(Thanx for the Info) The two remaining kits continued to mewl even louder

A young cornish rex feline padded through the forest, tears threatening to spill from her amber eyes. She'd been out hunting with her twin when a fox jumped out of no where and attacked. Blazingvalley had ran, scared for her life. She found herself at the meeting point of all four territories and she would have turned around if it hadn't been for the sound of mewling. She approached the area with caution- glancing around before finding four little bundles of fur. She could take them all, but she could at least save one. "Shush little ones- Starclan watches over you now." She gently picked up the first kitten and realized she could take two. She picked up the smallest ones and turned around, leaving the other two behind.

(Eac and MC are currently sharing a camp rn)

Marshmumble stepped forward next to Stormstar and Honeypaw, the three making quite the pair. Honeypaw looked with dismay at Dieseltooth, not understanding why the she-cat would refuse help. Her yellow eyes were watering with the injustice. Her mother leaned down, pushing gently on her shoulder to turn her away. Honeypaw resisted, and then her mother's gentle voice spoke.

"You did well, love. Now we've got to go home," she spoke, and Honeypaw turned, the blood on her paws making pink tracks in the snow. She sniffled, feeling safe under her mother's watchful eyes, next to her father's strong shoulder. That was, until Stormstar broke off from her, and Marshmumble watched after him before putting on her bravest face.

"EarthClan! Follow me home," she said, whispering in her beloved's ear, "You stay as long as you need to." Her and her daughter began the trek home. (EaC territory)

Fencestar curled into Dieseltooth's chest, lulled to a pained solace by the ragged breathing. (EcC-Sc border)

Before leaving, Stormstar caught the voice of the large MoonClan leader. He picked up his head and padded over, respectfully dipping his head. He looked over his shoulder one last time at the scene before putting his full attention on the conversation with Blossomstar. "Yes of course." he nodded as they padded off.

A growl rose in Dieseltooth's throat, but she let them go without further protest.

She called over to her clan, "Three of you, stay back. The rest, get back to the camp. I want a patrol sent to each border before I return and the freshkill pile better not be empty either."

The small dilute tortoiseshell she-cat sat next to Fencestar as the cats bickered back and forth, carefully keeping an eye on the kits. All her instincts as a medicine cat screamed at her to ignore them and care for the injured queen, but there was no stepping in between the EclipseClanners. Feelings of frustration crept their way through her paws but she quickly washed them away wish a lick of her tongue.

"Fine, have it your way. The Gathering is no place for a fight." she reminded them as she placed herself between the large MoonClan leader and the EclipseClan deputy. Endlessdream stared into the deputy's soul with her own deep turquoise colored eyes. "If your leader loses another life because of your pride, pray to StarClan for their forgiveness." she added coldly. The disregard and lack of appreciation for her work saving the kits was no surprise coming from EclipseClan and the she-cat turned to her own leader. "We should go, before anyone breaks the truce."

Stormstar caught the growl of the deputy and shook his head, standing and signaling to the remaining EarthClan cats to follow him back to camp. He pressed his pelt against his daughter's protectively. It was his first gathering ever, and as a leader no less. It was quite the event and he wondered if every gathering would be this intense.

Fencestar heard the argument break out around her, and a soft and gentle voice speaking into her ear that was ripped away by Dieseltooth's aggression. Her olive eyes spotted bundles of fur being pushed to her stained belly and she instinctively curled around them, a strange sort of contentment making its way across her face. Her paws twitched from shock- her mind had not caught up to the present, and wouldn't for a while. The world around her stretched on forever in a fever dream of pelts.

Honeypaw stepped up to Blossomstar's defense, the she-cat bravely leaving her father's side. She cast her yellow gaze at Dieseltooth. "Please, let us help, ma'am- she's ill, she's still bleeding, and she and her babies won't live to see morning in this cold. If you would just let us-" she stammered, an unnatural pause in her speech that broke her soft-spoken character to pieces, "- please, let us help-" the small pale bengal said, bravely standing up to the EclipseClan warrior. She was too young to know the war and political turmoil that surrounded her.

"What, do MoonClanners not know their own way home? Our cats will see to themselves, they aren't your concern." Dieseltooth answered, eyeing Blossomstar with suspicion. As Darkpaw approached and began to mouth off, Dieseltooth simply stepped forward and shoved her back, as though she were a kit approaching some dangerous situation she didn't even understand, and trusted that the gesture was enough to make her own stance toward the cat clear to both Darkpaw and Blossomstar: EclipseClan was strong. They didn't allow for impertinence among their ranks and they certainly didn't need the charity of their enemies to deal with something as trifling as a queen with poor timing.

Blossomstar stepped forward with tiny calico kitten in his mouth. He'd noticed the small one was having trouble breathing and placed the small bundle of fur beside her mother's belly. "If you are to stay, who's going to lead the rest of your patrol home. I do not want to impose, but I can assist in protecting her until she is well enough to be moved." He sat back on his haunches and observed the scene as calmly as he could. There was still tension between Eclipseclan and Moonclan and he knew it wouldn't dissipate any time soon, but he'd do his best to help out where he could. "We can find her den close by."

----

Darkpaw sat and listened to the adults bicker back and forth. It was starting to bug her how much the Moonclan leader was trying to take control of the situation. His clan-mates have left him already. "You should learn to mind your own business. Not everything revolves around you. All Moonclan cats are the same, trying to be apart of things they weren't invited to. We're perfectly capable of taking care of our own leader. Why don't you scurry back to your clan-mates who don't seem to really care for your leadership." She snapped, stepping forward to stand between Blossomstar and Fencestar. Eclipseclan isn't weak and we don't need Moonclan's help. She was half the size of Moonclan's leader, but her fire and determination to protect her clan was what drove her to stand her ground.

"We'll see to her," Dieseltooth growled toward Stormstar, standing over Fencestar with an undeniable protective air that seemed, momentarily, to have beat back the outright hostility she felt toward the MoonClanners. She looked fierce, standing over her mate with bloodied paws and flecks of red across her muzzle where she'd helped to lick one of the kits to life. "Thank you for your aid, but we can see to her from here."

At the sound of Midnightstorm's voice, Cottontail looked up from the kit. Her eyes didn't hold any defiance now, and only sadness for this kit. What if the mother was gone? Her own motherly instincts had kicked in and she didn't want to leave the kit, even though she knew it would be ok in the paws of the medicine cat. "But- but-" she muttered as she reluctantly turned to pad away with him. Her heart raced at the whole situation and she almost didn't realize the tom had come forward to lick her cheek. She pulled back, her eyes wide. Why was he doing this? She turned her head, searching. Now she remembered, Fadewhisker wasn't here. A flood of confusing emotions filled her mind as he talked, and she leaned forward to touch his nose. She stuck herself to his side, black and white fur mingling together in the night.

Midnightstorm's anger and jealousy immediately dissipated with the screech of Fencestar's fall and the scene that followed, and he turned away to give the kitting queen some respectful privacy. At his leader's call, he nodded, turning to the MoonClan warriors frozen in front of him and rising to his full height to gain their attention. "MoonClan! Let's go!" He called above the commotion, making sure he waited until Cottontail had taken care of the kit before he rounded together his warriors to leave. He waited for them to gather together, turning to her, a look of admiration for the way she handled the kit hidden in his icy eyes.

"I'm proud of you for what you did. You did well with that kit, but now it's time to leave it with it's mother and Clan and head home." He meowed gently, stretching his muzzle forward to lick her cheek gently before bounding to the head of the MoonClan party, his heart pounding with nervousness and anxiety at what he'd just done. He was glad clouds were starting to cover the moon, he wouldn't want his embarrassment and flush to been seen.

The tense atmosphere quickly dissipated as most of the cats began to turn and head home. Stormstar bid his farewells and turned to leave, hopping down easily to touch noses with his mate. As he started to pad off, a wailing cry erupted from behind him and he swiveled on his paws to a disturbing scene. As if in slow motion, he witnessed in horror as the heavily pregnant leader fell. He immediately rushed to her side, only to watch as she drew her last breath. Wide-eyed, the black tom stumbled back, helpless.

The tiny medicine cat Endlessdream had also started to head back to the camp, unsatisfied with how the whole gathering had played out. Her multi-colored pelt StarClan would not be happy. In leaf-bare, they should be worried about surviving. Her head snapped around to the sound of her voice being called by her leader. She bounded toward him without question. Quickly assessing the situation, she shouted at the crowd gathering.

"Please, stay back!" The queen had already passed and she must get the rest of the kits out now, or they would suffocate. At this point, no herbs would be needed just a miracle from StarClan. She began pushing on the leader's stomach gently, coaxing the kits herself through the birth canal. Blood had pooled around the queen and soaked her own white paws. With a hard push, a second kit emerged and she grabbed it up, feeling its faint heartbeat.

"Here, take this and start licking." she demanded of a white she-cat with no tail that was standing nearby. She turned and went back to work silenty, pushing out another 2 kits and handing them off to a black and white tom, and a pretty, dilute calico she-cat. Endlessdream bent over the leader, prodding her body for more kits. With a sigh of relief, it seemed she got them all out. She wasn't sure if the leader had been on her last life or not, and she looked around for any sign on who the deputy was. For the kits sake, she hoped it was not the last life.

"Who is the deputy? I need to speak with them immediately."

Cottontail shot Blacknose and Midnightstorm a look as she was handed a bloody kit. Without question she began licking at it. It let out a squeak and the white she-cat continued until the kit was dry and clean.

Honeypaw lacked formal training of any direction, barring her position as a warrior's apprentice. A strange sort of instinct overcame her as she rushed forward to Fencestar's side, telling her that this was the best option. Her white paws were wet with the warm blood as she took up position.

She angled herself to where she could get a closer look- the blood was coming quick, but Honeypaw noticed that the kits were coming- very quickly. Fencestar was ready, but her body was in shock. She wasn't going to push them out on her own, even as she began to convulse.

She placed her paws on the she-cat's stomach and began to massage- Fencestar's safety wasn't exactly her priority. If she could save the kits first, she would.

Immediately as the first kit emerged, Fencestar died- whether from blood loss or shock, it was unclear. The pale yellow tabby tried to stand up mid-labor, a scream released. Honeypaw shouted for back-up to keep her down as the bleeding began again.

"Hold her down! Someone take this kit-"

Marshmumble snapped out of her shock at her daughter's shout, not knowing whether to be more surprised that this was happening at a gathering, or that her daughter was helping so . . . well.

But she knew one thing.

She pushed Cottontail aside, "Toms don't need to see this- make a ring around her with me, would you?" she asked.

"I think we're all eager to get home." Blossomstar answered, raising himself to his paws. It had been a rocky start, but now he knew his thoughts of an alliance were justified. Moonclan may be strong, but two v. one is a fight I want to avoid. He needed to catch Stormstar before he left, already thinking of sending Midnightstorm ahead to guide their patrol home.

Blacknose, having noticed Cottontail's gaze, followed it to the Moonclan deputy. He felt the rage, Starclan he felt it, but he'd seen scarier. He knew the look on Midnightstorm's face was born out of jealousy. It was the same look he'd held for Ripplestream when she held affection toward one of her Moonclan friends. In the end Blacknose had won her over and now he had four healthy children. He was lost in his own mind, wishing to see his kits until Cottontail drew him back to reality with a soft touch. The broad-shouldered cat lifted himself to his paws and followed after the she-cat. "Pleasure to meet you Midnightstorm. Congratulations on being named deputy." He dipped his head respectfully toward the dark furred tom-cat. He blatantly ignored the death glare, brushing Cottontail's side slightly to get arise out of him. Her frustration seems to stem from him. He noted.

It wasn't the sting of disappointment Cottontail wanted him to feel that burned through the deputy, it was instead jealousy and pure rage for what he was seeing. Not only was she purposefully shoving whatever this was in his face, but she had the nerve to do it with a cat from another Clan. The fury burned colder than ice in his eyes, enough to terrify any cat who held his gaze.

"The leader may change, but not all the cats who allowed that leader to act went with him..." Fenstrike muttered under her breath, taking no heed of the MoonClanners around her who might hear and object. Juniperspring shot her a dirty look, but didn't dare speak out and further her already-strained relationship with her younger clanmates.

Fencestar's tail curled- Meadowclaw had been the cat reported as her sister's murderer. Her birth didn't make her any less guilty.

She listened stoically to Blossomstar's report in its entirety, choosing initially to remain quiet and with a small amount of dignity. Her plans were dashed when Cranestar gave his report. Fencestar was forced to nod along, as per the alliance, but she wished the tom would've had a small amount more of tact. Still, she supported SunClan, and her reaction only showed slightl on her face and was easily disguisable underneath her discomfort- StarClan, her belly- what was it doi-

She went pale, glancing nervously down at Dieseltooth as the blood drained further from her ears. She knew the feeling, it terrified her. She was unsure if actual birth would be different- this felt different.

Now was not the time or place. Fencestar spoke up in turn, words forced but audible, "Indeed, Cranestar. It is our hope that we only use it to defend what is rightfully ours."

Marshmumble locked eyes with her mate and smiled softly from next to their apprentice-aged kits. Her green eyes were soft and matronly, proud of Stormstar to a fault. You're doing great, she said, sending him the positive energy best she could. Do us proud.

The dark deputy listened to his leader, though his icy eyes stayed on Cottontail and the warrior she was with the entire time. The feeling of jealousy strengthened when he saw the other tom touch his nose to her cheek, and it took a lot for him to hold back a growl at the sight.

(Response for Stormblaze/Darkpaw, sorry for the wait)

Stonepaw smiled. "I'm so excited! This is absolutely amazing." He sat down next to his sister and listened to the Gathering carry out.

------------

Mudsplash sat tall, his fur matted and neat. He listened to the leaders speak, tail curled around his paws.

------------

Thunderpaw sat down as the Gathering began. A ginger apprentice with black feet spotted him, and the two made eye contact. Thunderpaw's gaze was cold as he turned away from the apprentice, who was indeed Foxpaw of EarthClan. Foxpaw's ears went down and he shuffled silently to find a spot.

Dieseltooth glanced impatiently up at Hawk's Tree, breaking her stare at the MoonClan patrol, as she waited to see which leader would speak next. As of the moment, them seemed to be in a tense silence after Fencestar's announcement. That's just as well, she reflected, it's good they're nervous.

Stormstar of EarthClan -

The black tom glanced over to the new leader of MoonClan, admiring the tom's large build as a sign of strength. A considerable imporvement on the clan's previous cowardly leader. With EclipseClan and SunClan gathered against him, he made it a point to catch Blossomstar's gaze and dipped his head respectfully. If he was going to attempt an alliance he would have to make a good impressions. Despite the sickness in EarthClan, they still had many able-bodied apprentices and warriors, including his own six children.

Cottontail of MoonClan -

The she-cat's dual colored eyes brightened instantly at the sight of the tom. She bounded over to him, making hardly any effort to conceal her excitement. Her pelt blended with the snow, with the exception of the multicolored patch near the base of her tail. She let out a purr and rubbed her side against his. "How are you? I feel like it's been forever since we last talked." she greeted the tom happily.

Stormstar of EarthClan -

Stormstar sat quietly with the other leaders, observing the many faces of the clans below them. He wasn't sure how exactly the gathering was supposed to play out, but he could sense the hostility from EclipseClan. He had heard about their alliance with SunClan, and wondered if MoonClan would join them against EarthClan. He shifted his weight between his paws anxiously and looked down to his mate, Marshmumble, hoping for some kind of reassurance that he was doing alright. No matter what the other leader's said, he would be sure to make sure they knew EarthClan was strong.

Cottontail of MoonClan -

The she-cat had been blessed this moon and made her first trip to the gathering. She made sure to travel seperately from Midnightstorm, even though she hadn't caught sight of Fadepaw. Fadepaw was now a warrior, Fadewhisker. No doubt that Midnightstorm would take her as a mate within a few moons. She rolled her eyes as she entered the gathering. She padded through the snow right past the ebony deputy and searched out the only reason she came here. Immediately she recognized EarthClan's musky scent and she welcomed it and let it envelop her. With the leader's preoccupied she wasn't concerned with who would see her. The fluffy warrior searched out for the striking black and white tom.

Once the applause had quieted, Fencestar took a deep breath. “In addition, I’d like to announce that on behalf of myself and Cranestar, any cat that attacks a SunClan or EclipseClan cat will have both of us to contend with. These are harsh times- We will not attack first, only defend our own.” She turned to pierce a sharp glare at Blossomstar’s hide. Hydrantbreath and Waterfang’s death were inexcusable acts of violence against what had been an astonishingly peaceful clan.

“We will not kowtow to The bullying of border patrols, nor the desperate attempts at thievery of Herbs. Attack us in desperation, and die. The consequences are known.” The queen stepped down, making a small move of glaring political victory as her tail crossed to lay on Cranestar’s.

her stomach rolled. Fencestar visibly winced.

The dark deputy looked up at Fencestar as she began the meeting, his icy eyes flicking to Blossomstar for a second before returning to the older leader. The moon reflected in his blue orbs made them shine an icy silvery-blue colour.

Fenstrike gave a polite mrrow of approval, knowing that it was in SunClan's interests to back Fencestar up even if she knew full well that leaders were frequently lying through their teeth in gatherings. No one would openly say that their clan was sick or had been attacked by rogues or were having trouble catching enough prey.

Nightpaw just shook his head. He seemed more irritable lately, not coming out of his den to visit Silversplash as often, awake at odd hours. He seemed lost, the bags under his eyes gettimg worse every day. “There are many things going on, I’ve heard, that would cause tension at this gathering. For stars sake Silversplash, we killed Sunclan’s leader!” He hissed this part out, low and upset. Turning, he walked off into the gathering.

Nightpaw felt a pang of regret, and guilt. He hadn’t meant to lash out like that, but really? How was she so oblivious to the facts? Perhaps everything was just taking a much bigger toll on him than he imagined.

”You know, you should really be more nice to that lass.“ Cheshire ground his teeth at the voice. “I know that, shut up...” It was that dumb spirit cat that had been following him for moons. It had started talking to him a week ago, commenting on his poor habit of not eating. It had nearly scared him half to death. And it sometimes still did, though he’d grown rather accustomed at this point.

"Oh, hi Juniperspring." Swanpounce glanced to Juniperspring and flashed a smile, nodding. "I think they're about to start." She mewed.

Stonepaw sat next to Darkpaw, his pelt brushing hers. "I wish I could see like you, Darkpaw! There are so many smells and so many voices... this is crazy!" The young tom said enthusiastically. "If only Ryepaw tagged along!"

Cranestar's brown, tufted ears flicked with uncertainty when he turned to look at Fencestar. 'Is that really a good idea?' He thought to himself, however the chausie tom nodded his head with a smile wandering onto his muzzle. "Of course," a light meow escaped Cranestar's voice as he climbed down carefully to a low branch and leaned over. "Just be careful...Let me lift you, but try to keep your paws on the base of the tree just to be safe." He realized just how small of a molly that Fencestar was when he secured his long tail around her chest and began to haul her upwards.

Darkpaw sat within eclipseclan's ranks, yellowish-green eyes taking in her surroundings. There were so many cats and so many smells, all of which overwhelmed her a bit. This was her first time at a gathering, her first time being outside of Eclipseclan's camp. She was excited to meet the competition, a smile appearing on her face.

----

Robinflame sat beside her clan-mates, a little out of place among all of the much larger cats. She was built for Sunclan's open fields, lanky limbs and lean muscles giving her the advantage of speed. The reddish brown she-cat was wary of the Moonclanner's, her shoulder still not quite healed from their battle. They'd caused so many problems, stole herbs and even killed an elder. Every clan here had a right to be hostile towards them. She took note of the new leader, blue-grey eyes taking in the large cat. Robinflame shifted her sights on the Eclipseclan's, wondering if she should engage in conversation and make friends. This alliance would definitely strengthen the two clans.

----

A small mirror image of Stormstar sat beside Marshmumble. "Why do we do this?" He directed his question toward his mother, doing his best to stop himself from coughing. He'd dry heaved this morning, but failed -rather, choose not to- mention this fact. He knew his parents would freak and not let him come along to the gathering, but he wanted to see what the big deal was. Sparkpaw concluded that the gathering occurred in order to size up the competition.

Fencestar nodded in tandem to the EarthClan and MoonClan leader, not sparing Blossomstar a second glance. She was disappointed to see Brinestar replaced- and Buckstar she hadn't met. She nodded to Cranestar with a sly smile before doing a double-take. Where was Glass-star?

She tucked her head to her chest, remembering he was gone- she'd been accused of his murder. And now she carried his children. In front of his whole clan. Her stomach turned again- would it ever stop, at this point?

She turned back to Cranestar, the large tom easily twice her size. She eyed the icy tree, slick with frost. "Do you think you could help me up?" she asked him, slightly embarrassed to make the query. But she didn't want to fall, and her stomach was bulging. The medicine cat had predicted many kits.

Marshmumble emerged with the Earthclan group, following proudly after unveiling her apprentice-aged children. It was all a show and she performed proudly in front of the multi-clan crowd, fat and happy as she could be.

Swanpounce stayed with MoonClan quietly. She had no idea what was going to happen, even in the slightest. She watched Blossomstar, her eyes zeroed in. Swanpounce didn't need to look at anything else, much less disturb anyone else.

Midnightstorm followed Blossomstar to the tree, glancing at Dieseltooth as he sat beside her. Though he knew Cedarpaw was the one who egged the EclipseClan patrol on most, it was her who had attacked first. He nodded respectfully at her, though he didn't say anything. He didn't want any fighting, especially since this night was supposed to hold a truce for all the Clans. He gazed out over the other cats, making sure his warriors weren't causing any trouble.

Dieseltooth offered Blossomstar only a rigid nod in greeting, regarding him with a suspicious air. Her gaze slid over him to the rest of the MoonClanners, who she picked through for any sign of other cats that had been in the skirmish. Her own wounds hadn't even been seen to and with how little time had passed, she expected the same for any MoonClanners who hadn't been seriously enough wounded to warrent staying back from the nursery.

The large Maine Coon watched the Eclipseclanners descend upon the Hawk's Tree. He waited beside his own patrol, letting Fencestar and her clan-mates get comfortable before he lead Moonclan into the area. He still wanted to avoid anymore fighting and being her alone with Eclipseclan might not fair well for them. "If any of you cause any problems with the other clans, there will be consequences. I do not want to hear harsh words from any of you or see teeth or claws. Have I made myself clear?" A hushed agreement passed through his patrol and with that, he moved forward. He made his way to the tree, dipping his head toward Dieseltooth before settling himself a few paw steps away from Fencestar. "Greetings." He nodded, a friendly smile slipping into his face. He would do his best to fix the mess his clan-mates have caused. He knew only what Midnightstorm had told him, so he kept a wary look out on Dieseltooth. It was Cedarpaw who more than likely started it. Blossomstar glanced to his clan-mates, watching out for any signs of hostility. He did not want a fight to break out on this night. Starclan would not approve.

"Or they're late..." Dieseltooth grumbled in returning, taking up the traditional place for deputies at the base of Hawk's Tree. "That, or they won't come at all. How long do you expect we should wait? I'd say a few hours, otherwise, but in this weather..." She shivered as if to prove her point.

Glasswind didn't wait for a response. "Nevermind that - EarthClan, don't go forgetting everything Risingstar's done for this clan. If he wants to join, he's one of us, and I expect you'll treat him that way. Now, if you'll excuse me-" Glasswind turned away, a certain tension rippling through his muscles, "-Wren, with me! We have an appointment with our lovely leader friend in the city."

Duskfang nodded, and gestured to a handful of warriors before setting off towards EclipseClan.

[If people could please add 4-5 warriors to this group, that would be appreciated.]

[EclipseClan Camp]

Glasswind was taken aback - however naturally the name may have come to Duskfang's tongue, it didn't come naturally to Glass's ears. He hesitated a few seconds, processing the name.

Glass-star.

It felt... so wrong. Not for him to be leader, but for Risingstar not to be leader.

Glasswind nodded to Duskfang, taking in a deep breath in an attempt to hold himself together.

"Right. Bring some warriors, but make it quick - and make sure Fencestar gets the message. Not her warriors, not her deputy. You do not leave until you've spoken to Fencestar herself."

Glasswind turned away, seeking out the voice of the newcomer.

"What's your name, EclipseClanner?" There was an edge of hostility to Glasswind's voice, but it was more defensive than aggressive. After what EclipseClan had done here, it was only reasonable to be suspicious of an EclipseClanner who'd spontaneously shown up and their motives.

Glasswind froze as a final, shuddering breath slipped from Risingstar, and was not followed by another.

"Risingstar?" His voice was nearly a whisper, disbelieving and growing in a manic desperation. "No, no, Risingstar, stay with me, you're alright. Come on, talk to me, just breathe, Rising. Stay with me, you're okay, you're going to be fine."

Glasswind wasn't sure what he was trying to do - reassure Risingstar, bring him back to life, or maybe reassure himself. Whatever he was trying to do, it wasn't working. Glasswind swore, his claws unsheathing and curling into the earth beneath his paws.

"Risingstar, you- you stupid, reckless, foolish idiot!" The words caught in his throat as he struggled to choke them out, and he continued in a quiet, tortured hiss. "I came back for you. For you. Don't you leave me now."

Stormspark was taken aback by this cat's defensiveness. He was only trying to help. In reality he didn't think of what this could look like, what certain scents could mean to others. He knew close to nothing about life of a clan cat. The tom twitched his tail and stared. "I was traveling through the territories, actually, and I heard fighting," he explained carefully. He figured it was best not to mention his companion so he wouldn't risk her safety. His ears felt hot now. Everywhere he went he landed in this predicament. This wasn't the time for this. The large black tom stood straight; he wasn't intimidated. "Are these two from your clan? I can carry one back." Surely the other couldn't do it all himself.

"What are you doing here?" Duskfang demanded, hackles raised. The stench of EclipseClan pervaded the clearing, but was wafting more strongly off of this tom in particular. He was no EarthClanner, for certain, and in this moment, where her leader and one of the most trusted warriors of her clan sat dead on the clearing floor - presumably as the handiwork of merciless EclipseClanners - Duskfang was in no mood to tolerate this strange arrival.

A large black tom jogged through the forest, wondering where he would decide to have his new home with his mate. They both deserted EclipseClan in the midst of battle, so he would like to get far from there for the time being. His ears pricked forward as he heard the echoes of fighting cats. His pace quickened and he began sprinting toward the sound. He came upon a small clearing with several cats, two of which seemed dead or close to dying. His heart was racing, and he scanned the treeline for the perpetrators. He caught a glimpse of something moving away but stayed behind. He darted into the forest without a word and gathered all the tiny cobwebs he could. He knew nothing about healing or what had just transpired in the past few moments but he wouldn't let any cat die in his presence. The tom returned to the clearing and immediately began attempting to press the fragile cobwebs onto whatever wound he could see on the cat's body. Stormspark looked up to the cat crouching nearby. "Where is your camp? I can fetch the healer!" he quickly offered. He examined the other cat which seemed to have stopped breathing. He felt hopeless and wished he could be doing more but felt he was useless in this clearing full of strangers.

"Hey, hey, stay with me," Risingstar whispered frantically to Blackpanther, able to hear Glasswind's yowl. It was too little too late for the Bengal, and both toms had already been aware that their time was fleeting. The charcoal Bengal's breathing had turned agonal. His eyes had widened but fixed unseeing before him. The tom shuddered with a few more gasps before falling still.

Glasswind sprinted through the trees of EarthClan's Territory, the Gathering Clearing coming up fast ahead. He narrowly dodged trunks and fallen logs with every terrifying, blind bound - but by some miracle, he managed to break free of the treeline with only the scrapes of stray branches and close brushes with trunks. Wren was by the deputy's side, a patrol at their heels.

"Risingstar! Blackpanther!" Glasswind yowled, the scent of blood filling his nose as they entered the clearing. Wren was quick to spot the bloody scene atop the crest of the hill that held Hawk's Tree, and gave Glasswind a quick nudge in the direction of their fallen comrades - the two toms took off at a sprint up the hill.

Fencerunner flicked her tail at the apprentice, "I'm Fencestar, Quailpaw," she said, looking around to see if anybody had heard the slip-up. But she digressed, looking over the tom. She settled her olive gaze on his dark eyes- a feeling tugged at her. Let him come.

"I suppose it is a requirement to become a warrior- you're not tired, are you? You sure you can keep up?" she ventured. It was already quite late for such a young cat to be awake. But Quailpaw was already seeing eye-to-eye with her- his legs were long enough even if his age was not.

Praying Mantis and Roulette made their way back to the camp, wondering what the purpose of the rather uneventful Gathering was. *EclipseClan Camp*

Fencerunner stifled a grumble but stayed in the tree as EarthClan left. She looked down to Dieseltooth, "Start getting ready to go, Diesel. Please make sure none of the apprentices lag behind," she said with a smile, turning to her two other comrades in the tree. She intended EclipseClan to be the last to leave so none of the other clans would see her leave for the moonstone.

She sighed, "I'm at my wits end with that tom." and it was true- she hoped to form some sort of loose allegiance between the three clans, based solely upon a foundation of mutual hatred of Risingstar. It seemed to be going well so far- Flintstar hated him for misogyny, Brinestar hated him for leaving behind the old traditions, and Fencerunner herself . . . worried about him, though after tonight was rather unfulfilled. She sighed- she hadn't seen Glasswind either. EarthClan had suffered, intentionally or not, at her unknowing paws.