Chapter 8

Boulderfang had freaked out on me when we got back. I had to spend the day in Dawnfur's den that did nothing but remind me of Limppaw. Duskpelt worried over me like crazy. Lightstar's words haunted me. I am not almost dying ever again. I'm going to kill Grasstail.

The clan as a whole was not very happy. Although we got the worse end of the injuries, we were still fighting and had a chance of getting Silkshade back. Lightstar pulled that dirty stunt. All the doubts and insecurities I had resurfaced as strong as ever. The useless kit no one cares about. Stop it! Just can't think about it.

"Stop what?" Boulderfang asked. We were out hunting.

"Sorry, was just thinking. Didn't mean to say it out loud," I said.

"You've been distracted lately. Ever since the battle," he said. "What's bothering you?"

"Nothing," I told him. "I'm fine."

"Tonight is the Gathering," he mentioned.

"Doesn't matter much. Not like I'm going after last time," I said. "Not like I want to go be forced to listen to insults about my friends and family." Not like I want to risk it if someone figured out my insecurities.

"Understandable," he said. "Listening to someone tear down your friend or family is infuriating and frustrating when you can't do anything."

"We're probably scaring off all the prey. Let's just get back to it," I said. He knew something was up. That was my business, not his.

I'm going to the Gathering. What's Wingstar trying to pull here? Does she think I want to go? How in StarClan does she think it's a good idea after last time? All I ever do is cause problems that I can't solve.

That's what I heard. That's what was happening. Why didn't I try and back out or something? Can you do that? I can't pretend I'm not regretting coming. And it hasn't even started yet.

We were second to get to Tall Tree. With my fabulous luck, SunClan had been the clan to arrive before us. I was just hoping for the best. Lightstar didn't have a lot of targets with her insults. Silkshade, of course, Duskpelt, Wingstar's leadership skills, and me. How does Silkshade just deal with these things coming from all sides?

"If it isn't Duskpelt's useless kit," Grasstail taunted. "At least you're Boulderfang's favorite."

"Shut your muzzle," I muttered.

"Intimidating as ever. You wonder why she's his least favorite," Grasstail sneered. "Your mom is probably glad Limppaw's the one that's with her, but your clan gotta be disappointed. She had potential and she was disabled!"

I wanted to just walk past him, but something kept me rooted in place. My legs felt wobbly. I definitely regretted coming.

"Gatherings are a time for peace, not bullying apprentices. You're supposed to be a senior warrior so act it," Boulderfang said. "She told you to shut your muzzle so respect that."

"You're nothing without that big, strong mentor. You'd be dead without him," he sneered quietly enough Boulderfang couldn't hear him but I could.

The other clans were starting to arrive. They quickly picked up on the higher tensions between NightClan and SunClan. A few SunClan warriors were throwing out taunts, namely Grasstail. NightClan, on the other hand, was keeping mostly to themselves.

Part of me wanted to stick close to Boulderfang, but the other half wanted to run before he started asking questions. Luckily, I didn't have to choose. Unfortunately, that was because the Gathering started.

Lightningstar and Icestar said a few things about what's going on for them. Normal clan stuff. Wingstar went to step forward to speak, but Lightstar rudely pushed her aside and went before her.

"SunClan is doing fine," Lightstar announced. "NightClan came and attacked us in our own camp. We got rid of them with ease though."

NightClan was uneasy with that statement. Quite a few cats from the other clans looked a little skeptical about that story.

"I only speak the truth about that kittypet of yours," Lightstar continued. "If your clan wasn't full of kittypet-lovers you'd probably be stronger. Not to mention that your mentors can't even train your apprentices to fight."

"You lying fox-heart!" I yowled. "You act like we started the war! You came onto our territory first and kidnapped a warrior!" Gasps filled the clearing. "And the only reason SunClan won was because you pulled a dirty stunt and threatened to kill that kidnapped cat!" More gasps. Okay, I might've made a mistake there. I was going to regret that.

"And obviously they don't teach their apprentices respect either," Lightstar commented. "Are you really going to believe an unruly apprentice over a leader? She's just mad she's weak and they lost."

Silence filled the clearing. All the eyes were on me. Then someone spoke. "What about the word of an apprentice and a warrior?" Boulderfang asked.

"And another warrior," Silentstorm added.

"And another," Songheart added as well.

"Shorty's right," Tallblaze agreed.

"What about the word of four warriors, an apprentice, and a deputy?" Duskpelt asked. "Is that enough for you?"

"And a medicine cat," Dawnfur amended.

"And the word of a leader," Wingstar finished. "Face it, Lightstar. NightClan is united against you. You are in the wrong. And we will get our warrior back. This Gathering is over. NightClan, we're leaving."

And with that, she lead us out of there. I felt good about the fact of all those cats agreeing with me. It was pretty mouse-brained of me, I realize that. I really am just an unruly apprentice.

Of course, what happened when we got back to camp wasn't unexpected. "Deathpaw, Boulderfang. I'd like a word with both of you," Wingstar said. I wasn't looking forward to this, but I knew it was coming. We went to her den.

"I'm sorry," I started. "I realize it was mouse-brained. I realize I shouldn't have did it. I realize I need to get a better control on my temper."

"Do you not realize she could be taking this out on Silkshade? You realize how mad you made her?" Wingstar asked.

"Really?" I asked, fear building. "She could?"

"Of course she could! I really thought you'd learned to hold your tongue after the battle," Wingstar said. "What was the difference between tonight and then?"

"The difference is something she doesn't like to talk about," Boulderfang answered. "If she doesn't want to talk about it she shouldn't have to."

"Maybe you could do a little better as mentor," Wingstar told him.

She could talk bad about me, but not him. "He's done nothing wrong! He tries to help me! It's not his fault I'm a short-tempered, impulsive runt!" I yowled. "He's done nothing but show compassion and try to understand me! If anyone's failing, it's me that failing him! Just leave him out of this!"

Wingstar looked taken aback by this. She then looked ready to retort, but Boulderfang spoke first. "It's okay. There's nothing wrong with you," he told me. "Just calm down."

"Okay," I agreed.

Wingstar blinked in surprise. "You've built a tight bond with her," she observed.

"If you respect her, she'll give respect back. It's as simple as that," he said. "We'll work on this. Together. Right, Deathpaw?"

I nodded in agreement and yawned.

"I suppose I better let you two get some sleep before you spend tomorrow in your nests," Wingstar said.

With his tail on my shoulders, Boulderfang led me out of the leader's den. "I'll wake you up when I need you. Just get some sleep," he whispered. I nodded and we headed out separate ways.

Author's Note: Welp, I almost forgot to publish today, but i didn't so yay me! So Deathpaw went to the Gathering, though that didn't exactly go well. She certainly isn't the best at keeping her mouth shut. And Grasstail is still a jerk, that's for sure. That's all for this week! Please leave a review with thoughts and opinions on the story thus far. Next week we'll see what Silkshade is up to. Bye for now!

-Everly W.