the breath of ghosts. [gathering] x

[SHADE. :D]

Cherrysmoke raised her eyebrows doubtfully as the Tribe was mentioned. What was this, another fantasy of the dillusional EclipseClan leader? She had lived long enough to know it was perfectly possible. The sturdy red-brown she-cat was about to say as much, when the young apprentice from MoonClan spoke out. Her eyes widened and her ears flattened in horror. Moonkit... Cherrysmoke gave a loud wail of fright that was quite unlike her, her face contorted by worry for her kit, her mouth pulled downwards in a grimace of despair.

Dragonflydance looked gravely forward, before lifting a paw and making a sign in the air before her chest. She shut her sky blue eyes, sighing. The snowy she-cat blinked, looking at Cloudedsky. "I have seen it too," he agreed, her tail raised. "Blood spilled, oaths broken, the bonds of life and death severed. It could be the end of the clans." Dragonflydance remained quite calm as she said this, her eyes grazing the four medicine cat apprentices. She didn't want to scare them, but they had to be mature if they wanted to acheive their dreams.

Amethyststar turned to Ghostlystar and Firestar, acknowledging their support with a curt nod. "It seems we have all lost cats to brutal deaths," she called, voice serious and low. "And it also seems we have each lost a kit. We have lost Mottledkit, way back in leaf-fall. We have not seen her since." Amethyststar turned to Jasminestar and Stormstar, waiting to see their reaction to the news of the Tribe, and to see if the others had also lost a kit.

Ribbontail's eyes widened in utter horror at this news. She leapt up, nimble silver bengal body tense, fur bristling, sapphire eyes wide and terrified. "My kits," she murmured, standing on the tips of her paws as though tempted to turn and run back to camp. Tansykit... Dapplekit... Frostkit... What about little Snowkit? She was so unused to clan life that she might think the Tribe was friendly. Ribbontail heard Cherrysmoke's chilling wail and flattened her ears, panic compressing her chest. The queen whimpered loudly, fear covering all dignity she might have had before now.

[&&R.A.V.E.N :3]

Prophecypaw glanced at Littlefox before speaking, mostly towards what Dragonflydance had said. "I have been having strange dreams that Littlefox is unable to explain. Pain. A lot of pain. Blood was spilled everywhere. I say each of the leaders killed, and the Clans trying to destoy each other as if it were there fault for there leader's death." The small apprentice mewed, looking away and cringing, as if he were in pain. His pupilless eyes closed, blocking everything but the dream. But it wasn't a dream. It was a nightmare.

[cheshy says grace]

Grieverstone watched from afar, sitting on a rock. She was invisible to teh clan cats, but she could definitely see them. She was sent to watch over the gathering, to make sure nothing got out of hand. If something did she was to move the clouds over the moon. This was her first ever gathering, even when she was still alive. The clans had never had gatherings. The tribe, she whispered to herself. Her words were caught in a breeze and sent over the gathered cats.

Be strong, be brave, and do not worry, she whispered again, in hopes that they could hear her. Your kits are safe. StarClan will protect them, she mewed, her words moving to each cat.

[(aurora) of the problematique]

<sub>Ghostlystar cringed slightly. "Yes, our Pecankit was taken many, many moons ago," the black tom said quietly, not wanting to admit it. "My son went lookin' fer her t'see if he could stop Runespell's tears from fallin'. He did not find her." The blue-eyed tom began to speak when he was interrupted by Runningcloud.

"I will fight this Tribe with my last dying breath!" the war-like ginger snarled, drawing up her chest protectively. The SerenityClan medicine cat narrowed her green eyes, daring anyone to challenge her. "I dream of nothing but bloodshed and madness, of a black and white cat standing above it all. Lights flash in a darkened sky, forming silver shapes around her as they dive into oblivion. I will do whatever it takes to give our kits enough time to fight this Tribe, even if they are kits no longer!" Her tail snapped side to side, deputy instinct rising in her once more.

"Runningcloud...," Pansyblossom said, bending her ears back at hearing the medicine cat's firm bellows. She feared for her brother but she had always known that Moonkit was still alive, even if no one believed her.

Crestedfire turned his gaze to Pearlblade. "And what of Selenekit? Firestar said she was safe. I think she's gone off to save us from the Tribe," the massive ginger told the elder queen, trying to smile.</sub>

[all out JINX ♥]

<sub>Soulmistake listened to the breeze a faint whisper was carried by it. Who was it? She looked around only hearing Cherrysmoke wail behind her. Then she heard the whispering again and looked up to the stars. The whisper had become a lot more clearer, Grieverstone! The former medicine cat had been killed in the battle with Chaosfire, Grieverstone was dead so how was she hearing the former Moonclanner. Starclan was watching them! "I hope your right" Her head went back to the leaders, hoping they had heard.

A white ghostly creater stood behind the former medicine cat. "Grieverstone, I would think that you were spying but that wouldn't be the right word for it" He smiled as he looked at the clans below him, his aunt wasn't down there but the clans are finally learning about the tribe. His big fluffy white tail swooped over his paws as he sat down. "I hope they believe eachother" Cloudcry's light blue eyes shone like stars, but they were full of indecition.</sub>

[lonelylove :D]

Jasminestar frowned slightly as Amethyeststar annouced about being blocked from Starclan. It didn't seem true. What could be so much powerful than Starclan, their ancestors?
She gorged the branch she sat on his her claws, showing her frustration. What Amethyeststar said couldn't be right. Her clan had not lost anyone...yet. Her thoughts drifted to the ones that had died in the two battles with Chaosfire. Had they gone to Starclan? Or had they gone to this Tribe?
She knew that others were waiting for her to speak. She was about to, when Amethyeststar and Ghostlystar spoke of losing kits. Jasminestar thought of Moonkit, who had dissapeared so many moons ago. Jasminestar had believed he was dead, but what if he was not?
She was finally able to speak. Her voice was low as she meowed, We also lost a kit around that time. Moonkit, one of Cherrysmoke's, dissapeared. He was thought to be dead, but maybe not so. She tapped her chin again with a paw. But unlike your clans, we have not lost any cats since the battles with Chaosfire.

[/blockquote][/color]

[(aurora) of the problematique]

<sub>"We had a wave of Greencough enter our Clan. Our losses were due t'that and th'trials o'Leafbare," Ghostlystar said to Amethyststar, agreeing with what Jasminestar had said about not losing cats. "We have not been attacked by this...Tribe. The last time we lost someone t'battle was when Thrushstar led us t'fight Chaosfire and help out SerenityClan, but that was seasons ago." The black tom looked doubtful for a moment before turning to Jasminestar. "That ginger warrior o'y'ars spoke o'bein' attacked by this Tribe business." He gestured to Pansyblossom. He wondered if she was lying about it just to have a say in the Gathering.

Pansyblossom's ears bent back when Ghostlystar spoke about her. "It's true, Jasminestar," she mumbled, not looking at anyone. She stared at her paws.</sub>

[[xoxo] shard. :)]

^{Tribe of Nightmares? It was tough for him to believe. "The only cat to recently decease in our Clan was killed by a fox, but about kits...Crystalkit has too disappeared." He closed his eyes, saying no more. It didn't exactly sound like it was just Amethyststar as many others supported her, but he couldn't be sure.}

[SHADE. :D]

Amethyststar blinked impatiently, her amber eyes filled with exasperation. "Cats have been stolen from StarClan!" she mewed, voice tinged with anger. "You may have lost more cats than you may think. We need to fight back!" The stout black she-cat straightened up, stamping a paw down hard on the rough bark of the branch. She looked at Jasminestar, Ghostlystar and Stormstar, the one's she seemed to need to convince. "I speak the truth," she mewed, trying not to let her anger get the better of her. "Why would I lie about this?"

[FIREH!!]

_{Firestar couldn't believe she was agreeing with the Eclipseclan leader, but she spoke. Yes, the clans need to come together and rid of this enemy before it turns us all into ghosts. It has stolen many of my warriors over the past moons, including two of my lives. Firestar's eyes hardened. I don't know about you guys, but I'm tired of this. She hissed angrily, her fur bristling as if she were facing the Tribe right then.}

[lonelylove :D]

Jasminestar turned her gaze away from Amethyeststar to Pansyblossom, who looked a little scared. She frowned more deeply now, feeling like she had been left out. Pansyblossom, why did you not tell me? She tilted her head for a moment. If anything strange happens, you must tell me. You know that. She burned Pansyblossom with her green gaze for a moment, before looking back at Amethyeststar. I'm not sure, Amethyeststar. But I did notice one thing. Her eyes became misty as she recalled memories of leaf-fall. The last time I went to Moonshard, I remember that the warriors of Starclan seemed to be...faded, and a little out of reach, She recalled.

Brokensoul could stand it no longer. At the last clan meeting at Eclispeclan camp, he had not gotten the chance to speak about his mother being in the Tribe. But now was his chance. Brokensoul was not very brave, but he put his feelings away, as he often did, and began pushing through the crowd. I have something to say about the Tribe!, he said loudly to the leaders in the tree.

[/blockquote]

[(aurora) of the problematique]

_{"I was afraid you wouldn't believe me,"} Pansyblossom said quietly. "Getting attacked by ghosts? It would seem like a mousebrain story if anyone was telling it to me." The ginger she-cat's ears bent back. "Sorry."

"Well since everyone wants t'interrupt...," Ghostlystar grumped irritably. His blue eyes looked over his branch. "EclipseClan warrior, say what ya gotta say and be quick about it!" The black tom's tail twitched.

Troutpaw turned her gaze to her friend, wondering if he was going to mention Lonelyheart. The mottled female blinked at him.[/sub]

[lonelylove :D]

Jasminestar's eyes softened, and the corners of her mouth turned up. It doesn't matter how silly it sounds, Pansyblossom. If it happened, then I need to know.

Brokensoul paused to look back at Troutpaw. He saw her blink at him, and he smiled a little. Her support was worth more to him than anything. He turned his head back around to look straight at Ghostlystar, since he had spoken to him first. I just wanted to say that I do believe in this Tribe. I don't have any real evidence, but I believe that my mother, Lonelyheart, joined the Tribe. She died many moons ago. He paused to take a breath. If this is true, than I believe that the Tribe has been around longer than we know. Maybe they have been lying low, and slowly building up their ranks so....so... He wasn't sure what the Tribe was going to do, of course, so he just shrugged. That is just my opinion. A wave of relief washed over him as he finished his speech. He retreated back through the crowd, to sit at Troutpaw's side. How did I do?, He whispered.

[/blockquote]

[(aurora) of the problematique]

_{"Lonelyheart?" Ghostlystar demanded. "Ain't she the broad...er...she-cat who was with th'former Cormorantstar?" The black tomcat's eyes turned to Stormstar for a moment before thinking. "So...ya think she's joined this Tribe, eh? Rubbish, in m'opinion. I ain't puttin' m'Clan in danger unless I see this Tribe with m'own eyes." His gleaming orbs stared out at the other leaders. "Ya'll can go t'war or whatever the hell ya want t'do but I ain't pushin' BrightClan into a fight that I dunno about. Ya'll rushin' into it, is all I'm sayin'. Anyone got somethin' t'say? Otherwise, I'm goin' home."}

"You did fine," Troutpaw said encouragingly. The mottled blue smiled at Brokenpaw, touching her face to his. The EclipseClan apprentice nodded to him.[/sub]

[SHADE. :D]

Amethyststar couldn't help glaring at Ghostlystar. She commanded her warriors, not him. The stout black she-cat turned to look at Brokensoul. She nodded at his words, amber eyes sparkling with gratitude at his support. This emotion was then shielded by anger as Ghostlystar's words hit her ears. Wheeling around, claws sinking into the bark of the tree, she raised her tail in rage. "You fool," she spat, eyes slits. "If you won't believe what I saw, what Firestar says, you are nothing but a fool. You and your cats will die together, because you couldn't bear to listen to the enemy."

Dragonflydance looked up in alarm. This isn't StarClan's will! The white she-cat's sky blue eyes bored into the Crooked Tree, her tail raised in anguish. They had to sort this out in a rational way. Her respect for the two rowing leaders kept her quiet, but if the argument esculated any further, she would have to intervene. She would not sit by and watch two noble leaders act like kits in front of all the clans.

[(aurora) of the problematique]

_{"What enemy am I supposed t'listen to?" Ghostlystar bellowed. "A'least with Chaosfire, I knew what I was fightin'! Ya'll goin' t'be fightin' shadows--nightmares!--practically. I'm not havin' m'Clan get murdered by somethin' I can't touch! We have kits, Amethyststar! We have apprentices! Those young'uns don't need t'be seein' their Clan crumble at th'ar paws. I consider m'Clan t'be children t'me! What kind o'father would I be if I went into a fight blind? That would be like askin' this Tribe t'murder them, t'murder me! That's somethin' BrightClan can't afford! If that's fool's work, then fine! I can see why ya had taste in Atroxfire and why one o'y'ar kits left! I can see that y'ar a horrible mother, both family and Clan." Ghostlystar fumed irately, spitting in disdain. He didn't know the whole truth about Amethyststar's kits however.}

ooc:// Too bad Corbynpaw isn't here...

bic:// Sunheart was about to yell watch who you're talking to, but she was too timid to even try to criticize Ghostlystar about Selenekit and Corbynpaw. She had seen the hatred in Corbynpaw's eyes whenever Amethyststar was mentioned.

"LEADERS! CALM YOURSELVES!" Runningcloud roared before the other three started jumping at each others throats. She saw the anxiety in Dragonflydance's eyes and decided to make herself known as she was the one with the loudest voice among the five medicine cats. The fierce ginger turned to Dragonflydance. "You looked like you had something to say..."[/sub]

[SHADE. :D]

Amethyststar opened her mouth to hiss a reply, but the comment about her kits shut her up well and good. The black she-cat stared at Ghostlystar for a moment, shocked he had dared to mention something he knew so little about. Hurt flashing with the anger in her eyes, she shook her head. "You don't know anything about that," she said, voice soft. "Anything." Amethyststar quietened as Runningcloud spoke, but her gaze still burnt into Ghostlystar, shock, hurt and fury fighting each other in the amber depths.

Dragonflydance nodded her thanks to Runningcloud, before rising, her blue eyes filled with distress. "Long have I been recieving dreams," she mewed, delicate voice tight. "Dreams of bloodshed and vows unravelling, mothers watching their kits die and unable to help them. This dreams have baffled me for so long, but if what Amethyststar is saying is true, then I believe the Tribe may be the cause." Dragonflydance swallowed, before a ghost of rare anger crossed her face. "We should be accepting eachother's help, listening to our ideas. Not fighting. I've seen kits more mature than the two of you." With a regretful glance at the two leaders, she sat again, her eyes wide.

Amethyststar knew that what the CloudClanner was saying was true. The black she-cat turned grudgingly to Ghostlystar, her amber eyes still sullen. "I apologize, Ghostlystar," she mewed, though she did not meet his eye - she still resented that comment about Atroxfire. "You are no fool. I know you are just trying to protect your clan." She then turned her back on him. He had no idea how she treated her clan, he was just speculating on something he knew absolutely nothing about.

[fernie. (:]

Fernpelt sat there, mouth hanging open at Ghostlystar's words. Her claws unsheathed and she ground them deep into the ground to keep from saying something she knew she would regret.

Cloudedsky was a perfectly carved white statue, frozen as the leaders began to argue. She saw clouds start to roll in, shadow the moon. As Dragonflydance spoke, she nodded. 'I, too, have been having these dreams. Ghostlystar, I think you should listen to Amethyststar, and Firestar. It's not just a coincidence that all of these terrible things have happened to cats! Or if it is, we must be one unlucky bunch.' she said in a clear voice, her eyes dark.

[/size]

[(aurora) of the problematique]

_{Ghostlystar was about to snarl a reply at Amethyststar when Dragonflydance began to speak. He sighed, calming down slightly. He groomed himself while the medicine cat spoke, pulling himself together. "Aye," he murmured when Dragonflydance spoke. "Sorry..." The grudging apology was directed towards both of them. The black tom lifted his blue eyes to the EclipseClan leader but seeing as how she wasn't facing him, he looked down upon Dragonflydance and Cloudedsky. "I fear that y'ar dreams will come true in th'case o'm'Clan. I will see them die and be helpless in savin' them. I want t'prevent that." His eyes were pained as he remembered seeing the fright in Hollowpaw's eyes when the fox was upon him. His tail flickered faintly. "It's not like I'm not listenin' t'them. It's just that...I don't want...," Ghostlystar broke off, staring at the tree bark. He shook visibly. "I don't want t'have m'Clan slaughtered. It's against m'way."}

[Spice..xx]

Petaldance glared in outrage at Ghostlystar as he yelled at Amethyststar, he had no right, no right at all. She wouldnt dare speak up though, it wasnt her way. As the CloudClan medicine cat, Dragonflydance began to speak of mothers watching their kits die, unable to stop it, unable to help it she began to shake. "My kits" she whispered, eyes filling with tears and her whole body shivering with fear. "Sunheart....our kits. We need to go home. Now. I cant be away from them any longer" she said in a pained voice, only just being able to stop herself from leaping to her feet and turning for home.

Rosepaw shrank back as all the leaders seemed to explode at each other, just because she had mentioned Selenekit. The BrightClan and EclipseClan leaders were shouting the most. "Myabe i should have kept quiet..." she said, only loud enough for those around her to hear though.

Amberpaw kept silent as the others talked around her. She had had dreams, with pain and fighting and all that stuff, but nothing significant. So why should she speak? It wasnt her right, besides she was only medicine cat apprentice, her opinion wasnt likely to be wanted on such a serious matter. Another thing was she didnt even know what her opinion was, it was a very complex thing they were talking about here.

Mousewind glanced at Mistypaw as her sister spoke, her eyes filled with sadness. The little kitten didnt even know who her sister was, and would barely remember Ryefang. "Pecankit is your big sister. She went missing a long time ago, her and i got lost in the forest when we were kits. She told me then that she had to go, but she would be back someday. But i never....i mean, until tonight..." Mousewind said, looking up at the leaders with a mix of sorrow and curiosity in her eyes. What if....what if Pecankit really had gone to fight this Tribe...?[/color][/blockquote]

[fernie. (:]

Mistypaw was getting scared now, with all this talk of death and nightmares, and a long lost big sister. 'She... got losted.. and now went to fight all the evil baddies?' she asked, her eyes filling with tears imagining a heroic big sister fighting shadows and big black cats with red fangs. 'I... I wanna go home. I want my mummy and my daddy. I want to go to sleepy and I want my big sister that went to fight all the baddies to come back and be here and be safe.' she said, gasping after each thing she said.

Hazelfrost sat behind her foster sister explaining things to her kit sister, and her own eyes filled with tears. 'Pecankit..' she gasped, and tears rolled down her cheeks. She put her head down, stuck her chin into her chest so no-one would notice her crying, and snuffled quietly. She was a warrior now. She couldn't cry.
Big girls don't cry.

[/size]

[x.Jolly.x]

<sup>ooc: Sorry.. I haven't posted in here in a while...

Scorchedleaf was astonished at the sound of a tribe. Stealing Starclan warriors? 'Come on, Ghostlystar, we need your help.' He murmured to himself. 'Other cats will die if the clans do not come together. It must be Starclan's will that we fight out the tribe. We should try, at least.' He shifted to get a better look at the leaders.</sup>

[FIREH!!]

<sub>If this weren't a Gathering, I would claw your ears. She hissed at Ghostlystar. You have to help us battle this ghostly threat! We'll all die without the help of Brightclan! She screeched at him. As she looked round, she noticed many cats standing and howling, and she fell silent at Runningcloud's words.

I, too, have had dreams, The quiet, yet firm voice of Littlefox's spoke up. I think we need to do something about this.

Firestar leaped to Amethystar's branch and sat beside her. Are you okay? She whispered, so only the she-cat oculd hear her.

Stormfeather came out from her hiding place and screeched curses at Firestar. You can't boss my clan around! She screeched.</sub>

[lonelylove :D]

Brokensoul gave Troutpaw a small smile. Thanks. He slowly reached forward, and gentlely licked her ear. His cheeks warmed as he did so.

Jasminestar watched the quarrel between Ghostlystar and Amethyeststar interestingly. She made no move to stop them, but only listened to the arguements. Ghostlystar's arguements were very convincing, but Amethyeststar would only plead if something was really wrong.

[/blockquote]

[(aurora) of the problematique]

<sub>"Ya would die even if we came t'th'battle," Ghostlystar murmured, reaching out and grabbing Stormfeather's pelt with his front claws. He cleared his throat and turned away. "This Gatherin' is over in m'opinion. M'Clan and I are goin' home...t'consult among ourselves. BrightClan, move out!" The lithe black tom leapt from his place upon the branch and landed upon the ground. He turned his back upon the other Clans and departed.

Patriotcross came to his paws, frowning slightly. He did not agree with what Ghostlystar had said, but he would keep his maw shut until they came home.

Astralhaze caught Lastfalling's eye as he passed her, running after Ghostlystar. The female's orbs saddened and she held out her paw to him, catching herself at the last moment. "Lastfalling...," she said quietly, so no one could hear here.

ooc:// Unless someone is behind on posting, BrightClanners should start posting in camp now. There is going to be a Gathering of naming new warriors and apprentices, then Ghostly will talk about what just happened.</sub>

[FIREH!!]

<sub>ooc;; I'm gonna post with Stormfeather first.

bic;; Stormfeather was so angry she was shaking. She leaped from the tree and pressed against Ghostlystar's side, shaking. She twined her tail with his and walked with him to the camp.

Firestar spat after them. Good riddance! She glared at them and turned to the other three leaders. Do you all want to join in seven sunrises to challenge the Tribe? She asked.</sub>

[&&R.A.V.E.N :3]

"There has to be something we can do"Prophecypaw mewed, for once, the small apprentice was determined for something. He knew the Clans needed to join togeather. With Ghostlystar refusing, the four other Clans seemed hopeless. He glanced at Littlefox, the determination to persuade the BrightClan leader and the fear of losing his Clan was clearly in the silver-blue irises that framed his white pupil. [b"What can we do, Littlefox?"[/b] He asked. [/size][/color]

[(aurora) of the problematique]

<sub>Crestedfire whimpered slightly, curling backwards. "But Firestar, what if he's right?" he whispered hoarsely, ears bending back timidly. He turned his gentle orbs upward to the fiery she-cat. He was cowed back into silence when Firestar screeched at Ghostlystar's retreating frame.

Runningcloud pursed her lips disapprovingly at Firestar's outburst. "Wonderful," she grunted, tail thrashing right and left. She turned her pentagonal head over to Cloudedsky. "Farewell, Cloudedsky. Meet us in seven sunrises..." Her light green eyes glared out fiercely but she kept her rants to herself.

Troutpaw smiled at Brokenpaw, mewing when she saw him smile. It warmed her heart to see him do that.</sub>

[cheshy says grace]

Grieverstone stood as the leaders began to argue and she glanced up at the harvest moon. she started to move the clouds in but moved them back as they started to settle. the femme lowered herself from the rock and towards Firestar. the medicine cat sat down next to her old friend and breathed, StarClan will need every one of you to take out the Tribe. Join together. Do not fight, if you want to live, this will be your only chance. Amethyststar. Firestar. Stormstar. Jasminestar. Ghostlystar. I, no, we, StarClan, are leaving this responsibility in your hands. Please, if you can hear, take care of it. She had done the best she could to warn them. Tonight she would visit Firestar in a dream or something. The StarClanner leapt off the branch and disappeared.

Minnowmask rose to his paws, Listen! He could hear her, but where was she? Was she even supposed to be here? We have to fight back!

[x.Jolly.x]

^{Scorchedleaf watched in surprise as Ghostlystar left. 'Firestar! You must convince him otherwise!' Scorchedleaf was afraid that this tribe would take over the forest. What if they couldn't run them out? Scorchedleaf glanced around, then waited for Firestar to send Moonclan home.}