The Fourth Gathering

[Fallinggaze]

Dewpaw

"FrostClan is thriving and well. We have three new apprentices, Dewpaw, Firepaw, and Sunpaw, we also have a medicine cat apprentice: Emberpaw. No new warriors but plenty of kits on the way. We have a new addition that someone left on our borders and we will care for it. Fallinggaze is expecting her kits soon so we will be warrior-filled."
All of the names had to do with Dewpaw's mother, Fallinggaze. Emberpaw wasn't the same litter as Dewpaw, but they still shared the same mother. Emberpaw was lacking behind as an apprentice, and decided to ask to become a medicine cat apprentice, which is what Dewpaw thought that Emberpaw should be, for it is what she wanted the most.

At the mention of Dewpaw's name, a few warriors and apprentices looked back at Dewpaw, but Dewpaw just focused on what her leader was saying.

[Kat]

Jadestar

a f i n a l a d d r e s s . . .

We live, we love
Forgive and never give up
Because the days we are given are gifts from above
And today we remember to live and to love
w e l i v e w e l o v e
s u p e r c h i c k

Jadestar noticed Fadedstripe pull ahead of her as they came close to the clearing. She was also amused when he seemed to realize what he had done and drop back. I know, I know, I'm slow Fadedstripe. She thought to him, thought she knew he would never hear. I might be slowing, but I'm not dead yet. No, not yet. She thought of the recent attacks she had been getting, the ones made by an apprentice by the name of... Windpaw? While she didn't tell a soul that she knew who was slowly killing her, she wasn't afraid- not one bit. Not for her life, at least. Her life did not come first. She feared for her clan, her precious CloudClan.... when she was a new leader, CloudClan had been the center of attention, IvyClan in the place CloudClan now was. CloudClan had been the most prosperous and the most hated. Now, as their beloved leader was almost too old to even make it to a Gathering, Jadestar feared that they would lose what little hope they had. She wanted, no, needed Fadedstripe to be strong like Jadestar had been. She needed him to use his head, use what he had learned, use what StarClan had bestowed on him. She had decided that she would always be there for her deputy even when she wasn't on the earth. She would go against StarClan's wishes if it meant making sure CloudClan stayed strong. Clan came first.
They reached the clearing, FrostClan already here and SnakeClan on their way. Fadedstripe followed her a little too closely as she made her way to the Great Sycamore. While her body might be failing her, she still easily made the leap onto the Sycamore. She turned to the stars and the moon, wishing she could have their strength. She sat with her tail curled over her paws neatly. Upon turning her gaze back onto the stars, Jadestar saw something she hadn't seen before.
Shinning lightly in the sky was a green star. A jade-green star. And closely beside it was a star that seemed a little faded. And to Jadestar's fright, awe, and surprise, the jade-green star slowly faded into nothing as the faded star slowly shone more brightly, until there was no more beautiful green star but only a formerly-faded star.
Fadedstar.
Jadestar lowered her gaze onto the cats below, unaware that both SnakeClan and IvyClan had decided to join them. She realized she also hadn't spoken a word since she arrived. But her attention deverted to Skyleaf and Smokeleaf bickering. Smokeleaf shouted something about StarClan not caring about FrostClan, and Jadestar realized what she had missed in watching her sign from StarClan. Was it a sign from StarClan? Jadestar shook her head. Where were her clans going?
Smokeleaf stormed out of the clearing after a nod from Seastar. And there was something off.... Jadestar flicked her ears to a different angle, listening to the breathing of the young leader next to her. It got heavier. Jadestar tilted her head to the side just a fraction, the first move she had made since sitting down. Was something wrong? And Smokeleaf had said she didn't believe in StarClan...
Jadestar fought hard to remember something that was talking to her in the back of her mind. When she was a kit, an elder had been sick... he had had the same feel that Seastar was giving off now. It was... oh, what HAD Blueleaf called it? Something... to do with heartbeat. Jadestar turned her ears down a bit, and then heard it faintly over the talk of the cats below her.
Seastar's heartbeat was fast- too fast. Jadestar now understood Smokeleaf's anger towards StarClan, and Jadestar couldn't help but feel the same. Didn't she know most of the cats in StarClan, Lightningstrike the newest? She felt a twinge at the thought of her former deputy, but shoved it aside. I will stop it. StarClan has a new rival.

[/i] Lion grass.... that was what Blueleaf had given that elder. It only grew in CloudClan, but Nightleaf would be more than happy to share. Mother Moon knows hows Jadestar remembered that... then again, while her body might be failing her, her mind most certainly wasn't. If only she had more time... but she saw her same spirit burn on in Seastar. And Seastar's flame would not go out. Not if Jadestar could help it.
Jadestar listened politely as Raccoonstar and Seastar told of the things going on in their clans, and then Jadestar took her turn. Stepping forward on her branch, she rose to whatever attempt at power she could muster. Her star wouldn't go out... not that easily.
"CloudClan prospers. I am glad to hear that all the clans are safe, and good. And while I know you all hate to hear an old cat lecture, I fear this may be the last time I will be given the chance. While my body may be failing me, my mind has not lost its spark. I once heard tell of a cat who hated the moon and the sun and the stars, because he knew that even when he and his mate and his kits and his kit's kits died, the moon would still hang in its glorious sky, and the sun would still shed its rays. At the time, this story had scared me. Was life really so temporary? But while as individuals, our life is short. As clans, our life is as long as we are willing to let the flame burn. So while mine may be close to ending, my friends, we are not yet lost. Carry out your lives, be proud of what you have and give thanks. Every moment is precious. I know there are times when it seems like the path is lost, yet I know that we are strong enough to get through it. Be strong, burn brightly, make me proud." Jadestar said, voice shaking with pride, her final address to a mass of cats she couldn't help but love- even little Windpaw, who would soon be the reason for her death. She stepped back and whispered to Seastar. "Tell Smokeleaf to ask Nightleaf about a herb called Lion grass. It'll help your heart. Jadestar dipped her head, and waited for Silentstar to end the Gathering so she could go home and plan her Seastar/CloudClan mission. [/blockquote][/blockquote][/font]

OCC: My dear Jadestar... I know, that was a little sappy. Too bad. BUT THAT WAS 1,068 WORDS! im proud. uhm there was something i wanted to say but i forgot... oh well.

[Seafeather]

Seastar

Seastar glanced as Jadestar spoke to her. "Ask Nightleaf for an herb called Lion Grass. It'll help with your heart." Seastar was bewildered. Was her heart really that loud? Or did the skirmish between Smokeleaf and Skyleaf suggest to much? Her heart thrummed on with its irregular and fast beat. Seastar's eyes became misty with tears. She would be able to watch her kits become apprentices, maybe even do the ceremony herself, with this herb called Lion Grass, new doors were open to Seastar. It might even be a whole four seasons before her final life goes on to be with StarClan. Oh, what Seastar wouldn't give for her last sight to see is her kits become warriors, but that's to much to hope for now. She would focus on just seeing them becoming apprentices.

Seastar watched FrostClan as some stared at her, or the other leaders, or staring at the star filled sky waiting for a cloud to signal the gatherings end. Cream, golden, tabby, tortoiseshell, dusky gray and brown all colors of the forest in this one clan. Mostly lighter color,s but here and there a darker pelt flicked into view. Her clan, her beloved FrostClan would stand by her side no matter what, even if she fell. Seastar focused back onto the IvyClan leader who's turn had approached. Seastar wondered what might be going on in IvyClan. Maybe a new apprentice or two, the birth of kits, the naming of a warrior, the same things every gathering.

Seastar tried to not be stereotypical with the IvyClan cats. Not all were bad. She remembered her IvyClan friend Pinepaw. She would visit him in the night when she was an apprentice until he died. His ability to walk among the shadows of the forest without being noticed always amazed her. He was nice and kind, not at all like the others. They made it harder for Seastar to try and like them. But she tried all the same.

[//Sunneh// is FuMiNg]

-Fadedstripe-

"...Falling in the black
Slipping through the cracks
Falling to the depths can I ever go back?
Dreaming of the way it used to be
Can you hear me?..."

Falling Inside the Black © Skillet

“We have three new apprentices, Dewpaw, Firepaw, and Sunpaw.” Fadedstripe glanced at the FrostClan apprentice beside him as Seastar spoke. She was a small tortoiseshell, all big blue eyes and short legs, with an uncanny resemblance to the she-cat - Fallinggaze, was it? - that Seastar had referred to. He smiled, amused, as the apprentice’s gaze remained on her leader even as cats yowled in congratulation. This was one focused kit - he himself had been shaking in his pelt when Jadestar announced his apprenticeship at the Gathering so many moons before. Was she one of the three apprentices? Probably - he could sense a bit of pride flashing from her pelt when she heard her name spoken. He nodded at her, but said nothing.

"CloudClan prospers."

Though he was only devoting half of his attention to Jadestar's report, Fadedstripe nodded halfheartedly at his leader's words. CloudClan was doing unusually well this leafbare, but even if it wasn’t, Jadestar would of said the same thing. No good leader would announce that their clan was weak - no sane leader, anyway - and refusing to announce the clan's status would only arouse suspicion. If lying was the only way to insure your clan's safety, then that was what needed to be done. Jadestar had done so in the past, and soon, so would he-- The dark tabby shook his head so quickly that it blurred, mixing the varying shades of black and brown together as one. There was no need for him to concern himself with that. Not now. But... his ambitious side chimed in as if on cue, tugging at the back of his consciousness like a distraught kit. Jadestar is growing old. You know this. Why do you insist on?-- "Shut up," he muttered, flicking his ear dismissively. The striped tom was starting to get annoyed - at himself? - and Fadedstripe really disliked feeling that way. Consequently, this made him even more annoyed, which made him even more irritable, which gave other cats yet another reason to stay away from him. His voice came out in a huff, but remained below the level of hearing. "I know what I want."

"And while I know you all hate to hear an old cat lecture, I fear this may be the last time I will be given the chance."

Fadedstripe nodded once again, his lower lip jutting out in a bored manner, then stopped as his leader’s words took hold. His jaws parted in silent testimony to his shock, revealing pearly fangs, then closed with a sharp crack!. Had she just said ‘the last time’? Yes, she did, mousebrain. What did she mean?! Isn’t it obvious? She’s dying you idiot. Why didn’t you notice this before? His brain switched gear to its meaner, yet more sensible side; fear and shock turned to rage. Dammit! Why was Jadestar declaring her weakness to her enemies? And why hadn't she told him about this…? Fadedstripe's eyes widened, then narrowed once again. Of course she hadn't. Jadestar had never been the one to admit defeat - the only reason she was saying this now was because…because…this was her good-bye. He swallowed, nearly choking on the lump rising in his throat, then bit his lip. The old leader would want him to be strong; who was he to shame her? He winced as Jadestar’s voice rang out high and clear, causing his teeth to dig deeper into his lip. Blood trickled from the puncture, but he ignored it pointedly. “While my body may be failing me, my mind has not lost its spark.” Fadedstripe softened a bit. ’Atta girl. “Be strong, burn brightly, make me proud." “I will, Jadestar,” he murmured, sitting a bit straighter than he had been before. Though Jadestar was talking to the entire Hollow, the dark tabby felt as if these words were directed towards him. "Don't worry..."

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[.M.i.d.n.i.g.h.t.i.e.]

Silentstar

[/b]

Silentstar's ear twitched, his fur prickling with annoyance. "It sounds as if you plan to kill yourself, Jadestar." He growled, his voice a murmur so it didn't carry pass the two leaders. "There is no need for such talk. You're a leader, start acting like one!" silentstar lifted himself up, his fur tinged with moonlight. He looked powerful, rising. Silentstar thought to himself, "a leader should not fear death. We shouldn't think of such trivial things, such as the shortness of life. No, I keep my mind on bigger plans, helping my Clan prosper." His ice blue eyes swept across the other leaders. "And these enemies are the only things hindering my Clan's propserity." He growled to himself.

"IcyClan thrives, growing like the plant of our namesake," Silentstar announced. "A queen, Woodstripes, has given birth to three healthy kits. They already demonstrate the marks of great warriors. We have also been graced by StarClan by a loner, named Bracken, looking to join IvyClan." Silentstar's tail tip twitched impatiently at the murmurs of surprise that rippled through the cats. "He exhibits loyalty to the code, and has the marks of a warrior. Other than this, there is no other important news. IvyClan is strong." Silentstar paused for a moment, then meowed, "I call this Gathering to an end, if no one else has anything to say." He paused, listening for objection. None came, so Silentstar nodded, and called the Gathering to an end. He leaped off his branch, and joined his Clan below.

[Raccoonstar]

RACCOONSTAR

(is not going to do song themes here anymore. doing that on other sites)

Raccoonstar nodded at Silentstar's speech. For once, he was right. But he'd still step up the borders just a tad bit. IvyClan was seeming overly friendly toward SnakeClan, and Raccoonstar knew that it was a plot for something. Something like FrostClan's river poisoning. Sneaky, deadly, with Silentstar's name written all over it. He would not want that happening in his Clan ever. It would probably cause him to lose a life, maybe more than one. He jumped off the thick branch, looking once more at Jadestar and Seastar, and called for his Clan to return home.

WINDPAW

No, no, no! This wasn't enough time to talk! Windpaw glanced furiously in Silentstar's direction, and he had already jumped off. Windpaw's voice turned to a hushed mew. He faced Eveningpaw. "Silentstar is going to plant poisonous snakes in your camp and try to destroy you. That's why their being so nice! And don't tell anyone who told you this, okay?" he meowed quickly as Silentstar approached. He padded off with his leader, satisfied that she'd be safe. Tigerstar appeared beside him.

"Traitor! You are just like Duskwing!" he snarled bitterly.

No. Duskwing did it to save FrostClan, and no other reason. I did it to save Eveningpaw. Windpaw retorted mentally. Tigerstar said nothing, but his expression was angry. Tigerstar followed him all the way to his den back in camp, and haunted his dreams thenafter. But before Windpaw fell into dreamscape, all he could think was that he had done the right thing.

FALCONCRY

Well, he had had his pride, and now it was done. He thanked Oakpelt for helping him overcome his nervousness, and followed Raccoonstar home. He looked proudly at the apprentices' den, remembering all those times together, and moved next to Hazelfrost into the warriors' den, dreaming of the pride he felt over and over again. That, and Hazelfrost being with him as they danced in a meadow of stars. It sparkled silver, like the twilight sky.

(too short, ik.)

NIGHTLEAF

Nightleaf looked at her own leadef with distress. How could Jadestar drop something like this onto her shoulders! But, Jadestar had whispered something...Lion Grass for Seastar's heart. Why would Seastar need that? Nightleaf asked inwardly, but shook off the question. It was not Nightleaf's job to judge. Nightleaf would show Seastar how to use Lion Grass, and get some for Smokeleaf to have. Whatever heart troubles Seastar had now would be far from taking a life tomorrow!

LEOPARDKIT

Leopardkit's eyes flitted to Silentstar as he padded into IvyClan. He looked proud of himself, and his Clanmates looked mostly confused, except for Windpaw, who just looked relieved. Why, she didn't know. she watched all of them pad into camp and then into their respective dens. She stepped aside for Windpaw and the other apprentices to enter, then padded off into the nursery to shut her own eyes for sleep to enter.

(also too short)

[Seafeather]

Seastar

"It happens in a blink, it happens in a flash.
It happens in the time it took to look back.
I try to hold on tight, but there's not stopping time.
What is it I've done with my life?
It happens in a blink."

Blink by Revive

Seastar waited patiently for Silentstar to end his turn. He'd said something about Woodstripes giving birth to kits. Woodstripes...the mate of Badgerface perhaps? Didn't know he was kind enough for that. No matter, kits were a joy to all the clans. You couldn't help but feel a little happy for them, or at least for the parents themselves. Silentstar dismissed the gathering, it made Seastar a little angry when he dismissed it himself without asking first, but she had nothing else to say so it didn't matter.

Seastar leaped from the old Sycamore to the ground in front of her clan. "Wait here please," she told them. Seastar padded over to the hollowed out rock where the medicine cats always sat for the gatherings, and walked up to Nightleaf. In a hushed whisper she asked, "Jadestar told me to ask you for Lion Grass. If it's okay with you I don't want to say why." Seastar politely asked for what Jadestar told her to. Nightleaf was no standing between a stalled death, or a death that was creeping closer and becoming more uncomfortable by the day.

Oakpelt

Oakpelt waved his tail in goodbyes to Falconcry. Good cat. He followed his sister behind the rest of the CloudClan cats who had come to the gathering. He felt a pang of sadness for his leader. She had admitted a weakness to the other Clans, and Oakpelt felt certain one of the clans might try something, but he felt sure of his leader. She had been a mighty and strong leader in her best moons, and wise and sharp in her not so good moons. Either way, she was an excellent leader to live for and stand behind no matter the circumstance.

Badgerface

Badgerface stared up at his leader. His icy blue gaze fixated on everyone at the hollow. He had all their attention whether they wanted to look at him or not. Silentstar was powerful. Badgerface had to admit that he wasn't all what a leader should be, but he was no coward. He admitted to poisoning the water in FrostClan, and had told Ivyclan to be nice to SnakeClan. This was surely one of his schemes. He was smart too, very smart. But he still gave Badgerface the impression that he was out to kill everyone. He didn't want him anywhere near Woodstripes. He thought of her and his mind and heart raced. Where is she? He looked around impatiently and found her tabby pelt among a group of she-cats. He led her away with the other IvyClanners and walked along side her.

"I love you." He whispered in her ear. His whiskers tickled her cheek as he nuzzled his nose against her muzzle. "Don't ever leave me, okay?" He smiled and continued his walk with the others.

Spottedwing

"Wait here please," Seastar had told them. Why is she making us wait? Spottedwing wondered. She gazed at her leader walking to the medicine cats. Are we out of an herb of some sort? Spottedwing sighed and walked near Iceglade. Spottedwing planned on going hunting tomorrow after they had rested. She needed to talk to her, Iceglade was being very touchy with Spottedwing, and she didn't like it.

"Hey Iceglade, want to go hunt with me tomorrow?" She asked tentatively. She didn't want to say anything that would make her grumble. "The clan needs to be fed and I haven't been with you very much and I would like to. I feel terrible for not doing more things with you!" Spottedwing flicked her friends side apologetically. She awaited Iceglade's answer.

Skyleaf

Skyleaf followed Raccoonstar as he led his choice cats home. She let herself take a glance back at the other medicine cats and saw Seastar walk over to them. Was she asking them about the skirmish? Skyleaf's ears felt hot with embarrassment. Well, Smokeleaf shouldn't have been complaining and ignoring me so much. Skyleaf briskly walked so she could be with her leader and deputy.

"Sorry, Raccoonstar. I don't know what came over me. It won't happen again." She assured him. At least, hopefully it wouldn't happen again. Skyleaf didn't like screeching at other cats like that. It felt weird. But she wasn't shy about unsheathing her claws for a fight. She was trained as a warrior first before she was a medicine cat.

Skyleaf longed for the days when she was Skybird. She was the pride of SnakeClan. quiet and understanding before battle, but during a battle, she was like the snake itself. Striking hard, clean and without much warning. But she was content with this life. But she also wondered what her name would be in StarClan. Skybird or Skyleaf? She would only find out one way, and it wasn't going to happen so soon.

[Kat]

Jadestar

Jadestar starred after Silentstar with pure hatred in her eyes. You are nothing like a leader should be! Any power greater than yourself should be respected, death included. You haven't any respect for anyone. Your pride blinds you, and you will only lead IvyClan to ruin. I will worship the cat who has the guts to kill you, because I know you won't live a full life. Jadestar watched as Raccoonstar and Seastar followed Silentstar's lead and took the clans out of the clearing. Jadestar looked to the top branches of the Sycamore for what would probably be the last time, and stepped down from her perch. She surprised herself with the agility she showed in getting down, she had been sure she would take a tumbling fall like Seastar once had. She still burned with rage directed towards Silentstar. That was another thing she would add to her list before she faded away in StarClan - causing the downfall of Silentstar. Who knew death would hold so much?
She gathered her cats around her and made her way home, wanting very much to turn around and lead an ambush on IvyClan right then and there. And StarClan- how could they? Take Seastar away from her clan when the Clan needed her most. The strong, courageous, and kind young leader was what would keep FrostClan safe during IvyClan's rein of terror. And she was none too pleased about her own death hanging over her head. She was crossing her border before she realized it, and half-way to camp when she realized how fast she had been walking. She stopped and turned around, seeing most of the clan far behind her. "Opps," she muttered to herself. She sat as she waited for her clan to catch up, but then realized she needed to move. She sprung back up and paced. I can't let CloudClan get into Silentstar's bad graces. He doesn't care now, but how long will it stay that way? She knew Fadedstripe's pride would shine through very quickly as a leader, and he needed to be careful to not anger the fickle IvyClan leader. I hate him! I hate Silentstar! The ridiculous, stuck up snob who knows nothing of real life. She would have to talk to Fadedstripe later. Her clan finally caught up with her, and she continued home, knowing she wouldn't get an ounce of sleep.

[/font]

[.M.i.d.n.i.g.h.t.i.e.]

Silentstar

[/b]

Silentstar sat down among his Clanmates. "We'll wait until everyone else has left," he decided. "There's no point leaving until all the other Clans have left." Silentstar kept to himself the real reason why he wanted to leave last. It eliminated any plans of ambush, and kept the other clans in suspense about what IvyClan might be up to, which was nothing, this time. Silentstar tail tip twitched in amusement at Jadestar's anger. The old flea bag should be angry, Silentstar thought to himself. It must be jealousy. I'd be jealous too, if I was an old leader hanging onto one of their last lives. But I'm not. I'm strong, and I plan to make my Clan strong as well.

Silentstar watched as the other clans prepared to leave. Seastar was talking to some medicine cat. His ice blue eyes narrowed with interest. What weakness could that Clan have, that he could use to his advantage? He flicked his ears away, to portray disinterest, but tried to listen in all the same. he caught fragments of mewing, nothing useful. Something about... a bird, or herb? Silentstar dismissed this as useless nonsense, and focused on his Clan.

Woodstripes

[/b]

Woodstripes purred an affectionate hello to her mate. "I love you too," she purred. She flicked her mate's flank with her tail, glad he was here. She had been worried about her kits all night. The loner, Bracken, had stayed behind to watch the camp. She hoped the loner was sincere about watching over the Clan. He was under Holowbranch's mentoring ,and she trusted the she-cat, but the newcomer she was wary about. Yes, he brought back her kits, but she couldn't help but feel too cautious.

"I've been thinking about the kits," Woodstripes mewed to her mate. "I'm a little worried about them. I hope they're okay, with me being gone." She sighed, and rubbed her head against Badgerface for comfort. She knew her mate would share his concern; he was a caring and loving father.

[Raccoonstar]

NIGHTLEAF

Nightleaf sighed. There went the Gathering. Then she padded up to Seastar to tell her about Lion Grass, which she apparently needed. She smiled up at the FrostClan leader. "I heard you need Lion Grass?" Nightleaf asked. "I'd be happy to share. All you need to do is chew it up into a poultice, then mix it with some water. Drink that, and you'll be fine. Tell Smokeleaf too, in case you forget. I'll get some for you later. Okay? Bye!" Seastar's heart troubles would be over; or at least postponed for a long time. Seastar would be fine, and Nightleaf felt good about helping another. She padded to the clump of bustling CloudClanners and awaited Jadestar's call to go home and sleep among the stars. Nightleaf understood why others would make dens and shield themselves from the heavens almighty, but it wasn't her kind of lifestyle. The closer she was to her ancestors, the better.

[Seafeather]

Seastar

Seastar listened intently to CloudClan's medicine cat Nightleaf. She told her to make the grass into a poultice, mix it with water then drink it...seemed simple enough. Seastar inclined her head as Nightleaf walked away toward her clan. Seastar did the same, FrostClan was sitting where she left them, waiting patiently for her return.

"Thank you, let's get back home." Seastar longed for her nest. She was going to loose a life tonight...and the moon was almost to the tops of CloudClan's hills. She silently prepared herself to meet StarClan tonight, and ask them why she had to leave her clan so soon, but she knew she wouldn't get an answer until she lost her last life completely.

Seastar led her camp home as did CloudClan who was the last to leave. Thus was the end of the Fourth Gathering.