Warriors: The star lake fanfiction

Chapter 10

Smokepaw laid down in the dark forest alone. The star lake wasn't shining as brightly as usual for some reason; probably because Smokepaw had the feeling of impending doom consuming her.
"I'm back." Proudstep said as he returned with two mice.
He dropped one by her feet and took the other for himself. They both ate in silence, until Smokepaw broke it.
"What's going on?" she asked.
Proudstep sniffled, before speaking.
"Six moons ago, ShadowClan had many kits. Hoverstar grew worried that ShadowClan would have a lot of future warriors. He told me that he would steal a few of their kits to level the playing field. I didn't agree with him, but he convinced me that it was a smart move and he threatened to tell everyone about my...affair. I knew that it wasn't the right thing to do, but I didn't have much of a choice. I knew that taking Redstar's kit was a mistake, but I promised not to tell anyone." his ears flattened.

"What about the trial thing?" Smokepaw had dealt with so many discoveries about herself in the past few days, Proudstep's point of view barely fazed her.
"It's not in the warrior code, but it is an ancient law created by StarClan. It states that the deputy has the authority to demand a trial by judgement if they believe that a cat may not deserve a punishment that they are about to receive and the leader cannot turn them down. The only problem is that the cat that is being judged and the deputy that demanded the trial cannot enter the camp until the day of the trial. How the trial works is that the leader states why this cat needs a punishment and what they think the punishment should be, then the cat that is being judged will make their case, then the clan will vote on what the punishment should be. We can talk more about the trial in the morning." Proudstep explained.

"And what of the affair?" Smokepaw asked.
"...I love Tawnyshade, I really do. But I was really in love with a ShadowClan cat. I met the cat at a gathering, they were a warrior and I was an apprentice. Eventually, we grew closer and met up in secret everyday. When I became a warrior, the ShadowClan cat asked if I wanted to be mates in secret. But after a while, things didn't go so well."
"Who was your mate?" Smokepaw asked.
"...Redstar. When I killed his brother and his kit was stolen by Hoverdstar not long after, he stopped visiting me...I promised myself that I would watch over you, you were the only thing I had left of him."
Smokepaw was taken aback by Proudstep being mates with a tom, but it did clear up why he was a little attached to her and why he saved her life by calling the trial. Did this mean that they both didn't actually love their clan mates, but were only doing it to cover up their real relationship?

"Let's get some sleep." Proudstep curled up.
"Goodnight." He said.
"Goodnight."

...

Smokepaw awoke before Proudstep. She stretched and debated getting some prey for them. It was morning already but poor Proudstep had probably had a bad sleep. Smokepaw trotted away from Proudstep to find some voles or mice; something small and easy to catch.
Smokepaw tasted the wind, picking up the scent of a nearby vole. But she could also smell a familiar cat. Whitefur.

"Smokepaw, I've been looking for you." He spoke in a soft voice.
"What's this about a trial?"
Smokepaw didn't know what to say. Hoverstar had some dirt on Proudstep and had probably told the clan that she was betraying them or something. It was safer to admit the truth once she knew it was safe for her, and Proudstep, to do so.
Smokepaw remained silent, her ears flat.
"I get it. You don't want to talk about it...I came to fetch you, your trial begins soon." He stated.
Smokepaw nodded to him in thanks.
"I'll get Proudstep, we'll be there shortly." She then took her leave.

She forgot the vole. Her new mission, focus on the trial. She found Proudstep again, who was still sleeping. She felt bad for waking him, but it had to be done.
She shook him, slowly pulling him out of his dream.
"Hmm?" He squinted his eyes at her.
"We have to go. The trial starts soon." Proudstep nodded and stretched.
They walked back in silence.
Smells and sounds of ThunderClan cats neared.
Curious eyes followed Smokepaw and Proudstep as they entered the camp.
Hoverstar, having just exited his den, strode towards the two.

"Perfect timing. You two can wait on the edge of the highrock." The two begrudgingly did as he asked.
Smokepaw saw Darkpaw poke his head out of the medicine den, his gaze meeting hers. He probably smelled her, he always had a strong sense of smell since they were kits. It would always make Wrenpaw jealous.
Hoverstar hopped onto the highrock.
"All cats old enough to catch their own prey, meet at the highrock for a clan meeting!" His voice boomed.
Cats from around the camp made their way to the highrock, wearing curious expressions.

"We are about to commence a trial by judgement. An ancient law of starclan." Hoverstar turned to look at Smokepaw. "This young apprentice has betrayed our clan. She hides secrets of theirs, proving her loyalty to them. She clearly made friends with ShadowClan cats and almost certainly shared some of our secrets with them. She cannot be trusted." The crowd broke out into murmures.
"Is that true?"
"Oh my starclan!"
"I knew she was odd the moment I met her."
Smokepaw tried to ignore the last comment.
"I shall now let the accused speak." Hoverstar stepped aside, making room for Smokepaw beside him. Proudstep nodded and she stepped forward.
As a leader, Hoverstar held a lot of power and knowledge. If she spoke the truth, ThunderClan might hate her even more for being of ShadowClan blood. That would also include Wrenpaw. Hoverstar could ruin Proudstep's entire life if he proved his disloyalty. All he had to do was announce to the clan of the truth.
Smokepaw couldn't tell them where she was from.

"I was merely healing in ShadowClan. They were kind enough to take care of me and return me without anything in return. I can't prove to you that I'm innocent, but I can give you my word if you'll believe me." Smokepaw stepped back towards Proudstep. They touched noses.
"You did good." He whispered. She nodded.
"All in favour of a punishment for the apprentice, lend me your voices." Hoverstar spoke. Most cats, including Hoverstar, yoweled. The cats who didn't were Wrenpaw, Spiderpaw, Darkpaw, Hollowpaw, Blackpool, Dawnfern, Flamesnout and Whitefur. That meant that over half of the cats agreed to punish Smokepaw.

"Alright. Any ideas of punishments?" Hoverstar asked the crowd.
"Exile!" One of them yelled.
"Great idea!" Hoverstar beamed, glancing sideways at Smokepaw.
"No, we should do a temporary exile." Flamesnout suggested. Hoverstar eyed him suspiciously.
"Go on."
"If she must be punished. Exile her only for a period of time. Let her be out there on her own and come back if she wants to by a certain time." He continued.
It wasn't the best solution, but it was better than being permanently exiled. She bowed her head to her mentor, which he returned.

"Hmm..." Hoverstar pondered.
"Alright. Smokepaw, you shall be temporarily exiled from our clan for four moons. Return to us after the last leaf has fallen."
What?! She could never survive that long on her own.
"You have the day to say your goodbyes, but you must leave first thing in the morning." He turned back towards the clan.
"Clan dismissed."