SandClan's Destiny Book 1: A Flame is Lit

Chapter 12: Clouds Across the Moon, the Two Forces

Rockpaw gave a mighty yawn, jaws wide, claws flexing non-stop. He was in a constant state of apprehension for the gathering, his belly feeling like it was filled with a busy boiling acid. He paced back and forth, tail lashing behind him like he was celebrating something, just wondering what could go down tonight. Stormtail told him the third gathering was always the best, too! Or so he claims anyway. 

Every cat was coming to the gathering besides Blackeye and Greyfur. He was glad more cats were attending, and it was evident that everyone else was too, for many conversations were arising around the camp between different groups of warriors. He tuned into the nearest:

"I wonder what's going on with Greenclan. I scented them in the wrong direction towards BIRDCLAN territory!" Sandstripe whispered excitedly.

"To or from?" Swiftfoot questioned.

"Not sure.." 

"Mouse-brain!" Berryclaw suddenly smirked. "Then what's so suspicious?" Her russet tail swept across the grass and around her black tinted paws.

Rockpaw searched for his littermate, avoiding the pelt of Bigstar, and finally saw her seated next to Stormtail. Rockpaw smirked. Stormtail, what an appropriate name. That long tail of his, tipped in black. It's always lashing around above his head in such a prideful way. 

Rockpaw decided to wander over. He sat besides them, muttering, "Hey" before sitting with atrocious posture, his shoulder-blades above his ears.

"Hey Rockpaw!" Firepaw purred, her tail lashing. "This is gonna be fun. Remember our first gathering!?"

"Ahh, the gathering is fun for everyone, but after the third go, the excitement ebbs away a bit." Stormtail mewed.

"It does not matter! It'll always be fun to watch Birchstar flounder on the Leader's Perch!" Firepaw mewed.

Stormtail flicked his tail. "Alright, good point." He seemed so mature then, both in his voice and appearance, and almost seemed to patronize Firepaw a little... or act as an older littermate. Rockpaw edged away from them and stood in the crowd of warriors awaiting their deploy. He felt spite boil in his chest among the excitement, thinking of how much time Firepaw spent with Stormtail as opposed to himself. Rockpaw glared at the older tom, and when he laughed at whatever Firepaw said, Rockpaw rolled his amber eyes in irritation.

Blackeye spoke with HER littermate at least: "Tell me ALL the news when you return."

"I will, if you're not already sleeping!" Cougarfang purred and licked his littermate's ear. Rockpaw looked away, huffing.

Suddenly the cats sat in the clearing began moving as Bigstar's yowl rung shortly across the clearing. Rockpaw hustled with the group, his spirits suddenly lifting. He squeezed himself between a few furry warriors and for once, did not feel an urge to sift his way into the very back.

*~*~*

Padding into the gathering gave Rockpaw a blast of smells shooting into his nose. Many clans, many cats. He padded randomly into a mix of clanners, sat down, and listened. He felt like his littermate, always listening. Perhaps the roles have switched. He himself the sullen one and now she is the outgoing one, while in Oakclan, it seemed almost the opposite. I don't want to talk anyway. I can listen just as well.

"Birdclan's doing well. We have a new apprentice!" A warrior chimed, her tone nearly boastful.

"Oh who?" A tom asked, interest beaming in his voice, sincere.

"Bramblepaw." She answered. Her tail lashed, the colour of midnight's moon, directing the point of her tail to a silhouette. Amber eyes beamed from their shape and introduced themselves in a meow.