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Civil War is the first fanfiction in the series Stream Falling by Wavesplash.

Synopsis[]

Many moons ago, the leader of ShadowClan, Stormstar, made the shocking decision not to attack ThunderClan after prey was stolen. It caused huge uproar in ShadowClan. But now things have calmed down. That is, until the deputy of ShadowClan is found dead and the ambitious, bloodthirsty new deputy of RiverClan re-ignites the old scandal with shocking new evidence. Suddenly Icedapple, the new deputy, and her ambitious sister Silvermist find themselves leading the opposing sides of ShadowClan's civil war - and neither will dare back down.

Crystalsong is a young new warrior of ShadowClan when the civil war ignites. Suddenly, the prideful warrior finds herself loyally supporting Stormstar and Icedapple, but the latest target of Silvermist's recruitment. Can she outlast her ambitious aunt and support her leader? Or will young Crystalsong be swayed by the lies on each side?

-----

Flamesky sees sense in Silvermist. He loves ShadowClan, but why should they have a leader and deputy who make bad choices? His spot in the new and improved ShadowClan seems secure - but Silvermist keeps him in the dark. How hard will he have to work for her respect? Is it even worth fighting for?

--------

Coppershine's brother is in love with Silvermist. Flamesky will do anything for her, but she never repays him. Furious with Silvermist but with Stormstar as well, Coppershine must fight hard to remain neutral as each side gets more and more desperate and willing to do horrible things for what they want. When Silvermist threatens to hurt Flamesky, Coppershine faces a terrible choice. Is her fight for neutrality worth jeopardizing her beloved brother's safety? But is Flamesky's safety worth that of ShadowClan?

------

Pebblepaw is scared. He's Silvermist's son, but he doesn't agree with her. He saw her hurt Kestrelsong after she refused to join her side. Will the same be in store for him? What about after he teams up with Icedapple's daughter Skykit to bring ShadowClan back together? At first, all Pebblepaw wants is to protect himself. But when Skykit's brother Ravenkit is found dead, even Pebblepaw knows his mother and her minions are to blame. And Skykit is next. Can he protect his little friend from his mother's wrath? And how can an apprentice and a kit save ShadowClan?

-------

Stormstar is losing control of his Clan. He never thought his decision would cause this. With the help of the former rogue Flowerleaf, he begins to leave the territory in search of cats who will help save his beloved Clan.

But can they really save it? Or will they scar the Clans forever?

Allegiances[]

ShadowClan

LEADER

Stormstar- small, long-furred dark gray tabby tom with amber eyes and a scar across nose.

DEPUTY

Icedapple- short-furred white she-cat with very pale, hardly visible gray spots, pale blue eyes, and a feathery tail.

MEDICINE CAT

Birchflower- tall, short-furred pale ginger tabby she-cat with pale green eyes.

APPRENTICE, STREAMSONG

WARRIORS

Silvermist- pale silver-and-white she-cat with white flecks, dark blue eyes, and a scar down flank.

Robinsong- long-furred dark brown she-cat with green eyes.

APPRENTICE, BEEPAW

Flarestorm- thick-furred dark ginger tabby she-cat with green-gray eyes.

Kestrelsong- broad-shouldered dusky brown tabby she-cat with amber eyes.

Mistbreeze- small dark silver tabby she-cat with green eyes and tufted ears.

Coppershine- long-furred orange-brown (coppery) she-cat with green eyes and black flecks.

Flamesky- long-furred pale orange tabby tom with pale blue eyes.

Flowerleaf- gray tabby she-cat with a white underbelly and paws and green eyes.

APPRENTICE, FROSTPAW

Birdstorm- white she-cat with amber eyes and long whiskers.

Dapplefeather- long-furred tortoiseshell she-cat with a white underbelly and green eyes.

Dawnflame- thick-furred pale ginger tabby she-cat with dark blue eyes.

Ivyfrost- slender black she-cat with green eyes.

Oakstorm- short-furred pale brown tabby she-cat with bright green eyes.

Crowblaze- small but broad-shouldered short-furred black tom with amber eyes.

APPRENTICE, PEBBLEPAW

Rowanfall- ginger tabby tom with blue eyes and a fluffy tail.

Whiteflash- thick-furred white tom with black flecks and blue eyes.

Firebreeze- ginger she-cat with white patches and green eyes.

Tawnyfeather- long-furred tawny-golden tabby she-cat with a fluffy tail and amber eyes.

Rainfrost- slender, short-furred gray she-cat with white flecks and green eyes.

Dustbreeze- long-furred brown tabby tom with amber eyes.

Hollyfall- thick-furred black she-cat with gray tabby patches and amber eyes.

Crystalsong- very pale gray, almost white, she-cat with pale blue eyes.

Vinepetal- small golden brown tabby she-cat with dark green eyes.

APPRENTICES

Streamsong- small dark gray tabby tom with dark blue eyes; medicine cat apprentice.

Beepaw- thick-furred yellow tabby she-cat with black paws and ears and green eyes.

Frostpaw- short-furred black-and-white she-cat with amber eyes.

Pebblepaw- small dappled dark silver tabby tom with dark green eyes.

QUEENS

Icedapple- short-furred white she-cat very pale, hardly visible gray spots, pale blue eyes, and a feathery tail; deputy (mother to Skykit, a pale blue-gray tabby she-cat, and Ravenkit, a small, short-furred black tom)

Snowheart- long-furred white she-cat with green eyes (mother to Shadekit, a very dark gray, almost black tom, Beechkit, a thick-furred brown tabby tom, and Hazelkit, a slender brown-and-white she-cat)

Berryshine- thick-furred dark gray tabby she-cat with darker flecks and dark blue eyes (mother to Rosekit, a gray-and-white she-cat with amber eyes)

ELDERS

Leafshade- dark golden brown tabby she-cat with blue eyes.

Mistfire- thick-furred dark gray she-cat with darker flecks and dark blue eyes.

Mouseclaw- small pale gray-and-white patch-furred tom with pale amber eyes.

Hazelstripe- thick-furred dark golden tabby tom with hazel eyes.

RiverClan

LEADER

Applestar- sleek golden tabby she-cat with green eyes and white patches.

DEPUTY

Brightflame- thick-furred ginger-and-white she-cat with amber eyes.

MEDICINE CAT

Blizzardfrost- very pale gray tom with white patches and flecks and dark blue eyes.

WARRIORS

Dawnbreeze- pale golden tabby she-cat with bright green eyes.

Echosplash- long-furred dappled dark gray tabby she-cat with dark blue eyes.

Minnowshine- short-furred pale brown tabby she-cat with white splotches and brilliant blue eyes.

Icemist- short-furred white she-cat with gray patches and amber eyes.

APPRENTICE, REEDPAW (small reddish-brown tom)

Streamfrost- thick-furred gray tom with pale blue eyes.

Cherrycloud- dappled pale ginger tabby she-cat with darker flecks and green eyes.

Stonefall- short-furred dark gray tom with dark amber eyes and slightly paler patches.

Troutfrost- stocky, long-furred stone-gray tom with dark blue eyes.

APPRENTICE, FIREPAW (thick-furred ginger tom with black ears and paws)

Ivyflower- sleek short-furred gray-and-black she-cat with dark green eyes.

Emberdapple- thick-furred dark gray she-cat with darker spots and dark amber eyes.

APPRENTICE, GRASSPAW (pale gray she-cat with white patches)

Waterlily- pretty, slender pale silver tabby she-cat with darker paws, ear-tips, and tail-tip, pale blue eyes, and small paws and ears.

Bluefire- thick-furred blue-gray tom with darker spots and ears, large paws, a stocky form, and dark amber eyes. APPRENTICE, LILYPAW (pale brown tabby she-cat)

Snowfall- soft-furred fluffy white she-cat with large paws and pale green eyes.

Owlstorm- small, sleek silver tom with black stripes and ear-tips, a white muzzle, belly, and tail-tip, and dark blue eyes.

Leafsong- bright ginger tabby she-cat with darker ears, paws, and tail-tip, a long, fluffy tail, and leaf-green eyes.

Mistberry- small, thick-furred dark gray speckled she-cat with small ears, paws, and a long, fluffy tail. She has pale amber eyes and darker ear-tips.

Lionflight- thick-furred pale ginger tabby she-cat with a white muzzle and underbelly and deep blue eyes.

Icesky- Thin, slender, short-furred pure-white tom with ice-blue eyes.

Ashdapple- thick-furred dappled dark gray she-cat with small ears, a long, thick tail, and dark green eyes.

Whitedawn- thick-furred pure-white she-cat with one black ear and sky-blue eyes.

Rainmist- sleek gray tom with darker speckles, dark blue eyes, and a long, thick tail.

Ravenshade- slender black tom with dark gray ear-tips and spots, dark blue eyes, and small paws.

QUEENS

Duskbreeze- long-furred dark ginger tabby she-cat with dark green eyes (mother to Rainkit, a short-furred ginger she-cat with blue eyes, and Streamkit, a dark gray tabby tom with blue eyes)

Mothfall-  slender pale gray she-cat with small paws and green eyes. (mother to Mistykit, a slender pale gray-and-white she-cat, Splashkit, a dark brown tabby she-cat, and Wolfkit, a thick-furred pale gray tom)

ELDERS

Redblaze- short-furred dark ginger tabby tom with dark green eyes.

Eagleheart- brown-and-white tom with amber eyes.

Swiftsplash- slender, short-furred black-and-white she-cat with ice-blue eyes.


ThunderClan

LEADER

Swiftstar- broad-shouldered, thick-furred black tom with white patches and green eyes.

DEPUTY

Darkbird- short-furred dark brown tom with black patches and amber eyes.

MEDICINE CAT

Hollyheart- slender black she-cat with bright green eyes

APPRENTICE, BERRYPAW (small gray-and-white she-cat with amber eyes)

WARRIORS

Thrushfang- broad-shouldered, thick-furred sandy-brown tom with brown flecks and pale blue eyes.

APPRENTICE, SHADEPAW (thick-furred dappled dark gray she-cat)

Sorrelshade- small dappled pale gray she-cat with amber eyes.

Squirrelfire- thick-furred dark ginger tom with bright green eyes and a white chest and tail-tip.

Frostfall- slender, short-furred white she-cat with pale gray patches and amber eyes.

APPRENTICE, TAWNYPAW (long-furred pale golden tabby she-cat)

Nightbreeze- slender black she-cat with dark green eyes.

Dawnwhisker- lean dappled ginger she-cat with pale green eyes and white ears.

Mouseshade- short-furred pale gray-and-white tom with pale green eyes.

APPRENTICE, MORNINGPAW (small dappled cream she-cat)

Pinesong- short-furred dark brown she-cat with dark green eyes.

APPRENTICE, STARLINGPAW (sleek black tom with very dark gray patches)

Grassfeather- pale brown tabby she-cat with a darker belly and paws and green eyes.

Ravenstorm- lithe black she-cat with a white belly, paws, ears, and tail-tip.

Briarleaf- small golden tabby she-cat with white patches and amber eyes.

Mudflower- broad-shouldered brown she-cat with a paler belly.

Swallowblaze- short-furred ginger she-cat with blue eyes and darker flecks.

Bluefeather- dark silver tabby tom with darker flecks and dark blue eyes.

Silverpetal- sleek silver she-cat with white flecks and pale blue eyes.

Oakwing- slender pale brown she-cat with black stripes, ears, and paws.

Shimmerpool- thick-furred black she-cat with gray, white, and paler flecks, and pale blue eyes.

Foxsplash- lithe reddish-brown tabby tom with black splotches and blue eyes.

Amberdawn- slender, dappled red she-cat with short fur, a long, thin tail, and sky-blue eyes

Sandblaze- thick-furred pale ginger she-cat with darker flecks, ears, and paws, pale green eyes, and a white muzzle.

QUEENS

Snowberry- thick-furred white she-cat with black speckles and green eyes. (mother to Sunkit, a short-furred ginger tabby she-cat, Lilykit, a small brown she-cat, and Rowankit, a black-and-white tom with amber eyes).

Dewshine- sleek dappled dark gray she-cat with green eyes (mother to Blazekit, a pale ginger tabby tom, and Amberkit, a slender ginger she-cat)

ELDERS

Adderstrike- broad-shouldered reddish-brown tabby tom with green eyes.

Silverdawn- soft-furred pale silver she-cat with white flecks and amber eyes.

Yellowflower- small yellow tabby tom with darker paws, ears, and flecks, and blue eyes.

WindClan


LEADER

Ivystar- slender dappled golden tabby she-cat with dark green eyes.

DEPUTY

Gingerdawn- thick-furred bright ginger she-cat with darker flecks and pale amber eyes.

MEDICINE CAT

Morningflight- cream-furred tom with white patches and pale blue eyes.

WARRIORS

Dustcloud- short-furred brown tom with white flecks and blue eyes.

Flamedapple- light ginger tom with darker ears and paws and green eyes.

APPRENTICE, BREEZEPAW (small white she-cat with black ears)

Cloudfire- thick-furred white tom with ginger tabby patches and pale blue eyes.

APPRENTICE, FERNPAW (black-and-white she-cat with amber eyes)

Darkstorm- sleek very dark brown tom with black patches and amber eyes.

APPRENTICE, CLOUDPAW (fluffy white tom with amber eyes)

Owlshade- dark gray she-cat with white patches and amber eyes.

Emberdapple- dark gray dappled she-cat with dark green eyes and a torn ear.

APPRENTICE, ASPENPAW (brown-and-white tabby she-cat)

Twigflower- slender pale brown tabby she-cat with white patches and leaf-green eyes.

APPRENTICE, STORMPAW (thick-furred dark gray tabby tom)

Vinesong- small dark gray tabby tom with dark green eyes.

Mossypool- broad-shouldered cream-furred she-cat with white flecks and green eyes.

Starlingsplash- short-furred black tom with very dark gray flecks and dark blue eyes.

Icefeather- lithe white she-cat with small paws and ice-blue eyes.

Ambershade- small, lithe golden-ginger she-cat with green eyes.

Redblaze- slender dark red tabby tom with black flecks and bright amber eyes.

Spottedfeather- tortoiseshell she-cat with pale blue eyes and a fluffy tail.

Swiftwater- slender, short-furred black she-cat with brilliant blue eyes.

Applefall- white tom with pale gray tabby patches and hazel eyes.

Littlefoot- small gray tabby tom with darker patches and one very small paw.

Squirrelfeather- lithe dark ginger she-cat with black patches and blue eyes.

Crowshade- thick-furred very dark gray tom with black patches and brilliant blue eyes.

Harebounce- short-furred pale brown tabby tom with a long, thin tail with a black tip, black underbelly and ear-tips, and pale amber eyes.

Berryfeather- lithe dark ginger tabby she-cat with a short, thick tail and bright blue eyes.

QUEENS

Flowersong- ginger-and-white she-cat with green eyes (mother to Vinekit, a ginger tabby tom, Yarrowkit, a yellow-and-white tabby she-cat, and Rabbitkit, a fluffy ginger tom)

Lightningsplash- slender, short-furred yellow she-cat with darker flecks (mother to Poppykit, a red tabby she-cat, and Leafkit, a brown tabby she-cat with white patches)

ELDERS

Mousefrost- small dusky brown tabby tom with white patches and amber eyes.

Quickbreeze- slender pale brown tabby she-cat with darker flecks and dark blue eyes.

Swiftstorm- broad-shouldered, short-furred gray-and-white tom with pale amber eyes.

Lilyflame- long-furred pale ginger she-cat with white flecks and green eyes.

Rainheart- golden brown dappled she-cat with blue eyes.


Cats Outside the Clans


Aqua-  blue-gray she-cat with green-blue eyes, white ears, and a fluffy, white-tipped tail.

Dark- short-furred, broad-shouldered dark brown tom with black patches and green eyes.

Snowy- long-furred, fluffy white she-cat with black ears and blue eyes.

Ember- silver-and-black tabby tom-kit with pale blue eyes.

Lake- small pale gray tabby tom-kit with white patches and green eyes.

Aspen- fluffy white she-cat with dark gray tabby points and golden eyes.

Leaf- flaming orange tom with leaf-green eyes and white paws.

Stream- gray tabby-and-white she-cat with green eyes.

Sky- pale gray tom with ice-blue eyes and white ear-tips.

Shadow- golden brown tortoiseshell she-cat with white-tipped ears, tail-tip, and paws, and hazel eyes.

Bright-  brown tabby she-cat with white paws and amber eyes

Mossball- fluffy gray-and-white cat with blue eyes

Celestia- tall, short-furred white she-cat with brilliant blue eyes.

Eagle- black tom with azure-blue eyes.

Darky- sleek black she-cat with bright green eyes, and one white paw and white-tipped tail.

Willow- gray she-cat with a darker stripe down back, tail, and muzzle, and green eyes.

Lupine- dark smoky-gray she-cat with darker spots, gray eyes, and a white dash.

Stormy- long-furred dappled dark brown tabby tom with blue eyes.

Gecko- orange-and-white tabby she-cat with bright green eyes and curled ears.

Frost- silver-and-white she-cat with frosty blue eyes.

Raggs- tall golden-brown she-cat with green eyes

Blackberry- short-furred pure-black she-cat with dark amber eyes.

Tomato- red tom with white splotches and bright green eyes.

Dawn- orange tabby she-cat with bright green eyes.

Vanilla- slender white she-cat with black flecks and dark green eyes.

Peony- chestnut-brown she-cat with white patches and pale green eyes.

Seashell- small golden brown tabby she-cat with dark blue eyes.

Swirl- short-furred black she-cat with dark gray “swirls” and dark blue eyes.

Panther- sleek black tom with midnight-blue eyes and a long tail.

Aster- black she-cat with one ice-blue eye and one violet eye.

Night- black she-cat with a white belly, muzzle, and a long white-tipped tail, and dark green eyes.

Cloud- white she-cat with black paws, belly, and muzzle, and icy blue eyes.

Owl- light brown tabby she-cat with white stripes, paws, and chest a fluffy tail and bright green eyes.

Rain- silver tabby she-cat with blue eyes.

Red- reddish tabby tom with blue eyes.

Winter- white tom with black blotches and dark green eyes.

The names and fursonas of Aspen, Bright, Winter, Rain, Red, Dawn, Cloud, Night, Owl, Eagle, Panther, Raggs, Frost, Gecko, Lupine, Willow, Darky, Mossball, Shadow, and Stream belong to (listed in order) Aspenkit, Brightstorm, Winterpaw, Rainpaw/pool, Redice, Dawnheart, Shadowpaw/fox (both Night and Cloud), Owlheart, Eagleclaw, Pantherpaw, RaggedOak, Frostflower, Geckoflower, Lupinepaw, Wollowpaw, Darkkit, Mossball, Shadowpaw/leaf, and Streampaw.

Story[]

Prologue[]

Night hunting was hard. Cold. Difficult. Tiring.

But the cat knew she had to do it. 

Biting her lip to keep from growling in frustration, she stalked silently through the pines that darkened her world even in daytime. Her dark green eyes, barely visible, were fixed on a tiny mouse, barely big enough to feed a kit, scuffling at some nuts. She could see where the pines gradually turned into towering oaks and birches, and smell the sharply marked borderline between ShadowClan and ThunderClan. She was dangerously close to the border, but things had been peaceful between their Clans recently and she was only night hunting, nothing suspicious. She was alone. Besides, she could hear, see, and smell no cats near the border. No life, except for this mouse.

Was everything sleeping? Why couldn’t a cat get in a little night hunting in?

Stormstar wouldn’t let her hunt extra. But she had to. ShadowClan depended on it.

Nightberry’s kits, Copperkit and Flamekit, were so thin. The apprentices were hunting as much as the warriors.

The warrior rolled her shoulders, wincing. She was sore from all the extra hunting and lack of sleep, but she had to. She had to. She had to.

For her Clan.

But she was slowly working herself to death. She couldn’t live.

StarClan chose a quick death for this certain cat.

The fox came out of nowhere, dark russet pelt and black patches concealing it in the night forest. It came up from behind, fighting in the dirty way foxes do – they’re called sneaky for a reason. And this particular cat was out of luck.

Shadebreeze, the deputy of ShadowClan, died that night during the terrible leaf-bare. She was a fair and strong cat, and would have made a wonderful leader.

From that moment on, there would be no peace for ShadowClan, or all of the Clans, for a loooooooong time.

//-//

“Attack!”

“Kill!”

“Steal their territory and prey and kits!”

“No, we don’t want their filthy kits!”

Stormstar of ShadowClan stared down at his Clan, shaking his head. “We can’t.”

“What?!” screamed Silverpaw, Shadebreeze’s apprentice. “You have to! They killed our deputy!”

Silverpaw’s sister Icepaw jumped up beside her. “ThunderClan murdered her in cold blood in the middle of a harsh leaf-bare when we need her most! You have to make them pay!”

Stormstar sighed, shaking his head. “I’m sorry. But we’re not in shape to attack ThunderClan, and I don’t want a war. Maybe it was an accident.”

“No it wasn’t,” growled Mouseclaw. “They wanted her dead.”

“ThunderClan wants a war!” yowled Robinpaw.

“Stop!” Stormstar meowed commandingly, and the Clan fell silent, except for a few indignant murmurs. “I have a few duties to perform. Silverpaw, Icepaw, come forward.”

“You’re kidding,” Silverpaw seethed, but she followed her sister to the middle of the gathered cats, right below the branch that Stormstar and every ShadowClan leader that had lived at the lake before him announced from and made their den under.

Stormstar raised his head to the glimmering warriors of StarClan, Shadebreeze among them tonight. “I, Stormstar, leader of ShadowClan, call upon StarClan to look down upon these two apprentices.” He paused for a moment. Silverpaw and Icepaw were so similar – they were both fiery, determined, and loyal, unafraid to defend their Clanmates against anything and speak their minds.

“Sadly, Shadebreeze isn’t here, but she spoke so highly of you, Silverpaw. She was a strong teacher and I trusted her judgement. I know from her words that you are ready to become a warrior tonight.”

Stormstar jumped down from the Branch of Announcements and stood in front of Silverpaw. “From this moment on you shall be known as Silvermist. StarClan honors you for your bravery and your loyalty, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ShadowClan.” He touched his nose to Silvermist’s head and she grudgingly licked his shoulder.

“Silvermist! Silvermist!” the Clan cheered, Icepaw among them. Silvermist gave her sister a glare, a clear message in her eyes. You shouldn’t be cheering for me! You of all cats should understand that we should be avenging Shadebreeze right now, not cheering! 

“Icepaw,” Stormstar meowed once the cheers had died down. He stepped in front of Silvermist’s sister. “Birdstorm, has your apprentice Icepaw learned the ways of a ShadowClan warrior?”

“Yes she has, Stormstar,” called Birdstorm, Icepaw’s young mentor, from her place next to Leafshade.

“Good.” Stormstar gave her a quick nod. “Then from this moment on you shall be known as Icedapple, in honor of your dappled coat. StarClan honors your ambition and your protectiveness, and we welcome you as a full warrior of ShadowClan. He completed Icedapple’s ceremony and the Clan cheered, the new warrior puffing out her chest proudly and grinning sadly.

//-//

Silvermist and Icedapple survived their vigil and the vigil for Shadebreeze. They became proud and strong warriors of ShadowClan, extremely hostile with ThunderClan at every patrol and Gathering. They were both given apprentices to train – Rainpaw for Icedapple and Rowanpaw for Silvermist – and watched them grow into strong warriors, Rainfrost and Rowanfall. The new deputy, Mistlefall, a quietly strong tom, was a good deputy for a while, but not as good as Shadebreeze had been. Even moons later, legends were told about her, and the feud between ThunderClan and ShadowClan was kept alive, but just barely. Most cats either forgot (this was mostly the younger generation) or thought that it was just an accident, another terrible tragedy, but a fact of life. Even Icedapple moved on. At one point, it was only Silvermist who still hated ThunderClan.

Then everything changed.

Mistlefall died in a fierce battle with badgers along with Pineberry and Emberpaw, and the Clan mourned them. But a new deputy had to be decided.

Everyone thought it would be either Silvermist or Icedapple. They were both strong and loyal warriors, who had trained at least one apprentice each, had been a warrior for a while. Icedapple was just barely expecting kits, and still prefectly capable of doing her duties. But Silvermist had trained two apprentices, Rowanfall and Oakstorm, while Icedapple had only trained one.

But Icedapple was made deputy. 

And that was the last spark to ignite the bonfire to come.

Chapter 1[]

Crystalsong

“Let the Gathering begin!”

Crystalsong watched Applestar, the leader of RiverClan, make the call that silenced the chatting Clan cats as they shared news. She personally didn’t like befriending cats from other Clans, even at the Gatherings. She never knew when she might have to fight them later.

She smiled at her friend Rainfrost as she sat down beside her with a WindClan she-cat named Owlshade, and nodded politely before turning her attention back to the leaders.

“RiverClan is doing well,” Applestar reported. “We have three kits born to Mothfall and Troutfrost: Wolfkit, Splashkit, and Mistykit. They are all healthy and doing well.”

The other Clans murmured congratulations and Crystalsong saw the father, Troutfrost, sit up proudly, beaming. Mothfall was a nursing queen and obviously wouldn’t have come to the Gathering, but Troutfrost came to represent his family. She found that sweet, but if she was in his place, she would want to stay at home with her mate and kits. Well, I’d be the queen, so I wouldn’t really have a choice. 

“We also have two new warriors: Rainmist and Ravenshade,” Applestar announced.

Crystalsong joined in with calling out the new warriors’ names. She remembered this happening to her, two moons ago. It had been embarrassing and amazing at the same time, and she was proud to be a warrior and best serve ShadowClan.

Applestar dipped her head, signifying the end of her news, and stepped back for Ivystar, the leader of WindClan, who reported the apprenticeship of Stormpaw, Aspenpaw, Cloudpaw, and Fernpaw, as well as Quickbreeze’s retirement. Then Swiftstar of ThunderClan reported the apprenticeship of Berrypaw, Shadepaw, and Tawnypaw, Berrypaw being their new medicine cat apprentice. 

Then Stormstar, her own leader, stepped forward. Crystalsong felt a little thrill of pride at seeing her leader, so strong and proud, announcing ShadowClan’s good news from the past moon to the other Clans. “We have one new apprentice, Pebblepaw, who has been apprenticed to Crowblaze,” he announced.

“Pebblepaw! Pebblepaw!”

The shy apprentice ducked his head in embarrassment as cats of all the Clans stared at him and cheered his new name.

“And I am saddened to report that badgers attacked the Clan, killing Pineberry, Emberpaw, and our deputy, Mistlefall,” Stormstar continued, bowing his head. Sad, sympathetic murmurs spread through the gathered cats, and Crystalsong bowed her head in memory of her lost Clanmates. “Kestrelsong and Ivyfrost were badly injured, and we wish them a speedy recovery,” Stormstar meowed. “Aside from Birchflower and Streamsong, I would like to acknowledge Flowerleaf’s and Oakstorm’s knowledge of herbs, which has saved our medicine cats much time and effort and helped us treat and heal our wounded faster.”

“Flowerleaf! Oakstorm!” the cats called out.

“Icedapple is our new deputy. That is all,” Stormstar finished, stepping back.

“Icedapple! Icedapple!” Crystalsong raised her voice in support of her deputy and friend. Icedapple was a level-headed, strong cat who would balance out Stormstar’s peace-filled and sometimes cowardly approach to things and a wonderful choice for deputy.

Many cats had supported her sister, Silvermist, because Icedapple had trained only one apprentice, while Silvermist had trained two. But Crystalsong personally agreed with Stormstar’s decision and thought Silvermist was, while strong, a little too hostile with ThunderClan, and very fiery. She would never forgive them for supposedly killing Shadebreeze, the deputy before Mistlefall, as well as being Silvermist’s mentor, in cold blood one leaf-bare night. 

Crystalsong didn’t think ThunderClan killed Shadebreeze. From what she had heard of her, she was a powerful cat and not very easy to overcome, plus ThunderClan had never done anything like that again, except for small skirmishes that were natural for any Clan. Besides, Silvermist was the only cat who still really hated ThunderClan, and it was useless. Stormstar was smart enough not to attack.

Brightflame, the deputy of RiverClan, after congratulating Icedapple with the other deputies, stood up. “What about ThunderClan?” she yowled. “Shadebreeze died at their claws. What if Mistlefall’s death was their doing, too?”

Shocked murmurs spread through the Clans. Applestar and Swiftstar glared down at Brightflame, and Crystalsong sat straight up as if she had been struck with a lightning bolt, shock running through her. The new ThunderClan medicine cat apprentice ducked behind her mentor, Hollyheart. But Silvermist stood straight up, no doubt flared by Brightflame’s words.

“See, Stormstar?” she yowled. “The deputy of another Clan agrees with me! We must do something!”

Stormstar shuffled his paws, obviously badly wanting to be anywhere but there. “I told you, Silvermist. The time has passed. We have no evidence. ThunderClan has not been hostile. Innocent until proven guilty.”

Silvermist growled. “We’ll see.” She would have said more, but Birdstorm dragged her back down and started whispering in her ear, hopefully calming her down.

Crystalsong returned her attention to the Great Oak as the leaders leaped down and started heading to their Clans. Stormstar looked frightened. Icedapple looked surprised and angry. Birchflower’s gaze was filled with furiousness, and Streamsong looked like he wanted the ground to swallow him up.

Swiftstar, the leader of ThunderClan, glared at Silvermist as if he were daring her to try something against his Clan. She glared right back and didn’t drop her gaze until Swiftstar did, leaping down to talk to his deputy, Darkbird. 

Crystalsong stood up, stretching, next to Rainfrost. They chatted with Waterlily of RiverClan and Oakwing of ThunderClan for a little bit, before Stormstar called ShadowClan together to leave, and they fell in beside Hollyfall as ShadowClan filed out of the Gathering island and back into their territory.

“Some Gathering, huh?” Hollyfall meowed.

Crystalsong nodded. “It’s sad how Shadebreeze died, but I’m surprised Silvermist is still pursuing vengeance. It’s been so long.”

Rainfrost nodded in agreement. “It won’t get her anywhere. Just because she has Brightflame’s support won’t do her any good. We shouldn’t worry.”

Crystalsong and Hollyfall nodded, murmuring agreement and changing the subject to more positive subjects – how Rosekit had jumped on a mouse that Flarestorm and Tawnyfeather had chased into camp the other day, Pebblepaw’s apprenticeship, and the rumored romance between Ivyfrost and Dustbreeze. Their quiet laughter and friendly smiles faded into the night as ShadowClan left the Gathering as a whole.

But if Rainfrost and Hollyfall had noticed Silvermist talking to Flamesky, who talked to Robinsong, who talked to Mistbreeze, like an apprenticeship game of pass-it-on, they either didn’t notice or didn’t care. But it sent shivers down Crystalsong’s spine.

Something was coming – something that would shake ShadowClan long and hard, and it would be a very long time before things were right again.

Chapter 2[]

Flamesky 

Flamesky flicked his tail, fluffing out his fur against the cold night air as he headed home from the Gathering with his Clanmates. He couldn’t wait to see his sister, Coppershine. He wished she had been able to come with him, but she was a fierce fighter and very stubborn and had insisted on fighting the badgers to the very end. She wasn’t as badly injured as Ivyfrost or Kestrelsong, but too badly to come to the Gathering. Birchflower had insisted that she stay in her nest and rest. However fiercely his sister had protested, the medicine cat had remained firm.

“Hey, Flamesky.”

He felt the brush of long fur against his as Silvermist sped up from walking with Birdstorm to join him. He felt a little thrill that she had left her friend to come walk with him, but shook it off and gave her a friendly smile. “Hi!”

“Hey, so I was wondering something.” Silvermist flicked her ear nervously as she spoke. “I was thinking… You know, if Stormstar had attacked all those moons ago, we wouldn’t have this problem. I hoped Mistlefall would knock some sense into him, but they’re practically twins. And Icedapple… well, I know my sister. She’ll support him to the very end. So, I guess it’s time to do something about it.”

Flamesky blinked, his eyes widening. “I guess so, but do what?”

Silvermist shrugged. “Talk to Stormstar, show him our arguments and the strength in numbers. Never give up. It’ll be a little while,” she reassured him. “I’m tired and I don’t want to talk to too many cats tonight. I just know that you’re reliable, and you’re a nice cat to have on my team, so I wanted to speak to you about it tonight.”

“I’m flattered! Of course I’ll help you,” Flamesky replied. “I could talk to a couple cats if you’d like.”

“You would? Oh, thank you,” Silvermist sighed. She flicked her tail at a dark brown she-cat walking ahead. “Try talking to Robinsong.”

Flamesky nodded, smiling shyly. “Of course! See you.” He picked up the pace until he was next to Robinsong.

“Hey,” he began. “So Silvermist had this idea…”

//-//

Five cats.

Their numbers were five at the end of the day. Silvermist, him, Robinsong, Birdstorm, and Crowblaze. Three she-cats and two toms.

Robinsong had easily accepted, saying it was a good idea. When she asked him why Silvermist wasn’t asking instead, he explained the problem and she offered to go talk to Mistbreeze. The dark silver tabby she-cat had politely declined, but Robinsong talked to Crowblaze after that and he readily agreed. He had promised to also talk to his mate, Snowheart, who was a queen in the nursery. Their three kits were too young to participate, but their parents could.

When they got back, he had tried to talk to Coppershine, but she was too tired to really listen, so he gave up quickly, telling Birdstorm he would talk to her in the morning. Besides, Whiteflash snapped at him to go to sleep. He was Icedapple’s mate and the father of her two kits, so he obviously didn’t want to go against her, but still, he didn’t have to be that snappy. 

Annoyed, Robinsong suggested that they move to a corner of the warriors’ den so they didn’t disturb the “ever-so-precious sleep” of others. Flamesky privately thought that she didn’t have to be so rude, and he didn’t want to leave Coppershine, but he moved his nest anyway to show Silvermist he supported her. He ended up between Birdstorm and Crowblaze, with Silvermist’s nest in front of him and the wall behind him. 

He wrapped his tail over his nose and sighed softly, watching Mistbreeze and Flarestorm settle in, murmuring quietly to each other. Firebreeze rolled over, kicking Crystalsong in the nest next to her. Crystalsong let out an annoyed, tired yowl, and Dustbreeze clapped his paws over his ears, grunting in annoyance.

Wow, Flamesky mused. Everyone’s really uptight tonight. Why? We’re just standing up for what’s right. 

He rolled over so he was facing the wall, turning his back on the sleepily crabby warriors and flattened his ears in an attempt to get some sleep at last.

He heard Oakstorm join Flarestorm and Mistbreeze whispering to one another, and the same for Silvermist, Robinsong, and Birdstorm, and Hollyfall, Rowanfall, and Dawnflame. The warriors’ den seemed alive with whispers, too quiet to make out the words but just loud enough to acknowledge there were cats talking, like everyone was waiting for something huge to happen, too scared to talk about it openly, but they couldn’t pretend it wasn’t going to happen.

Flamesky sighed quietly and closed his eyes, sinking into a shallow, dreamless sleep.

Chapter 3[]

Coppershine 

“Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath the High Branch for a Clan meeting!”

Coppershine lifted her head, watching Stormstar as he sat down, wrapping his tail over his paws and staring down at his Clan. She had been expecting this meeting all morning, ever since the arguments. Whiteflash, Crystalsong, and Rainfrost argued most passionately for Stormstar and Icedapple, while Robinsong, Birdstorm, and Crowblaze stood for Silvermist. A couple other cats had joined in, like Mistbreeze and Dawnflame, but Coppershine had gone hunting with Dustbreeze to get away. It wasn’t like normal fighting, it was more vicious. And they were Clanmates! It was ridiculous.

She hoped Stormstar would be able to say something smart and put an end to all this nonsense. They were a Clan! They shouldn’t be fighting like this, especially over something that happened moons ago. She and Flamesky had still been kits when Shadebreeze died, but she vaguely remembered the old deputy. She was good and strong and wouldn’t die quietly or easily from a ThunderClan attack in the middle of the night. But she was found on their border with wounds and russet-black fur in her claws. But this had happened moons ago! Mistlefall had been a good deputy, and Icedapple was proving to be one so far. It had passed. It shouldn’t matter anymore. 

Coppershine padded over and sat down between Flamesky and Firebreeze, who each nodded to her. Firebreeze looked as uncomfortable as she felt, and kept shuffling his paws and twitching his ears self-consciously. Flamesky didn’t look quite as unhappy, but instead kept leaning over to add to Silvermist’s and Ivyfrost’s conversation. After a few failed attempts at trying to indulge him in conversation Coppershine sighed and turned her head away.

Luckily, just then Stormstar silenced the cats of ShadowClan with a wave of his tail. “Clanmates, I know there has been a discord spreading through our Clan today, and it’s wrong. We’re ShadowClan. We’re strong and mighty, but we cannot be if we’re not united. We’re Clanmates. There should be no fighting.”

Icedapple, Crystalsong, and a few other cats nodded, but not everyone was convinced. Silvermist, who had been sitting strategically towards the middle of the half-circle they made around the High Branch, leaped to her paws. “Ha! We’re not pitiful little kittypets, not like you would know that, because you act like it! We’re not strong, because you’re leader! We could do better. We should do better!”

Gasps rung out among the Clan, and Ravenkit squeaked in terror and made a beeline for Icedapple, but Whiteflash scooped him up before he could bolt all the way across the circle and wrapped his tail around his kit, glaring fiercely at Silvermist. However, Silvermist only sneered at Whiteflash and Ravenkit as well as the rest of the circle. “We could do so much more. Stormstar and Icedapple hold us back from what we could do. ThunderClan murdered Shadebreeze all those moons ago, and what’s been done? Nothing! Not one little thing! We should’ve taken revenge that very day, but instead we went on like nothing had ever happened. What if the same thing happens to you, Stormstar? That would serve you right. Good riddance. Let’s make ShadowClan great again and make ThunderClan pay!”

Crowblaze’s voice was the first to pierce the air with cries of “Long live the true ShadowClan!” He was quickly followed by Robinsong and Ivyfrost, and to Coppershine’s horror, Flamesky. Birchflower and Birdstorm joined them, and Tawnyfeather, and more and more and more. Coppershine flattened her ears, staring in shock and horror at the cats who wanted to change everything. Including her brother.

“You little pieces of foxdung!” Icedapple screeched, fluffing out her fur. “Do you want to throw us into chaos and civil war? That’ll only make us weaker!”

“Yeah!” Flarestorm yowled. “You’re just rotting in the past, Silvermist. Shadebreeze is gone and ThunderClan did nothing. Drop it and move on!”

Birdstorm unsheathed her claws. “You wanna bet on that, snakeheart?”

Flarestorm snarled. “Do you really think I’d drop everything just because the fake warrior unsheathed her itty-bitty claws?”

Birdstorm let out a furious yowl at leaped at her, and a moment later the camp was alive with claws and teeth. Flattening her ears against the furious yowls, Coppershine ducked a blow from Rainfrost, rolled away from Crowblaze, and shoved Crystalsong and Ivyfrost apart.

“Stop it!” she yowled, but it was lost in the commotion. 

Coppershine flattened her ears and let out a desprate snarl, shoving her shoulder in between Whiteflash and Birdstorm. “Stop it! We’re Clanmates! We shouldn’t be fighting!”

Birdstorm snarled, showing her teeth. “We’re only trying to help.”

“Well, you’re not!” Whiteflash shouted, and they launched into another flurry of blows, some which landed on Coppershine on account of her being in the way.

“Hey!” she yelped, leaping back.

Whiteflash shrugged. “Sorry, Coppershine. But if you’re not on my side, I have to assume you’re trying to hurt my Clan and my mate.”

Coppershine snarled and licked her shoulder where claws had landed. He spoke as if we’re at war. But this is unheard of. It’s wrong. 

StarClan help us.

Chapter 4[]

Crystalsong

“I can’t believe they attacked us!” Kestrelsong yowled furiously. “Those little blood-hungry foxhearts!”

Oakstorm groaned. “Calm down, Kestrelsong. They were probably just caught up in the moment.”

“Suuuuuure,” Flowerleaf hissed. “Because that’s an excuse to attack your own Clanmates.”

“Should we be retaliating?” Mistbreeze worried, glancing to Icedapple, who sat next to Whiteflash, observing the argument with a sour look on her face.

“Not yet,” the deputy replied after a moment. “I don’t like this any more than you do, but let’s give them a chance to apologize first.” The corner of her mouth turned upward in a small smirk. “That’ll be satisfying.”

Crystalsong swished her tail worriedly. Silvermist has been hating on ThunderClan since I was a kit for an event that happened long ago. She’s been upset when no one else has been. Icedapple knows her sister better than anyone else. Surely she knows Silvermist won’t come apologizing?

She caught Rainfrost and Dapplefeather exchanging a glance, likely thinking the same thing. We have to do something.

Crystalsong sniffed. “It’s their fault,” she announced.”

“Tell me something I don’t know,” muttered Kestrelsong, sheathing and unsheathing her claws.

Oakstorm nodded.

“Buuut,” she continued. “We should watch them. We can’t wait for an apology forever.”

To her relief, Rainfrost nodded. “You’re right.”

Icedapple glanced at Whiteflash and nodded as well. “Good idea, Crystalsong. You must be careful. They may be looking for anything to start a fight. Don’t let them. We’re better and stronger. Making them wait will aggravate them.”

Meows of consent, some grudging, rose from the gathered cats.

Icedapple rose to her paws and stretched. “No need to waste time. Rainfrost and I will watch Ivyfrost. Crystalsong, watch Birdstorm. Kestrelsong, watch Flamesky. Mistbreeze and Dapplefeather, you watch Silvermist. Oakstorm and Whiteflash, you watch Crowblaze.”

Crystalsong glanced through the gap in the leaders’ den where they met and glanced throughout camp, looking for Birdstorm. She spotted the three apprentices, Pebblepaw, Frostpaw, and Beepaw, sitting outside their den. Their stiff posture suggested they were talking about uncomfortable subjects, like the battle. She shuddered. She didn’t want apprentices in the war.

Suddenly a small golden-brown tabby streaked from the medicine den across camp, catching the attention of her Clanmates. She skidded into the leader’s den and stopped in front of the gathered cats, panting, her dark green eyes wide.

“Vinepetal, there you are,” Icedapple meowed. “What took you so long? You were supposed to be getting treated!”

There was crusted blood crumbling through Vinepetal’s long pelt. One of her forepaws was curved under her, obviously in pain.

Crystalsong stared at her friend in shock. What was she doing? Why wasn’t she getting treated?

“Birchflower refused to treat me!” Vinepetal yowled, loud enough for the cats outside to hear.

“What?!” Icedapple shrieked. She stormed outside the den, Whiteflash and Rainfrost on her heels, and marched to the medicine den.

Crystalsong hurried after them, ears pricked.

Icedapple stood nose to nose with the medicine cat, eyes narrowed furiously. Birchflower glared back, her claws digging into the floor.

They’re not going to fight, are they? Icedapple would never attack a medicine cat!

But then again, a medicine cat would never refuse to treat a Clanmate…

A flash of gray caught Crystalsong’s eye. She turned to see Streamsong, the newly named medicine cat apprentice, slipping quietly outside.

She jumped forward to block his way. He reared back, eyes wide.

“Get herbs,” she growled. “You’re going to treat Vinepetal. She needs it.”

Streamsong glanced nervously at Icedapple and Birchflower, then back to Crystalsong. “Birchflower forbid me,” he confessed. “She says that if you all can’t be treated this will all end soon.”

Crystalsong’s expression softened and she laid her shoulder on her Clanmate’s tail. “That’s probably true. But then your Clanmates will die, and ShadowClan won’t be any better off.”

Streamsong shifted his paws. “I suppose you’re right,” he replied after a moment. Darting back to the herb store, he grabbed a few leaves in his mouth and tossed them to Crystalsong. She picked them up, and he grabbed more and they slipped outside of the den together and headed to the leader’s den.

Inside Stormstar’s den, Kestrelsong and Whiteflash were arguing passionately while Mistbreeze was grooming Vinepetal and Dapplefeather was comforting her. At Crystalsong’s and Streamsong’s arrival, their faces lit up. Mistbreeze backed away to give Streamsong space, grinning. Whiteflash and Kestrelsong hurried over, their argument forgotten.

Streamsong applied the herbs to Vinepetal and instructed her to go straight to her nest and stay there so she could recover, and so Birchflower would have a lesser chance of finding out what he did.

“I’ll go with her,” Mistbreeze meowed immediately.

“Who will guard Silvermist then?” Whiteflash asked. “She’s the worst of them all. It’s best to not have Dapplefeather do it alone.”

“Flarestorm can,” Crystalsong replied, pointing with her tail to where the latest hunting patrol had just come back. Their last ally, the thick-furred ginger tabby, was walking beside Hollyfall… and fuming. Her green-gray glare was directed to none other than Crowblaze, who had a smirk on his face that made a stone drop in Crystalsong’s stomach. Something was up.

“Oh no,” Oakstorm breathed. “Not again.”

Whiteflash sighed. “C’mon, let’s go see what happened.” He led the group outside, with Streamsong hanging back.

“Maybe we’re wrong,” Dapplefeather mewed wistfully.

No one replied.

“He attacked me,” Flarestorm hissed, pointing with her tail to Crowblaze. “I was trying to catch prey for Snowheart. She’s my friend. I’m allowed to get prey for her. But then he attacked me and scared it off!”

“My mate doesn’t need prey from cats who would happily see ShadowClan corrode and be mocked by the other Clans,” Crowblaze hissed.

“We would never do such a thing!” Whiteflash growled, outraged.

“Silvermist would,” Crystalsong added, eyes narrowed.

Crowblaze shrugged. “You have no proof. Maybe she’s just being petty and trying to explain why her only prey was a mouse that’ll only feed a single kit.”

“Any cat with half a brain can tell she’s telling the truth,” Kestrelsong growled.

Crowblaze sniffed. “You all have the intelligence of Twolegs. The entire lot of you. What a shame we’re in the same Clan.” He stalked off toward the nursery.

Flarestorm growled and unsheathed her claws, digging them into the dirt. “He’d better watch out. That little fleabag doesn’t have the audacity to even be a warrior!”

Icedapple padded up from behind and laid her tail on Flarestorm’s shoulder. “Patience. He thinks we’re going to attack now. We’ll surprise him later and it’ll be even sweeter.”

Flarestorm’s shoulders slumped. “I guess you’re right,” she grumbled.

Icedapple stiffened. “Besides, there are other things to deal with right now,” she meowed brightly, glaring at the medicine den.

“And Birchflower is not going to like it. Not one bit.”

Chapter 5

Coppershine

“Coppershine! Coppershine!”

Coppershine turned, almost dreading the news that came with Dustbreeze rushing up, his amber eyes wide with shock. “Did you hear?!”

Coppershine sighed, shaking her head. “Not yet.” And I probably don’t want to.

“Birchflower refused to treat Vinepetal!” Dustbreeze screeched.

Coppershine’s eyes widened and she pinned her ears back. “What?! Vinepetal is her Clanmate! She can’t choose a side like that, she’s a medicine cat!”

Dustbreeze shook his head, fear and unhappiness brimming in his eyes. “She did it, though.”

Coppershine sighed. “That’s horrible. How could she do that?”

Dustbreeze shrugged.

Coppershine gulped. “Is Streamsong on Icedapple’s side now?”

Dustbreeze glanced back up at her, eyes widening. “I don’t know.”

Coppershine straightened. “Want to go check?”

He stared back at her. “Check? As in walk into a potentially hostile medicine den with two potentially hostile medicine cats? We could be attacked by either side, Coppershine.”

“It shouldn’t come to that,” Coppershine grumbled. “Come on, there’s only one way to find out.”

“But-” Dustbreeze began to protest, but Coppershine was already hurrying off to the medicine den, her fluffy tail streaking behind her. She glanced back, and he was right on her heels, a worried expression plastered to his face.

Coppershine slipped into the medicine den and peered inside. Vinepetal was nowhere to be seen, but Silvermist was talking with Birchflower near her nest. They both shot glances at Coppershine and Dustbreeze as they entered and lowered their tones.

Coppershine frowned at Birchflower’s back. She should be welcoming me, asking if I’m okay. What is wrong with this Clan?

It took her a moment to locate Streamsong. The dark grays of his pelt blended in with the stone in the dim light of the cave medicine den. He was crushed in a niche in the back of the den, hunched over piles of herbs, sorting quietly. Keeping out of Birchflower’s and Silvermist’s conversation.

If he was on Icedapple’s side, wouldn’t they have kicked him out?

Casting another glance at Birchflower and Silvermist, who continued to ignore her and Dustbreeze, she quietly padded to the back of the den and slowly rested her tail on Streamsong’s shoulder.

He started but didn’t make a sound, turning around to stare at Coppershine with wide blue eyes.

Coppershine glanced at Birchflower and Streamsong, before jerking her head toward the entrance. He nodded and followed her outside, with Dustbreeze at his heels. The latter seemed relieved to be out of the den, but still inched away, not wanting to be caught in the conversation.

“So,” Coppershine began abruptly before Streamsong could speak. “Are you on Icedapple’s side now?”

Streamsong blinked at her, stunned. “No. I don’t understand any of this.” He hung his head. “I’m sorry.”

“No, no, don’t be!” Coppershine gasped. “That’s exactly what I wanted to hear. Thank you, Streamsong. I’m glad at least one of the cats running this Clan hasn’t lost their mind to this madness.”

Streamsong flinched. “I’m not in charge,” he meowed quietly. “I’m just the medicine cat apprentice.”

“Yes, but you can treat the ones Birchflower refuses to!” Coppershine crowed.

Streamsong gave a small shrug. “I already did that.”

“You could talk some sense into those crazy foxes running our Clan!” she continued. “You could convince everyone that this is all wrong! This is amazing, Streamsong!”

Streamsong gave her a small, uncertain, wide-eyed smile. “I don’t think I’m quite that ambitious, Coppershine,” he replied with a small laugh. “I’ve already talked to Birchflower, but she won’t listen. Icedapple and Stormstar… I don’t know. That’s beyond my abilities.”

Coppershine groaned, the smile fading from her face. “Come on, Streamsong. You’re in a perfect position. You’re the only one who can do this. You have to use it!”

Streamsong straightened. “I became a medicine cat so I could heal and help others, not so I can manipulate my leaders. I’m sorry, Coppershine.”

He slipped back into the medicine den, and Coppershine watched him go, letting out a small sigh.

Dustbreeze padded up behind her. “So?”

Coppershine turned, her head still swimming. “So?”

He frowned at her. “So, is he on Icedapple’s side or not?”

Is he on Icedapple’s side or not? Coppershine shook her head to clear it, repeating the question in her head. “He’s not,” she replied after a moment. “But he won’t do anything about it. He’s the only cat in the Clan who can!” She kicked at the ground frustratedly.

Dustbreeze shrugged. “You need to relax a bit. Not every cat can compete with your crazy-dangerous ideas.”

Coppershine groaned in frustration and stalked away from him, heading toward the warriors’ den. I don’t suppose Flamesky will be any more pleasant to talk to. He probably has all of Silvermist’s ideas engraved in his brain by now.

“Let all cats old enough to catch their own prey gather beneath me for a Clan meeting!”

Coppershine turned, eyes widening. A Clan meeting? Now? Great StarClan Stormstar, please don’t make things worse. She joined the crowd of cats gathering and watched uneasily as Icedapple’s supporters sat on one side and Silvermist’s supporters sat on the other. Silvermist and Birchflower hurried from the medicine den and sat on her side, in the front. Streamsong poked his head out of the medicine den but remained where he was.

Glancing around worriedly, Coppershine paused for a moment before sitting smack in the middle, right in front of Stormstar. She glared up at him, daring him to call her out.

After a moment she heard the brush of fur against the ground and looked over to see Hollyfall sitting next to her. After a moment Rowanfall, Dustbreeze, Dawnflame, Firebreeze, Berryshine, and all the apprentices and elders joined her. Streamsong snuck out of the medicine den and sat with her group, in the back.

Coppershine felt her pelt grow warm and a smile grace her expression. At least there are some sensible cats in this Clan.

She was disappointed to see Flamesky was sitting on Silvermist’s side, and he gave her a friendly smile, as if nothing was wrong. She flashed a smile back and continued searching the group. Snowheart, a queen, was on Silvermist’s side as well. Great StarClan, I hope she won’t be fighting. How far will Silvermist go?Her good friend Rainfrost was on Icedapple’s side, and she felt a pang, remembering how they usually sat together at Clan meetings.

Stormstar cleared his throat a few times, finally quieting the Clan down. “We are here,” he began, “because quite a few cats have made the same complaint. I would like to remind each other that we are all Clanmates, and as Clanmates, we must support each other with our job.”

Coppershine stifled a groan. It was pretty clear where this was going.

Before he could continue, Birchflower stood up, tabby tail fully brushed out. “I refuse to call Clanmates those who continue to support and apologize for murderers.”

Gasps rung out through the Clan.

How is this happening? A few days ago she thought Silvermist’s beliefs were crazy just like everyone else!

Dapplefeather stood up on Icedapple’s side. “We can’t apologize for murderers if no murder happened in the first place!”

More gasps at that, and offended screeches from Silvermist’s side.

Robinsong leaped to her paws. “You’re dishonoring Shadebreeze’s memory! She was one of the best deputies we’ve ever had! She should still be deputy! She still would be, if not for ThunderClan! And you continue to deny her tragic fate and apologize for ThunderClan!”

Whiteflash stood up now, his tail lashing furiously. “If ThunderClan actually murdered Shadebreeze, they’d have gotten what they deserved. But they didn’t. You’re just stuck in the past!”

“Oh really?” Ivyfrost asked snidely. “Or maybe you just want to erase Shadebreeze’s memory because Icedapple is your mate and you want her to be deputy forever!”

Icedapple hissed, sliding out her claws. “Whiteflash is smart and fair. He would never do such a thing!”

“Shadebreeze was a wonderful deputy!” Whiteflash yowled. “I would never disrespect her or erase her for Icedapple! She’s an amazing cat, deputy or no deputy! And for what it’s worth, she’s an amazing deputy too!”

Ivyfrost nudged Flamesky, and he stood up as well. “If that’s true, maybe she shouldn’t be deputy!” he shouted bravely.

Coppershine gasped, and she wasn’t alone.

Silvermist was grinning like mad.

How could he say that? Flamesky has always respected Icedapple! ,

Crystalsong jumped to her paws, shaking with rage. “How dare you! Icedapple is one of the best deputies we’ve ever had! She certainly deserves it more than any other cat in this Clan, especially you and all your dramatic stuck-in-the-past idiotic buddies over there!”

Coppershine flinched. Don’t talk to my brother like that rose automatically to her lips, but she pushed it down, still reeling from Flamesky’s brash statement.

“Silvermist would be a fine deputy!” Crowblaze hissed. “Better than Icedapple!”

A thread of truth resonated in Coppershine’s mind. Crowblaze had supported Silvermist in the beginning, even if then he wasn’t quite so hostile towards ThunderClan. Everyone had brushed it off, since Crowblaze was always hostile towards something or other.

“You take that back this instant!” Rainfrost spat. “Icedapple didn’t cause a Clanwide civil war!”

Civil war.

Is that what this is?

Great StarClan, please no. Rainfrost was just exaggerating. It’s the heat of the moment. We’re not in a civil war. We’re still a Clan.

Pushing herself to her feet, Coppershine pried her jaws open wide and yowled as loud as her lungs would let her. “That’s enough!!”

Stunned, the furious yelling immediately quieted as every cat in the Clan turned to stare at Coppershine.

“We’re here to discuss Birchflower’s actions, not who should be deputy,” she growled. “This meeting will not end in a fight if I can help it. Stormstar, please continue your speech from earlier.”

Silvermist glared at her.

Stormstar cleared his throat, stunned and on the spot. “Yes, well, um, that really was it. Like it or not, we are all ShadowClan cats.”

“Even though some of us aren’t acting like it,” Flowerleaf muttered darkly.

Coppershine shivered.

“Yes, exactly. You.” Birdstorm hissed.

“You’re the daftest cats I’ve ever met,” Vinepetal spat. “I can’t believe you’ve gotten on well enough to survive. We certainly won’t be helping you from now on.” She turned her back on Silvermist’s cats with a little huff.

“Oh how interesting that you say that,” Silvermist replied smugly. “Little miss I-got-treated-by-the-wrong-cat.”

“I said ENOUGH!!!” Coppershine spat.

It worked, but not quite as well.

Coppershine stood up again. “Look, we have another medicine cat. Streamsong. He’s doing his job. All of you-” she waved her tail at Birchflower, Stormstar, and Icedapple- “should be neutral. In fact, none of this should be happening!”

Paws shuffled and she peered behind her to see that cats were splitting so Streamsong could be seen. He ducked his head nervously.

“If Birchflower is on Silvermist’s side, Streamsong should be on ours,” Oakstorm meowed firmly.

“Now wait just a minute!” Ivyfrost yowled. “Streamsong is a medicine cat. He’s smart enough to pick the right side. Aren’t you?” She fixed her glare on Streamsong and unsheathed her claws. They shone in the midafternoon sun.

Streamsong ducked his head and gulped, shooting a death glare at Coppershine. “I, um…”

“MEETING DISMISSED!” Stormstar suddenly yelled, and leaped into his den. With a furious yowl, Icedapple followed him.

Cats stood up and began to mill around the clearing, their fight instincts clearly not satisfied. A group of cats from both sides ran up to Streamsong and began to pester him like news reporters to paparazzi, but soon began to quarrel with each other, so he hurried away. He seemed to be heading for the medicine den, but Birchflower, Silvermist, Ivyfrost, Birdstorm, and Flamesky slipped inside first. Birchflower fixed him with a glare and mouthed We’ll be speaking later. He gulped and ran over to Coppershine, dark blue eyes wide.

“Why did you call me out like that!?” The words tumbled out of his mouth as fast as they possibly could before he even fully reached Coppershine. “I told you, I can’t do any of these crazy plans you have for me! I’m just a medicine cat apprentice, and my job is to heal! Not to get involved in these crazy fights!” Furious and terrified tears brimmed in his eyes. “Just leave me out of this!”

Coppershine watched him flee away, a pang in her heart. On one paw, Streamsong was the only cat who could do these things. But on the other paw, he was right. He was a medicine cat apprentice, and his job was to heal.

It should be his only job.

Casting a glare at the groups of cats hissing and spitting at each other like warring Clans, Coppershine headed straight for the camp exit, ignoring everyone, including Flamesky. As soon as she was out of sight of the entrance she broke into a run, tail streaking behind her, pushing her angry energy into her paws and speeding faster. The trees blurred by, faster and faster. Prey squaked and squeaked around her, but she ignored it all.

“Coppershine!”

Flamesky.

Her brother ran up to her, panting hard. He dropped his head for a moment, gasping, before lifting it back up. “Coppershine, please. I know you don’t like this. You can help us end it! It’s all Icedapple and Stormstar’s fault!”

Coppershine stared at her brother. “Like the Dark Forest I will. I’m not getting involved in this. There has to be another way.”

Flamesky shook his head sadly. “Coppershine, please.”

Coppershine glared at him. “I can’t believe you, Flamesky.”

A beat of silence.

“Go back to camp.”

He sighed and hung his head, and turned and padded away dejectedly, still wheezing from the run.

Coppershine watched him go and bit back the tears. How did it come to this?!

She turned and continued her furious run, but it wasn’t quite the same as before. The anger was seeping out of her, leaving only confused despair that seemed to zap her energy. She slowed to a trot, breathing hard. Her head swam with the information and events of the day.

“Coppershine?”

A soft, kind, and familiar voice, its tone gentle and kind, but it sent shivers all throughout Coppershine.

Great StarClan, why won’t they leave me alone?! I can’t deal with this right now.

Stifling something between a heavy sigh and a groan, Coppershine stopped and turned to face the cat who’d called her.

Silvermist stood between two trees on the left side of Coppershine’s trail. She was relaxed and smiling sympathetically, and her dark blue eyes were wide and kind.

“I saw Flamesky race toward you, then leave sadly,” she meowed. “Is everything okay?”

Coppershine shrugged. “Nothing is okay as long as everyone is fighting.”

Silvermist blinked at her. “Not everyone is fighting.”

The two cats stared at each other before Silvermist continued, “I see you need space. You talk to me if you need anything, okay?”

She turned and headed leisurely down the path, silver tail sweeping comfortably behind her.

For the third time in a short time span, Coppershine stared after her, stunned.

Not everyone is fighting.

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