#Pigeoncover

[clangenrising]

Month 19 - September Gathering

Leaffall was off to a staggering start. Oddstripe had been enjoying the chilly air and the changing leaves only for the heat to come back in full force without warning. He’d been urging everyone to remember to get out of the sun and drink water in addition to eating fresh-kill for the last few days. Unfortunately, Sagetooth had come down with heat stroke while looking for fennel and even Lakepaw had exhausted herself with battle training out in the sun. 

Oddstripe applied moss to both of their foreheads as they rested in the healers’ den, saying, “Just relax and take care of yourselves. This should pass. If you need any water just call for someone and they’ll bring you some okay?” 

“You’re sure I can’t go to the gathering?” Lakepaw pouted.

“I’m sorry, dear,” he shook his head, “it’s bad timing but you have to stay and rest. There will be another gathering next moon.” 

Sagetooth, laying on her side with her eyes shut tight, asked, “Will you be alright on your own, Oddstripe?” 

“Oh, yes,” he smiled and ran a few licks over her fur. “I’m sure I can manage. It’s not like I’m doing anything anyway, I’m just going to go sit below the Cornerstones and be quiet.”

“Hmf,” Sagetooth muttered something to herself but didn’t seem to have the energy to give any further commands. Oddstripe sighed in relief. 

“Hey, dad,” Sparrowsway ducked his head into the den, “you ready to go?” 

“Yep,” smiled Oddstripe. “I was just finishing up. You two get your rest, I’ll be back later tonight.” 

“Okay…” Lakepaw stared wistfully out at the night but kept her head on her paws. Oddstripe touched his nose to Lakepaw’s ear and padded out after his son. The Gathering party was congregating on the hill as the last stragglers made their way to the group. 

Russetfrond was untangling himself from his two eager kittens. Bluekit and Yellowkit clung to his legs begging in chorus to be allowed to go with him. Oddstripe winced as he watched the patience draining from Russetfrond’s face bit by bit. 

“I already said no,” he growled firmly, wiggling his paws out of their grasp. 

Bluekit whined and plopped down on his belly looking dejected but Yellowkit leapt for his father’s paw again, giggling, and cried, “Come onnnnn! I’ll be good, I promise!” 

“Enough!” Russetfrond snapped, nipping sharply at the kit who squealed and dropped into a crouch with his ears pressed back. Russetfrond picked him up by the scruff -- which was quite the feat given how much he had grown in his four moons -- and set him beside Bluekit, saying, “You can’t even be good right now! You’d both better learn to behave before you become apprentices or you’ll be stuck on tick duty for every Gathering.” 

“Sorry, father,” Bluekit said, sitting up straight and tucking his paws close to his body. 

“Sorry,” mumbled Yellowkit, looking at the ground. 

“Speak up,” Russetfrond ordered and Yellowkit straightened up. 

“Sorry, father,” he echoed. 

“That’s better,” huffed Russetfrond. “Now behave while I’m gone and maybe I’ll catch you a special treat, alright?” Both boys nodded and Russetfrond leaned in to plant a tender lick on both of their heads. “Thank you, boys. I love you.” 

“Love you,” the kits chorused. 

“I do not envy those kits,” Aldertail whispered to Oddstripe, having come up beside him at some point. 

Oddstripe tried to push the grimace from his face and said, “No, me neither. Poor things.” 

“He means well,” Sparrowsway said with a small grimace of his own. 

“I know,” Oddstripe purred, butting up against Sparrowsway’s shoulder. Then, glancing at Aldertail, he asked, “are you sure you don’t want to come tonight?” 

“Yeah,” she nodded. “I don’t like crowds very much.” 

“Okay,” he smiled and bumped his head lightly against hers. “Enjoy your night, I’ll see you after the Gathering.” 

“‘Kay,” she blushed, shuffling her paws. “Have fun.” 

“Will do,” laughed Oddstripe and he twined his tail with Sparrowsway’s as they went to join the others. 

“Okay,” Goldenstar was saying, craning her neck to look over the crowd, “Russetfrond, Floodstrike, Scorchplume, Fogpaw, Branchbark… Ah! Oddstripe and Sparrowsay, that’s everyone. Let’s go.” 

“Have fun!” Slatepaw called after them. 

“You too!” cried Fogpaw, rearing up on her hind paws to wave goodbye. 

They made their way through the fields and over the river to the Cornerstones in the heavy evening heat. Even without the sun, the air was unseasonably warm and slightly humid, clinging to their fur like it wanted to slow them down. When they arrived, Oddstripe paused to take in the scene, enjoying the lively thrum of conversation. It seemed they were the last to arrive, all three of the other leaders sitting atop the Cornerstones already.

 “Floodstrike!” a pair of young EarthClan warriors called out and Floodstrike split off of the group to join them. Scorchplume and Fogpaw skirted the group to find a good vantage point to sit together. Branchbark waved his tail at a pair of SkyClan warriors and moved to join them.

“Aww, no Ospreymask?” one of them asked.

“Not tonight,” he said, “you’ll have to settle for me.” 

“I don’t think Pebblefall likes you like that,” laughed the other and the first warrior shoved him hard. 

“Whatever, bee brain.” 

Oddstripe chuckled to himself and turned to Sparrowsway who was standing next to him. “Go on and mingle, sweetheart.” 

“I’m alright,” said Sparrowsway, shifting his weight from foot to foot. “Why don’t I walk you to the front?”

“If you really want to,” Oddstripe said, brow furrowing with worry, “but don’t you have friends you’d rather talk to than your old man?” 

“Nah,” Sparrowsway shrugged and smiled but Oddstripe wasn’t sure he believed the expression. “I always enjoy talking with you.” 

“That’s not what I mean,” Oddstripe said as he let Sparrowsway escort him through the crowd. “You need friends who aren’t your father. It’s good for you.” 

“I’m alright,” Sparrowsway said again. “Most the cats my age are closer with Floodstrike anyway.” 

“What about Dawnbird?” Oddstripe offered. “She seems like such a polite young lady, I’m sure you’d get along well.” 

Sparrowsway pursed his lips to hide a wince. “Maybe. Seriously though, dad, I’m fine.” 

“Oh, alright,” Oddstripe chewed his lip fretfully and stopped to give Sparrowsway’s cowlick a few firm licks. “I just worry about you.”

“Don’t,” Sparrowsway laughed and ducked away from the licks. “I’m happy, dad, I really am.” 

“Okay…” Oddstripe stepped back towards the Cornerstones. “Just don’t hold yourself back from having fun, okay?”

“Okay, I won’t,” said Sparrowsway.

Deciding he would just have to be satisfied with that answer, Oddstripe turned away and padded over to where Blazingbrush and Stormwhisper were sitting near the front of the crowd. Stormwhisper brightened and twitched an ear in greeting as he approached. 

“Oh, where’s Tangletooth?” Oddstripe asked, looking around. 

“Coyotechaser said he stayed home tonight,” said Blazingbrush. “They didn’t want to risk him overexerting himself in the heat.” 

“I can’t blame them,” said Oddstripe. “Sagetooth is home with heat stroke tonight.” 

Stormwhisper inhaled worriedly through his teeth. “Stars, I hope she’s alright.” 

“She just needs some rest,” Oddstripe reassured him, “don’t worry.” Stormwhisper nodded, looking at his paws.

“Well, we might as well enjoy their absence for the night,” Blazingbrush grinned. “I mean how often do the three of us get to hang out, just us?” 

“Not often,” Stormwhisper admitted. 

Oddstripe laughed. “Why not? Let’s make the most of it.” Looking at Stormwhisper, he asked, “How are the kittens doing, by the way? They’re apprentices now aren’t they?” 

“Yeah,” nodded Stormwhisper, “Two moons in already.” 

“Oh, that’s right!” Oddstripe smiled remembering the Gathering where that had been announced, “Bluffpaw is apprenticed to Orangestar, isn’t he.” 

“That’s right,” Stormwhisper said. His expression softened as he continued, “Finchpaw and Rainpaw have been coming by lately to ask me about StarClan. I’m so glad they take the time. I miss the little beasts, even though I’m not their father or anything.” He looked at his paws again and Oddstripe couldn’t help but smile. Stars, he was terrible at hiding things. It was adorable.

“I know what you mean,” he said. “My kits grew up so fast! One day I was their whole world and then the next they were running off in all different directions -- into fights! Oh, it was terrifying -- is terrifying! But I just have to trust that StarClan is watching over them, you know?”

“Mhm,” Blazingbrush nodded. “I get so worried every time one of the apprentices comes back with even a bruise on them! There’s a reason I chose healing over battle practice.” She chuckled a bit and looked out over the crowd as if she were searching for someone and Oddstripe suddenly wondered if she had more in common with him and Stormwhisper than he had previously imagined. 

“Alright!” Snowstar’s voice pierced the air and silenced the chatter of the crowd. “I think it’s about time we get started, yes?” Oddstripe shifted his posture to look up at her, putting that line of thinking away for now.

“I’ll start the meeting off by saying that greenleaf has been good to SkyClan. Prey is running well, even as we head into leaffall the Clan is well fed. We’ve accepted some new blood into our Clan, two cats from over the mountains who have taken the names Rockylake and Hobbleheart. They’re here with us tonight and we welcome them as new members of SkyClan.” 

She gestured with her nose to a pair of cats sitting with Charredbranch and Greyvoice, a solid brown she-cat and a solid black tom. Oddtripe smiled in their direction, wondering which one was which. The crowd cheered weakly for them before quieting down again.

“Thankfully,” Snowstar said, “SkyClan has no further business. Orangestar?” 

“Thank you,” Orangestar smiled, stepping forward. “I am disappointed to say that the rogues from the city have started hunting in our forest again. Only one hunting party has been caught but at least two more have left clear signs of their trespassing on our land. That, in conjunction with the warning I’m sure we all received from RisingClan earlier this moon,” here she paused to glance at the other leaders, all of whom nodded, “I think the possibility of a continued war is not unlikely.” 

“I agree,” Goldenstar said, taking a small step forward. “It’s only a matter of time before the city cats start another fight. It would be in all of our best interests to have a plan in place for when they do.”

“What I’m hearing,” Flightstar interrupted, “is that you both don’t know how to defend your own territories against a group of kittypets.”

“These kittypets are trained fighters,” Goldenstar scowled. “You were at both of the battles we’ve had with them, you must have recognized that they’re no small threat.” 

“They have numbers,” he said dismissively, “nothing more.”

“You’re joking,” Orangestar blurted in disbelief.

“Underestimating these rogues is not helpful,” Snowstar added. “They took Darkmoon’s life, lest we forget.”

“And Darkmoon alone,” said Flightstar. 

“And Smokyrose,” Goldenstar scowled.

“Who was a mediator,” continued Flightstar stubbornly. “She could not have been difficult to overpower.” Oddstripe’s tail bristled instinctively and somewhere in the crowd he heard Fogpaw growling. The energy of the Gathering was starting to shift in a dangerous direction.

“Be careful not to speak ill of the dead,” warned Snowstar, sensing the change.

“I speak ill of no one,” Flightstar’s lip curled as he spoke. “I am simply stating the fact that these rogues are not the elite fighting force you two try to make them out to be. This all smells to me like a ploy to hunt in our territories now that leaffall is setting in and I’ll have none of it.” Tumblefang yowled her support from the middle of the crowd. 

“Look!” Stormwhisper called out, rising to his feet. “The moon!” 

With a chorus of gasps, the assembled cats threw their gazes skyward to see a cluster of wispy clouds in the early stages of choking out the moon’s light. Oddstripe stood too, eyes wide. In all his time as a healer, this had never happened, even though Sagetooth had told him stories of it before. 

“See?” Oddstripe recognized Scorchplume’s voice. “StarClan disapproves of your stubborn refusal to help the other Clans!” 

“No,” Tumblefang shouted back, “they’re sick of cats like you trying to take advantage of the rest of us!” 

“Cats like me?” Scorchplume laughed. 

“Easy,” Goldenstar said, projecting authoritatively. “We should all work to be less contentious with each other. Let’s calm down and pray we regain their favor.” 

From the east side of the clearing, a new voice cried out at the top of its lungs, “Help!” Oddstripe whipped around, Aldertail’s panicked shouts spiking fear through his chest.

“Aldertail?” Goldenstar gasped. “Aldertail, what’s going on?” 

“I-it’s the camp!” she sobbed, skidding to a halt as every eye turned in her direction. “The Exalted, th-they’re attacking the camp!” 

Russetfrond took off, leaping from his seat beside Bogmist and weaving through the crowd with a speed and purpose Oddstripe had rarely seen him use. Sparrowsway fell into step right behind him, his mentor’s dutiful second paw. 

“Fogpaw!” Scorchplume hissed as her apprentice took off after them.

“Come on,” Floodstrike looked at his friends before darting into the trees as well. Fishtrick took off after him, her ginger tail streaming out behind her, and Boldmoth stared up at Orangestar in bewilderment. Orangestar exchanged a look with Goldenstar then nodded. 

“EarthClan, let’s show those rogues what happens when they mess with warriors!” Orangestar shouted and then she and Goldenstar leapt down from the Cornerstones to follow. 

“SkyClan, likewise!” Snowstar boomed. “To war!” 

Everything was happening so fast. As more cats streamed out of the clearing, Oddstripe fought his way over to Aldertail. She was shaking, eyes shut tight, pressed down into a tiny ball on the ground. 

“Aldertail!” he cried, curling around her. “Are you alright?”

Branchbark joined them, eyes wide. “Aldertail, are you hurt?” 

“No, no,” Aldertail sobbed, shaking her head. “I ran as soon as I saw them! I’m so sorry, I’m such a coward!” 

“Oh, no!” Oddstripe pressed his head close to hers. “You came and got help! That was the right thing to do.” 

“I have to go,” Branchbark said, looking torn.

Oddstripe nodded to him. “I know. We’ll be fine, go help the others.” Branchbark nodded and bounced on his feet before taking off in a sprint. Aldertail pressed closer to Oddstripe’s side and whimpered.

Behind them, FallenClan had congregated at the base of the Cornerstones, talking in hushed voices, and Oddstripe heard Blazingbrush say, “StarClan’s sign is clear. The other Clans need our help.” 

“They have their help,” Flightstar growled. “We don’t need to get involved.” 

“What if our warriors make the difference between victory and defeat?” asked Ryestripe. 

“If they were better at defending their borders, they wouldn’t be in this situation in the first place,” spat Tumblefang. 

“What does that have to do with anything?” Ryestripe growled back. 

“Enough!” Flightstar snapped. “We’re going home. Anyone who wants to go to RisingClan’s camp can stay there permanently, understood?” There was a long pause then he stormed off into the woods in the opposite direction as the rest of the cats had gone. One by one, the FallenClan warriors followed him. 

Blazingbrush stared after her Clanmates, mouth open. “But-” She looked at the deputy, the last cat to go, and said, “Pigeoncover- You have to convince him! Surely, we can’t just do nothing!” 

Pigeoncover stood still for a beat, not looking at her. Then they softly said, “You’re already on thin ice, Blazingbrush. It would be best if you came along.” Blazingbrush looked like she had been struck. Still unable to meet her gaze, Pigeoncover slank into the woods after their father, leaving Blazingbrush, Oddstripe, and Aldertail alone in the clearing together. 

Oddstripe wanted to go to the other healer but he didn’t want to tear himself away from Aldertail’s shaking body. He opened his mouth but Blazingbrush looked at him and the words escaped his mind. They looked at each other for a long, hollow moment. 

“I’m so sorry,” Blazingbrush said. 

“It’s okay,” Oddstripe replied. “I understand.” 

Blazingbrush swallowed and bowed her head in defeat as she trailed after her Clanmates. Oddstripe took a deep breath and let it out slowly. As he did, he sent a silent prayer to StarClan.Let this be enough, he prayed. Let everyone survive. Guide their claws and deliver them from their enemies. Please, let it be enough.

[stoptimenoir]

Moonset Pigeon Cove Rockport, MA . . . . . . . . . #lowlight #nightphotography #stars #pigeoncove #cove #harbour #boats #fishing #newengland #moon #timelapse #newengland #stoptimelive #capeann #rockport (at Pigeon Cove, Massachusetts)

[clangenrising]

Month 11 - Leafbare

The snow had been falling all morning. The drifts piled up over the course of the afternoon, higher than Floodpaw had ever seen before, and he and the other apprentices had to clear out the den entrances once or twice to keep the dens from being completely sealed off. They’d also spent a good few hours fishing at Goldenstar’s request but Floodpaw hadn’t been able to focus much.

That morning, she had told the three of them that if they wanted to join the war party she would let them. He had been thrilled, to say the least. The assessments had been tough but the hardest part had been the lack of a reaction from Goldenstar and the silence on the matter she had maintained for the last few days. The anticipation had nearly eaten him alive. Now, all of that energy had been turned into excitement. He had immediately asked to go and Goldenstar had agreed. Even Sparrowpaw was going. 

Barleypaw was staying behind, as expected, but she had specifically asked to stay and protect Smokyrose and the kittens. 

“You won’t need to,” Floodpaw had said, “We’re going to beat the rogues, easy. The prophecy said so.” 

“It never hurts to be safe,” Yarrowshade had said. 

Floodpaw wasn’t sure how much he agreed with that but he’d forgotten about it easily enough when the other Clans started gathering in their camp. EarthClan was first. Floodpaw scrambled out of the apprentices’ den when he heard them. Orangestar and Darkmoon were there, along with three warriors he had met before on patrols. He also spotted Fishpaw and Boldpaw among the crowd and he hurried across the clearing to talk with them. Fishpaw wasn’t interested in conversation but Boldpaw sat and humored him which made Floodpaw swell with pride. 

Shortly after, FallenClan arrived with Flightstar, his deputy Pigeoncover, and three other warriors. Flightstar immediately ducked into Goldenstar’s den to talk with the other leaders but unlike the EarthClan cats, FallenClan didn’t mingle at all with RisingClan’s warriors. Floodpaw frowned. 

“Can you believe they almost didn’t show up?” he asked Boldpaw. 

Fishpaw looked over and said, “I can. FallenClan are a bunch of heartless snakes.” 

“They are?” he asked, squinting at the cluster of cats, two of which looked very similar to himself. 

“Flightstar at least is bad news,” Boldpaw said. “Darkmoon says the patrols have only gotten more standoffish since he took over.” 

“Huh,” Floodpaw said. He used to think that Flightstar was a strong and admirable warrior but now he wasn’t sure. What was a warrior without concern for others? Even he knew how important that was! 

Soon after, Snowstar, Tangletooth, Coyotechaser, and four other SkyClan warriors arrived along with Fernpaw who bounded over when Floodpaw waved at him. 

“Hey!” he grinned, joining them. “You guys ready to tear some rogue pelts?” 

“Definitely!” Floodpaw nodded, kneading the ground with his claws. 

“Shouldn’t be long now,” Boldpaw said. “Everyone’s here.”

“Who all from RisingClan is coming?” asked Fernpaw, looking around.

“Um,” Floodpaw tried to remember. “Me, Sparrowpaw… Goldenstar and Russetfrond, of course, and then Ospreymask, Branchbark, and I think Pantherhaze?” 

“Okay, not bad,” Fernpaw said, looking around.

“So everyone is bringing more warriors than FallenClan, then,” Fishpaw scoffed. 

“I heard they’re the smallest Clan there is,” Fernpaw said. “They don’t even have any apprentices or anything.” 

Floodpaw flicked an ear dismissively. “Who cares,” he said, “We’re all going to battle together! I can’t wait.” They didn’t have to wait long, which was a good thing, given the snow. After a few more minutes, the leaders emerged and Goldenstar jumped onto the Stoneperch to call a meeting. 

“Warriors!” she cried, and everyone fell silent. “We’re finally ready to drive these city rogues from our territory once and for all!” The cats cheered and Floodpaw joined in as loudly as he could. The energy was intoxicating, all of their bodies gathered in the little camp, hearts beating in time, their purpose aligned. He felt like a part of something bigger than himself and it was amazing. 

Goldenstar continued, “StarClan is with us today and our victory has been foreseen! All we need to do is follow through. Thank you all for joining us in this endeavor. It would not be possible without you and for that Orangestar and I are grateful.” Flightstar and Snowstar puffed up a little, looking proud of themselves, although Flightstar was the only one wearing a smirk. 

“Here’s the plan:” said Goldenstar. “We attack in two waves. The first wave will be led by Snowstar and made up of cats with pale coats. We’ll call them the Stoat Group. They’ll blend into the snow and advance stealthily, making way for the rest of us to follow. The second group, who we’ll call Eagle Group, will follow in their pawsteps about four fox-lengths behind.”

Snowstar lifted her voice and said, “Stoat Group will make the first approach, assess the rogue camp, and then attack. Once Eagle Group hears signs of combat, they’ll move in as well.”

Goldenstar nodded, looking a little perturbed. “Stoat Group will be Snowstar, Charredbranch, Pebblefall, Fernpaw, Bogmist, Fishpaw, Pigeoncover, Tumblefang, and Floodpaw.” Floodpaw gasped. He was going to be a part of the first attack? And without anyone else from RisingClan with him? He couldn’t believe it. “Everyone else, you’re with Eagle Group. Are there any questions?” 

No one spoke up, instead looking around to identify the cats they would be fighting side by side with. Floodpaw bumped shoulders with Fernpaw excitedly and Fernpaw grinned back. 

“Alright then,” said Flightstar, standing up. “Let’s form up and move out. Good hunting!” A few of the cats cheered but Floodpaw noticed Goldenstar frown. 

“I’m gonna check in with my mentor,” he said, “and then I’ll be right back, okay?” 

“Okay!” Fernpaw nodded. Floodpaw jumped up and bounded over to the food of the Stoneperch just as Goldenstar jumped down. 

“Hey,” he said, “Thanks for letting me go with Stoat Group!” 

Goldenstar looked down at him and a smile spread over her worried expression. “They need all the cats they can get and you’ve got the right coloring,” she said. “Just be careful. Stay close to the other warriors and don’t let the rogues overwhelm you. We’ll be right behind you but there’s probably going to be a good few seconds where you’re outnumbered.” 

“Got it,” he said, nodding. “I’ll see you there then.” 

“Good luck, kid,” Goldenstar purred, butting her head against his. He pressed up into her touch and then turned to go find Stoat Group. Before he got too far, he ran into Sparrowpaw. 

“Hey,” Sparrowpaw said, stepping in front of him, “Be safe out there, okay?” 

“Yeah,” Floodpaw said, “you too.” 

Sparrowpaw smiled. “Will do.” Floodpaw rubbed up against his brother fondly, then hurried towards Stoat Group. Luckily, nothing else got in his way and soon enough he was standing in a circle of mostly white cats, belly deep in the snow. It was almost surreal. He didn’t think he’d seen this many cats like him in one place all his life. 

“Alright,” said Snowstar, as he and Bogmist joined the huddle, “that’s everyone. Let’s move out. Stay within sight of at least two other cats at all times. Once we get there, watch me for the signal to attack, understood?”

“Affirmative,” said Pigeoncover with an obedient nod. Most of the others nodded or voiced agreement. Floodpaw puffed his chest up and nodded. What an honor to be among such a capable group of warriors!

“Good,” said Snowstar. “May StarClan guide our claws!” She looked across the camp to Goldenstar and the others and made eye contact before nodding and heading up the slope and into the thicker snow. 

“Good luck!” Floodpaw heard Oddstripe calling after them. He looked back at the healers’ den to shoot a grin at his papa who seemed worried. Don’t worry, Papa, he tried to say with his smile, I’ll come back a hero! Just watch!

Stoat Group fell into a small arrow shape with the apprentices in the middle, directly behind Snowstar and Pigeoncover. Floodpaw made sure to check regularly that he could still see Fernpaw and Fishpaw on either side of him as they made the long and silent journey to the border, or rather, to where the rogues had pushed the border. Despite the biting cold, he felt like he was burning with anticipation. It felt like at any moment they would suddenly be in the thick of battle. 

Eventually, Snowstar lifted her tail to stop them, and Floodpaw craned his neck to see the tracks ahead of them, covered heavily with freshly fallen snow. He wanted to ask if they were close but managed to keep a hold on his tongue. Snowstar looked at Pigeoncover and seemed to convey a message without a word. The FallenClan deputy nodded, glanced at Tumblefang, and then the two cats peeled off to the East, making a wide circle. Snowstar glanced at Charredbranch and he grinned, then flicked his tail at Fernpaw and the two of them split off to the West. 

Floodpaw started to vibrate in excitement. This must be it, he thought, we’re about to attack! He opened his mouth to try and catch any scent but the snow had muffled all of it. If the city cats were here, he had no idea where. 

A tense moment passed. Then another. Floodpaw strained his ears for any sound. He couldn’t hear anything above the blood pounding in his own ears. He spotted Charredbranch’s ears poking out of a snow bank to their right. He couldn’t see Pigeoncover anywhere.

Snowstar chirped, like a chattering bird, and all of the cats surged forward in an instant. Floodpaw moved as soon as he realized what was happening, flowing through Snowstar’s pawprints like rain water finding the fastest way down a hill. She bounded down a small slope then turned sharply right. Floodpaw blinked and suddenly there were dens in the snow in front of them. Snowstar crashed through into one and one of the cats inside screamed. 

“What’s going on?!” he heard a stranger cry out.

“We’re under attack!” another voice shouted, “Get up! Everyone up!” 

Pebblefall was in front of him and a rogue rose up to meet him, barring the entrance. Floodpaw shifted from foot to foot and glanced at Fishpaw. She growled in frustration and glanced around so he did the same. There was a second den where the two offshoots had converged and were being held at bay by a big ginger tabby with a jingling collar. There didn’t seem to be another den to attack. 

“Back up!” he heard Pebblefall hiss and the rest of the group hurried back to allow Pebblefall and Snowstar back out into the snow. Floodpaw gaped in disbelief. Had they been driven out so easily?! Then, he saw the genius in their plan. As they retreated, the city cats inside followed, leading them out where the other warriors could more easily attack them. 

A silver speckled tabby dashed out of the den and was tackled by Bogmist before she knew what was happening. A pale ginger she-cat with bengal spots lunged for Pebblefall only to have Fishpaw pounce on her from the other side. Snowstar arched her back in a hiss and a pale silver tabby tom, bleeding from a nasty claw wound above his eye, leapt to meet her. The tom looked just like Fogkit and Floodpaw realized suddenly that he must be Ghost.

Spitting furiously, Floodpaw darted in and grabbed Ghost’s back leg in his teeth. He gave a tug and Ghost stumbled, crying out. Snowstar took the opportunity to lunge for his neck but Ghost managed to roll out of the way. 

“What do we do?” a ginger tom cried from inside the den. More cats huddled behind him, reeking of fear scent. Floodpaw frowned. That wasn’t right.

“Get out of here!” Ghost barked, backing away from Floodpaw as he desperately tried to blink the blood from his right eye. Snowstar pursued him with a hiss but something unnerving twisted in Floodpaw’s gut.

“You will stay and fight!” shouted the ginger kittypet from across the way where he had Charredbranch pinned. “That’s an order!” Several kittypets had poured out of the den to join the fight. Pigeoncover and Tumblefang were trading back and forth between a black and white tom and a brown and white tabby she-cat. Fernpaw danced in circles, avoiding the swipes of two more kittypet rogues. 

Floodpaw immediately sprinted to his friend’s rescue. Snowstar would handle Ghost. Fernpaw needed him. 

He sprang at the bigger of the two, a scarred black smoke tabby tom and landed on his back. He clung for dear life, biting at the tom’s neck, but the kittypet rolled over and he wasn’t quick enough to avoid being crushed under the heavier cat’s weight. 

Still, he had drawn one of the cats off of Fernpaw who called out, “Thanks!” as he finally turned to attack his pursuer. 

Floodpaw rolled to his paws just in time. Right where he had been, the scarred kittypet slammed his paws down with enough force to crack Floodpaw’s sternum in half, he thought. Floodpaw darted to nip at his hind legs and followed the movement to circle the tom as he tried to round on Floodpaw. 

“Big-eared brat!” the rogue hissed, snapping for Floodpaw’s tail. Floodpaw squeaked but managed to leap out of the way just in time. 

A roar sounded on the hill, a dozen cats crying out. Eagle Group descended into the circle of trampled snow and crashed into the rogues. Russetfrond barreled into the tom Floodpaw was fighting and took him to the ground. Floodpaw panted heavily, glad that he’d been saved but unsure how to help now. 

He backed up to try and get a better look at the battlefield. The noise was suddenly overwhelming, a cacophony of yowling, writhing bodies. Now that the second wave had arrived, the Clans outnumbered the city cats more than two to one. All at once, the smell of blood became overwhelming. It wasn’t a tantalizing smell like prey blood. No, it was all wrong, like a sinister corruption of the taste. Floodpaw instinctively crouched low to the ground, trying to get his bearings against the tide of sensory information. 

“We need to go!” shrilled the silver speckled tabby, bleeding heavily from her shoulder. 

“Do not break rank!” bellowed the black and white kittypet, dodging blows from Tumblefang and Branchbark. 

“Kill the damn pests already!” hissed a voice behind Floodpaw and he twisted suddenly to see the ginger tabby kittypet bearing down on him. 

“Floodpaw, look out!” shouted Ospreymask as she heaved herself back onto her feet, a gash on her leg spraying blood over the snow. Floodpaw twisted to try and get out of the way but the kittypet slammed into him, pushing him onto his back in the snow. Floodpaw kicked with his hind legs, felt them connect with the soft flesh of the tom’s belly, and tried to dig his claws deep into it. Meanwhile, teeth snapped at his neck, grazed the skin, then made contact, tearing into the loose skin there. Floodpaw shrieked in pain. 

The tom’s head twisted suddenly, pulled off course by Ospreymask’s claws hooked into one of his eyes. The kittypet roared, spun around, and swiped at her. Floodpaw acted on instinct and lunged, grabbing the skin beneath the tom’s arm in his teeth. He pulled hard. Blood gushed over his face, hot and sour. 

Ospreymask slammed the tom face first into the snow, pulling him out of Floodpaw’s grip. He backed up and pressed a paw against the wound in his neck. 

“Floodpaw!” suddenly Goldenstar was beside him. “Are you alright?” He nodded silently, reeling.

He couldn’t look away from Ospreymask. Fury burning in her eyes, she rolled on top of the rogue, ignored his claws swiping at her face, and sank her teeth into his neck. Floodpaw had never seen such ferocity. The tom twisted his hind legs to strike at her. His claws tore at her belly, blood spattered the ground. She adjusted her grip on his neck and tore. 

Blood, more blood than Floodpaw had ever seen, spurted rhythmically from the kittypet’s neck and bathed the snow red. The tom gurgled and fell over, eyes staring blankly as he shuddered in the throes of death. 

Ospreymask looked at Floodpaw with an intense stare. “Are you alright?” Her whole chin and a good portion of her chest were drenched in blood.

“Uh, yeah-” he said, trying to meet her eyes, but he couldn’t help looking back at the kittypet - at his body.

“Sycamore!” screamed the kittypet she-cat. Suddenly she was tearing across the clearing towards Ospreymask. “You little bitch! I’ll tear you apart!” Robinswoop was behind the kittypet and hooked his claws into her tail, causing her to tumble into the snow. Then Ryestripe was on her, raining down blows. 

“Shit!” cursed Ghost. When he turned around to look, Snowstar swiped out and deepened the wound above his eye. Sparrowpaw leapt onto his back and sank his claws in, forcing him to refocus on the fight in front of him. 

“Sycamore’s dead!” cried the cat who had been fighting Fernpaw. “Retreat!” 

“Retreat!” chorused the street cats. There was a pause as everyone took a step back and the rogues started to flee. Some of the warriors cheered or spat insults at their backs. The brown tabby she-cat snarled furiously and lunged for Ospreymask again, but the black and white tom caught her by her scruff and pulled her back. 

“We have to go, Bella!” he snapped. Tears in her eyes, the she-cat looked at the horde of warriors hovering at the ready around them. They were the only two city cats left. Floodpaw watched the gravity of the situation sink in on her face. 

Backing up against the other kittypet, she glared at Ospreymask and said, “This isn’t over! You’ll pay for what you’ve done! All of you degenerates will pay!” 

“Yeah, yeah!” laughed Tumblefang.

“Beat it, flea bag!” jeered Fishpaw. 

Seething through gritted teeth, the kittypets turned and fled after their compatriots. 

“We are victorious!” shouted Flightstar and the crowd whooped and hollered in response. Cries of triumph went up throughout the group as cats turned to each other with wide smiles and bloody pelts. 

“Sparrowpaw!” Russetfrond barked above the noise, “Go fetch your father!”

“Yes, sir!” cried Sparrowpaw and he bounded over the hill the way they had come. Snowstar started moving among the cats, checking for serious injuries. Goldenstar rasped her tongue over Floodpaw’s neck, cleaning away the blood, and he suddenly came back to his body. 

“Are you alright, kid?” she asked, making eye contact with him. 

“Yeah,” he said, “I think. Is it bad?” He tried to look down at his wound. 

“It’s not that bad,” said Goldenstar, licking over his ears fondly. “We’ll get some cobwebs on it and you’ll be right as rain.” 

“Who got the kill?” shouted Tumblefang, moving through the crowd.

“Ospreymask!” said Robinswoop. A few cats called their congratulations and Ospreymask blushed, running her tongue over her dripping red muzzle. 

“As prophesied!” declared Snowstar with a dawning wonder. “Behold, the raptor that crushed the snake in its beak!” Floodpaw’s eyes widened. That had been a part of the prophecy? Cheers went up among the group. Branchbark appeared to try and lift Ospreymask onto his shoulders and the two of them laughed and began to wrestle. Floodpaw found himself staring at the body again, at the blood coagulating in the cavity she had made in its throat. That had been a person before but now it was just a stiff thing lying in the snow. Floodpaw couldn’t even remember its name. 

“Hey,” Goldenstar said, nudging him. “Maybe we should head back to camp, yeah?” 

“Oh,” he said, tearing his gaze away. “Yeah, maybe.” He looked back at the body. “Is it always so… scary?” 

Goldenstar laid her tail over his back and mumbled. “The first time is the hardest. It gets easier. But it’s a good reminder. Warriors try not to kill to win their battles.” 

“Because it’s scary like that?” he asked, looking back at her.

“And because the dead never get to see their loved ones again. You remember how much it hurt people when Nightfrost died, right?” He nodded. “When possible, you should try not to cause that much hurt. Nothing good ever comes from it.” 

“But we won,” he said. “We won because she killed him.” 

“We did,” Goldenstar said, lips pursed. “We probably could have won without killing anyone. But what happened happened. Sometimes you try your hardest and it still happens like that. We can’t change the past. We can only try and make a better future.” 

“Gotcha…” he said, swallowing as he looked at the bloodstained snow. 

“Floodpaw!” Oddstripe cried, rushing down the slope in front of Sparrowpaw. “Oh, StarClan, are you alright?” He reached them and took Floodpaw’s face in his paws to angle him this way and that. 

“The wound isn’t serious,” Goldenstar said reassuringly. “He fought well.” 

“They both did,” said Russetfrond, coming to join them. Sparrowpaw beamed at his brother but Floodpaw was too busy trying to break free. 

“Papa, stop! I’m fine!” he protested, trying not to draw too much attention to himself. 

“Oh, I was so worried about you, is-” Oddstripe stopped as he looked up and saw the body. “Oh- Stars above!” 

“It’s alright,” Goldenstar said, “He’s one of the rogues.” 

“There aren’t any other casualties,” said Coyotechaser, approaching, “but Pebblefall has a lot of wounds and Furrowleap can’t move his leg properly.” 

“And I should probably get my belly seen too,” said Ospreymask, stumbling over, leaning on Branchbark.

“Oh,” Oddstripe seemed suddenly overwhelmed. “Right, yes, let me look at your belly. If you could fetch Pebblefall…”

“Will do,” said Coyotechaser, moving away. 

Goldenstar reared up on her hind legs and called out, “Everyone who can should start heading back to RisingClan’s camp! Sagetooth and Tangletooth will be waiting to tend to your wounds and there’s a feast of fish waiting for all of you!” The war band cheered uproariously and began to meander back in the direction they had come. 

“Russetfrond,” Goldenstar said, dropping back to all four paws, “take the body over the Thunderpath please. Take whoever you need with you.”

“You got it,” he said, then looked at Branchbark. “Come on, you.” 

“Wh- me?!” protested the warrior. 

“Yes, you,” grumbled Russetfrond, “now hop to it. The faster we get this done the faster you can go back to doing whatever you wanted.” 

“Can I come?” Sparrowpaw asked. 

Russetfrond hummed then shrugged. “Alright. You can be our look out.” Sparrowpaw nodded seriously and moved with them as they went over to the body and began to drag it through the snow. 

Fernpaw appeared and butted heads with Floodpaw. “Was that awesome or what?!” he cried. 

“Yeah,” Floodpaw said, letting the other apprentice’s energy infect him. “You were amazing! When you were fighting those two cats at once-?!”

“Don’t forget when you saved me!” Fernpaw beamed. “I can’t believe you’re younger than I am!” 

“Yeah, well, I didn’t eat death berries and spend a moon in the healers’ den,” Floodpaw joked, swiping playfully at his ear. 

“Hey! I told you that in confidence!” Fernpaw laughed, looking around to see if anyone had heard. 

Floodpaw gave him another shove and said, “I’ll race you back to camp!” 

“Okay, readysetgo!”  Fernpaw blurted quickly and then tore off through the snow.

“Hey! No fair!” Floodpaw laughed and chased after him. Already, the shock of what he had seen was fading away, replaced by the sound of cheerful voices and the promise of a fish dinner with friends. The Clans had won, and he had helped! Thanks to tonight, their home was safe and he was eager to celebrate it.

[clangenrising]

Month 2 - April Gathering

Prev | First | Next

The night of the full moon was quiet and gentle, if a bit chilly. Pantherhaze bounced excitedly alongside his clanmates as they headed up the hill towards the forest and the Cornerstones. 

Gatherings were tricky these days. Not only did Goldenstar have to worry about balancing the amount of cats left to guard camp with the cats who would attend which was harder with the Clan’s small size, but there was always the fear that the gathering would lead to another outbreak which made attending at all a serious decision. It had been three moons since a gathering had even been held and longer still since Pantherhaze had been able to attend and he couldn’t help but get his hopes up now that the healers had given everyone the go ahead. 

Goldenstar led him, Nightfrost, Sagetooth, Smokyrose, and Songdust through the shrubbery, her tail held high. Pantherhaze could already hear and smell SkyClan and FallenClan cats mingling in the clearing ahead and he felt his tail fluffing up at the infectious energy. 

“Easy there,” Smokyrose rasped with a chuckle and he ducked his head shyly. “It’s not going to be that exciting, mind you.” 

“That’s easy for you to say, Smokyrose,” Songdust said. “You got to see the other Clans during your mediating. We’ve barely scented them since Leaf-fall.” Pantherhaze nodded, hoping to add weight to Songdust’s argument. 

“I suppose you have a point,” Smokyrose relented graciously. “Just keep in mind that we’re not the only Clan who lost a lot of cats this Leaf-bare. It will likely be a very small, unimpressive gathering.” 

“Right,” Pantherhaze frowned, effectively chastened. Even Songdust went soberly quiet. The patrol emerged from the foliage to behold the Cornerstones, the mossy ruins of a long abandoned twoleg nest that had mostly crumbled. Only one corner of the nest remained, sides sloping up to a point where two cats sat, quietly conversing. 

Pantherhaze gasped. 

“Oh, no,” he whispered. “What happened to Lionstar?” Snowstar, he recognized, their white pelt glistening in the moonlight, but instead of the pale ginger figure of Lionstar, his deputy Flightgaze was perched on top of the Cornerstones. The sleek blue tabby turned his gaze towards the RisingClan cats as they entered and he frowned. 

“I imagine he died,” Sagetooth remarked. “Same as Sunstar.” Pantherhaze fell silent, realizing that the other Clans probably hadn’t heard about Sunstar’s death, just as he hadn’t heard about Lionstar. They had only learned about Thrushstar’s death in EarthClan because Stormwhisper had come begging for Sagetooth’s help in treating him when he lost two lives in as many days. It was terrifying to think about. Not only could the plague chew through all nine of a leader’s lives, but it had claimed three of the four cats who had stood atop the Cornerstones this time last year. He whispered a prayer of thanks to StarClan for allowing it to pass him over. 

Looking over the gathered cats, it seemed many had not been so lucky. Including leaders, deputies, and healers, neither Clan had brought more than six cats - not that RisingClan was much better with their seven. It also seemed that despite arriving at the gathering neither SkyClan nor FallenClan were comfortable mingling amongst each other like they used to. 

Goldenstar looked back at her Clan and said, “Best behavior, yeah?” 

“Of course!” Pantherhaze said, straightening his posture. Goldenstar chuckled and winked at him, causing his face to flush a little under his fur. She glanced at Nightfrost and the two of them split from the group to head to the Cornerstones. Nightfrost meowed a greeting as she approached the other deputies and Goldenstar bounded up the sloped side to join Snowstar and - Patherhaze suddenly realized - Flightstar. Sagetooth headed over to sit apart from the other Clans and without thinking, the rest of RisingClan followed. 

“Wait,” Pantherhaze thought out loud as they settled down, “if Flightgaze is Flightstar now, who’s deputy?” 

“You have eyes, don’t you?” Sagetooth grumbled, flicking her tail towards the deputies gathered on the rubble below the Cornerstones, where a young white and grey cat was stiffly giving a nod to Nightfrost. 

“Pigeoncover?” Songdust frowned. “They haven’t even finished training their first apprentice.”

Smokyrose hummed thoughtfully. “I think he became Tumblefang last moon.” 

“Still,” Songdust huffed. “Last moon? Pigeoncover must be barely two years old! There are other warriors much more qualified to be deputy.” 

Pantherhaze shifted uncomfortably and leaned in to whisper conspiratorially. “Isn’t Flightgaze- uh, Flightstar their father?” 

“Mhm,” Smokyrose’s whiskers twitched. An uneasy quiet settled over the little group until, several minutes later, the bushes rustled and Orangestar came out of the trees with five cats in tow. Much like RisingClan, the EarthClan cats picked up on the strange energy and settled down away from the others while the leader and deputy took their places on the Cornerstones. 

“Alright,” Snowstar called, rising to her feet, “now that everyone is here, let’s begin!”

“First of all, let me just say, it’s good to be here tonight, under the sight of StarClan with all of you. It’s been too long. However, I’m proud of everyone for taking the Red Gut contagion seriously and taking the necessary precautions. It’s thanks to those safety measures, the hard work of our healers, and the guidance of StarClan that we have managed to come out the other side of this plague with our heads held high.” She glanced down to the clump of SkyClan cats and said, “I’d like to give some time to Tangletooth who has a bit to say about anti-plague precautions.” 

Tangletooth, an elderly, speckled ginger tom, rose to his paws, licked his whiskers, and nodded to his leader. “Thank you,” he said, voice rough and dry. The little noise the crowd was making diminished as all the cats strained to hear what he was saying. “I want to echo everything Snowstar has said and… give an additional warning. While it is understandable to be excited to put the plague behind us, I would urge you not to become blinded by relief. Every cat must stay vigilant for signs of Red Gut - sneezing fits, fever, headaches, running eyes and nose, upset stomach… and especially retching or liquid dirt.” 

He paused to take a few breaths and collect his thoughts. “Stay vigilant. Watch for these signs in both yourselves and your clanmates and report them to your healers immediately if you find them. If it is Red Gut, you will be put into isolation and it is of the utmost importance that you respect this quarantine. If you are ill, follow the direction of your healer and stay away from your clanmates. If you are well, do not attempt to visit the ill. Doing so risks the destruction of your entire Clan.” 

Pantherhaze looked down at his paws, remembering his sisters who had succumbed to the disease in two days. He had listened to Sagetooth and stayed away and because of that he had survived but he had never been able to say goodbye to them. He flinched, roused from his stupor by Smokyrose’s tail resting gently against his side. He smiled through tight lips at her and leaned closer, grateful for the unspoken comfort. 

“Uh… Thank you.” Tangletooth finished, slightly distant, and settled down again. SkyClan’s mediator, Heatherfuzz, leaned in to check on him, whispering in his ear as he nodded, muttering absently.

Snowstar dipped her head to her healer before lifting her posture again to address the crowd. “All of that said, SkyClan is officially free of disease and looking forward to the rest of Newleaf.” She took a small step back and glanced to either side to offer the stage to one of her fellow leaders. Goldenstar hesitated for a beat before starting to step forward. Flightstar beat her to the punch, standing up suddenly and drawing the crowd’s attention with a lash of his whip-like tail. 

“Last week,” he began, “Red Gut claimed Lionstar’s remaining lives, but with his death, we have finally left the sickness in the past. FallenClan stands strong as we leave Leaf-bare, returning to our full glory day by day. As leader, it is my first priority to oversee our Clan’s efforts to rebuild. We have already named a new warrior, Tumblefang,” he gestured with his chin towards the young white and grey tabby in the crowd below. She puffed up her chest proudly, letting her gaze fall cooly over the assembled cats. Pantherhaze grinned widely at her and waved his tail in congratulations, but if she noticed, she didn’t give any sign. 

“And,” Flightstar continued, “we have another apprentice who is close to graduating herself.” He gave a small trill of pride and sat back down folding his tail neatly over his paws. Goldenstar cast him a glance as if to make sure that he wasn’t about to interrupt again and then stepped forward. Her gaze panned the crowd and Pantherhaze made sure to give his best encouraging smile to her. He was certain it was stressful to be on top of the Cornerstones in front of everyone and hoped that he could somehow reassure her from below.

She took a deep breath and began to speak. “Likewise, I must sadly report that Sunstar was claimed by Red Gut last moon. While her absence will surely be felt, I am certain that RisingClan will recover quickly in the coming days. In the wake of this tragedy, I want to ask everyone to remember that it was cooperation and unity that got us through this tragedy. Let us carry those things forward into a new season of prosperity for all.” Flightstar’s ear twitched. Pantherhaze glanced at him, reading disdain on the tom’s pointed muzzle. He wondered if Flightstar would say something but if there was something on the leader’s mind, he didn’t speak it. Goldenstar watched him for a moment and, when she was satisfied he wasn’t going to interrupt again, she turned her gaze to Orangestar on her other side, face softening just a bit. 

Orangestar sat up sharply, realizing it was her turn to speak, and stood up, fluffy ginger tail swishing side to side. “Right.” She said, almost to herself. “Likewise, EarthClan was hit hard by the plague. I’m sure you’ve all heard about Thrushstar’s untimely passing by now. In the months since then, I have been working tirelessly to ensure the safety of my clanmates. I am proud to announce not only that EarthClan is also free of disease, but that we have two new apprentices with us.” Pantherhaze’s ears perked. Red Gut had been particularly fatal for kits and had spread through the nurseries like wildfire. To have two new apprentices was surely a testament to the Clan’s dedication to following their healer’s guidance. 

“Dawnpaw has been apprenticed to Sprucespeckle and I have taken Toadpaw as my own apprentice.” Everyone looked to the apprentices in question, a pale blue and ginger torbie and a speckled brown tom sitting at the back of the crowd. The tom looked nervously around while his sister sat taller, eyes fixed on Orangestar with a fondness tinged with anxiety.

Orangestar nodded to her with a smile and continued. “We are all looking to the future with hope and courage, as exemplified by these two young cats.”

Pantherhaze tilted his head to whisper to Smokyrose. “They look more nervous than courageous.” 

“Those things aren’t opposites,” she shrugged. “I would be nervous too. The hopes and dreams of a Clan are a lot to pin on two orphans.” 

“Oh.” Pantherhaze’s stomach dropped. He looked forward again, tail curling around his paws as that solemn thought weighed upon his mind. 

Orangestar looked around, not sure what to do, and eventually said, “That’s all.” 

Snowstar nodded and declared, “Then with that, the gathering is over. Feel free to mingle for a while. It’s been a long time since we’ve had the opportunity to talk amongst ourselves.” The crowd was hesitant at first, shifting and murmuring, but seeing Snowstar leap down to speak with Nightfrost, cats slowly began to break from their Clan groups.

“Why don’t we go say hello to the new apprentices?” Smokyrose suggested and Pantherhaze nodded, a smile spreading on his face.

“Yeah, alright,” he agreed, leaning down to help support her as she stood. The older she-cat thanked him and together, they padded to the back of the clearing to greet the young cats and wish them well.

---------

Author's note: Thanks to everybody who read all the way through. Most gatherings won't be quite this long, just the notable ones. I figured our first Full Moon Gathering was worthy of a bigger piece.

[clangenrising]

ALLEGIANCES

A list of the cats in the world of RisingClan, their physical descriptions, and their positions within society. This list will stay up to date with the current events so Beware of Spoilers!!

RisingClan

LEADER

Goldenstar - a short-furred dark brown torbie she-cat with golden eyes.

DEPUTY

Russetfrond - a long-furred dark ginger tabby tom with copper eyes and powerful cheeks.

HEALERS

Oddstripe - a young long-furred grey tom with a dorsal stripe and dark blue eyes.

MEDIATORS

None

WARRIORS

Yarrowshade - a short-furred pale ginger speckled tom with emerald eyes.

Pantherhaze - a short, long-furred black speckled tom with copper eyes. Apprentice: Slatepaw

Scorchplume - a long-furred golden and ginger she-cat with striking blue eyes. Apprentice: Fogpaw

Ospreymask - a short-furred dark grey marbled she-cat with copper eyes.

Branchbark - a short-furred cream speckled tom with emerald eyes.

Aldertail - a short-furred brown speckled she-cat with heather blue eyes and a notched ear.

Sparrowsway - a long-furred light brown speckled tabby tom with gold eyes.

Floodstrike - a short-furred pale silver mackerel tabby and white tom with cyan eyes.

Barleybee - a short-furred ginger tabby point she-cat with dark blue eyes.

APPRENTICES

Fogpaw - a short-furred pale silver tabby she-cat with gold and blue eyes.

Slatepaw - a long-furred pale grey ticked she-cat with gold eyes.

ELDERS

Songdust - a long-furred white and dark grey classic tabby she-cat with grey eyes.

KITS

Yellowkit - a long-furred golden ticked tabby tom with copper eyes.

Bluekit - a long-furred blue tabby tom with copper eyes.

EarthClan

LEADER

Orangestar - a young, long-furred ginger ticked she-cat with hazel eyes. Apprentice: Bluffpaw

DEPUTY

Bogmist - a long furred white she-cat with grey eyes.

HEALERS

Stormwhisper - a long-furred dark grey smoke tom with a white chest and grey eyes.

MEDIATORS

None

WARRIORS

Furrowleap - a short-furred brown ticked tabby tom with pale blue eyes.

Sprucespeckle - a short-furred brown speckled tabby she-cat with blue eyes.

Dawnbird - a short-furred pale blue and ginger she-cat with deep blue eyes. Apprentice: Rainpaw

Fishtrick - a short-furred white she-cat with a ginger tail and pale yellow eyes.

Boldmoth - a short-furred dark ginger she-cat with gold eyes. Apprentice: Erminepaw

Wrenflutter - a short-furred ginger tabby tom with copper eyes. Apprentice: Finchpaw

APPRENTICES

Bluffpaw - a long-furred ginger spotted tabby tom with grey eyes.

Erminepaw - a long-furred light brown and white tom with blue eyes.

Rainpaw - a long-furred white and grey spotted tabby tom with grey eyes.

Finchpaw - a long-furred blue spotted tabby tom with grey eyes.

ELDERS

KITS

FallenClan

LEADER

Flightstar - a short-furred pale grey bengal tom with green eyes and a long muzzle.

DEPUTY

Pigeoncover - a short-furred white and grey tabby cat with green eyes.

HEALERS

Blazingbrush - a long-furred dark ginger pointed torbie she-cat with amber eyes.

MEDIATORS

Poppybird - a short-furred black and ginger torbie and white she-cat with blue eyes.

WARRIORS

Tumblefang - a short-furred white and grey tabby she-cat with blue eyes.

Ryestripe - a short-furred blue tabby tom with pale green eyes.

Duskstep - a long-furred brown pointed tom with grey eyes. Apprentice: Lionpaw

APPRENTICES

Lionpaw - a long-furred pale ginger bengal tom with pale green eyes.

ELDERS

KITS

SkyClan

LEADER

Snowstar - a short-furred white she-cat with grey ears and paws and crooked blue eyes.

DEPUTY

Coyotechaser - a short-furred brown classic tabby she-cat with copper eyes and white on her chest, tail tip, and front paws.

HEALERS

Tangletooth - a grizzled short-furred ginger bengal tom with amber eyes.

MEDIATORS

Heatherfuzz - a long-furred white and light brown tom with emerald eyes.

WARRIORS

Perchingcall - a short-furred brown tabby she-cat with dark blue eyes.

Charredbranch - a long-furred white tom with blue eyes and a black tabby rear.

Greyvoice - a short-furred grey tabby she-cat with pale blue eyes.

Pebblefall - a short-furred pale grey speckled tabby cat with copper eyes.

Robinswoop - a long-furred pale ginger bengal tom with hazel eyes and a scar under his right arm.

Couragecry - a long-furred blue and white ticked tom with cyan eyes.

Fernspeckle - a short-furred pale silver spotted tabby tom with green eyes.

APPRENTICES

ELDERS

KITS

Outsiders

LOST

Toadpaw - a long-furred brown ticked tabby tom with green eyes. Formerly of EarthClan.

KITTYPETS

Portia - a short-furred tortie and white she-cat with yellow green eyes.

Mystique - a long-furred blue she-cat with copper eyes.

Sardine - a short-furred brown tabby tom with a dark mask and green eyes.

Oreo - a short-furred white and black tom with pale blue eyes.

Milo - a short-furred brown tabby tom with green yellow eyes.

Humus - a long-furred marbled brown tabby tom with heather blue eyes.

London - a long-furred black smoke tabby with sage green eyes and a scarred face.

LONERS

Redleaf - a long-furred ginger and grey tabbico she-cat with grey eyes. Formerly of RisingClan.

ROGUES

Ghost - a short-furred pale silver tabby tom with blue eyes.

Jagg - a short-furred grey ticked tabby she-cat with pale yellow eyes.

Van Pelt - a short-furred dark brown tom with dark blue eyes and a notched ear.

Tadpole - a short-furred white she-cat with tortoiseshell ears and tail tip, sage green eyes, and a notched ear.

Dandelion - a short-furred tan ticked tom with yellow-green eyes.

Lizzie - a short-furred pale ginger bengal she-cat with green eyes and a notched ear.

Wicket - a long-furred ginger spotted tabby with blue eyes and a notched ear.

Midge - a short-furred dark blue and white she-cat with copper eyes and a notched ear.

StarClan

Nightfrost - a large, long-furred dark blue bengal she-cat with blue eyes and a white muzzle, chest, and paws.

Smokyrose - a long-furred pale grey ticked she-cat with golden eyes.

Darkmoon - a long-furred black speckled tom with yellow eyes and a flat muzzle.

Sagetooth - an elderly short-furred white and black tabby she-cat with sage green eyes.

Lakepaw - a short-furred blue and white bengal she-cat with cyan eyes.

Other Dead

Sycamore - a short-furred ginger tabby tom with yellow eyes.

Razor - a long-furred grey and white tabby tom with green eyes.

Tiger - a short-furred ginger tabby tom with green eyes.

Bella Swan - a short-furred brown and white marbled tabby she-cat with sage green eyes.

[clangenrising]

hi! is each clan a separate save file or did you happen across them in game? beautiful art btw!

Thank you!

And yes, they are all separate save files because I'm a maniac. I keep track of them just like I do RisingClan (see a previous ask where I explain my note taking process) but I'm less meticulous since I won't be showing every little thing they do. I also twist them to fit the things that happen in RisingClan instead of sticking strictly to the RNG. For instance, at around 4 years in, Orangestar died randomly on patrol, just... lost all of her lives. And I said no, that won't do, and went into the code to revive her. Cause it just didn't make sense for the story. I don't do that with RisingClan, to be clear, but I have freedom with the other clans since they exist to serve the main narrative.

Below are the in game sprites of the other Clans' Leadership

Orangestar, Darkmoon, and Stormwhisper of EarthClan

Flightstar, Pigeoncover, and Blazingbrush of FallenClan

Snowstar, Coyotechaser, and Tangletooth of SkyClan