The Darkest Moons (Warrior Cats)

75. Disagreements

     The full moon glowed above, stars surrounding it like children, twinkling to fight through the cover of wispy clouds. DarkClan was in good spirits, and in the center walked two of its newest warriors: Grayfur and Poppyclaw. Spottedmoss had opted out, fearful of facing her former Clan, and Scorchwing couldn’t blame her. 

     Poppyclaw was trembling fiercely, and Scorchwing touched his tail against her flank. “It’s alright.” 

     “There are cats from every Clan. How do you manage it? There’s going to be so many.” Her voice was low, almost like a frightened kit, and Scorchwing purred. 

     “I was scared at first too, but you have an entire Clan to back you up.” 

     “I’ll claw anyone who messes with you,” Yellowfoot assured. “Maybe not tonight, because it’s a truce, but I’ll find a time to do it.” 

     Poppyclaw managed a nervous laugh. A new scent mingled with DarkClan’s. FireClan! 

     The group of cats kept tightly knit, but there was no hostility as they moved along. Scorchwing felt relieved when he caught Birchtail’s eye and was met with a welcoming nod. They cleared the hill and made their way down the slope and into the valley, and Scorchwing heard Poppyclaw gasp. She hung back at the sight of the many Clans. “There’s too many.” 

     Scorchwing draped his tail over her spine. “It’s alright. We’re here for you.” I’m here for you. 

     “What if they don’t like me? What if they stare? I’m a rogue-“ 

     “You’re a DarkClan warrior. As far as we’re concerned, you’re kin.” Scorchwing touched his nose to her cheek. “Everything will be fine.” 

     “This is scary.” 

     “I know.” 

     Poppyclaw unlocked, and she leaned against him for a moment before starting on again. DarkClan settled down, and Scorchwing found that the Clans were once again tense. WaterClan sat apart from the others, looking beaten down and hurt. Scorchwing looked to the leaders’ boulder. Shadowstar took his place, and beside him was not Beetlestar, but Swiftcreek. Is he sick again? 

     There was no friendly chatter. When the Clans noticed Beetlestar’s absence, they went quiet. Waspstar began her report, talking of kits and a badger set. Next came Kestrelstar with a story about an owl. FireClan had a new litter of kits by a queen named Thistletooth and lost a warrior in the fighting; Thistletooth’s mate of all cats. Shadowstar came next. “I have accepted my nine lives and my new place as leader of DarkClan. Froststrike shall be my deputy.” Cheering came after, then died out. 

     Swiftcreek stepped forward, looking solemn, and she sat down. She took a deep breath. “Beetlestar has forfeited his lives as a leader and left WaterClan in shame, so-“ 

     “Did you finally run him out?” Hailstar questioned. “Like the fox he is?” 

     Swiftcreek shook her head. “He left of his own accord. He showed remorse for his crimes and fled. I have accepted the lives of a leader and my new name, and Poppywings is my deputy.” 

     So she’s Swiftstar now. 

     This time, there was no cheering. Hailstar broke the strained silence with a crackling laugh. “You couldn’t even take care of your own codebreaking traitors! How can you expect to be a worthy leader, chosen by that foxheart. As far as I’m concerned, WaterClan is leaderless!” He stopped laughing, growling next. “He should have been killed.” 

     “You claim he was a codebreaking traitor for what he forced us to do. You claim he was evil for attacking DarkClan. Yet you ruthlessly attack our patrols! Your warriors come across our border, marking their scents, stealing our prey! And you call Beetlestar a traitor!” Swiftstar’s voice rose. “Do you want my first act as leader to be declaring war on you, Hailstar?” 

     “How dare you accuse my warriors of stealing prey!” 

     “They cross WaterClan’s border daily!” Swiftstar stood, fluffing out her fur. “You scold us and then do the same thing we are repenting for!” 

     Hailstar crouched, ready to lunge, and Shadowstar slipped between them. “If you continue to harass WaterClan, DarkClan will not hesitate to back them up.” 

     No! 

     Hailstar looked quizzical. “They tried to destroy your Clan!” 

     “And they failed! Leave them alone!” Shadowstar yowled. Hailstar backed away, looking like a kit who had been cuffed over the ear. Shadowstar returned to his spot, and Swiftstar steadied herself. 

     “What Beetlestar did was wrong, and we will work to be a better Clan. I will do everything in my power to make up for the crimes he committed.” 

     Shadowstar shook his head. “Focus on regaining your Clan’s strength. Your Clan was only obeying the Code by following their leader. You are forgiven.” 

     “Then this gathering is over.” 

     Scorchwing felt sick, and he found that Poppyclaw had leaned into him. He gently licked her ear, trying to calm both her and himself. “Are gatherings always like this?” She asked. 

     “Not always. Hopefully the next one will be better.”