Clan, the largest Clan. They would definitely fight tooth and claw for ThunderClan's territory. That would be an interesting fight, definitely. He wouldn't like to face some of the older cats, though. They'd been warriors for much, much longer than he had; maybe several seasons! The prospect of war made his paws tingle. Fireshadow had been in several interclan wars, but she never told him about them. It was strange, because Fireshadow was always a bit showy-offy, but she would never speak about interclan warfare... How strange...

"I can understand that." He mewed to Hawktalon. He had to agree, the grey warrior was aging, and his left eye would most likely completely go at some point. The scar would definitely speed that up. Having fur, skin and flesh burned off the left side of his face would probably mean his left eye would go very much faster.

Something suddenly occurred to Toadpelt: he had got that scar saving a kit, right? So, why did the rest of the Clan think he was a soul-less beast? he wasn't, if he'd saved his kit, even if it was at the cost of some of the sight in his left eye... It puzzled the dark tom. He flicked his tail over the earth as he pondered this...

[OoC:// FAIL POST! My characters seem to be doing less and less, and musing more and more.]

[hedgie]

Reedpaw listened, with expressions of everything from disinterest to excitement plastered on his face. At the announcement of a victory over the dog, he let out a joyful mew. Not a yowl, like others were crying, but just a mew. He'd save his excitement for a lter time. It was needed for different things. He was happy until specklestar mentioned battle. Then he went through a series of reactions that went by at a speed that could be described as comical.

First his eyes rolled, then he yawned. A sigh escaped from him and he shuffled his paws on the ground. A battle meant work. Well, it meant more work than he was ready to surrender energy for. Right now, he just wanted to curl up and sleep, or talk to Nightkit. She needed someone to talk to now, after what had just happened to her.

Heronpaw listened to Specklestar. He still stood in the place he'd been since they'd come back from that patrol with the dog. At the mention of his name, he nodded quickly. He was thankful for the appreciation, but he hadn't really fought the dog. Yes, he'd taken a few swipes at it, but all he'd really done was stand guard, like he did now.

At the mention of the battle, his facial expression changed. They needed the land, most definitly. He looked around camp, taking notice of how many cats filled the clearing. They seriously needed the room. Thunderclan was so small that it had no use for all that extra space. That territory could supply Shadowclan with food, water and generally more room to roam. They needed it. his eyes locked on Reedpaw and he laughed at his brother's reaction.

Typical Reedpaw.

[:c a i:]

Blackfeather's cold expression gave way to a tiny, mirthful smile that masked some of the hostility which usually defined the she-cat. She sat up straight, turning her head slowly to look at Darkflower, blinking just once. An attack on ThunderClan would be sweet indeed. Those scrawny, weak fools would be easily swept away by ShadowClan's might, for they were so tiny compared to the great size and strength of it. They did not deserve their vast, prey-rich territory, for they could barely be called a Clan these days. If they continued the way they were going, ShadowClan would scarcely have to lift a claw to wipe them out of the way.

"This is perfect, Darkflower. ShadowClan will reign supreme!" The dark she-cat gave a quiet laugh which was almost an echo of the sound of shattering ice. Her green eyes glittered dangerously as she smiled frostily at her sister.

Darkflower gave a tight smile in return, staring coolly into middle distance. A war to extend ShadowClan? Fine by her. But she would not laugh with such cruelty and lust for blood and battle in the way her sister was. But then, Darkflower thought, it was not exactly the blood which Blackfeather enjoyed. It was the power and dominance of winning fight after fight; of seeing enemies falter and fade away. Yet somehow, Darkflower could not quite summon the same enthusiasm. There would be lives lost in the coming seasons. That was no laughing matter. She knew full well that if ShadowClan turned its claws upon the dwindling ThunderClan, then in ThunderClan, warrior, apprentice and elder alike would suffer. It was for the greater cause - ShadowClan's domination - and so Darkflower could not object.

[. s p o r e l e t t ♪]

OoC// There were four kits born the previous day, not three. Five, if you want to count poor, dead Fogkit.

Emberpaw gazed steadily up at her leader with cool, thoughtful eyes. It was true that their Clan was bigger than any other. Even RiverClan was not their equal, though the water-loving Clan likely had close to the number of warriors that ShadowClan possessed. But Emberpaw payed attention at the Gatherings; RiverClan hadn't announced many apprentices lately, and very few kits. ShadowClan was mightier than any of the other three Clans... especially ThunderClan. The Clan across the Thunderpath was less than half of ShadowClan's number... it made sense that they should forfeit some of their territory to their growing neighbour. But the mottled apprentice knew that the fierce Clan would not submit to ShadowClan's demands without a fight. She was a bit annoyed that she wouldn't get to go on any more border patrols until ThunderClan had been dealt with, but it was a small price to pay for her Clan's well-being. So she would wait, and she would prepare, she and her sisters. Emberpaw's claws slid out and gripped the soil in anticipation of what was to come.

[Yoko]

Specklestar was very glad of the reactions her clanmates gave. She could see some catuious expressions about the ordeal, but overall they seemed for it. And if they don't agree, one hungy leaf-fall should convince them... She raised her tail to quiet the murmurs.

"Above all, we must be secret in our plans. Let no border patrol suspect our goal. As far as the other clans are concerned, SHadowClan is healthy and well-fed. Second in importance is safety. Guard yourselves and be alert," she smirked a little as she mewed, "I don't think Feathercloud could bear another injury.

"Now, I understand we are all tired and hungry, but we cannot stop carrying out our duties. The fresh-kill pile is pitifully low, so Icepelt will be leading a hunting patrol, choose whatever cats you will. I want to see Lightningclaw, Toadpelt, Paleflower, and Foxfur."

She beckoned the four she had called with her tail. Best to deal with it in private.

[Kitty]

"Very well, Specklestar," Icepelt agreed, giving a nod of respect to his leader as he climbed to his paws. He'd planned on taking out Reedpaw for some extra training - his leader had also said that they needed to speed up the apprentices' training. But Reedpaw could come on hunting patrol; that was just as well. He headed in the direction of the young tom and on his way considered who else he should take. Preferably some cat who asn't in the dog patrol - they were probably all too tired. Bluethorn's patrol, at least. Maybe a cat from Specklestar's patrol wouldn't be nearly as bad. But maybe he should bring only cats who remained in camp.

Twistedclaw, perhaps? Icepelt didn't want to fight with the younger tom anymore. But he would probably just take it as an order, and despise him all the more for ordering him around. That wouldn't be too good. Hmm. Who else was there? The white tom would have chosen Smokeheart, but Alfa had to come along and break her leg... He shook his head and instead picked the closest cat.

"Lightfeather, could you come on hunting patrol?"

((Lightfeather isn't busy, is she? ))

[. s p o r e l e t t ♪]

Lightfeather had relaxed somewhat when the dog patrols returned, Specklestar in at their head. All of her Clanmates were safe, and the threat of the dog was no more. But Paleflower's kits were still missing, and there was no way of knowing how they fared as of yet. The gilded warrior hoped that her leader would send out a patrol to track Alfa and the kits down soon. She knew that their mother was beside herself, and Lightfeather worried for their safety as well. Lifting her golden eyes to watch Specklestar as she gave her speech, the white-furred she-cat hoped that the kits would be found soon. A sudden mew caused her to look down from her leader's form. Icepelt had asked her if she was wlling to go hunting. "Sorry," she mewed, "but Runningfrost told me to guard the nursery. Alfa probably won't come back, but with that hole in the wall it would be easy for anything to get in. I couldn't live with myself if I heard that something happened to Poppyfrost's kits while I was out hunting."

Lightningclaw kneaded the ground with anticipation at the conclusion of Specklestar's speech. ShadowClan was going to war! The hot-blooded she-cat felt a tingle of excitement a the prospect. It wasn't that she particularly enjoyed causing harm to other cats, even if they were from other Clans. But the thrill of battle and the satisfaction of doing something useful for her Clan was what Lightningclaw lived for. Pricking her ears at her leader's orders, she immediately jumped to her paws at the sound of her summons. Specklestar wanted to speak to her in her den! The gold and silver tortoiseshell wondered what she and the other three cats that the leader had called for were wanted for. Perhaps they were going out to hunt down Paleflower's missing kits? That seemed likely, since she doubted that the queen would want to leave camp for any other reason. Padding quickly towards the leader's den, Lightningclaw flexed her claws at the thought of catching up with that kit-stealing rogue, Alfa. No cat stole from ShadowClan and got away with it.

[Ki]

Bluethorn wondered if his patrol would be allowed to rest. Most likely, since a few cats looked dead on their feet. Exhaustion was creeping into his own limbs once more. That energy, that vicious burst of anger...it seemed to have drained him. It left him mildly disappointed. He wanted to help track down that foxhearted tom that had stolen the kits. Who stole kits to begin with? It was immoral to simply snatch them from the nursery. And to draw blood no less! Bluethorn shook his head from side to side. There was no honor in it. No honor at all! Hopefully a patrol would be sent out soon, and the kits would be found unharmed. Perhaps if they were lucky Alfa could be captured and properly punished by the Clan. Bluethorn didn't particularly like harming cats. But kit-stealers were the exception to that rule.

[Yoko]

Specklestar was still standing atop the roots of her den. She watched as her Clan began to break up into murmurous groups and wondered if she ought to let this chance go. But she could see they were growing weary and more good news might raise their spirits.

"Wait," she called, raising her tail. "I have one final announcement to make. Our Clan is large and strong with warriors, but today I think the Warrior's Den has earned a new addition. Heronpaw step forward."

[Amber]

The whole world had faded from her vision, nothing but blackness had enveloped her mind. The honey apprentice had hit her head hard, that much she had known. Only when she saw the face of her dead brother had she known how hard she had hit. Canyonkit had been waiting for her, she could hear him again. She never thought that was possible. Then again, she never thought anything was possible anymore. She had lost hope in a lot* of things long ago. Memories of playing with her brother flooded in her mind. He had been her best friend before she and her sisters had become so close. Her sisters, she didn't want to leave them. Honeypaw was snapped out of all thoughts at the sound of Heronpaw's voice. He was waiting for her too. It was so hard, should she go with her brother, or the tom she had great feelings for? The decision was eating her away. She slowly saw Canyonkit fade away and knew what she had to do.

Returning to here and now she slowly blinked her light blue eyes open, and there he was keeping guard over her. Honeypaw had them glued on him. Her head still hurt, but she could take the pain. And then she heard him being summoned by a familiar, yet unfamiliar voice. Wait, why couldn't she remember who it was? She knew Heronpaw, but who were all these other cats? Where was she? And why did her head hurt?


How could everyone be so cruel and such mousebrains? The whole Clan was full of moronic imbociles who knew nothing and were liars. There were only a few cats she could trust. And right now she was glad for being able to trust them. Reedpaw, Thornpaw, and Dreamkit were the only ones she would even remotely consider talking to at this point. The little kit had stalked out of camp after hearing that her parents had abandoned her. She and Dreamkit weren't siblings. This really just couldn't be true and Nightkit didn't want to believe it. She huffed back into camp, stumbling across the Clan meeting. She had completely ignored everything and went to sit by Thornpaw, who had only looked at her sympathetically. Great, now she was attracting sympathy which was exactly what she didn't want. And to top it all off Heronpaw was getting his warrior name. She should be with Dreamkit apprenticed by now. This was ridiculous.

"All of you are liars. Thanks to the no good mouth of the elders I realized how many mousebrains are in the camp!" Nightkit began, ignoring Thornpaw nudging her to keep quiet. "No! I won't be quiet anymore. I want to know why all of the pieces of foxdung who are so called my clanmates lied to me and Dreamkit. I hate all of you." she hissed, her black fur fluffing out as she looked to what she still considered to be her brother. The little kit was furious and it was about time everyone knew it.

[hedgie]

Heronpaw felt like he couldn't move, like he couldn't speak. He didn't know what had caused it. Was it the fact that Honeypaw was in the process of waking up, or was it that Specklestar was calling him forward for the thing he had wanted for so long. He gingerly walked away from Honeypaw, and then stopped. He didn't want to leave her.



Reedpaw rushed over and swatted his brother on the ear. "Get up there, you love-struck mousebrain. You've wanted this since you could breathe, silly!" Reedpaw shoved and pushed and prodded his sibling until they were at the front of the crowd.

Heronpaw, who had been looking at his paws, now looked up at his Leader, full of nervous energy. Then Nightkit broke everything, shattered his moment

Reedpaw, hearing her call, rushed over to the kit and grabbed her by the scruff.

"Now is not the time, my friend."He gently scolded. "Don't be so bitter...it won't help you. Look at Heronpaw...you'll never get to the spot he is now if you don't learn when to yell out and when to lie low. Calm down, Nightkit." He soothed. "Please."

[spike]

Runningfrost had been lost in the world of excitement from the idea of taking more land for ShadowClan. He had yowled out with the others and he had cheered Specklestar's words. But like any deputy, he was the first to stop and regain control of himself. He was smiling as if he had caught the largest piece of prey of the day. He lashed his tail in the way that showed pure energy in his bones.

A world for his kits to grow up in? A world made perfect! No more starvastion during hard times, no more wondering when prey would come. His head snapped towards Heronpaw when his name was called. A warrior ceremony was definitely needed to make this moment right. The deputy felt his maw twitch as his nephew slowly approached Specklestar. Maybe Reedpaw can learn something, he thought. But there was no time to think of his other nephew. He was concentrated on Heronpaw and the new name he was going to yowl out.

Specklestar wanted to see him? What for? Sighing under his breath, the tom had to dig his claws into the earth quietly. It wasn't every day that he spoke to Specklestar in private or with other warriors in a small group. Mostly it had been over his mate and kits, either scolding him greatly for his choices or questioning on the action he wanted to take.

As Heronpaw passed to move towards Specklestar, Foxfur just wondered when he'd see his own kits among ShadowClan and walking to receive their names.

Cedarfur gasped as Heronpaw was called out. "Eagleflight," she mewed. "That's your apprentice!" What an accomplishment it was to see her soon-to-be mate's apprentice receiving his name. That meant Eagleflight had successfully mentored a cat into the world of warriorhood. She brushed her shoulder with his and quickly nuzzled his chin before returning towards the ceremony. These things always did lighten her mood.

[Yoko]

Specklestar halted the ceremony and looked at the furious she-kit. Her own green eyes were fiery with anger. How could any cat, even a kit, be so selfish as to ruin this moment with such a nasty comment. She raised her tail, and looked down with quiet fury as the she-kit spoke. When she spoke, her tone was harsh.

"Nightkit? Did you hear nothing? Do you understand nothing?! This is a time for the Clan to be unified and strong, yet you interrupt what should be an apprentice's proudest moment to say such vicious selfish things! Such behavior is not fitting of true Clan Cat. If you want all the focus on your life and your troubles go be a rogue!"

She paused, and when she spoke again it was in a calmer voice.

"Has this Clan not loved you? We have watched over you, taken care of you, sheltered you, and kept you well-fed your entire life. All that we do and all that we plan in the future has been done for you and the kits to follow."

She raised her voice to address the entire Clan. She did not know exactly what the elders had said, but judging by her anger and use of the word "liars" she could guess.

"Not every cat here knew the truth of your birth heritage Nightkit. There was no need to question it. You were raised within this Clan and taught the warrior code and we assumed that you were also taught to put your calnmates first!"

She paused again.

"For your outburst....I should hold you back another six moons! So you can learn the lessons even those in their first moon of life should know! But...as I said earlier, now is not the time for punishings and revenge. We need each other deeply for survival. We need to love, trust, and respect our clanmates since only StarClan knows when we shall see them next. So instead of punishing you, yet again, as is well deserved. I'll make first example and love you beyond that venomous tongue of yours. Dreamkit, Nightkit, come forth too."