Chapter 13: A Journey for Answers

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Bigstar leapt onto the Slanted Rock, anger stored in her chest. She swore she wouldn't let her warriors know. Taking a deep breath, she did a quick and cursory scan of what she was going to announce before beginning, "May all cats old enough to swim on their own, join here beneath the Slanted Rock!"

Warriors began to gathering. This was a few sunrises after the gathering. When Cougarfang entered the camp that night, many warriors were excited to hear what happened. Now they would get their wish.
A few warriors, like Slashingclaw and Swiftfoot quivered in excitement (perhaps at the prospect of going to battle). The rest of the warriors gathered and settled themselves quickly, staring at their leader and even at Cougarstar, lashing their tails impatiently. Bigstar began:
"We know how the gathering went. All of us-- we know. It's unacceptable, what we saw and what we heard. I cannot imagine another gathering in the future not failing like this one did. And after hearing the news that Blizzardstar is no longer leader and her deputy is now a warrior, I've decided, after long consideration... we're going to RockClan."

As she finished her announcement, she noticed the facial expressions shift in her warriors. Slashingclaw and Swiftfoot could not keep still, and warriors like Berryclaw, Greyfur, and Sandstripe were nervous, but anxiously excited all the same. Other cats like Blackeye, who had her and Bigstar's kits crawling all over her, and the apprentices seemed nervous. But Bigstar was relentless in her decision. I remember first meeting Blizzardstar, she thought sadly, I was an apprentice and she was the kindest warrior I've ever met.She was so nice, and I cannot bear to see her die. She is such an inspiration, and to let a flame like that die would be a sin.

Bigstar glanced at Cougarfang below, who met her gaze and nodded. Her eyes wandered to her kits and met their gazes as well. Fear, confusion, determination, sympathy, and impassivity were in their eyes. She yearned to drop from the Slanted Rock and approach them, console them, but she would not show such weakness to her Clan. No more. I cannot let my kits soften my heart. I keep putting my kits before my own Clan, but I must reverse that. I must be more like Morningstar. In fact, I could be more like Cougarfang. The deputy had many kits in the Clan, and he expected all of them to serve their Clan well, and to shed their dependency. 

"When we get to RockClan camp, will we fight?" Swiftfoot asked.
"I'll shred that Tigerleap's pelt!" Slashingclaw hissed, pelt bristling.
Midnightpaw whimpered, "Slashingclaw scares me."
Berryclaw wondered, "Do the apprentices have enough training?" She was concerned for Cloudpaw and Juniperpaw- her kits.

Bigstar ignored her guilt and mewed, "We are going to rescue Blizzardstar. We are going to attempt diplomacy first. If we need to fight, we will. Some RockClanners shall help us in this mission-- I know not all of them are loyal to Wolfstar. Goldenfern, for example, would probably do anything to restore her leader to her rightful place."

Cloudpaw looked at his paws, "We'd be fighting on the rocks, right? Isn't their camp high up? I-"

Bigstar had never considered that. "Smart thinking, Cloudpaw. But we'll be fine. Just stick to the back wall of their camp. I've been in their camp before, I know how it looks and I know where we'll be safe."

Blackeye stepped forward, "And while you lead the battle, I'll protect your kits." Her soft, small paw lay on Icekit who was near to her but the small tom snorted, and shook her off.

"You're going to fight?" Autumnkit mewed, glaring up at her mother with eyes like saucers.
Blackpaw wrapped her tail around Autumnkit, Fawnkit, Dappledkit, and Boulderkit. Autumnpaw, who was very big, wriggled from Blackeye's grip. 

"Yes." The leader confirmed. "But it won't take long. And I have lives, you know... and if I must risk a few for my fellow friend, so be it." She was surprised at how strong her voice sounded, saying that. Her kit may not understand the regiments for battle, everlasting friendships, and promises, but she had no reason to be worried. It will not come down to a battle. I have five lives left, and I can use them wisely.
"Now prepare. Train the apprentices if you feel they are not strong enough to face RockClan. But if you really think preparation is necessary, go ahead."

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