The Sun will Turn Dark, and the Moon Will Turn into Blood

[Miss Tactical]

There was an ominous feeling falling over the clans. A feeling of dread perhaps, or just a horrible feeling sinking into the pits of their stomachs. The moon was rather close, closer than perhaps the cats had ever seen it. It seemed just by standing on your hind quarters you could reach up and your paw would fall into one of the craters. It was a sight to see with white swirling clouds adding to the mystery that all the clan cats seemed to be awestruck about. Even the kits crept out from the nursery to view it’s wonders, however the Medicine cats…they seemed to have other ideas about it’s meaning.

"the sun will turn into darkness,
and the moon into blood,
before the great and terrible day Trouble comes."

The day prior the sun vanished for just a moment, perhaps just a minute the sun went out but soon returned. Medicine cats met at the boarder to discuss the omen, but nothing came. As they went to sleep they were warned about a moon turning to blood, and as the warning stated, above them was a moon turned red. The sight although beautiful, was a warning. The leaders knew of it’s coming as well, but the code states that ‘the night of a full moon the clan’s must meet in peace’ so despite this, the cats they gathered followed them out of the camp entrances and into the place of abandoned monsters, but the selected were much different this time around than prior gatherings.

There was an odd presence about, cats moving silently behind their leaders and deputies. Occasionally an apprentice spoke out about the moon but were hushed quickly by their mentor with a slap to the face with a furry tail. Fur on the back of the necks were risen, and muscles were tense as if at any moment in a time something darker may jump from the depths of the misty forest harming them all, but as the cats entered the gathering area, the tenseness seemed to slightly lift…they were safe. At least for now.
A light breeze tickled the leaves making an odd whispering howl float through the clearing.

Young cats huddled together eyeing their leaders for any information about why the moon was just a paws reach away, why the shadows of red highlighted their faces. However, there was just silence, as if even the leaders didn’t know what to say or how to act. The event was something even they could not have forseen. Thus, they had no news for their clans. All they could tell their clan mates was ‘be ready’ ‘remember the warriors oath’ as if perhaps many on this night would go to StarClan. Only time would tell…let the gathering commence.



Ooc:Leaders and or Deputies of EACH CLAN Must post first.

[KingHarry]

Mothstar was far from happy. Not only had he recently fallen to only one life left - something that he had yet to tell anybody - but now the moon decided to do... This. Surely it was a sign from StarClan? But of what?

Tail lashing by his side where he sat, the leader was a picture of tension and hidden concern. What if StarClan were angry? Had somebody done something wrong? Oh... But what if they were mad about the tribe to visit those other cats? What had Bleakbelly reported that they were called again... Ah, yes - the tribe. What was a tribe anyway? A name for a group of heathens who reject the word of StarClan? Perhaps that was why their ancestors were angry. Mothstar was no medicine cat, though, and so he did not voice his thoughts.

Below the monster, he recognised a whole variety of feelings of the cats at the gathering. Rowanfrost and Bristleblaze were examples of cats that were carefully keeping their emotions in check - putting forth a facade of apathy when in reality they were surely feeling the same worry that their leader was.Littledash did not seem to have this talent. The small warrior appeared to be huddled close to his brother, nervously glancing up at the moon every few seconds. Even Silvertongue seemed concerned - though, Mothstar believed that he only recognised that due to how well he had grown to know his trusted advisor.

From IvyClan, he could see Moorwhisker - a great hulk of a beast that seemed unable to speak properly - muttering to himself under his breath. What was he saying, Mothstar wondered. Curses, or begging StarClan to turn the moon back to normal? The leader's eyes moved on, falling onto the blind face of Milkeyes. The sightless cat sat next to his warrior brother, Rookheart. For once, Mothstar found himself envying the lack of sight the white cat had. He could not see the terror above them, thus he could not understand the tension in his brother's shoulders.

MistClan - Mothstar's old home - was full of familiar faces. Poor, old Slateface didn't seem to have gotten any better at controlling his worries. The grey warrior was practically shaking, and the leader could see Tigertooth - another cat he remembered from his days in that clan - attempting to comfort him. Mothstar pitied him, just as he pitied every other cat that was gathered today. Something was going to go wrong; he could feel it.

"I think we should say something," the hairy leader muttered to the two cats by his side - Bearstar and Owlstar. "Anything. It would comfort them."

[mewmehh]

Sabletail furrowed his brow, his stride straight and demanding of respect; no longer was he the sad-sack of defeatism and exhaustion. Wingpaw had returned to them with knowledge of his littermates and word that Petalpaw was at least safe among the enemy, apparently as one of their own, had done well to ease the tom's nerves. As a father, he was called at the thought that despite their chosen patches, the young cats seemed to be relatively safe. But as a deputy, his heart churned with conviction and dark eyes burned passionately. He couldn't simply sit by as his clanmates took to arms against their own; he would win them back or fight them to the brink of their values. For the time being though, Nectaepaw and Featherpaw would have to wait; Petalpaw and this Tribe were at the forefront of his mind as the prospect of war was raised.

Stalking into the clearing, the red light of the blood moon shown down more clearly onto the cats. It felt uncomfortable as it washed over his ruddy coat, coloring it a deeper shade of red than he had ever been before. Casting a glance to Bearstar, Sabletail released a pent-up breath and steeped his gaze. He would be ready to give this ordeal his all. After all, the future his clan and daughter relied on his efforts

With a sharp gaze, the Mistclan deputy' s eyes roved from the expanse of the three clans' cats to the leaders perched high above.

[M'Lady]

The lovely moon, the sweet lady of silver in the sky, had been dyed a blood red on this Gathering night. According to clan history, well, as far as she knew anyway, this hadn't happened before. It gave her a bit of hope, at least. If this hadn't happened before, it didn't have to be bad, right?
But of course, Owlstar was no fool, and even she could not delude herself for long.
It was the color of blood, and it couldn't be good. She doubted that Starclan was angry with them. They hadn't done anything, at least, nothing that Owlstar knew of.

In that case, then, it must be a warning.

A warning for.. Something. Was it of something yet to come? Something that would happen tonight? Though she loved her clan cats with all her heart, as she looked down at them, yellow eyes glowing with orange flames in this light, a prick of wariness entered her heart. The clans were acting similarly, glancing at each other, whispering. Worried? Or plotting?

Owlstar crushed the creeping sense of paranoia that loomed over her, and let out one deep breath. If there was anything this leader was good at, it was keep her icy aura of calm around her while doubt pierced her being. When she opened her eyes again, they were cool, and she looked over at Mothstar as he spoke. She could hear it in his voice, the same emotions that flickered deep inside of her. It wouldn't do any good for the clans if he said something now, not until he composed himself.
The leader dipped her head slightly in acknowledgment to his plea, wishing that she was standing on soft ground to dig her claws into instead of this shiny metal beast.

"Allow me." She spoke softly, before she turned her gaze out to the clans, her very glare demanding silence from them before she addressed them.



"Cats of all clans!" The leader called out, her very voice casting a layer of tranquility over the cats, whether or not it actually helped them calm down.

"Obviously, this is no normal Gathering," She spoke, twisting her tail around her paws to cover the brief agitated fidgeting of her toes. "But don't be afraid! We leaders of the three clans, we knew this strange night was coming," Due to the prophecy of medicine cats, which only further ascertained her beliefs this was a warning. Starclan was still with them.
"We do not know what is yet to come, but Starclan has blessed us with this warning! We must be ready for whatever comes at us, we will face whatever threats there are not as three clans, but with the spirit of one! The warrior code is etched into our hearts, and our bellies burn with the fiery pride of being warriors recognized by our ancestors that have lived, loved, and fought before us!" She shouted, slamming a paw down on the dead monster with such force, that a dull thud echoed through its body as well as the clearing. She glanced towards Bearstar and Mothstar, her gaze fierce, inviting them to join in on comforting and rallying their clans.

Ivyclan was known for its pride and belief in Starclan, it was known for the warmth in their hearts and the fire in their claws.

If any one of these cats knew how to stir up that pride, that feeling of being a warrior that could make a change in the world, it would be their leader.

[LupTacco]

BEARSTAR
^{_________________________________}
{🕱·🔾·🕱}
-*_🌢_*-

The eye of ancestors was bloodshot tonight- she had been warned and yet, the earth-hued leader still felt a tremor in her spine at the sight of it and the eerie glow it cast over the nighttime. What should have been a day of StarClan was drenched in the sick light of something more like the Dark Forest, where vile spirits prowled. Perhaps they walked among them now, snickering in the shadows. Does the tribe approach? I wish you could speak to us tonight, but it feels like our worlds are completely separate this evening, Bearstar looked to the sky as the cats below milled about in fear and awe. Usually she felt comfort by looking at the stars, but they glittered harsh and red at her. The cats above couldn't possibly reach them- maybe not even see them.

She blinked, lowering her gaze to match Owlstar's as the smokey grey she-cat gave a rallying cry. "Well said, Owlstar," the MistClan leader began, looking back to her own clan, and then the whole group of cats of every clan assembled, "She is right. We may be cut off from our ancestors tonight, but they never meant to leave us unprepared. Take heart- you are not all helpless kittens just because the silver is gone from the skies. You are warriors!" She scanned the crowd with a fiery look, "And I know that, no matter our pasts, we will fight for the future with all we've got. I'm proud to see each of you tonight, and I am proud to know that there are more of you at each clan's home. Our enemy may be strong, but we will remind them who it was that survived the quake, the fire, storms of wind and ice, and the worst diseases. Perhaps they are large and powerful..." She trailed off, before raising a paw and flexing her claws out to make them as visible as possible, "But together, we're bigger than anything the world can throw at us." Lowering her paw, she glanced back at the other two leaders, wondering if Mothstar would offer more words; he was never much for speeches, but his clan could use his voice tonight.

Below, among the crowd, Thrushbelly stared at the leaders, anxiety tensing his shoulders. Mothstar was old, so old and somehow even greyer. The black and tan tom worried for his clan's future, and for every clans', though he was somewhat soothed by the IvyClan and MistClan leads speaking up. If there was one thing he knew, it was how to fight, and that he would fight for Mothstar until one or both of them lay dead.

Bleakbelly, meanwhile, wove through the crowd, catching his brother's eye a few times and checking on some of the more timid or nervous cats to make sure nobody was having a full panic attack. The last thing they needed was some wailing apprentice freaking everyone out. It was rare to see the gruff old tom speak soft, but it was a rare time- large-scale threats and ominous signs loomed over the cats in a way that hadn't been seen since they left the old mountain. "Get up, get up- look here, when the worst comes, you'll have three entire clans at your side, and at least three medicine cats to scurry off to," he grunted at an apprentice, gently cuffing their chin until they sat up. "There, now, that's what a MothClan warrior looks like. Keep that up, dumb tribe cats might just turn tail at the sight," it was all bluffs and hot air, but that was what he could offer, and that was maybe what they needed. A little confidence could go a long way.

[Miss Tactical]

So many cats were present this evening. The black tom looked up to the sky, normally queens persisted on attending the gatherings, Eveningblaze had suggested to Bellfeather that shes stay home where it was safe. Whether or not she listened he was unsure. The crowd was large. Many cats sitting towards the back, fur brushing. It was standing room only it seemed. The black tom grumbled making his way up to the front, his one good eye scanning the clearing looking at all the familiar faces from all of the clans. He locked eyes for just a moment with

Stormwatcher. There was no stopping her really. She insisted on coming, the lady had her fathers stubborn persistence that was for certain. She too seemed to be making her way to the front of the crowd, instead of fear, her eyes held a sense of urgency to get towards the leaders. He wondered why…

On the way over he spotted Lionstorm the flirtatious golden tom was sitting near some IvyClan warriors, he rolled his eyes slightly that even in dire times he was still looking to charm the ladies. You would think he would be more serious about the situation, but I guess sometimes you needed to lighten the mood take the edge off of things. He huffed slightly before looking at Redpaw who seemed to be sitting close to his mentor. The tom had it rough with her, but he seemed to be holding strong. The muscles under his pelt were starting to show. He hoped she was proud.

His eyes trailed to Shadowstorm who seemed to be sitting next to Batstrike conversing about some other matter. Ever since his incident with the dog he had never been the same and that was a shame. Eveningblaze continued to push his way towards the front before sitting promptly near Brackenfall. He sighed softly whisking his tail around his paws. ”Well this can’t be good can it? He mewed softly. When Owlstar stood up to speak he looked up, his gaze fierce simply nodding. This was obviously a sign an omen from StarClan, but what exactly did it mean? When she mentioned that the medicine cats had received a prophecy he mumbled a few words when they received prophecy’s rarely was it about anything good.

He could see spirits being lifted but for how long would that last? He noticed Mudjaw towards the back with talking to Ravenbright. The two seemed rather chipper as well, off to their right stood Mintpaw and Blizzardpaw sparring a bit after Owlstars speech. He thought about his own kits for just a moment recalling Mantiskit and weevilkit sparring the other day. He hoped that whatever was to come, he would stay alive to see them become warriors. That was his only wish to StarClan. His eyes trailed over to where MistClan sat, he hadn’t seen his old mate Cherryheart in quite some time, the last time she seemed chipper, however he noticed her frailer frame and she seemed to be cold. Something he thought he would never see.

The tom gave a light shudder before falling his eyes on Flamepaw…Flame or flamewhatver it was these days. He knew he was old enough to be warrior. His whiskers twitched slightly however when he saw a new apprentice from MistClan she looked rather amused by the red moon. The way she looked at the blood colored forest floor with wide excited eyes was…rather unusual…. ”MistClan sure is….an unusual bunch….” He mumbled to anyone who was listening. His eyes finally landed on the sky, and despite Owlstars words of wisdom, he unsheathed his claws…anything could happen right?

[Meow]

Frostfall was a bit twitchy this evening as she sat next to the other medicine cats, the endless murmuring of the cats around her making her fur prickle. The prophecy they'd received had been bleak anough, but the dream she'd had the night before had really set her on edge. Frostfall had merely dreamed of a pale white StarClan she-cat, who hadn't responded to her no matter what she said. The StarClan warrior had simply stared into the distance, horror reflected in her gaze. Usually, when she dreamed of StarClan, they always responded to her... last night, though, it was as if the warrior hadn't noticed her at all, as if she was too entranced by whatever she was seeing. She didn't know if the dream was real, or if it was just her unease giving her false warnings, but she wasn't about to ignore it.

Frostfall didn't know what was about to happen, but she knew something was going to happen tonight. Frostfall had made sure to stuff healing herbs into as many dock leaves as she could carry when MistClan left for the gathering, which she now crouched over protectively, her fiery gaze flicking around the clearing as the leaders attempted to cheer on their clans.

Pigeonfang, however, was as relaxed as a cat could be, a smirk resting on his lips as he took in thr dread of the cats around him. Weaklings, the whole lot. What did they have to fear? A discolored moon? They were the fiercest force in the forest; not even the great fires from their previous territories had managed to destroy them.

Still, he gave a small glance toward the huddle of MistClan warriors next to him, secretly relieved by the absence of a certain ginger-and-white pelt.

[foggy]

♚♚♚♚♚♚♚♚♚♚♚

The flurry of activity over the past couple of days should've had the tom feeling a little tired, even when he, and the other medicine cats were finally able to rest for the night, their work was not over. their dreams were trespassed into by silvery figures or urgent whispers, telling them about the moon turning red and how it foretold great danger. Although Jaggedtooth had been to the moonstone and met Starclan cats with his own eyes, he had yet to have received such a warning or omen of any sort from them, so it was a little unnerving. Honestly he was glad to have Cedarleap nearby, especially because she had received the same message, and was able to shed some light on the spiritual side of being a medicine cat. He wondered how Beetleshade and Frostfall were doing without their mentors disappearing shortly before all three clans were thrust into... whatever this was.

He and his mentor had spoke about the dark omen for a little before leaving the den, probably with the intent to go straight to Mothstar and Brackenfall about it, but it was obvious that the entire clan already knew something was up. He'd never expected the omen to be so literal, Cedarleap had mentioned how they were usually vague with their warnings, but apparently this time, whatever was coming, even Starclan had decided that there was no time to waste on interpretation. He was very angsty about what was happening, the warning said that the moon would turn red before the terrible day came, how long before had been left open but he had a sneaking suspicion that the next mention of day was meant to be the answer.

Gatherings were peaceful. That was the way they had always been, so there was no reason for him to pack herbs, it seemed ludicrous even thinking about it, and yet here he was, preparing herbal mixtures and poultices into dock leaves. Jaggedtooth had spoke out at camp, suggesting that the gathering be waylaid for once, that it even seemed Starclan wasn't in their best moods, that it would be best for the clans to weather through whatever this was safe in their camps. His idea was shot down, of course, Mothclan were never ones to turn away from a fight, maybe Jaggedtooth was being too sensitive about the whole thing.Regardless, he still felt like he should be bringing the herbs, just in case something did happen. It did make it slightly difficult to keep up with the rest of the clan as they moved swiftly forward, though, but he was stubborn.

However, upon reaching the gathering place, the robust apprentice spotted Frostfall, the newly appointed full medicine cat for the Mistclanners, with her own supply of herbs. A strangled laugh, sounding a little like a wheeze due to his mouth being full of thick leaves, escaped him and he made his way over, finally getting to lay them down. He suspected all the healers looked a little weather-beaten, they'd all been together on the border last night trying to make sense of the moon suddenly increasing in size, so sleep had been little and unforgiving. "Do you think we brought enough for all of them?" Referring to the amount of herbs, of course. Although, he had brought a decent amount, part of Jagged felt like he still hadn't brought enough. He liked to think that if the supply couldn't keep up with the demand, that one of the other medicine cats would be willing to help out, seeing as they were all together in facing this common enemy, but maybe he was just misreading the newfound comradery between the clans.

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Hailstrike was looking vaguely like a panther, her eyes fixed firmly ahead as she prowled forward on the edge of her clan train. She had already slipped in battle mode, just waiting for the first sign of danger. The moon was deceivingly beautiful, casting everyone into a warm red glow, and despite the dangerous circumstances, Hailstrike had tried to catch a glimpse of a certain tabby she-cat before she left, just wanting to see what she looked like in this light, but there hadn't been much time before Mothstar had whipped everyone in shape, ready for the gathering. There had been a sense of urgency in the air this moon, as shown by the fact that all three clans arrived eerily close together, everyone seemingly feeling the effects of the red moon.

She was ready to fight as soon as she stepped into the clearing, the sense of danger was already there, all she needed was a target, and yet there was none. Until the leader's started speaking, there was nothing but empty space, desperately needing to be filled, even the leader's words were not enough to satisfy her. The tabby was restless but she knew that nothing could be done about it, she just hoped whatever happened, happened soon, so they could be victorious and go home with all done and dusted.

♚♚♚♚♚♚♚♚♚♚♚

Smokeshade was also present, him large form barely noticeable in the strange lighting, he just faded into the mass of cats. He had insisted his sons stay home, they weren't new apprentices, but they still had too much to learn for him to be comfortable in their abilities just yet, they had moaned and bickered, but he had stood firm. All they knew about today was that it meant danger, so there was no way he was going to let them out of the safest place they knew. Eventually they became complacent when he told them to protect the nursery should any enemies get through into camp, which he doubted, but it kept them quiet.

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Silversplash was also nearby, she was worried but as stupid as it seemed, she still couldn't shake the euphoria of being given an apprentice in an earlier clan meeting, even if her apprentice closely matched the name she had been given too much. However, she pushed that out of her mind for now, knowing that whatever was coming didn't need her distracted when it came.

♚♚♚♚♚♚♚♚♚♚♚

Her white pelt was scruffy, a far cry from how she liked it, but she wasn't about to spend time grooming when something terrible was on the horizon, or rather hanging in the sky, scarily close to them. Lavendersong had spent time comforting the younger apprentices and kits, those who would let her, and thought about staying at camp this gathering but ultimately decided that she couldn't abandon her clan at such a critical time. She felt more scared that she hopefully looked and stayed close to her clanmates, her pelt brushing theirs for comfort.

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Kestreldrop was also there, the newly named warrior feeling invigorated by her recent ceremony and eager to prove that she deserved her name. Though her desire to prove herself didn't cancel out her concern of what was happening, she tried to keep an eye out for her parents or siblings but didn't see any of them just yet in the mass of felines. The fear of the unknown was terrifying, especially because the medicine cats had already told them, or insinuated, that whatever was happening was not good, not even a chancel of goodness could come out of this. The torbie was fidgety but calmed slightly upon hearing Owlstar's words, even though they were meant to fire them up, if their leader was still confident about their ability than surely they had nothing to worry about.

[Meow]

Frostfall stopped her glancing when Jaggedtooth sat next to her, blinking at the older medicine cat apprentice. She'd been so distracted that she hadn't expected anyone to engage her, but she couldn't say that his presence wasn't of some comfort to her. None of them knew what was coming, but there was no room for clan rivalries between medicine cats, especially not when all the clans needed to unite. "I hope so," Frostfall mewed in answer, glancing to the bundle of herbs he'd brought along, and then to the three bundles she'd managed to stuff in her mouth... somehow. She'd definitely need to restock her den when she got back. "I brought quite a bit extra, so as long as we share, I don't think there'll be a problem." The medicine cat's fur smoothed out as she relaxed at the realization, a silent sigh leaving her lips.

Frostfall hadn't felt so at first, but, after a few moons of medicine cat meetings with Jaggedtooth, she'd developed a feeling of... almost kinship with the older tom. They'd been apprenticed at the same time, so she knew this was all new to him, too. Frostfall didn't feel that way with Beetleshade or Cedarleap, even if she still enjoyed their company. In these dark times, it seemed appropriate to have some kind of confidant, someone to voice her worries to. "I don't know what's going to happen, or even if something will happen tonight, but we're probably in over our heads. All these dreams and prophecies... StarClan's serious about this," Frostfall murmured, her kittybrows furrowed. Still, she gave the MothClan tom a weak smile. "But we aren't facing this alone. Whatever we do, we do it together, yeah?"

[GnawingOnIce]

Cedarleap had been rather anxious regarding the whole red moon thing. She had only ever received one dream from Starclan before another found it’s way into her head recently. Even though she had been Mothclan’s medicine cat for a while now, sometimes she questioned what she was doing.

She glanced up at the sky and the moon that was practically a tail length away. She had remained quiet for the majority of the gathering. The constant murmuring around her made her fur prick, though the leader’s speeches seemed to have made it cease a little, which she was grateful for.

Frostfall and Jaggedtooth’s voices interrupted her pondering. She spoke with a brief ‘I believe we’re well prepared’, whether or not they were actually talking to her. She noticed that she was growing more comfortable around Jaggedtooth with every passing day. The older tom gave her company, someone to talk to. Frostfall and Beetleshade were quite nice, too. Looking up at the moon again, she resumed her silent pondering.

Cloverwing sat beside her mother, Meteorfall. They both sat in silence, just observing what was going on around them.

“It’ll be alright.” Her mother suddenly spoke. Cloverwing looked over at her with her wide hazel eyes and softly smiled, her mother returning the smile.

Ashleaf sat near Meteorfall and Cloverwing, staring up at the moon. It’s red surface reflected like fire in her eyes. It was unusual, abnormal. What good could come out of a red moon?

Timberheart, Maplespring, Dogear, Toffee, Honeywing, and Robinheart also accompanied the gathered clan cats.

Toffee, Honeywing, Robinheart, and Dogear were huddled together. They had never seen this many cats in one place before and all the scents were dizzying. Honeywing didn’t see the problem, having no sense of smell. Dogear sat protectively beside his mother, his tail curled around her. Nothing good could come out of a blood colored moon.

Maplespring has reluctantly decided to join his Clanmates at the gathering. He would’ve much preferred to stay home. He wasn’t feeling like his usual self.

Timberheart was beside the gloomy looking Maplespring, trying to comfort his friend. He wouldn’t admit that he was more occupied with worrying about his soon-to-be-born kits and Owlcry rather than Maplespring. He hated that his kits would be born during a war. Starclan, please let them and their mother stay safe in camp. Timberheart knew something bad was going to happen tonight, he think he’d prefer something come out of all this worry rather than nothing.