Teetering On The Brink [Gathering #1]

[Shadow Da Smiffster]

It was time, at last, for the gathering of the Clans. Dogstar flexed his massive shoulders back as he stared down into the clearing of The Fourtrees. A beautiful sight in the full moon, with cats speckling the clearing. It was the one night where everyone met in peace, but Dogstar's mind was from from those thoughts. Today was the first day he would put his paw down, and start his reign as king.

A smirk graced his maw as he looked back at his Clanmates chosen to come along with him. Directly behind him was Earthpaw, and to his left, Black Thunder, his brother. A scowl graced Chazz as Dogstar turned to look at him, but the leader paid him no heed. Instead, he looked at Earthpaw and nodded knowingly, his eyes glowing. Today, history would be made. He would be making Earthpaw into a Warrior at this meeting, just for show, and then directly afterward...

Well, he'd leave that for a surprise. Not even his Clan was aware of his idea to make Earthpaw the new deputy. Sure, there would be protests among the Clans, but Dogstar didn't give a damn about the Warrior Code. He'd broke it many a time in these last few moons, and StarClan had done nothing to stop him.

He glanced farther back at his Clan, taking note of every cat there. Sunstorm, the medicine cat was near the back, glaring heatedly at him between sets of narrowed eyes. The plastic on her tagged ear gleamed in all its glory, and Dogstar spat in disgust. Filthy. Sunstorm needed to be rid of before she could cause any more trouble... though, she was almost completely helpless while he was in charge. Idly, he took note of her apprentice, Mistpaw beside her, and wondered if he could also shape her into the cat he needed to run the Clan with an iron claw.

Behind his prized, almost to be Deputy, was some more formidable warriors and apprentices: Rowenheart, Spottedpelt, Swiftpaw, Brownwhisper, Peachpaw, Spiritpaw, and quite a few other cats. He looked at them with a sparkle in his eye, knowing that they were among his most loyal followers, or, most of them were. He had his suspicions about a few of them, including Sunstorm, but that didn't matter right now.

With a yowl, Dogstar lead his Clan forward. They were the last to appear in the mess of cats, but by far the largest in numbers there. Why had he done this? Simple. If things got rough with his rule breaking, then he'd have all the cats he needed to make this a clean and simple slaughter.

Nodding to the other three leaders with a mocking smile, he took his seat on his stump, and once everyone had settled, snapped out a demand to begin the meeting. He glanced at the other leaders, waiting to see who would offer to go first.

The best was always appropriate for last after all... and so, Dogstar would be patient.

I CAN SEE INSIDE YOU
The Sickness Is Rising
Don't Try To Deny What You Feel...
Will You Give In To Me?

[/i][/center]

[♥Rösε]

Ashstar stood at camp, his ocean blue optics ran over the group of cats that he was going to take with him to the gathering tonight. His grey long haired coat gentle blew against the light night breeze, it was a warm night but it was comfortable rather than hot or cold, it was a good sign on StarClans part, at least he hoped it was. Everyone started to sort of circle around him, everyone hoped that they would be picked to go tonight, sadly he could not take them all since someone had to be at camp to guard Nightfeather and the camp. Shifting a bit he mulled over who he should leave here. His body was relatively relaxed as they all looked at his with eager eyes. Sitting down he sat up straight his tail flicked over his paws once they were all here he nodded simply. "As you all know the gathering is tonight, everyone has an important job tonight some will help me to represent our glorious Clan and others will defend it till we get back."

he started his voice was strong and yet calm.

"Redfeather, Aero, Moonshadow, Dakotapaw, Soulpaw, and Wavepaw you all will be going with me tonight. The rest of you will be guarding camp for us."[/color] he mewed his gaze landed on each cat chosen in turn before he got to his paws once again. Giving a nod to all of the others he turned and started to bound towards the entrance. The sound of paw steps behind him assured him that everyone was following. The breeze buffeted against his face blowing back his whiskers his ears flicked forward as he started to walk out onto the moor. He paused for a moment to glance up at the moon above them, it was full and bright. A very good sign and there were no clouds in sight. The lithe leader then bounded down the distant hills, keeping an even and trot like pace so that everyone would be relaxed and not out of breath by the time they got there. Reaching the river he walked along their side towards the four trees.

His gaze lifted as the four large trees started to come into view as the moor land cats started to approach, his fur disappeared behind the bark as he went through the small patch of woodland. He didn't like the enclosed feeling he got while going through here but it was only for a brief moment so he took a breath and continued at his pace, he slowed down as he neared the opening into the gathering place. He waited a bit parting his lips to drink in the scents, only ThunderClan was here as of late, well at least they weren't last. Flicking his tail he signaled them all in and ran down the slope and into the clearing. His ocean gaze ran along the ThunderClan cats, what did he do bring everyone?Flicking his gaze up at the stump he noticed a new face up there. Where was Barkstar? WindClan had not heard of any leader change. Resting his gaze over the black and white tom he suddenly felt as if he should not trust the cat. His eyes hardened at the thought, he rather liked Barkstar they were friends as apprentices.

Letting his mind ponder the other cat he remembered as an older apprentice Dogpaw as he remembered, he didn't like him then and he was sure he would like him even less now. Watching as his cats started to mingle he walked towards the leaders roots. His ears flicked as he hear everyones words mingling together and he made his way up there, dipping his head lightly to the other tom cat. Off to the side he saw Earthpaw, and pressed his lips into a small thin smile. "Evening Earthpaw."[/color] he mewed calmly and turned to see Dakotapaw, his own apprentice. "Dakotapaw, this is Earthpaw Barkstar's only son. Feel free to mingle but don't revel to much."[/color] he mewed cooly before leaving the younger toms and leaping onto the wood, his claws sliding out to pull himself up with ease. Turning he sat down on his side his gaze ran out towards all of the cats. It would be a good experience for all of them to see how other Clans were. Flicking his blue gaze towards the other tom he grunted a bit. "I suppose somethings happened to Barkstar, is he sick?"[/color] he asked his voice emotionless though he secretly hoped that Barkstar was only sick and would be back soon.[/blockquote][/blockquote][/sub][/color]

Earthpaw followed Dogstar out of camp, his lithe frame moved easily through the forests that lead to the fourtrees he felt bad that Lilybreeze had to stay at camp she would have liked to come. Though he was surprised that she was left to herself at camp, what if something happened? It didn't seem as though Dogstar even cared at all about the queen, whom he heard was expecting kits again, though he didn't remember Dogstar ever mentioning it at all, maybe he didn't know. Keeping in step with the leader on his left side, he glanced over at Black Thunder on the other side, who didn't seem to pleased to be coming, what a surprise that is. Odd he didn't remember him being around lately unless he just never ran into him which was probable but not likely. He wondered where he was the past couple days. Keeping his mouth shut though he just followed beside the larger leader. His sea green gaze was blank and rather dull.

Dogstar was being patient with the tom and said he was doing really well and that he was to advanced for his title whatever that meant. Ears flicked forward as they neared the fourtrees, and he was anxious to see who had come. Though from the smell of things no one was here yet, sneaking a glance behind him he noticed Swiftpaw with Spottedpelt, as usual. Turning his head back quickly before they could lock eyes and gave a quick sigh in response. He stopped when Dogstar stopped, catching his approving gaze and smiled lightly before nodding his head. When Dogstar lead them in he bounded down into the clearing the last time he was here he was a newer apprentice and he was following his father and Wingedheart. He really missed them both, and a sharp pain of longing stabbed his chest. He turned away from Dogstar when he headed for the leaders place and watched as Black Thunder followed him there as a temporary deputy well sort of. Since no one was here he followed the two tuxedo toms. "Dogstar, did you know that Lilybreeze was expecting again?"

he asked thinking about which queen told him so. "Softwhisker told me last time I went to visit. She said she was smelling of milk again. You must be proud to have more kits coming into the Clan."[/color] he mewed trying to start a small conversation.

His ears flicked as he heard pawsteps from the ravine and WindClan came rushing in, there smells hit him like a gale wind and Ashstar came towards them. One of his fathers old friends. He dipped his head as Ashstar noticed him and greeted him. "Greetings Ashstar."[/color] he answered to the tom cat, who sort of gave him chills. Though they weren't bad chills just chills, he noticed as the grey pelted tom spoke to a younger one and introduced him as Dakotapaw. Dipping his head he sat down where he was and swiped his tabby tail over his paws. His muscle rippled beneath his glossy earth brown coat. He made sure to be well groomed before he came here.[/blockquote][/blockquote][/sub][/color]

[..:Spotts:..]

Echostar looked calmly at the sky, though her face showed calm, her mind was busy with worries. She saw the sun setting, and she had put off her announcement long enough now. She noticed that she need not to yowl for the cats, most of them were already in camp, waiting to know who would go to this gathering. Echosong lifted her chin and began to speak. "Its time for the Gathering! Now you all know that I cannot take everyone. We need some to make peace and others to strongly defent the camp." she paused, looking at each cats eyes before continueing. her heart felt heavy because she knew she couldnt trust all of her warriors, no matter how much she wanted to. Letting out a unautoable sigh she continued. "So i have thought hard about who to take. Tonight i will take Thornmask, Yellowthorn, Phantomriddle, icepaw, and Charredpaw." She said. "The rest of you.. i want you to stay back, watch, and protect the camp." Echostar looked at each of her warriors, apprentices, queens, and kits. She had had a horrid feeling about this gathering for a long time now. She had heard rumors that Barkstar was no longer leader of Thunderclan, which worried her greatly. Barkstar had been a very good leader, and she was unsure of what happened to him. The rumors had be so different, some say he died, that he was sick, that he was murdered, others say he was banished, or left for twolegs. All she knew was that he was no longer there.

The cool breeze buffeted her silky clean silver coat as she stood and saw that both Thunderclan and Windclan was already there. Her mind kept slipping to her snowly paws, as dust cozzied its self on them. She hated dirt, oddly she decited to live in Shadowclan though. 'The irony' she thought. Quickly she dashed down with her clan mates on trailing behind her. She quickly joined Ashstar and another cat, leaving Shadowclan to fend for themselves. Echostar turned on the unknown tom, narrowing her eyes. "And you are?"

Light silver paws padded into the gathering, it was Dakotapaws very first and he was nervious. The fact that many of the cats around him seemed to be on edge, he noticed that only three of the clans had arrived at fourtrees. hurry up riverclan' he thought, oddly all he wanted to do was.. well leave. It was one of his days where he was cranky and in one of his moods. Dakotapaw felt bad about feeling horrible, he should be more honored to be at a gathering. It meant the leader and his mentor Ashstar had faith in him.

Dakotapaw walked steadly beside Ashstar as he lead him to a small tom in the clearing. The tom seemed to be deep in thought, not that he really knew how to read other cats like the warriors did. He glanced behind him to see the other cats Ashstar had chosen fan out around the clearing. Except Aero, she seemed a bit lost and unsure of all the cats around her. She was new at being inside of the clan. Dakotapaw felt alittle bad for her, but he looked forward again, just to realize he nearly bumped into the tom he thought looked peaceful.

"Evening Earthpaw."

Dakotapaw raised an eyebrow as hsi mentor addressed the older apprentice. 'so earthpaw it is then' he thought bitterly to himself. What was with him? why in starclans name was he so grumpy tonight, it was quite unatural for him.

"Dakotapaw, this is Earthpaw Barkstar's only son. Feel free to mingle but don't revel to much."

Dakotapaw put on a fake smile, hoping it didnt show to much. He nodded to Ashstar, taking his advise seriously. "evening Earthpaw!" he meowed faking enthousiasm. "Im Dakotapaw, as Ashstar said, hes my mentor" he said, tring to brag. "This your first gathering?" he asked in genuine curiosity.

OOC- i will add Aero, and Spottedpelt later tomorrow

[» zero]

Eclipsestar was not a stupid cat. He was not ignorant, he was not slow, but he knew that he was capable of making mistakes; mistakes were one of his greatest fears. A fear of failing himself, but more so, a fear of failing his clan; it haunted his dreams, it seemed to thump in him like another heartbeat. With the recent turn of events, it seemed all the tom could do was keep himself under control and make it appear to be as though he was alright, as though he wasn’t totally stressed about what was happening, as though he wasn’t probably going to fall into the mental insane category. Oh how easy it was to put on a happy front, to act as though nothing was happening, as though he had everything under control. It was all a lie! Pounding in his head, Eclipsestar looked up at the full moon, wondering what the plan was; wondering what was going to happen in the future. Wondering, if it was Starclan’s will for RiverClan to go on; and secretly wondering if there was a StarClan to be spoken of.

Behind the smoke colored tom, walked the chosen cats for the gathering. Nightfeather, his medicine cat, Jadeclaw, Ragweed, Harmonypaw, Heatherpaw, and Moss-storm; the rest of his clan had been left to guard camp. He did not trust Dogstar, he was not going to leave his camp as unguarded as some might do so. They had found Barkstar’s body, and all in all, Eclipsestar was not looking forward to this gathering at all, in fact, it had put the tom in one of his darker moods. Walking to the Four Trees, head held high, Eclipsestar walked with pride. They were the last to arrive, but he wasn’t going to take any crap from anyone fore it. They still had had plenty of time, and the moon hadn’t fallen behind the clouds, so StarClan wasn’t mad at them, though it sure as hell didn’t seem that way, the tom thought darkly. Taking a deep breath, the tom turned to face those of his clan he had taken, eyes glowing in the light of the moon.
”We don’t want to reveal the problem with the river. They will see us as weak and form an attack on us; so be wary with what you’re saying when you mingle.” Locking eyes with all of the cats of his clan, Eclipsestar entered the gathering, head raised high.
The tom was not a joking cat when he was in a bad mood.

”Good-evening Ashstar, Echostar.” He nodded his head to Dogstar as well, but at the same time he claimed not to know the tom, after all, this was the first time the other cat had been up on the leader’s stand, how could Eclipsestar possibly know the other cat? It was like walking on eggshells now, one slip and you’ll be cut to shreds. Turning his glowing green eyes out to the cats before him, remembering the times he had been nothing more than a simple warrior all those moons ago doing this, Eclipsestar settled onto his perch; listening.

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Shadow Da Smiffster]

When another leader finally arrived, Dogstar's pelt rippled as his muscles flexed underneath. He was itching to see the reactions he was going to cause... the horrified faces. He loved it this feeling of control. It was like a juicy piece of prey, something to be savored and treasure for as long as possible. But Dogstar would be damned if his reign came to an end sooner than later... and that was why he was ready to make his apprentice the new Deputy.

When Ashstar turned to him and talked about Barkstar however, Dogstar had to stop and think. He couldn't up and tell the other Clans he'd murdered Barkstar in cold blood. No, he would spew the same lies. Make them believe that Barkstar was leading them along into chaos, and that with his rule, things would be better. Putting on the best solemn gaze he could muster, Dogstar turned to the WindClan leader and shook his head, "Barkstar is no more. His ending was tragic, but life goes on. I've taken it upon myself to finish raising his son. It's the least I can do, you know?"

Satisfied with his answer, Dogstar looked down at the cats beginning to mingle. His gaze scanned the grounds, taking in each warrior's appearance, judging their strengths and weaknesses from what he could recognize. However, his analysis was short lived, because a shuffling of footsteps was growing louder. He turned his head to Earthpaw, and smiled his usual, vile smirk from ear to ear, "What is it Earthpaw? Don't tell me you are getting cold feet about being made a warrior," he joked lightly. Of course, Earthpaw wasn't going to have a choice tonight. He would be made a warrior in front of everyone, and then... the all powerful Deputy.

"Dogstar, did you know that Lilybreeze was expecting again?" he asked. Surprise leaked onto Dogstar's face as he heard this, and with eyes wide, he looked at Earthpaw, wanting more... "Softwhisker told me last time I went to visit. She said she was smelling of milk again. You must be proud to have more kits coming into the Clan." he mewed.

Chazz, upon hearing this, nearly jumped out of his fur. It took every single ounce of willpower he had to keep his pelt flat and his tail still. Thankfully, his hair was covering his wide eyes, which would have given him away if anyone was paying attention.

Once he was sure he was calm, Chazz stole a glance at his brother. Dogstar seemed just as surprised as he was, and with good reason. Did he know that Lilybreeze wasn't having his kits? Chazz looked away, trying to focus on anything else while Dogstar spoke up again.

"No I did not Earthpaw," he mewed calmly. "But yes, my beautiful Lilybreeze with birth wonderful new kits, and perhaps one day, you will even mentor them."

Chazz, looked up now, his eyes settling on Earthpaw. In his mind, only one thing was ringing louder than the rest of his thoughts, Over my dead body am I letting that kit raise my own in any way! This time, his pelt rose a bit on his back, and the only thing he could do to keep himself contained was stand up. Of course, this didn't go unnoticed by Dogstar, and probably Earthpaw as well.

"What are you looking at?" he spat to his superior. Dogstar narrowed his eyes at him but said nothing, and it was at that point that Chazz felt an unfamiliar feeling prickle at his pelt. Fear. Dogstar knew... he knew that those kits weren't his... but did he know that it was him, Chazz, that had stolen his mate away? The cat known as Black Thunder narrowed his eyes too, his teeth beginning to curl up into a snarl. If Dogstar threatened Lilybreeze, that would be the end of his rule. Right then and there....

Unfortunately, before he could let out once sound, the other two leaders appeared, and the focus was snapped back to the Gathering. While part of Chazz was relieved, the other part of him was angry. Why did he want to sink his claws into his brother's pelt? It wasn't right to hate kin....

"Dogstar," the large tom responded to Echostar and to Eclipsestar. "The new leader of ThunderClan. As I told Ashstar before, it is with great regret that I stand up here today, however, I know I will lead ThunderClan to a greater future."

Dogstar let it go at that, settling himself on his perch to make it more comfortable. He would let the cats mingle for a bit, for the hell of it.... after all, what was the rush? At the same time though, his pelt was prickling with excitement. How much longer... how much LONGER? At last, the air quieted down as the Clans settled, staring up at the leaders expectantly. Dogstar did not want to go first, but it seemed that everyone's eyes were on him, and so, with a deep breath, he stood proud:

"It is with great sadness that I report the death of both Barkstar and Wingedheart... unbeknown to most of us, a darkness was in their hearts, and it lead to their demise... and while the Clan lay shattered for a few terrifying moments, I offered myself to lead them through these dark times. StarClan has granted me nine lives, and I foresee a better future for not just ThunderClan, but for all of us." Dogstar paused, earning a few nods of approval and a few murmurs of suspicion. Either way, he didn't give a damn. He was ready to do what he had to do. "And with the start of a new era comes many new great things. Kits have been born, and apprentices made, but today, I will make my own apprentice into a Warrior, as my first act at a gathering. Earthpaw!"

Dogstar waited for his apprentice to come forward, his eyes glowing with pride... and something much more sinister. At once, he uttered the words of old, "I, Dogstar, call upon my warrior ancestors to look down on this apprentice. He has trained hard to understand the ways of your noble code, and I commend him to you as a warrior in his turn. Earthpaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and protect and defend this Clan, even at the cost of your life?" Dogstar waited for the words of acceptance from his apprentice, his eyes glowing. Earthpaw was in for the moment of his young life... "Then by the powers of StarClan, I give you your warrior name. Earthpaw, from this moment you will be known as Earthcross. StarClan honors your wisdom and your strength, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ThunderClan."

Cats from every Clan yowled Earthcross's name, as was traditional, but they had yet to see anything. While Dogstar waited for the cheering to settle, he eyed the newly dubbed Earthcross with a smile, and gestured for him to wait where he was, for he was not finished yet. At last, everything settled, and Dogstar cleared his throat to make sure the other leaders knew not to began, "And as an honor to Earthcross, and his noble father, Barkstar, I have asked StarClan's permission for the following... Earthcross is now the Deputy of ThunderClan. I believe in this young cat to take my place and lead ThunderClan to victory in any challenge when I pass on, and no doubt, his father would be proud of him where he stands today."

Silence greeted him at first as he looked out at the Clans. Sunstorm, he noted, was absolutely horrified at this prospect, but said no words to stop the notion....

Good.

And then, tentatively, the approval began. It wasn't as welcoming of a roar as the Warrior ceremony, but it seemed that Dogstar's words had moved most of these gullible cats somehow. He smirked, and then gestured for Earthcross to take a seat below him, where Chazz was looking absolutely horrified. Dogstar met his younger brother's gaze for a moment, and an unspoken command was given between them: Step down Black Thunder.

Chazz looked back up at Dogstar, his eyes portraying hurt, but then took his place in the rest of the crowd, his head hanging low.

However, no one could hear the dark thoughts passing through his mind.

[♥Rösε]

Earthpaw turned to look up at the leaders before him. He would eventually have to get up and move out to the crowd like normal cats should, but he wasn't in the mood for much socializing the last time he was here was with his only family so really he whole place just brought back unwanted memories. While distracted a smaller body bumped into him, and without reacting to much about it he glanced down at the smaller cat. Just looking the tom reminded him of his earlier years now he was 15 moons and still an apprentice though really deep down he didn't mind it all. He was still growing in some ways and until he reached them fully he was not upset at his mentor for delaying the warriorhood. His ears perked forward in a calm fashion as he lowered his gaze onto the tom cat when he greeted him. Placing a small but still gentle smile on his features he dipped his head in greeting. When he mentioned Ashstar as his mentor his sea green gaze ran along the cats face. He really wanted him to be impressed by this fact, it was a normal thing for an apprentice when he just starts training.

He didn't want to completely crush the toms pride so he rose his eyebrows slightly and nodded. "Well Dakotapaw, you are very lucky. Ashstar must have seen great promise in you."

he mewed his voice was cool, he was going to mention Dogstar as his mentor but, he decided not to ruin Dakotapaw's moment. "This your first gathering?"[/color] Earthpaw was a bit distracted but he pulled off the full attention thing rather well and shook his head. "This is my second gathering, I had my first gathering around my seventh moon."[/color] he replied his voice just had a soothing and wise tone to it at all times. He blinked slightly as he turned to Dogstar hearing him say he did not know that Lily was expecting. Which kind of surprised the tom in a way, shouldn't he at least suspect? Or maybe he was so busy he didn't remember well.... courting the female which the thought made him feel bad for the pretty cream and grey she-cat.

For some reason Earthpaw had good observation skills and noticed a bit of unease coming from Black Thunder. Though Earthpaw didn't fully trust the other tuxedo tom but, he felt a need to help him out. Maybe he shouldn't have mentioned it though Dogstar would have found out eventually. Turning his sea green optics back to his mentor when he spoke about mentoring one of them he smiled and dipped his head. "One can only hope Dogstar."[/color] he mewed politely, and turned his gaze quickly on Black Thunder when he jumped up. Snapping at his elder brother, suddenly he hoped that he was just as persuasive as Barkstar used to be. Straightening up a bit he looked pointedly at Dogstar, his face non threatening but hard all at the same time, more like what he was about to say was obviously right. "We must have been so busy with training that you didn't remember seeing Lilybreeze."[/color] he mewed and snuck a quick glance at Chazz before quickly returning his gaze on Dogstar. Turning he noticed RiverClan come in and he knew the gathering would start very soon. Dipping his head to them both he got to his paws and turned to walk to the center of the clearing, motioning with his tail for Dakotapaw to follow. Sitting down he let his tabby tail flick over his paws as he waited, his slight mane that was forming rather handsomely along his chest fluffed out slightly with the breeze.

He was quiet as Dogstar started to speak talking about Barkstar made him flinch but that was to be expected. When he started to speak about the Clan in general he only listened with half of his attention suddenly he was mentioned and he snapped his gaze up at Dogstar. He was becoming a warrior right now? In front of everyone, taking a quick look at the sky he saw as no clouds were even in sight. StarClan must approve of this. Taking a breath he got to his paws, feeling all eyes on him right now. He wasn't sure if he liked the attention. Sitting down he raised his sea green optics up at the larger tom, mewing "I do."[/color] at his traditional question and he was now named Earthcross of ThunderClan.

Pride flowed through his veins and he lifted his head as everyone called out, some out of surprise others that were truly glad of this. Either way he didn't care, he was a warrior. Getting to his paws he turned to step back when Dogstar gave him a look that told him to stay. What else was needed? He waited patiently for him to conclude the ceremony with whatever was left to be said.

".. Earthcross is now the Deputy of ThunderClan. I believe in this young cat to take my place and lead ThunderClan to victory in any challenge when I pass on, and no doubt, his father would be proud of him where he stands today."[/color]

He suddeny felt his body freeze and tense up. Deputy?Was he ready for such responsibility? Or was he ready to try and be as great as Barkstar was? He wasn't Barkstar though, he was Earthp--cross. Gulping he walked forward, taking a glance at Black Thunder who was not very happy and he didn't blame him. Stopping he dipped his head to Dogstar. "I will do my best."[/color] he mewed and took another step forward, feeling weird about being up here. Catching Ashstar's gaze he seemed to approve yet be suspicious of the whole thing. Dogstar seemed proud of him, which made him feel a sense of pride yet gave him chills as well. Turning around he sat down, his gaze ran over all the cats faces. His gaze landing on Sunstorm, who seemed horrified, but why? Why was it when it came to him everyone was so horrified her, Spottedpelt, Lilybreeze, and even... even Swiftpaw. Taking a breath he tried to lift his head and keep himself dignified.[/blockquote]


((I will post Ashstar and Harmony in the next post))[/blockquote][/sub][/color]

[..:Spotts:..]

Aero looked around the clearing in confusion, she couldnt help feel as though her pelt had turned green. Some of the cats from the different clans smiled at her, while others looked at her with odd looks. She knew alot of them, but she also knew that they didnt know she had been staying with Windclan, and helping with the medicine cats duties. Aero felt out of place though, she wasnt the medicine cat, she wasnt technacally a member of Windclan. She wondered why Ashstar had chosen her to go, she wouldve thought that bringing a kittypet/rogue to a gathering would be an embarassment. She shook her head in confusion and sat down, avoiding conversation as much as possible. Suddenly one of the leaders began to talk, she scrunched her eyebrows together. She reconized the tom, who was now claiming to be Dogstar. Aero had been to Thunderclan for a visit when he was only an apprentice. She had never had a very good feeling about him, but then again she never really got to know him so she shrugged off the nagging worry.

Aero watched with wonder as Dogstar made Earthcross a warrior, she had seen it done before, she just didnt know they could do that at a gathering. Yowls erupted from just about all of the cat in the clearing, she said nothing but nodded happily. It must have felt good to be made a warrior in front of all of the clans... no matter how odd. As Thunderclans leader started to continue, Aero felt a prickling sensation go through her pelt, to her bones. She realized that something was seriously not right about what was going on. Suddenly Dogstar had not only made Earthcross into a warrior he also made him Deputy. Aero knew that was wrong, she knew that to be deputy the warrior had to have 'some' mentorship experiance. Aeros paw pads began to burn, a slow steady pain gradually increased... until she looked like she was prancing around, just to keep her paws off the ground. She started to feel paniced when the pain deseased and she was able to sit still once again. "this cant be good" she said, whether anyone heard or not.

Spottedpelt hissed in frustration as she looked around the gathering, trying to catch a glimpse of tortishell fur and gleaming blue eyes. She walked beside her apprentice Swiftpaw, but continued to look for someone. She knew it was wrong to even think about Thornmask, in anyway other than her enemy, but she couldnt help it. Her mood has been on and off since their meeting, but when Dogstar annouced that she would be going to the gathering her spirits rose. Even though the knowledge of Dogstars treachery still clung to her mind like a web. Spottedpelt knew her fake alliance with him and his ways was working, or he wouldnt have chosen her to go with him. He must of thought she was pretty loyal, how wrong he was. The thought made her smile. she saw Riverclan pour into the gathering, and she knew it would start soon.

Dogstar began to speak, talking crap about how sad it was that Barkstar died, and although it was sad for most of thunderclan, it wasnt sad to him. To him it was just another victory in his quest. She was unprepared for the next thing he began to say. He was making Earthpaw a warrior. She stared up in confusion, Earthpaw... or Earthcross did deserve to be a warrior now, he was plenty skilled and old enough. She yowled along with the others, knowing it wasnt too bad that he was made a warrior, but worry nagged at her mind.

".. Earthcross is now the Deputy of ThunderClan. I believe in this young cat to take my place and lead ThunderClan to victory in any challenge when I pass on, and no doubt, his father would be proud of him where he stands today."

Spottedpelt stared in pure horror as he spoke the words "Starclan NO" she said quietly. She knew he had an alterior motive but she didnt think it was this... terrible. Though being deputy was honorable, it wasnt if Dogstar was behind the decition. Slowly other cats began to come around to the shock, and cheer him on. Spottedpelt continued to stare, horrified. She didnt realize that she wasnt thinking about what other cats would think if they saw her. She wondered in anyone had seen her petrified look. Glancing at Swiftpaw to see her reaction, she noticed her apprentice wasnt beside her anymore. Quickly she put on a fake smile, still worring if anyone had seen her horrified, especially any of the cats actually loyal to Dogstar. 'what if dogstar saw?' Spottedpelt thought, she looked around for swiftpaw, and Thornmask both. She could use some confort, some rensurment. Though she no it would do no good.