WarriorCats 1: The New Clans

Chapter 2

Larkfeather padded beside Thistleclaw, following Moltenstar to the Gathering. Snownose was at Moltenstar's silver flank, bathing in the moonlight. Blacktip, Caramelfur, Dustfur, Robinwing, Whiteblossom, Fernpaw and Buzzpaw were around them, racing through the bracken towards a large, twisted tree with 3 long, stretched out branches. The tree sat comfortably at the beginning of a large clearing, surrounded by long ferns and grass that hid DawnClan as they waited for the familiar flick of Moltenstar's tail. They bounded energetically into the clearing, where MistClan already sat, waiting for BrackenClan.

Larkfeather recognized most of the cats from each Clan; From MistClan, she spotted Sunstreak, the deputy, Darkstorm, Sparrowflight, Willowpelt, Fastfoot and Moonshine, along with Riverstar who perched calmly on the lowest branch. The tortoiseshell and white she cat curled her tail over her paws as BrackenClan raced in, purring slightly in amusement as a black tom stumbled.

Cats of all the Clans murmured, shuffling their paws awkwardly and talked, waiting patiently for the Gathering to begin. Riverstar began with a cough, to get the attention of the Clan cats.

"MistClan has received 3 new kits of Petalnose; Stormkit, Cherrykit and Foxkit. One of our apprentices, Flamepaw, has been made a warrior with the new name of Flamefur." the MistClan leader gave a curt nod to Moltenstar, stepping back and curling her tail around her paws again.

The DawnClan leader gracefully stepped forward, his eyes scanning the Clan Cats below before speaking. "3 DawnClan kits have also been born, to Goldenleaf. They are Jigsawkit, Lilykit and Streamkit. All three shall make fine young warriors and serve their Clan loyally. Our Clan has recently had a brief Whitecough infection, but Robinwing has sorted that out, just in time for the Gathering." Moltenstar stepped back and nodded to the BrackenClan leader, Birdstar.

The pale she cat rested her tail along the branch, her eyes displaying no emotion. "BrackenClan has lost a great warrior recently, and mourns our loss. Sandyclaw served her Clan well, but is now hunting with Starclan due to her old age. Waterkit and Shadowkit are almost ready to be apprenticed." Birdstar finished, her eyes showing pain and grief at the mention of her mother. The leaders hopped down from the branches, and sat at the base of the tree, talking politely.

Robinwing sat with Icefoot and Birchleaf, speaking of how Goldenleaf's youngest kit had almost not survived. The cats seemed peaceful, happily talking to their friends of other clans.

Larkfeather twined her and Thistleclaw's tail and felt their fur brushing together, also feeling the tom cat tense then relax. Her white paws were buried underneath her thick, half-white tail, claws gently brushing the ground. Suddenly, a huge, dark cloud covered the moon, casting big shadows across the cats. The Clans panicked, thinking it was a sign from StarClan. When the cloud didn't budge, Leaders began to rush their Clan back to camp. DawnClan were last to leave, threading through the forest in a huddle, galloping across the long grass, tripping hastily over tree roots and brambles. Once they were back, the cats began to calm, breathing more gently and catching their breath in the middle of the clearing.

Warriors, Queens and Apprentices rushed forward and bombarded the others with questions, wondering why they had come back so early. "A sign, from StarClan! They sent a cloud over the moon and blinded us! We had to leave, in case something bad happened!" Whiteblossom exaggerated, her ears flattened in fright. Larkfeather stealthily lead Thistleclaw into the Warrior's den with a yawn, her sleepy eyes displayed the hidden yet obvious love for the tom, and his were the same. Although they would never say it, both cats loved each other to the Moon and back, not realizing that the others were jealous of Thistleclaw just for talking to the prettiest she cat in the Clan, maybe even the forest!

Robinwing pushed his way through to his den, a troubled expression on his face. "Robinwing? Are you okay?" Featherpaw asked in a sweet, soft voice from behind. "Yes. Yes, I'm fine, just... thinking." He struggled, not liking lying to his own apprentice. But the Prophecy never left his mind. What did it even mean? The Lark will fly to the Moon and back before Sun steals the land...