Post by Yoko on Jan 27, 2010 12:53:41 GMT -6
((Mwahahahaha. And here lies my fantasies for Snaketail, Lizardeye, and Twistedclaw. They shall never occur...Well, maybe a few incidents ^.^. Enjoy.
Note: I wrote it in this form, because I despise quote marks.
Note 2: If you want any kitties in this, send me a list. I don't suggest this if your the sort of person that hates seeing your cat played by another person))
[glow=Purple,2,300]
(Enter the Eclipseclaw (yes I like that name Spore. ^.^) )
Eclipseclaw (in a passionate, yet raspy voice): Gather round, my clanmates, friends. I am here to tell a tragic tale. The fall of three of the greatest cats in all of time. Unrivaled in their loyalty! Fierce in determination! Dignified to the last breath! My mentor and his brothers...May StarClan rest their souls!
[glow=Purple,2,300]
(Snakestar asleep in the leader's den beside his mate. A young tom apprentice rushes in, breathing hard)
Apprentice: Snakestar! Snakestar!
(Snakestar raises his head and looks pointedly at the apprentice)
Apprentice: I-I apologize sir, but it's Twistedclaw. He's been in a fight!
(The ShadowClan leader sighs, clearly this is not the first time. Yawning, the long-furred, tall, tabby rises and strecthes.)
Snakestar (exasperated): Bring him in.
(Enter Twistedclaw, a long fresh clawmark on his head and his claws stained blood red. He comes in talking already)
Twistedclaw: You don't understand, brother! It was Fro-
Snakestar (raising his tail): I know, I know, Brother. But it's time for this to end. We have many threats all around us, we can't afford to fight amongst ourselves.
Twistedclaw (snarling): But that mange-pelt is the very picture of disloyalty, Brother! How can we let him run his mouth that way? Spreading lies to our loyal warriors?
Snakestar (placing his tail around the smaller's shoulders): Lizardeye will handle all that, Twistedclaw. You have battle plans to make, and a Clan to help me run. I can't allow you to kill a Clan-mate, we would all have to become rogues. Surely this is deadly poison to your truest desires? The defeat of the other clans is close at paw! We musn't lose sight of it now!
Twistedclaw (more solemn at the thought of bringing his brother's harm): Very well then...I'll off t' bed.
Snakestar (shaking head, and chuckling): No, no, I can see 't now. You are too hot-blooded. Too distempered. Better you see our colder brother, may he chill your wild ways. Now off wi' you.
(Twistedclaw, downtrodden, exits his brother's den.)
(End Scene)
[glow=Purple,2,300]
(The Medicine Cat Den is dark with just a shred of moonlight at it's entrance. Enter Twistedclaw, the fresh wound still dripping blood. Lizardeye scents blood, and raises his head.)
Lizardeye: What bringst you at this time of night?
Twistedclaw (smirking): Dear Brother, I fear my claw hast injured a clanmate.
Lizardeye (rises and gives Twistedclaw's wound a sniff): Then it hast done injury to itself.
Twistedclaw: Are you not curious to know-?
Lizardeye: Who it is thou hast injured? I know't well. 'Twas Frostclaw. And thou hast injured him out of loyalty to thine brothers, correct?
(Twistedclaw tilts his head, trying to guess why his brother seems to know all. Lizardeye sighs and goes to shuffle through the herbs.)
Lizardeye (back to Twistedclaw): I assume you know what misfortune has now stricken ThunderClan?
Twistedclaw (irritably): How could I not? 'Tis my job to know!
Lizardeye (low and in cold tones): Then use that knowledge wisely. Now is the time to sway your clanmates to be merry with your comrades. They must trust you beyond the most devious of doubts. 'Tis the only way they wll survive what is bound to come. WindClan is starving and desperate, ThunderClan has renounced StarClan and Warrior Code alike, and RiverClan steadily prepares for battle, and yet you would choose to raise thine claw against thine brother and these times? The darkest hour of the Clans..
(Twistedclaw is silent as Lizardeye returns with Marigold poultice and cobwebs.)
Lizardeye: Listen with attentive ears, my fire-filled brother, there will be plenty of enemy blood to spill. Wait a while, and be gentle with thine Clan-mates and soon our destiny will be fulfilled.
(Twistedclaw nods, thoroughly consoled and glad for once of his brother's objective nature. There had been times, though admittedly only a few, where Twistedclaw would be infuriated by his brother's lack of outrage. This is not one of them.)
Twistedclaw (exiting): Good Night, Cold brother. And thank thee. Were it not for your direct nature, my life would have been lost long ago.
(Lizardeye nods and pads back to his nest, but his eyes are only narrowed and calculating.)
((End Scene))
[glow=Purple,2,300]
(It is Sunset A group of warriors are gathered around the fresh-kill pile. Enter Snakestar from the leader's den. He crosses to grab a rabbit off the pile. Then crouches to eat beside several other warriors.)
Batheart: Well, it's been a while since last you dined with us.
Heronpelt: Quite a while indeed. How have you been? Is your queen well?
Snakestar (murrowing with amusement): She gets rounder by the day, at this rate she'll have to stay in the nursery.
Reedwhisker (sarcastic): Oh, but she's far to fair for it! She's leader's mate and deserves more than sitting in the nursery's crowd!
Snakestar (laughs and flicks Reedwhisker's ears): No we can't have that, can we? So how's the warrior's den?
Foxfur: Crowded! Swiftsand kicks me sev'l times yester night!
Reedwhisker: You sure 'twas an accident?
(All laugh)
Snakestar (smiling at his clanmats): Enough, enough, how runs the prey?
Heronpelt: Away from Reedwhisker!
(Bursts into more bouts of laughter)
Batheart (whiskers twitching): Tsk, tsk, you jest too much. The prey runs well, Snakestar.
Snakestar: And the borders?
(Heronpelt's neck fur rises.)
Batheart (solemn): They grow closer each day. The scent markers sting our noses each time we patrol.
Snakestar (bearing fangs): They'll learn their lessons soon! Twistedclaw will see to 't!
(In walks a saddened Dappleheart. She sits alone with a small mouse. Snakestar nods to his cheerful clanmates and pads over to her.)
Dappleheart (raising her head): Oh, hello, Snakestar.
Snakestar (sitting beside her): What's your touble, Dappleheart?
Dappleheart: That you know me too well.
Snakestar (unperturbed): Come now, surely there is more?
Dappleheart (hesitant at first, then sighs and tells): 'Tis Duskpaw.
Snakestar: Ahhh,our Clan's most inquisitive apprentice! How does she in training?
Dappleheart (weakly smiling): All is well...in training at least.
(Snakestar gives her a questioning look.)
Dappleheart: Oh she's so bright Snakestar! Such a quick learner, and so intelligent! I've no trouble at all in teaching her hunting, or battletraining, or chores.
Snakestar: But....?
Dappleheart: It's her incessant questioning! She never stops! I take her out to see Thunderpath, asks she: 'Why doth the monsters stay on their path?' I take her hunting, asks she, 'Who made the first hunting crouch?'. I take her to clean the elder's den, asks she, 'How old is the warrior code?'
Snakestar (resting his tail on his young clanmate's shoulders): Is the problem that she asks too many questions? Or is it that you feel you cannot answer them?
(Dappleheart looks up at the tall leader.)
Snakestar: She is young and bound to question many things. As a mentor you must explain as best you can and tell her when you cannot. No cat knows everything. Tell her that someday she may be lucky enough to find out herself. Or I could talk to her if you would rather.
Dappleheart (brighter): No need for that. I think I can handle it. Thank you, Snakestar.
(Enter Sabletooth, breathing hard from running)
Sabletooth: Snakestar! It's ThunderClan, they've over run our borders!
(Yowls of protest errupt throughout camp)
Eclipseclaw: So they've proven themselves to be fox-hearted rogues afterall!
Snakestar (snarling): Enough! We'll teach them not to mess with REAL Clan cats!
Twistedclaw (storming into camp): I need warriors!
(Cats crowd around in volunteering. Bluethorn and Stormclaw at the head of the volunteers. And Flintstone (XD, I'll come up with a real one soon) exited the Warriors den as quickly as he could. Taking several others with him, Twistedclaw stormed out of camp. Snakestar gathered a second group in case reinforcements were needed but for now, he knew enough to stay out of his brother's way. Besides he knew far worse troubles were ahead. Lizardeye entered the clearing, caring herbs necessary for serious battle wounds and cobwebs.)
Lizardeye: So they finally attacked, hmm? How do you think our dear Brother will fair?
Snakestar: Nay, I doubt Twistedclaw will fear at all. 'Tis the other Clan's misfortune.
[glow=Purple,2,300]
(Snakestar paces. The sun has well fallen and the caterwauls of distant battles had yet to stop. Was Twistedclaw dead? Was the patrol lost? In bursts Toadpelt, stinking of enemy blood.)
Snakestar: What news?
Toadpelt ( in ragged breaths): Thunderclan's patrol has fallen. There were...so many (he coughs) they must have brought their entire Clan!
Snakestar: And their leader?
Toadpelt: Fled with the remainder of the patrol. Only several escaped.
Lizardeye (appearing beside his tall brother): Then the time has come...
Snakestar: Where's Twistedclaw?
Bluethorn: He's here, Snakestar!
(Enter Bluethorn and Stormclaw, carrying Twistedclaw between them. The small tabby was so drenched in blood that no battle wound was to be seen on his pelt. He looked weary, but not in pain. Nevertheless, both his brothers surrounded him immediately. Lizardeye began checking for serious wonds, while Snakestar pressed his pelt against his brothers, regardless of blood.)
Snakestar (overwhelmingly relieved): By StarClan.....We feared you were lost!
Twistedclaw (rumbling with dark laughter): Lost? I could have fought forever!
(Lizardeye sniffed a deep wound on Twistedclaw's throat. Whatever his brother's joking, if the wound had been a mouse-length to the right it would have killed him.)
Lizardeye: Next time, we'll be sure to fight beside you.
Snakestar: It wouldn't be right, Lizardeye. You're a Medicine Cat.
Lizardeye (aside): And since when has the warrior code stopped us? We follow it as best we can, but in times like these it is a mere hindrance.
(Lizardeye asks two warriors to carry his brother to the Medicine Cat Den, despite Twistedclaw's protests. Snakestar leapt onto the gnarled roots that formed his den and called a Clan Meeting.)
Snakestar: Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here for a Clan meeting.
(They gather, some still freshly wounded.)
Snakestar: As you all well know, ThunderClan has grown bolder than their borders can hold. They invaded our borders today, but our Clan was far too powerful for them!
(Yowls of triumph errupt.)
Snakestar: But now is the time to move beyond that.
(Silent confusion.)
Snakestar: Reports say only several warriors escaped tonight from this battle. Their Clan is but a small group of cats. And it is time that ShadowClan fulfills it's destiny. We shall rule all the forest! From the rushing river, to the undergrowth of forest-floors, to the damp hunting grounds of our own. 'Tis our destiny, and ThunderClan is too weak to prevent us from it.
Toadpelt (hesitantly): What about RiverClan...I mean, and WindClan too? Surely they'll not just stand by and-?
Snakestar: RiverClan hast no borders by us, we can post guards on Four Trees with ease. WindClan has their starvation to deal with, they'll have no chance to attack.
Whiteheart: What about those cats remaining on ThunderClan? Their apprentices...Their kits?
Snakestar: If you're referring to the six kits remaining, they are of no use to us, and are not fit for forest life in any case. Their three remaining apprentices is no threat to our apprentices. But enough of that, I know what truly troubles you... (looks gently at Whiteheart) No unnecessary blood will be spilled. Those who are helpless against us will be escorted, into two-leg place. Where they will become soft kitty-pets and live long lives.
Icepelt (suspicious): There's no way StarClan would allow you to attack this way!
Snakestar: Do you see the moon or stars blotted by clouds? Is it raining, or is thunder crashing? Lizardeye has recieved no warnings against our right to attack. It is our destiny to rule the forest! We are still the largest Clan and still we grow!
Hawktalon: Have we not already claimed Snake Rocks on their territory? Is that not enough?
Snakestar: No. Hunting there is far too dangerous for it to be a true asset. No, what we require is all of ThunderClan. We now have three times their warriors. We can not afford to let our chance slip. Do you want to stress and worry all through Leaf-Bare. Will you allow our many kits to go hungry? Die at the paws of a weak and scrawny Clan that is well-fed only because of their small number? Where thine might? Where is thine pride? Hmm? Tell me my Clan, shall we fall to starvation when prey is just within reach?!
(Yowls of protest, and cheers for their leader. Hawktalon, Toadpelt, and Icepelt exchange a look then slip away. towards the warriors den.)
Icepelt (murmuring to his clanmates): The Clan loves him well.
Toadpelt (nods): But does that make him, right? He is my kin, yet I can't but worry. For Fireshadow...
Hawktalon (glares at the tall tabby): We'll watch him a while. He'll not move against the River until the Thunder stops its sounding.
[glow=Purple,2,300]
(Lizardeye is washing the blood from his brother's pelt with wet moss. The wounds are more minor than they first appeared. Aside from the jagged tear on his throat, from which fur hangs limply, separated from his skin, the smalled tabby appeared relatively unharmed. Enter Snakestar, smiling from his speech.)
Snakestar: How goes it, my Brothers? When will Twistedclaw be ready to fight?
Twistedclaw (chuckling darkly): Twistedclaw is ready to fight whenever 'tis called for.
Lizardeye (coldly and still working): Give 't two days or so of rest. He'll be fine.
Snakestar: I did not expect such protest in attacking ThunderClan.
Lizardeye: Can only be expected. Icepelt has always been cautious. Toadpelt is no doubt worried for Fireshadow.
Twistedclaw (snorting): Fireshadow left us of her own free will. If she dies in battle it should be of no concern to our Dear Kin.
Snakestar: Aww, Twistedclaw. If you had ever known, you would understand better.
Twistedclaw (squinting): Understand what?
Snakestar (whimsical): That force that doth make the sun shine so brightly, give the flowers scent their sweetness, causes birds sing at dawn, and urges the moon to change its form. That which forward brings the laughter of kits, and the secretive glances between the apprentices. That emotion that doth move even the cruelest of warriors to tears, that fills elder's with youthful sprite, and could bring the most courageous of leaders to shaky paws and eyes wide with fear...
Lizardeye (dryly): Or make even the most charismatic of cats, tongue-tied?
Snakestar (exchanging a knowing glance with Lizardeye): Yes, Brother, that too. In any case, get thee to bed, my Brothers. We've much preparation to do, lest the enemy grows strong in the shadows of the night.
[glow=Purple,2,300]
(Lizardeye, sleeping, rises to find himself on StarClan's hollowed grounds. Before him stands a beautiful she-cat with a light brown and cream pelt.)
Lizardeye (straining to speak): Dapplepelt?
(The star covered she-cat says nothing but pads forward and touches muzzles with him.)
Lizardeye (too stunned with amazement to be happy): Why-? Wait, don't go!
Dapplepelt (fading away already): Beware the winter's ice, 'tis carried on dangerous wings. And more than that, fear your blood, which though strongly courses, is dangerous in a heart full of love.
(A thunder-like crash, and bright light. Lizardeye is awake, panting hard and looking unnatural in his waves of emotions. His eyes not glazed but wide with sorrow, anguish, and fear. His mind whirls to think of it's meaning. But he knew already. He nudged his brother, whose body was heavy with sleep.)
Twistedclaw (half yawning): Wha' 's 't?
Lizardeye: Twistedclaw, I need you to keep a close eye on Icepelt, can you do that?
Twistedclaw (eyes closed): O' Course.
Lizardeye (murmuring): Wing? Finchpaw perhaps? No, no, she is too loyal, I've yet to see her do wrong by the Clan. Lightfeather? Blackfeather? Batheart? Hawktalon? Eagleflight? 'Tis too many, too many! Watchful as I am, I've seen no disloyalty amongst these cats. They do so love their Snakestar! I can imagine none whom would do harm to their Clan! And what means this of our blood and love? I shall keep close watch on my brothers as well. If love be their downfall, I shall catch love and drown it with my own claws!
(He is calmer. His cold demeanor returns as he reminds himself that Dapplepelt is long dead. Love most certainly could not be his downfall, correct?)
[glow=Purple,2,300]
(Dawn Patrol was sent out, Embertail at the head of it. Snakestar watches them go, smiling as he remembered the days when he and his brothers led the Clan into their new day. Out of the nursery trots Darkcloud, who glares at Snakestar as she makes her way to the fresh-kill den.)
Snakestar (smiles and dips his head): Good Morning, Darkcloud, how fairst your kits?
(Darkcloud sniffs and pads back into the nursery with a rather large lizard in her mouth. Lizardeye exits the Medicine Cat Den and sits beside Snakestar.)
Lizardeye (observing): She'll not forgive you so easily.
Snakestar: I don't blame her. We were mates once but that time has long passed. I do hope she's not made Ivypaw and Adderpaw suffer for 't.
Lizardeye: How fairst your Queen, Snakestar?
Snakestar (purring): She is well. Her kits are due soon, yet she refuses to move to the nursery.
Lizardeye (aside): Seems their love is causing Snakestar no trouble. I must be watchful still.
Snakestar: How is my Deputy, Lizardeye?
Lizardeye: He's yet to stop figetting, and he grumbles about having training to do.
Snakestar: One could mistake him for our younger! The way we fuss over him.
Lizardeye (dryly): He is younger in manner.
Snakestar (chastising): In manner of his height you mean!
Lizardeye (blinking): Of course, Snakestar. So, your Queen gives you no trouble at all? No scoldings, or angry looks exchanged.
Snakestar: She is rather uncomfortable, but being so heavy with kits it's understandable. But no, she shows no anger towards me. Why so curious?
Lizardeye: I meant to see if she had symptoms of ill nature. But as you speak of her, I can guess she does not.
Snakestar: Ill nature?
Lizardeye (nodding): Illness is quite natural.
Snakestar (laughing): You are being wordy. Why do you play this game? (spots Feathercloud across the clearing) Morning to you, Feathercloud? What are you doing?
Feathercloud (padding over): Oh, good morning Snakestar and Lizardeye. (she nods to Lizardeye) After last night I thought you hadn't had time to eat. I was just going to fetch fresh kill for you and Twistedclaw.
Lizardeye (aside): Feathers make wings. Wings to fly on clouds. Clouds carry snow. Have I found it? No, she's too gentle and small. Loyalty unmatched. How could she be the danger?
Snakestar: Well, there is no need for that now. How is my daughter doing in training?
Feathercloud: Ivypaw? She's an excellent hunter, and though excited she is in battle training, her moves could use work. Perhaps she should see Twistedclaw.
Snakestar (smiling): No, no, like any other apprentice she must learn to fend for herself. No relying on kin to give extra hints until after warriorhood.
Feathercloud: Alright, but I'm afraid I won't be much of a challenge for her. She's as tall as I am already!
Snakestar: That's perfect. It'll keep her more than prepared to fight ThunderClan apprentices.
Feathercloud (not smiling): We'll battle them soon. Won't we?
Snakestar (softly): Yes, but have no fears. Our Clan needs the victory, and we will most certainly attain it. We'll not harm any cat that does not warrant it, I give you my word, Feathercloud.
Feathercloud (nodding): Lizardeye, is Twistedclaw allowed to have visitors. I want to congradulate him on his victory.
Lizardeye: I do-
Snakestar: Of course you can see him, Feathercloud. (as she leaves he turns to Lizardeye) What's the trouble brother? She's only giving him her thanks.
Lizardeye: You know how Twistedclaw is around she-cats. I just don't want him breaking his neck trying to get away.
Snakestar (murrowing in laughter): Twistedclaw will be leader someday and he'll have to get over it eventually.
Lizardeye (dryly): He might live longer if he didn't.
Snakestar: Come now, Brother. Don't you think it would do him good to have a she-cat around? He would not so readily fly into battle.
Lizardeye (angrily): But we need him to fly into battle! 'Tis the way he is and the way we cannot be. He is a great strength to us, and I for one cannot imagine him to be dull and sit around with kits playing about him.
Snakestar (quiet and serious): Is this about Dapplepelt?
(It was the only subject Snakestar had ever known his cold brother to become so emotional about. Lizardeye blinked at Snakestar, turned away, and headed into the forest. He had cats to keep an eye on, after all.)
[glow=Purple,2,300]
(Day of attack has come. Warriors gather around Twistedclaw, Snakestar, and Lizardeye. The warriors and apprentices have been divided into three groups, each headed by one of the leading brothers.)
Icepelt (murmuring): How can we be taken seriously with a Medicine Cat, at the fore-front. He's left his apprentices to deal with the strain of battle injuries alone.
Toadpelt (growling): Are you questioning my kin's judgement, Icepelt?
Hawktalon: Silence they speak!
Toadpelt (aside): He forgets that our unified goal is all that keeps me from his throat. They speak!
Snakestar: My Clan. The night is clear and the moon is in it's bright crescent state. StarClan hath shown no wrath against our actions, nor have they shown us their favor. For this reason, we are careful. We must not harm kits, nor pointlessly slay apprentices. Lizardeye's small group shall herd the youth of the Clan into the nursery and hold them there until the battle is won. Twistedclaw shalt lie in wait in the undergrowth. Any cowards deserting their clans warrant immediate death! For those are the ones likely to return sneakily and cry "revenge!". This rule does not apply to my group. Those who cry "surrender" are given but one chance to join the apprentices and kits. Once the leader is defeated or cries "surrender" in fear of losing all cats, we shall escort them away. Understood? Then fare thee well, my Brave Clan. Should I fall tonight, know that the others will call me "Bloody Rogue", but you who knew me well call me "Fallen Friend".
Eclipseclaw: And Great Leader.
Ivypaw and Adderpaw: And Brave Father.
Snakestar (smiling): Enough, enough! WE FIGHT!
(He leads his large army through the camp entrance.)
Icepelt (murmuring): So our Clan follows him with blind eyes? Look Ho, even gentle Whiteheart looks prepared to kill at his word! I fear this 'll not end until he fails!
[glow=Purple,2,300]
(Carnage is strewn across ThunderClan territory. The battle lasted until sunset the next day. ThunderClan had been clever, hiding in trees and leaping down on ShadowClan warriors. They had kicked dirt in faces, and played dead often to get in second attacks, but in the end they failed. Yowls of victory sounded. Twistedclaw and Patrol marched into camp, triumphant and bood-stained.)
Snakestar (On High Rock): ThunderClan! Thne leader has fallen! Thine Deputy is dead! The time has come for thou to sheath thine claws and stop baring thine teeth. The time has come to forfeit thine territory!
(The remaining few warriors, and Medicine Cat apprentice stumble out of the prison that was once a nursery. The kits came out with tails dragging, but pressed very close to each other)
Snakestar: You, are to be escorted off of this territory and into two-leg place. Should you ever return to here, or ShadowClan. Your punishment is death.
One of the ThunderClan Warriors (holding the leader's gaze): We will not go!
(Gasps and hisses errupt from ShadowClan.)
ThunderClan tom: This is our home! You wish us to go and live as rogues, loners, and kitty-pets? We'll not stand it. If you are a true Clan Cat, let us stay and prove ourselves true Clan Cats also.
Snakestar (curious): How do you desire to prove it?
ThunderClan tom: As you say, all leadership in this Clan is destroyed, and our territory gone, ThunderClan is no longer ThunderClan. If it comes down to being a rogue, then I would prefer to be a Clan Cat of another Clan...I wish to join your Clan.
(Yowls of protest errupt on both sides)
Patchpelt: TRAITOR! OUR LEADER DIES AND YOU JOIN THE ENEMY!
ThunderClan Tom: I DO IT FOR THE KIT'S SAKE. You would take their one chance to live on the territory that is so rightfully theirs?! What say you, Snakestar?
Snakestar (examining the heart-broken kits): Yes. Let them stay.
Hawktalon: But they are ThunderClan!
Snakestar: If ThunderClan be no more, how can they be ThunderClan? But if they were born on territory that was rightfully ShadowClan's, are they not ShadowClan kits? Come kits, fear not, we'll not harm you. (wraps tail around a young she-cat) You fear us? You are so rightly afraid, for who was it that slay your parents? 'Twas I. You are the leader's kit, are you not?
(The small she-kit nods and begins to sob.)
Snakestar (brushes tears away with his tail): Cry not, Young One. 'Tis the way of the forest. Everything that lives must die. You'll have new parents now, and Clanmate's that will love you. I'll see you well taken care of, as my kits were and are. You'll be strong and loyal, and never again will you feel the terror you have felt tonight.
(She-kit's sobs lighten and she glares at the ShadowClan Leader, the murderer of her parents.)
Snakestar (smiling): There! There! You see, Hawktalon? She knows the ShadowClan way! Such courage and pride, Little Ones, is expected of ShadowClan kits. And soon, you'll feel it not for ThunderClan, but ShadowClan instead.
(Other kits and the one surviving apprentice glare at Snakestar, disbelieving. Patchpelt leaps at the ShadowClan Leader and is knocked out of the air by Twistedclaw, who promptly places his right claw on her throat.)
Twistedclaw: You choice, Patchpelt! Kittypet, or Clan, or even better, death!
Patchpelt (spitting): I'd rather be a kittypet than die for your pleasure, Twistedclaw!
(The blood-thirsty tom releases her and she hisses and glares with tear-filled eyes as she disappears on her path to two-leg place.)
Snakestar: ThunderClan is ours! Next onward to WindClan!
(Cheers errupt and Toadpelt exchanges a dark look with Icepelt and Hawktalon.)
Hawktalon (hissing): He draws nearer to RiverClan by the day! His ambition is unsatiable!
Icepelt: The Wind roars in his path, but being the meer Breeze it is now it'll not hold him!
Toadpelt (staring at Snakestar): My Kin that I have oft' fought to defend, does beckon me to bring his end...
[glow=Purple,2,300]
(The ThunderClan camp is still covered in bodies and stained with blood. Snakestar has created a patrol to clear the carnage and bury the bodies. Enter Frostclaw, Eclipseclaw, and Reedwhisker. Reedwhisker sniffs a nearby ThunderClan cat.)
Reedwhisker: Does it not feel a little wrong? Burying these cats without their proper rites?
Eclipseclaw (shouldering a body onto her back): If we give them rites, we admit we have done wrong.
Frostclaw (dragging an apprentice by the neck scruff): How so?
Eclipseclaw: Well consider! ThunderClan renounced StarClan and the Warrior Code just before they attacked us, right?
Reedwhisker: I guess...
Eclipseclaw: The Warrior Code does not apply to cats outside the Clans, right?
Reedwhisker: But they were still ThunderClan.
Eclipseclaw: How can they be a proper Clan without the warrior code? ThunderClan became a bunch of rogues before they fell. And there is nothing in the Warrior Code against killing rogues in battle. To give them their rites, would make them Clan Cats and show us to be in the wrong.
Reedwhisker: I suppose. But don't you feel sorry for them? Look at that body over there, the golden one. Might that have been Honeyfur? Or Embertail? If the situation were reversed?
Eclipseclaw (sniffing the body indicated): 'Twould not be either. This one was a tom.
Reedwhisker (padding over): A tom? (sees white spots on a lower flank) By StarClan! It's Rabbitheart!
Frostclaw: Didn't you know? Twistedclaw was his end.
Eclipseclaw (excited): Tell me how!
Frostclaw: Well, he, yowling fiercely, leapt from the highest of trees and landed on Twistedclaw's back. He clawed and scratched and bit with fury! Yet, Twistedclaw lay still as a dead mouse. I feared our Deputy had died but then- Up sprang Twistedclaw, knocking the Golden Warrior off his paws. He leapt for the tom's neck, but Rabbitheart kicked him away. They charged each other, but Twistedclaw was too small and fast to be hit in such a way. Our Blood-Thirsty Deputy clawed purposefully at Rabbitheart's hackles until the Golden Warrior could hardly move. Twistedclaw came upon him like a bloody shadow and stuck at his neck, and the Golden Warrior fell at last!
Reedwhisker: Alas, poor Rabbitheart! I met him at sev'l Gatherings. He was so kind and witty! I dare any cat's smile to match his own! And here he lies in the dust. Where art thine jokes? Where is that smile that puts to shame the stars? Long gone. Here is the true fall of ThunderClan! Toms like him, dead and without proper death rites given! You rid the rest, Eclipseclaw and Frostclaw! I shall sit vigil for this tom, as no other cat will.
(Eclipseclaw gives Reedwhisker an odd look, and Frostclaw shrugs as they get back to work.)
[glow=Purple,2,300]
(In a shaded area on what was once the ThunderClan and ShadowClan Border. It has been a moon since the fall of ThunderClan. The Gathering had been a terrifying event. Every Clan wanted to fight, but StarClan showed their fury. The moon had vanished and later that night, rain had poured. It has not stopped raining for days and thunder crashes hard. Enter Icepelt, Toadpelt, and Hawktalon. Thunder crashes overhead.)
Icepelt (sorrowfully): Perhaps Thunder is mourning the fall of his Clan?
Hawktalon (spitting): If Thunder is so distraught, why did he not act to save his pitiful Clan? Wind, I hope will better 'fend her Clanmates.
Toadpelt (solemn): Why precisely did you call us hear? What is it you intend to do?
Hawktalon (hissing): Is 't not obvious? Snakestar's gone mad!
Toadpelt (uncertain): Has he? Did he not do what he promised to do? He brought ThunderClan down and gave us their territory so our Clan does not starve. Prey grows scarce in our own territory already, but thanks to the newly acquired forest we feast as though it were early leaf-green!
Icepelt: He forced ThunderClan kits to join the Clan!
Toadpelt (defensive): But the kits are well-cared for as he promised! And though they are discontent around Snakestar, they seem to be mingling well with our ShadowClan kits. They're so young, they might even forget they're grudge someday!
Hawktalon (bristlisting): Coward! You back down! Have you forgotten dearest Fireshadow, and her kits! Your kits! They shall die at Snakestar's paws.
Toadpelt: But...But- he's my kin. Surely he'll spare them if I ask him too!
Hawktalon: Not if Lizardeye and Twistedclaw disagree. You have a one in three chance Toadpelt. Do you wager your mate's life?
Toadpelt (head bowed): What must we do?
Icepelt (stepping in): We must end this madness. Taking territory out of need is one thing, but conquering an entire Clan? There have always been four! The four clans need to be together to survive! Let us return to the forest with prey. They mustn't suspect our meeting.
(Exeunt Icepelt and Hawktalon)
Toadpelt: Oh woe! Dear Kin. 'Tis the fall of a noble cat's mind! Have you sank into such madness that moons of bonding and friendship have been brought to this? Were it not for the poison of my heart, my fair Fireshadow, and our kits, I would never betray thee in such a way. But alas, I can only pray to StarClan that death comes on swift wings for thou, Snakestar!
[glow=Purple,2,300]
(The camp clearing, another half moon since the defeat of ThunderClan. ShadowClan is rebuilding well, their warriors and apprentices are nearly healed of all injuries. Snakestar paces outside of his den, despite his protests, his mate had demanded not to move to the nursery, so at the present moment she was having kits in the privacy of the Leader's Den. Ivypaw and Adderpaw pad up to him.)
Ivypaw: Father? Since you are having new kits, will we not be considered your kits any longer?
Snakestar (tired but kind): Of course not. I'll love you no less. But you shall have to be kind to your younger siblings.
(Across the clearing, Darkcloud hissed. She was glaring at her former mate. She had a new one now, and in fact had chosen a new one before Snakestar had even left her, but she still despised the ShadowClan Leader. A wail could be heard from the Leader's Den, and Lizardeye stuck his head out.)
Snakestar (concerned): Is she well?
Lizardeye (nodding): You have a son. The second is coming.
(He disappeared into the den again. Snakestar looked irrtably at the den's entrance. He would be in there had his brother not insisted that his pacing and fidgeting would do more harm in good.)
Lizardeye: You may come in now.
(Snakestar disappeared into the den faster than a rabbit down its burrow. It was dark inside and the mewing of the kits could be heard. Lizardeye informed him the second was a tom as well, and the kits immediately crawled to their mother's side. He brushed carefully along the side of the den, and pressed his muzzle to Lightningclaw's ear.)
Snakestar: Oh, the stars must have favored me greatly to give me such a gift. A strong and beautiful mate, who here bore me two toms full of such life. Look how they squirm, and wrestle for thine attention. The larger is dark and striped, with fur so long one might mistake him for mossball. The second, small and bright furred, his movements most quick. What shall we name them, my Love?
Lightningclaw (with an exhausted smile): Is it not obvious? The dark tabby bears great resemblance to you. He is dark like the bark of a tree, with fur in long strands like the needles of pine. Pinekit be thy name, Little Snakestar. The smaller is light as eye and delicate in feature, though he does bear stripes as thee and thine littermates so naturally do. His light color and markings do so remind me of a thrush. Thrushkit be thine name, my son.
Snakestar (pressing his muzzle to Lightningclaw's cheek): My clever mate, how can I thank thee more?
Lightningclaw: Announce our kits to the Clan. I would like them to recieve proper welcome into the world.
Snakestar: Farewell my sons, I shall visit thee often.
Lizardeye: Thou shalt have to. The kits live in this den.
(Snakestar laughs and bounds out of the Leader's Den and onto the gnarled roots of the roof. He calls a Clan Meeting and after the cats have gathered, he speaks with pride that resounds through all the old and new ShadowClan Territory.)
Snakestar: My Clan! We have new Clanmates to welcome. With great honor I would like to announce the birth of my sons, both strong and healthy! I expect great accomplishments of them, as I expect of each one of you, and you like-wise can expect of me. For ShadowClan has now become another name for Greatness!
Twistedclaw: Under your rule it has, Snakestar!
(Yowls of agreement errupt. Icepelt at the very back of the crowd, eyes wide.)
Icepelt (horrified murmur): Fools...piteous fools....my beloved clanmates...the beasts they have become. Look how blindly they follow their leader?! Hanging on his every word as leeches cling to the pelts of water wading creatures! Look ho, how wise and mighty senior warriors glow when they look upon the tabby tom, twice their younger! Look ho, how apprentices stare in sheer admiration! Look ho, how kits cheer and wave and call for Snakestar's attention. All but I, Toadpelt, Hawktalon, and DarkCloud seems entranced...The rest are mesmerized, standing stupid before the Leader that led them into murdering an entire Clan and stealing it's kits! StarClan help me! I fear it's too late for the salvation of my Clan....I cannot do it alone....
Hawktalon (eyes glinting): Thou shalt not be alone. I'll not blindly follow them as mine clanmates do! They are base and low. They can not see how Snakestar and his brother's hath sucked their wit from them! This is sheer dictatorship! I'll not live under 't.
Toadpelt: My kin are dangerous to me...They threaten to strike mine heart, and strike me down if I dare'st to oppose them. (aside) I shall have I counsel with Lizardeye...He is no doubt the master of their plans. If Fireshadow wilt not be spared then without a doubt, I'll do what destiny calls for...
[glow=Purple,2,300]
((Leaf-bare. It's nightfall in ShadowClan Camp. The three tabby brothers are huddled in the Medicine Cat Den, seeing as the leader's den is a bit crowded at the moment. They can hardly see anything, except the glinting of each other's eyes, two pairs of green, one amber set. Twistedclaw is closest to the entrance, watching for eavesdroppers.))
Snakestar: All seems well for now. The Clan is content enough with all the new territory (amused and twitching his whiskers). The apprentices have been enjoying themselves thoroughly despite the snow. How fairs the Wind?
Lizardeye: Prey-bare as ever. However, this leaf-bare has been especially cruel to them. They've not sniffed rabbit in days.
Snakestar (slyly): How curious...Tell me, Brother. How dost thou know? What little Breeze carries thine news?
Lizardeye (vaguely): A rather flowery Breeze, but 'tis not what we are here to dicuss. Twistedclaw? What plans of attack hath thou conjured to assure victory?
Twistedclaw (grinning wildly): A full frontal onslaught, my brothers, is the best approach to take. Though the course be bloody, there's no way around it. WindClan's moorlands are bare and white, and being of Shadow our pelts will give away concealment the second we set foot on it! If Ravenstar had proven himself cowardly in prior battles, I would order surroundment of camp and threat of death. But surrender is unlikely in such a case. Thus, like waves we must surge forth, we shall divide our warriors and apprentices in lines of three and just before the first wave breaks, we'll send forth the next. We shall crush them under sheer number, and physical strength!
Lizardeye (nodding): Excellent plotting, Dear Brother. (aside) He dreams these plans as I could never.
Snakestar: Good now-
Twistedclaw (bristling): Hush, another comes!
(Enter Toadpelt.)
Toadpelt (bewildered to see all his kin up so late): Have I...interrupted something?
Snakestar (Laughing and wrapping his tail around their kin): No, no not at all, Toadpelt. You see it's just that we're all so busy these moons that we rarely all come together this way. And how could we forget to involve our dear kin, our Toadpelt, hmm?
Twistedclaw (grinning): Relax, Toadpelt. (brushes his paw against the brown cat's shoulder) You've not missed much. But it's best we get some rest now.
Snakestar: What brings you here at so late an hour?
Toadpelt: I wanted to speak with Lizardeye. I have a pain in my back...
Snakestar (sympathetic): Well that's too bad.
Twistedclaw: Get it fixed, we'll need thee fit.
(Exeunt Twistedclaw and Snakestar)
Lizardeye (unconvinced): On what grounds dost thou liest?
Toadpelt (faltering): 'Twas that obvious?
Lizardeye: I am doubtful either of them believed it, now I ask again. On what grounds dost thou liest?
Toadpelt (heavy hearted): ShadowClan's ground. Always ShadowClan!
Lizardeye (coldly): Do not play kit-games with me, Toadpelt! Tell me. Or leave.
Toadpelt (hesitant): Forgive me, Kin. I know what i prepare to ask is entirely private to thee and thine Brother's devices...Dost thou mean...to bleed the River?
Lizardeye (icy): If we mean to. We will do so.
Toadpelt (eyes downcast): I see...And what of Fireshadow...her kits...my kits!
Lizardeye: Thine kits are apprentices.
Toadpelt: Hardly so! Not a full moon has passed!
Lizardeye: Should they surrender, as a few ThunderClan cats hath done...They are spared. Teach them to swallow their pride and they shall not choke on it!
Toadpelt: WHY?! Why is my kinship with you not enough to spare them?!
Lizardeye (icily): Teach them the way of survival. I will say no more.
(Toadpelt storms out, furious)
Lizardeye: It does prick my mind, though I wish it were not so...I shall keep watch on him.
[glow=Purple,2,300]
(Early dawn, Toadpelt returning to camp. Icepelt and Hawktalon emerge from the shadows.))
Hawktalon: Well? Did I not tell you?
Toadpelt (head hanging low): She claims she'd rather meet death in battle than return to ShadowClan. She refuses to let our kits go either.
Icepelt (solemn): Then death is ccertain for all three if we refuse to act.
Toadpelt: I suppose so....Hush, they come!
(All three slip into the warrior's den, the three tabby brothers exit the Medicine Cat den. Snaketail is nodding his head as Twistedclaw speaks. Lizardeye trails behind looking around with his glazed and icy expression.))
Snakestar: So when can we attack WindClan?
Twistedclaw: All have been informed and know the plan well. We can attack even tomorrow night if you are so eager, Brother.
Snakestar: Eager I am! Eager to see every hill and tree in the forest belong to our kits my Brothers.
Twistedclaw (raising a brow): Our kits?
Snakestar: Well, thou shalt most certainly have them someday, Will thou not?
Lizardeye: Focus, Brothers, we've much to prepare for. I suggest we order several hunting patrols, a few more than usual. We'll need a full fresh-kill pile for tomorrow night.
Snakestar (nodding): Twistedclaw shall handle that. Come Lizardeye, join me on Dawn patrol. 'Tis been too long.
(Exeunt Lizardeye and Snakestar. Enter several awakening warriors, including Hawktalon.)
Hawktalon (aside): If their plan is to attack the night of morrow, then the best plan of action is to strike fierce today. While all the hunting patrols are out and about, we'll ask for conference with Snakestar in the emptiness of camp. Ending his life, we shall flee into RiverClan territory for they are well ready to attack ShadowClan. And that will be the end of these Tyrant Brothers. It strikes upon me that many will call this treason...but certainly it is the only way.
Feathercloud: Twistedclaw, may I go on hunting patrol too?
Twistedclaw (looking pointedly at the ground): You can lead one.
Feathercloud: But we haven't enough warriors for another.
(Twistedclaw, looking up to see it is true. Only Ivypaw and her mentor were left. He would have sent Toadpelt or Hawktalon with them, but he had wanted to get out of camp himself today. Staying here and pacing out battle plans had grown exhausting to him.)
Feathercloud (after a long pause): Twistedclaw? Might you join us in our hunting?
Twistedclaw (mumbling): I suppose I should.
(All three pad off towards the marsh, leaving Hawktalon, Icepelt, and Toadpelt to guard the camp with the queens, kits, and Lightningclaw within it.)
[glow=Purple,2,300]
((Snakestar and Lizardeye are on Border Patrol. Enter Icepelt.))
Icepelt: Snakestar....I have a matter I'd like to discuss with thee...alone.
Lizardeye (coldly): Anything thou wishes to say can be spoken before me.
Snakestar (jovial): 'Tis true, Icepelt. My ears are my brother's ears, and theirs mine. Sharing ears this way I am amazed we've not gone deaf!
Icepelt: Snakestar please! (looks pleading) 'Tis important.
Snakestar (concerned): I'll take my leave of you brother, be well. Keep good watch on the border.
(Exeunt Icepelt and Snakestar, Lizardeye attempts to sneak after but Brindlepelt leaps out, chasing a squirrel. She crashes into Lizardeye's side.)
Brindlepelt (suprised): I'm sorry!Are you alright? (aside) Great StarClan have I become the end of our Medicine Cat? Lizardeye wake up!
Lizardeye (blinking): I was never asleep.
Brindlepelt: Oh. (looks around but sees no other cats) Why are you out here alone?
Lizardeye: I was patrolling the borders with Snakestar but he had to go speak with Icepelt.
Brindlepelt: Well one cat isn't very frightening on Border Patrol.
Lizardeye: Thou hast not seen Twistedclaw?
Brindlepelt: Other than him.
(A brief pause as their eyes meet)
Lizardeye: Shall we go?
Brindlepelt: But of course.
(They walk in silence at first. Lizardeye's gaze intensely set on the ground before him.)
Brindlepelt: What troubles you?
Lizardeye (mumbling): Icepelt...Winter's ice. But he's too loyal.
Brindlepelt: What was that?
(Lizardeye considers recent events. In recent Clan Meetings he had seen Icepelt with Toadpelt often lately. Sometimes they would go on patrol together, talking. He tried to remember them being together as much before, but that hadn't been the case until recently, and with Toadpelt upset about Fireshadow....))
Lizardeye (eyes burning): Too loyal...He is too loyal! Brindlepelt, hast thou seen Toadpelt?
Brindlepelt: Well yes, I believe he was left in camp, to guard Snakestar's kits and such.
Lizardeye: Alone?
Brindlepelt (slightly worried about the Medicine Cats behavior): No...In fact, Icepelt was supposed to stay with him. And Hawktalon's there too.
(Lizardeye's felt a grim calm over taking him.)
Lizardeye: Thank you, Brindlepelt.
NOTE: The following is quite grotesque, and not meant to offend anyone (especially the people with the "bad" kitties who so graciously gave me permission to use them. I apologize for their destined fates). It is cut short do to time constraints and well...it's a bit too gruesome to write out unless requested.
(He turned away and ran as if his paws had just caught fire, but deep down he knew the deed was done. Back at camp, the scene was horrifying. Icepelt still had his fangs in Snakestar's neck when Lizardeye arrived. Hawtalonn was battling the enraged and distraught Lightningclaw, her kits were huddled just inside the leader's den, terrified and wailing at their father's lifeless body. All nine...Wiped out because, as the few witnesses present would later explain, Icepelt had simply kept his fangs in Snakestar's neck as life after life passed through him. Of course the queens who were able came out to fight the trio of murderers but they were too few and too out of shape to do anything. The elder's had fought fiercely and Tallhawk lay dead at Toadpelt's claws. Enter Twistedclaw, who immediately upon seeing the sight, when mad with grief and launched himself at Icepelt. Lizardeye and Lightningclaw gave Hawkfrost such a bad clawing that he looked like a walking corpse as he struggled out of the forest. Toadpelt fled straight to RiverClan. By nightfall, a sick and depressed air had fallen on every cat in ShadowClan.))
((Twistedclaw sits between Feathercloud and Lizardeye. His eyes wild with blood-lust and yet wet will countless tears. His fur is fanned out into waves of spikes, still stained with Icepelt's blood.))
Twistedclaw (low and murderous): Death to RiverClan....And WindClan..... And ThunderClan.... (he looks around at his clanmates, whose eyes are downcast and heartbroken) AND DEATH TO StarClan! FOR THEY HAVE BETRAYED US WORST OF ALL!
Eclipseclaw: And so began...the rein of Twistedstar!
Note: I wrote it in this form, because I despise quote marks.
Note 2: If you want any kitties in this, send me a list. I don't suggest this if your the sort of person that hates seeing your cat played by another person))
[glow=Purple,2,300]
Prologue
[/glow](Enter the Eclipseclaw (yes I like that name Spore. ^.^) )
Eclipseclaw (in a passionate, yet raspy voice): Gather round, my clanmates, friends. I am here to tell a tragic tale. The fall of three of the greatest cats in all of time. Unrivaled in their loyalty! Fierce in determination! Dignified to the last breath! My mentor and his brothers...May StarClan rest their souls!
[glow=Purple,2,300]
ACT ONE SCENE 1
[/glow](Snakestar asleep in the leader's den beside his mate. A young tom apprentice rushes in, breathing hard)
Apprentice: Snakestar! Snakestar!
(Snakestar raises his head and looks pointedly at the apprentice)
Apprentice: I-I apologize sir, but it's Twistedclaw. He's been in a fight!
(The ShadowClan leader sighs, clearly this is not the first time. Yawning, the long-furred, tall, tabby rises and strecthes.)
Snakestar (exasperated): Bring him in.
(Enter Twistedclaw, a long fresh clawmark on his head and his claws stained blood red. He comes in talking already)
Twistedclaw: You don't understand, brother! It was Fro-
Snakestar (raising his tail): I know, I know, Brother. But it's time for this to end. We have many threats all around us, we can't afford to fight amongst ourselves.
Twistedclaw (snarling): But that mange-pelt is the very picture of disloyalty, Brother! How can we let him run his mouth that way? Spreading lies to our loyal warriors?
Snakestar (placing his tail around the smaller's shoulders): Lizardeye will handle all that, Twistedclaw. You have battle plans to make, and a Clan to help me run. I can't allow you to kill a Clan-mate, we would all have to become rogues. Surely this is deadly poison to your truest desires? The defeat of the other clans is close at paw! We musn't lose sight of it now!
Twistedclaw (more solemn at the thought of bringing his brother's harm): Very well then...I'll off t' bed.
Snakestar (shaking head, and chuckling): No, no, I can see 't now. You are too hot-blooded. Too distempered. Better you see our colder brother, may he chill your wild ways. Now off wi' you.
(Twistedclaw, downtrodden, exits his brother's den.)
(End Scene)
[glow=Purple,2,300]
ACT ONE SCENE 2
[/glow](The Medicine Cat Den is dark with just a shred of moonlight at it's entrance. Enter Twistedclaw, the fresh wound still dripping blood. Lizardeye scents blood, and raises his head.)
Lizardeye: What bringst you at this time of night?
Twistedclaw (smirking): Dear Brother, I fear my claw hast injured a clanmate.
Lizardeye (rises and gives Twistedclaw's wound a sniff): Then it hast done injury to itself.
Twistedclaw: Are you not curious to know-?
Lizardeye: Who it is thou hast injured? I know't well. 'Twas Frostclaw. And thou hast injured him out of loyalty to thine brothers, correct?
(Twistedclaw tilts his head, trying to guess why his brother seems to know all. Lizardeye sighs and goes to shuffle through the herbs.)
Lizardeye (back to Twistedclaw): I assume you know what misfortune has now stricken ThunderClan?
Twistedclaw (irritably): How could I not? 'Tis my job to know!
Lizardeye (low and in cold tones): Then use that knowledge wisely. Now is the time to sway your clanmates to be merry with your comrades. They must trust you beyond the most devious of doubts. 'Tis the only way they wll survive what is bound to come. WindClan is starving and desperate, ThunderClan has renounced StarClan and Warrior Code alike, and RiverClan steadily prepares for battle, and yet you would choose to raise thine claw against thine brother and these times? The darkest hour of the Clans..
(Twistedclaw is silent as Lizardeye returns with Marigold poultice and cobwebs.)
Lizardeye: Listen with attentive ears, my fire-filled brother, there will be plenty of enemy blood to spill. Wait a while, and be gentle with thine Clan-mates and soon our destiny will be fulfilled.
(Twistedclaw nods, thoroughly consoled and glad for once of his brother's objective nature. There had been times, though admittedly only a few, where Twistedclaw would be infuriated by his brother's lack of outrage. This is not one of them.)
Twistedclaw (exiting): Good Night, Cold brother. And thank thee. Were it not for your direct nature, my life would have been lost long ago.
(Lizardeye nods and pads back to his nest, but his eyes are only narrowed and calculating.)
((End Scene))
[glow=Purple,2,300]
ACT ONE SCENE 3
[/glow](It is Sunset A group of warriors are gathered around the fresh-kill pile. Enter Snakestar from the leader's den. He crosses to grab a rabbit off the pile. Then crouches to eat beside several other warriors.)
Batheart: Well, it's been a while since last you dined with us.
Heronpelt: Quite a while indeed. How have you been? Is your queen well?
Snakestar (murrowing with amusement): She gets rounder by the day, at this rate she'll have to stay in the nursery.
Reedwhisker (sarcastic): Oh, but she's far to fair for it! She's leader's mate and deserves more than sitting in the nursery's crowd!
Snakestar (laughs and flicks Reedwhisker's ears): No we can't have that, can we? So how's the warrior's den?
Foxfur: Crowded! Swiftsand kicks me sev'l times yester night!
Reedwhisker: You sure 'twas an accident?
(All laugh)
Snakestar (smiling at his clanmats): Enough, enough, how runs the prey?
Heronpelt: Away from Reedwhisker!
(Bursts into more bouts of laughter)
Batheart (whiskers twitching): Tsk, tsk, you jest too much. The prey runs well, Snakestar.
Snakestar: And the borders?
(Heronpelt's neck fur rises.)
Batheart (solemn): They grow closer each day. The scent markers sting our noses each time we patrol.
Snakestar (bearing fangs): They'll learn their lessons soon! Twistedclaw will see to 't!
(In walks a saddened Dappleheart. She sits alone with a small mouse. Snakestar nods to his cheerful clanmates and pads over to her.)
Dappleheart (raising her head): Oh, hello, Snakestar.
Snakestar (sitting beside her): What's your touble, Dappleheart?
Dappleheart: That you know me too well.
Snakestar (unperturbed): Come now, surely there is more?
Dappleheart (hesitant at first, then sighs and tells): 'Tis Duskpaw.
Snakestar: Ahhh,our Clan's most inquisitive apprentice! How does she in training?
Dappleheart (weakly smiling): All is well...in training at least.
(Snakestar gives her a questioning look.)
Dappleheart: Oh she's so bright Snakestar! Such a quick learner, and so intelligent! I've no trouble at all in teaching her hunting, or battletraining, or chores.
Snakestar: But....?
Dappleheart: It's her incessant questioning! She never stops! I take her out to see Thunderpath, asks she: 'Why doth the monsters stay on their path?' I take her hunting, asks she, 'Who made the first hunting crouch?'. I take her to clean the elder's den, asks she, 'How old is the warrior code?'
Snakestar (resting his tail on his young clanmate's shoulders): Is the problem that she asks too many questions? Or is it that you feel you cannot answer them?
(Dappleheart looks up at the tall leader.)
Snakestar: She is young and bound to question many things. As a mentor you must explain as best you can and tell her when you cannot. No cat knows everything. Tell her that someday she may be lucky enough to find out herself. Or I could talk to her if you would rather.
Dappleheart (brighter): No need for that. I think I can handle it. Thank you, Snakestar.
(Enter Sabletooth, breathing hard from running)
Sabletooth: Snakestar! It's ThunderClan, they've over run our borders!
(Yowls of protest errupt throughout camp)
Eclipseclaw: So they've proven themselves to be fox-hearted rogues afterall!
Snakestar (snarling): Enough! We'll teach them not to mess with REAL Clan cats!
Twistedclaw (storming into camp): I need warriors!
(Cats crowd around in volunteering. Bluethorn and Stormclaw at the head of the volunteers. And Flintstone (XD, I'll come up with a real one soon) exited the Warriors den as quickly as he could. Taking several others with him, Twistedclaw stormed out of camp. Snakestar gathered a second group in case reinforcements were needed but for now, he knew enough to stay out of his brother's way. Besides he knew far worse troubles were ahead. Lizardeye entered the clearing, caring herbs necessary for serious battle wounds and cobwebs.)
Lizardeye: So they finally attacked, hmm? How do you think our dear Brother will fair?
Snakestar: Nay, I doubt Twistedclaw will fear at all. 'Tis the other Clan's misfortune.
[glow=Purple,2,300]
ACT ONE SCENE 4
[/glow](Snakestar paces. The sun has well fallen and the caterwauls of distant battles had yet to stop. Was Twistedclaw dead? Was the patrol lost? In bursts Toadpelt, stinking of enemy blood.)
Snakestar: What news?
Toadpelt ( in ragged breaths): Thunderclan's patrol has fallen. There were...so many (he coughs) they must have brought their entire Clan!
Snakestar: And their leader?
Toadpelt: Fled with the remainder of the patrol. Only several escaped.
Lizardeye (appearing beside his tall brother): Then the time has come...
Snakestar: Where's Twistedclaw?
Bluethorn: He's here, Snakestar!
(Enter Bluethorn and Stormclaw, carrying Twistedclaw between them. The small tabby was so drenched in blood that no battle wound was to be seen on his pelt. He looked weary, but not in pain. Nevertheless, both his brothers surrounded him immediately. Lizardeye began checking for serious wonds, while Snakestar pressed his pelt against his brothers, regardless of blood.)
Snakestar (overwhelmingly relieved): By StarClan.....We feared you were lost!
Twistedclaw (rumbling with dark laughter): Lost? I could have fought forever!
(Lizardeye sniffed a deep wound on Twistedclaw's throat. Whatever his brother's joking, if the wound had been a mouse-length to the right it would have killed him.)
Lizardeye: Next time, we'll be sure to fight beside you.
Snakestar: It wouldn't be right, Lizardeye. You're a Medicine Cat.
Lizardeye (aside): And since when has the warrior code stopped us? We follow it as best we can, but in times like these it is a mere hindrance.
(Lizardeye asks two warriors to carry his brother to the Medicine Cat Den, despite Twistedclaw's protests. Snakestar leapt onto the gnarled roots that formed his den and called a Clan Meeting.)
Snakestar: Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather here for a Clan meeting.
(They gather, some still freshly wounded.)
Snakestar: As you all well know, ThunderClan has grown bolder than their borders can hold. They invaded our borders today, but our Clan was far too powerful for them!
(Yowls of triumph errupt.)
Snakestar: But now is the time to move beyond that.
(Silent confusion.)
Snakestar: Reports say only several warriors escaped tonight from this battle. Their Clan is but a small group of cats. And it is time that ShadowClan fulfills it's destiny. We shall rule all the forest! From the rushing river, to the undergrowth of forest-floors, to the damp hunting grounds of our own. 'Tis our destiny, and ThunderClan is too weak to prevent us from it.
Toadpelt (hesitantly): What about RiverClan...I mean, and WindClan too? Surely they'll not just stand by and-?
Snakestar: RiverClan hast no borders by us, we can post guards on Four Trees with ease. WindClan has their starvation to deal with, they'll have no chance to attack.
Whiteheart: What about those cats remaining on ThunderClan? Their apprentices...Their kits?
Snakestar: If you're referring to the six kits remaining, they are of no use to us, and are not fit for forest life in any case. Their three remaining apprentices is no threat to our apprentices. But enough of that, I know what truly troubles you... (looks gently at Whiteheart) No unnecessary blood will be spilled. Those who are helpless against us will be escorted, into two-leg place. Where they will become soft kitty-pets and live long lives.
Icepelt (suspicious): There's no way StarClan would allow you to attack this way!
Snakestar: Do you see the moon or stars blotted by clouds? Is it raining, or is thunder crashing? Lizardeye has recieved no warnings against our right to attack. It is our destiny to rule the forest! We are still the largest Clan and still we grow!
Hawktalon: Have we not already claimed Snake Rocks on their territory? Is that not enough?
Snakestar: No. Hunting there is far too dangerous for it to be a true asset. No, what we require is all of ThunderClan. We now have three times their warriors. We can not afford to let our chance slip. Do you want to stress and worry all through Leaf-Bare. Will you allow our many kits to go hungry? Die at the paws of a weak and scrawny Clan that is well-fed only because of their small number? Where thine might? Where is thine pride? Hmm? Tell me my Clan, shall we fall to starvation when prey is just within reach?!
(Yowls of protest, and cheers for their leader. Hawktalon, Toadpelt, and Icepelt exchange a look then slip away. towards the warriors den.)
Icepelt (murmuring to his clanmates): The Clan loves him well.
Toadpelt (nods): But does that make him, right? He is my kin, yet I can't but worry. For Fireshadow...
Hawktalon (glares at the tall tabby): We'll watch him a while. He'll not move against the River until the Thunder stops its sounding.
[glow=Purple,2,300]
ACT TWO SCENE ONE
[/glow](Lizardeye is washing the blood from his brother's pelt with wet moss. The wounds are more minor than they first appeared. Aside from the jagged tear on his throat, from which fur hangs limply, separated from his skin, the smalled tabby appeared relatively unharmed. Enter Snakestar, smiling from his speech.)
Snakestar: How goes it, my Brothers? When will Twistedclaw be ready to fight?
Twistedclaw (chuckling darkly): Twistedclaw is ready to fight whenever 'tis called for.
Lizardeye (coldly and still working): Give 't two days or so of rest. He'll be fine.
Snakestar: I did not expect such protest in attacking ThunderClan.
Lizardeye: Can only be expected. Icepelt has always been cautious. Toadpelt is no doubt worried for Fireshadow.
Twistedclaw (snorting): Fireshadow left us of her own free will. If she dies in battle it should be of no concern to our Dear Kin.
Snakestar: Aww, Twistedclaw. If you had ever known, you would understand better.
Twistedclaw (squinting): Understand what?
Snakestar (whimsical): That force that doth make the sun shine so brightly, give the flowers scent their sweetness, causes birds sing at dawn, and urges the moon to change its form. That which forward brings the laughter of kits, and the secretive glances between the apprentices. That emotion that doth move even the cruelest of warriors to tears, that fills elder's with youthful sprite, and could bring the most courageous of leaders to shaky paws and eyes wide with fear...
Lizardeye (dryly): Or make even the most charismatic of cats, tongue-tied?
Snakestar (exchanging a knowing glance with Lizardeye): Yes, Brother, that too. In any case, get thee to bed, my Brothers. We've much preparation to do, lest the enemy grows strong in the shadows of the night.
[glow=Purple,2,300]
ACT TWO SCENE 2
[/glow](Lizardeye, sleeping, rises to find himself on StarClan's hollowed grounds. Before him stands a beautiful she-cat with a light brown and cream pelt.)
Lizardeye (straining to speak): Dapplepelt?
(The star covered she-cat says nothing but pads forward and touches muzzles with him.)
Lizardeye (too stunned with amazement to be happy): Why-? Wait, don't go!
Dapplepelt (fading away already): Beware the winter's ice, 'tis carried on dangerous wings. And more than that, fear your blood, which though strongly courses, is dangerous in a heart full of love.
(A thunder-like crash, and bright light. Lizardeye is awake, panting hard and looking unnatural in his waves of emotions. His eyes not glazed but wide with sorrow, anguish, and fear. His mind whirls to think of it's meaning. But he knew already. He nudged his brother, whose body was heavy with sleep.)
Twistedclaw (half yawning): Wha' 's 't?
Lizardeye: Twistedclaw, I need you to keep a close eye on Icepelt, can you do that?
Twistedclaw (eyes closed): O' Course.
Lizardeye (murmuring): Wing? Finchpaw perhaps? No, no, she is too loyal, I've yet to see her do wrong by the Clan. Lightfeather? Blackfeather? Batheart? Hawktalon? Eagleflight? 'Tis too many, too many! Watchful as I am, I've seen no disloyalty amongst these cats. They do so love their Snakestar! I can imagine none whom would do harm to their Clan! And what means this of our blood and love? I shall keep close watch on my brothers as well. If love be their downfall, I shall catch love and drown it with my own claws!
(He is calmer. His cold demeanor returns as he reminds himself that Dapplepelt is long dead. Love most certainly could not be his downfall, correct?)
[glow=Purple,2,300]
Act Two Scene 3
[/glow](Dawn Patrol was sent out, Embertail at the head of it. Snakestar watches them go, smiling as he remembered the days when he and his brothers led the Clan into their new day. Out of the nursery trots Darkcloud, who glares at Snakestar as she makes her way to the fresh-kill den.)
Snakestar (smiles and dips his head): Good Morning, Darkcloud, how fairst your kits?
(Darkcloud sniffs and pads back into the nursery with a rather large lizard in her mouth. Lizardeye exits the Medicine Cat Den and sits beside Snakestar.)
Lizardeye (observing): She'll not forgive you so easily.
Snakestar: I don't blame her. We were mates once but that time has long passed. I do hope she's not made Ivypaw and Adderpaw suffer for 't.
Lizardeye: How fairst your Queen, Snakestar?
Snakestar (purring): She is well. Her kits are due soon, yet she refuses to move to the nursery.
Lizardeye (aside): Seems their love is causing Snakestar no trouble. I must be watchful still.
Snakestar: How is my Deputy, Lizardeye?
Lizardeye: He's yet to stop figetting, and he grumbles about having training to do.
Snakestar: One could mistake him for our younger! The way we fuss over him.
Lizardeye (dryly): He is younger in manner.
Snakestar (chastising): In manner of his height you mean!
Lizardeye (blinking): Of course, Snakestar. So, your Queen gives you no trouble at all? No scoldings, or angry looks exchanged.
Snakestar: She is rather uncomfortable, but being so heavy with kits it's understandable. But no, she shows no anger towards me. Why so curious?
Lizardeye: I meant to see if she had symptoms of ill nature. But as you speak of her, I can guess she does not.
Snakestar: Ill nature?
Lizardeye (nodding): Illness is quite natural.
Snakestar (laughing): You are being wordy. Why do you play this game? (spots Feathercloud across the clearing) Morning to you, Feathercloud? What are you doing?
Feathercloud (padding over): Oh, good morning Snakestar and Lizardeye. (she nods to Lizardeye) After last night I thought you hadn't had time to eat. I was just going to fetch fresh kill for you and Twistedclaw.
Lizardeye (aside): Feathers make wings. Wings to fly on clouds. Clouds carry snow. Have I found it? No, she's too gentle and small. Loyalty unmatched. How could she be the danger?
Snakestar: Well, there is no need for that now. How is my daughter doing in training?
Feathercloud: Ivypaw? She's an excellent hunter, and though excited she is in battle training, her moves could use work. Perhaps she should see Twistedclaw.
Snakestar (smiling): No, no, like any other apprentice she must learn to fend for herself. No relying on kin to give extra hints until after warriorhood.
Feathercloud: Alright, but I'm afraid I won't be much of a challenge for her. She's as tall as I am already!
Snakestar: That's perfect. It'll keep her more than prepared to fight ThunderClan apprentices.
Feathercloud (not smiling): We'll battle them soon. Won't we?
Snakestar (softly): Yes, but have no fears. Our Clan needs the victory, and we will most certainly attain it. We'll not harm any cat that does not warrant it, I give you my word, Feathercloud.
Feathercloud (nodding): Lizardeye, is Twistedclaw allowed to have visitors. I want to congradulate him on his victory.
Lizardeye: I do-
Snakestar: Of course you can see him, Feathercloud. (as she leaves he turns to Lizardeye) What's the trouble brother? She's only giving him her thanks.
Lizardeye: You know how Twistedclaw is around she-cats. I just don't want him breaking his neck trying to get away.
Snakestar (murrowing in laughter): Twistedclaw will be leader someday and he'll have to get over it eventually.
Lizardeye (dryly): He might live longer if he didn't.
Snakestar: Come now, Brother. Don't you think it would do him good to have a she-cat around? He would not so readily fly into battle.
Lizardeye (angrily): But we need him to fly into battle! 'Tis the way he is and the way we cannot be. He is a great strength to us, and I for one cannot imagine him to be dull and sit around with kits playing about him.
Snakestar (quiet and serious): Is this about Dapplepelt?
(It was the only subject Snakestar had ever known his cold brother to become so emotional about. Lizardeye blinked at Snakestar, turned away, and headed into the forest. He had cats to keep an eye on, after all.)
[glow=Purple,2,300]
Act Two Scene 4
[/glow](Day of attack has come. Warriors gather around Twistedclaw, Snakestar, and Lizardeye. The warriors and apprentices have been divided into three groups, each headed by one of the leading brothers.)
Icepelt (murmuring): How can we be taken seriously with a Medicine Cat, at the fore-front. He's left his apprentices to deal with the strain of battle injuries alone.
Toadpelt (growling): Are you questioning my kin's judgement, Icepelt?
Hawktalon: Silence they speak!
Toadpelt (aside): He forgets that our unified goal is all that keeps me from his throat. They speak!
Snakestar: My Clan. The night is clear and the moon is in it's bright crescent state. StarClan hath shown no wrath against our actions, nor have they shown us their favor. For this reason, we are careful. We must not harm kits, nor pointlessly slay apprentices. Lizardeye's small group shall herd the youth of the Clan into the nursery and hold them there until the battle is won. Twistedclaw shalt lie in wait in the undergrowth. Any cowards deserting their clans warrant immediate death! For those are the ones likely to return sneakily and cry "revenge!". This rule does not apply to my group. Those who cry "surrender" are given but one chance to join the apprentices and kits. Once the leader is defeated or cries "surrender" in fear of losing all cats, we shall escort them away. Understood? Then fare thee well, my Brave Clan. Should I fall tonight, know that the others will call me "Bloody Rogue", but you who knew me well call me "Fallen Friend".
Eclipseclaw: And Great Leader.
Ivypaw and Adderpaw: And Brave Father.
Snakestar (smiling): Enough, enough! WE FIGHT!
(He leads his large army through the camp entrance.)
Icepelt (murmuring): So our Clan follows him with blind eyes? Look Ho, even gentle Whiteheart looks prepared to kill at his word! I fear this 'll not end until he fails!
[glow=Purple,2,300]
ACT TWO SCENE 3
[/glow](Carnage is strewn across ThunderClan territory. The battle lasted until sunset the next day. ThunderClan had been clever, hiding in trees and leaping down on ShadowClan warriors. They had kicked dirt in faces, and played dead often to get in second attacks, but in the end they failed. Yowls of victory sounded. Twistedclaw and Patrol marched into camp, triumphant and bood-stained.)
Snakestar (On High Rock): ThunderClan! Thne leader has fallen! Thine Deputy is dead! The time has come for thou to sheath thine claws and stop baring thine teeth. The time has come to forfeit thine territory!
(The remaining few warriors, and Medicine Cat apprentice stumble out of the prison that was once a nursery. The kits came out with tails dragging, but pressed very close to each other)
Snakestar: You, are to be escorted off of this territory and into two-leg place. Should you ever return to here, or ShadowClan. Your punishment is death.
One of the ThunderClan Warriors (holding the leader's gaze): We will not go!
(Gasps and hisses errupt from ShadowClan.)
ThunderClan tom: This is our home! You wish us to go and live as rogues, loners, and kitty-pets? We'll not stand it. If you are a true Clan Cat, let us stay and prove ourselves true Clan Cats also.
Snakestar (curious): How do you desire to prove it?
ThunderClan tom: As you say, all leadership in this Clan is destroyed, and our territory gone, ThunderClan is no longer ThunderClan. If it comes down to being a rogue, then I would prefer to be a Clan Cat of another Clan...I wish to join your Clan.
(Yowls of protest errupt on both sides)
Patchpelt: TRAITOR! OUR LEADER DIES AND YOU JOIN THE ENEMY!
ThunderClan Tom: I DO IT FOR THE KIT'S SAKE. You would take their one chance to live on the territory that is so rightfully theirs?! What say you, Snakestar?
Snakestar (examining the heart-broken kits): Yes. Let them stay.
Hawktalon: But they are ThunderClan!
Snakestar: If ThunderClan be no more, how can they be ThunderClan? But if they were born on territory that was rightfully ShadowClan's, are they not ShadowClan kits? Come kits, fear not, we'll not harm you. (wraps tail around a young she-cat) You fear us? You are so rightly afraid, for who was it that slay your parents? 'Twas I. You are the leader's kit, are you not?
(The small she-kit nods and begins to sob.)
Snakestar (brushes tears away with his tail): Cry not, Young One. 'Tis the way of the forest. Everything that lives must die. You'll have new parents now, and Clanmate's that will love you. I'll see you well taken care of, as my kits were and are. You'll be strong and loyal, and never again will you feel the terror you have felt tonight.
(She-kit's sobs lighten and she glares at the ShadowClan Leader, the murderer of her parents.)
Snakestar (smiling): There! There! You see, Hawktalon? She knows the ShadowClan way! Such courage and pride, Little Ones, is expected of ShadowClan kits. And soon, you'll feel it not for ThunderClan, but ShadowClan instead.
(Other kits and the one surviving apprentice glare at Snakestar, disbelieving. Patchpelt leaps at the ShadowClan Leader and is knocked out of the air by Twistedclaw, who promptly places his right claw on her throat.)
Twistedclaw: You choice, Patchpelt! Kittypet, or Clan, or even better, death!
Patchpelt (spitting): I'd rather be a kittypet than die for your pleasure, Twistedclaw!
(The blood-thirsty tom releases her and she hisses and glares with tear-filled eyes as she disappears on her path to two-leg place.)
Snakestar: ThunderClan is ours! Next onward to WindClan!
(Cheers errupt and Toadpelt exchanges a dark look with Icepelt and Hawktalon.)
Hawktalon (hissing): He draws nearer to RiverClan by the day! His ambition is unsatiable!
Icepelt: The Wind roars in his path, but being the meer Breeze it is now it'll not hold him!
Toadpelt (staring at Snakestar): My Kin that I have oft' fought to defend, does beckon me to bring his end...
[glow=Purple,2,300]
ACT THREE SCENE 1
[/glow](The ThunderClan camp is still covered in bodies and stained with blood. Snakestar has created a patrol to clear the carnage and bury the bodies. Enter Frostclaw, Eclipseclaw, and Reedwhisker. Reedwhisker sniffs a nearby ThunderClan cat.)
Reedwhisker: Does it not feel a little wrong? Burying these cats without their proper rites?
Eclipseclaw (shouldering a body onto her back): If we give them rites, we admit we have done wrong.
Frostclaw (dragging an apprentice by the neck scruff): How so?
Eclipseclaw: Well consider! ThunderClan renounced StarClan and the Warrior Code just before they attacked us, right?
Reedwhisker: I guess...
Eclipseclaw: The Warrior Code does not apply to cats outside the Clans, right?
Reedwhisker: But they were still ThunderClan.
Eclipseclaw: How can they be a proper Clan without the warrior code? ThunderClan became a bunch of rogues before they fell. And there is nothing in the Warrior Code against killing rogues in battle. To give them their rites, would make them Clan Cats and show us to be in the wrong.
Reedwhisker: I suppose. But don't you feel sorry for them? Look at that body over there, the golden one. Might that have been Honeyfur? Or Embertail? If the situation were reversed?
Eclipseclaw (sniffing the body indicated): 'Twould not be either. This one was a tom.
Reedwhisker (padding over): A tom? (sees white spots on a lower flank) By StarClan! It's Rabbitheart!
Frostclaw: Didn't you know? Twistedclaw was his end.
Eclipseclaw (excited): Tell me how!
Frostclaw: Well, he, yowling fiercely, leapt from the highest of trees and landed on Twistedclaw's back. He clawed and scratched and bit with fury! Yet, Twistedclaw lay still as a dead mouse. I feared our Deputy had died but then- Up sprang Twistedclaw, knocking the Golden Warrior off his paws. He leapt for the tom's neck, but Rabbitheart kicked him away. They charged each other, but Twistedclaw was too small and fast to be hit in such a way. Our Blood-Thirsty Deputy clawed purposefully at Rabbitheart's hackles until the Golden Warrior could hardly move. Twistedclaw came upon him like a bloody shadow and stuck at his neck, and the Golden Warrior fell at last!
Reedwhisker: Alas, poor Rabbitheart! I met him at sev'l Gatherings. He was so kind and witty! I dare any cat's smile to match his own! And here he lies in the dust. Where art thine jokes? Where is that smile that puts to shame the stars? Long gone. Here is the true fall of ThunderClan! Toms like him, dead and without proper death rites given! You rid the rest, Eclipseclaw and Frostclaw! I shall sit vigil for this tom, as no other cat will.
(Eclipseclaw gives Reedwhisker an odd look, and Frostclaw shrugs as they get back to work.)
[glow=Purple,2,300]
ACT THREE SCENE 2
[/glow](In a shaded area on what was once the ThunderClan and ShadowClan Border. It has been a moon since the fall of ThunderClan. The Gathering had been a terrifying event. Every Clan wanted to fight, but StarClan showed their fury. The moon had vanished and later that night, rain had poured. It has not stopped raining for days and thunder crashes hard. Enter Icepelt, Toadpelt, and Hawktalon. Thunder crashes overhead.)
Icepelt (sorrowfully): Perhaps Thunder is mourning the fall of his Clan?
Hawktalon (spitting): If Thunder is so distraught, why did he not act to save his pitiful Clan? Wind, I hope will better 'fend her Clanmates.
Toadpelt (solemn): Why precisely did you call us hear? What is it you intend to do?
Hawktalon (hissing): Is 't not obvious? Snakestar's gone mad!
Toadpelt (uncertain): Has he? Did he not do what he promised to do? He brought ThunderClan down and gave us their territory so our Clan does not starve. Prey grows scarce in our own territory already, but thanks to the newly acquired forest we feast as though it were early leaf-green!
Icepelt: He forced ThunderClan kits to join the Clan!
Toadpelt (defensive): But the kits are well-cared for as he promised! And though they are discontent around Snakestar, they seem to be mingling well with our ShadowClan kits. They're so young, they might even forget they're grudge someday!
Hawktalon (bristlisting): Coward! You back down! Have you forgotten dearest Fireshadow, and her kits! Your kits! They shall die at Snakestar's paws.
Toadpelt: But...But- he's my kin. Surely he'll spare them if I ask him too!
Hawktalon: Not if Lizardeye and Twistedclaw disagree. You have a one in three chance Toadpelt. Do you wager your mate's life?
Toadpelt (head bowed): What must we do?
Icepelt (stepping in): We must end this madness. Taking territory out of need is one thing, but conquering an entire Clan? There have always been four! The four clans need to be together to survive! Let us return to the forest with prey. They mustn't suspect our meeting.
(Exeunt Icepelt and Hawktalon)
Toadpelt: Oh woe! Dear Kin. 'Tis the fall of a noble cat's mind! Have you sank into such madness that moons of bonding and friendship have been brought to this? Were it not for the poison of my heart, my fair Fireshadow, and our kits, I would never betray thee in such a way. But alas, I can only pray to StarClan that death comes on swift wings for thou, Snakestar!
[glow=Purple,2,300]
ACT THREE SCENE 3
[/glow](The camp clearing, another half moon since the defeat of ThunderClan. ShadowClan is rebuilding well, their warriors and apprentices are nearly healed of all injuries. Snakestar paces outside of his den, despite his protests, his mate had demanded not to move to the nursery, so at the present moment she was having kits in the privacy of the Leader's Den. Ivypaw and Adderpaw pad up to him.)
Ivypaw: Father? Since you are having new kits, will we not be considered your kits any longer?
Snakestar (tired but kind): Of course not. I'll love you no less. But you shall have to be kind to your younger siblings.
(Across the clearing, Darkcloud hissed. She was glaring at her former mate. She had a new one now, and in fact had chosen a new one before Snakestar had even left her, but she still despised the ShadowClan Leader. A wail could be heard from the Leader's Den, and Lizardeye stuck his head out.)
Snakestar (concerned): Is she well?
Lizardeye (nodding): You have a son. The second is coming.
(He disappeared into the den again. Snakestar looked irrtably at the den's entrance. He would be in there had his brother not insisted that his pacing and fidgeting would do more harm in good.)
Lizardeye: You may come in now.
(Snakestar disappeared into the den faster than a rabbit down its burrow. It was dark inside and the mewing of the kits could be heard. Lizardeye informed him the second was a tom as well, and the kits immediately crawled to their mother's side. He brushed carefully along the side of the den, and pressed his muzzle to Lightningclaw's ear.)
Snakestar: Oh, the stars must have favored me greatly to give me such a gift. A strong and beautiful mate, who here bore me two toms full of such life. Look how they squirm, and wrestle for thine attention. The larger is dark and striped, with fur so long one might mistake him for mossball. The second, small and bright furred, his movements most quick. What shall we name them, my Love?
Lightningclaw (with an exhausted smile): Is it not obvious? The dark tabby bears great resemblance to you. He is dark like the bark of a tree, with fur in long strands like the needles of pine. Pinekit be thy name, Little Snakestar. The smaller is light as eye and delicate in feature, though he does bear stripes as thee and thine littermates so naturally do. His light color and markings do so remind me of a thrush. Thrushkit be thine name, my son.
Snakestar (pressing his muzzle to Lightningclaw's cheek): My clever mate, how can I thank thee more?
Lightningclaw: Announce our kits to the Clan. I would like them to recieve proper welcome into the world.
Snakestar: Farewell my sons, I shall visit thee often.
Lizardeye: Thou shalt have to. The kits live in this den.
(Snakestar laughs and bounds out of the Leader's Den and onto the gnarled roots of the roof. He calls a Clan Meeting and after the cats have gathered, he speaks with pride that resounds through all the old and new ShadowClan Territory.)
Snakestar: My Clan! We have new Clanmates to welcome. With great honor I would like to announce the birth of my sons, both strong and healthy! I expect great accomplishments of them, as I expect of each one of you, and you like-wise can expect of me. For ShadowClan has now become another name for Greatness!
Twistedclaw: Under your rule it has, Snakestar!
(Yowls of agreement errupt. Icepelt at the very back of the crowd, eyes wide.)
Icepelt (horrified murmur): Fools...piteous fools....my beloved clanmates...the beasts they have become. Look how blindly they follow their leader?! Hanging on his every word as leeches cling to the pelts of water wading creatures! Look ho, how wise and mighty senior warriors glow when they look upon the tabby tom, twice their younger! Look ho, how apprentices stare in sheer admiration! Look ho, how kits cheer and wave and call for Snakestar's attention. All but I, Toadpelt, Hawktalon, and DarkCloud seems entranced...The rest are mesmerized, standing stupid before the Leader that led them into murdering an entire Clan and stealing it's kits! StarClan help me! I fear it's too late for the salvation of my Clan....I cannot do it alone....
Hawktalon (eyes glinting): Thou shalt not be alone. I'll not blindly follow them as mine clanmates do! They are base and low. They can not see how Snakestar and his brother's hath sucked their wit from them! This is sheer dictatorship! I'll not live under 't.
Toadpelt: My kin are dangerous to me...They threaten to strike mine heart, and strike me down if I dare'st to oppose them. (aside) I shall have I counsel with Lizardeye...He is no doubt the master of their plans. If Fireshadow wilt not be spared then without a doubt, I'll do what destiny calls for...
[glow=Purple,2,300]
ACT THREE SCENE 4
[/glow]((Leaf-bare. It's nightfall in ShadowClan Camp. The three tabby brothers are huddled in the Medicine Cat Den, seeing as the leader's den is a bit crowded at the moment. They can hardly see anything, except the glinting of each other's eyes, two pairs of green, one amber set. Twistedclaw is closest to the entrance, watching for eavesdroppers.))
Snakestar: All seems well for now. The Clan is content enough with all the new territory (amused and twitching his whiskers). The apprentices have been enjoying themselves thoroughly despite the snow. How fairs the Wind?
Lizardeye: Prey-bare as ever. However, this leaf-bare has been especially cruel to them. They've not sniffed rabbit in days.
Snakestar (slyly): How curious...Tell me, Brother. How dost thou know? What little Breeze carries thine news?
Lizardeye (vaguely): A rather flowery Breeze, but 'tis not what we are here to dicuss. Twistedclaw? What plans of attack hath thou conjured to assure victory?
Twistedclaw (grinning wildly): A full frontal onslaught, my brothers, is the best approach to take. Though the course be bloody, there's no way around it. WindClan's moorlands are bare and white, and being of Shadow our pelts will give away concealment the second we set foot on it! If Ravenstar had proven himself cowardly in prior battles, I would order surroundment of camp and threat of death. But surrender is unlikely in such a case. Thus, like waves we must surge forth, we shall divide our warriors and apprentices in lines of three and just before the first wave breaks, we'll send forth the next. We shall crush them under sheer number, and physical strength!
Lizardeye (nodding): Excellent plotting, Dear Brother. (aside) He dreams these plans as I could never.
Snakestar: Good now-
Twistedclaw (bristling): Hush, another comes!
(Enter Toadpelt.)
Toadpelt (bewildered to see all his kin up so late): Have I...interrupted something?
Snakestar (Laughing and wrapping his tail around their kin): No, no not at all, Toadpelt. You see it's just that we're all so busy these moons that we rarely all come together this way. And how could we forget to involve our dear kin, our Toadpelt, hmm?
Twistedclaw (grinning): Relax, Toadpelt. (brushes his paw against the brown cat's shoulder) You've not missed much. But it's best we get some rest now.
Snakestar: What brings you here at so late an hour?
Toadpelt: I wanted to speak with Lizardeye. I have a pain in my back...
Snakestar (sympathetic): Well that's too bad.
Twistedclaw: Get it fixed, we'll need thee fit.
(Exeunt Twistedclaw and Snakestar)
Lizardeye (unconvinced): On what grounds dost thou liest?
Toadpelt (faltering): 'Twas that obvious?
Lizardeye: I am doubtful either of them believed it, now I ask again. On what grounds dost thou liest?
Toadpelt (heavy hearted): ShadowClan's ground. Always ShadowClan!
Lizardeye (coldly): Do not play kit-games with me, Toadpelt! Tell me. Or leave.
Toadpelt (hesitant): Forgive me, Kin. I know what i prepare to ask is entirely private to thee and thine Brother's devices...Dost thou mean...to bleed the River?
Lizardeye (icy): If we mean to. We will do so.
Toadpelt (eyes downcast): I see...And what of Fireshadow...her kits...my kits!
Lizardeye: Thine kits are apprentices.
Toadpelt: Hardly so! Not a full moon has passed!
Lizardeye: Should they surrender, as a few ThunderClan cats hath done...They are spared. Teach them to swallow their pride and they shall not choke on it!
Toadpelt: WHY?! Why is my kinship with you not enough to spare them?!
Lizardeye (icily): Teach them the way of survival. I will say no more.
(Toadpelt storms out, furious)
Lizardeye: It does prick my mind, though I wish it were not so...I shall keep watch on him.
[glow=Purple,2,300]
ACT THREE SCENE 5
[/glow](Early dawn, Toadpelt returning to camp. Icepelt and Hawktalon emerge from the shadows.))
Hawktalon: Well? Did I not tell you?
Toadpelt (head hanging low): She claims she'd rather meet death in battle than return to ShadowClan. She refuses to let our kits go either.
Icepelt (solemn): Then death is ccertain for all three if we refuse to act.
Toadpelt: I suppose so....Hush, they come!
(All three slip into the warrior's den, the three tabby brothers exit the Medicine Cat den. Snaketail is nodding his head as Twistedclaw speaks. Lizardeye trails behind looking around with his glazed and icy expression.))
Snakestar: So when can we attack WindClan?
Twistedclaw: All have been informed and know the plan well. We can attack even tomorrow night if you are so eager, Brother.
Snakestar: Eager I am! Eager to see every hill and tree in the forest belong to our kits my Brothers.
Twistedclaw (raising a brow): Our kits?
Snakestar: Well, thou shalt most certainly have them someday, Will thou not?
Lizardeye: Focus, Brothers, we've much to prepare for. I suggest we order several hunting patrols, a few more than usual. We'll need a full fresh-kill pile for tomorrow night.
Snakestar (nodding): Twistedclaw shall handle that. Come Lizardeye, join me on Dawn patrol. 'Tis been too long.
(Exeunt Lizardeye and Snakestar. Enter several awakening warriors, including Hawktalon.)
Hawktalon (aside): If their plan is to attack the night of morrow, then the best plan of action is to strike fierce today. While all the hunting patrols are out and about, we'll ask for conference with Snakestar in the emptiness of camp. Ending his life, we shall flee into RiverClan territory for they are well ready to attack ShadowClan. And that will be the end of these Tyrant Brothers. It strikes upon me that many will call this treason...but certainly it is the only way.
Feathercloud: Twistedclaw, may I go on hunting patrol too?
Twistedclaw (looking pointedly at the ground): You can lead one.
Feathercloud: But we haven't enough warriors for another.
(Twistedclaw, looking up to see it is true. Only Ivypaw and her mentor were left. He would have sent Toadpelt or Hawktalon with them, but he had wanted to get out of camp himself today. Staying here and pacing out battle plans had grown exhausting to him.)
Feathercloud (after a long pause): Twistedclaw? Might you join us in our hunting?
Twistedclaw (mumbling): I suppose I should.
(All three pad off towards the marsh, leaving Hawktalon, Icepelt, and Toadpelt to guard the camp with the queens, kits, and Lightningclaw within it.)
[glow=Purple,2,300]
ACT THREE SCENE 5
[/glow]((Snakestar and Lizardeye are on Border Patrol. Enter Icepelt.))
Icepelt: Snakestar....I have a matter I'd like to discuss with thee...alone.
Lizardeye (coldly): Anything thou wishes to say can be spoken before me.
Snakestar (jovial): 'Tis true, Icepelt. My ears are my brother's ears, and theirs mine. Sharing ears this way I am amazed we've not gone deaf!
Icepelt: Snakestar please! (looks pleading) 'Tis important.
Snakestar (concerned): I'll take my leave of you brother, be well. Keep good watch on the border.
(Exeunt Icepelt and Snakestar, Lizardeye attempts to sneak after but Brindlepelt leaps out, chasing a squirrel. She crashes into Lizardeye's side.)
Brindlepelt (suprised): I'm sorry!Are you alright? (aside) Great StarClan have I become the end of our Medicine Cat? Lizardeye wake up!
Lizardeye (blinking): I was never asleep.
Brindlepelt: Oh. (looks around but sees no other cats) Why are you out here alone?
Lizardeye: I was patrolling the borders with Snakestar but he had to go speak with Icepelt.
Brindlepelt: Well one cat isn't very frightening on Border Patrol.
Lizardeye: Thou hast not seen Twistedclaw?
Brindlepelt: Other than him.
(A brief pause as their eyes meet)
Lizardeye: Shall we go?
Brindlepelt: But of course.
(They walk in silence at first. Lizardeye's gaze intensely set on the ground before him.)
Brindlepelt: What troubles you?
Lizardeye (mumbling): Icepelt...Winter's ice. But he's too loyal.
Brindlepelt: What was that?
(Lizardeye considers recent events. In recent Clan Meetings he had seen Icepelt with Toadpelt often lately. Sometimes they would go on patrol together, talking. He tried to remember them being together as much before, but that hadn't been the case until recently, and with Toadpelt upset about Fireshadow....))
Lizardeye (eyes burning): Too loyal...He is too loyal! Brindlepelt, hast thou seen Toadpelt?
Brindlepelt: Well yes, I believe he was left in camp, to guard Snakestar's kits and such.
Lizardeye: Alone?
Brindlepelt (slightly worried about the Medicine Cats behavior): No...In fact, Icepelt was supposed to stay with him. And Hawktalon's there too.
(Lizardeye's felt a grim calm over taking him.)
Lizardeye: Thank you, Brindlepelt.
NOTE: The following is quite grotesque, and not meant to offend anyone (especially the people with the "bad" kitties who so graciously gave me permission to use them. I apologize for their destined fates). It is cut short do to time constraints and well...it's a bit too gruesome to write out unless requested.
(He turned away and ran as if his paws had just caught fire, but deep down he knew the deed was done. Back at camp, the scene was horrifying. Icepelt still had his fangs in Snakestar's neck when Lizardeye arrived. Hawtalonn was battling the enraged and distraught Lightningclaw, her kits were huddled just inside the leader's den, terrified and wailing at their father's lifeless body. All nine...Wiped out because, as the few witnesses present would later explain, Icepelt had simply kept his fangs in Snakestar's neck as life after life passed through him. Of course the queens who were able came out to fight the trio of murderers but they were too few and too out of shape to do anything. The elder's had fought fiercely and Tallhawk lay dead at Toadpelt's claws. Enter Twistedclaw, who immediately upon seeing the sight, when mad with grief and launched himself at Icepelt. Lizardeye and Lightningclaw gave Hawkfrost such a bad clawing that he looked like a walking corpse as he struggled out of the forest. Toadpelt fled straight to RiverClan. By nightfall, a sick and depressed air had fallen on every cat in ShadowClan.))
((Twistedclaw sits between Feathercloud and Lizardeye. His eyes wild with blood-lust and yet wet will countless tears. His fur is fanned out into waves of spikes, still stained with Icepelt's blood.))
Twistedclaw (low and murderous): Death to RiverClan....And WindClan..... And ThunderClan.... (he looks around at his clanmates, whose eyes are downcast and heartbroken) AND DEATH TO StarClan! FOR THEY HAVE BETRAYED US WORST OF ALL!
Eclipseclaw: And so began...the rein of Twistedstar!
END