Wolf Pack Muses

Sunstar dipped his head. “Give me time to think. I’ll be in my den.”

He padded away. Bluefur just stood there, her heart thumping hard in her chest.

Could it really be true?

…

Mistyfoot smiled at him and sat at his side, looking at the camp as well.

At his proposal, she blinked and looked down at him. “I think RiverClan’s got a good reputation,” she said honestly. “Sunningrocks have been fought over for generations, I know, but maybe now isn’t the time to take them over, with the Gathering only a few days away. Don’t you think?”

The tabby she-cat settled herself beside her presumed father, watching one of the apprentices bring a trout to the fresh-kill pile.

That was something that hadn't seemed to have happened in the clans before.

❝It'll be alright Bluefur, I promise,❞ he whispered and brushed his tail down her back, ❝Even if Crookedstar has been taken over by Thistleclaw, or anyone else, he'll come out unscathed, I know he will. He's one of the strongest cats across the clans, even Dark Forest cats would know better than to mess with him for too long.❞

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

The impostor listened to Mistyfoot and he snorted, shaking his head as he looked out on the clan, watching them intently, especially some of the newer apprentices who were putting fresh kill down and talking among themselves.

❝I don't think the clans ever truly knew what RiverClan can do,❞ he retorted softly, ❝Even if they think we're strong, we're not taken seriously. I notice how the other clans look at us at gatherings, how they always think we're a pushover because ThunderClan can take Sunningrocks back without any issues.❞

He huffed a bit and snickered softly, thinking over the fact that Sunstar and Bluefur were still a part of ThunderClan and were likely the reasons why the two clans had become much more relaxed with one another. Crookedstar's relationship with Bluefur had caused the two to not be as hostile and Thistleclaw was not going to have that.

❝The gathering is soon, so if we do act now, then there will be more talk of us at the gathering, talk about RiverClan having done something that may put the other clans on edge,❞ the impostor hissed softly as his eyes flashed amber, for just a moment of time, before returning to be greener, ❝ThunderClan needs to be taught that the two clans are not best friends. We are still enemies.❞

He paused,

The deputy exhaled. “You’re right… Crookedstar is strong. He’ll be fine…”

…

Mistyfoot was, quite frankly, shocked by her father’s words. She was very surprised by his hostility, especially towards ThunderClan. He’d never been so hostile towards them before, and he’d never made such angry remarks- at least not her presence.

The young warrior stared at him, having turned her head towards him.

Then she saw his eyes flash amber, and her own blue eyes widened.

“…Father, RiverClan hasn’t been tossed aside. We’re respected by all the clans. I understand your concerns, but we don’t need to declare any kind of war against ThunderClan.”

Mistyfoot’s belly felt cold with a strange anxiety. “I’m going out for a bit. I’ll bring back some prey.”

He had to, right?

He sighed a bit and he looked towards Sunstar’s den and then around the camp. While a few warriors had looked over, simply out of curiosity, no one seemed to be entirely invested in the two cats. Probably figured Bluefur was talking about something that didn’t involve them, in which they were right.

————————

The impostor looked at Mistyfoot for a few moments and he gave a nod, saying nothing else. It would actually be better for Thistleclaw if Mistyfoot left camp, so he could enact his plan. He wasn’t sure how well it would work out, but if he could get this plan in action, then it might not actually end up being bad for him.

But it would likely ruin Crookedstar’s reputation as a good clan leader.

‪❝That’s fine if you do, we’ll be here when you get back. I have no plan on attacking immediately, but I’d like to as soon as we can. Even if you don’t think it’s necessary,❞‬ he whispered and paused, ‪❝I do. RiverClan has been the “weakest” clan for far too long.❞‬

With that, he sighed a bit,

‪❝You weren’t even alive during RiverClan’s weakest era. . We had good warriors, quite a few, but it always seemed that ThunderClan wanted to take Sunningrocks now and again just to prove a point to us.❞‬

Obviously, Thistleclaw knew this well, having been a part of the patrols that attacked Sunningrocks over and over again. They never really wanted RiverClan to take the rocks back, because they had always seemed too weak to do so.

Hence why he wanted to attack back, to get back at his own clan and specifically at Bluefur and Crookedstar for sending him to the Dark Forest. If he could get rid of Bluefur and tarnish Crookedstar into exile, then he would have succeeded.

Sunstar dipped his head. “Give me time to think. I’ll be in my den.”

He padded away. Bluefur just stood there, her heart thumping hard in her chest.

Could it really be true?

…

Mistyfoot smiled at him and sat at his side, looking at the camp as well.

At his proposal, she blinked and looked down at him. “I think RiverClan’s got a good reputation,” she said honestly. “Sunningrocks have been fought over for generations, I know, but maybe now isn’t the time to take them over, with the Gathering only a few days away. Don’t you think?”

The tabby she-cat settled herself beside her presumed father, watching one of the apprentices bring a trout to the fresh-kill pile.

That was something that hadn't seemed to have happened in the clans before.

❝It'll be alright Bluefur, I promise,❞ he whispered and brushed his tail down her back, ❝Even if Crookedstar has been taken over by Thistleclaw, or anyone else, he'll come out unscathed, I know he will. He's one of the strongest cats across the clans, even Dark Forest cats would know better than to mess with him for too long.❞

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

The impostor listened to Mistyfoot and he snorted, shaking his head as he looked out on the clan, watching them intently, especially some of the newer apprentices who were putting fresh kill down and talking among themselves.

❝I don't think the clans ever truly knew what RiverClan can do,❞ he retorted softly, ❝Even if they think we're strong, we're not taken seriously. I notice how the other clans look at us at gatherings, how they always think we're a pushover because ThunderClan can take Sunningrocks back without any issues.❞

He huffed a bit and snickered softly, thinking over the fact that Sunstar and Bluefur were still a part of ThunderClan and were likely the reasons why the two clans had become much more relaxed with one another. Crookedstar's relationship with Bluefur had caused the two to not be as hostile and Thistleclaw was not going to have that.

❝The gathering is soon, so if we do act now, then there will be more talk of us at the gathering, talk about RiverClan having done something that may put the other clans on edge,❞ the impostor hissed softly as his eyes flashed amber, for just a moment of time, before returning to be greener, ❝ThunderClan needs to be taught that the two clans are not best friends. We are still enemies.❞

He paused,

She looked at the medicine cat as he approached, and she nodded. “Ok.”

However much Sparkpaw knew she was going to dislike the herbs, she didn’t know that they’d taste that bad. She gagged a little, but tried not to show it. “Th-thank you, Blacktail.”

She looked up as Owlstar padded over. “I wish you both the best of luck,” the leader said. “May StarClan be with you both.”

He dipped his head, but worry darkened his gaze. Owlstar went back to his den.

Was there something Owlstar had received in a vision that they hadn’t?

He hadn’t thought about it for too long before he was jolted back by Sparkpaw’s comment and he looked back to her and he gave a small nod. His whiskers twitched, somewhat of out of excitement and somewhat out of nervousness at the task that lay ahead of them. He knew there wasn’t too much to worry about yet, so for now all they had to go do was to meet the other apprentices joining them on the adventure.

❝I think I am! I’m still a little nervous, but I guess there isn’t too much to be nervous about yet. We’re just going to meet the other apprentices first, after all!❞ he said with a grin.

❝I trust you two will do fine,❞ Blacktail commented with a soft purr and smiled at them both, ❝You’ll make ThunderClan proud on this journey, I know it. I’ve received some visions myself about it.❞

Silverpaw immediately got curious at the prospect of what Blacktail had seen, but he thought it was in his best interest no to worry about it too much and find it out on his own.

Was there something Owlstar had received in a vision that they hadn’t?

He hadn’t thought about it for too long before he was jolted back by Sparkpaw’s comment and he looked back to her and he gave a small nod. His whiskers twitched, somewhat of out of excitement and somewhat out of nervousness at the task that lay ahead of them. He knew there wasn’t too much to worry about yet, so for now all they had to go do was to meet the other apprentices joining them on the adventure.

❝I think I am! I’m still a little nervous, but I guess there isn’t too much to be nervous about yet. We’re just going to meet the other apprentices first, after all!❞ he said with a grin.

❝I trust you two will do fine,❞ Blacktail commented with a soft purr and smiled at them both, ❝You’ll make ThunderClan proud on this journey, I know it. I’ve received some visions myself about it.❞

Silverpaw immediately got curious at the prospect of what Blacktail had seen, but he thought it was in his best interest no to worry about it too much and find it out on his own.

She smiled at Blacktail. “Thank you. Much appreciated.”

Then Sparkpaw looked at Silverpaw as his question was spoken. “Oh, yeah. We’re waiting on Ashwind to take us. Blacktail is going to stay here.”

The ginger she-cat smiled again, but this time at Silverpaw. “Y’know… Basspaw, Stormpaw and Flutterpaw are probably decent cats. They’ll make good journey-mates.”

But, at the same time, he was also incredibly excited about the journey. It wasn’t very often that he had the chance to go and do such a long journey, or even go to help restore a part of the clan’s culture, so he was easy to take the challenge on.

‪❝Right, I couldn’t remember who was taking us, I wonder if the other four clans will have their deputies as well, or if it’ll be other warriors,❞‬ Silverpaw replied to Sparkpaw and smiled as he felt her muzzle his cheek out of comfort.

He couldn’t actually remember the last time he had seen all the deputies at the same time together. At the last gathering, one deputy hadn’t been able to make it due to being ill with Whitecough, and only a few moons prior had RiverClan’s deputy Crookedjaw been unable to attend due to nursing heavy injuries after a fox attack in their territory.

Then Ashwind exited the warriors’ den, yawning, and he shook himself before padding over. “Good morning,” he mewed, “are you two ready to go?”

“Yes!” Sparkpaw announced. “We’re more than ready!”

“Very good. Come with me.”

Ashwind started towards the exit to camp. Sparkpaw looked over her shoulder at Snowfoot, who had tears in her eyes. She offered her mother a reassuring smile and followed the deputy out.

…

“Here we are,” Ashwind declared, stopping several tail-lengths away from the group of deputies and apprentices, one of each per clan.

Flutterpaw, a tortoiseshell she-cat, dipped her head shyly as she saw then coming. “Hello.”

Basspaw, a gray-and-white tom, grinned brightly at then. “Hey, guys!” Then he paused. “Uh, which of you is the ThunderClan cat chosen for this? Is one of you just here to say goodbye, or…?”

“Silverpaw is here to accompany me on the journey,” Sparkpaw replied. She glanced at Stormpaw and smiled at the other two. “Good to see you guys!”

He raced out of camp to catch up again with the other two cats and walked all the Ah to Four Trees. He greeted Flutterpaw and Basspaw until his eyes fell on Stormpaw who was sitting watching the four of them. Stormpaw seemed to have something on his mind, but before Silverpaw could ask, Stormpaw spoke first.

‪❝I would have thought that if ThunderClan was allowed two apprentices, then each clan should have been allowed two apprentices to go,❞‬ he responded and twitched his tail a bit, in which Silverpaw remained calm for now.

‪❝But I guess StarClan didn’t say otherwise, so I can’t complain about having more warriors along for the journey,❞‬ Stormpaw finished, in which Silverpaw calmed completely and was surprised. Stormpaw hadn’t made a mean retort to him?

Was he dreaming?

‪❝You can’t go wrong with more warriors,❞‬ Silverpaw replied and nodded, giving a smile. Stormpaw didn’t return the smile, but he did nod and looked at the other apprenticed and then the deputies around them. He seemed to be giving each cat a small judgement of them and if he thought they were right for the journey, but any comments he had, he kept to himself for now.

‪❝Well, if everyone is here and everything is in order, I think we should be good to have this journey begin,❞‬ Crookedjaw said from behind Basspaw. A glance was shot his way from the ShadowClan deputy, being a white cat with cream colored stripes named Eagleclaw.

‪❝I think your days of going on journeys are long over, Crookedjaw,❞‬ Eagleclaw said with a purr and Crookedjaw hissed at him, before he reached over and swiped the ShadowClan’s deputy ear. Eagleclaw brushed it off and he looked over the five apprentices and smiled.

She turned to her travel companions. “Is everyone ready to go?”

Flutterpaw and Basspaw smiled. “Yes, ma’am,” Basspaw confirmed. Sparkpaw looked at Silverpaw and Stormpaw. “We’ve got this, right, guys?”

Stormpaw nodded and he flicked as his tail as he chuckled and brushed past Sparkpaw,

‪❝Always eager to get going. Figured you hadn’t changed that much since the gathering!❞‬ he commented and began to walk forward out of the Four Trees gathering spot and looked back over his shoulder at them.

Silverpaw smiled to his friend and he nodded as well, slowly heading after the ShadowClan apprentice and he gently flicked Sparkpaw’s ear with his tail,

‪❝More than ready and I think we’ll do well. I don’t think StarClan would have asked us for help if they thought we would fail. We just have to get started and find an area to go to,❞‬ in which the apprentice glanced around at the others to see if they knew. It appeared no one would say anything about that right away, but Stormpaw was again the one to speak up.

‪❝I got a message from StarClan before we lost contact. They told me that we should head past WindClan and their camp. Apparently, we’re going to be looking for somewhere that is a far distance from here,❞‬ he explained, ‪❝Not sure if there was any better explanation given, but I guess it wouldn’t be the worst place to start the search.❞‬

With that, Stormpaw began to walk in the direction back towards WindClan and Silverpaw was quick to follow after him. He motioned for the other apprentices to follow and got one last look at the deputies as he and Stormpaw walked away from Four Trees,

Crookedstar…

As the amber flash in his eyes was mentioned, Bluefur immediately thought of a certain tomcat that she’d been at odds with for moons… even if he was no longer in the clans.

Or so she thought.

“I…” She stood. “Thank you, Runningnose… I’ll keep that in mind.”

Bluefur turned to leave, and then looked over her shoulder at the medicine cat. “I’ll mention this to Sunstar.”

She padded out of camp, her mind spinning. It was just like the prophecy Goosefeather had given her, but… that one wasn’t necessary true.

The worry was clear in her eyes as she met Tigerclaw and Stonefur outside. “…w-we can go home now,” she murmured, the fur on her spine still standing on end.

As she fell into step beside her son, and stared at the ground. “ShadowClan’s been dealing with Greencough,” she told them both, “but they’re doing better.”

Bluefur was about to elaborate when Thrushpelt and Rosetail came sprinting over. “Sunstar’s lost a life!” Rosetail panted.

Bluefur froze. “What happened?”

❝Be careful, Bluefur. That's all I ask of you,❞ he said as she left and he returned to sorting his herbs.

When Bluefur had gotten back, Stonefur and Tigerclaw had been talking quietly about the situation at hand and if they needed to go and help Bluefur. That quickly was dropped when she came back from the camp and the two got up to meet her.

Tigerclaw recognized the worry in her eyes, almost immediately, but didn't ask just yet what she had been worried about. He was at least happy that ShadowClan was alright and had just been suffering from Greencough. At least it explained why they hadn't been very active recently. He was going to ask her about what else they had talked about, but that quickly changed when he saw Rosetail and Thrushpelt sprint up to them and his demeanor changed rapidly.

❝You're sure the dog was chased away?❞ he asked with a raised eyebrow, ❝I don't think we need a dog roaming around the territory right now, at all. That could only lead to more trouble!❞

Stonefur looked between the two of them and his voice came out only as a whisper,

Bluefur remained frozen for a moment, but she could sense Stonefur looking at her.

“He has one left,” Rosetail said softly, looking worriedly at him.

Bluefur could feel her heart racing, her mind whirling. It was almost as if time had slowed down. She hurried after the others as they went back to ThunderClan territory, but she felt numb.

Between the Crookedstar and Sunstar situations, she didn’t know what to think.

Bluefur found Sunstar sitting outside the medicine den when she returned, looking very tired. “Sunstar…?”

“Bluefur,” he rasped, “hello.”

She stared at him. “I-I have news… about ShadowClan… and Crookedstar.”

The deputy explained everything to the golden tom, and when she’s finished speaking, he shut his eyes for a moment, thinking. “That’s a lot of information to take in, but I believe you. I’ve also had strange dreams concerning Crookedstar.”

“Y-you have…?”

“Yes.”

Bluefur clenched her teeth. She felt ill. Forced to sit down to avoid feeling nauseous, she flattened her ears. “I-… I’m…”

“I know how you feel, Bluefur. I don’t know what’s going on with Crookedstar, but everything will be ok.”

But, here they were. . On the verge of having a new leader take over the clan.

When they got back into camp, Stonefur and Tigerclaw stepped aside to allow Bluefur some time alone with Sunstar. While they watched from afar, Tigerclaw shook his head as he began to think things over. It seemed even the veteran warrior had a hard time believing Bluefur might be becoming a leader sooner than she might have thought.

While Sunstar and Bluefur were talking, however, Featherwhisker appeared beside Bluefur and he silently listened to the two for a few moments. His thoughtful gaze looked between the two cats and he looked back to Bluefur,

‪❝I’m sure you’re aware of the visions that both myself and Runningnose have received. . . I’m sure Sunstar has gotten the same,❞‬ he said softly, ‪❝I know it must be incredibly difficult for you to think about this prospect, Bluefur, but I’m afraid that this might become a serious issue soon. We’re not sure why he may be going down this path, but. . I have a theory. One that. . ❞‬

He hesitated and didn’t dare to look Bluefur in the eyes, afraid of her retaliating against him.

‪❝My theory involves Thistleclaw. . I’m wondering if he has somehow taken control of Crookedstar’s body.❞‬

It was almost as if his words seemed to slow time down, not just for him, but for everyone. His nervous eyes glanced up at her and then around the clearing, seeing if anyone else had heard such a preposterous thing being thrown out there. Surely no one would believe such a thing? After all, it had never been made fully clear to the entire clan what happened that night between Crookedstar, Thistleclaw, and Bluefur.

All the clan had been told was that was that Thistleclaw died while on RiverClan territory. No more, no less. But the idea that Featherwhisker had thrown out was something that might tilt everything on its head. But, that was one of the very few things that Featherwhisker had even thought of.

Sunstar paused. “It’s not impossible,” he reasoned, “because I’m sure Thistleclaw would do something like that if he had the chance.”

Bluefur didn’t challenge either of them, despite not wanting to believe it. Even if she was sitting, a feeling of nausea washed over her, and she shook her head, trying to ease the growing fear knotting in her belly.

Sunstar rested his tail tip on her scarred shoulder. “Everything will be fine,” he promised. “I’m sure of it.”

…

Mistyfoot was in camp, meanwhile, taking a short nap in the warriors’ den. Waking, the young tabby stretched and padded outside. She saw her father out there.

But, with what he had seen? It seems likely that Crookedstar could have had his body taken over.

‪❝I hope that I’m wrong about Crookedstar, I truly do,❞‬ he said to her softly, ‪❝But I don’t know how else you would describe the actions that he’s been doing lately. It just doesn’t add up and is something that doesn’t make a lot of sense for a leader.❞‬

Now, with this said, Featherwhisker had only seen Crookedstar one time in the days and weeks after the last Gathering. It wouldn’t be for a bit longer that the next Gathering would take place, but StarClan was very adamant and even more persistent about sending him visions and trying to warn him of something that would happening in the near future. He really wanted it all to be wrong, but he’d find out soon enough if he was correct or not.

‪❝I don’t know what we can do at the moment, maybe besides just keep an eye on RiverClan and make sure everything is alright. I don’t want them to be caught unaware by something they can’t control. Even if that means having patrols potentially venture further into their territory,❞‬ Featherwhisker said again, ‪❝But I’ll leave that up for you two to decide.❞‬

——————————

The impostor had actually been lying outside “his” den and watching the damp move around him. He hadn’t planned on doing much, since he had been out near ThunderClan this morning, but he still tried to be around, at least a little bit.

He raised his head as he heard someone approach and he nodded respectfully to Mistyfoot as she walked over to him and he gave a small yawn.

‪❝I was just out getting some alone time, down by the river,❞‬ he explained to her, ‪❝Didn’t feel like being caught in camp all day, so I wanted to go and do something else for a while. Just ended up down there, having not really followed a path.❞‬

He sighed as he looked around the camp at the different warriors going about their duties and he chuckled lightly,

“Sometimes I can’t help blaming you 

Crookedstar…

As the amber flash in his eyes was mentioned, Bluefur immediately thought of a certain tomcat that she’d been at odds with for moons… even if he was no longer in the clans.

Or so she thought.

“I…” She stood. “Thank you, Runningnose… I’ll keep that in mind.”

Bluefur turned to leave, and then looked over her shoulder at the medicine cat. “I’ll mention this to Sunstar.”

She padded out of camp, her mind spinning. It was just like the prophecy Goosefeather had given her, but… that one wasn’t necessary true.

The worry was clear in her eyes as she met Tigerclaw and Stonefur outside. “…w-we can go home now,” she murmured, the fur on her spine still standing on end.

As she fell into step beside her son, and stared at the ground. “ShadowClan’s been dealing with Greencough,” she told them both, “but they’re doing better.”

Bluefur was about to elaborate when Thrushpelt and Rosetail came sprinting over. “Sunstar’s lost a life!” Rosetail panted.

Bluefur froze. “What happened?”

❝Be careful, Bluefur. That's all I ask of you,❞ he said as she left and he returned to sorting his herbs.

When Bluefur had gotten back, Stonefur and Tigerclaw had been talking quietly about the situation at hand and if they needed to go and help Bluefur. That quickly was dropped when she came back from the camp and the two got up to meet her.

Tigerclaw recognized the worry in her eyes, almost immediately, but didn't ask just yet what she had been worried about. He was at least happy that ShadowClan was alright and had just been suffering from Greencough. At least it explained why they hadn't been very active recently. He was going to ask her about what else they had talked about, but that quickly changed when he saw Rosetail and Thrushpelt sprint up to them and his demeanor changed rapidly.

❝You're sure the dog was chased away?❞ he asked with a raised eyebrow, ❝I don't think we need a dog roaming around the territory right now, at all. That could only lead to more trouble!❞

Stonefur looked between the two of them and his voice came out only as a whisper,

Bluefur remained frozen for a moment, but she could sense Stonefur looking at her.

“He has one left,” Rosetail said softly, looking worriedly at him.

Bluefur could feel her heart racing, her mind whirling. It was almost as if time had slowed down. She hurried after the others as they went back to ThunderClan territory, but she felt numb.

Between the Crookedstar and Sunstar situations, she didn’t know what to think.

Bluefur found Sunstar sitting outside the medicine den when she returned, looking very tired. “Sunstar…?”

“Bluefur,” he rasped, “hello.”

She stared at him. “I-I have news… about ShadowClan… and Crookedstar.”

The deputy explained everything to the golden tom, and when she’s finished speaking, he shut his eyes for a moment, thinking. “That’s a lot of information to take in, but I believe you. I’ve also had strange dreams concerning Crookedstar.”

“Y-you have…?”

“Yes.”

Bluefur clenched her teeth. She felt ill. Forced to sit down to avoid feeling nauseous, she flattened her ears. “I-… I’m…”

“I know how you feel, Bluefur. I don’t know what’s going on with Crookedstar, but everything will be ok.”

But, here they were. . On the verge of having a new leader take over the clan.

When they got back into camp, Stonefur and Tigerclaw stepped aside to allow Bluefur some time alone with Sunstar. While they watched from afar, Tigerclaw shook his head as he began to think things over. It seemed even the veteran warrior had a hard time believing Bluefur might be becoming a leader sooner than she might have thought.

While Sunstar and Bluefur were talking, however, Featherwhisker appeared beside Bluefur and he silently listened to the two for a few moments. His thoughtful gaze looked between the two cats and he looked back to Bluefur,

‪❝I’m sure you’re aware of the visions that both myself and Runningnose have received. . . I’m sure Sunstar has gotten the same,❞‬ he said softly, ‪❝I know it must be incredibly difficult for you to think about this prospect, Bluefur, but I’m afraid that this might become a serious issue soon. We’re not sure why he may be going down this path, but. . I have a theory. One that. . ❞‬

He hesitated and didn’t dare to look Bluefur in the eyes, afraid of her retaliating against him.

‪❝My theory involves Thistleclaw. . I’m wondering if he has somehow taken control of Crookedstar’s body.❞‬

It was almost as if his words seemed to slow time down, not just for him, but for everyone. His nervous eyes glanced up at her and then around the clearing, seeing if anyone else had heard such a preposterous thing being thrown out there. Surely no one would believe such a thing? After all, it had never been made fully clear to the entire clan what happened that night between Crookedstar, Thistleclaw, and Bluefur.

All the clan had been told was that was that Thistleclaw died while on RiverClan territory. No more, no less. But the idea that Featherwhisker had thrown out was something that might tilt everything on its head. But, that was one of the very few things that Featherwhisker had even thought of.