Waiting Outside the Lines

Where She Fights for Happiness Part 1

~Blazespirit~

Life was so much simpler back in the Tribe

When I didn't have to fret over the lives of others, or had to push down so many feelings of pain or desire

When I didn't fear what each sunrise would bring

And now a war was storming in

Two sunrises passed and Waspstar had organized an emergency Gathering consisting of all the leaders, deputies, and senior warriors of each Clan. Even though I'm not a senior warrior, Waspstar insisted that I go since I know the most information about Cora. But I never wanted this to happen to begin with.

I didn't know if I wanted Hogtussle to come or not, but she chose not too. She probably thought that I was still upset about our conversation, but I was too afraid. The Clans were threatened because of me.

I know I should've just turned myself in, but I know how Cora is. Call me a coward, but I never want to be her tortured victim. Never again.

Onesplash, Leaffoot, Curlfoot, and Quickmouse were the senior warriors with us as well as Hailflower who Waspstar told not to make jokes at this serious Gathering. As much as I love the humorous tom, one of his biggest flaws was making jokes at inappropriate times.

And then I remembered that RiverClan would be there, adding on to the sickness in my stomach as I climbed the tree-bridge. Once I entered the island I saw Icestar's upset gaze and Stonestar's cold gaze that showed no fear. I saw Applefrost, Sedgestep, Snailstep, Voletooth, Oakbranch, Ivyheart, and...Redblossom?

What were her and Ivyheart doing here, don't they both have kits in the Nursery? I looked at Redblossom as she talked to her father calmly and was surprised to feel no pain or sadness. Was I really over her or was I too stressed out to care?

I saw WindClan's senior warriors waiting with the most stone-still faces I've ever seen and a lanky, young, black and white tom. His figure was so thin that I thought the wind would blow him away.

If you didn't already notice, the Clans brought some non-senior warriors because of their dedication and skill. I could obviously see Voletooth being brought here because of her fierceness and her fighting skill, or Oakbranch because of his will to sacrifice his life for others. I would know, he lost his eye because of me.

But what about that skinny tom?

"That's Jetbreeze, he's Blossomheart's son." Waspstar explained after she noticed me looking at him. "He's not a skilled fighter, but he's very strategic. His plans to chase off ShadowClan's invasions work almost every time."

"Wait...where is ShadowClan? From what I've heard about their hate for the rest of the Clans, I don't think they'll want to help us." I pointed out.

Waspstar didn't respond as she looked away. However I heard other warriors talking about the same thing.

"Should we just start the Gathering without them?" Icestar's deputy Fortune suggested.

"I don't have a good feeling about this." Ivyheart told her mate nervously. Stonestar whispered something in her ear but she didn't look relieved.

"They did say they were coming." Leaffoot said to our leader. "Maybe they're just not interested in helping?"

"Maybe, either way we have to take care of this problem now." Waspstar decided before taking her place on one of the lower branches of the oak tree. Stonestar and Icestar eventually gave up on ShadowClan coming and also took their places on their own branches.