the end where i begin [ALL THUNDERCLAN]

[jinxeh]

It was supposed to be a simple ceremony, calm and pristine. A perfect example of a perfect Clan, with perfect cats, and perfect relationships.

Well, Crimsonstar wasn't simple, nor was he calm. The tom wasn't known for his logical mind, and solutions. He was more for the, excitement. He preferred to be unpredictable, feared, and most importantly respected.

All of that, had been ripped away from him. One cat, and his dignity was shattered. The respect of his Clan mates, history. Fear? Most laughed at him. The fox dung warrior had taken away his life, by barely lifting a claw it seemed. How he had been so easily defeated by a warrior who let two legs touch him, was still weighing on his mind, making him sick to his stomach. That warrior was going to pay.

Skyhawk.

The large brute had been away from the camp all morning. Having left in the wee hours of the morning, he had yet to return though the sun was casting its warm beams over the forest, warming his pelt but not warming the ice cold that had rested in his chest.

Crimsonstar was no enemy to hatred, it was an emotion he was accustomed to feeing, and the warrior, Skyhawk, had set it up perfectly in his mind, and in his heart. And for whatever reason, he was not concerned about it. He knew what he was going to do.

StarClan wouldn't approve; he had felt their daunting presence in the morning, as Silverpelt sank into the black abyss of the sky. However, despite his future actions, the tom cat felt no shame. He had to make a choice, and he knew it would be for the best.

Now, it was time for the tom to return to camp, his shoulder still tender from when the scum of a warrior tore it out of the socket, and his soft underbelly still sore from the grey cats sharp claws. With a strong face, he set off on his journey from the Sunningrocks back to the camp.

Crimsonstar wasn't ones for feeling nerves, for him, they were a useless emotion, and even now with a mixture of excitement and resentment, he felt nothing of the sort.

He was in ecstasy.

Sauntering through the camp entrance, a look upon his face that screamed arrogance, he merely cocked his eyebrow at the snide comments that found their way to his ears.

A grin touched his face as he launched his muscular body onto the High Rock. The rough rock was a comforting, but also eerie feeling upon the pads of his wide set paws. With his tail flicking, he smirked down his nose at his Clan mates. So stupidly unaware.

"Let all cats of ThunderClan gather before the High Rock, for a most important Clan meeting." The tom cats husky voice cut through the mindless chatter that was sweeping through the Clan, all of it ceasing when he spoke.

Questioning looks met his own eyes as he glanced around the camp, waiting for a key soul to gather. They were confused, he knew that much, he had just had his tail whipped by a lower warrior, and now he was calling a ceremony.

Oh my simple minded followers. A smile.

"I have gathered you here today in recognition of Fawnpaw, and Raccoonpaw, our resident apprentices." Speaking in a calm, happy tone, though his eyes were as black as night, Crimsonstar began his ceremony.

"Fawnpaw, you are to be trained by Tigerflight. Listen to him, and learn from his actions, and you will make a fine warrior." A smile touched his features as he smiled that the apprentice, not really seeing her. He was growing anxious with this boring talk, even though he was the one delivering the speech.

One more.

"Raccoonpaw, your seemingly endless energy is to be put to good use by Stormwind, a worthy warrior, and a strong one at that." Another smile. Good leader, nice kitty, sit down, now roll over.

However, when the apprentices were given their mentors, the large leader did not dismiss the Clan. He remained on the Rock, tail flicking behind him with excitement and a growing swell of anger that was getting bigger, and more overwhelming with every glance that passed over the fox dung that was Skyhawk.

Cleared his throat. Lip curled. Ears back. Speak.

"As you all very well know, I was beaten by one of your fellow Clanmates." Voice steady for now, the leader's eyes glared at the grey tom. "Skyhawk, decided it would be a good idea to push me to the edge, make me lose my anger. Why, you might ask?" His voice was growing louder and clearer with each word he spoke. He tore his green eyes from the grey tom.

"He was jealous of my position in the Clan. He felt like he was more deserving of the position of leader! Ha!" An ugly laugh floated from his mouth and his face distorted into an demonic grin. "'Rowanstar wanted me to be deputy. Boo hoo hoo!'" Another laugh escaped him as he mocked Skyhawk and he took a step forward, his front paws curled over the edge, claws unsheathed and carving into the rock he was upon.

"Could he stand being a lower rank than me? Of course not! So what does he do? Target my weaknesses, calls me out on silly incidences, insults my ability as leader, AND tricks me into attacking!" The words coming out in a growl now, his ears sprang forward and his eyes locked onto Skyhawk.

"Well, Skyhawk, if you think you can do a better job than me, who was gladly welcomed by StarClan, and gladly chosen by Rowanstar. Be. My. Guest." Dropping into a hoarse whisper, he let his body fall to the ground, landing on his feet in front of his Clan mates.

"You'll never be as good of a leader as I have been. You'll lead this Clan into destruction, and when you have failed, don't say I didn't warn you." by the time he was finished his sentence he was standing in front of the tom, nose to nose. Lashing his tail he stalked away.

Stopping abruptly at the entrance, he glanced over his shoulder.

"I await the day I get to rip your throat out." With a dark laugh, he walked off into the forest, not on the path to no man's land, but towards the ShadowClan border.

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[Thorn]

He heard that the kits were going to be made apprentices today. Skyhawk padded across the forest floor. Hunting was the best way to get his minds away from things. He had Frostbite on his mind and of course the crazy leader. He didn't do anything wrong. He apologized for being away and it turned into a large war. If apologizing was wrong then next time he did something wrong he wouldn't say anything to Crimsonstar.

It was nearing sun high when the gray tom decided it would be best to retturn to camp. His dull eyes caught Crimsonstar moving wards high rock, so the ceremony would be today. His whiskers twitched and his tail hit the sandy floor. What was this tom up too? His eyes locked onto his and he tilted his head to the side as he listened. Raccoonpaw and Fernpaw would be getting mentors. That was good. It would keep them from getting into any trouble.

"As you all very well know, I was beaten by one of your fellow Clanmates." Voice steady for now, the leader's eyes glared at the grey tom. "Skyhawk, decided it would be a good idea to push me to the edge, make me lose my anger. Why, you might ask?


Skyhawk flicked his ears and stood up tall. How dare the nut lie to his own clan."That is nothing but a lie! Crimsonstar tell them the truth, most of them whitnessed my apology to you, if that is walking on shards of glass you must be crazy!" Skyhawk wanted to growl but felt the stares from his clan mates. He decided to sit there and let the tom talk. Perhaps he wouldn't create a problem.

"He was jealous of my position in the Clan. He felt like he was more deserving of the position of leader! Ha!" An ugly laugh floated from his mouth and his face distorted into an demonic grin. "'Rowanstar wanted me to be deputy. Boo hoo hoo!'" Skyhawk let out a growl. The clan looked at him and could tell he would have lunged for Crimsonstar. He wasn't a jealous tom he was noble.

"Well, Skyhawk, if you think you can do a better job than me, who was gladly welcomed by StarClan, and gladly chosen by Rowanstar. Be. My. Guest." Dropping into a hoarse whisper, he let his body fall to the ground, landing on his feet in front of his Clan mates.

"You'll never be as good of a leader as I have been. You'll lead this Clan into destruction, and when you have failed, don't say I didn't warn you." by the time he was finished his sentence he was standing in front of the tom, nose to nose. Lashing his tail he stalked away.

Stopping abruptly at the entrance, he glanced over his shoulder.

"I await the day I get to rip your throat out."

"I will be the Noble leader that this clan wished they had with you, I accept that challenge Crimsonstar, if you come back into this territory I will kill you. Personally..." The gray tom let out a large hiss as he walked out of camp. Did he have this all planned out? Was he nuts? Skyhawk couldn't help but shudder knowing that this tom was out for his life.

With a nervous gulp the gray tom feebly jumped onto the high rock. His eyes fell on the warriors who had looks of confusion written all over their faces. He looked over at Frostbite and part of him wasn't worried anymore. His ears flickered and like clockwork the clans heads turned to the sky. A hawk soared around ThunderClans sight calling out. That must have been a sign from StarClan!

"That is certainly a sign if i've ever seen one myself." He mewed. The cats appeared to murmur in agreement but those who followed Crimsonstar were still in disbelief. With a nod he scanned his clan."The time to pick the new deputy is now. I Skyhawk, leader of thunderclan, choose Tigerflight to be the next deputy of ThunderClan!" je let out a mighty call loud enough for the forest to hear. He would make sure ThunderClan would heal....he would be the leader that Crimsonstar wasn't.

His eyes fell on Racoonpaw and Fernpaw. Part of him wanted an apprentice of his own but he knew all too well that the mentors that were picked were just right. He mumbled a few words to himself before jumping off of the large rock. He sat down knowing there would be questions. He sat down and just waited. Things would be hard, but he would manage.

Raccoonpaw watched the ordeal while grooming her ginger and white coat. she respected Crimsonstar he was a noble leader just like any clan leader should have been. She spotted her mentor right away and touched noses with the handsome tom. Perhaps they could be mates one day? Raccoonpaw loved the idea of having mates and for some reason she couldn't help but bat her eyes at the tom.

She looked at her sister and gave a coy smile. She couldn't wait to start training however what happened next almost stopped her in her tracks. Her noble leader threatened a warrior whom she didn't really know but also thought he would make a charming mate one day. She tilted her head to the side and made sure her coat was nice and shiny.

She was about to speak to the tom when Crimsonstar got up and left. She fell backwards with a loud oopmh. What was wrong with him? Was he coming back? She heard a loud birds cry and couldn't help but look up to the blue sky. A hawk was soaring around the territory. Her whiskers twitched with amusement when she heard the tom speak.

so Tigerflight would be the new deputy of Thunderclan? Was Skyhawk even the previous deputy? Raccoonpaw looked at her mentor with her eyes filled with confusion. I am so confused...what happens now....everything just happend so fast...."

[shiningheart]

Fawnpaw was munching on a scrawny shrew when Crimsonstar first walked into camp. She didn't think anything of it at first. Who was she to wonder what her leader was up to? A barely out-of-kithood apprentice should never doubt their leader. When he first called out the summons for the Clan, Fawnpaw raised her head in surprise and flicked her ears. What was this about?

She spent a second burying the shrew before approaching the growing crowd. She blinked in shock when he mentioned herself and Raccoonpaw by name. A glance to Tigerflight and she nodded to him. They were already somewhat friends, after their exploration of the twoleg nest, so she didn't have a problem with that. But she held back from going to touch his nose, knowing there was more to this meeting than just the naming of mentors.

Sootpelt and Stormwind, sitting to the side of the crowd and nearest the warriors den, exchanged surprised glances when the elder brother's name was spoken. Stormwind shrugged to his little brother and rose to pad over to Raccoonpaw, touching noses gently with her. He cringed inside when she batted her eyelashes at him, but smiled crookedly at her all the same.

Crimsonstar continued now, and his voice caused Fawnpaw to shiver in her pelt. She regretted not going over to Tigerflight when she had the chance, and instead shrunk against Stormwind's side for comfort. He absentmindedly shifted himself to take her weight as well, wrapping his tail around her like he would to to Cinderpool whenever she needed comfort.

Sootpelt barely restrained himself from crouching down at the tension in the air as their leader spoke. He was scared. He didn't like Crimsonstar when he was like this. He wished that Stormwind hadn't gone over to the apprentices, as now he had no one near him to hide behind.

Crimsonstar leaped down from the High Rock and padded towards the warrior Skyhawk. Fawnpaw narrowed her eyes at the leader- now former leader- as he padded towards the camp entrance and left. She head Raccoonpaw ask Stormwind, "I am so confused...what happens now....everything just happend so fast...."

Stormwind sighed and answered her. "Crimsonstar is gone... And that means that..." He turned as the warrior Skyhawk scrambled up the High Rock. "Skyhawk is our new leader..." The cry of a hawk echoed around, and he felt both she-cats to his sides look up to the bird of prey. Stormwind kept his eyes on Skyhawk and saw him glance at Frostbite. Seeking StarClan's approval, perhaps?

Then their new leader spoke and named the new deputy. 'Tigerflight... Yes, he'll make a good deputy...' Stormwind thought. Fawnpaw left his side and bounded over to her new mentor, cheering. Sootpelt took her spot beside him and the brothers met gazes. A lot of cats underestimated Sootpelt's intelligence because he was so immature.

After the general cheers trailed off, Stormwind found his voice and called out, "What happens now? Are you going to go to the Moonstone and get a leader's nine lives?"

Sootpelt blinked at his brother and meowed thoughtfully, "Will StarClan give them to him? I know that that was a sign," he clicked his dark gray tail towards the sky, where the hawk was now leaving view, "But Crimsonstar still has all nine lives he got when he became leader, doesn't he? Does that mean that he's still technically a leader, even if he's not our leader?"

[apivo]

Silversound

Key:Silversound
Other speech
Thoughts

Silversound examined the camp, everyone was broken with the bombshell that was loaded upon Thunderclan. A sinister murmur rippled throughout the crowd and she couldn't help the cats muttering from funneling into her ears.

"What will happen now that Crimsonstar bailed out?"
"Will Starclan accept Skyhawk as our new leader?"

Well; this had happened before within the clan, and it could happen again in the future, it was simple. The new leader would be the deputy, if there was no deputy then the medicine cat would have to decide. Overall Frostbite did have contact with Starclan.

Silversound looked along the scattered creatures and locked atop of Skyhawk, she felt within that this cat would be better than Crimsonstar. But the real question was what will Skyhawk do now to protect his clan from the opposing cat. Who knows, he could be hiding in Thunderclan territory waiting to strike. Silversound didn't like the sound of that and decided that some patrols would be good to survey for any traces.

"Tigerflight. I think you should assign some patrols. Crimsonstar may still be in our territory and we wouldn't want to be in danger" She mewed hastily, she was determined to get out of the musky atmosphere.

[Frostbite }}]

Frostbite sat and watched it all happen. She stayed perfectly still and watched everything near the elders den. She looked to the sky and wondered what was going on up there. Starclan didnt send her any dreams about this.. She could hear all the questions cats were asking but did she have a answer to any of them no. So much of her wanted to run after her leader and tell him how big of a piece of dung he was being but she stayed put. Her eyes gazed over to skyhawk just for a second then went back to scanning the cats talking.

She watched the deputy cerimonie and then watched sky..star hop down from the rock and she waited. A hawk could mean anything. Dreams were more important to her then anything. and this wasnt a dream she recieved. Maybe starclan had something big in store. If this was suppose to happen.. something didnt feel right. Sadly she couldnt tell anyone that.

[tigerflight]

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[atrb=background,http://www.cartownforums.com/forums/downloads/tiger_print_-_800x600_mi6.jpg] Tigerflight had just finished his dawn patrol, padding into the camp and heading straight for the fresh-kill pile, he was starving. Halfway into his meal, Crimsonstar made his way to the High Rock, obviously about to have a clan meeting. Tigerflight thought he seemed a bit off, but he quickly finished his mouse in a few famished bites and cleaned up, knowing that he would be getting an apprentice today. Everything seemed normal, for a little while, although he was a little disappointed that Fawnpaw didn't touch noses with him like normally done. But as the meeting continued, he began to sense something wrong about Crimsonstar. Though Tigerflight didn't hate him, he had never liked Crimsonstar, the way he spoke to others as if they were lower than him. And suddenly all his suspisions became real. Crimsonstar denounced one of his warriors, spoke badly of Thunderclan, and left. Tigerflight was, admittly, shocked about what just happened. It didn't make sense. And before he knew it, Skyhawk was on the Highrock, calling to the clan. "The time to pick the new deputy is now. I Skyhawk, leader of Thunderclan, choose Tigerflight to be the next deputy of ThunderClan!" The normally flirty and cocky tom looked at Skyhawk with his jaw down, shocked at his choice of deputy. After a moment he realized what he was doing and shook himself before dipping his head to Skyhawk respectfully. His clanmates, after recovering from what just happened, began to cheer for him. Not one for missing an opportunity be the center of attention, fluffed up his chest and held his head high, a dramatic pose written all over him. "Thank you my dear, dear friends. I would be nothing without you!" The clan soon began to calm down, and Silversound noted that patrols should be sent out. That was true, who knows what Crimsonstar would do now. Looking around to see who wasn't busy, Tigerflight selected a few of the warriors. "Icepetal, Sootpelt, Littleleaf, please come with me." And with a flick of his tail signaled for them to follow. He headed for Skyhawk, dipping his head to him as he approched and sat down. "I'd like to send a patrol out make sure he's no longer in Thunderclan. But before that, I'd like to have the patrol escort you part of the way to Moonpool. I think it's crucial that you leave right away to get your nine lives, I'll stay and watch the camp." For once, Tigerflight held a serious tone, and then remembered something. "Sootpelt, after escorting Skyhawk to the edge of our territory, you will lead the patrol." And with that he turned back to Skyhawk awaiting his orders.

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[Thorn]

Skystar nodded as Tigerflight organized the patrol. He was a good tom when he needed to be so perhaps things would work out.He looked at the apprentices who seemed to want to go as well.He curled his lip nervously."Tigerflight if you see him don't kill him, but make sure he is not welcome in our territory again." he growled. He looked back and forth."Frostbite, watch camp while I and Tigerflight are away." he looked at her with admirable eyes. He really cared about this she-cat and he didn't know what drew him to her. He padded outside of camp with a look of pride on his face.He was the new leader of Thunderclan.

He strided side by side with Tigerflight. The two strong cats one with each other."You will do the clan good Tigerflight, make sure the cats are safe while I am away for the night." he mewed. The two split "and take care of Frostbite for me please."[/b][/size]

[Frostbite }}]

Frostbite blinked after the order to watch camp. She wanted to open her mouth and tell him she wanted to go with and have the deputy stay behind but she then counted every paw step he took padding away from her. Keeping a straight face she felt her heart drop to her stomach when he was fully out of sight. closing her eyes she thought, Starclan please give Skyhawk a safe trip to the moonpool. Opening her eyes she found the camp to go back to normal. Yet she sat in the same position outside the elders den and didnt want to move from that spot until her leader came back..