Warrior Cats #1: The Battle of Thorns

Chapter Seventeen

Sky hesitantly stepped forwards, matching her pace with Star. Beside her, a tan and white male had been watching her closely. His large blue eyes seemed to stare endlessly at her fur, his gaze burning into her pelt. She tried her best not to glance back, and was not too happy to realize that a black she-cat had been watching her as well. The tension was unbearable, and Star finally stopped and looked back at Sky. She looked distressed, and signaled for the others to head back. After the other members were out of ear-shot, her gaze fluttered aimlessly towards the sky. She seemed some-what hesitant to speak, almost as if the desire was out of her grasp. She parted her jaws to speak, but no words came out. And yet, somehow, Sky knew exactly what she had said. "I'm not here to hurt this group..." She meowed softly. "I heard you and Bane speaking, and I promise you I understand your doubts! Attacking a clan is harsh, and the last thing I would want is a battle. I'm looking for my brother, and apparently Bane seems to connect with him... I'm not sure how..." While Sky was thinking out her predicament, Star had begun to stand, her fur puffing out cautiously. "You heard us talking?!" Her voice was full of hushed rage. Sky looked up with surprise. "N-no, now wait!" She started, her senses suddenly kicking in. "I didn't listen to all of it!"He Her voice rose in alarm. Star let out a low, guttural, menacing growl. Her fur prickled and she curled her lip in rage. And yet, for some reason, nothing happened. Sky looked around. Nothing was happening. What's going on? She glanced around uncertainly. Another growl, deeper and commanding, broke the silence.

_ -__ _ ___ _ _ _ __                ________________________________ ___ __ _ _ ___ -__

     "Cats of Streamclan, gather beneath the rock for a clan meeting!" Stonestar's meow boomed throughout the clearing, his eyes sweeping around the mass of cats below him. Leafpaw was seated a few meters away from Lionpaw, her gaze heard to read. She seemed distracted, and wouldn't let her eyes lock with any cat's. Even Nightpaw was having trouble speaking with her. What does she know that's so distressing? He looked down at his paws. Is it Mosspaw? Or maybe Thornpaw did something mean... Could Nightpaw have done anything? He sighed. Blueshadow was seated beside Leafpaw, looking every bit as unreadable. The resemblance of the two she-cats was quite uncanny.

     "As you all know, a young stranger has requested our approval. In order to test this, I gave him one and a half moons to prove himself." Stonestar began, stepping forward to get a better view of his clan. Lionpaw frowned. He had hoped he would have been given an extended amount of time, considering how nice he had been. I guess I'll just have to hope for the best...  He looked up as Stonestar continued. "So far, he has shown me no reason to refuse his invitation. But, for the better of my clan, I want this decision made by all of you."

     Lionpaw growled. This was not what he had hoped for. There hasn't been enough time for me to really express myself! He struggled to contain his anger. Stonestar flicked his tail towards the entrance to camp. "All of those who do not want Lionpaw to join Streamclan, make yourself known over there. I want all who accept him as a member to come to the rock with me!" Lionpaw felt a sudden wave of nausea rush over him. He swayed unevenly on his paws, and glanced around uncertainly. By the time his senses had come to once more, he was practically the only one in the center of camp. He felt so alone, so bare. This is what it was like for me before I met Streamclan. Is this how it will have to be?